10-Q 1 form10q.htm FORM 10-Q form10q.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012
OR
[   ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the transition period from _________ to ___________

Commission File
Number
Registrant; State of Incorporation;
Address and Telephone Number
IRS Employer
Identification No.
     
1-11459
PPL Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Pennsylvania)
Two North Ninth Street
Allentown, PA  18101-1179
(610) 774-5151
23-2758192
     
1-32944
PPL Energy Supply, LLC
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Delaware)
Two North Ninth Street
Allentown, PA  18101-1179
(610) 774-5151
23-3074920
     
1-905
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Pennsylvania)
Two North Ninth Street
Allentown, PA  18101-1179
(610) 774-5151
23-0959590
     
333-173665
LG&E and KU Energy LLC
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Kentucky)
220 West Main Street
Louisville, KY  40202-1377
(502) 627-2000
20-0523163
     
1-2893
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Kentucky)
220 West Main Street
Louisville, KY  40202-1377
(502) 627-2000
61-0264150
     
1-3464
Kentucky Utilities Company
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Kentucky and Virginia)
One Quality Street
Lexington, KY  40507-1462
(502) 627-2000
61-0247570
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 
PPL Corporation
Yes  X   
No        
  
 
PPL Energy Supply, LLC
Yes  X   
No        
  
 
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
Yes  X   
No        
  
 
LG&E and KU Energy LLC
Yes  X   
No        
  
 
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
Yes  X  
No        
  
 
Kentucky Utilities Company
Yes  X   
No        
  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically and posted on their corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit and post such files).

 
PPL Corporation
Yes  X   
No        
  
 
PPL Energy Supply, LLC
Yes  X   
No        
  
 
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
Yes  X   
No        
  
 
LG&E and KU Energy LLC
Yes  X   
No        
  
 
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
Yes  X   
No        
  
 
Kentucky Utilities Company
Yes  X   
No        
  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are large accelerated filers, accelerated filers, non-accelerated filers, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

   
Large accelerated
filer
Accelerated
filer
Non-accelerated
filer
Smaller reporting
company
 
PPL Corporation
[ X ]
[     ]
[     ]
[     ]
 
PPL Energy Supply, LLC
[     ]
[     ]
[ X ]
[     ]
 
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
[     ]
[     ]
[ X ]
[     ]
 
LG&E and KU Energy LLC
[     ]
[     ]
[ X ]
[     ]
 
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
[     ]
[     ]
[ X ]
[     ]
 
Kentucky Utilities Company
[     ]
[     ]
[ X ]
[     ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are shell companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 
PPL Corporation
Yes        
No  X   
  
 
PPL Energy Supply, LLC
Yes        
No  X   
  
 
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
Yes        
No  X   
  
 
LG&E and KU Energy LLC
Yes        
No  X   
  
 
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
Yes        
No  X   
  
 
Kentucky Utilities Company
Yes        
No  X   
  

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 
PPL Corporation
Common stock, $.01 par value, 580,021,834 shares outstanding at April 30, 2012.
     
 
PPL Energy Supply, LLC
PPL Corporation indirectly holds all of the membership interests in PPL Energy Supply, LLC.
     
 
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
Common stock, no par value, 66,368,056 shares outstanding and all held by PPL Corporation at April 30, 2012.
     
 
LG&E and KU Energy LLC
PPL Corporation directly holds all of the membership interests in LG&E and KU Energy LLC.
     
 
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
Common stock, no par value, 21,294,223 shares outstanding and all held by LG&E and KU Energy LLC at April 30, 2012.
     
 
Kentucky Utilities Company
Common stock, no par value, 37,817,878 shares outstanding and all held by LG&E and KU Energy LLC at April 30, 2012.

This document is available free of charge at the Investor Center on PPL Corporation's website at www.pplweb.com.  However, information on this website does not constitute a part of this Form 10-Q.
 
 
 

PPL CORPORATION
PPL ENERGY SUPPLY, LLC
PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION
LG&E AND KU ENERGY LLC
LOUISVILLE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
KENTUCKY UTILITIES COMPANY

FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2012


Table of Contents

This combined Form 10-Q is separately filed by the following individual registrants:  PPL Corporation, PPL Energy Supply, LLC, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company.  Information contained herein relating to any individual registrant is filed by such registrant solely on its own behalf, and no registrant makes any representation as to information relating to any other registrant, except that information under "Forward-Looking Information" relating to PPL Corporation subsidiaries is also attributed to PPL Corporation and information relating to the subsidiaries of LG&E and KU Energy LLC is also attributed to LG&E and KU Energy LLC.

   
Page
     
 
 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    
 
Item 1.  Financial Statements
    
   
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
    
       
       
       
       
       
   
PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries
    
       
       
       
       
       
   
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
    
       
       
       
       
   
LG&E and KU Energy LLC and Subsidiaries
    
       
       
       
       
       
   
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
    
       
       
       
       

 
 
 


   
Kentucky Utilities Company
  
     
     
     
     
     
 
Combined Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
  
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
  
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 


GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

PPL Corporation and its current and former subsidiaries

Central Networks - collectively Central Networks East plc, Central Networks Limited and certain other related assets and liabilities.  On April 1, 2011, PPL WEM Holdings plc (formerly WPD Investment Holdings Limited) purchased all of the outstanding ordinary share capital of these companies from E.ON AG subsidiaries.  Central Networks West plc (subsequently renamed Western Power Distribution (West Midlands) plc), wholly owned by Central Networks Limited (subsequently renamed WPD Midlands Holdings Limited), and Central Networks East plc (subsequently renamed Western Power Distribution (East Midlands) plc) are British regional electricity distribution utility companies.

KU - Kentucky Utilities Company, a public utility subsidiary of LKE engaged in the regulated generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity, primarily in Kentucky.  The subsidiary was acquired by PPL through the acquisition of LKE in November 2010.

LG&E - Louisville Gas and Electric Company, a public utility subsidiary of LKE engaged in the regulated generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and the distribution and sale of natural gas in Kentucky.  The subsidiary was acquired by PPL through the acquisition of LKE in November 2010.

LKE - LG&E and KU Energy LLC (formerly E.ON U.S. LLC), a subsidiary of PPL and the parent of LG&E, KU and other subsidiaries.  PPL acquired E.ON U.S. LLC in November 2010 and changed the name to LG&E and KU Energy LLC.  Within the context of this document, references to LKE also relate to the consolidated entity.

LKS - LG&E and KU Services Company, a subsidiary of LKE that provides services for LKE and its subsidiaries.  The subsidiary was acquired by PPL through the acquisition of LKE in November 2010.

PPL - PPL Corporation, the parent holding company of PPL Electric, PPL Energy Funding, LKE and other subsidiaries.

PPL Capital Funding - PPL Capital Funding, Inc., a wholly owned financing subsidiary of PPL.

PPL Electric - PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, a public utility subsidiary of PPL that transmits and distributes electricity in its Pennsylvania service area and provides electric supply to retail customers in this area as a PLR.

PPL Energy Funding - PPL Energy Funding Corporation, a subsidiary of PPL and the parent holding company of PPL Energy Supply, PPL Global (effective January 2011) and other subsidiaries.

PPL EnergyPlus - PPL EnergyPlus, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply that markets and trades wholesale and retail electricity and gas, and supplies energy and energy services in competitive markets.

PPL Energy Supply - PPL Energy Supply, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Funding and the parent company of PPL Generation, PPL EnergyPlus and other subsidiaries.  In January 2011, PPL Energy Supply distributed its membership interest in PPL Global, representing 100% of the outstanding membership interests of PPL Global, to PPL Energy Supply's parent, PPL Energy Funding.

PPL Generation - PPL Generation, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply that owns and operates U.S. generating facilities through various subsidiaries.

PPL Global - PPL Global, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Funding that primarily owns and operates a business in the U.K., WPD, that is focused on the regulated distribution of electricity.  In January 2011, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Global's former parent, distributed its membership interest in PPL Global, representing 100% of the outstanding membership interest of PPL Global, to its parent, PPL Energy Funding.

PPL Martins Creek - PPL Martins Creek, LLC, a subsidiary of PPL Generation that owns generating operations in Pennsylvania.

PPL Montana - PPL Montana, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of PPL Generation that generates electricity for wholesale sales in Montana and the Pacific Northwest.

PPL Services - PPL Services Corporation, a subsidiary of PPL that provides services for PPL and its subsidiaries.

PPL Susquehanna - PPL Susquehanna, LLC, the nuclear generating subsidiary of PPL Generation.
 
i
 

PPL WEM - PPL WEM Holdings plc (formerly WPD Investment Holdings Limited), an indirect, wholly owned U.K. subsidiary of PPL Global.  PPL WEM indirectly wholly owns both WPD (East Midlands) and WPD (West Midlands).

PPL WW - PPL WW Holdings Limited (formerly Western Power Distribution Holdings Limited), an indirect, wholly owned U.K. subsidiary of PPL Global.  PPL WW Holdings indirectly wholly owns WPD (South Wales) and WPD (South West).

WPD - refers to PPL WW and PPL WEM and their subsidiaries.

WPD (East Midlands) - Western Power Distribution (East Midlands) plc, a British regional electricity distribution utility company.  The company (formerly Central Networks East plc) was acquired and renamed in April 2011.

WPD Midlands - refers to Central Networks, which was renamed after the acquisition.

WPD (South Wales) - Western Power Distribution (South Wales) plc, a British regional electricity distribution utility company.

WPD (South West) - Western Power Distribution (South West) plc, a British regional electricity distribution utility company.

WPD (West Midlands) - Western Power Distribution (West Midlands) plc, a British regional electricity distribution utility company.  The company (formerly Central Networks West plc) was acquired and renamed in April 2011.

WKE - Western Kentucky Energy Corp., a subsidiary of LKE that leased certain non-utility generating plants in western Kentucky until July 2009.  The subsidiary was acquired by PPL through the acquisition of LKE in November 2010.

Other terms and abbreviations

£ - British pound sterling.

2010 Equity Unit(s) - a PPL equity unit, issued in June 2010, consisting of a 2010 Purchase Contract and, initially, a 5.0% undivided beneficial ownership interest in $1,000 principal amount of PPL Capital Funding 4.625% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2018.

2010 Purchase Contract(s) - a contract that is a component of a 2010 Equity Unit that requires holders to purchase shares of PPL common stock on or prior to July 1, 2013.

2011 Bridge Facility - the £3.6 billion Senior Bridge Term Loan Credit Agreement between PPL Capital Funding and PPL WEM, as borrowers, and PPL, as guarantor, and lenders party thereto, used to fund the April 1, 2011 acquisition of Central Networks, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto dated April 15, 2011.

2011 Equity Unit(s) - a PPL equity unit, issued in April 2011, consisting of a 2011 Purchase Contract and, initially, a 5.0% undivided beneficial ownership interest in $1,000 principal amount of PPL Capital Funding 4.32% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2019.

2011 Form 10-K - Annual Report to the SEC on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

2011 Purchase Contract(s) - a contract that is a component of a 2011 Equity Unit that requires holders to purchase shares of PPL common stock on or prior to May 1, 2014.

Acid Rain Program - allowance trading system established by the Clean Air Act to reduce levels of sulfur dioxide.  Under this program, affected power plants are allocated allowances based on their fuel consumption during specified baseline years and a specific emissions rate.

Act 129 - became effective in October 2008.  The law amends the Pennsylvania Public Utility Code and creates an energy efficiency and conservation program and smart metering technology requirements, adopts new PLR electricity supply procurement rules, provides remedies for market misconduct and makes changes to the existing Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard.

AFUDC - Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, the cost of equity and debt funds used to finance construction projects of regulated businesses, which is capitalized as part of construction costs.
 
ii
 

A.M. Best - A.M. Best Company, a company that reports on the financial condition of insurance companies.

AOCI - accumulated other comprehensive income or loss.

ARO - asset retirement obligation.

Baseload generation - includes the output provided by PPL's nuclear, coal, hydroelectric and qualifying facilities.

Basis - when used in the context of derivatives and commodity trading, the commodity price differential between two locations, products or time periods.

Bcf - billion cubic feet.

Bluegrass CTs - three natural gas combustion turbines owned by Bluegrass Generation.  LG&E and KU entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Bluegrass Generation for the purchase of these combustion turbines, subject to certain conditions including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals and clearances.

Bluegrass Generation - Bluegrass Generation Company, L.L.C., an exempt wholesale electricity generator in LaGrange, Kentucky.

BREC - Big Rivers Electric Corporation, a power-generating rural electric cooperative in western Kentucky.

CAIR - the EPA's Clean Air Interstate Rule.

Clean Air Act - federal legislation enacted to address certain environmental issues related to air emissions, including acid rain, ozone and toxic air emissions.

COLA - license application for a combined construction permit and operating license from the NRC for a nuclear plant.

CPCN - Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity.  Authority granted by the KPSC pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statute 278.020 to provide utility service to or for the public or the construction of any plant, equipment, property or facility for furnishing of utility service to the public.

CSAPR - Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, the CSAPR implements Clean Air Act requirements concerning the transport of air pollution from power plants across state boundaries.  The CSAPR replaces the 2005 CAIR, which the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ordered the EPA to revise in 2008.  The court has granted a stay allowing CAIR to remain in place pending a ruling on the legal challenges to the CSAPR.

Customer Choice Act - the Pennsylvania Electricity Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act, legislation enacted to restructure the state's electric utility industry to create retail access to a competitive market for generation of electricity.

Depreciation not normalized - the flow-through income tax impact related to the state regulatory treatment of depreciation-related timing differences.

Dodd-Frank Act - the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act that was signed into law in July 2010.

DOE - Department of Energy, a U.S. government agency.

DPCR4 - Distribution Price Control Review 4, the U.K. 5-year rate review period applicable to WPD that commenced April 1, 2005.

DRIP - Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan.

DSM - Demand Side Management.  Pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statute 278.285, the KPSC may determine the reasonableness of DSM plans proposed by any utility under its jurisdiction.  Proposed DSM mechanisms may seek full recovery of DSM programs and revenues lost by implementing those programs and/or incentives designed to provide financial rewards to the utility for implementing cost-effective DSM programs.  The cost of such programs shall be assigned only to the class or classes of customers which benefit from the programs.
 
iii
 

ECR - Environmental Cost Recovery.  Pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statute 278.183, effective January 1993, Kentucky electric utilities are entitled to the current recovery of costs of complying with the Clean Air Act, as amended, and those federal, state or local environmental requirements which apply to coal combustion and by-products from the production of energy from coal.

E.ON AG - a German corporation and the parent of E.ON UK plc, the former parent of Central Networks, and the indirect parent of E.ON US Investments Corp., the former parent of LKE.

EPA - Environmental Protection Agency, a U.S. government agency.

EPS - earnings per share.

Equity Units - refers collectively to the 2011 and 2010 Equity Units.

ESOP - Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Euro - the basic monetary unit among participating members of the European Union.

FERC - Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the federal agency that regulates, among other things, interstate transmission and wholesale sales of electricity, hydroelectric power projects and related matters.

Fitch - Fitch, Inc., a credit rating agency.

FTR - financial transmission rights, which are financial instruments established to manage price risk related to electricity transmission congestion.  They entitle the holder to receive compensation or require the holder to remit payment for certain congestion-related transmission charges based on the level of congestion in the transmission grid.

Fundamental Change - as it relates to the terms of the 2011 and 2010 Equity Units, will be deemed to have occurred if any of the following occurs with respect to PPL, subject to certain exceptions:  (i) a change of control; (ii) a consolidation with or merger into any other entity; (iii) common stock ceases to be listed or quoted; or (iv) a liquidation, dissolution or termination.

GAAP - Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the U.S.

GBP - British pound sterling.

GHG - greenhouse gas(es).

GWh - gigawatt-hour, one million kilowatt-hours.

Intermediate and peaking generation - includes the output provided by PPL's oil- and natural gas-fired units.

Ironwood Acquisition - In April 2012, PPL Ironwood Holdings, LLC, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply, completed the acquisition from a subsidiary of The AES Corporation of all of the equity interests of AES Ironwood, L.L.C. (subsequently renamed PPL Ironwood, LLC) and AES Prescott, L.L.C. (subsequently renamed PPL Prescott, LLC), which own and operate, respectively, the Ironwood Facility.

Ironwood Facility - a natural gas-fired power plant in Lebanon, Pennsylvania with a summer rating of 657 MW.

IRS - Internal Revenue Service, a U.S. government agency.

ISO - Independent System Operator.

KPSC - Kentucky Public Service Commission, the state agency that has jurisdiction over the regulation of rates and service of utilities in Kentucky.

LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate.

Long Island generation business - includes a 79.9 MW gas-fired plant in the Edgewood section of Brentwood, New York and a 79.9 MW oil-fired plant in Shoreham, New York and related tolling agreements.  This business was sold in February 2010.
 
iv
 

Moody's - Moody's Investors Service, Inc., a credit rating agency.

MW - megawatt, one thousand kilowatts.

NDT - PPL Susquehanna's nuclear plant decommissioning trust.

NERC - North American Electric Reliability Corporation.

NGCC - Natural gas-fired combined-cycle turbine.

NPDES - National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.

NPNS - the normal purchases and normal sales exception as permitted by derivative accounting rules.  Derivatives that qualify for this exception receive accrual accounting treatment.

NRC - Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the federal agency that regulates nuclear power facilities.

OCI - other comprehensive income or loss.

Ofgem - Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, the British agency that regulates transmission, distribution and wholesale sales of electricity and related matters.

Opacity - the degree to which emissions reduce the transmission of light and obscure the view of an object in the background.  There are emission regulations that limit the opacity in power plant stack gas emissions.

OVEC - Ohio Valley Electric Corporation, located in Piketon, Ohio, an entity in which LKE indirectly owns an 8.13% interest (consists of LG&E's 5.63% and KU's 2.50% interests), which is accounted for as a cost-method investment.  OVEC owns and operates two coal-fired power plants, the Kyger Creek plant in Ohio and the Clifty Creek plant in Indiana, with combined nameplate capacities of 2,390 MW.

PADEP - the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, a state government agency.

PJM - PJM Interconnection, L.L.C., operator of the electric transmission network and electric energy market in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

PLR - Provider of Last Resort, the role of PPL Electric in providing default electricity supply to retail customers within its delivery area who have not chosen to select an alternative electricity supplier under the Customer Choice Act.

PP&E - property, plant and equipment.

Predecessor - refers to the LKE, LG&E and KU pre-acquisition activity covering the time period prior to November 1, 2010.

PUC - Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the state agency that regulates certain ratemaking, services, accounting and operations of Pennsylvania utilities.

Purchase Contract(s) - refers collectively to the 2010 and 2011 Purchase Contracts.

RAV - regulatory asset value.  This term is also commonly known as RAB or regulatory asset base.

RECs - renewable energy credits.

Registrants - PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU, collectively.

Regulation S-X - SEC regulation governing the form and content of and requirements for financial statements required to be filed pursuant to the federal securities laws.

Rev. Proc(s). - Revenue Procedure(s), an official published statement by the IRS of a matter of procedural importance to both taxpayers and the IRS concerning administration of the tax laws.
 
v
 

RMC - Risk Management Committee.

S&P - Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a credit rating agency.

Sarbanes-Oxley - Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which sets requirements for management's assessment of internal controls for financial reporting.  It also requires an independent auditor to make its own assessment.

SCR - selective catalytic reduction, a pollution control process for the removal of nitrogen oxide from exhaust gases.

Scrubber - an air pollution control device that can remove particulates and/or gases (such as sulfur dioxide) from exhaust gases.

SEC - the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a U.S. government agency whose primary mission is to protect investors and maintain the integrity of the securities markets.

Securities Act of 1933 - the Securities Act of 1933, 15 U.S. Code, Sections 77a-77aa, as amended.

SIFMA Index - the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association Municipal Swap Index.

SMGT - Southern Montana Electric Generation & Transmission Cooperative, Inc., a Montana cooperative and purchaser of electricity under a long-term supply contract with PPL EnergyPlus expiring in June 2019.
 
 
SNCR - selective non-catalytic reduction, a pollution control process for the removal of nitrogen oxide from exhaust gases using ammonia.

Successor - refers to the LKE, LG&E and KU post-acquisition activity covering the time period after October 31, 2010.

Superfund - federal environmental legislation that addresses remediation of contaminated sites; states also have similar statutes.

TC2 - Trimble County Unit 2, a coal-fired plant located in Kentucky with a net summer capacity of 732 MW.  LKE indirectly owns a 75% interest (consists of LG&E's 14.25% and KU's 60.75% interests) in TC2 or 549 MW of the capacity.

Tolling agreement - agreement whereby the owner of an electric generating facility agrees to use that facility to convert fuel provided by a third party into electricity for delivery back to the third party.

TRA - Tennessee Regulatory Authority, the state agency that has jurisdiction over the regulation of rates and service of utilities in Tennessee.

VaR - value-at-risk, a statistical model that attempts to estimate the value of potential loss over a given holding period under normal market conditions at a given confidence level.

VIE - variable interest entity.

Volumetric risk - the risk that the actual load volumes provided under full-requirement sales contracts could vary significantly from forecasted volumes.

VSCC - Virginia State Corporation Commission, the state agency that has jurisdiction over the regulation of Virginia corporations, including utilities.

VWAP - as it relates to the 2011 and 2010 Equity Units issued by PPL, the per share volume-weighted-average price as displayed under the heading Bloomberg VWAP on Bloomberg page "PPL <EQUITY> AQR" (or its equivalent successor if such page is not available) in respect of the period from the scheduled open of trading on the relevant trading day until the scheduled close of trading on the relevant trading day (or if such volume-weighted-average price is unavailable, the market price of one share of PPL common stock on such trading day determined, using a volume-weighted-average method, by a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm retained for this purpose by PPL).

 
vi
 

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Statements contained in this Form 10-Q concerning expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements which are other than statements of historical fact are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws.  Although the Registrants believe that the expectations and assumptions reflected in these statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct.  Forward-looking statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements.  In addition to the specific factors discussed in each Registrant's 2011 Form 10-K and in "Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in this Form 10-Q report, the following are among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements.

·
fuel supply cost and availability;
·
continuing ability to recover fuel costs and environmental expenditures in a timely manner at LG&E and KU, and natural gas supply costs at LG&E;
·
weather conditions affecting generation, customer energy use and operating costs;
·
operation, availability and operating costs of existing generation facilities;
·
the length of scheduled and unscheduled outages at our generating facilities;
·
transmission and distribution system conditions and operating costs;
·
potential expansion of alternative sources of electricity generation;
·
potential laws or regulations to reduce emissions of "greenhouse" gases or other emissions and the physical effects of climate change;
·
collective labor bargaining negotiations;
·
the outcome of litigation against the Registrants and their subsidiaries;
·
potential effects of threatened or actual terrorism, war or other hostilities, cyber-based intrusions or natural disasters;
·
the commitments and liabilities of the Registrants and their subsidiaries;
·
market demand and prices for energy, capacity, transmission services, emission allowances, RECs and delivered fuel;
·
competition in retail and wholesale power and natural gas markets;
·
liquidity of wholesale power markets;
·
defaults by counterparties under energy, fuel or other power product contracts;
·
market prices of commodity inputs for ongoing capital expenditures;
·
capital market conditions, including the availability of capital or credit, changes in interest rates and certain economic indices, and decisions regarding capital structure;
·
stock price performance of PPL;
·
volatility in the fair value of debt and equity securities and its impact on the value of assets in the NDT funds and in defined benefit plans, and the potential cash funding requirements if fair value declines;
·
interest rates and their effect on pension, retiree medical, and nuclear decommissioning liabilities, and interest payable on certain debt securities;
·
volatility in or the impact of other changes in financial or commodity markets and economic conditions;
·
the profitability and liquidity, including access to capital markets and credit facilities, of the Registrants and their subsidiaries;
·
new accounting requirements or new interpretations or applications of existing requirements;
·
changes in securities and credit ratings;
·
foreign currency exchange rates;
·
current and future environmental conditions, regulations and other requirements and the related costs of compliance, including environmental capital expenditures, emission allowance costs and other expenses;
·
legal, regulatory, political, market or other reactions to the 2011 incident at the nuclear generating facility at Fukushima, Japan, including additional NRC requirements;
·
political, regulatory or economic conditions in states, regions or countries where the Registrants or their subsidiaries conduct business;
·
receipt of necessary governmental permits, approvals and rate relief;
·
new state, federal or foreign legislation, including new tax, environmental, healthcare or pension-related legislation;
·
state, federal and foreign regulatory developments;
·
the outcome of any rate cases or other cost recovery filings by PPL Electric at the PUC or the FERC, by LG&E at the KPSC, by KU at the KPSC, VSCC, TRA or the FERC, or by WPD at Ofgem in the U.K.;
·
the impact of any state, federal or foreign investigations applicable to the Registrants and their subsidiaries and the energy industry;
·
the effect of any business or industry restructuring;
·
development of new projects, markets and technologies;
 
1
 
·
performance of new ventures; and
·
business dispositions or acquisitions and our ability to successfully operate such acquired businesses and realize expected benefits from business acquisitions, including PPL's 2011 acquisition of WPD Midlands and 2010 acquisition of LKE.

Any such forward-looking statements should be considered in light of such important factors and in conjunction with other documents of the Registrants on file with the SEC.

New factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Registrants to predict all such factors, or the extent to which any such factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statement.  Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and the Registrants undertake no obligation to update the information contained in such statement to reflect subsequent developments or information.

 
2
 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
                   
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars, except share data)
                   
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Operating Revenues
        
 
Utility
  
$
 1,714 
  
$
 1,536 
 
Unregulated retail electric and gas
    
 223 
    
 147 
 
Wholesale energy marketing
            
   
Realized
    
 1,208 
    
 1,038 
   
Unrealized economic activity (Note 14)
    
 852 
    
 57 
 
Net energy trading margins
    
 8 
    
 11 
 
Energy-related businesses
    
 107 
    
 121 
 
Total Operating Revenues
    
 4,112 
    
 2,910 
             
Operating Expenses
            
 
Operation
            
   
Fuel
    
 424 
    
 475 
   
Energy purchases
            
     
Realized
    
 883 
    
 671 
     
Unrealized economic activity (Note 14)
    
 591 
    
 (18)
   
Other operation and maintenance
    
 706 
    
 583 
 
Depreciation
    
 264 
    
 208 
 
Taxes, other than income
    
 91 
    
 73 
 
Energy-related businesses
    
 102 
    
 113 
 
Total Operating Expenses
    
 3,061 
    
 2,105 
                   
Operating Income
    
 1,051 
    
 805 
                   
Other Income (Expense) - net
    
 (17)
    
 (5)
             
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
    
 
    
 1 
                   
Interest Expense
    
 230 
    
 174 
                   
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
    
 804 
    
 625 
                   
Income Taxes
    
 259 
    
 223 
                   
Income from Continuing Operations After Income Taxes
    
 545 
    
 402 
                   
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)
    
 
    
 3 
                   
Net Income
    
 545 
    
 405 
                   
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
    
 4 
    
 4 
                   
Net Income Attributable to PPL Corporation
  
$
 541 
  
$
 401 
                   
Amounts Attributable to PPL Corporation:
            
 
Income from Continuing Operations After Income Taxes
  
$
 541 
  
$
 398 
 
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)
    
 
    
 3 
 
Net Income
  
$
 541 
  
$
 401 
                   
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:
            
 
Income from Continuing Operations After Income Taxes Available to PPL
        
 
 Corporation Common Shareowners:
            
   
Basic
  
$
 0.93 
  
$
 0.82 
   
Diluted
  
$
 0.93 
  
$
 0.82 
 
Net Income Available to PPL Corporation Common Shareowners:
            
   
Basic
  
$
 0.93 
  
$
 0.82 
   
Diluted
  
$
 0.93 
  
$
 0.82 
                   
Dividends Declared Per Share of Common Stock
  
$
 0.360 
  
$
 0.350 
                   
Weighted-Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding (in thousands)
            
   
Basic
    
 579,041 
    
 484,138 
   
Diluted
    
 579,527 
    
 484,345 
                   
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
3
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
       
Three Months Ended March 31,
       
2012 
  
2011 
                 
Net income
  
$
 545 
  
$
 405 
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
            
Amounts arising during the period - gains (losses), net of tax (expense) benefit:
            
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $2, $1
    
 76 
    
 67 
 
Available-for-sale securities, net of tax of ($28), ($12)
    
 22 
    
 12 
 
Qualifying derivatives, net of tax of ($62), ($32)
    
 66 
    
 37 
 
Equity investees' other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax of $2, $0
    
 (4)
    
 (1)
Reclassifications to net income - (gains) losses, net of tax expense (benefit):
            
 
Available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $2, $5
    
 (3)
    
 (7)
 
Qualifying derivatives, net of tax of $87, $51
    
 (122)
    
 (69)
 
Equity investees' other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax of $0, $0
    
 
    
 2 
 
Defined benefit plans:
            
   
Prior service costs, net of tax of ($1), ($2)
    
 3 
    
 3 
   
Net actuarial loss, net of tax of ($4), ($4)
    
 20 
    
 11 
Total other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to PPL Corporation
    
 58 
    
 55 
                 
Comprehensive income (loss)
    
 603 
    
 460 
 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    
 4 
    
 4 
                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to PPL Corporation
  
$
 599 
  
$
 456 
                 
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
4
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
                   
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
            
 
Net income
  
$
 545 
  
$
 405
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
            
   
Depreciation
    
 264 
    
 208 
   
Amortization
    
 55 
    
 47 
   
Defined benefit plans - expense
    
 42 
    
 39 
   
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
    
 257 
    
 204 
   
Unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives, and other hedging activities
    
 (235)
    
 (96)
   
Other
    
 20 
    
 10 
 
Change in current assets and current liabilities
            
   
Accounts receivable
    
 32 
    
 (57)
   
Accounts payable
    
 (99)
    
 (112)
   
Unbilled revenues
    
 59 
    
 199 
   
Prepayments
    
 (100)
    
 (85)
   
Counterparty collateral
    
 65 
    
 (195)
   
Taxes
    
 66 
    
 10 
   
Accrued interest
    
 37 
    
 55 
   
Other
    
 (45)
    
 (5)
 
Other operating activities
            
   
Defined benefit plans - funding
    
 (208)
    
 (438)
   
Other assets
    
 (12)
    
 (4)
   
Other liabilities
    
 (15)
    
 11 
     
Net cash provided by operating activities
    
 728 
    
 196 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
            
 
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment
    
 (682)
    
 (428)
 
Proceeds from the sale of certain non-core generation facilities
    
 
    
 381 
 
Purchases of nuclear plant decommissioning trust investments
    
 (38)
    
 (79)
 
Proceeds from the sale of nuclear plant decommissioning trust investments
    
 34 
    
 75 
 
Proceeds from the sale of other investments
    
 16 
    
 163 
 
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash and cash equivalents
    
 (22)
    
 (7)
 
Other investing activities
    
 (19)
    
 (7)
     
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    
 (711)
    
 98 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
            
 
Issuance of common stock
    
 16 
    
 16 
 
Payment of common stock dividends
    
 (203)
    
 (170)
 
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt
    
 93 
    
 187 
 
Other financing activities
    
 (30)
    
 (20)
     
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    
 (124)
    
 13 
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents
    
 8 
    
 13 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    
 (99)
    
 320 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
    
 1,202 
    
 925 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  
$
 1,103 
  
$
 1,245 
                   
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
5
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars, shares in thousands)
         
March 31,
  
December 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Assets
            
                   
Current Assets
            
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 1,103 
  
$
 1,202 
 
Short-term investments
    
 
    
 16 
 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
    
 172 
    
 152 
 
Accounts receivable (less reserve:  2012, $69; 2011, $54)
            
   
Customer
    
 723 
    
 742 
   
Other
    
 84 
    
 85 
 
Unbilled revenues
    
 774 
    
 830 
 
Fuel, materials and supplies
    
 669 
    
 654 
 
Prepayments
    
 261 
    
 160 
 
Price risk management assets
    
 3,230 
    
 2,548 
 
Regulatory assets
    
 15 
    
 9 
 
Other current assets
    
 31 
    
 28 
 
Total Current Assets
    
 7,062 
    
 6,426 
                   
Investments
            
 
Nuclear plant decommissioning trust funds
    
 693 
    
 640 
 
Other investments
    
 75 
    
 78 
 
Total Investments
    
 768 
    
 718 
                   
Property, Plant and Equipment
            
 
Regulated utility plant
    
 23,544 
    
 22,994 
 
Less:  accumulated depreciation - regulated utility plant
    
 3,701 
    
 3,534 
   
Regulated utility plant, net
    
 19,843 
    
 19,460 
 
Non-regulated property, plant and equipment
            
   
Generation
    
 10,536 
    
 10,514 
   
Nuclear fuel
    
 718 
    
 658 
   
Other
    
 661 
    
 637 
 
Less:  accumulated depreciation - non-regulated property, plant and equipment
    
 5,758 
    
 5,676 
   
Non-regulated property, plant and equipment, net
    
 6,157 
    
 6,133 
 
Construction work in progress
    
 1,706 
    
 1,673 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment, net (a)
    
 27,706 
    
 27,266 
Other Noncurrent Assets
            
 
Regulatory assets
    
 1,334 
    
 1,349 
 
Goodwill
    
 4,161 
    
 4,114 
 
Other intangibles (a)
    
 1,064 
    
 1,065 
 
Price risk management assets
    
 1,186 
    
 920 
 
Other noncurrent assets
    
 801 
    
 790 
 
Total Other Noncurrent Assets
    
 8,546 
    
 8,238 
             
Total Assets
  
$
 44,082 
  
$
 42,648 

(a)
At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, includes $417 million and $416 million of PP&E, consisting primarily of "Generation," including leasehold improvements, and $10 million and $11 million of "Other intangibles" from the consolidation of a VIE that is the owner/lessor of the Lower Mt. Bethel plant.

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
6
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars, shares in thousands)
         
March 31,
  
December 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Liabilities and Equity
            
                   
Current Liabilities
            
 
Short-term debt
  
$
 674 
  
$
 578 
 
Accounts payable
    
 1,027 
    
 1,214 
 
Taxes
    
 132 
    
 65 
 
Interest
    
 326 
    
 287 
 
Dividends
    
 214 
    
 207 
 
Price risk management liabilities
    
 2,149 
    
 1,570 
 
Regulatory liabilities
    
 74 
    
 73 
 
Other current liabilities
    
 1,292 
    
 1,261 
 
Total Current Liabilities
    
 5,888 
    
 5,255 
                   
Long-term Debt
    
 18,076 
    
 17,993 
                   
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
            
 
Deferred income taxes
    
 3,589 
    
 3,326 
 
Investment tax credits
    
 295 
    
 285 
 
Price risk management liabilities
    
 1,074 
    
 840 
 
Accrued pension obligations
    
 1,105 
    
 1,299 
 
Asset retirement obligations
    
 491 
    
 484 
 
Regulatory liabilities
    
 1,009 
    
 1,010 
 
Other deferred credits and noncurrent liabilities
    
 1,020 
    
 1,060 
 
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
    
 8,583 
    
 8,304 
                   
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 6 and 10)
            
                   
Equity
            
 
PPL Corporation Shareowners' Common Equity
            
   
Common stock - $0.01 par value (a)
    
 6 
    
 6 
   
Additional paid in capital
    
 6,862 
    
 6,813 
   
Earnings reinvested
    
 5,129 
    
 4,797 
   
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    
 (730)
    
 (788)
   
Total PPL Corporation Shareowners' Common Equity
    
 11,267 
    
 10,828 
 
Noncontrolling Interests
    
 268 
    
 268 
 
Total Equity
    
 11,535 
    
 11,096 
                   
Total Liabilities and Equity
  
$
 44,082 
  
$
 42,648 

(a)
780,000 shares authorized; 579,520 and 578,405 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
7
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
 
       
PPL Corporation Shareowners
            
       
Common
                                    
       
 stock
                      
Accumulated
            
       
shares
          
Additional
          
other
    
Non-
      
       
outstanding
    
Common
    
paid-in
    
Earnings
    
comprehensive
    
controlling
      
       
(a)
    
stock
    
capital
    
reinvested
    
loss
    
interests
    
Total
                                       
December 31, 2011
  
578,405 
  
$
 6 
  
$
 6,813 
  
$
 4,797 
  
$
 (788)
  
$
 268 
  
$
 11,096 
Common stock issued (b)
  
 1,115 
    
 
    
 32 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 32 
Stock-based compensation (c)
              
 17 
                      
 17 
Net income
        
 
          
 541 
    
 
    
 4 
    
 545 
Dividends, dividend equivalents
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
and distributions (d)
  
 
    
 
          
 (209)
    
 
    
 (4)
    
 (213)
Other comprehensive
                                      
 
 
income (loss)
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 58 
          
 58 
March 31, 2012
  
 579,520 
  
$
 6 
  
$
 6,862 
  
$
 5,129 
  
$
 (730)
  
$
 268 
  
$
 11,535 
                                             
                                             
                                             
December 31, 2010
  
483,391 
  
$
5 
  
$
4,602 
  
$
4,082 
  
$
 (479)
  
$
268 
  
$
 8,478 
Common stock issued (b)
  
 1,227 
          
40 
                      
 40 
Stock-based compensation (c)
              
 (5)
                      
 (5)
Net income
                    
 401 
          
 4 
    
 405 
Dividends, dividend equivalents
                                      
 
 
and distributions (d)
                    
 (171)
          
 (4)
    
 (175)
Other comprehensive
                                        
 
income (loss)
                          
 55 
          
 55 
March 31, 2011
  
 484,618 
  
$
 5 
  
$
 4,637 
  
$
 4,312 
  
$
 (424)
  
$
 268 
  
$
 8,798 

(a)
Shares in thousands.  Each share entitles the holder to one vote on any question presented to any shareowners' meeting.
(b)
Each period includes shares of common stock issued through various stock and incentive compensation plans.
(c)
The three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 include $29 million and $17 million of stock-based compensation expense related to new and existing unvested equity awards.  These periods also include the reclassification of $(12) million and $(22) million related primarily to the  reclassification from "Stock-based compensation" to "Common stock issued" for the issuance of common stock after applicable equity award vesting periods and tax adjustments related to stock-based compensation.
(d)
"Earnings reinvested" includes dividends and dividend equivalents on PPL Corporation common stock and restricted stock units.  "Noncontrolling interests" includes dividends, redemptions and distributions to noncontrolling interests.

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
8
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Operating Revenues
            
 
Wholesale energy marketing
            
   
Realized
  
$
 1,208 
  
$
 1,038 
   
Unrealized economic activity (Note 14)
    
 852 
    
 57 
 
Wholesale energy marketing to affiliate
    
 21 
    
 6 
 
Unregulated retail electric and gas
    
 224 
    
 147 
 
Net energy trading margins
    
 8 
    
 11 
 
Energy-related businesses
    
 96 
    
 110 
 
Total Operating Revenues
    
 2,409 
    
 1,369 
                   
Operating Expenses
            
 
Operation
            
   
Fuel
    
 211 
    
 260 
   
Energy purchases
            
     
Realized
    
 659 
    
 314 
     
Unrealized economic activity (Note 14)
    
 591 
    
 (18)
   
Energy purchases from affiliate
    
 1 
    
 1 
   
Other operation and maintenance
    
 255 
    
 245 
 
Depreciation
    
 64 
    
 59 
 
Taxes, other than income
    
 18 
    
 16 
 
Energy-related businesses
    
 92 
    
 108 
 
Total Operating Expenses
    
 1,891 
    
 985 
                   
Operating Income
    
 518 
    
 384 
                   
Other Income (Expense) - net
    
 5 
    
 14 
                   
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
    
 
    
 1 
                   
Interest Income from Affiliates
    
 
    
 3 
                   
Interest Expense
    
 37 
    
 47 
                   
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
    
 486 
    
 353 
                   
Income Taxes
    
 177 
    
 142 
                   
Income from Continuing Operations After Income Taxes
    
 309 
    
 211 
                   
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations (net of income taxes)
    
 
    
 3 
                   
Net Income Attributable to PPL Energy Supply
  
$
 309 
  
$
 214 
                   
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
9
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
       
Three Months Ended March 31,
       
2012 
  
2011 
                 
Net income
  
$
 309 
  
$
 214 
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
            
Amounts arising during the period - gains (losses), net of tax (expense) benefit:
            
 
Available-for-sale securities, net of tax of ($28), ($12)
    
 22 
    
 12 
 
Qualifying derivatives, net of tax of ($57), ($34)
    
 56 
    
 50 
Reclassifications to net income - (gains) losses, net of tax expense (benefit):
            
 
Available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $2, $5
    
 (3)
    
 (7)
 
Qualifying derivatives, net of tax of $93, $54
    
 (139)
    
 (79)
 
Equity investee's other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax of $0, $0
    
 
    
 2 
 
Defined benefit plans:
            
   
Prior service costs, net of tax of ($1), ($1)
    
 1 
    
 1 
   
Net actuarial loss, net of tax of $2, $0
    
 5 
    
 1 
Total other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to PPL Energy Supply
    
 (58)
    
 (20)
                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to PPL Energy Supply
  
$
 251 
  
$
 194 
                 
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
10
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
                   
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
            
 
Net income
  
$
 309 
  
$
 214 
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
            
   
Depreciation
    
 64 
    
 59 
   
Amortization
    
 38 
    
 33 
   
Defined benefit plans - expense
    
 10 
    
 9 
   
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
    
 161 
    
 105 
   
Unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives, and other hedging activities
    
 (260)
    
 (105)
   
Other
    
 17 
    
 13 
 
Change in current assets and current liabilities
            
   
Accounts receivable
    
 37 
    
 69 
   
Accounts payable
    
 (24)
    
 (92)
   
Unbilled revenues
    
 6 
    
 122 
   
Fuel, materials and supplies
    
 (51)
    
 (17)
   
Prepayments
    
 (7)
    
 51 
   
Taxes
    
 (26)
    
 42 
   
Counterparty collateral
    
 65 
    
 (195)
   
Accrued interest
    
 23 
    
 25 
   
Other
    
 (26)
    
 (12)
 
Other operating activities
            
   
Defined benefit plans - funding
    
 (69)
    
 (127)
   
Other assets
    
 (12)
    
 (3)
   
Other liabilities
    
 (1)
    
 11 
     
Net cash provided by operating activities
    
 254 
    
 202 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
            
 
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment
    
 (199)
    
 (127)
 
Proceeds from the sale of certain non-core generation facilities
    
 
    
 381 
 
Purchases of nuclear plant decommissioning trust investments
    
 (38)
    
 (79)
 
Proceeds from the sale of nuclear plant decommissioning trust investments
    
 34 
    
 75 
 
Net (increase) decrease in notes receivable from affiliates
    
 198 
    
 (458)
 
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash and cash equivalents
    
 (19)
    
 (5)
 
Other investing activities
    
 (17)
    
 (11)
     
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    
 (41)
    
 (224)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
            
 
Distributions to Member
    
 (557)
    
 (81)
 
Cash included in net assets of subsidiary distributed to Member
    
 
    
 (325)
 
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt
    
 100 
    
 350 
     
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    
 (457)
    
 (56)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    
 (244)
    
 (78)
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
    
 379 
    
 661 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  
$
 135 
  
$
 583 
                   
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
11
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
         
March 31,
  
December 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Assets
            
                   
Current Assets
            
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 135 
  
$
 379 
 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
    
 164 
    
 145 
 
Accounts receivable (less reserve:  2012, $26; 2011, $15)
            
   
Customer
    
 134 
    
 169 
   
Other
    
 24 
    
 31 
 
Accounts receivable from affiliates
    
 93 
    
 89 
 
Unbilled revenues
    
 396 
    
 402 
 
Note receivable from affiliate
    
 
    
 198 
 
Fuel, materials and supplies
    
 347 
    
 298 
 
Prepayments
    
 21 
    
 14 
 
Price risk management assets
    
 3,222 
    
 2,527 
 
Other current assets
    
 14 
    
 11 
 
Total Current Assets
    
 4,550 
    
 4,263 
               
Investments
            
 
Nuclear plant decommissioning trust funds
    
 693 
    
 640 
 
Other investments
    
 45 
    
 40 
 
Total Investments
    
 738 
    
 680 
               
Property, Plant and Equipment
            
 
Non-regulated property, plant and equipment
            
   
Generation
    
 10,544 
    
 10,517 
   
Nuclear fuel
    
 718 
    
 658 
   
Other
    
 251 
    
 245 
 
Less:  accumulated depreciation - non-regulated property, plant and equipment
    
 5,651 
    
 5,573 
   
Non-regulated property, plant and equipment, net
    
 5,862 
    
 5,847 
 
Construction work in progress
    
 704 
    
 639 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment, net (a)
    
 6,566 
    
 6,486 
               
Other Noncurrent Assets
            
 
Goodwill
    
 86 
    
 86 
 
Other intangibles (a)
    
 387 
    
 386 
 
Price risk management assets
    
 1,149 
    
 896 
 
Other noncurrent assets
    
 390 
    
 382 
 
Total Other Noncurrent Assets
    
 2,012 
    
 1,750 
               
Total Assets
  
$
 13,866 
  
$
 13,179 

(a)
At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, includes $417 million and $416 million of PP&E, consisting primarily of "Generation," including leasehold improvements, and $10 million and $11 million of "Other intangibles" from the consolidation of a VIE that is the owner/lessor of the Lower Mt. Bethel plant.

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
12
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
           
March 31,
    
December 31,
           
2012 
    
2011 
Liabilities and Equity
            
                   
Current Liabilities
            
 
Short-term debt
  
$
 500 
  
$
 400 
 
Accounts payable
    
 427 
    
 472 
 
Accounts payable to affiliates
    
 19 
    
 14 
 
Taxes
    
 64 
    
 90 
 
Interest
    
 53 
    
 30 
 
Price risk management liabilities
    
 2,129 
    
 1,560 
 
Counterparty collateral
    
 213 
    
 148 
 
Deferred income taxes
    
 367 
    
 315 
 
Other current liabilities
    
 170 
    
 196 
 
Total Current Liabilities
    
 3,942 
    
 3,225 
                   
Long-term Debt
    
 3,024 
    
 3,024 
             
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
            
 
Deferred income taxes
    
 1,308 
    
 1,223 
 
Investment tax credits
    
 148 
    
 136 
 
Price risk management liabilities
    
 1,025 
    
 785 
 
Accrued pension obligations
    
 150 
    
 214 
 
Asset retirement obligations
    
 353 
    
 349 
 
Other deferred credits and noncurrent liabilities
    
 185 
    
 186 
 
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
    
 3,169 
    
 2,893 
                   
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 10)
            
             
Equity
            
 
Member's equity
    
 3,713 
    
 4,019 
 
Noncontrolling interests
    
 18 
    
 18 
 
Total Equity
    
 3,731 
    
 4,037 
                   
Total Liabilities and Equity
  
$
 13,866 
  
$
 13,179 
                   
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
13
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
                   
         
Non-
      
   
Member's
  
controlling
      
   
equity
  
interests
  
Total
                   
December 31, 2011
  
$
 4,019 
  
$
 18 
  
$
 4,037 
Net income
    
 309 
    
 
    
 309 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    
 (58)
    
 
    
 (58)
Distributions
    
 (557)
    
 
    
 (557)
March 31, 2012
  
$
 3,713 
  
$
 18 
  
$
 3,731 
                   
December 31, 2010
  
$
 4,491 
  
$
 18 
  
$
 4,509 
Net income
    
 214 
    
 
    
 214 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    
 (20)
    
 
    
 (20)
Distributions
    
 (81)
    
 
    
 (81)
Distribution of membership interest in PPL Global (a)
    
 (1,288)
    
 
    
 (1,288)
March 31, 2011
  
$
 3,316 
  
$
 18 
  
$
 3,334 

(a)
In January 2011, PPL Energy Supply distributed its entire membership interest in PPL Global to PPL Energy Supply's parent, PPL Energy Funding.  The distribution was made based on the book value of the assets and liabilities of PPL Global with financial effect as of January 1, 2011, and no gains or losses were recognized on the distribution.
 
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
14
 



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15
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
       
Three Months Ended March 31,
       
2012 
  
2011 
Operating Revenues
            
 
Retail electric
  
$
 457 
  
$
 554 
 
Electric revenue from affiliate
    
 1 
    
 4 
 
Total Operating Revenues
    
 458 
    
 558 
                 
Operating Expenses
            
 
Operation
            
   
Energy purchases
    
 153 
    
 251 
   
Energy purchases from affiliate
    
 21 
    
 6 
   
Other operation and maintenance
    
 140 
    
 130 
 
Depreciation
    
 39 
    
 33 
 
Taxes, other than income
    
 26 
    
 35 
 
Total Operating Expenses
    
 379 
    
 455 
                 
Operating Income
    
 79 
    
 103 
                 
Other Income (Expense) - net
    
 1 
    
 
                 
Interest Income from Affiliate
    
 1 
    
 
                 
Interest Expense
    
 24 
    
 24 
                 
Income Before Income Taxes
    
 57 
    
 79 
                 
Income Taxes
    
 20 
    
 23 
                 
Net Income (a)
    
 37 
    
 56 
                 
Distributions on Preferred Securities
    
 4 
    
 4 
                 
Net Income Available to PPL Corporation
  
$
 33 
  
$
 52 

(a)
Net income approximates comprehensive income.

 
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
16
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
                   
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
            
 
Net income
  
$
 37 
  
$
 56 
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    
 
    
 
   
Depreciation
    
 39 
    
 33 
   
Amortization
    
 4 
    
 
   
Defined benefit plans - expense
    
 9 
    
 4 
   
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
    
 58 
    
 (29)
   
Other
    
 5 
    
 3 
 
Change in current assets and current liabilities
    
 
    
 
   
Accounts receivable
    
 (11)
    
 (61)
   
Accounts payable
    
 (25)
    
 (52)
   
Unbilled revenues
    
 23 
    
 33 
   
Prepayments
    
 (70)
    
 17 
   
Regulatory assets and liabilities
    
 
    
 37 
   
Taxes
    
 
    
 27 
   
Other
    
 (1)
    
 (17)
 
Other operating activities
    
 
    
 
   
Defined benefit plans- funding
    
 (54)
    
 (98)
   
Other assets
    
 
    
 1 
   
Other liabilities
    
 (24)
    
 (1)
     
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    
 (10)
    
 (47)
                   
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
            
 
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment
    
 (121)
    
 (129)
 
Other investing activities
    
 (1)
    
 4 
     
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    
 (122)
    
 (125)
                   
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
            
 
Common stock dividends to PPL
    
 (35)
    
 (18)
 
Dividends on preferred securities
    
 (4)
    
 (4)
     
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    
 (39)
    
 (22)
                   
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    
 (171)
    
 (194)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
    
 320 
    
 204 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  
$
 149 
  
$
 10 
                   
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
17
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars, shares in thousands)
                   
         
March 31,
  
December 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Assets
            
                   
Current Assets
            
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 149 
  
$
 320 
 
Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2012, $17; 2011, $17)
            
   
Customer
    
 287 
    
 271 
   
Other
    
 8 
    
 9 
 
Accounts receivable from affiliates
    
 32 
    
 35 
 
Unbilled revenues
    
 75 
    
 98 
 
Materials and supplies
    
 39 
    
 42 
 
Prepayments
    
 148 
    
 78 
 
Other current assets
    
 32 
    
 30 
 
Total Current Assets
    
 770 
    
 883 
                   
Property, Plant and Equipment
            
 
Regulated utility plant
    
 5,932 
    
 5,830 
 
Less: accumulated depreciation - regulated utility plant
    
 2,241 
    
 2,217 
   
Regulated utility plant, net
    
 3,691 
    
 3,613 
 
Other, net
    
 2 
    
 2 
 
Construction work in progress
    
 235 
    
 242 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment, net
    
 3,928 
    
 3,857 
                   
Other Noncurrent Assets
            
 
Regulatory assets
    
 731 
    
 729 
 
Intangibles
    
 157 
    
 155 
 
Other noncurrent assets
    
 81 
    
 81 
 
Total Other Noncurrent Assets
    
 969 
    
 965 
                   
Total Assets
  
$
 5,667 
  
$
 5,705 
                   
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
18
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars, shares in thousands)
                   
         
March 31,
  
December 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Liabilities and Equity
            
                   
Current Liabilities
            
 
Accounts payable
  
$
 150 
  
$
 171 
 
Accounts payable to affiliates
    
 61 
    
 64 
 
Interest
    
 19 
    
 24 
 
Regulatory liabilities
    
 53 
    
 53 
 
Customer deposits and prepayments
    
 16 
    
 39 
 
Vacation
    
 24 
    
 22 
 
Other current liabilities
    
 69 
    
 47 
 
Total Current Liabilities
    
 392 
    
 420 
                   
Long-term Debt
    
 1,718 
    
 1,718 
                   
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
            
 
Deferred income taxes
    
 1,167 
    
 1,115 
 
Investment tax credits
    
 4 
    
 5 
 
Accrued pension obligations
    
 136 
    
 186 
 
Regulatory liabilities
    
 12 
    
 7 
 
Other deferred credits and noncurrent liabilities
    
 115 
    
 129 
 
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
    
 1,434 
    
 1,442 
                   
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 6 and 10)
            
                   
Shareowners' Equity
            
 
Preferred securities
    
 250 
    
 250 
 
Common stock - no par value (a)
    
 364 
    
 364 
 
Additional paid-in capital
    
 979 
    
 979 
 
Earnings reinvested
    
 530 
    
 532 
 
Total Equity
    
 2,123 
    
 2,125 
                   
Total Liabilities and Equity
  
$
 5,667 
  
$
 5,705 

(a)
170,000 shares authorized; 66,368 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
19
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
                             
       
Common
                   
       
stock
                   
       
shares
 
Preferred
      
Additional
        
       
outstanding
  
securities
  
Common
  
 paid-in
  
Earnings
    
       
 (a)
  
(b)
  
 stock
  
 capital
  
 reinvested
  
Total
                                       
December 31, 2011
  
 66,368 
  
$
 250 
  
$
 364 
  
$
 979 
  
$
 532 
  
$
 2,125 
Net income
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 37 
    
 37 
Cash dividends declared on preferred securities
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 (4)
    
 (4)
Cash dividends declared on common stock
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 (35)
    
 (35)
March 31, 2012
  
 66,368 
  
$
 250 
  
$
 364 
  
$
 979 
  
$
 530 
  
$
 2,123 
                                       
December 31, 2010
  
 66,368 
  
$
 250 
  
$
 364 
  
$
 879 
  
$
 451 
  
$
 1,944 
Net income
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 56 
    
 56 
Cash dividends declared on preferred securities
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 (4)
    
 (4)
Cash dividends declared on common stock
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 (18)
    
 (18)
March 31, 2011
  
 66,368 
  
$
 250 
  
$
 364 
  
$
 879 
  
$
 485 
  
$
 1,978 

(a)
Shares in thousands.  All common shares of PPL Electric stock are owned by PPL.
(b)
In April 2012, PPL Electric gave notice that it had elected to redeem all of its outstanding preference stock on June 18, 2012.  See Note 7 for additional information.

 
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
20
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
LG&E and KU Energy LLC and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
            
(Millions of Dollars)
                   
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
             
Operating Revenues
  
$
 705 
  
$
 766 
             
Operating Expenses
            
 
Operation
            
   
Fuel
    
 213 
    
 215 
   
Energy purchases
    
 74 
    
 107 
   
Other operation and maintenance
    
 206 
    
 181 
 
Depreciation
    
 86 
    
 81 
 
Taxes, other than income
    
 11 
    
 9 
 
Total Operating Expenses
    
 590 
    
 593 
                   
Operating Income
    
 115 
    
 173 
                   
Other Income (Expense) - net
    
 (3)
    
 (1)
             
Interest Expense
    
 38 
    
 36 
                   
Income Before Income Taxes
    
 74 
    
 136 
                   
Income Taxes
    
 21 
    
 49 
                   
Net Income
  
$
 53 
  
$
 87 

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
21
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
LG&E and KU Energy LLC and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
                   
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
       
 
          
Net income
  
$
 53 
  
$
 87 
                   
Other comprehensive income (loss):
            
Amounts arising during the period - gains (losses), net of tax (expense)
            
 
benefit:
            
   
Equity investee's other comprehensive income (loss), net
            
     
of tax of $2, $0
    
 (4)
    
 (1)
Reclassification to net income - (gains) losses, net of tax expense
            
 
(benefit):
            
   
Defined benefit plans:
            
     
Net actuarial loss, net of tax of $0, $0
    
 
    
 (1)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
    
 (4)
    
 (2)
                   
Comprehensive income (loss)
  
$
 49 
  
$
 85 
                   
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
22
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
LG&E and KU Energy LLC and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
                   
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
            
 
Net income
  
$
 53 
  
$
 87 
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
            
   
Depreciation
    
 86 
    
 81 
   
Amortization
    
 7 
    
 7 
   
Defined benefit plans - expense
    
 10 
    
 12 
   
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
    
 32 
    
 120 
   
Other
    
 (1)
    
 (10)
 
Change in current assets and current liabilities
            
   
Accounts receivable
    
 
    
 13 
   
Accounts payable
    
 16 
    
 (22)
   
Accounts payable to affiliates
    
 4 
    
 (1)
   
Unbilled revenues
    
 29 
    
 39 
   
Fuel, materials and supplies
    
 29 
    
 43 
   
Income tax receivable
    
 (9)
    
 (26)
   
Accrued interest
    
 30 
    
 28 
   
Other
    
 (1)
    
 (29)
 
Other operating activities
            
   
Defined benefit plans - funding
    
 (58)
    
 (153)
   
Other assets
    
 (1)
    
 
   
Other liabilities
    
 6 
    
 4 
     
Net cash provided by operating activities
    
 232 
    
 193 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
            
 
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment
    
 (174)
    
 (69)
 
Proceeds from the sale of other investments
    
 
    
 163 
 
Net (increase) decrease in notes receivable from affiliates
    
 10 
    
 16 
 
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash and cash equivalents
    
 2 
    
 (2)
     
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    
 (162)
    
 108 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
            
 
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt
    
 
    
 (163)
 
Debt issuance and credit facility costs
    
 
    
 (1)
 
Distributions to member
    
 (25)
    
 (54)
     
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    
 (25)
    
 (218)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    
 45 
    
 83 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
    
 59 
    
 11 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  
$
 104 
  
$
 94 
                   
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
23
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
LG&E and KU Energy LLC and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
                   
         
March 31,
  
December 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Assets
            
                   
Current Assets
            
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 104 
  
$
 59 
 
Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2012, $20; 2011, $17)
            
   
Customer
    
 141 
    
 135 
   
Other
    
 9 
    
 14 
 
Unbilled revenues
    
 117 
    
 146 
 
Fuel, materials and supplies
    
 254 
    
 283 
 
Prepayments
    
 17 
    
 22 
 
Notes receivable from affiliates
    
 5 
    
 15 
 
Income tax receivable
    
 12 
    
 3 
 
Deferred income taxes
    
 72 
    
 17 
 
Regulatory assets
    
 15 
    
 9 
 
Other current assets
    
 1 
    
 3 
 
Total Current Assets
    
 747 
    
 706 
                   
Investments
    
 24 
    
 31 
                   
Property, Plant and Equipment
            
 
Regulated utility plant
    
 7,652 
    
 7,519 
 
Less: accumulated depreciation - regulated utility plant
    
 337 
    
 277 
   
Regulated utility plant, net
    
 7,315 
    
 7,242 
 
Other, net
    
 2 
    
 2 
 
Construction work in progress
    
 531 
    
 557 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment, net
    
 7,848 
    
 7,801 
                   
Other Noncurrent Assets
            
 
Regulatory assets
    
 603 
    
 620 
 
Goodwill
    
 996 
    
 996 
 
Other intangibles
    
 302 
    
 314 
 
Other noncurrent assets
    
 106 
    
 108 
 
Total Other Noncurrent Assets
    
 2,007 
    
 2,038 
                   
Total Assets
  
$
 10,626 
  
$
 10,576 
                   
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
24
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
LG&E and KU Energy LLC and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
         
March 31,
  
December 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Liabilities and Equity
            
                   
Current Liabilities
            
 
Accounts payable
  
$
 195 
  
$
 224 
 
Accounts payable to affiliates
    
 6 
    
 2 
 
Customer deposits
    
 45 
    
 45 
 
Taxes
    
 34 
    
 25 
 
Regulatory liabilities
    
 21 
    
 20 
 
Interest
    
 53 
    
 23 
 
Salaries and benefits
    
 47 
    
 64 
 
Other current liabilities
    
 32 
    
 30 
 
Total Current Liabilities
    
 433 
    
 433 
                   
Long-term Debt
    
 4,074 
    
 4,073 
             
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
            
 
Deferred income taxes
    
 501 
    
 413 
 
Investment tax credits
    
 143 
    
 144 
 
Accrued pension obligations
    
 310 
    
 359 
 
Asset retirement obligations
    
 117 
    
 116 
 
Regulatory liabilities
    
 997 
    
 1,003 
 
Price risk management liabilities
    
 49 
    
 55 
 
Other deferred credits and noncurrent liabilities
    
 237 
    
 239 
 
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
    
 2,354 
    
 2,329 
                   
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 6 and 10)
            
                   
Member's Equity
    
 3,765 
    
 3,741 
                   
Total Liabilities and Equity
  
$
 10,626 
  
$
 10,576 
                   
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
25
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF MEMBER'S EQUITY
LG&E and KU Energy LLC and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
     
   
Member's
   
Equity
     
December 31, 2011
  
$
3,741 
Net income
    
 53 
Distributions to member
    
 (25)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    
 (4)
March 31, 2012
  
$
 3,765 
       
December 31, 2010
  
$
4,011 
Net income
    
 87 
Distributions to member
    
 (54)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    
 (2)
March 31, 2011
  
$
 4,042 

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
26
 
 


(THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY.)

 
27
 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
                   
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Operating Revenues
            
 
Retail and wholesale
  
$
 329 
  
$
 371 
 
Electric revenue from affiliate
    
 24 
    
 27 
 
Total Operating Revenues
    
 353 
    
 398 
                   
Operating Expenses
            
 
Operation
            
   
Fuel
    
 89 
    
 85 
   
Energy purchases
    
 69 
    
 99 
   
Energy purchases from affiliate
    
 4 
    
 11 
   
Other operation and maintenance
    
 98 
    
 90 
 
Depreciation
    
 38 
    
 36 
 
Taxes, other than income
    
 5 
    
 4 
 
Total Operating Expenses
    
 303 
    
 325 
                   
Operating Income
    
 50 
    
 73 
                   
Other Income (Expense) - net
    
 1 
    
 (1)
                   
Interest Expense
    
 11 
    
 11 
                   
Income Before Income Taxes
    
 40 
    
 61 
                   
Income Taxes
    
 15 
    
 22 
                   
Net Income (a)
  
$
 25 
  
$
 39 

(a)      Net income approximates comprehensive income.

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
28
 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
                   
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
            
 
Net income
  
$
 25 
  
$
 39 
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
            
   
Depreciation
    
 38 
    
 36 
   
Defined benefit plans - expense
    
 4 
    
 5 
   
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
    
 16 
    
 13 
   
Other
    
 (1)
    
 (1)
 
Change in current assets and current liabilities
            
   
Accounts receivable
    
 (9)
    
 9 
   
Accounts payable
    
 14 
    
 (13)
   
Accounts payable to affiliates
    
 (10)
    
 (5)
   
Unbilled revenues
    
 16 
    
 23 
   
Fuel, materials and supplies
    
 19 
    
 40 
   
Other
    
 13 
    
 8 
 
Other operating activities
            
   
Defined benefit plans - funding
    
 (24)
    
 (65)
   
Other liabilities
    
 1 
    
 2 
     
Net cash provided by operating activities
    
 102 
    
 91 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
            
 
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment
    
 (60)
    
 (33)
 
Proceeds from the sale of other investments
    
 
    
 163 
 
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash and cash equivalents
    
 2 
    
 (2)
     
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    
 (58)
    
 128 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
            
 
Net increase (decrease) in notes payable with affiliates
    
 
    
 (12)
 
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt
    
 
    
 (163)
 
Debt issuance and credit facility costs
    
 
    
 (1)
 
Payment of common stock dividends to parent
    
 (15)
    
 (17)
     
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    
 (15)
    
 (193)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    
 29 
    
 26 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
    
 25 
    
 2 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  
$
 54 
  
$
 28 
                   
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
29
 

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars, shares in thousands)
                   
         
March 31,
  
December 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Assets
            
                   
Current Assets
            
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 54 
  
$
 25 
 
Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2012, $2; 2011, $2)
            
   
Customer
    
 64 
    
 62 
   
Other
    
 5 
    
 7 
 
Unbilled revenues
    
 49 
    
 65 
 
Accounts receivable from affiliates
    
 20 
    
 11 
 
Fuel, materials and supplies
    
 123 
    
 142 
 
Prepayments
    
 5 
    
 7 
 
Income taxes receivable
    
 3 
    
 4 
 
Deferred income taxes
    
 2 
    
 2 
 
Regulatory assets
    
 14 
    
 9 
 
Other current assets
    
 1 
    
 
 
Total Current Assets
    
 340 
    
 334 
                   
Property, Plant and Equipment
            
 
Regulated utility plant
    
 3,027 
    
 2,956 
 
Less: accumulated depreciation - regulated utility plant
    
 144 
    
 116 
   
Regulated utility plant, net
    
 2,883 
    
 2,840 
 
Construction work in progress
    
 184 
    
 215 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment, net
    
 3,067 
    
 3,055 
                   
Other Noncurrent Assets
            
 
Regulatory assets
    
 389 
    
 403 
 
Goodwill
    
 389 
    
 389 
 
Other intangibles
    
 160 
    
 166 
 
Other noncurrent assets
    
 38 
    
 40 
 
Total Other Noncurrent Assets
    
 976 
    
 998 
                   
Total Assets
  
$
 4,383 
  
$
 4,387 
                   
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
30
 
 
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars, shares in thousands)
         
March 31,
  
December 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Liabilities and Equity
            
                   
Current Liabilities
            
 
Accounts payable
  
$
 97 
  
$
 94 
 
Accounts payable to affiliates
    
 16 
    
 26 
 
Customer deposits
    
 22 
    
 22 
 
Taxes
    
 18 
    
 13 
 
Regulatory liabilities
    
 10 
    
 10 
 
Interest
    
 12 
    
 6 
 
Salaries and benefits
    
 12 
    
 13 
 
Other current liabilities
    
 19 
    
 15 
 
Total Current Liabilities
    
 206 
    
 199 
                   
Long-term Debt
    
 1,112 
    
 1,112 
             
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
            
 
Deferred income taxes
    
 492 
    
 475 
 
Investment tax credits
    
 42 
    
 43 
 
Accrued pension obligations
    
 72 
    
 95 
 
Asset retirement obligations
    
 55 
    
 55 
 
Regulatory liabilities
    
 473 
    
 478 
 
Price risk management liabilities
    
 49 
    
 55 
 
Other deferred credits and noncurrent liabilities
    
 110 
    
 113 
 
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
    
 1,293 
    
 1,314 
                   
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 6 and 10)
            
                   
Stockholder's Equity
            
 
Common stock - no par value (a)
    
 424 
    
 424 
 
Additional paid-in capital
    
 1,278 
    
 1,278 
 
Earnings reinvested
    
 70 
    
 60 
Total Equity
    
 1,772 
    
 1,762 
                   
Total Liabilities and Equity
  
$
 4,383 
  
$
 4,387 

(a)      75,000 shares authorized; 21,294 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
31
 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
                        
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
                     
     
Common
                        
     
stock
                        
     
shares
          
Additional
            
     
outstanding
    
Common
    
paid-in
    
Earnings
      
     
(a)
    
stock
    
capital
    
reinvested
    
Total
                               
December 31, 2011
  
21,294 
  
$
424 
  
$
1,278 
  
$
60 
  
$
1,762 
Net income
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 25 
    
 25 
Cash dividends declared on common stock
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 (15)
    
 (15)
March 31, 2012
  
21,294 
  
$
 424 
  
$
 1,278 
  
$
 70 
  
$
 1,772 
                               
December 31, 2010
  
21,294 
  
$
424 
  
$
1,278 
  
$
19 
  
$
1,721 
Net income
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 39 
    
 39 
Cash dividends declared on common stock
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 (17)
    
 (17)
March 31, 2011
  
 21,294 
  
$
 424 
  
$
 1,278 
  
$
 41 
  
$
 1,743 

 
(a)
Shares in thousands.  All common shares of LG&E stock are owned by LKE.

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
32
 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Kentucky Utilities Company
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
                   
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Operating Revenues
            
 
Retail and wholesale
  
$
 376 
  
$
 395 
 
Electric revenue from affiliate
    
 4 
    
 11 
 
Total Operating Revenues
    
 380 
    
 406 
                   
Operating Expenses
            
 
Operation
            
   
Fuel
    
 124 
    
 130 
   
Energy purchases
    
 5 
    
 8 
   
Energy purchases from affiliate
    
 24 
    
 27 
   
Other operation and maintenance
    
 95 
    
 84 
 
Depreciation
    
 48 
    
 45 
 
Taxes, other than income
    
 6 
    
 5 
 
Total Operating Expenses
    
 302 
    
 299 
                   
Operating Income
    
 78 
    
 107 
                   
Other Income (Expense) - net
    
 (1)
    
 1 
                   
Interest Expense
    
 17 
    
 18 
                   
Income Before Income Taxes
    
 60 
    
 90 
                   
Income Taxes
    
 22 
    
 32 
                   
Net Income
  
$
 38 
  
$
 58 

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
33
 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Kentucky Utilities Company
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
                   
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
                   
Net income
  
$
 38 
  
$
 58 
                   
Other comprehensive income (loss):
            
Amounts arising during the period - gains (losses), net of tax (expense)
            
 
benefit:
            
   
Equity investees' other comprehensive income (loss), net of
            
     
tax of $2, $0
    
 (4)
    
 (1)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
    
 (4)
    
 (1)
                   
Comprehensive income (loss)
  
$
 34 
  
$
 57 
                   
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
34
 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Kentucky Utilities Company
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
                   
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
            
 
Net income
  
$
 38 
  
$
 58 
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
            
   
Depreciation
    
 48 
    
 45 
   
Defined benefit plans - expense
    
 3 
    
 4 
   
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
    
 25 
    
 22 
   
Other
    
 6 
    
 (3)
 
Change in current assets and current liabilities
            
   
Accounts receivable
    
 (7)
    
 20 
   
Accounts payable
    
 10 
    
 3 
   
Accounts payable to affiliates
    
 3 
    
 (7)
   
Unbilled revenues
    
 13 
    
 16 
   
Fuel, materials and supplies
    
 10 
    
 3 
   
Other
    
 16 
    
 13 
 
Other operating activities
            
   
Defined benefit plans - funding
    
 (17)
    
 (44)
   
Other assets
    
 (1)
    
 
   
Other liabilities
    
 5 
    
 1 
     
Net cash provided by operating activities
    
 152 
    
 131 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
            
 
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment
    
 (113)
    
 (36)
     
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    
 (113)
    
 (36)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
            
 
Net increase (decrease) in notes payable with affiliates
    
 
    
 (10)
 
Payment of common stock dividends to parent
    
 (24)
    
 (31)
     
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    
 (24)
    
 (41)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    
 15 
    
 54 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
    
 31 
    
 3 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  
$
 46 
  
$
 57 
                   
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
35
 

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
Kentucky Utilities Company
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars, shares in thousands)
                   
         
March 31,
  
December 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Assets
            
                   
Current Assets
            
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 46 
  
$
 31 
 
Accounts receivable (less reserve: 2012, $2; 2011, $2)
            
   
Customer
    
 77 
    
 73 
   
Other
    
 4 
    
 5 
 
Unbilled revenues
    
 68 
    
 81 
 
Accounts receivable from affiliates
    
 3 
    
 
 
Fuel, materials and supplies
    
 131 
    
 141 
 
Prepayments
    
 6 
    
 7 
 
Income taxes receivable
    
 4 
    
 5 
 
Deferred income taxes
    
 5 
    
 5 
 
Regulatory assets
    
 1 
    
 
 
Other current assets
    
 4 
    
 3 
 
Total Current Assets
    
 349 
    
 351 
                   
Investments
    
 23 
    
 31 
                   
Property, Plant and Equipment
            
 
Regulated utility plant
    
 4,625 
    
 4,563 
 
Less: accumulated depreciation - regulated utility plant
    
 193 
    
 161 
   
Regulated utility plant, net
    
 4,432 
    
 4,402 
 
Construction work in progress
    
 345 
    
 340 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment, net
    
 4,777 
    
 4,742 
                   
Other Noncurrent Assets
            
 
Regulatory assets
    
 214 
    
 217 
 
Goodwill
    
 607 
    
 607 
 
Other intangibles
    
 142 
    
 148 
 
Other noncurrent assets
    
 61 
    
 60 
 
Total Other Noncurrent Assets
    
 1,024 
    
 1,032 
                   
Total Assets
  
$
 6,173 
  
$
 6,156 
                   
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
36
 

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
Kentucky Utilities Company
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars, shares in thousands)
         
March 31,
  
December 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Liabilities and Equity
            
                   
Current Liabilities
            
 
Accounts payable
  
$
 88 
  
$
 112 
 
Accounts payable to affiliates
    
 36 
    
 33 
 
Customer deposits
    
 23 
    
 23 
 
Taxes
    
 15 
    
 11 
 
Interest
    
 26 
    
 11 
 
Regulatory liabilities
    
 11 
    
 10 
 
Salaries and benefits
    
 10 
    
 14 
 
Other current liabilities
    
 14 
    
 14 
 
Total Current Liabilities
    
 223 
    
 228 
                   
Long-term Debt
    
 1,842 
    
 1,842 
             
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
            
 
Deferred income taxes
    
 508 
    
 484 
 
Investment tax credits
    
 101 
    
 101 
 
Accrued pension obligations
    
 70 
    
 83 
 
Asset retirement obligations
    
 62 
    
 61 
 
Regulatory liabilities
    
 524 
    
 525 
 
Other deferred credits and noncurrent liabilities
    
 88 
    
 87 
 
Total Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
    
 1,353 
    
 1,341 
                   
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Notes 6 and 10)
            
                   
Stockholder's Equity
            
 
Common stock - no par value (a)
    
 308 
    
 308 
 
Additional paid-in capital
    
 2,348 
    
 2,348 
 
Earnings reinvested
    
 103 
    
 89 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    
 (4)
    
 
 
Total Equity
    
 2,755 
    
 2,745 
                   
Total Liabilities and Equity
  
$
 6,173 
  
$
 6,156 

(a)      80,000 shares authorized; 37,818 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
37
 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
Kentucky Utilities Company
(Unaudited)
(Millions of Dollars)
 
                        
   
Common
                              
   
stock
                      
Accumulated
      
   
shares
          
Additional
          
other
      
   
outstanding
    
Common
    
paid-in
    
Earnings
    
comprehensive
      
   
(a)
    
stock
    
capital
    
reinvested
    
loss
    
Total
                                   
December 31, 2011
  
37,818 
  
$
308 
  
$
2,348 
  
$
89 
  
 
 
  
$
2,745 
Net income
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 38 
    
 
    
 38 
Cash dividends declared on common stock
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 (24)
    
 
    
 (24)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
   $ 
 (4)
    
 (4)
March 31, 2012
  
37,818 
  
$
 308 
  
$
 2,348 
  
$
 103 
  
$
 (4)
  
$
 2,755 
                                   
December 31, 2010
  
37,818 
  
$
308 
  
$
2,348 
  
$
35 
  
 
 
  
$
2,691 
Net income
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 58 
    
 
    
 58 
Cash dividends declared on common stock
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 (31)
    
 
    
 (31)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
  
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
  
$
 (1)
    
 (1)
March 31, 2011
  
37,818 
  
$
 308 
  
$
 2,348 
  
$
 62 
  
$
 (1)
  
$
 2,717 

(a)
Shares in thousands.  All common shares of KU stock are owned by LKE.

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

 
38
 

Combined Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1.  Interim Financial Statements

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

Capitalized terms and abbreviations appearing in the unaudited combined notes to condensed financial statements are defined in the glossary.  Dollars are in millions, except per share data, unless otherwise noted.

The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and, therefore, do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. are reflected in the condensed financial statements.  All adjustments are of a normal recurring nature, except as otherwise disclosed.  Each Registrant's Balance Sheet at December 31, 2011 is derived from that Registrant's 2011 audited Balance Sheet.  The financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes contained in each Registrant's 2011 Form 10-K.  The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2012, or other future periods, because results for interim periods can be disproportionately influenced by various factors and developments and seasonal variations.

The classification of certain prior period amounts has been changed to conform to the presentation in the March 31, 2012 financial statements.

(PPL)

On April 1, 2011, PPL, through its indirect, wholly owned subsidiary PPL WEM, completed its acquisition of all of the outstanding ordinary share capital of Central Networks East plc and Central Networks Limited, the sole owner of Central Networks West plc, together with certain other related assets and liabilities (collectively referred to as Central Networks and subsequently renamed WPD Midlands), from subsidiaries of E.ON AG.  Therefore, 2012 includes three months of operating results of WPD Midlands with no comparable amounts for the same period in 2011.  See Note 8 for additional information.

PPL consolidates WPD, including WPD Midlands, on a one-month lag.  Material intervening events, such as debt issuances that occur in the lag period, are recognized in the current period financial statements.  Events that are significant but not material are disclosed.

2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

The following accounting policy disclosures represent updates to Note 1 in each Registrant's 2011 Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with those disclosures.

Accounts Receivable (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

PPL Electric's customers may choose an alternative supplier for their generation supply.  In accordance with a PUC-approved purchase of accounts receivable program, PPL Electric continues to purchase certain accounts receivable from alternative suppliers at a nominal discount, which reflects a provision for uncollectible accounts.  The alternative suppliers (including PPL Electric's affiliate, PPL EnergyPlus) have no continuing involvement or interest in the purchased accounts receivable.  The purchased accounts receivable are initially recorded at fair value using a market approach based on the purchase price paid and are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.  PPL Electric receives a nominal fee for administering its program.  During the three months ended March 31, 2012, PPL Electric purchased $287 million of accounts receivable from unaffiliated third parties and $98 million from its affiliate, PPL EnergyPlus.  During the three months ended March 31, 2011, PPL Electric purchased $254 million of accounts receivable from unaffiliated third parties and $61 million from its affiliate, PPL EnergyPlus.


 
39
 

New Accounting Guidance Adopted (PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

Fair Value Measurements

Effective January 1, 2012, the Registrants prospectively adopted accounting guidance that was issued to clarify existing fair value measurement guidance as well as enhance fair value disclosures.  The additional disclosures required by this guidance include quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used for Level 3 measurements, qualitative information about the sensitivity of recurring Level 3 measurements, information about any transfers between Level 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy, information about when the current use of a non-financial asset is different from the highest and best use, and the hierarchy classification for assets and liabilities whose fair value is disclosed only in the notes to the financial statements.

The adoption of this standard resulted in additional footnote disclosure but did not have a significant impact on the Registrants.  See Note 13 for additional disclosures required by this guidance.

Testing Goodwill for Impairment

Effective January 1, 2012, the Registrants prospectively adopted accounting guidance which allows an entity to elect the option to first make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of an impairment of goodwill.  If, based on this assessment, the entity determines it is not more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not necessary.  However, the first step of the impairment test is required if an entity concludes it is more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount based on the qualitative assessment.

The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Registrants.

3.  Segment and Related Information

(PPL)

See Note 2 in PPL's 2011 Form 10-K for a discussion of reportable segments.  In 2012, the International Regulated segment was renamed the U.K. Regulated segment to more specifically reflect the focus of this segment.  Other than the name change, there were no other changes to this segment.  Since the acquisition of WPD Midlands occurred on April 1, 2011, the operating results of the U.K. Regulated segment are not comparable between 2012 and 2011.

Financial data for the segments are:
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2012 
  
2011 
Income Statement Data
          
Revenues from external customers
          
 
Kentucky Regulated
$
 705 
  
$
 766 
 
U.K. Regulated
  
 562 
    
 225 
 
Pennsylvania Regulated
  
 457 
    
 554 
 
Supply (a)
  
 2,388 
    
 1,365 
Total
$
 4,112 
  
$
 2,910 
             
Intersegment electric revenues
          
 
Pennsylvania Regulated
$
 1 
  
$
 4 
 
Supply
  
 21 
    
 6 
             
Net Income Attributable to PPL
          
 
Kentucky Regulated
$
 42 
  
$
 75 
 
U.K. Regulated
  
 165 
    
 55 
 
Pennsylvania Regulated
  
 33 
    
 52 
 
Supply (a)
  
 301 
    
 219 
Total
$
 541 
  
$
 401 

   
March 31,
  
December 31,
   
2012 
  
2011 
Balance Sheet Data
          
Total Assets
          
 
Kentucky Regulated (b)
$
 10,225 
  
$
 10,229 
 
U.K. Regulated
  
 13,779 
    
 13,364 
 
Pennsylvania Regulated
  
 5,600 
    
 5,610 
 
Supply (b)
  
 14,478 
    
 13,445 
Total
$
 44,082 
  
$
 42,648 

 
40
 


(a)
Includes unrealized gains and losses from economic activity.  See Note 14 for additional information.
(b)
A portion of the goodwill related to the 2010 LKE acquisition has been attributed to PPL's supply segment.

4.  Earnings Per Share

(PPL)

Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to PPL common shareowners by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted EPS is computed by dividing income available to PPL common shareowners by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding that are increased for additional shares that would be outstanding if potentially dilutive non-participating securities were converted to common shares as calculated using the treasury stock method.  In 2012 and 2011, these securities included stock options and performance units granted under incentive compensation plans.  Additionally, the Purchase Contracts associated with the Equity Units will be dilutive under the treasury stock method if the average VWAP of PPL's common stock for a certain period exceeds approximately $30.99 and $28.80, for the 2011 and 2010 Purchase Contracts.  The Purchase Contracts were excluded from the diluted EPS calculations for 2012 because they did not meet this criteria during the first quarter of 2012. The 2010 Purchase Contracts were excluded from the diluted EPS calculation for 2011 because they did not meet this criteria during the first quarter of 2011.  Subject to antidilution adjustments at March 31, 2012, the maximum number of shares issuable to settle the Purchase Contracts was 99,743,870 shares, including 86,552,565 shares that could be issued under standard provisions of the Purchase Contracts and 13,191,305 shares that could be issued under make-whole provisions in the event of early settlement upon a Fundamental Change.  In April 2012, PPL entered into forward sale agreements for PPL common stock.  See Note 7 for additional information.

Reconciliations of the amounts of income and shares of PPL common stock (in thousands) for the three months ended March 31 used in the EPS calculation are:

         
2012 
  
2011 
Income (Numerator)
            
Income from continuing operations after income taxes attributable to PPL
  
$
 541 
  
$
 398 
Less amounts allocated to participating securities
    
 3 
    
 2 
Income from continuing operations after income taxes available to PPL common shareowners
  
$
 538 
  
$
 396 
                   
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (net of income taxes) available to PPL
  
$
 
  
$
 3 
                   
Net income attributable to PPL
  
$
 541 
  
$
 401 
Less amounts allocated to participating securities
    
 3 
    
 2 
Net income available to PPL common shareowners
  
$
 538 
  
$
 399 
                   
Shares of Common Stock (Denominator)
            
Weighted-average shares - Basic EPS
    
 579,041 
    
 484,138 
Add incremental non-participating securities:
            
   
Stock options and performance units
    
 486 
    
 207 
Weighted-average shares - Diluted EPS
    
 579,527 
    
 484,345 
                   
Basic EPS
            
Available to PPL common shareowners:
            
   
Income from continuing operations after income taxes
  
$
 0.93 
  
$
 0.82 
   
Net Income
  
$
 0.93 
  
$
 0.82 
                   
Diluted EPS
            
Available to PPL common shareowners:
            
   
Income from continuing operations after income taxes
  
$
 0.93 
  
$
 0.82 
   
Net Income
  
$
 0.93 
  
$
 0.82 

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, PPL issued 276,582 shares of common stock related to the exercise of stock options, vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units and conversion of stock units granted to directors under its stock-based compensation plans.  In addition, PPL issued 279,945 and 558,019 shares of common stock related to its ESOP and DRIP.

For the three months ended March 31, the following stock options to purchase PPL common stock and performance units were excluded from the computations of diluted EPS because the effect would have been antidilutive.

(Shares in thousands)
  
2012 
  
2011 
             
Stock options
    
 5,682 
    
 6,614 
Performance units
    
 195 
    
 6 
 
41
 
5.  Income Taxes
                   
Reconciliations of income tax expense are:
                   
(PPL)
                   
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense
            
 
Federal income tax on Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
            
   
at statutory tax rate - 35%
  
$
 281 
  
$
 219 
Increase (decrease) due to:
            
 
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
    
 24 
    
 25 
 
State valuation allowance adjustments (a)
    
 
    
 11 
 
Impact of lower U.K. income tax rates
    
 (21)
    
 (8)
 
U.S. income tax on foreign earnings - net of foreign tax credit (b)
    
 2 
    
 (6)
 
Foreign tax reserve adjustments
    
 3 
    
 
 
Federal income tax credits
    
 (4)
    
 (5)
 
Amortization of investment tax credit
    
 (2)
    
 (3)
 
Depreciation not normalized (a)
    
 (2)
    
 (4)
 
State deferred tax rate change (c)
    
 (11)
    
 
 
Net operating loss carryforward adjustment (d)
    
 (6)
    
 
 
Other
    
 (5)
    
 (6)
     
Total increase (decrease)
    
 (22)
    
 4 
Total income taxes from continuing operations
  
$
 259 
  
$
 223 

(a)
In February 2011, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue issued interpretive guidance on the treatment of bonus depreciation for Pennsylvania income tax purposes.  In accordance with Corporation Tax Bulletin 2011-01, Pennsylvania allows 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying assets in the same year bonus depreciation is allowed for federal tax purposes.  Due to the decrease in projected taxable income related to bonus depreciation, PPL recorded state deferred income tax expense during the three months ended March 31, 2011 related to valuation allowances.

Additionally, the 100% Pennsylvania bonus depreciation deduction created a current state income tax benefit for the flow-through impact of Pennsylvania regulated state tax depreciation.  The federal provision for 100% bonus depreciation generally applies to property placed in service before January 1, 2012.  The placed in service deadline is extended to January 1, 2013 for property that exceeds $1 million, has a production period longer than one year and has a tax life of at least ten years.
(b)
During the three months ended March 31, 2011, PPL recorded a $7 million federal income tax benefit related to U.K. pension contributions.
(c)
During the three months ended March 31, 2012, PPL recorded an $11 million adjustment related to state deferred tax liabilities.
(d)
During the three months ended March 31, 2012, PPL recorded an adjustment to deferred taxes related to net operating loss carryforwards of LKE.

(PPL Energy Supply)
            
                   
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense
            
 
Federal income tax on Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
            
   
at statutory tax rate - 35%
  
$
 170 
  
$
 124 
Increase (decrease) due to:
            
 
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
    
 23 
    
 17 
 
State valuation allowance adjustments (a)
    
 
    
 6 
 
Federal income tax credits
    
 (4)
    
 (5)
 
State deferred tax rate change (b)
    
 (11)
    
 
 
Other
    
 (1)
    
 
     
Total increase (decrease)
    
 7 
    
 18 
Total income taxes from continuing operations
  
$
 177 
  
$
 142 

(a)
In February 2011, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue issued interpretive guidance on the treatment of bonus depreciation for Pennsylvania income tax purposes.  In accordance with Corporation Tax Bulletin 2011-01, Pennsylvania allows 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying assets in the same year bonus depreciation is allowed for federal tax purposes.  Due to the decrease in projected taxable income related to bonus depreciation, PPL Energy Supply recorded a $6 million state deferred income tax expense during the three months ended March 31, 2011 related to valuation allowances.
(b)
During the three months ended March 31, 2012, PPL Energy Supply recorded an $11 million adjustment related to state deferred tax liabilities.
 
42
 

(PPL Electric)
            
                   
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense
            
 
Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at statutory tax rate - 35%
  
$
 20 
  
$
 28 
Increase (decrease) due to:
            
 
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
    
 2 
    
 4 
 
Federal and state tax reserve adjustments
    
 (1)
    
 (2)
 
Federal and state income tax return adjustments (a)
    
 
    
 (2)
 
Depreciation not normalized (a)
    
 (1)
    
 (3)
 
Other
    
 
    
 (2)
     
Total increase (decrease)
    
 
    
 (5)
Total income taxes
  
$
 20 
  
$
 23 

(a)
In February 2011, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue issued interpretive guidance on the treatment of bonus depreciation for Pennsylvania income tax purposes.  In accordance with Corporation Tax Bulletin 2011-01, Pennsylvania allows 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying assets in the same year bonus depreciation is allowed for federal tax purposes.  The 100% Pennsylvania bonus depreciation deduction created a current state income tax benefit for the flow-through impact of Pennsylvania regulated state tax depreciation.  The federal provision for 100% bonus depreciation generally applies to property placed in service before January 1, 2012.

(LKE)
            
     
 
            
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense
            
 
Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at statutory tax rate - 35%
  
$
 26 
  
$
 47 
Increase (decrease) due to:
            
 
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
    
 2 
    
 5 
 
Net operating loss carryforward adjustment (a)
    
 (6)
    
 
 
Other
    
 (1)
    
 (3)
     
Total increase (decrease)
    
 (5)
    
 2 
Total income taxes
  
$
 21 
  
$
 49 

(a)
During the three months ended March 31, 2012, LKE recorded a prior period adjustment to deferred taxes related to net operating loss carryforwards.  The impact of this adjustment was not material to any previously reported financial statements, and is not expected to be material to the financial statements for the full year of 2012.

(LG&E)
            
                   
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense
            
 
Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at statutory tax rate - 35%
  
$
 14 
  
$
 21 
Increase (decrease) due to:
            
 
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
    
 1 
    
 2 
 
Amortization of investment tax credit
    
 (1)
    
 (1)
 
Other
    
 1 
    
 
     
Total increase (decrease)
    
 1 
    
 1 
Total income taxes
  
$
 15 
  
$
 22 

(KU)
            
                   
         
Three Months Ended March 31,
         
2012 
  
2011 
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense
            
 
Federal income tax on Income Before Income Taxes at statutory tax rate - 35%
  
$
 21 
  
$
 31 
Increase (decrease) due to:
            
 
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
    
 2 
    
 3 
 
Other
    
 (1)
    
 (2)
     
Total increase (decrease)
    
 1 
    
 1 
Total income taxes
  
$
 22 
  
$
 32 

Unrecognized Tax Benefits (PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

Changes to unrecognized tax benefits were as follows:

 
43
 

     
Three Months Ended March 31,
     
2012 
  
2011 
PPL
            
 
Beginning of period
  
$
145 
  
$
251 
 
Additions based on tax positions of prior years
    
4 
    
 
 
Reductions based on tax positions of prior years
    
(27)
    
 
 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
    
1 
    
 
 
Reductions based on tax positions related to the current year
    
 
    
(1)
 
Lapse of applicable statutes of limitations
    
(2)
    
(2)
 
Effects of foreign currency translation
    
 
    
3 
 
End of period
  
$
121 
  
$
251 
               
PPL Energy Supply
            
 
Beginning of period
  
$
28 
  
$
183 
 
Additions based on tax positions of prior years
    
4 
    
 
 
Reductions based on tax positions of prior years
    
(1)
    
 
 
Derecognition (a)
    
 
    
(155)
 
End of period
  
$
31 
  
$
28 
               
PPL Electric
            
 
Beginning of period
  
$
73 
  
$
62 
 
Reductions based on tax positions of prior years
    
(26)
    
 
 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
    
1 
    
 
 
Reductions based on tax positions related to the current year
    
 
    
(1)
 
Lapse of applicable statutes of limitations
    
(2)
    
(2)
 
End of period
  
$
46 
  
$
59 

(a)
Represents unrecognized tax benefits derecognized as a result of PPL Energy Supply's distribution of its membership interest in PPL Global to PPL Energy Supply's parent, PPL Energy Funding.

LKE's, LG&E's and KU's unrecognized tax benefits and changes in those unrecognized tax benefits were insignificant for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

At March 31, 2012, it was reasonably possible that during the next 12 months the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits could increase or decrease by the following amounts.  For LKE, LG&E and KU, no significant changes in unrecognized tax benefits are reasonably possible over the next 12 months.

       
Increase
  
Decrease
                 
PPL
  
$
 17 
  
$
 111 
PPL Energy Supply
    
 1 
    
 31 
PPL Electric
    
 23 
    
 39 

These potential changes could result from subsequent recognition, derecognition and/or changes in the measurement of uncertain tax positions related to the creditability of foreign taxes, the timing and utilization of foreign tax credits and the related impact on alternative minimum tax and other credits, the timing and/or valuation of certain deductions, intercompany transactions and unitary filing groups.  The events that could cause these changes are direct settlements with taxing authorities, litigation, legal or administrative guidance by relevant taxing authorities and the lapse of an applicable statute of limitation.

At March 31, the total unrecognized tax benefits and related effects that, if recognized, would decrease the effective tax rate were as follows.  The amounts for LKE, LG&E and KU were insignificant.

   
2012 
  
2011 
             
PPL
  
$
41 
  
$
181 
PPL Energy Supply
    
14 
    
12 
PPL Electric
    
6 
    
12 

Other (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

PPL changed its method of accounting for repair expenditures for tax purposes effective for its 2008 tax year for the Pennsylvania generation, transmission and distribution operations.  The same change was made for the Montana generation operations for 2009.

In August 2011, the IRS issued Rev. Procs. 2011-42 and 2011-43.  Rev. Proc. 2011-42 provides guidance regarding the use and evaluation of statistical samples and sampling estimates.  Rev. Proc. 2011-43 provides a safe harbor method of determining whether the repair expenditures for electric transmission and distribution property can be currently deducted for
 
44
 
tax purposes.  If PPL adopts the safe harbor method of Rev. Proc. 2011-43, the amount of deductible versus capitalizable expenditures will likely be different from PPL's current method.  PPL does not believe any resulting adjustment to unrecognized tax benefits or income tax liabilities will have a significant impact on net income.

The IRS has not issued guidance to provide a safe harbor method for repair expenditures for generation property.  The IRS may assert and ultimately conclude that PPL's deduction for generation-related expenditures should be disallowed in whole or in part.  PPL believes that it has established an adequate liability for this issue.

Tax Litigation (PPL)

In 1997, the U.K. imposed a Windfall Profits Tax (WPT) on privatized utilities, including WPD.  PPL filed its tax returns for years subsequent to its 1997 and 1998 claim for refund on the basis that the U.K. WPT was creditable.  In September 2010, the U.S. Tax Court (Tax Court) ruled in PPL's favor in a dispute with the IRS, concluding that the U.K. WPT is a creditable tax for U.S. tax purposes.  As a result, and with finalization of other issues, PPL recorded a $42 million tax benefit in 2010.  In January 2011, the IRS appealed the Tax Court's decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (Third Circuit).  In December 2011, the Third Circuit issued its opinion reversing the Tax Court's decision, holding that the U.K. WPT is not a creditable tax.  As a result of the Third Circuit's adverse determination, PPL recorded a $39 million expense in the fourth quarter of 2011.  In February 2012, PPL filed a petition for rehearing of the Third Circuit opinion.  In March 2012, the Third Circuit denied PPL's petition.  PPL is considering whether to file a petition for a writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court.

6.  Utility Rate Regulation

(PPL, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

The following table provides information about the regulatory assets and liabilities of cost-based rate regulated utility operations.

     
PPL
  
PPL Electric
     
March 31,
  
December 31,
  
March 31,
  
December 31,
     
2012 
  
2011 
  
2012 
  
2011 
                           
Current Regulatory Assets:
                        
 
Gas supply clause
  
$
 7 
  
$
 6 
    
 
    
 
 
Fuel adjustment clause
    
 8 
    
 3 
    
 
    
 
Total current regulatory assets
  
$
 15 
  
$
 9 
    
 
    
 
                           
Noncurrent Regulatory Assets:
                        
 
Defined benefit plans
  
$
 605 
  
$
 615 
  
$
 273 
  
$
 276 
 
Taxes recoverable through future rates
    
 293 
    
 289 
    
 293 
    
 289 
 
Storm costs
    
 149 
    
 154 
    
 30 
    
 31 
 
Unamortized loss on debt
    
 106 
    
 110 
    
 74 
    
 77 
 
Interest rate swaps
    
 62 
    
 69 
    
 
    
 
 
Accumulated cost of removal of utility plant
    
 59 
    
 53 
    
 59 
    
 53 
 
Coal contracts (a)
    
 9 
    
 11 
    
 
    
 
 
AROs
    
 21 
    
 18 
    
 
    
 
 
Other
    
 30 
    
 30 
    
 2 
    
 3 
Total noncurrent regulatory assets
  
$
 1,334 
  
$
 1,349 
  
$
 731 
  
$
 729 

Current Regulatory Liabilities:
                        
 
Generation supply charge
  
$
 35 
  
$
 42 
  
$
 35 
  
$
 42 
 
ECR
    
 9 
    
 7 
    
 
    
 
 
Gas supply clause
    
 6 
    
 6 
    
 
    
 
 
Transmission service charge
    
 5 
    
 2 
    
 5 
    
 2 
 
Transmission formula rate
    
 7 
    
 
    
 7 
    
 
 
Other
    
 12 
    
 16 
    
 6 
    
 9 
Total current regulatory liabilities
  
$
 74 
  
$
 73 
  
$
 53 
  
$
 53 
                           
Noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities:
                        
 
Accumulated cost of removal of utility plant
  
$
 658 
  
$
 651 
    
 
    
 
 
Coal contracts (a)
    
 170 
    
 180 
    
 
    
 
 
Power purchase agreement - OVEC (a)
    
 114 
    
 116 
    
 
    
 
 
Net deferred tax assets
    
 38 
    
 39 
    
 
    
 
 
Act 129 compliance rider
    
 12 
    
 7 
  
$
 12 
  
$
 7 
 
Defined benefit plans
    
 9 
    
 9 
    
 
    
 
 
Other
    
 8 
    
 8 
    
 
    
 
Total noncurrent regulatory liabilities
  
$
 1,009 
  
$
 1,010 
  
$
 12 
  
$
 7 
 
45
 
     
LKE
  
LG&E
  
KU
     
March 31,
  
December 31,
  
March 31,
  
December 31,
  
March 31,
  
December 31,
     
2012 
  
2011 
  
2012 
  
2011 
  
2012 
  
2011 
                                       
Current Regulatory Assets:
                                    
 
Gas supply clause
  
$
 7 
  
$
 6 
  
$
 7 
  
$
 6 
    
 
    
 
 
Fuel adjustment clause
    
 8 
    
 3 
    
 7 
    
 3 
  
$
 1 
    
 
Total current regulatory assets
  
$
 15 
  
$
 9 
  
$
 14 
  
$
 9 
  
$
 1 
    
 
                                       
Noncurrent Regulatory Assets:
                                    
 
Defined benefit plans
  
$
 332 
  
$
 339 
  
$
 220 
  
$
 225 
  
$
 112 
  
$
 114 
 
Storm costs
    
 119 
    
 123 
    
 64 
    
 66 
    
 55 
    
 57 
 
Unamortized loss on debt
    
 32 
    
 33 
    
 20 
    
 21 
    
 12 
    
 12 
 
Interest rate swaps
    
 62 
    
 69 
    
 62 
    
 69 
    
 
    
 
 
Coal contracts (a)
    
 9 
    
 11 
    
 4 
    
 5 
    
 5 
    
 6 
 
AROs
    
 21 
    
 18 
    
 12 
    
 11 
    
 9 
    
 7 
 
Other
    
 28 
    
 27 
    
 7 
    
 6 
    
 21 
    
 21 
Total noncurrent regulatory assets
  
$
 603 
  
$
 620 
  
$
 389 
  
$
 403 
  
$
 214 
  
$
 217 

Current Regulatory Liabilities:
                                    
   
ECR
  
$
 9 
  
$
 7 
    
 
    
 
  
$
 9 
  
$
 7 
   
Gas supply clause
    
 6 
    
 6 
  
$
 6 
  
$
 6 
    
 
    
 
   
Other
    
 6 
    
 7 
    
 4 
    
 4 
    
 2 
    
 3 
Total current regulatory liabilities
  
$
 21 
  
$
 20 
  
$
 10 
  
$
 10 
  
$
 11 
  
$
 10 
                                         
Noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities:
                                    
 
Accumulated cost of removal
                                    
   
of utility plant
  
$
 658 
  
$
 651 
  
$
 287 
  
$
 286 
  
$
 371 
  
$
 365 
 
Coal contracts (a)
    
 170 
    
 180 
    
 73 
    
 78 
    
 97 
    
 102 
 
Power purchase agreement - OVEC (a)
    
 114 
    
 116 
    
 79 
    
 80 
    
 35 
    
 36 
 
Net deferred tax assets
    
 38 
    
 39 
    
 31 
    
 31 
    
 7 
    
 8 
 
Defined benefit plans
    
 9 
    
 9 
    
 
    
 
    
 9 
    
 9 
 
Other
    
 8 
    
 8 
    
 3 
    
 3 
    
 5 
    
 5 
Total noncurrent regulatory liabilities
  
$
 997 
  
$
 1,003 
  
$
 473 
  
$
 478 
  
$
 524 
  
$
 525 

(a)
These regulatory assets and liabilities were recorded as offsets to certain intangible assets and liabilities that were recorded at fair value upon the acquisition of LKE.

Regulatory Matters

Kentucky Activities (PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

CPCN Filing

In September 2011, LG&E and KU filed a CPCN with the KPSC requesting approval to build a 640 MW NGCC at the existing Cane Run plant site.  LG&E will own a 22% undivided interest, and KU will own a 78% undivided interest in the new NGCC.  In addition, LG&E and KU also requested approval to purchase the Bluegrass CTs which are expected to provide up to 495 MW of peak generation supply.  LG&E will own a 69% undivided interest, and KU will own a 31% undivided interest in the purchased assets.  In November 2011, LG&E and KU filed an application with the FERC requesting approval to purchase the Bluegrass CTs.  In conjunction with these developments, in 2015, LG&E and KU anticipate retiring three coal-fired generating units at LG&E's Cane Run plant and also one coal-fired generating unit at KU's Tyrone plant and two at KU's Green River plant.  These generating units represent 797 MW of combined summer capacity.

LG&E and KU anticipate that the NGCC construction and the acquisition of the Bluegrass CTs could require up to $800 million (comprised of up to $300 million for LG&E and up to $500 million for KU) in capital costs including related transmission projects.  See Note 8 for additional information.  Formal requests for recovery of the costs associated with the NGCC construction and the acquisition of the Bluegrass CTs were not included in the CPCN filing with the KPSC but are expected to be included in future rate proceedings.  In May 2012, the KPSC issued an order approving the request to build the NGCC and purchase the Bluegrass CTs.  Also, on May 4, 2012, the FERC issued an order conditionally authorizing the acquisition of the Bluegrass CTs, subject to implementation of satisfactory mitigation measures to address market-power concerns.  FERC approval of the proposed mitigation measures is required.  LG&E and KU are reviewing the order's conditions and their impact on the closing conditions under the Bluegrass CTs purchase contract, as well as other regulatory, operational and economic aspects of the transaction. PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU cannot currently predict the ultimate outcome of this matter.
 
Kentucky Acquisition Commitments

In connection with the September 2010 approval of PPL's acquisition of LKE, LG&E and KU agreed to implement the Acquisition Savings Sharing Deferral (ASSD) methodology whereby LG&E's and KU's adjusted jurisdictional revenues,
 
46
 
expenses, and net operating income are calculated each year.  If LG&E's or KU's actual earned rate of return on common equity exceeds 10.75%, half of the excess amount will be deferred as a regulatory liability and ultimately returned to customers.  The first ASSD filing with the KPSC was made on March 30, 2012 based on the 2011 calendar year.  Based upon the actual earned rate of return on common equity for 2011 and the current estimates of the outcome of an ASSD filing in 2012, LG&E and KU have not recognized any impact of the ASSD in the financial statements.  The ASSD methodology for each of LG&E's and KU's utility operations will terminate on the earlier of the end of 2015 or the first day of the calendar year during which new base rates go into effect.

Pennsylvania Activities (PPL and PPL Electric)

PUC Investigation of Retail Market

In April 2011, the PUC opened an investigation of Pennsylvania's retail electricity market to be conducted in two phases.  Phase one addressed the status of the existing retail market and explored potential changes.  Questions issued by the PUC for this phase of the investigation focused primarily on default service issues. Phase two was initiated in July 2011 to develop specific proposals for changes to the retail market and default service model.  In December 2011, the PUC issued a final order providing guidance to EDCs on the design of their next default service procurement plan filings.  In December 2011, the PUC also issued a tentative order proposing an intermediate work plan to address issues raised in the investigation.  In March 2012, the PUC entered a final order on the intermediate work plan.  In March 2012, the PUC Staff issued three possible models for the default service "end state" and the PUC held a hearing regarding those three models.  PPL Electric cannot predict the outcome of the investigation.

Legislation - Regulatory Procedures and Mechanisms

In June 2011, the Pennsylvania House Consumer Affairs Committee approved legislation authorizing the PUC to approve regulatory procedures and mechanisms to provide more timely recovery of a utility's costs.  In the first quarter of 2012, the Governor signed an amended version of the legislation (Act 11 of 2012), which became effective April 14, 2012.  The legislation authorizes the PUC to approve two specific ratemaking mechanisms -- a fully projected future test year and, subject to certain conditions, a distribution system improvements charge.  Such alternative ratemaking procedures and mechanisms are important to PPL Electric as it begins a period of significant increasing capital investment to maintain and enhance the reliability of its delivery system, including the replacement of aging distribution assets.  The PUC staff has initiated a process to develop filing guidelines and a model tariff for the distribution system improvements charge.  No petition requesting permission to establish a distribution system improvements charge may be filed with the PUC before January 1, 2013.

Federal Matters (PPL and PPL Electric)

FERC Formula Rates

Transmission rates are regulated by the FERC.  PPL Electric's transmission revenues are billed in accordance with a FERC-approved PJM open access transmission tariff that utilizes a formula-based rate recovery mechanism.

In May 2010, PPL Electric initiated its formula rate 2010 Annual Update.  In November 2010, a group of municipal customers taking transmission service in PPL Electric's transmission zone filed a preliminary challenge to the update and, in December 2010, filed a formal challenge.  In August 2011, the FERC issued an order substantially rejecting the formal challenge and accepting PPL Electric's 2010 Annual Update.  The group of municipal customers filed a request for rehearing of that order.

In June 2011, PPL Electric initiated its formula rate 2011 Annual Update.  In October 2011, the group of municipal customers filed a preliminary challenge to the update and, in December 2011, filed a formal challenge.  PPL Electric filed a response to that formal challenge.  PPL Electric cannot predict the outcome of these two proceedings, which remain pending before the FERC.

In March 2012, PPL Electric filed a request with the FERC seeking recovery, over a 34-year period beginning in June 2012, of its unrecovered regulatory asset related to the deferred state tax liability that existed at the time of the transition from the flow-through treatment of state income taxes to full normalization.  This change in tax treatment occurred in 2008 as a result of prior FERC initiatives that transferred regulatory jurisdiction of certain transmission assets from the PUC to FERC.  A regulatory asset of $51 million related to this transition, classified as taxes recoverable through future rates, is included in "Other Noncurrent Assets - Regulatory assets" on the Balance Sheets at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  PPL Electric believes recoverability of this regulatory asset is probable based on FERC precedent in similar cases; however, it is reasonably possible that the FERC may limit the recovery of all or part of the claimed asset.
 
47
 
U.K. Activities (PPL)

Ofgem Review of Line Loss Calculation

WPD has a $173 million liability recorded at March 31, 2012 compared with $170 million at December 31, 2011, calculated in accordance with Ofgem's accepted methodology, related to the close-out of line losses for the prior price control period, DPCR4.  Ofgem is currently consulting on the methodology used to calculate the final line loss incentive/penalty for the DPCR4.  In October 2011, Ofgem issued a consultation paper citing two potential changes to the methodology, both of which would result in a reduction of the liability.  In March 2012, Ofgem issued a decision regarding the preferred methodology and in April 2012, WPD submitted further data as requested by Ofgem.  PPL cannot predict the outcome of this matter, but expects resolution to occur before the end of 2012.

7.  Financing Activities

Credit Arrangements and Short-term Debt

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

The Registrants maintain credit facilities to enhance liquidity and provide credit support, and as a backstop to commercial paper programs, when necessary.  The following credit facilities were in place at:

             
March 31, 2012
  
December 31, 2011
                               
Letters of
            
Letters of
                               
Credit Issued
              
Credit Issued
                               
and
              
and
                               
Commercial
              
Commercial
             
Expiration
        
Borrowed
  
Paper
  
Unused
  
Borrowed
  
Paper
             
 Date
  
Capacity
  
(a)
  
Backstop
  
Capacity
  
(a)
  
Backstop
PPL
                                        
 
WPD Credit Facilities
                                        
   
PPL WW Syndicated
                                        
     
Credit Facility (b)
  
Jan. 2013
  
£
 150 
  
£
 110 
    
n/a
  
£
 40 
  
£
 111 
    
n/a
   
WPD (South West)
                                        
     
Syndicated Credit Facility (c)
  
Jan. 2017
    
 245 
    
 
    
n/a
    
 245 
          
n/a
   
WPD (East Midlands)
                                        
     
Syndicated Credit Facility
  
Apr. 2016
    
 300 
        
£
 70 
    
 230 
        
£
 70 
   
WPD (West Midlands)
                                        
     
Syndicated Credit Facility
  
Apr. 2016
    
 300 
          
 71 
    
 229 
          
 71 
   
Uncommitted Credit Facilities
        
 73 
          
 3 
    
 70 
          
 3 
     
Total WPD Credit Facilities (d)
      
£
 1,068 
  
£
 110 
  
£
 144 
  
£
 814 
  
£
 111 
  
£
 144 
                                                     
PPL Energy Supply (e)
                                        
 
Syndicated Credit Facility
  
Oct. 2016
  
$
 3,000 
        
$
 634 
  
$
 2,366 
        
$
 541 
 
Letter of Credit Facility
  
Mar. 2013
    
 200 
    
n/a
    
 144 
    
 56 
    
n/a
    
 89 
     
Total PPL Energy Supply
                                        
       
Credit Facilities
      
$
 3,200 
    
 
  
$
 778 
  
$
 2,422 
    
 
  
$
 630 
                                                     
PPL Electric (e)
                                        
 
Syndicated Credit Facility (f)
  
Oct. 2016
  
$
 200 
    
 
  
$
 1 
  
$
 199 
        
$
 1 
 
Asset-backed Credit Facility (g)
  
July 2012
    
 150 
    
 
    
n/a
    
 150 
          
n/a
     
Total PPL Electric Credit Facilities
      
$
 350 
    
 
  
$
 1 
  
$
 349 
    
 
  
$
 1 
                                                     
LG&E (e) (h)
                                        
 
Syndicated Credit Facility
  
Oct. 2016
  
$
 400 
    
 
    
 
  
$
 400 
            
                                                     
KU (e) (h)
                                        
 
Syndicated Credit Facility
  
Oct. 2016
  
$
 400 
    
 
        
$
 400 
            
 
Letter of Credit Facility
  
Apr. 2014
    
 198 
    
n/a
  
$
 198 
    
 
    
n/a
  
$
 198 
     
Total KU Credit Facilities
      
$
 598 
    
 
  
$
 198 
  
$
 400 
    
 
  
$
 198 

(a)
Amounts borrowed are recorded as "Short-term debt" on the Balance Sheets.

(b)
The borrowing outstanding at March 31, 2012 was a USD-denominated borrowing of $174 million, which equated to £110 million at the time of borrowing and bore interest at approximately 1.458%.

(c)
In January 2012, WPD (South West) entered into a new £245 million 5-year syndicated credit facility to replace its existing £210 million 3-year syndicated credit facility that was set to expire in July 2012.  Under the facility, WPD (South West) has the ability to make cash borrowings but cannot request the lenders to issue letters of credit.  WPD (South West) pays customary commitment fees under this facility and borrowings bear interest at
 
48
 

 
LIBOR-based rates plus a margin.  The credit facility contains financial covenants that require WPD (South West) to maintain an interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.0 times consolidated earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization and total net debt not in excess of 85% of its RAV, in each case calculated in accordance with the credit facility.

(d)
At March 31, 2012, the unused capacity of the WPD credit facilities was approximately $1.3 billion.

(e)
All credit facilities at PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LG&E and KU also apply to PPL on a consolidated basis for financial reporting purposes.

(f)
In April 2012, PPL Electric increased the capacity of its syndicated credit facility to $300 million.

(g)
PPL Electric participates in an asset-backed commercial paper program through which PPL Electric obtains financing by selling and contributing its eligible accounts receivable and unbilled revenue to a special purpose, wholly owned subsidiary on an ongoing basis.  The subsidiary has pledged these assets to secure loans from a commercial paper conduit sponsored by a financial institution.

 
At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $260 million and $251 million of accounts receivable and $75 million and $98 million of unbilled revenue were pledged by the subsidiary under the credit agreement related to PPL Electric's and the subsidiary's participation in the asset-backed commercial paper program.  Based on the accounts receivable and unbilled revenue pledged at March 31, 2012, the amount available for borrowing under the facility was limited to $82 million.  PPL Electric's sale to its subsidiary of the accounts receivable and unbilled revenue is an absolute sale of assets, and PPL Electric does not retain an interest in these assets.  However, for financial reporting purposes, the subsidiary's financial results are consolidated in PPL Electric's financial statements.  PPL Electric performs certain record-keeping and cash collection functions with respect to the assets in return for a servicing fee from the subsidiary.

(h)
All credit facilities at LG&E and KU also apply to LKE on a consolidated basis for financial reporting purposes.  

(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

PPL Energy Supply maintains a $500 million Facility Agreement expiring June 2017, whereby PPL Energy Supply has the ability to request up to $500 million of committed letter of credit capacity at fees to be agreed upon at the time of each request, based on certain market conditions.  At March 31, 2012, PPL Energy Supply has not requested any capacity for the issuance of letters of credit under this arrangement.

PPL Energy Supply, PPL EnergyPlus, PPL Montour and PPL Brunner Island maintain an $800 million secured energy marketing and trading facility, whereby PPL EnergyPlus will receive credit to be applied to satisfy collateral posting obligations related to its energy marketing and trading activities with counterparties participating in the facility.  The credit amount is guaranteed by PPL Energy Supply, PPL Montour and PPL Brunner Island.  PPL Montour and PPL Brunner Island have granted liens on their respective generating facilities to secure any amount they may owe under their guarantees.  The facility expires in November 2015, but is subject to automatic one-year renewals under certain conditions.  There were no secured obligations outstanding under this facility at March 31, 2012.

In April 2012, PPL Energy Supply increased the capacity of its commercial paper program from $500 million to $750 million to provide an additional financing source to fund its short-term liquidity needs, if and when necessary.  Commercial paper issuances are supported by PPL Energy Supply's Syndicated Credit Facility.  At March 31, 2012, PPL Energy Supply had $500 million of commercial paper outstanding, included in "Short-term debt" on the Balance Sheet, at a weighted-average interest rate of approximately 0.47%.

(PPL and PPL Electric)

PPL Electric maintains a commercial paper program for up to $200 million to provide an additional financing source to fund its short-term liquidity needs, if and when necessary.  Commercial paper issuances are supported by PPL Electric's Syndicated Credit Facility.  PPL Electric had no commercial paper outstanding at March 31, 2012.

(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

In February 2012, LG&E and KU each established a commercial paper program for up to $250 million to provide an additional financing source to fund their short-term liquidity needs.  Commercial paper issuances will be supported by LG&E and KU's Syndicated Credit Facilities.  LG&E and KU had no commercial paper outstanding at March 31, 2012.

(PPL Energy Supply, LKE, LG&E and KU)

See Note 11 for discussion of intercompany borrowings.


 
49
 

Long-term Debt and Equity Securities

(PPL)

In April 2012, PPL made a registered underwritten public offering of 9.9 million shares of its common stock. In conjunction with that offering, the underwriters exercised an option to purchase an additional 590,880 shares of PPL common stock solely to cover over-allotments.

In connection with the registered public offering, PPL entered into forward sale agreements with two counterparties covering the 9.9 million shares of PPL's common stock.  Settlement of these initial forward sale agreements will occur no later than April 2013.  As a result of the underwriters' exercise of the overallotment option, PPL entered into additional forward sale agreements covering the additional 590,880 shares of common stock.  Settlement of the subsequent forward sale agreements will occur in July 2013.  Upon any physical settlement of any forward sale agreement, PPL will issue and deliver to the forward counterparties shares of its common stock in exchange for cash proceeds per share equal to the forward sale price.  The forward sale price will be calculated based on an initial forward price of $27.02 per share reduced during the period the contracts are outstanding as specified in the forward sale agreements.  PPL may, in certain circumstances, elect cash settlement or net share settlement for all or a portion of its rights or obligations under the forward sale agreements.

PPL will not receive any proceeds or issue any shares of common stock until settlement of the forward sale agreements.  PPL intends to use any net proceeds that it receives upon settlement to repay short-term debt obligations and for other general corporate purposes.

The forward sale agreements will be classified as equity transactions.  As a result, no amounts will be recorded in the consolidated financial statements until the settlement of the forward sale agreements.  Prior to those settlements, the only impact to the financial statements will be the inclusion of incremental shares within the calculation of diluted EPS using the treasury stock method.

Also in April 2012, WPD (East Midlands) issued £100 million aggregate principal amount of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2023.  WPD (East Midlands) received proceeds of approximately £111 million, which equated to $178 million at the time of issuance, net of underwriting fees.  The net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes.

(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

In April 2012, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply completed the Ironwood Acquisition.  See Note 8 for information on the transaction and the debt of PPL Ironwood, LLC assumed through consolidation as part of the acquisition.

(PPL and PPL Electric)

In April 2012, PPL Electric gave notice that it had elected to redeem all 2.5 million shares of its 6.25% Series Preference Stock, par value $100 per share, on June 18, 2012.  The price to be paid for the redemption is the par value, without premium ($250 million in the aggregate).  The Preference Stock is reflected on PPL's Balance Sheets in "Noncontrolling Interests" and in "Preferred Securities" on PPL Electric's Balance Sheets at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

(PPL and LKE)

In April 2012, LKE filed a Form S-4 Registration Statement with the SEC, as required by a registration rights agreement entered into in connection with the issuance of senior notes in September 2011 in a transaction not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.  The Form S-4 relates to an offer to exchange the senior notes issued in September 2011, with similar but registered securities.  See Note 7 in PPL's and LKE's 2011 Form 10-K for additional information.

Legal Separateness

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric and LKE)

The subsidiaries of PPL are separate legal entities.  PPL's subsidiaries are not liable for the debts of PPL.  Accordingly, creditors of PPL may not satisfy their debts from the assets of PPL's subsidiaries absent a specific contractual undertaking by a subsidiary to pay PPL's creditors or as required by applicable law or regulation.  Similarly, absent a specific contractual undertaking or as required by applicable law or regulation, PPL is not liable for the debts of its subsidiaries, nor are its subsidiaries liable for the debts of one another.  Accordingly, creditors of PPL's subsidiaries may not satisfy their debts from

 
50
 
the assets of PPL or its other subsidiaries absent a specific contractual undertaking by PPL or its other subsidiaries to pay the creditors or as required by applicable law or regulation.

Similarly, the subsidiaries of PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric and LKE are each separate legal entities.  These subsidiaries are not liable for the debts of PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric and LKE.  Accordingly, creditors of PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric and LKE may not satisfy their debts from the assets of their subsidiaries absent a specific contractual undertaking by a subsidiary to pay the creditors or as required by applicable law or regulation.  Similarly, absent a specific contractual undertaking or as required by applicable law or regulation, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric and LKE are not liable for the debts of their subsidiaries, nor are their subsidiaries liable for the debts of one another.  Accordingly, creditors of these subsidiaries may not satisfy their debts from the assets of PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric and LKE (or their other subsidiaries) absent a specific contractual undertaking by that parent or other subsidiary to pay such creditors or as required by applicable law or regulation.

Distributions and Capital Contributions

(PPL)

In February 2012, PPL declared its quarterly common stock dividend, payable April 2, 2012, at 36.0 cents per share (equivalent to $1.44 per annum).  Future dividends, declared at the discretion of the Board of Directors, will be dependent upon future earnings, cash flows, financial and legal requirements and other factors.

(PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the following distributions occurred:

       
PPL Energy
                        
       
Supply
  
PPL Electric
  
LKE
  
LG&E
  
KU
                                   
Dividends/distributions paid to parent/member
  
$
 557 
  
$
 35 
  
$
 25 
  
$
 15 
  
$
 24 
 
(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)
 
In February 2012, LG&E and KU filed an application with the FERC seeking authorization to pay dividends in the future based on earnings reinvested balances, which would be calculated ignoring the impact of the accounting for the acquisition by PPL.  If approved, as of March 31, 2012, this would increase the balance available for dividends from LG&E by $809 million and KU by $1.4 billion.  LG&E and KU do not anticipate changing their dividend practices as a result of the filing.

8.  Acquisitions, Development and Divestitures

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

The Registrants periodically evaluate opportunities for potential acquisitions, divestitures and development projects.  Development projects are periodically reexamined based on market conditions and other factors to determine whether to proceed with the projects, sell, cancel or expand them, execute tolling agreements or pursue other options.  Any resulting transactions may impact future financial results.

Acquisitions

Ironwood Acquisition (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

In April 2012, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply completed the acquisition from a subsidiary of The AES Corporation of all of the equity interests of AES Ironwood, L.L.C. (subsequently renamed PPL Ironwood, LLC) and AES Prescott, L.L.C. (subsequently renamed PPL Prescott, LLC), which own and operate, respectively, the Ironwood Facility.  The Ironwood Facility began operation in 2001 and, since 2008, PPL EnergyPlus has supplied natural gas for the operation of the Ironwood Facility and received the facility's full electricity output and capacity value pursuant to a tolling agreement that expires in 2021.  The acquisition provides PPL Energy Supply, through its subsidiaries, operational control of additional combined-cycle gas generation in PJM.

At the date of acquisition, total future minimum lease payments to be made by PPL EnergyPlus to PPL Ironwood, LLC under the tolling agreement were $270 million.  These payments will continue to be made by PPL EnergyPlus to PPL Ironwood, LLC following the acquisition.  The tolling agreement obligation of PPL Ironwood, LLC will be recognized as a liability at fair value on the acquisition date.  This liability of PPL Ironwood, LLC, and the existing assets recognized by PPL
 
51
 
EnergyPlus (which represent PPL EnergyPlus' rights to and the related accounting for the tolling agreement), will eliminate in consolidation because PPL Ironwood, LLC is now a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply as a result of the acquisition.  Any difference between these assets and the liability recorded will result in a gain or loss on the acquisition date.  PPL Energy Supply cannot estimate the amount of this gain or loss at this time.  See Note 11 in PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's 2011 Form 10-K for additional information on the tolling agreement.

The consideration paid for this acquisition, subject to working capital, net indebtedness and fair value adjustments, was as follows.

Aggregate enterprise consideration
  
$
 302 
Less: estimated long-term debt outstanding assumed through consolidation (net of restricted cash reserves)
    
 217 
Cash consideration paid for equity interests (including estimated working capital adjustments)
  
$
 85 

The estimated long-term debt outstanding assumed through consolidation consisted of $226 million of 8.857% senior secured bonds due 2025, plus $8 million of debt service reserve loans, net of $17 million of restricted cash reserves.

PPL Energy Supply has not completed its analysis of the allocation of the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities assumed due to the timing of the closing of the transaction.  PPL Energy Supply cannot estimate at this time the amount of goodwill, if any, that will result from this acquisition.

Acquisition of WPD Midlands (PPL)

See Notes 1 and 10 in PPL's 2011 Form 10-K for information on PPL's April 1, 2011 acquisition of WPD Midlands.

Separation Benefits - U.K. Regulated Segment

In connection with the 2011 acquisition, PPL completed a reorganization designed to transition WPD Midlands from a functional structure to a regional structure requiring a smaller combined support structure, reducing duplication and implementing more efficient procedures.  More than 700 employees of WPD Midlands will have received separation benefits as a result of the reorganization by the end of 2012.

Separation benefits totaling $104 million, pre-tax, were associated with the reorganization, of which $93 million were recorded in the second half of 2011.  Additional severance compensation was recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2012, as shown in the table below.  The separation benefits are included in "Other operation and maintenance" on the Statement of Income.

The carrying amount of accrued severance was as follows.

Accrued severance at December 31, 2011
  
$
21 
Severance compensation
    
 6 
Severance paid
    
 (8)
Accrued severance at March 31, 2012
  
$
 19 

Pro forma Information

The pro forma operating revenues and net income attributable to PPL for the three months ended March 31, which includes WPD Midlands as if the acquisition had occurred January 1, 2010, are as follows.

                 
2011 
                         
Operating Revenues - PPL consolidated pro forma
                    
$
 3,215 
Net Income Attributable to PPL - PPL consolidated pro forma
                      
 526 

The pro forma financial information presented above has been derived from the historical consolidated financial statements of PPL and from the historical combined financial statements of WPD Midlands.  Income (loss) from discontinued operations (net of income taxes), which was not significant, was excluded from the pro forma amounts above.

The pro forma adjustments include adjustments to depreciation, net periodic pension costs, interest expense, nonrecurring adjustments and the related income tax effects.  Nonrecurring adjustments for the three months ended March 31 include the following pre-tax credits (expenses).
 
52
 

       
Income Statement
        
       
Line Item
      
2011 
                     
 
2011 Bridge Facility costs
  
Interest Expense
        
$
 (7)
 
Net hedge losses
  
Other Income (Expense) - net
          
 (7)
 
Other acquisition-related costs (a)
  
Other Income (Expense) - net
          
 (11)

(a)
Primarily includes advisory, accounting and legal fees.

Pending Bluegrass CTs Acquisition (PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

In September 2011, LG&E and KU entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Bluegrass Generation for the purchase of the Bluegrass CTs, aggregating approximately 495 MW, plus limited associated contractual arrangements required for operation of the units, for a purchase price of $110 million.  Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, LG&E and KU will jointly acquire the Bluegrass CTs as tenants in common, with LG&E as owner of a 69% undivided interest, and KU as owner of a 31% undivided interest, in the purchased assets.  In May 2012, the KPSC issued an order approving the purchase of the Bluegrass CTs.  Also, on May 4, 2012, the FERC issued an order conditionally authorizing the acquisition of the Bluegrass CTs, subject to implementation of satisfactory mitigation measures to address market-power concerns.  FERC approval of the proposed mitigation measures is required.  LG&E and KU are reviewing the order's conditions and their impact on the closing conditions under the Bluegrass CTs purchase contract, as well as other regulatory, operational and economic aspects of the transaction.  Either party can terminate the Asset Purchase Agreement should the purchase transaction fail to occur by June 30, 2012.  PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU cannot currently predict the ultimate outcome of this matter.
 
Development

NGCC Construction (PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

In September 2011, LG&E and KU requested KPSC approval to build a 640 MW NGCC at the existing Cane Run plant site in Kentucky.  In May 2012, the KPSC issued an order approving the request to build the NGCC.  Subject to entering into contracting agreements, completing remaining permitting activities and building schedules, construction is expected to begin in 2012 and be completed during 2015.  The project, which includes building a natural gas supply pipeline, has an expected cost of approximately $580 million.

In conjunction with this request and to meet new, stricter federal EPA regulations, LG&E and KU anticipate retiring six older coal-fired electric generating units at the Cane Run, Green River and Tyrone plants, which have a combined summer rating of 797 MW.  The Cane Run and Green River coal units are anticipated to remain operational until the replacement generation and associated transmission projects are completed.  See Note 6 for additional information.

Bell Bend COLA (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

The NRC continues to review the COLA submitted by a PPL Energy Supply subsidiary, PPL Bell Bend, LLC (PPL Bell Bend) for the proposed Bell Bend nuclear generating unit (Bell Bend) to be built adjacent to the Susquehanna plant.  PPL Bell Bend has made no decision to proceed with construction of Bell Bend and expects that such decision will not be made for several years given the anticipated lengthy NRC license approval process.  Additionally, PPL Bell Bend has announced that it does not expect to proceed with construction absent favorable economics, a joint arrangement with other interested parties and a federal loan guarantee or other acceptable financing.  PPL Bell Bend is currently authorized to spend up to $162 million through 2012 on the COLA and other permitting costs (including land costs) necessary for construction.  At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $137 million and $131 million of costs associated with the licensing application were capitalized and are included on the Balance Sheets in noncurrent "Other intangibles."  PPL Bell Bend believes it is probable that these costs are ultimately recoverable following NRC approval of the COLA either through construction of the new nuclear unit, transfer of the COLA rights to a joint venture, or sale of the COLA rights to another party.  PPL Bell Bend remains active in the DOE Federal loan guarantee application process.  See Note 8 in PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's 2011 Form 10-K for additional information.

Susquehanna-Roseland Transmission Line (PPL and PPL Electric)

PPL Electric has experienced delays in obtaining necessary National Park Service (NPS) approvals for the Susquehanna-Roseland transmission line and anticipates a delay of the line's in-service date to 2015.  In March 2012, the NPS announced that the route proposed by PPL Electric and PSE&G, previously approved by the Pennsylvania and New Jersey public utility commissions, is the preferred route for the line under the NPS's National Environmental Policy Act review.  The NPS has stated that it expects to issue its record of decision in October 2012.  An appeal of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approval of the line is pending before the New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division.  PPL Electric cannot predict the
 
53
 
ultimate outcome or timing of the NPS approval or any further legal challenges to the project.  PJM has developed a strategy to manage potential reliability problems until the line is built.  PPL Electric cannot predict what additional actions, if any, PJM might take in the event of a further delay to its scheduled in-service date for the new line.  See Note 8 in PPL's and PPL Electric's 2011 Form 10-K for additional information.

9.  Defined Benefits

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

Prior to January 1, 2012, the majority of PPL's Montana and Pennsylvania employees were eligible for pension benefits under PPL Montana's cash balance pension plan or PPL's qualified and non-qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plans with benefits based on length of service and final average pay, as defined by the plans.  Effective January 1, 2012, these plans were closed to newly hired salaried employees.  Newly hired bargaining unit employees will continue to be eligible under these plans based on their collective bargaining agreements.  Salaried employees hired on or after January 1, 2012 will be eligible to participate in the new PPL Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with enhanced employer matching.  The changes to the plans are not expected to have a significant near-term cost impact.

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, LKE and LG&E)

Following are the net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) of the plans sponsored by PPL, PPL Energy Supply, LKE and LG&E for the three months ended March 31.

                               
Other Postretirement
       
Pension Benefits
  
 Benefits
       
U.S.
  
U.K.
    
       
2012 
  
2011 
  
2012 
  
2011 
  
2012 
  
2011 
PPL
                                    
Service cost
  
$
 26 
  
$
 24 
  
$
 13 
  
$
 5 
  
$
 3 
  
$
 3 
Interest cost
    
 56 
    
 55 
    
 84 
    
 39 
    
 8 
    
 8 
Expected return on plan assets
    
 (66)
    
 (62)
    
 (111)
    
 (52)
    
 (6)
    
 (6)
Amortization of:
                                    
   
Transition obligation
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 1 
    
 
   
Prior service cost
    
 6 
    
 6 
    
 1 
    
 1 
    
 
    
 
   
Actuarial (gain) loss
    
 10 
    
 6 
    
 20 
    
 14 
    
 1 
    
 2 
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits)
  
$
 32 
  
$
 29 
  
$
 7 
  
$
 7 
  
$
 7 
  
$
 7 
                                         
PPL Energy Supply
                                    
Service cost
  
$
 1 
  
$
 1 
                        
Interest cost
    
 2 
    
 2 
                        
Expected return on plan assets
    
 (2)
    
 (2)
                        
Amortization of:
                                    
   
Actuarial (gain) loss
    
 1 
    
 
                        
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits)
  
$
 2 
  
$
 1 
                        

LKE
                                    
Service cost
  
$
 6 
  
$
 6 
              
$
 1 
  
$
 1 
Interest cost
    
 17 
    
 17 
                
 2 
    
 3 
Expected return on plan assets
    
 (18)
    
 (16)
                
 (1)
    
 (1)
Amortization of:
                                    
   
Prior service cost
    
 1 
    
 1 
                
 1 
    
 1 
   
Actuarial (gain) loss
    
 5 
    
 5 
                
 
    
 
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits)
  
$
 11 
  
$
 13 
              
$
 3 
  
$
 4 
                                         
LG&E
                                    
Interest cost
  
$
 4 
  
$
 4 
                
 
    
 
Expected return on plan assets
    
 (5)
    
 (4)
                
 
    
 
Amortization of:
                                    
   
Prior service cost
    
 1 
    
 
                
 
    
 
   
Actuarial (gain) loss
    
 3 
    
 3 
                
 
    
 
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits)
  
$
 3 
  
$
 3 
                
 
    
 

(PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LG&E and KU)

In addition to the specific plans they sponsor, PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries are also allocated costs of defined benefit plans sponsored by PPL Services and LG&E is allocated costs of defined benefit plans sponsored by LKE based on their participation in those plans, which management believes are reasonable.  PPL Electric and KU do not directly sponsor any defined benefit plans.  PPL Electric is allocated costs of defined benefit plans sponsored by PPL Services and KU is allocated costs of defined benefit plans sponsored by LKE based on their participation in those plans, which management believes are reasonable.  PPL Services allocated the following net periodic benefit costs to PPL Energy Supply and PPL
 
54
 
Electric and LKE allocated the following net periodic benefit costs to LG&E and KU, including amounts applied to accounts that are further distributed between capital and expense for the three months ended March 31.

   
2012 
  
2011 
             
PPL Energy Supply
  
$
 10 
  
$
 7 
PPL Electric
    
 8 
    
 6 
LG&E
    
 3 
    
 4 
KU
    
 4 
    
 6 

Expected Cash Flows - U.K. Pension Plans

(PPL)

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, WPD adjusted its expected pension contributions for 2012 to $307 million from $161 million as disclosed in PPL's 2011 Form 10-K.  As of April 30, 2012, contributions of $186 million have been made.  The increased contributions are being made to prepay future contribution requirements to fund pension plan deficits.

10.  Commitments and Contingencies

Energy Purchase Commitments

(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

In 2008, PPL EnergyPlus acquired the rights to an existing long-term tolling agreement associated with the output of the Ironwood Facility.  Under the agreement, PPL EnergyPlus has control over the plant's dispatch into the electricity grid and supplies the natural gas necessary to operate the plant.  The tolling agreement extends through 2021.  In April 2012 an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply acquired the owner of the Ironwood Facility.  See Note 8 for information on the Ironwood Acquisition.

(PPL and PPL Electric)

In 2009, the PUC approved PPL Electric's procurement plan for the period January 2011 through May 2013.  To date, PPL Electric has conducted 11 of its 14 planned competitive solicitations.  The solicitations include a mix of long-term and short-term purchases ranging from five months to ten years to fulfill PPL Electric's obligation to provide for customer supply as a PLR.  In May 2012, PPL Electric filed a plan with the PUC to purchase its electric supply for default customers for the period June 2013 through May 2015.  The plan proposes to buy this electricity twice a year, beginning in April 2013.

(PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

See Note 11 for information on the power supply agreements between PPL EnergyPlus and PPL Electric.

Legal Matters

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

PPL and its subsidiaries are involved in legal proceedings, claims and litigation in the ordinary course of business.  PPL and its subsidiaries cannot predict the outcome of such matters, or whether such matters may result in material liabilities, unless otherwise noted.

TC2 Construction (PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

In June 2006, LG&E and KU, as well as the Indiana Municipal Power Agency and Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (collectively, TC2 Owners), entered into a construction contract regarding the TC2 project.  The contract is generally in the form of a turnkey agreement for the design, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, testing and delivery of the project, according to designated specifications, terms and conditions.  The contract price and its components are subject to a number of potential adjustments which may serve to increase or decrease the ultimate construction price.  During 2009 and 2010, the TC2 Owners received several contractual notices from the TC2 construction contractor asserting historical force majeure and excusable event claims for a number of adjustments to the contract price, construction schedule, commercial operations date, liquidated damages or other relevant provisions.  In September 2010, the TC2 Owners and the construction contractor agreed to a settlement to resolve the force majeure and excusable event claims occurring through July 2010, under the TC2 construction contract, which settlement provided for a limited, negotiated extension of the contractual

 
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commercial operations date and/or relief from liquidated damage calculations.  With limited exceptions, the TC2 Owners took care, custody and control of TC2 in January 2011.  Pursuant to certain amendments to the construction agreement, the contractor will complete modifications to the combustion system prior to certain dates to allow operation of TC2 on all specified fuels categories.  The provisions of the construction agreement relating to liquidated damages were also amended.  In September 2011, the TC2 Owners and the construction contractor entered into a further amendment to the construction agreement settling, among other matters, certain historical change order, labor rate and prior liquidated damages amounts.  The remaining issues are still under discussion with the contractor.  PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU cannot currently predict the outcome of this matter or the potential impact on the capital costs of this project.

(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

Montana Hydroelectric Litigation

In November 2004, PPL Montana, Avista Corporation (Avista) and PacifiCorp commenced an action for declaratory judgment in Montana First Judicial District Court seeking a determination that no lease payments or other compensation for their hydroelectric facilities' use and occupancy of certain riverbeds in Montana can be collected by the State of Montana.  This lawsuit followed dismissal on jurisdictional grounds of an earlier federal lawsuit seeking such compensation in the U.S. District Court of Montana.  The federal lawsuit alleged that the beds of Montana's navigable rivers became state-owned trust property upon Montana's admission to statehood, and that the use of them should, under a 1931 regulatory scheme enacted after all but one of the hydroelectric facilities in question were constructed, trigger lease payments for use of land beneath.  In July 2006, the Montana state court approved a stipulation by the State of Montana that it was not seeking compensation for the period prior to PPL Montana's December 1999 acquisition of the hydroelectric facilities.

Following a number of adverse trial court rulings, in 2007 Pacificorp and Avista each entered into settlement agreements with the State of Montana providing, in pertinent part, that each company would make prospective lease payments for use of the State's navigable riverbeds (subject to certain future adjustments), resolving the State's claims for past and future compensation.

Following an October 2007 trial of this matter on damages, in June 2008, the Montana District Court awarded the State retroactive compensation of approximately $35 million for the 2000-2006 period and approximately $6 million for 2007 compensation.  Those unpaid amounts accrued interest at 10% per year.  The Montana District Court also deferred determination of compensation for 2008 and future years to the Montana State Land Board.  In October 2008, PPL Montana appealed the decision to the Montana Supreme Court, requesting a stay of judgment and a stay of the Land Board's authority to assess compensation for 2008 and future periods.  In March 2010, the Montana Supreme Court substantially affirmed the 2008 Montana District Court decision.

In August 2010, PPL Montana filed a petition for a writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court requesting review of this matter.  In June 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court granted PPL Montana's petition, and in February 2012 the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision overturning the Montana Supreme Court decision and remanded the case to the Montana Supreme Court for further proceedings consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court's opinion.  As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2011, PPL Montana reversed its total loss accrual of $89 million ($53 million after-tax) which had been recorded prior to the U.S. Supreme Court decision.  PPL Montana believes the U.S. Supreme Court decision resolves certain questions of liability in this case in favor of PPL Montana and leaves open for reconsideration by Montana courts, consistent with the findings of the U.S. Supreme Court, certain other questions.  In March 2012, the case was returned to the Montana Supreme Court and in April 2012 remanded to the Montana First Judicial District Court.  PPL Montana has concluded it is no longer probable, but it remains reasonably possible, that a loss has been incurred.  While unable to estimate a range of loss, PPL Montana believes that any such amount should not be material.

Bankruptcy of SMGT

In October 2011, SMGT, a Montana cooperative and purchaser of electricity under a long-term supply contract with PPL EnergyPlus expiring in June 2019 (SMGT Contract), filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Montana.  At the time of the bankruptcy filing, SMGT was PPL EnergyPlus' largest unsecured credit exposure.

The SMGT Contract provided for fixed volume purchases on a monthly basis at established prices.  Pursuant to a court order and subsequent stipulations entered into between the SMGT bankruptcy trustee and PPL EnergyPlus, since the date of its Chapter 11 filing through January 2012, SMGT continued to purchase electricity from PPL EnergyPlus at the price specified in the SMGT Contract, and made timely payments for such purchases, but at lower volumes than as prescribed in the SMGT Contract.  In January 2012, the trustee notified PPL EnergyPlus that SMGT would not purchase electricity under the SMGT Contract for the month of February.  In March 2012, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Montana issued an order approving the request of the SMGT trustee and PPL EnergyPlus to terminate the SMGT Contract.  As a result, the SMGT

 
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Contract was terminated effective April 1, 2012, allowing PPL EnergyPlus to resell the electricity previously contracted to SMGT under the SMGT Contract to other customers.

PPL EnergyPlus' receivable under the SMGT Contract totaled approximately $22 million at March 31, 2012, which has been fully reserved.  No assurance can be given as to the collectability of the receivable.

At this time, PPL Energy Supply cannot predict the prices and other terms on which it will be able to market to third parties the power that SMGT will not purchase from PPL EnergyPlus due to the termination of the SMGT Contract.

Regulatory Issues

(PPL, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

See Note 6 for information on regulatory matters related to utility rate regulation.

Enactment of Financial Reform Legislation (PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

In July 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law.  The Dodd-Frank Act includes provisions that impose derivative transaction reporting requirements and require most over-the-counter derivative transactions to be executed through an exchange and to be centrally cleared.  The Dodd-Frank Act also provides that the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) may impose collateral and margin requirements for over-the-counter derivative transactions, as well as capital requirements for certain entity classifications.  Final rules on major provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act are being established through rulemakings, and the CFTC generally has postponed implementation until the later of July 16, 2012 or when required key final rules are issued (e.g. definitional rules for "swap" and "swap dealer").  In April 2012, the CFTC approved the Final Rule (Final Rule) defining key terms such as "swap dealer."  The definition of swap dealer, among other things, provides a significantly higher de minimis threshold amount of annual derivative transactions in which a party must have engaged in order to be classified as a swap dealer than was provided for in the CFTC's proposed rule, and is an amount that would not currently result in the Registrants being deemed swap dealers.  There are numerous other provisions in the Final Rule, however, that the Registrants have not yet analyzed that could result in their being subject to the more onerous compliance requirements applicable to swap dealers.  Even if the Registrants are not ultimately subject to the compliance requirements applicable to swap dealers, the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations nevertheless will impose on them significant additional and potentially costly recordkeeping and reporting requirements.  Also, the Registrants could face significantly higher operating costs or may be required to post additional collateral if they are subject to margin requirements as ultimately adopted in the implementing regulations of the Dodd-Frank Act.  The Registrants will continue to evaluate the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations.  At this time, the Registrants cannot predict the impact that the law or its implementing regulations will have on their businesses or operations, or the markets in which they transact business, but could incur material costs related to compliance with the Dodd-Frank Act.

New Jersey Capacity Legislation (PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

In January 2011, New Jersey enacted a law that intervenes in the wholesale capacity market exclusively regulated by the FERC:  S. No. 2381, 214th Leg. (N.J. 2011) (the Act).  To create incentives for the development of new, in-state electric generation facilities, the Act implements a "long-term capacity agreement pilot program (LCAPP)."  The Act requires New Jersey utilities to pay a guaranteed fixed price for wholesale capacity, imposed by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), to certain new generators participating in PJM, with the ultimate costs of that guarantee to be borne by New Jersey ratepayers.  PPL believes the intent and effect of the LCAPP is to encourage the construction of new generation in New Jersey even when, under the FERC-approved PJM economic model, such new generation would not be economic.  The Act could depress capacity prices in PJM in the short term, impacting PPL Energy Supply's revenues, and harm the long-term ability of the PJM capacity market to incent necessary generation investment throughout PJM.  In February 2011, the PJM Power Providers Group (P3), an organization in which PPL is a member, filed a complaint before the FERC seeking changes in PJM's capacity market rules designed to ensure that subsidized generation, such as may result from the implementation of the LCAPP, will not be able to set capacity prices artificially low as a result of their exercise of buyer market power.  In April 2011, the FERC issued an order granting in part and denying in part P3's complaint and ordering changes in PJM's capacity rules consistent with a significant portion of P3's requested changes.  Several parties have filed appeals of the FERC's order.  PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding or the economic impact on their businesses or operations, or the markets in which they transact business.

In addition, in February 2011, PPL, and several other generating companies and utilities filed a complaint in U.S. District Court in New Jersey challenging the Act on the grounds that it violates well-established principles under the Supremacy Clause and the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.  In this action, the plaintiffs request declaratory and injunctive relief barring implementation of the Act by the Commissioners of the BPU.  In October 2011, the court denied the BPU's

 
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motion to dismiss the proceeding and the litigation is moving forward.  PPL, PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding or the economic impact on their businesses or operations, or the markets in which they transact business.

Maryland Capacity Order

In April 2012, the Maryland Public Service Commission (MD PSC) ordered three electric utilities in Maryland to enter into long-term contracts to support the construction of new electric generating facilities in Maryland, specifically a 661 MW natural gas-fired combined-cycle generating facility to be owned by CPV Maryland, LLC.  PPL believes the intent and effect of the action by the MD PSC is to encourage the construction of new generation in Maryland even when, under the FERC-approved PJM economic model, such new generation would not be economic.  The MD PSC action could depress capacity prices in PJM in the short term, impacting PPL Energy Supply's revenues, and harm the long-term ability of the PJM capacity market to encourage necessary generation investment throughout PJM.

In April 2012, PPL and several other generating companies filed a complaint in U.S. District Court in Maryland challenging the MD PSC order on the grounds that it violates well-established principles under the Supremacy and Commerce clauses of the U.S. Constitution.  In this action, the plaintiffs request declaratory and injunctive relief barring implementation of the order by the Commissioners of the MD PSC.  PPL, PPL Energy Supply, and PPL Electric cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding or the economic impact on their businesses or operations, or the markets in which they transact business.

Pacific Northwest Markets (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

Through its subsidiaries, PPL Energy Supply made spot market bilateral sales of power in the Pacific Northwest during the period from December 2000 through June 2001.  Several parties subsequently claimed refunds at FERC as a result of these sales.  In June 2003, the FERC terminated proceedings to consider whether to order refunds for spot market bilateral sales made in the Pacific Northwest, including sales made by PPL Montana, during the period December 2000 through June 2001.  In August 2007, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed the FERC's decision and ordered the FERC to consider additional evidence.  In October 2011, FERC initiated proceedings to consider additional evidence.

Although PPL and its subsidiaries believe that they have not engaged in any improper trading or marketing practices affecting the Pacific Northwest markets, PPL and PPL Energy Supply cannot predict the outcome of the above-described proceedings or whether any subsidiaries will be the subject of any additional governmental investigations or named in other lawsuits or refund proceedings.  Consequently, PPL and PPL Energy Supply cannot estimate a range of reasonably possible losses, if any, related to this matter.

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

FERC Market-Based Rate Authority

In 1998, the FERC authorized LG&E and KU and PPL EnergyPlus to make wholesale sales of electric power and related products at market-based rates.  In those orders, the FERC directed LG&E and KU and PPL EnergyPlus, respectively, to file an updated market analysis within three years after the order, and every three years thereafter.  Since then, periodic market-based rate filings with the FERC have been made by LG&E and KU, and PPL EnergyPlus, PPL Electric, PPL Montana and most of PPL Generation's subsidiaries.  These filings consisted of a Northwest market-based rate filing for PPL Montana and a Northeast market-based rate filing for most of the other PPL subsidiaries in PJM's region.  In June 2011, FERC approved PPL's market-based rate update for the Eastern region and PPL's market-based rate update for the Western region.  Also, in June 2011, PPL filed its market-based rate update for the Southeast region, including LG&E and KU in addition to PPL EnergyPlus.  In June 2011, the FERC issued an order approving LG&E's and KU's request for a determination that they no longer be deemed to have market power in the BREC balancing area and removing restrictions on their market-based rate authority in such region.

Currently, a seller granted FERC market-based rate authority may enter into power contracts during an authorized time period.  If the FERC determines that the market is not workably competitive or that the seller possesses market power or is not charging "just and reasonable" rates, it may institute prospective action, but any contracts entered into pursuant to the FERC's market-based rate authority remain in effect and are generally subject to a high standard of review before the FERC can order changes.  Recent court decisions by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit have raised issues that may make it more difficult for the FERC to continue its program of promoting wholesale electricity competition through market-based rate authority.  These court decisions permit retroactive refunds and a lower standard of review by the FERC for changing power contracts, and could have the effect of requiring the FERC in advance to review most, if not all, power contracts.  In June 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed one of the decisions of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, thereby upholding the higher standard of review for modifying contracts.  At this time, PPL, PPL Energy Supply,

 
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PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU cannot predict the impact of these court decisions on the FERC's future market-based rate authority program or on their businesses.

Energy Policy Act of 2005 - Reliability Standards

The NERC is responsible for establishing and enforcing mandatory reliability standards (Reliability Standards) regarding the bulk power system.  The FERC oversees this process and independently enforces the Reliability Standards.

The Reliability Standards have the force and effect of law and apply to certain users of the bulk power electricity system, including electric utility companies, generators and marketers.  The FERC has indicated it intends to vigorously enforce the Reliability Standards using, among other means, civil penalty authority.  Under the Federal Power Act, the FERC may assess civil penalties of up to $1 million per day, per violation, for certain violations.  The first group of Reliability Standards approved by the FERC became effective in June 2007.

LG&E, KU, PPL Electric and certain subsidiaries of PPL Energy Supply monitor their compliance with the Reliability Standards and continue to self-report potential violations of certain applicable reliability requirements and submit accompanying mitigation plans, as required.  The resolution of a number of potential violations is pending.  Any regional reliability entity determination concerning the resolution of violations of the Reliability Standards remains subject to the approval of the NERC and the FERC.  The Registrants cannot predict the outcome of these matters, and cannot estimate a range of reasonably possible losses, if any, other than the amounts currently recorded.

In the course of implementing its program to ensure compliance with the Reliability Standards by those PPL affiliates subject to the standards, certain other instances of potential non-compliance may be identified from time to time.

Environmental Matters - Domestic

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

Due to the environmental issues discussed below or other environmental matters, it may be necessary for the Registrants to modify, curtail, replace or cease operating certain facilities or operations to comply with statutes, regulations and other requirements of regulatory bodies or courts.

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, LKE, LG&E and KU)

Air

To comply with air emissions requirements and certain other environmental requirements as described below, PPL's forecast for capital expenditures reflects a best estimate projection of expenditures that may be required within the next five years.  Such projections total $3.1 billion for LG&E and KU and include $100 million for LG&E and $400 million for KU associated with approved ECR plans through 2013 to achieve emissions reductions and manage coal combustion residuals.  The projections also include $1.4 billion for LG&E and $900 million for KU associated with the recently approved 2011 ECR Plans for additional expenditures to comply with new clean air rules and manage coal combustion residuals and an additional $300 million for other environmental expenditures.  Such projections for PPL Energy Supply are $130 million.  Actual costs (including capital, allowance purchases and operational modifications) may be significantly lower or higher depending on the final requirements and market conditions.  Certain environmental compliance costs incurred by LG&E and KU in serving KPSC jurisdictional customers are subject to recovery through the ECR.

CSAPR (formerly Clean Air Transport Rule)

In July 2011, the EPA adopted the CSAPR, which finalizes and renames the Clean Air Transport Rule (Transport Rule) proposed in August 2010.  The CSAPR replaces the EPA's previous CAIR which was invalidated by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (the Court) in July 2008.  CAIR subsequently was effectively reinstated by the Court in December 2008, pending finalization of the Transport Rule.  Like CAIR and the proposed Transport Rule, the CSAPR only applies to PPL's fossil-fueled generating plants located in Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

The CSAPR is meant to facilitate attainment of ambient air quality standards for ozone and fine particulates by requiring reductions in sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.  The CSAPR establishes new sulfur dioxide emission allowance cap and trade programs that are completely independent of, and more stringent than, the current Acid Rain Program.  The CSAPR also establishes nitrogen oxides emission allowance cap and trade programs to replace the existing programs.  All trading is more restrictive than previously under CAIR.  The CSAPR provides for two-phased programs of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions reductions, with initial reductions in 2012 and more stringent reductions in 2014.
 
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In December 2011, the Court stayed implementation of the CSAPR and left CAIR in effect pending a final decision on the validity of the rule.  In February, the EPA made revisions to the rule.  Oral argument on legal challenges to the CSAPR has been held, and a final decision on the validity of the rule is expected in 2012.

With respect to the Kentucky fossil-fueled generating plants, the stay of the CSAPR will initially only impact the unit dispatch order.  With the return of the CAIR and the Kentucky companies' significant number of sulfur dioxide allowances, those units will be dispatched with lower operating cost, but slightly higher sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions.  However, a key component of the Court's final decision, even if the CSAPR is upheld, will be whether the ruling delays the implementation of the CSAPR by one year for both Phases I and II, or instead continues to require the significant sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide reductions associated with Phase II to begin in 2014.  LG&E's and KU's CSAPR compliance strategy is based on over-compliance during Phase I to generate allowances sufficient to cover the expected shortage during the first two years of Phase II (2014 and 2015) when additional pollution control equipment will be installed.  Should Phase I of the CSAPR be shortened to one year, it will be more difficult and costly to provide enough excess allowances in one year to meet the shortage projected for 2014 and 2015.

PPL Energy Supply's fossil-fueled generating plants can meet both the CAIR and the stayed CSAPR sulfur dioxide emission requirements with the existing scrubbers that were placed in service in 2008 and 2009.  To meet nitrogen oxide standards, under both the CAIR and the stayed CSAPR, PPL Energy Supply would need to buy allowances or make operational changes, the costs of which are not anticipated to be significant.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards

In addition to the reductions in sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions required under the CSAPR for the Pennsylvania and Kentucky plants, PPL's fossil-fueled generating plants, including those in Montana, may face further reductions in sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions as a result of more stringent national ambient air quality standards for ozone, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and/or fine particulates.

In June 2010, the EPA finalized a new one-hour standard for sulfur dioxide, and states are required to identify areas that meet those standards and areas that are in non-attainment.  For non-attainment areas, states are required to develop plans by 2014 to achieve attainment by 2017.  For areas in attainment or that are unclassifiable, states are required to develop maintenance plans by mid-2013 that demonstrate continued attainment.

PPL, PPL Energy Supply, LKE, LG&E and KU anticipate that some of the measures required for compliance with the CAIR or the CSAPR such as upgraded or new sulfur dioxide scrubbers at some of their plants or, in the case of LG&E and KU, upgraded or new sulfur dioxide scrubbers at the Mill Creek plant and retirement of the Cane Run, Green River, and Tyrone plants, will also be necessary to achieve compliance with the new one-hour sulfur dioxide standard.  If additional reductions were to be required, the economic impact could be significant.

Mercury and Other Hazardous Air Pollutants

In May 2011, the EPA published a proposed regulation providing for stringent reductions of mercury and other hazardous air pollutants.  On February 16, 2012, the EPA published the final rule, known as the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), with an effective date of April 16, 2012.  The rule is being challenged by industry groups and states.

The rule provides for a three-year compliance deadline with the potential for a one-year extension as provided under the statute.  Based on their assessment of the need to install pollution control equipment to meet the provisions of the proposed rule, LG&E and KU filed requests with the KPSC for environmental cost recovery to facilitate moving forward with plans to install environmental controls including sorbent injection and fabric-filter baghouses to remove certain hazardous air pollutants.  Recovery of the cost of certain controls was granted by a KPSC order issued in December 2011.  The cost for these controls is reflected in the combined costs of $3.1 billion for LG&E and KU noted under "Air" above.  LG&E and KU have also filed requests with the KPSC for retirement of coal-fired generating units at the Cane Run, Green River, and Tyrone plants and replacement of those units with natural gas-fired generating units to be constructed or purchased.  With the publication of the final MATS rule, LG&E and KU are currently assessing whether changes in the final rule warrant revision of their approved compliance plans.

With respect to PPL Energy Supply's Pennsylvania plants, PPL believes that these plants may require installation of chemical additive systems, the cost of which is not expected to be material.  With respect to the PPL Montana plants, modifications to the current air pollution controls installed on Colstrip may be required, the cost of which also is not expected to be material.  For the Corette plant, additional controls are being evaluated, the cost of which could be significant.  PPL Energy Supply, LG&E and KU are continuing to conduct in-depth reviews of the MATS.

 
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Regional Haze and Visibility

In January 2012, the EPA proposed limited approval of the Pennsylvania Regional Haze State Implementation Plan.  That proposed action would essentially approve PPL's analysis that further particulate controls at PPL Energy Supply's Pennsylvania plants are not warranted.  The limited approval does not address deficiencies of the state plan arising from the remand of the CAIR rule.  Previously, the EPA had determined that implementation of the CAIR requirements would meet regional haze BART (Best Available Retrofit Technology) requirements for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.  In December 2011, the EPA proposed that implementation of the CSAPR would also meet the BART.  The EPA is expected to make a final rule this year.  This is expected to address that deficiency.

In Montana, the EPA Region 8 is developing the regional haze plan as the Montana Department of Environmental Quality declined to develop a BART state implementation plan at this time.  PPL submitted to the EPA its analyses of the visibility impacts of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions for Colstrip Units 1 and 2 and Corette.  PPL's analyses concluded that further reductions are not warranted.  PPL has also submitted data and a high-level analysis of various air emission control options to reduce air emissions related to the non-BART-affected emission sources of Colstrip Units 3 and 4 under the Reasonable Further Progress goals of the Regional Haze rules.  The analysis shows that any incremental reductions would not be cost effective and that further analysis is not warranted.

In March 2012, the EPA issued its draft Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) of the Regional Haze Rule for Montana.  The draft FIP identified no additional controls for Corette or Colstrip 3 and 4.  Under the draft FIP, Colstrip Units 1 and 2 would require additional controls (such as, SNCR, separated overfire air on the low nitrogen oxide burners, lime injection and additional scrubber vessels) to meet the proposed more stringent nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide limits.  The cost of these potential additional controls could be significant.  PPL Energy Supply is currently analyzing the draft FIP and assessing various courses of action.

LG&E and KU also submitted analyses of the visibility impacts of their Kentucky BART-eligible sources to the Kentucky Division for Air Quality (KDAQ).  Only LG&E's Mill Creek plant was determined to have a significant regional haze impact.  The KDAQ has submitted a regional haze state implementation plan (SIP) to the EPA which requires the Mill Creek plant to reduce its sulfuric acid mist emissions from Units 3 and 4.  After approval of the Kentucky SIP by the EPA and revision of the Mill Creek plant's Title V air permit, LG&E intends to install sorbent injection controls at the plant to reduce sulfuric acid mist emissions.  In the event that the EPA determines that compliance with the CSAPR would be insufficient to meet the BART requirements, it would be necessary for LG&E and KU to reassess their planned compliance measures.

New Source Review (NSR)

The EPA has continued its NSR enforcement efforts targeting coal-fired generating plants.  The EPA has asserted that modification of these plants has increased their emissions and, consequently, that they are subject to stringent NSR requirements under the Clean Air Act.  In April 2009, PPL received EPA information requests for its Montour and Brunner Island plants.  The requests are similar to those that PPL received several years ago for its Colstrip, Corette and Martins Creek plants.  PPL and the EPA have exchanged certain information regarding this matter.  In January 2009, PPL and other companies that own or operate the Keystone plant in Pennsylvania received a notice of violation from the EPA alleging that certain projects were undertaken without proper NSR compliance.  PPL and PPL Energy Supply cannot predict the outcome of these matters, and cannot estimate a range of reasonably possible losses, if any.

In addition, in August 2007, LG&E and KU received information requests for their Mill Creek, Trimble County, and Ghent plants, but have received no further communications from the EPA since providing their responses.  PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU cannot predict the outcome of these matters, and cannot estimate a range of reasonably possible losses, if any.

In March 2009, KU received a notice alleging that KU violated certain provisions of the Clean Air Act's rules governing NSR and prevention of significant deterioration by installing sulfur dioxide scrubbers and SCR controls at its Ghent generating plant without assessing potential increased sulfuric acid mist emissions.  KU contends that the work in question, as pollution control projects, was exempt from the requirements cited by the EPA.  In December 2009, the EPA issued an information request on this matter.  KU has exchanged settlement proposals and other information with the EPA regarding imposition of additional permit limits and emission controls and anticipates continued settlement negotiations.  In addition, any settlement or future litigation could potentially encompass a September 2007 notice of violation alleging opacity violations at the plant.  Depending on the provisions of a final settlement or the results of litigation, if any, resolution of this matter could involve significant increased operating and capital expenditures.  PPL, LKE and KU cannot predict the final outcome of this matter, but currently do not expect such outcome to result in material losses above the respective amounts accrued by KU.

 
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If PPL subsidiaries are found to have violated NSR regulations, PPL would, among other things, be required to meet permit limits reflecting Best Available Control Technology (BACT) for the emissions of any pollutant found to have significantly increased due to a major plant modification.  The costs to meet such limits, including installation of technology at certain units, could be significant.

States and environmental groups also have initiated enforcement actions and litigation alleging violations of the NSR regulations by coal-fired generating plants, and PPL is unable to predict whether such actions will be brought against any of PPL's plants.

TC2 Air Permit (PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

The Sierra Club and other environmental groups petitioned the Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet to overturn the air permit issued for the TC2 baseload generating unit, but the agency upheld the permit in an Order issued in September 2007.  In response to subsequent petitions by environmental groups, the EPA ordered certain non-material changes to the permit which were incorporated into a final revised permit issued by the KDAQ in January 2010.  In March 2010, the environmental groups petitioned the EPA to object to the revised state permit.  Until the EPA issues a final ruling on the pending petition and all available appeals are exhausted, PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU cannot currently predict the outcome of this matter or the potential impact on the capital costs of this project, if any.

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, LKE, LG&E and KU)

Global Climate Change

There is concern nationally and internationally about global climate change and the possible contribution of GHG emissions including, most significantly, carbon dioxide, from the combustion of fossil fuels.  This has resulted in increased demands for carbon dioxide emission reductions from investors, environmental organizations, government agencies and the international community.  These demands and concerns have led to federal legislative proposals, actions at regional, state and local levels, litigation relating to GHG emissions and the EPA regulations on GHGs.

Greenhouse Gas Legislation

While climate change legislation was considered prior to 2010, the outcome of the 2010 elections has halted the debate on such legislation.  The timing and elements of any future legislation addressing GHG emission reductions are uncertain at this time.  In the current Congress, legislation barring the EPA from regulating GHG emissions under the existing authority of the Clean Air Act has been passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.  Various bills providing for barring or delaying the EPA from regulating GHG emissions have been introduced in the U.S. Senate, but the prospects for passage of such legislation remain uncertain.  At the state level, the results of the 2010 elections in Pennsylvania reduced the likelihood of GHG legislation in the near term, and there are currently no prospects for such legislation in Kentucky or Montana.

Greenhouse Gas Regulations and Tort Litigation

As a result of the April 2007 U.S. Supreme Court decision that the EPA has the authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate GHG emissions from new motor vehicles, in April 2010 the EPA and the U.S. Department of Transportation issued light-duty vehicle emissions standards that apply to 2012 model year vehicles.  The EPA has also clarified that this standard, beginning in 2011, also authorizes regulation of GHG emissions from stationary sources under the NSR and Title V operating permit provisions of the Clean Air Act.  As a result, any new sources or major modifications to existing GHG sources causing a net significant emissions increase requires the BACT permit limits for GHGs.  The EPA has proposed guidance for conducting a BACT analysis for projects that trigger such a review.  In addition, in April 2012, the EPA proposed New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for carbon dioxide emissions from new coal-fired generating units, combined-cycle natural gas units, and integrated gasification combined-cycle units.

At the regional level, ten northeastern states signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreeing to establish a GHG emission cap-and-trade program, called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).  The program commenced in January 2009 and calls for stabilizing carbon dioxide emissions, at base levels established in 2005, from electric power plants with capacity greater than 25 MW.  The MOU also provides for a 10% reduction by 2019 in carbon dioxide emissions from base levels.

Pennsylvania has not stated an intention to join the RGGI, but enacted the Pennsylvania Climate Change Act of 2008 (PCCA).  The PCCA established a Climate Change Advisory Committee to advise the PADEP on the development of a Climate Change Action Plan.  In December 2009, the Advisory Committee finalized its Climate Change Action Report which

 
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identifies specific actions that could result in reducing GHG emissions by 30% by 2020.  Some of the proposed actions, such as a mandatory 5% efficiency improvement at power plants, could be technically unachievable.  To date, there have been no regulatory or legislative actions taken to implement the recommendations of the report.  In addition, legislation has been introduced that would, if enacted, accelerate solar supply requirements and restrict eligible solar projects to those located in Pennsylvania.  PPL cannot predict at this time whether this legislation will be enacted.

Eleven Western states, including Montana and certain Canadian provinces, are members of the Western Climate Initiative (WCI).  The WCI has established a goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions 15% below 2005 levels by 2020 and is currently developing GHG emission allocations, offsets, and reporting recommendations.

In November 2008, the Governor of Kentucky issued a comprehensive energy plan including non-binding targets aimed at promoting improved energy efficiency, development of alternative energy, development of carbon capture and sequestration projects, and other actions to reduce GHG emissions.  In December 2009, the Kentucky Climate Action Plan Council was established to develop an action plan addressing potential GHG reductions and related measures.  To date the state has yet to issue a final plan.  The impact of any such plan is not now determinable, but the costs to comply with the plan could be significant.

A number of lawsuits have been filed asserting common law claims including nuisance, trespass and negligence against various companies with GHG emitting plants, and the law remains unsettled on these claims.  In September 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in the case of AEP v. Connecticut reversed a federal district court's decision and ruled that several states and public interest groups, as well as the City of New York, could sue five electric utility companies under federal common law for allegedly causing a public nuisance as a result of their emissions of GHGs.  In June 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the lower court and held that such federal common law claims were displaced by the Clean Air Act and regulatory actions of the EPA.  In Comer v. Murphy Oil, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit declined to overturn a district court ruling that plaintiffs did not have standing to pursue state common law claims against companies that emit GHGs.  The complaint in the Comer case named the previous indirect parent of LKE as a defendant based upon emissions from the Kentucky plants.  In January 2011, the Supreme Court denied a petition to reverse the Court of Appeals' ruling.  In May 2011, the plaintiffs in the Comer case filed a substantially similar complaint in federal district court in Mississippi against 87 companies, including KU and three other indirect subsidiaries of LKE, under a Mississippi statute that allows the re-filing of an action in certain circumstances.  In March 2012, the court granted defendants' motions to dismiss the state common law claims because plaintiffs had previously raised the same claims, plaintiffs lacked standing, plaintiff's claims were displaced by the Clean Air Act, and other grounds.  In April 2012, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.  Additional litigation in federal and state courts over these issues is continuing.  PPL, LKE and KU cannot predict the outcome of this litigation or estimate a range of reasonably possible losses, if any.

In 2011, PPL's power plants emitted approximately 74 million tons of carbon dioxide compared with 68 million tons in 2010.  The 2011 total reflects 36 million tons from PPL Generation and 38 million tons from LG&E's and KU's generating fleet.  All tons are U.S. short tons (2,000 lbs/ton).

Renewable Energy Legislation (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

There has been interest in renewable energy legislation at both the state and federal levels.  At the federal level, House and Senate bills proposed in the 111th Congress would have imposed mandatory renewable energy supply and energy efficiency requirements in the 15% to 20% range by approximately 2020.  Earlier in 2011, there were discussions regarding a Clean Energy Standard (CES) that addressed not only renewables but also encouraged clean energy requirements (as yet to be defined).  At this time, neither the renewable energy debate nor the CES discussion is expected to gain momentum at the federal or state levels (beyond what is otherwise already required in Pennsylvania and Montana) in the near term.

PPL believes there are financial, regulatory and logistical uncertainties related to GHG reductions and the implementation of renewable energy mandates.  These will need to be resolved before the impact of such requirements on PPL can be meaningfully estimated.  Such uncertainties, among others, include the need to provide back-up supply to augment intermittent renewable generation, potential generation oversupply that could result from such renewable generation and back-up, impacts to PJM's capacity market and the need for substantial changes to transmission and distribution systems to accommodate renewable energy.  These uncertainties are not directly addressed by proposed legislation.  PPL and PPL Energy Supply cannot predict at this time the effect on their future competitive position, results of operation, cash flows and financial position of any GHG emissions, renewable energy mandate or other global climate change requirements that may be adopted, although the costs to implement and comply with any such requirements could be significant.


 
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Water/Waste

Coal Combustion Residuals (CCRs) (PPL, PPL Energy Supply, LKE, LG&E and KU)

In June 2010, the EPA proposed two approaches to regulating the disposal and management of CCRs under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).  CCRs include fly ash, bottom ash and sulfur dioxide scrubber wastes.  The first approach would regulate CCRs as a hazardous waste under Subtitle C of the RCRA.  This approach would have very significant impacts on any coal-fired plant, and would require plants to retrofit their operations to comply with full hazardous waste requirements for the generation of CCRs and associated waste waters through generation, transportation, and disposal.  This would also have a negative impact on the beneficial use of CCRs and could eliminate existing markets for CCRs.  Specifically, hazardous waste regulation could accelerate retirements of coal-fired plants.  The second approach would regulate CCRs as a solid waste under Subtitle D of the RCRA.  This approach would mainly affect disposal and most significantly affect any wet disposal operations.  Under this approach, many of the current markets for beneficial uses would not be affected.  Currently, PPL expects that several of its plants in Kentucky and Montana could be significantly impacted by the requirements of Subtitle D of the RCRA, as these plants are using surface impoundments for management and disposal of CCRs.

The EPA has issued information requests on CCR management practices at numerous plants throughout the power industry as it considers whether or not to regulate CCRs as hazardous waste.  PPL has provided information on CCR management practices at most of its plants in response to the EPA's requests.  In addition, the EPA has conducted follow-up inspections to evaluate the structural stability of CCR management facilities at several PPL plants and PPL has implemented certain actions in response to recommendations from these inspections.

The EPA is continuing to evaluate the unprecedented number of comments it received on its June 2010 proposed regulations.  In October 2011, the EPA issued a Notice of Data Availability (NODA) that requests comments on selected documents that the EPA received during the comment period for the proposed regulations.  Comments were submitted on the NODA in November 2011.  In addition, the U.S. House of Representatives in October 2011 approved a bill to modify Subtitle D of the RCRA to provide for the proper management and disposal of CCRs and that would preclude the EPA from regulating CCRs under Subtitle C of the RCRA.  The bill has been introduced in the Senate and the prospect for passage of this legislation is uncertain.

In January 2012, a coalition of environmental groups filed a 60-day notice of intent to sue the EPA for failure to perform nondiscretionary duties under RCRA, which could require a hard deadline for EPA to issue strict CCR regulations.  In February 2012, a CCR recycling company also issued a 60-day notice of intent to sue the EPA over its timeliness in issuing CCR regulations, but that company requests that the EPA take a Subtitle D approach that would allow for continued recycling of CCRs.  The coalition filed its lawsuit in April 2012.  The EPA has indicated that they will issue another NODA later this spring to request comments on the extensive data that the EPA collected from coal-fired power plant operators as part of the EPA's Effluent Limitations Guideline rule modification process which the EPA wants to use in the CCR regulatory development process.

PPL, PPL Energy Supply, LKE, LG&E and KU cannot predict at this time the final requirements of the EPA's CCR regulations or potential changes to the RCRA and what impact they would have on their facilities, but the economic impact could be significant.

Martins Creek Fly Ash Release (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

In 2005, there was a release of approximately 100 million gallons of water containing fly ash from a disposal basin at the Martins Creek plant used in connection with the operation of the plant's two 150 MW coal-fired generating units.  This resulted in ash being deposited onto adjacent roadways and fields, into a nearby creek and the Delaware River.  PPL determined that the release was caused by a failure in the disposal basin's discharge structure.  PPL conducted extensive clean-up and completed studies, in conjunction with a group of natural resource trustees and the Delaware River Basin Commission, evaluating the effects of the release on the river's sediment, water quality and ecosystem.

The PADEP filed a complaint in Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court against PPL Martins Creek and PPL Generation, alleging violations of various state laws and regulations and seeking penalties and injunctive relief.  PPL and the PADEP have settled this matter.  The settlement also required PPL to submit a report on the completed studies of possible natural resource damages.  PPL subsequently submitted the assessment report to the Pennsylvania and New Jersey regulatory agencies and has continued discussing potential natural resource damages and mitigation options with the agencies.  Subsequently, in August 2011 the PADEP submitted its National Resource Damage Assessment report to the court and to the interveners.  In December 2011, the interveners commented on the PADEP report and in February 2012 the PADEP and PPL filed separate responses with the court.  In March 2012, the court dismissed the interveners' case, but the interveners have

 
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appealed the dismissal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.  The settlement agreement for the Natural Resources Damage Claim has not yet been submitted for public comments, which is the next phase in the process of finalizing the claim.

Through March 31, 2012, PPL Energy Supply has spent $28 million for remediation and related costs and an insignificant remediation liability remains on the balance sheet.  PPL and PPL Energy Supply cannot be certain of the outcome of the natural resource damage assessment or the associated costs, the outcome of any lawsuit that may be brought by citizens or businesses or the exact nature of any other regulatory or other legal actions that may be initiated against PPL, PPL Energy Supply or their subsidiaries as a result of the disposal basin release.  However, PPL and PPL Energy Supply currently do not expect such outcomes to result in material losses above the amounts currently recorded.

Seepages and Groundwater Infiltration - Pennsylvania, Montana and Kentucky

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, LKE, LG&E and KU)

Seepages or groundwater infiltration have been detected at active and retired wastewater basins and landfills at various PPL plants.  PPL has completed or is completing assessments of seepages or groundwater infiltration at various facilities and has completed or is working with agencies to implement abatement measures, where required.  A range of reasonably possible losses cannot currently be estimated.

(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

In 2007, six plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in the Montana Sixteenth Judicial District Court against the Colstrip plant owners asserting property damage due to seepage from wastewater ponds at Colstrip.  A settlement agreement was reached in July 2010 which would have resulted in a payment by PPL Montana, but certain of the plaintiffs later alleged the settlement was not final.  The Colstrip plant owners filed a motion to enforce the settlement and in October 2011 the court granted the motion and ordered the settlement to be completed in 60 days.  The plaintiffs have appealed the October order to the Montana Supreme Court, and the court's decision is expected in the second half of 2012.  The settlement ordered by the district court is, therefore, not final and PPL and PPL Energy Supply cannot predict the outcome of the appeal, although PPL Montana's share of any final settlement in excess of amounts recorded is not expected to be significant.

Clean Water Act 316(b) (PPL, PPL Energy Supply, LKE, LG&E and KU)

The EPA finalized requirements in 2004 for new or modified cooling water intake structures.  These requirements affect where generating plants are built, establish intake design standards and could lead to requirements for cooling towers at new and modified power plants.  In 2009, however, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the EPA has discretion to use cost-benefit analysis in determining the best technology available for minimizing adverse environmental impact to aquatic organisms.  The EPA published the proposed rule in April 2011.  The industry and PPL reviewed the proposed rule and submitted comments.  The EPA is evaluating comments and meeting with industry groups to discuss options.  The final rule is expected to be issued in 2012.  The proposed rule contains two requirements to reduce impact to aquatic organisms.  The first requires all existing facilities to meet standards for the reduction of mortality of aquatic organisms that become trapped against water intake screens regardless of the levels of mortality actually occurring or the cost of achieving the requirements.  The second requirement is to determine and install the best technology available to reduce mortality of aquatic organisms that are pulled through the plant's cooling water system.  A form of cost-benefit analysis is allowed for this second requirement.  This process involves a site-specific evaluation based on nine factors including impacts to energy delivery reliability and remaining useful life of the plant.  PPL, PPL Energy Supply, LKE, LG&E and KU will be unable to determine the exact impact until a final rule is issued, the required studies have been completed, and each state in which they operate has decided how to implement the rule.

Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards (PPL, PPL Energy Supply, LKE, LG&E and KU)

In October 2009, the EPA released its Final Detailed Study of the Steam Electric Power Generating effluent limitations guidelines and standards.  The EPA is expected to propose modifications to these regulations in 2012 and issue the final regulations in 2014.  PPL expects the revised guidelines and standards to be more stringent than the current standards especially for sulfur dioxide scrubber wastewater and ash basin discharges, which could result in more stringent discharge permit limits.  In the interim, PPL, PPL Energy Supply, LKE, LG&E and KU are each unable to predict whether the EPA and the states may impose more stringent limits on a case-by-case best professional judgment basis under existing authority as permits are renewed.
 
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Other Issues (PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

In 2006, the EPA significantly decreased to 10 parts per billion (ppb) the drinking water standards related to arsenic.  In Pennsylvania, Montana and Kentucky, this arsenic standard has been incorporated into the states' water quality standards and could result in more stringent limits in NPDES permits for PPL's Pennsylvania, Montana and Kentucky plants.  Subsequently, the EPA developed a draft risk assessment for arsenic that increases the cancer risk exposure by more than 20 times, which would lower the current standard from 10 ppb to 0.1 ppb.  If the lower standard becomes effective, costly treatment would be required to attempt to meet the standard and, at this time, there is no assurance that it could be achieved.  PPL, PPL Energy Supply, LKE, LG&E and KU cannot predict the outcome of the draft risk assessment and what impact, if any, it would have on their plants, but the costs could be significant.

The EPA is reassessing its polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) regulations under the Toxics Substance Control Act, which currently allow certain PCB articles to remain in use.  In April 2010, the EPA issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for changes to these regulations.  This rulemaking could lead to a phase-out of all PCB-containing equipment.  The EPA is planning to propose the revised regulations in late 2012 or 2013.  PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU cannot predict at this time the outcome of these proposed EPA regulations and what impact, if any, they would have on their facilities, but the costs could be significant.

PPL has signed a Consent Order and Agreement (the Brunner COA) with the PADEP under which it agreed, under certain conditions, to take further actions to minimize the possibility of fish kills at its Brunner Island plant.  Fish are attracted to warm water in the power plant discharge channel, especially during cold weather.  Debris at intake pumps can result in a unit trip or reduction in load, causing a sudden change in water temperature.  PPL has constructed a barrier to prevent debris from entering the river water intake area at a cost that was not material.

PPL has also investigated alternatives to exclude fish from the discharge channel and submitted three alternatives to the PADEP.  According to the Brunner COA, once the cooling towers at Brunner Island became operational, PPL must implement one of these fish exclusion alternatives if a fish kill occurs in the discharge channel due to thermal impacts from the plant.  Following start-up of the cooling towers in April 2010, several hundred dead fish were found in the cooling tower intake basket although there were no sudden changes in water temperature.  In the third quarter of 2010, PPL discussed this matter with the PADEP and both parties agreed that this condition was not one anticipated by the Brunner COA, thereby concluding it did not trigger a need to implement a fish exclusion project.  At this time, no fish exclusion project is planned.

In May 2010, the Kentucky Waterways Alliance and other environmental groups filed a petition with the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet challenging the Kentucky Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued in April 2010, which covers water discharges from the Trimble County plant.  In November 2010, the Cabinet issued a final order upholding the permit.  In December 2010, the environmental groups appealed the order to state court.  PPL, LKE, LG&E, and KU are unable to predict the outcome of this matter or estimate a range of reasonably possible losses, if any.

The EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers are working on a guidance document that will expand the federal government's interpretation of what constitutes "waters of the United States" (WOUS) subject to regulation under the Clean Water Act.  This change has the potential to affect generation and delivery operations, with the most significant effect being the potential elimination of the existing regulatory exemption for plant waste water treatment systems.  The costs that may be imposed as a result of any eventual expansion of this interpretation cannot reliably be estimated at this time.

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

Superfund and Other Remediation

PPL Electric is a potentially responsible party at several sites listed by the EPA under the federal Superfund program, including the Columbia Gas Plant site, the Metal Bank site and the Ward Transformer site.  Clean-up actions have been or are being undertaken at all of these sites, the costs of which have not been significant to PPL Electric.  However, should the EPA require different or additional measures in the future, or should PPL Electric's share of costs at multi-party sites increase significantly more than currently expected, the costs could be significant.

PPL Electric, LG&E and KU are remediating or have completed the remediation of several sites that were not addressed under a regulatory program such as Superfund, but for which PPL Electric, LG&E and KU may be liable for remediation.  These include a number of former coal gas manufacturing plants in Pennsylvania and Kentucky previously owned or operated or currently owned by predecessors or affiliates of PPL Electric, LG&E and KU.  There are additional sites, formerly owned or operated by PPL Electric, LG&E and KU predecessors or affiliates, for which PPL Electric, LG&E and KU lack information on current site conditions and are therefore unable to predict what, if any, potential liability they may have.

 
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Depending on the outcome of investigations at sites where investigations have not begun or been completed or developments at sites for which PPL currently lacks information, the costs of remediation and other liabilities could be substantial.  PPL and its subsidiaries also could incur other non-remediation costs at sites included in current consent orders or other contaminated sites which could be significant.  PPL is unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible losses, if any, related to these matters.

The EPA is evaluating the risks associated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and naphthalene, chemical by-products of coal gas manufacturing.  As a result of the EPA's evaluation, individual states may establish stricter standards for water quality and soil cleanup.  This could require several PPL subsidiaries to take more extensive assessment and remedial actions at former coal gas manufacturing plants.  PPL cannot estimate a range of reasonably possible losses, if any, related to these matters.

From time to time, PPL undertakes remedial action in response to spills or other releases at various on-site and off-site locations, negotiates with the EPA and state and local agencies regarding actions necessary for compliance with applicable requirements, negotiates with property owners and other third parties alleging impacts from PPL's operations, and undertakes similar actions necessary to resolve environmental matters which arise in the course of normal operations.  Based on analyses to date, resolution of these general environmental matters is not expected to have a material adverse impact on PPL's operations.

Future cleanup or remediation work at sites currently under review, or at sites not currently identified, may result in material additional costs for the Registrants.

Environmental Matters - WPD (PPL)

WPD's distribution businesses are subject to environmental regulatory and statutory requirements.  PPL believes that WPD has taken and continues to take measures to comply with the applicable laws and governmental regulations for the protection of the environment.

Other

Nuclear Insurance (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

PPL Susquehanna is a member of certain insurance programs that provide coverage for property damage to members' nuclear generating plants.  Facilities at the Susquehanna plant are insured against property damage losses up to $2.75 billion under these programs.  PPL Susquehanna is also a member of an insurance program that provides insurance coverage for the cost of replacement power during prolonged outages of nuclear units caused by certain specified conditions.

Under the property and replacement power insurance programs, PPL Susquehanna could be assessed retroactive premiums in the event of the insurers' adverse loss experience.  At March 31, 2012, this maximum assessment was $44 million.  Effective April 1, 2012, this maximum assessment was increased to $48 million.

In the event of a nuclear incident at the Susquehanna plant, PPL Susquehanna's public liability for claims resulting from such incident would be limited to $12.6 billion under provisions of The Price-Anderson Act Amendments under the Energy Policy Act of 2005.  PPL Susquehanna is protected against this liability by a combination of commercial insurance and an industry assessment program.

In the event of a nuclear incident at any of the reactors covered by The Price-Anderson Act Amendments under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, PPL Susquehanna could be assessed up to $235 million per incident, payable at $35 million per year.

At March 31, 2012, the property, replacement power and nuclear incident insurers maintained an A.M. Best financial strength rating of A ("Excellent").

Guarantees and Other Assurances

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

In the normal course of business, the Registrants enter into agreements that provide financial performance assurance to third parties on behalf of certain subsidiaries.  Such agreements include, for example, guarantees, stand-by letters of credit issued by financial institutions and surety bonds issued by insurance companies.  These agreements are entered into primarily to
 
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support or enhance the creditworthiness attributed to a subsidiary on a stand-alone basis or to facilitate the commercial activities in which these subsidiaries enter.

(PPL)

PPL fully and unconditionally guarantees all of the debt securities of PPL Capital Funding.

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

The table below details guarantees provided as of March 31, 2012.  The total recorded liability at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $15 million and $14 million for PPL and $11 million for both periods for LKE.  Other than as noted in the descriptions for "WPD guarantee of pension and other obligations of unconsolidated entities," the probability of expected payment/performance under each of these guarantees is remote.

   
Exposure at
  
Expiration
   
March 31, 2012 (a)
  
Date
PPL
            
Indemnifications related to the WPD Midlands acquisition
    
 
(b)
  
 
WPD indemnifications for entities in liquidation and sales of assets
  
$
 295 
(c)
  
2014 - 2018
WPD guarantee of pension and other obligations of unconsolidated entities
    
 90 
(d)
  
2015
Tax indemnification related to unconsolidated WPD affiliates
    
 8 
(e)
  
2012
             
PPL Energy Supply (f)
    
 
    
 
Letters of credit issued on behalf of affiliates
    
 21 
(g)
  
2012 - 2014
Retrospective premiums under nuclear insurance programs
    
 44 
(h)
  
 
Nuclear claims assessment under The Price-Anderson Act Amendments under The Energy Policy Act of 2005
    
 235 
(i)
  
 
Indemnifications for sales of assets
    
 262 
(j)
  
2012 - 2025
Indemnification to operators of jointly owned facilities
    
 6 
(k)
  
 
Guarantee of a portion of a divested unconsolidated entity's debt
    
 22 
(l)
  
2018
             
PPL Electric (m)
            
Guarantee of inventory value
    
 16 
(n)
  
2016
             
LKE (m)
            
Indemnification of lease termination and other divestitures
    
 301 
(o)
  
2021 - 2023
             
LG&E and KU (p)
            
LG&E and KU guarantee of shortfall related to OVEC
    
 
(q)
  
 

(a)
Represents the estimated maximum potential amount of future payments that could be required to be made under the guarantee.
(b)
Prior to PPL's acquisition, WPD Midlands Holdings Limited had agreed to indemnify certain former directors of a Turkish entity, in which WPD Midlands Holdings Limited previously owned an interest, for any liabilities that may arise as a result of an investigation by Turkish tax authorities, and PPL WEM has received a cross-indemnity from E.ON AG with respect to these indemnification obligations.  Additionally, PPL subsidiaries agreed to provide indemnifications to subsidiaries of E.ON AG for certain liabilities relating to properties and assets owned by affiliates of E.ON AG that were transferred to WPD Midlands in connection with the acquisition.  The maximum exposure and expiration of these indemnifications cannot be estimated because the maximum potential liability is not capped and the expiration date is not specified in the transaction documents.
(c)
In connection with the liquidation of wholly owned subsidiaries that have been deconsolidated upon turning the entities over to the liquidators, certain affiliates of PPL Global have agreed to indemnify the liquidators, directors and/or the entities themselves for any liabilities or expenses arising during the liquidation process, including liabilities and expenses of the entities placed into liquidation.  In some cases, the indemnifications are limited to a maximum amount that is based on distributions made from the subsidiary to its parent either prior or subsequent to being placed into liquidation.  In other cases, the maximum amount of the indemnifications is not explicitly stated in the agreements.  The indemnifications generally expire two to seven years subsequent to the date of dissolution of the entities.  The exposure noted only includes those cases in which the agreements provide for a specific limit on the amount of the indemnification, and the expiration date was based on an estimate of the dissolution date of the entities.

In connection with their sales of various businesses, WPD and its affiliates have provided the purchasers with indemnifications that are standard for such transactions, including indemnifications for certain pre-existing liabilities and environmental and tax matters.  In addition, in connection with certain of these sales, WPD and its affiliates have agreed to continue their obligations under existing third-party guarantees, either for a set period of time following the transactions or upon the condition that the purchasers make reasonable efforts to terminate the guarantees.  Finally, WPD and its affiliates remain secondarily responsible for lease payments under certain leases that they have assigned to third parties.
(d)
As a result of the privatization of the utility industry in the U.K., certain electric associations' roles and responsibilities were discontinued or modified.  As a result, certain obligations, primarily pension-related, associated with these organizations have been guaranteed by the participating members.  Costs are allocated to the members based on predetermined percentages as outlined in specific agreements.  However, if a member becomes insolvent, costs can be reallocated to and are guaranteed by the remaining members.  At March 31, 2012, WPD has recorded an estimated discounted liability based on its current allocated percentage of the total expected costs for which the expected payment/performance is probable.  Neither the expiration date nor the maximum amount of potential payments for certain obligations is explicitly stated in the related agreements.  Therefore, they have been estimated based on the types of obligations.
(e)
Two WPD unconsolidated affiliates were refinanced during 2005.  Under the terms of the refinancing, WPD has indemnified the lender against certain tax and other liabilities.
(f)
Other than the letters of credit, all guarantees of PPL Energy Supply, on a consolidated basis, also apply to PPL on a consolidated basis for financial reporting purposes.
(g)
Standby letter of credit arrangements under PPL Energy Supply's credit facilities for the purposes of protecting various third parties against nonperformance by PPL.  This is not a guarantee by PPL on a consolidated basis.
 
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(h)
PPL Susquehanna is contingently obligated to pay this amount related to potential retrospective premiums that could be assessed under its nuclear insurance programs.  See "Nuclear Insurance" above for additional information.
(i)
This is the maximum amount PPL Susquehanna could be assessed for each incident at any of the nuclear reactors covered by this Act.  See "Nuclear Insurance" above for additional information.
(j)
PPL Energy Supply's maximum exposure with respect to certain indemnifications and the expiration of the indemnifications cannot be estimated because, in the case of certain indemnification provisions, the maximum potential liability is not capped by the transaction documents and the expiration date is based on the applicable statute of limitations.  The exposure and expiration dates noted are only for those cases in which the agreements provide for specific limits.  The indemnification provisions described below are in each case subject to certain customary limitations, including thresholds for allowable claims, caps on aggregate liability, and time limitations for claims arising out of breaches of most representations and warranties.

A subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply has agreed to provide indemnification to the purchaser of the Long Island generation business for damages arising out of any breach of the representations, warranties and covenants under the related transaction agreement and for damages arising out of certain other matters, including liabilities relating to certain renewable energy facilities which were previously owned by one of the PPL subsidiaries sold in the transaction but which were unrelated to the Long Island generation business.  The indemnification provisions for most representations and warranties expired in the third quarter of 2011.

A subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply has agreed to provide indemnification to the purchasers of the Maine hydroelectric facilities for damages arising out of any breach of the representations, warranties and covenants under the respective transaction agreements and for damages arising out of certain other matters, including liabilities of the PPL Energy Supply subsidiary relating to the pre-closing ownership or operation of those hydroelectric facilities.  The indemnification provisions for certain representations and warranties expired in the second quarter of 2011.
 
Subsidiaries of PPL Energy Supply have agreed to provide indemnification to the purchasers of certain non-core generation facilities sold in March 2011 for damages arising out of any breach of the representations, warranties and covenants under the related transaction agreements and for damages arising out of certain other matters relating to the facilities that were the subject of the transaction, including certain reduced capacity payments (if any) at one of the facilities in the event specified PJM rule changes are proposed and become effective.  The indemnification provisions for most representations and warranties expired in the first quarter of 2012.
(k)
In December 2007, a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply executed revised owners agreements for two jointly owned facilities, the Keystone and Conemaugh generating plants.  The agreements require that in the event of any default by an owner, the other owners fund contributions for the operation of the generating plants, based upon their ownership percentages.  The non-defaulting owners, who make up the defaulting owner's obligations, are entitled to the generation entitlement of the defaulting owner, based upon their ownership percentage.  The exposure shown reflects the PPL Energy Supply subsidiary's share of the maximum obligation.  The agreements do not have an expiration date.
(l)
A PPL Energy Supply subsidiary owned a one-third equity interest in Safe Harbor Water Power Corporation (Safe Harbor) that was sold in March 2011.  Beginning in 2008, PPL Energy Supply guaranteed one-third of any amounts payable with respect to certain senior notes issued by Safe Harbor.  Under the terms of the sale agreement, PPL Energy Supply continues to guarantee the portion of Safe Harbor's debt, but received a cross-indemnity from the purchaser, secured by a lien on the purchaser's stock of Safe Harbor, in the event PPL Energy Supply is required to make a payment under the guarantee.  Exposure noted reflects principal only.
(m)
All guarantees of PPL Electric and LKE, on a consolidated basis, also apply to PPL on a consolidated basis for financial reporting purposes.
(n)
PPL Electric entered into a contract with a third party logistics firm that provides inventory procurement and fulfillment services.  Under the contract, the logistics firm has title to the inventory purchased for PPL Electric's use.  Upon termination of the contract, PPL Electric has guaranteed to purchase any remaining inventory that has not been used or sold by the logistics firm at the weighted-average cost at which the logistics firm purchased the inventory, thus protecting the logistics firm from reductions in the fair value of the inventory.
(o)
LKE provides certain indemnifications, the most significant of which relate to the termination of the WKE lease in July 2009.  These guarantees cover the due and punctual payment, performance and discharge by each party of its respective present and future obligations.  The most comprehensive of these guarantees is the LKE guarantee covering operational, regulatory and environmental commitments and indemnifications made by WKE under the WKE Transaction Termination Agreement.  This guarantee has a term of 12 years ending July 2021, and a cumulative maximum exposure of $200 million.  Certain items such as non-excluded government fines and penalties fall outside the cumulative cap.  Another guarantee with a maximum exposure of $100 million covering other indemnifications expires in 2023.  Certain matters are currently under discussion among the parties, including one matter currently in arbitration and a further matter for which LKE is contesting the applicability of the indemnification requirement.  The matter in arbitration may be ruled upon during mid-2012, which may result in increases or decreases to the estimated liability LKE has currently recorded.  The ultimate outcome of both matters cannot be predicted at this time.  Additionally, LKE has indemnified various third parties related to historical obligations for other divested subsidiaries and affiliates.  The indemnifications vary by entity and the maximum exposures range from being capped at the sale price to no specified maximum; however, LKE is not aware of formal claims under such indemnities made by any party at this time.  LKE could be required to perform on these indemnifications in the event of covered losses or liabilities being claimed by an indemnified party.  No additional material loss is anticipated by reason of such indemnification.
(p)
All guarantees of LG&E and KU also apply to LKE on a consolidated basis for financial reporting purposes.
(q)
Pursuant to a power purchase agreement with OVEC, LG&E and KU are obligated to pay a demand charge which includes, among other charges, decommissioning costs, postretirement and post employment benefits.  The demand charge is expected to cover LG&E's and KU's shares of the cost of these items over the term of the contract.  However, in the event there is a shortfall in covering these costs, LG&E and KU are obligated to pay their share of the excess.  The maximum exposure and the expiration date of these potential obligations are not presently determinable.

The Registrants provide other miscellaneous guarantees through contracts entered into in the normal course of business.  These guarantees are primarily in the form of indemnification or warranties related to services or equipment and vary in duration.  The amounts of these guarantees often are not explicitly stated, and the overall maximum amount of the obligation under such guarantees cannot be reasonably estimated.  Historically, no significant payments have been made with respect to these types of guarantees and the probability of payment/performance under these guarantees is remote.

PPL, on behalf of itself and certain of its subsidiaries, maintains insurance that covers liability assumed under contract for bodily injury and property damage.  The coverage requires a maximum $4 million deductible per occurrence and provides maximum aggregate coverage of $200 million.  This insurance may be applicable to obligations under certain of these contractual arrangements.

 
69
 

11.  Related Party Transactions

PLR Contracts/Purchase of Accounts Receivable (PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric)

PPL Electric holds competitive solicitations for PLR generation supply.  PPL EnergyPlus has been awarded a portion of the PLR generation supply through these competitive solicitations.  See Note 10 for additional information on the solicitations.  PPL Electric's purchases from PPL EnergyPlus for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 totaled $22 million and $6 million.  The sales and purchases are included in the Statements of Income as "Wholesale energy marketing to affiliate" by PPL Energy Supply, and as "Energy purchases from affiliate" by PPL Electric.

Under the standard Supply Master Agreement for the solicitation process, PPL Electric requires all suppliers to post collateral once credit exposures exceed defined credit limits.  PPL EnergyPlus is required to post collateral with PPL Electric when the aggregate credit exposure with respect to electricity, capacity and other related products to be delivered by PPL EnergyPlus exceeds a contractual credit limit.  Based on the current credit rating and tangible net worth of PPL Energy Supply, as guarantor, PPL EnergyPlus' credit limit was $35 million at March 31, 2012.  In no instance is PPL Electric required to post collateral to suppliers under these supply contracts.

PPL Electric's customers may choose an alternative supplier for their generation supply.  See Note 2 for additional information regarding PPL Electric's purchases of accounts receivable from alternative suppliers, including PPL EnergyPlus.

At March 31, 2012, PPL Energy Supply had a net credit exposure of $42 million to PPL Electric from its commitment as a PLR supplier and from the sale of its accounts receivable to PPL Electric.

Wholesale Sales and Purchases (LG&E and KU)

LG&E and KU jointly dispatch their generation units with the lowest cost generation used to serve their retail native load.  When LG&E has excess generation capacity after serving its own retail native load and its generation cost is lower than that of KU, KU purchases electricity from LG&E.  When KU has excess generation capacity after serving its own retail native load and its generation cost is lower than that of LG&E, LG&E purchases electricity from KU.  These transactions are reflected in the Statements of Income as "Electric revenue from affiliate" and "Energy purchases from affiliate" and are recorded at a price equal to the seller's fuel cost.  Savings realized from such intercompany transactions are shared equally between the two companies.  The volume of energy each company has to sell to the other is dependent on its native load needs and its available generation.

Allocations of Corporate Service Costs (PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE)

PPL Services provides corporate functions such as financial, legal, human resources and information technology services.  PPL Services charges the respective PPL subsidiaries for the cost of such services when they can be specifically identified.  The cost of the services that is not directly charged to PPL subsidiaries is allocated to applicable subsidiaries based on an average of the subsidiaries' relative invested capital, operation and maintenance expenses and number of employees.  PPL Services charged the following amounts, which PPL management believes are reasonable, including amounts applied to accounts that are further distributed between capital and expense:

   
Three Months Ended
   
March 31,
   
2012 
  
2011 
             
PPL Energy Supply
  
$
 57 
  
$
 50 
PPL Electric
    
 42 
    
 39 
LKE
    
 5 
    
 5 

Intercompany Billings by LKS (LG&E and KU)

LKS provides LG&E and KU with a variety of centralized administrative, management and support services.  The cost of these services is directly charged to the company or, for general costs that cannot be directly attributed, charged based on predetermined allocation factors, including the following measures: number of customers, total assets, revenues, number of employees and/or other statistical information.  LKS charged the amounts in the table below, which LKE management believes are reasonable, including amounts that are further distributed between capital and expense:

 
70
 

   
Three Months Ended
   
March 31,
   
2012 
    
2011 
               
LG&E
  
$
41 
    
$
33 
KU
    
46 
      
49 

In addition, LG&E and KU provide services to each other and to LKS.  Billings between LG&E and KU relate to labor and overheads associated with union and hourly employees performing work for the other company, charges related to jointly-owned generating units and other miscellaneous charges.

Intercompany Borrowings

(PPL Energy Supply)

A PPL Energy Supply subsidiary periodically holds revolving demand notes from certain affiliates.  At March 31, 2012, there were no balances outstanding.  At December 31, 2011, a note with PPL Energy Funding had an outstanding balance of $198 million, which was reflected in "Note receivable from affiliate" on the Balance Sheet.  Interest earned on these revolving facilities is included in "Interest Income from Affiliates" on the Statements of Income.  The interest rates on borrowings are equal to one-month LIBOR plus a spread.  For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, interest earned on borrowings was insignificant.

(LKE)

LKE maintains a $300 million revolving demand note with a PPL Energy Supply subsidiary whereby LKE can borrow funds on a short-term basis at market-based rates.  The interest rates on borrowings are equal to one-month LIBOR plus a spread.  At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there was no balance outstanding.  Interest on the revolving demand note with the PPL Energy Supply subsidiary was not significant for 2012 and 2011.

After PPL's acquisition of LKE in November 2010, LKE held a note receivable from a PPL affiliate.  At March 31, 2012, $5 million was outstanding compared with $15 million at December 31, 2011.  The interest rates on the outstanding borrowings were 2.24% and 2.26% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.  Interest income on this note was not significant for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

(LG&E)

LG&E participates in an intercompany money pool agreement whereby LKE and/or KU make available to LG&E funds up to $500 million at an interest rate based on a market index of commercial paper issues.  At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there was no balance outstanding.  The interest rate for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was 0.41%.  Interest expense incurred on the money pool agreement with LKE and/or KU was not significant for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

(KU)

KU participates in an intercompany money pool agreement whereby LKE and/or LG&E make available to KU funds up to $500 million at an interest rate based on a market index of commercial paper issues.  At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there was no balance outstanding.  The interest rate for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was 0.41%.  Interest expense incurred on the money pool agreement with LKE and/or LG&E was not significant for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Trademark Royalties (PPL Energy Supply)

A PPL subsidiary owns PPL trademarks and billed certain affiliates for their use.  This agreement was terminated in December 2011.  PPL Energy Supply was charged $10 million of this license fee for the three months ended March 31, 2011, which was included primarily in "Other operation and maintenance" on the Statement of Income.

Other (PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

See Note 7 for a discussion regarding capital transactions by PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU.  For PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LG&E and KU, refer to Note 9 for discussions regarding intercompany allocations associated with defined benefits.

 
71
 

12.  Other Income (Expense) - net

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

The breakdown of "Other Income (Expense) - net" was:

       
PPL
  
PPL Energy Supply
       
Three Months Ended
  
Three Months Ended
       
March 31,
  
March 31,
       
2012 
  
2011 
  
2012 
  
2011 
Other Income
                        
 
Earnings on securities in NDT funds
  
$
 8 
  
$
 15 
  
$
 8 
  
$
 15 
 
Interest income
    
 1 
    
 2 
    
 
    
 1 
 
AFUDC
    
 2 
    
 1 
    
 
    
 
 
Miscellaneous - Domestic
    
 2 
    
 3 
    
 1 
    
 1 
 
Total Other Income
    
 13 
    
 21 
    
 9 
    
 17 
Other Expense
                        
 
Economic foreign currency exchange contracts (Note 14)
    
 18 
    
 2 
    
 
    
 
 
Charitable contributions
    
 4 
    
 3 
    
 1 
    
 
 
WPD Midlands acquisition-related costs (Note 8)
    
 
    
 11 
            
 
Net hedge losses associated with the 2011 Bridge Facility
    
 
    
 7 
    
 
    
 
 
Miscellaneous - Domestic
    
 6 
    
 2 
    
 3 
    
 3 
 
Miscellaneous - U.K.
    
 2 
    
 1 
    
 
    
 
 
Total Other Expense
    
 30 
    
 26 
 
  
 4 
    
 3 
Other Income (Expense) - net
  
$
 (17)
  
$
 (5)
  
$
 5 
  
$
 14 

The components of "Other Income (Expense) - net" for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 for PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU are not significant.

13.  Fair Value Measurements and Credit Concentration

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price).  A market approach (generally, data from market transactions), an income approach (generally, present value techniques and option-pricing models), and/or a cost approach (generally, replacement cost) are used to measure the fair value of an asset or liability, as appropriate.  These valuation approaches incorporate inputs such as observable, independent market data and/or unobservable data that management believes are predicated on the assumptions market participants would use to price an asset or liability.  These inputs may incorporate, as applicable, certain risks such as nonperformance risk, which includes credit risk.  The fair value of a group of financial assets and liabilities is measured on a net basis.  Transfers between levels are recognized at end-of-reporting-period values.  At March 31, 2012, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The assets and liabilities measured at fair value were:

         
March 31, 2012
  
December 31, 2011
         
Total
  
Level 1
  
Level 2
  
Level 3
  
Total
  
Level 1
  
Level 2
  
Level 3
PPL
                                                
Assets
                                                
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 1,103 
  
$
 1,103 
    
 
    
 
  
$
 1,202 
  
$
 1,202 
    
 
    
 
 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (a)
    
 230 
    
 230 
    
 
    
 
    
 209 
    
 209 
    
 
    
 
 
Price risk management assets:
                                                
   
Energy commodities
    
 4,371 
    
 2 
  
$
 4,336 
  
$
 33 
    
 3,423 
    
 3 
  
$
 3,390 
  
$
 30 
   
Interest rate swaps
    
 3 
    
 
    
 3 
    
 
    
 3 
    
 
    
 3 
    
 
   
Foreign currency contracts
    
 5 
    
 
    
 5 
    
 
    
 18 
    
 
    
 18 
    
 
   
Cross-currency swaps
    
 37 
    
 
    
 34 
    
 3 
    
 24 
    
 
    
 20 
    
 4 
 
Total price risk management assets
    
 4,416 
    
 2 
    
 4,378 
    
 36 
    
 3,468 
    
 3 
    
 3,431 
    
 34 

 
72
 
   
March 31, 2012
  
December 31, 2011
         
Total
  
Level 1
  
Level 2
  
Level 3
  
Total
  
Level 1
  
Level 2
  
Level 3
 
NDT funds:
                                                
   
Cash and cash equivalents
    
 8 
    
 8 
    
 
    
 
    
 12 
    
 12 
    
 
    
 
   
Equity securities
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
     
U.S. large-cap
    
 329 
    
 228 
    
 101 
    
 
    
 292 
    
 202 
    
 90 
    
 
     
U.S. mid/small-cap
    
 133 
    
 98 
    
 35 
    
 
    
 117 
    
 87 
    
 30 
    
 
   
Debt securities
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
     
U.S. Treasury
    
 87 
    
 87 
    
 
    
 
    
 86 
    
 86 
    
 
    
 
     
U.S. government sponsored agency
    
 10 
    
 
    
 10 
    
 
    
 10 
    
 
    
 10 
    
 
     
Municipality
    
 84 
    
 
    
 84 
    
 
    
 83 
    
 
    
 83 
    
 
     
Investment-grade corporate
    
 38 
    
 
    
 38 
    
 
    
 38 
    
 
    
 38 
    
 
     
Other
    
 2 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 
   
Receivables (payables), net
    
 2 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 
    
 
    
 (3)
    
 3 
    
 
 
Total NDT funds
    
 693 
    
 421 
    
 272 
    
 
    
 640 
    
 384 
    
 256 
    
 
 
Auction rate securities (b)
    
 24 
    
 
    
 
    
 24 
    
 24 
    
 
    
 
    
 24 
Total assets
  
$
 6,466 
  
$
 1,756 
  
$
 4,650 
  
$
 60 
  
$
 5,543 
  
$
 1,798 
  
$
 3,687 
  
$
 58 
                                                       
Liabilities
                                                
 
Price risk management liabilities:
                                                
   
Energy commodities
  
$
 3,154 
  
$
 2 
  
$
 3,138 
  
$
 14 
  
$
 2,345 
  
$
 1 
  
$
 2,327 
  
$
 17 
   
Interest rate swaps
    
 54 
    
 
    
 54 
    
 
    
 63 
    
 
    
 63 
    
 
   
Foreign currency contracts
    
 13 
    
 
    
 13 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
   
Cross-currency swaps
    
 2 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 
 
Total price risk management liabilities
  
$
 3,223 
  
$
 2 
  
$
 3,207 
  
$
 14 
  
$
 2,410 
  
$
 1 
  
$
 2,392 
  
$
 17 
                                                       
PPL Energy Supply
                                                
Assets
                                                
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 135 
  
$
 135 
    
 
    
 
  
$
 379 
  
$
 379 
    
 
    
 
 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
    
 164 
    
 164 
    
 
    
 
    
 145 
    
 145 
    
 
    
 
 
Price risk management assets:
                                                
   
Energy commodities
    
 4,371 
    
 2 
  
$
 4,336 
  
$
 33 
    
 3,423 
    
 3 
  
$
 3,390 
  
$
 30 
 
Total price risk management assets
    
 4,371 
    
 2 
    
 4,336 
    
 33 
    
 3,423 
    
 3 
    
 3,390 
    
 30 
 
NDT funds:
                                                
   
Cash and cash equivalents
    
 8 
    
 8 
    
 
    
 
    
 12 
    
 12 
    
 
    
 
   
Equity securities
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
     
U.S. large-cap
    
 329 
    
 228 
    
 101 
    
 
    
 292 
    
 202 
    
 90 
    
 
     
U.S. mid/small-cap
    
 133 
    
 98 
    
 35 
    
 
    
 117 
    
 87 
    
 30 
    
 
   
Debt securities
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
     
U.S. Treasury
    
 87 
    
 87 
    
 
    
 
    
 86 
    
 86 
    
 
    
 
     
U.S. government sponsored agency
    
 10 
    
 
    
 10 
    
 
    
 10 
    
 
    
 10 
    
 
     
Municipality
    
 84 
    
 
    
 84 
    
 
    
 83 
    
 
    
 83 
    
 
     
Investment-grade corporate
    
 38 
    
 
    
 38 
    
 
    
 38 
    
 
    
 38 
    
 
     
Other
    
 2 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 
   
Receivables (payables), net
    
 2 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 
    
 
    
 (3)
    
 3 
    
 
 
Total NDT funds
    
 693 
    
 421 
    
 272 
    
 
    
 640 
    
 384 
    
 256 
    
 
 
Auction rate securities (b)
    
 19 
    
 
    
 
    
 19 
    
 19 
    
 
    
 
    
 19 
Total assets
  
$
 5,382 
  
$
 722 
  
$
 4,608 
  
$
 52 
  
$
 4,606 
  
$
 911 
  
$
 3,646 
  
$
 49 
                                                       
Liabilities
                                                
 
Price risk management liabilities:
                                                
   
Energy commodities
  
$
 3,154 
  
$
 2 
  
$
 3,138 
  
$
 14 
  
$
 2,345 
   $ 
 1 
  
$
 2,327 
  
$
 17 
 
Total price risk management liabilities
  
$
 3,154 
  
$
 2 
  
$
 3,138 
  
$
 14 
  
$
 2,345 
   $ 
 1 
  
$
 2,327 
  
$
 17 
                                                       
PPL Electric
                                                
Assets
                                                
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 149 
  
$
 149 
    
 
    
 
  
$
 320 
  
$
 320 
    
 
    
 
 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (c)
    
 13 
    
 13 
    
 
    
 
    
 13 
    
 13 
    
 
    
 
Total assets
  
$
 162 
  
$
 162 
    
 
    
 
  
$
 333 
 
$
 333 
    
 
    
 

LKE
                                                
Assets
                                                
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 104 
  
$
 104 
    
 
    
 
  
$
 59 
  
$
 59 
    
 
    
 
 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (c)
    
 27 
    
 27 
    
 
    
 
    
 29 
    
 29 
    
 
    
 
Total assets
  
$
 131 
  
$
 131 
    
 
    
 
  
$
 88 
  
$
 88 
    
 
    
 
                                                       
Liabilities
                                                
 
Price risk management liabilities:
                                                
   
Interest rate swaps (d)
  
$
 53 
    
 
  
$
 53 
    
 
  
$
 60 
    
 
  
$
 60 
    
 
Total liabilities
  
$
 53 
    
 
  
$
 53 
    
 
  
$
 60 
    
 
  
$
 60 
    
 
 
73
 
         
March 31, 2012
  
December 31, 2011
         
Total
  
Level 1
  
Level 2
  
Level 3
  
Total
  
Level 1
  
Level 2
  
Level 3
LG&E
                                                
Assets
                                                
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 54 
  
$
 54 
    
 
    
 
  
$
 25 
  
$
 25 
    
 
    
 
 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (c)
    
 27 
    
 27 
    
 
    
 
    
 29 
    
 29 
    
 
    
 
Total assets
  
$
 81 
  
$
 81 
    
 
    
 
  
$
 54 
  
$
 54 
    
 
    
 
                                                       
Liabilities
                                                
 
Price risk management liabilities:
                                                
   
Interest rate swaps (d)
  
$
 53 
    
 
  
$
 53 
    
 
  
$
 60 
    
 
  
$
 60 
    
 
Total liabilities
  
$
 53 
    
 
  
$
 53 
    
 
  
$
 60 
    
 
  
$
 60 
    
 
                                                       
KU
                                                
Assets
                                                
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 46 
  
$
 46 
    
 
    
 
  
$
 31 
  
$
 31 
    
 
    
 
Total assets
  
$
 46 
  
$
 46 
    
 
    
 
  
$
 31 
  
$
 31 
    
 
    
 

(a)
Current portion is included in "Restricted cash and cash equivalents" and long-term portion is included in "Other noncurrent assets" on the Balance Sheets.
(b)
Included in "Other investments" on the Balance Sheets.
(c)
Current portion is included in "Other current assets" on the Balance Sheets.  Such amounts were insignificant at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  Long-term portion is included in "Other noncurrent assets" on the Balance Sheets.
(d)
Current portion is included in "Other current liabilities" and long-term portion is included in "Price risk management liabilities" on the Balance Sheets.

A reconciliation of net assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 for the three months ended March 31 is as follows:
                                               
       
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
       
2012 
  
2011 
       
Energy
  
Auction
  
Cross-
        
Energy
  
Auction
      
       
Commodities,
  
Rate
  
Currency
        
Commodities,
  
 Rate
      
       
 net
  
Securities
  
Swaps
  
Total
  
 net
  
Securities
  
Total
PPL
                                          
Balance at beginning of period
  
$
 13 
  
$
 24 
  
$
 4 
  
$
 41 
  
$
 (3)
  
$
 25 
  
$
 22 
 
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
                                          
   
Included in earnings
    
 18 
    
 
    
 
    
 18 
    
 1 
    
 
    
 1 
   
Included in OCI (a)
    
 2 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 4 
    
 1 
    
 
    
 1 
 
Purchases
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 
    
 2 
 
Sales
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 (3)
    
 
    
 (3)
 
Settlements
    
 (6)
    
 
    
 
    
 (6)
    
 22 
    
 
    
 22 
 
Transfers out of Level 3
    
 (8)
    
 
    
 (3)
    
 (11)
    
 12 
    
 
    
 12 
Balance at end of period
  
$
 19 
  
$
 24 
  
$
 3 
  
$
 46 
  
$
 32 
  
$
 25 
  
$
 57 
                                               
PPL Energy Supply
                                          
Balance at beginning of period
  
$
 13 
  
$
 19 
    
 
  
$
 32 
  
$
 (3)
  
$
 20 
  
$
 17 
 
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
                            
 
    
 
      
   
Included in earnings
    
 18 
    
 
    
 
    
 18 
    
 1 
    
 
    
 1 
   
Included in OCI (a)
    
 2 
    
 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 1 
    
 
    
 1 
 
Purchases
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 
    
 2 
 
Sales
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 (3)
    
 
    
 (3)
 
Settlements
    
 (6)
    
 
    
 
    
 (6)
    
 22 
    
 
    
 22 
 
Transfers out of Level 3
    
 (8)
    
 
    
 
    
 (8)
    
 12 
    
 
    
 12 
Balance at end of period
  
$
 19 
  
$
 19 
    
 
  
$
 38 
  
$
 32 
  
$
 20 
  
$
 52 

(a)
"Energy Commodities" and "Cross-Currency Swaps" are included in "Qualifying derivatives" on the Statements of Comprehensive Income. 

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 for the three months ended March 31 are as follows:

 
74
 


       
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
       
2012 
       
Fair Value, net
                
Range
       
Asset
    
Valuation
    
Unobservable
    
(Weighted
       
(Liability)
    
Technique
    
Input(s)
    
Average) (a)
PPL
                        
Energy commodities
                        
 
Retail natural gas contracts (b)
    
 29 
    
Discounted cash flow
    
Observable wholesale prices used as proxy for retail delivery points
    
20% - 100% (69%)
 
Electric contracts (c)
    
 (6)
    
Discounted cash flow
    
Basis price between delivery points
    
28% - 33% (28%)
 
Other contracts (d)
    
 (4)
    
Discounted cash flow
    
Various
    
22% - 100% (65%)
                           
Auction rate securities (e)
    
 24 
    
Discounted cash flow
    
Modeled from SIFMA Index
    
15% - 90% (66%)
                           
Cross-currency swaps (f)
    
 3 
    
Discounted cash flow
    
Credit valuation adjustment
    
23% - 37% (32%)
                           
                           
PPL Energy Supply
                        
Energy commodities
                        
 
Retail natural gas contracts (b)
    
 29 
    
Discounted cash flow
    
Observable wholesale prices used as proxy for retail delivery points
    
20% - 100% (69%)
 
Electric contracts (c)
    
 (6)
    
Discounted cash flow
    
Basis price between delivery points
    
28% - 33% (28%)
 
Other contracts (d)
    
 (4)
    
Discounted cash flow
    
Various
    
22% - 100% (65%)
                           
Auction rate securities (e)
    
 19 
    
Discounted cash flow
    
Modeled from SIFMA Index
    
15% - 90% (65%)

(a)
For energy commodities and auction rate securities, the range and weighted average represent the percentage of fair value derived from the unobservable inputs.  For cross-currency swaps, the range and weighted average represent the percentage decrease in fair value due to the unobservable inputs used in the model to calculate the credit valuation adjustment.
(b)
Retail natural gas contracts extend through 2017.  $15 million of the fair value is scheduled to deliver within the next 12 months.  As the price of natural gas increases/(decreases), the fair value of the contracts (decreases)/increases.
(c)
Electric contracts extend through 2014.  $(3) million of the fair value is scheduled to deliver within the next 12 months.  As the price of electric increases/(decreases), the fair value of the contracts (decreases)/increases.
(d)
Other includes FTR and capacity contracts.  The models used to calculate the fair value of these contracts use historical settlement prices and extrapolation of observable forward curves.  Increases/(decreases) in the historical settled prices or forward prices will (decrease)/increase the fair value.
(e)
Auction rate securities have a weighted average contractual maturity of 24 years.  The model used to calculate fair value incorporates significant assumptions, including the assumptions that the auctions will continue to fail and that the securities will be held to maturity.  As the modeled forward rates of the SIFMA Index increase/(decrease), the fair value of the securities increases/(decreases).
(f)
Cross-currency swaps extend through 2021.  The credit valuation adjustment incorporates projected probabilities of default and estimated recovery rates.  As the credit valuation adjustment increases/(decreases), the fair value of the swaps (decreases)/increases.

Net gains and losses on assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 and included in earnings for the three months ended March 31 are reported in the Statements of Income as follows:

     
2012 
     
Energy Commodities, net
     
Unregulated
  
Wholesale
  
Net Energy
  
 
     
Retail Electric
  
Energy
  
Trading
  
Energy
     
and Gas
  
Marketing
  
Margins
  
Purchases
PPL and PPL Energy Supply
                        
Total gains (losses) included in earnings for the period
  
$
 16 
  
$
 4 
  
$
 (1)
  
$
 (1)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to positions still held
                        
 
at the reporting date
    
 46 
    
 (18)
    
 (1)
    
 (5)

     
2011 
     
Energy Commodities, net
     
Unregulated
  
Wholesale
  
Net Energy
  
 
     
Retail Electric
  
Energy
  
Trading
  
Energy
     
and Gas
  
Marketing
  
Margins
  
Purchases
PPL and PPL Energy Supply
                        
Total gains (losses) included in earnings for the period
  
$
 1 
  
$
 1 
  
$
 (5)
  
$
 4 
Change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to positions still held
                        
 
at the reporting date
    
 1 
    
 
    
 (1)
    
 19 
 
 
75
 

(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

Price Risk Management Assets/Liabilities - Energy Commodities

Energy commodity contracts are generally valued using the income approach, except for exchange-traded derivative gas, oil and emission allowance contracts, which are valued using the market approach and are classified as Level 1.  When observable inputs are used to measure all or most of the value of a contract, the contract is classified as Level 2.  Level 2 contracts are valued using quotes obtained from an exchange (where there is insufficient market liquidity to warrant inclusion in Level 1), binding and non-binding broker quotes, prices posted by ISOs or published tariff rates.  Furthermore, independent quotes are obtained from the market to validate the forward price curves.  These contracts include forwards, swaps, options and structured deals for electricity, gas, oil, and/or emission allowances and may be offset with similar positions in exchange-traded markets.  To the extent possible, fair value measurements utilize various inputs that include quoted prices for similar contracts or market-corroborated inputs.  In certain instances, these contracts may be valued using models, including standard option valuation models and standard industry models.  For example, the fair value of a structured deal that delivers power to an illiquid delivery point may be measured by valuing the nearest liquid trading point plus the value of the basis between the two points.  The basis input may be from market quotes, FTR prices, or historical prices.

When unobservable inputs are significant to the fair value measurement, a contract is classified as Level 3.  Contracts classified as Level 3 represent contracts for which delivery is at a location where pricing is unobservable or the delivery dates are beyond the dates for which independent quotes are available.  To measure the fair value of these contracts, PPL uses internally developed models that project forward prices.  Forward transactions, including forward transactions classified as Level 3, are analyzed by PPL's Risk Management department, which reports to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).  Accounting personnel, who also report to the CFO, interpret the analysis quarterly to appropriately classify the forward transactions in the fair value hierarchy.  Valuation techniques are evaluated periodically.  Additionally, Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements include adjustments for credit risk based on PPL's own creditworthiness (for net liabilities) and its counterparties' creditworthiness (for net assets).  PPL's credit department assesses all reasonably available market information to calculate the credit valuation adjustment.

In certain instances, energy commodity contracts are transferred between Level 2 and Level 3.  The primary reasons for the transfers during 2012 and 2011 were changes in the availability of market information and changes in the significance of the unobservable portion of the contract.  As the delivery period of a contract becomes closer, market information may become available.  When this occurs, the model's unobservable inputs are replaced with observable market information.

(PPL, LKE and LG&E)

Price Risk Management Assets/Liabilities - Interest Rate Swaps/Foreign Currency Contracts/Cross-Currency Swaps

To manage interest rate risk, PPL, LKE and LG&E use interest rate contracts such as forward-starting swaps, floating-to-fixed swaps and fixed-to-floating swaps.  To manage foreign currency exchange risk, PPL uses foreign currency contracts such as forwards, options and cross-currency swaps that contain characteristics of both interest rate and foreign currency contracts.  An income approach is used to measure the fair value of these contracts, utilizing readily observable inputs, such as forward interest rates (e.g., LIBOR and government security rates) and forward foreign currency exchange rates (e.g., GBP and Euro), as well as inputs that may not be observable, such as credit valuation adjustments.  In certain cases, market information cannot practicably be obtained to value credit risk and therefore internal models are relied upon.  These models use projected probabilities of default and estimated recovery rates based on historical observances.  When the credit valuation adjustment is significant to the overall valuation, the contracts are classified as Level 3.  The primary reason for the transfers out of Level 3 for 2012 was the change in the significance of the credit valuation adjustment.  Cross-currency swaps classified as Level 3 are valued by PPL's Corporate Finance department, which reports to the CFO.  Accounting personnel, who also report to the CFO, interpret the analysis quarterly to appropriately classify the contracts in the fair value hierarchy.  Valuation techniques are evaluated periodically.

(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

NDT Funds

The market approach is used to measure the fair value of equity securities held in the NDT funds.

·
The fair value measurements of equity securities classified as Level 1 are based on quoted prices in active markets and are comprised of securities that are representative of the Wilshire 5000 index, which is invested in approximately 70% large-cap stocks and 30% mid/small-cap stocks.

 
76
 

·
Investments in commingled equity funds are classified as Level 2 and represent securities that track the S&P 500 index and the Wilshire 4500 index.  These fair value measurements are based on firm quotes of net asset values per share, which are not obtained from a quoted price in an active market.

Debt securities are generally measured using a market approach, including the use of matrix pricing.  Common inputs include reported trades, broker/dealer bid/ask prices, benchmark securities and credit valuation adjustments.  When necessary, the fair value of debt securities is measured using the income approach, which incorporates similar observable inputs as well as benchmark yields, credit valuation adjustments, reference data from market research publications, monthly payment data, collateral performance and new issue data.

The debt securities held by the NDT funds at March 31, 2012 have a weighted-average coupon of 4.44% and a weighted-average maturity of 8.30 years.

Auction Rate Securities

Auction rate securities include Federal Family Education Loan Program guaranteed student loan revenue bonds, as well as various municipal bond issues.  The exposure to realize losses on these securities is not significant.

The fair value of auction rate securities is estimated using an income approach with inputs for the underlying structure and credit quality of each security; the present value of future interest payments, estimated based on forward rates of the SIFMA Index, and principal payments discounted using interest rates for bonds with a credit rating and remaining term to maturity similar to the stated maturity of the auction rate securities; and the impact of auction failures or redemption at par.  Auction rate securities are classified as Level 3 because the model used to calculate fair value incorporates significant assumptions.  Auction rate securities are valued by PPL's Treasury department, which reports to the CFO.  Accounting personnel, who also report to the CFO, interpret the analysis quarterly to appropriately classify the contracts in the fair value hierarchy.  Valuation techniques are evaluated periodically.

Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value (PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

The carrying amounts of contract adjustment payments related to the Purchase Contract component of the Equity Units and long-term debt on the Balance Sheets and their estimated fair values are set forth below.  The fair values of these instruments were estimated using an income approach by discounting future cash flows at estimated current cost of funding rates and are classified as Level 2.  The effect of third-party credit enhancements is not included in the fair value measurement.

     
March 31, 2012
  
December 31, 2011
     
Carrying
        
Carrying
      
     
Amount
  
Fair Value
  
Amount
  
Fair Value
PPL
                        
 
Contract adjustment payments (a)
  
$
 175 
  
$
 176 
  
$
 198 
  
$
 198 
 
Long-term debt
    
 18,076 
    
 19,837 
    
 17,993 
    
 19,392 
PPL Energy Supply
                        
 
Long-term debt
    
 3,024 
    
 3,420 
    
 3,024 
    
 3,397 
PPL Electric
                        
 
Long-term debt
    
 1,718 
    
 2,014 
    
 1,718 
    
 2,012 
LKE
                        
 
Long-term debt
    
 4,074 
    
 4,338 
    
 4,073 
    
 4,306 
LG&E
                        
 
Long-term debt
    
 1,112 
    
 1,168 
    
 1,112 
    
 1,164 
KU
                        
 
Long-term debt
    
 1,842 
    
 2,017 
    
 1,842 
    
 2,000 

(a)
Reflected in "Other current liabilities" and "Other deferred credits and noncurrent liabilities" on the Balance Sheets.

The carrying value of short-term debt, when outstanding, represents or approximates fair value due to the variable interest rates associated with the financial instruments and is classified as Level 2.  The carrying value of held-to-maturity, short-term investments at December 31, 2011 approximated fair value due to the liquid nature and short-term duration of these instruments.  
 
77
 
Credit Concentration Associated with Financial Instruments

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

Contracts are entered into with many entities for the purchase and sale of energy.  Many of these contracts qualify for NPNS and, as such, the fair value of these contracts is not reflected in the financial statements.  However, the fair value of these contracts is considered when committing to new business from a credit perspective.  See Note 14 for information on credit policies used to manage credit risk, including master netting arrangements and collateral requirements.

(PPL)

At March 31, 2012, PPL had credit exposure of $3.6 billion from energy trading partners, excluding the effects of netting arrangements and collateral.  As a result of netting arrangements and collateral, PPL's credit exposure was reduced to $954 million.  The top ten counterparties accounted for $460 million, or 48%, of the net exposure and all had investment grade credit ratings from S&P or Moody's.

(PPL Energy Supply)

At March 31, 2012, PPL Energy Supply had credit exposure of $3.6 billion from energy trading partners, excluding exposure from related parties and the effects of netting arrangements and collateral.  As a result of netting arrangements and collateral, this credit exposure was reduced to $953 million.  The top ten counterparties accounted for $460 million, or 48%, of the net exposure and all had investment grade credit ratings from S&P or Moody's.

(PPL Electric)

At March 31, 2012, PPL Electric had no credit exposure under energy supply contracts (including its supply contracts with PPL EnergyPlus).

(LKE, LG&E and KU)

At March 31, 2012, LKE's, LG&E's and KU's credit exposure was not significant.

14.  Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Risk Management Objectives

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

PPL has a risk management policy approved by the Board of Directors to manage market risk and counterparty credit risk.  The RMC, comprised of senior management and chaired by the Chief Risk Officer, oversees the risk management function.  Key risk control activities designed to ensure compliance with the risk policy and detailed programs include, but are not limited to, credit review and approval, validation of transactions and market prices, verification of risk and transaction limits, VaR analyses, portfolio stress tests, gross margin at risk analyses, sensitivity analyses, and daily portfolio reporting, including open positions, determinations of fair value, and other risk management metrics. 

Market Risk

Market risk is the potential loss that may be incurred as a result of price changes associated with a particular financial or commodity instrument.  Forward contracts, futures contracts, options, swaps and structured deals, such as tolling agreements, are utilized as part of risk management strategies to minimize unanticipated fluctuations in earnings caused by changes in commodity prices, volumes of full-requirement sales contracts, basis exposure, interest rates and/or foreign currency exchange rates.  All derivatives are recognized on the Balance Sheets at their fair value, unless they qualify for NPNS.

PPL is exposed to market risk from foreign currency exchange risk primarily associated with its investments in U.K. affiliates, as well as additional market risk from certain subsidiaries, as described below.

PPL Energy Supply is exposed to market risk from:

·
commodity price, basis and volumetric risks for energy and energy-related products associated with the sale of electricity from its generating assets and other electricity and gas marketing activities (including full-requirement sales contracts) and the purchase of fuel and fuel-related commodities for generating assets, as well as for proprietary trading activities;
 
78
 
·
interest rate and price risk associated with debt used to finance operations, as well as debt and equity securities in NDT funds and defined benefit plans; and
·
foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with firm commitments in currencies other than the applicable functional currency.

PPL Electric is exposed to market and volumetric risks from PPL Electric's obligation as PLR.  The PUC has approved a cost recovery mechanism that allows PPL Electric to pass through to customers the cost associated with fulfilling its PLR obligation.  This cost recovery mechanism substantially eliminates PPL Electric's exposure to market risk.  PPL Electric also mitigates its exposure to volumetric risk by entering into full-requirement supply agreements to serve its PLR customers.  These supply agreements transfer the volumetric risk associated with the PLR obligation to the energy suppliers.

By definition, the regulatory environments for PPL's other regulated entities, LKE (through its subsidiaries LG&E and KU) and WPD, significantly mitigate market risk.  LG&E's and KU's rates are set to permit the recovery of prudently incurred costs, including certain mechanisms for fuel, gas supply and environmental expenses.  These mechanisms generally provide for timely recovery of market price and volumetric fluctuations associated with these expenses.  WPD does not have supply risks in the distribution business.

LG&E also utilizes over-the-counter interest rate swaps to limit exposure to market fluctuations on interest expense.  WPD utilizes over-the-counter cross currency swaps to limit exposure to market fluctuations on interest and principal payments from foreign currency exchange rates.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the potential loss that may be incurred due to a counterparty's non-performance, including defaults on payments and energy commodity deliveries.

PPL is exposed to credit risk from interest rate and foreign currency derivatives with financial institutions, as well as additional credit risk through certain of its subsidiaries, as discussed below.

PPL Energy Supply is exposed to credit risk from commodity derivatives with its energy trading partners, which include other energy companies, fuel suppliers and financial institutions.

LG&E is exposed to credit risk from interest rate derivatives with financial institutions.

The majority of credit risk stems from commodity derivatives for multi-year contracts for energy sales and purchases.  If PPL Energy Supply's counterparties fail to perform their obligations under such contracts and PPL Energy Supply could not replace the sales or purchases at the same or better prices as those under the defaulted contracts, PPL Energy Supply would incur financial losses.  Those losses would be recognized immediately or through lower revenues or higher costs in future years, depending on the accounting treatment for the defaulted contracts.  In the event a supplier of LKE (through its subsidiaries LG&E and KU) or PPL Electric defaults on its obligation, those entities would be required to seek replacement power or replacement fuel in the market.  In general, incremental costs incurred by these entities would be recoverable from customers in future rates.

PPL and its subsidiaries have credit policies in place to manage credit risk, including the use of an established credit approval process, daily monitoring of counterparty positions and the use of master netting agreements.  These agreements generally include credit mitigation provisions, such as margin, prepayment or collateral requirements.  PPL and its subsidiaries may request the additional credit assurance, in certain circumstances, in the event that the counterparties' credit ratings fall below investment grade or their exposures exceed an established credit limit.  See Note 13 for credit concentration associated with financial instruments.

Master Netting Arrangements

Net derivative positions are not offset against the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) under master netting arrangements.

PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's obligation to return counterparty cash collateral under master netting arrangements was $213 million and $147 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

PPL Electric, LKE and LG&E had no obligation to return cash collateral under master netting arrangements at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.


 
79
 

PPL Energy Supply and PPL Electric had not posted any cash collateral under master netting arrangements at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

PPL, LKE and LG&E had posted cash collateral under master netting arrangements of $27 million at March 31, 2012 and $29 million at December 31, 2011.

Commodity Price Risk (Non-trading)

(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

Commodity price and basis risks are among PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's most significant risks due to the level of investment that PPL and PPL Energy Supply maintain in their competitive generation assets, as well as the extent of their marketing and proprietary trading activities.  Several factors influence price levels and volatilities.  These factors include, but are not limited to, seasonal changes in demand, weather conditions, available generating assets within regions, transportation/transmission availability and reliability within and between regions, market liquidity, and the nature and extent of current and potential federal and state regulations.

PPL and PPL Energy Supply enter into financial and physical derivative contracts, including forwards, futures, swaps and options, to hedge the price risk associated with electricity, gas, oil and other commodities.  Certain contracts qualify for NPNS or are non-derivatives and are therefore not reflected in the financial statements until delivery.  PPL and PPL Energy Supply segregate their remaining non-trading activities into two categories:  cash flow hedges and economic activity, as discussed below.

Cash Flow Hedges

Many derivative contracts have qualified for hedge accounting so that the effective portion of a derivative's gain or loss is deferred in AOCI and reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction occurs.  The cash flow hedges that existed at March 31, 2012 range in maturity through 2016.  At March 31, 2012, the accumulated net unrecognized after-tax gains (losses) that are expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months were $341 million for PPL and PPL Energy Supply.  Cash flow hedges are discontinued if it is no longer probable that the original forecasted transaction will occur by the end of the originally specified time periods and any amounts previously recorded in AOCI are reclassified into earnings once it is determined that the hedge transaction is probable of not occurring.  For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, such reclassifications were insignificant.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, after-tax hedge ineffectiveness associated with energy derivatives was insignificant.

Certain cash flow hedge positions were dedesignated during the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The fair value of the hedges at December 31, 2011 remained in AOCI because the original forecasted transaction is still expected to occur.  A pre-tax gain of $169 million, which represented the change in fair value of these positions during the three months ended March 31, 2012, was recorded as economic activity in "Wholesale energy marketing - Unrealized" on the Statement of Income.

Economic Activity

Certain derivative contracts economically hedge the price and volumetric risk associated with electricity, gas, oil and other commodities but do not receive hedge accounting treatment.  These derivatives hedge a portion of the economic value of PPL Energy Supply's competitive generation assets and unregulated full-requirement and retail contracts, which are subject to changes in fair value due to market price volatility and volume expectations.  Additionally, economic activity includes the ineffective portion of qualifying cash flow hedges (see "Cash Flow Hedges" above).  The derivative contracts in this category that existed at March 31, 2012 range in maturity through 2019.

Examples of economic activity include hedges on sales of baseload generation; certain purchase contracts used to supply full-requirement sales contracts; FTRs or basis swaps used to hedge basis risk associated with the sale of competitive generation or supplying unregulated full-requirement sales contracts; spark spreads (sale of electricity with the simultaneous purchase of fuel); retail electric and gas activities; and fuel oil swaps used to hedge price escalation clauses in coal transportation and other fuel-related contracts.  PPL Energy Supply also uses options, which include the sale of call options and the purchase of put options tied to a particular generating unit.  Since the physical generating capacity is owned, the price exposure is limited to the cost of the particular generating unit and does not expose PPL Energy Supply to uncovered market price risk.

Unrealized activity associated with monetizing certain full-requirement sales contracts was also included in economic activity during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

 
80
 

The net fair value of economic positions at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was a net asset (liability) of $816 million and $(63) million for PPL Energy Supply.  The unrealized gains (losses) for economic activity for the three months ended March 31 were as follows.

       
     
2012 
  
2011 
               
PPL Energy Supply
            
Operating Revenues
            
 
Unregulated retail electric and gas
  
$
 10 
  
$
 4 
 
Wholesale energy marketing
    
 852 
    
 57 
Operating Expenses
            
 
Fuel
    
 2 
    
 23 
 
Energy purchases
    
 (591)
    
 18 

The net gains (losses) recorded in "Wholesale energy marketing" resulted primarily from hedges of baseload generation; certain full-requirement sales contracts for which PPL Energy Supply did not elect NPNS, from hedge ineffectiveness and dedesignations, as discussed in "Cash Flow Hedges" above, and from the monetization of certain full-requirement sales contracts in 2010.  The net gains (losses) recorded in "Energy purchases" resulted primarily from certain purchase contracts to supply the full-requirement sales contracts noted above for which PPL Energy Supply did not elect hedge treatment, from hedge ineffectiveness and from purchase contracts that no longer hedge the full-requirement sales contracts that were monetized in 2010.

(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

Commodity Price Risk (Trading)

PPL Energy Supply also executes energy contracts to take advantage of market opportunities.  As a result, PPL Energy Supply may at times create a net open position in its portfolio that could result in significant losses if prices do not move in the manner or direction anticipated.  PPL Energy Supply's trading activity is shown in "Net energy trading margins" on the Statements of Income.

Commodity Volumetric Activity

PPL Energy Supply currently employs four primary strategies to maximize the value of its wholesale energy portfolio.  As further discussed below, these strategies include the sales of baseload generation, optimization of intermediate and peaking generation, marketing activities, and proprietary trading activities.  The tables within this section present the volumes of PPL Energy Supply's derivative activity, excluding those that qualify for NPNS, unless otherwise noted.

Sales of Baseload Generation

PPL Energy Supply has a formal hedging program for its competitive baseload generation fleet, which includes 7,252 MW of nuclear, coal and hydroelectric generating capacity.  The objective of this program is to provide a reasonable level of near-term cash flow and earnings certainty while preserving upside potential of power price increases over the medium term.  PPL Energy Supply sells its expected generation output on a forward basis using both derivative and non-derivative instruments.  Both are included in the following tables.

The following table presents the expected sales, in GWh, from competitive baseload generation and tolling arrangements that are included in the baseload portfolio based on current forecasted assumptions for 2012-2014.

2012 (a)
  
2013 
  
2014 
         
 39,733 
  
 53,136 
  
 53,502 

(a)
Represents expected sales for the balance of the current year.

The following table presents the percentage of expected baseload generation sales shown above that has been sold forward under fixed price contracts and the related percentage of fuel that has been purchased or committed at March 31, 2012.

 
81
 

     
Derivative
  
Total Power
  
Fuel Purchases (c)
Year
  
Sales (a)
  
Sales (b)
  
Coal
  
Nuclear
                   
2012 (d)
  
91%
  
95%
  
100%
  
100%
2013 
  
75%
  
82%
  
97%
  
100%
2014 (e)
  
8%
  
13%
  
70%
  
100%

(a)
Excludes non-derivative contracts and contracts that qualify for NPNS.  Volumes for option contracts factor in the probability of an option being exercised and may be less than the notional amount of the option.
(b)
Amount represents derivative (including contracts that qualify for NPNS) and non-derivative contracts.  Volumes for option contracts factor in the probability of an option being exercised and may be less than the notional amount of the option.  Percentages are based on fixed-price contracts only.
(c)
Coal and nuclear contracts receive accrual accounting treatment, as they are not derivative contracts.  Percentages are based on both fixed- and variable-priced contracts.
(d)
Represents the balance of the current year.
(e)
Volumes for derivative sales contracts that deliver in future periods total 1,635 GWh and 20.2 Bcf.

In addition to the fuel purchases above, PPL Energy Supply attempts to economically hedge the fuel price risk that is within its fuel-related and coal transportation contracts, which are tied to changes in crude oil or diesel prices.  PPL Energy Supply has also entered into contracts to financially hedge the physical sale of oil.  The following table presents the net volumes (in thousands of barrels) of derivative (sales)/purchase contracts used in support of these strategies at March 31, 2012.

   
2012 (a)
  
2013 
  
2014 
               
 
Oil Swaps
  
 162 
  
 285 
  
 240 

 
(a)
Represents the balance of the current year.

Optimization of Intermediate and Peaking Generation

In addition to its competitive baseload generation activities, PPL Energy Supply attempts to optimize the overall value of its competitive intermediate and peaking fleet, which includes 3,256 MW of gas and oil-fired generation.  The following table presents the net volumes of derivative (sales)/purchase contracts used in support of this strategy at March 31, 2012.

     
Units
  
2012 (a)
  
2013 
  
2014 (b)
                   
Net Power Sales
  
GWh
  
 (2,076)
  
 (408)
    
Net Fuel Purchases (c)
  
Bcf
  
 16.9 
  
 2.6 
  
 (0.3)

(a)
Represents the balance of the current year.
(b)
Volumes for derivative contracts used in support of these strategies that deliver in future periods are insignificant.
(c)
Included in these volumes are non-options and exercised option contracts that converted to non-option derivative contracts.  Volumes associated with option contracts are insignificant.

Marketing Activities

PPL Energy Supply's marketing portfolio is comprised of full-requirement sales contracts and their related supply contracts, retail natural gas and electricity sales contracts and other marketing activities.  The obligations under the full-requirement sales contracts include supplying a bundled product of energy, capacity, RECs, and other ancillary products.  The full-requirement sales contracts PPL Energy Supply is awarded do not provide for specific levels of load, and actual load could vary significantly from forecasted amounts.  PPL Energy Supply uses a variety of strategies to hedge its full-requirement sales contracts, including purchasing energy at a liquid trading hub or directly at the load delivery zone, purchasing capacity and RECs in the market and supplying the energy, capacity and RECs with its generation.  The following table presents the volume of (sales)/purchase contracts, excluding FTRs, RECs, basis and capacity contracts, used in support of these activities at March 31, 2012.

     
Units
  
2012 (a)
  
2013 
  
2014 
                   
Energy sales contracts (b)
  
GWh
  
 (10,945)
  
 (6,612)
  
 (3,261)
Related energy supply contracts (b)
                
 
Energy purchases
  
GWh
  
 7,718 
  
 2,873 
  
 955 
 
Volumetric hedges (c)
  
GWh
  
 73 
  
 80 
  
 65 
 
Generation supply
  
GWh
  
 2,630 
  
 3,049 
  
 2,234 
Retail gas sales contracts
  
Bcf
  
 (11.4)
  
 (6.0)
  
 (1.8)
Retail gas purchase contracts
  
Bcf
  
 11.2 
  
 5.8 
  
 1.7 

(a)
Represents the balance of the current year.
(b)
Includes NPNS and contracts that are not derivatives, which receive accrual accounting.

 
82
 

(c)
PPL Energy Supply uses power and gas options, swaps and futures to hedge the volumetric risk associated with full-requirement sales contracts since the demand for power varies hourly.  Volumes for option contracts factor in the probability of an option being exercised and may be less than the notional amount of the option.

Proprietary Trading Activity

At March 31, 2012, PPL Energy Supply's proprietary trading positions, excluding FTR, basis and capacity contract activity that is included in the tables below, were insignificant.

Other Energy-Related Positions

FTRs and Other Basis Positions

PPL Energy Supply buys and sells FTRs and other basis positions to mitigate the basis risk between delivery points related to the sales of its generation, the supply of its full-requirement sales contracts and retail contracts, as well as for proprietary trading purposes.  The following table represents the net volumes of derivative FTR and basis (sales)/purchase contracts at March 31, 2012.

   
Units
  
2012 (a)
  
2013 
  
2014 
                   
 
FTRs
  
GWh
  
 7,207 
  
 
  
 
 
Power Basis Positions (b)
  
GWh
  
 (13,316)
  
 (8,244)
  
 (2,628)
 
Gas Basis Positions (b)
  
Bcf
  
 7.1 
  
 (5.2)
  
 (4.0)

(a)
Represents the balance of the current year.
(b)
Net volumes that deliver in future periods are (677) GWh and (4.0) Bcf.

Capacity Positions

PPL Energy Supply buys and sells capacity related to the sales of its generation and the supply of its full-requirement sales contracts.  These contracts qualify for NPNS and receive accrual accounting.  PPL Energy Supply also sells and purchases capacity for proprietary trading purposes.  These contracts are marked to fair value through earnings.  The following table presents the net volumes of derivative capacity (sales)/purchase contracts at March 31, 2012.

   
Units
  
2012 (a)
  
2013 
  
2014 (b)
                   
 
Capacity
  
MW-months
  
 (7,102)
  
 (3,366)
  
 (2,578)

(a)
Represents the balance of the current year.
(b)
Net volumes that deliver in future periods are 989 MW-months.    

Interest Rate Risk

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, LKE and LG&E)

PPL and its subsidiaries have issued debt to finance their operations, which exposes them to interest rate risk.  Various financial derivative instruments are utilized to adjust the mix of fixed and floating interest rates in their debt portfolio, adjust the duration of the debt portfolio and lock in benchmark interest rates in anticipation of future financing, when appropriate.  Risk limits under the risk management program are designed to balance risk exposure to volatility in interest expense and changes in the fair value of the debt portfolio due to changes in benchmark interest rates.

Cash Flow Hedges (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

Interest rate risks include exposure to adverse interest rate movements for outstanding variable rate debt and for future anticipated financings.  Financial interest rate swap contracts may be entered into to hedge floating interest rate risk associated with both existing and anticipated debt issuances.  For PPL, outstanding interest rate swap contracts ranged in maturity through 2022 and had a notional value of $175 million at March 31, 2012.  PPL Energy Supply had no such interest rate swap contracts outstanding at March 31, 2012.

PPL WEM holds a notional position in cross-currency interest rate swaps totaling $960 million that mature through 2021 to hedge the interest payments and principal of its U.S. dollar-denominated senior notes.  Additionally, PPL WW holds a notional position in cross-currency interest rate swaps totaling $302 million that mature through 2028 to hedge the interest payments and principal of its U.S. dollar-denominated senior notes.
 
 
83
 

For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, hedge ineffectiveness associated with these interest rate derivatives was insignificant for PPL and PPL Energy Supply.

Cash flow hedges are discontinued if it is no longer probable that the original forecasted transaction will occur by the end of the originally specified time periods and any amounts previously recorded in AOCI are reclassified to earnings once it is determined that the hedge transaction is probable of not occurring.  PPL and PPL Energy Supply had no such reclassifications for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011.

At March 31, 2012, the accumulated net unrealized after-tax gains (losses) on qualifying derivatives that are expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months were $(12) million for PPL.  Amounts are reclassified as the hedged interest payments are made.

Fair Value Hedges (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

PPL and PPL Energy Supply are exposed to changes in the fair value of their debt portfolios.  To manage this risk, financial contracts may be entered into to hedge fluctuations in the fair value of existing debt issuances due to changes in benchmark interest rates.  At March 31, 2012, PPL held contracts that range in maturity through 2047 and had a notional value of $99 million.  PPL Energy Supply did not hold any such contracts at March 31, 2012.  PPL and PPL Energy Supply did not recognize gains or losses resulting from the ineffective portion of fair value hedges or from a portion of the hedging instrument being excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness or from hedges of debt issuances that no longer qualified as fair value hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Economic Activity (PPL, LKE and LG&E)

LG&E enters into interest rate swap contracts that economically hedge interest payments on variable rate debt.  Because realized gains and losses from the swaps, including a terminated swap contract, are recoverable through regulated rates, any subsequent changes in fair value of these derivatives are included in regulatory assets or liabilities until they are realized as interest expense.  Realized gains and losses are recognized in "Interest Expense" on the Statements of Income when the hedged transaction occurs.  At March 31, 2012, LG&E held contracts with a notional amount of $179 million that range in maturity through 2033.  The fair values of these contracts were recorded as liabilities of $53 million and $60 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 with equal offsetting amounts recorded as regulatory assets.

Foreign Currency Risk

(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

PPL is exposed to foreign currency risk, primarily through investments in U.K. affiliates.  In addition, PPL and PPL Energy Supply may be exposed to foreign currency risk associated with firm commitments in currencies other than the applicable functional currency.

PPL has adopted a foreign currency risk management program designed to hedge certain foreign currency exposures, including net investments, firm commitments, recognized assets or liabilities and anticipated transactions.  In addition, PPL enters into financial instruments to protect against foreign currency translation risk of expected earnings.

(PPL)

Net Investment Hedges

PPL enters into foreign currency contracts on behalf of a subsidiary to protect the value of a portion of its net investment in WPD.  The contracts outstanding at March 31, 2012 had a notional amount of £55 million (approximately $89 million based on contracted rates).  The settlement dates of these contracts range from June 2012 through September 2012.  The fair value of these contracts at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was insignificant and $7 million.  For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, PPL recognized insignificant amounts of net investment hedge gains and losses in the foreign currency translation adjustment component of AOCI.  At March 31, 2012, PPL included $17 million of accumulated net investment hedge gains, after tax, in the foreign currency translation adjustment component of AOCI, compared to $19 million of gains, after-tax, recorded by PPL at December 31, 2011.

Cash Flow Hedges

PPL held no foreign currency derivatives that qualified as cash flow hedges during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

 
84
 

Fair Value Hedges

PPL held no foreign currency derivatives that qualified as fair value hedges during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Economic Activity

PPL enters into foreign currency contracts on behalf of a subsidiary to economically hedge anticipated earnings denominated in GBP.  At March 31, 2012, the total exposure hedged by PPL was £761 million and the net fair value of these positions was an asset (liability) of $(9) million.  These contracts had termination dates ranging from April 2012 through September 2013.  Realized and unrealized gains and (losses) on these contracts are included in "Other Income (Expense) - net" on the Statements of Income and were $(18) million for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  At December 31, 2011, the total exposure hedged by PPL was £288 million and the net fair value of these positions was a net asset of $11 million.  Realized and unrealized gains and (losses) were insignificant for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

In anticipation of the repayment of a portion of the borrowings under the 2011 Bridge Facility with U.S. dollar proceeds received from PPL's April 2011 issuance of common stock and 2011 Equity Units and the issuance of senior notes by PPL WEM, PPL entered into forward contracts to purchase GBP in order to economically hedge the foreign currency exchange rate risk related to the repayment.  The total notional amount of the contracts outstanding at March 31, 2011 was £2.1 billion (approximately $3.3 billion based on contracted rates).  Realized and unrealized gains and (losses) on these contracts are included in "Other Income (Expense) - net" on the Statement of Income.  PPL recorded $(7) million of pre-tax, net losses for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Accounting and Reporting

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

All derivative instruments are recorded at fair value on the Balance Sheet as an asset or liability unless they qualify for NPNS.  NPNS contracts for PPL and PPL Energy Supply include full-requirement sales contracts, other physical sales contracts and certain retail energy and physical capacity contracts, and for PPL Electric include certain full-requirement purchase contracts and other physical purchase contracts.  Changes in the derivatives' fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met, except for the change in fair value of LG&E's interest rate swaps which are recognized as regulatory assets.  See Note 6 for amounts recorded in regulatory assets at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

See Notes 1 and 19 in each Registrant's 2011 Form 10-K for additional information on accounting policies related to derivative instruments.

(PPL)

The following tables present the fair value and location of derivative instruments recorded on the Balance Sheets.

             
March 31, 2012
  
December 31, 2011
             
Derivatives designated as
  
Derivatives not designated
  
Derivatives designated as
  
Derivatives not designated
             
hedging instruments
  
as hedging instruments (a)
  
hedging instruments
  
as hedging instruments (a)
             
Assets
  
Liabilities
  
Assets
  
Liabilities
  
Assets
  
Liabilities
  
Assets
  
Liabilities
Current:
                                                
 
Price Risk Management
                                                
   
Assets/Liabilities (b):
                                                
     
Interest rate swaps
  
$
 3 
  
$
 1 
    
 
  
$
 4 
  
$
 3 
  
$
 3 
    
 
  
$
 5 
     
Cross-currency swaps
    
 
    
 2 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 
    
 
     
Foreign currency
                                                
       
contracts
    
 1 
    
 
  
$
 4 
    
 13 
    
 7 
    
 
  
$
 11 
    
 
     
Commodity contracts
    
 120 
    
 
    
 3,102 
    
 2,129 
    
 872 
    
 3 
    
 1,655 
    
 1,557 
         
Total current
    
 124 
    
 3 
    
 3,106 
    
 2,146 
    
 882 
    
 8 
    
 1,666 
    
 1,562 
Noncurrent:
                                                
 
Price Risk Management
                                                
   
Assets/Liabilities (b):
                                                
     
Interest rate swaps
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 49 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 55 
     
Cross-currency swaps
    
 37 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 24 
    
 
    
 
    
 
     
Commodity contracts
    
 48 
    
 1 
    
 1,101 
    
 1,024 
    
 42 
    
 2 
    
 854 
    
 783 
         
Total noncurrent
    
 85 
    
 1 
    
 1,101 
    
 1,073 
    
 66 
    
 2 
    
 854 
    
 838 
Total derivatives
  
$
 209 
  
$
 4 
  
$
 4,207 
  
$
 3,219 
  
$
 948 
  
$
 10 
  
$
 2,520 
  
$
 2,400 
 
 
85
 

(a)
$816 million and $237 million of net gains associated with derivatives that were no longer designated as hedging instruments are recorded in AOCI at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
(b)
Represents the location on the Balance Sheet.

The after-tax balances of accumulated net gains (losses) (excluding net investment hedges) in AOCI were $471 million and $527 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  The after-tax balances of accumulated net gains (losses) (excluding net investment hedges) in AOCI were $663 million and $695 million at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

The following tables present the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments recognized in income, OCI or regulatory assets for the three months ended March 31.

Derivatives in
  
Hedged Items in
  
Location of Gain
  
Gain (Loss) Recognized
  
Gain (Loss) Recognized
Fair Value Hedging
  
Fair Value Hedging
  
(Loss) Recognized
  
in Income on Derivative
  
in Income on Related Item
Relationships
  
Relationships
  
in Income
  
2012 
  
2011 
  
2012 
  
2011 
                                 
Interest rate swaps
  
Fixed rate debt
  
Interest expense
  
$
 
  
$
 1 
  
$
 1 
  
$
 10 

                           
2012 
  
2011 
                                 
Gain (Loss)
        
Gain (Loss)
                                 
Recognized
        
Recognized
                                 
in Income
        
in Income
                           
on Derivative
  
Gain (Loss)
  
on Derivative
                     
Gain (Loss)
  
(Ineffective
  
Reclassified
  
(Ineffective
                     
Reclassified
  
Portion and
  
from AOCI
  
Portion and
         
Derivative Gain
    
Location of
  
from AOCI
  
Amount
  
into
  
Amount
         
(Loss) Recognized in
    
Gain (Loss)
  
into Income
  
Excluded from
  
Income
  
Excluded from
Derivative
  
 OCI (Effective Portion)
    
Recognized
  
 (Effective
  
Effectiveness
  
(Effective
  
Effectiveness
Relationships
  
2012 
  
2011 
    
in Income
  
Portion)
  
Testing)
  
Portion)
  
Testing)
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                          
 
Interest rate swaps
  
$
 3 
  
$
 10 
  
Interest expense
  
$
 (4)
    
 
  
$
 (3)
  
$
 (1)
 
Cross-currency swaps
    
 12 
    
 (25)
  
Interest expense
    
 (1)
    
 
    
 3 
    
 
                     
Other income
                        
                       
(expense) - net
    
 (19)
    
 
    
 (13)
    
 
 
Commodity contracts
    
 113 
    
 84 
  
Wholesale energy
                        
                       
marketing
    
 272 
  
$
 4 
    
 203 
    
 (9)
                     
Depreciation
    
 1 
    
 
    
 
    
 
                     
Energy purchases
    
 (40)
    
 (4)
    
 (70)
    
 1 
Total
  
$
 128 
  
$
 69 
        
$
 209 
  
$
 
  
$
 120 
  
$
 (9)
                                                 
Net Investment Hedges:
                                          
   
Foreign currency contracts
  
$
 (3)
  
$
 (1)
                              

Derivatives Not Designated as
  
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
            
 Hedging Instruments:
  
 Income on Derivatives
  
2012 
  
2011 
                 
Foreign currency contracts
  
Other income (expense) - net
  
$
 (18)
  
$
 (9)
Interest rate swaps
  
Interest expense
    
 (2)
    
 (2)
Commodity contracts
  
Unregulated retail electric and gas
    
 22 
    
 1 
   
Wholesale energy marketing
    
 1,343 
    
 45 
   
Net energy trading margins (a)
    
 9 
    
 7 
   
Fuel
    
 6 
    
 23 
   
Energy purchases
    
 (1,070)
    
 (55)
   
Total
  
$
 290 
  
$
 10 
                 
Derivatives Not Designated as
  
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized as
            
 Hedging Instruments:
  
Regulatory Liabilities/Assets
  
2012 
  
2011 
                 
Interest rate swaps
  
Regulatory assets
  
$
 7 
  
$
 2 

(a)
Differs from the Statement of Income due to intra-month transactions that PPL defines as spot activity, which is not accounted for as a derivative.

(PPL Energy Supply)

The following tables present the fair value and location of derivative instruments recorded on the Balance Sheets.

 
86
 

             
March 31, 2012
  
December 31, 2011
             
Derivatives designated as
  
Derivatives not designated
  
Derivatives designated as
  
Derivatives not designated
             
hedging instruments
  
as hedging instruments (a)
  
hedging instruments
  
hedging instruments (a)
             
Assets
  
Liabilities
  
Assets
  
Liabilities
  
Assets
  
Liabilities
  
Assets
  
Liabilities
Current:
                                                
 
Price Risk Management
                                                
   
Assets/Liabilities (b):
                                                
     
Commodity contracts
  
$
 120 
    
 
  
$
 3,102 
  
$
 2,129 
  
$
 872 
  
$
 3 
  
$
 1,655 
  
$
 1,557 
         
Total current
    
 120 
    
 
    
 3,102 
    
 2,129 
    
 872 
    
 3 
    
 1,655 
    
 1,557 
Noncurrent:
                                                
 
Price Risk Management
                                                
   
Assets/Liabilities (b):
                                                
     
Commodity contracts
    
 48 
  
$
 1 
    
 1,101 
    
 1,024 
    
 42 
    
 2 
    
 854 
    
 783 
         
Total noncurrent
    
 48 
    
 1 
    
 1,101 
    
 1,024 
    
 42 
    
 2 
    
 854 
    
 783 
Total derivatives
  
$
 168 
  
$
 1 
  
$
 4,203 
  
$
 3,153 
  
$
 914 
  
$
 5 
  
$
 2,509 
  
$
 2,340 

(a)
$816 million and $237 million of net gains associated with derivatives that were no longer designated as hedging instruments are recorded in AOCI at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
(b)
Represents the location on the balance sheet.

The after-tax balances of accumulated net gains (losses) (excluding net investment hedges) in AOCI were $522 million and $605 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  The after-tax balances of accumulated net gains (losses) (excluding net investment hedges) in AOCI were $662 million and $733 million at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.  At March 31, 2011, AOCI reflects the effect of PPL Energy Supply's January 2011 distribution of its membership interest in PPL Global to its parent, PPL Energy Funding.

The following tables present the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments recognized in income or OCI for the three months ended March 31.

                         
2012 
  
2011 
                               
Gain (Loss)
        
Gain (Loss)
                                 
Recognized
        
Recognized
                               
in Income
        
in Income
                               
on Derivative
        
on Derivative
                   
Gain (Loss)
  
(Ineffective
  
Gain (Loss)
  
(Ineffective
                   
Reclassified
  
Portion and
  
Reclassified
  
Portion and
         
Derivative Gain
  
Location of
  
from AOCI
  
Amount
  
from AOCI
  
Amount
         
(Loss) Recognized in
  
Gains (Losses)
  
into Income
  
Excluded from
  
into Income
  
Excluded from
Derivative
  
OCI (Effective Portion)
  
Recognized
  
(Effective
  
Effectiveness
  
(Effective
  
Effectiveness
Relationships
  
2012 
  
2011 
  
in Income
  
 Portion)
  
 Testing)
  
Portion)
  
Testing)
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                        
   
Commodity contracts
  
$
 113 
  
$
 84 
  
Wholesale energy
                        
                       
marketing
  
$
 272 
  
$
 4 
  
$
 203 
  
$
 (9)
                     
Energy purchases
    
 (40)
    
 (4)
    
 (70)
    
 1 
Total
  
$
 113 
  
$
 84 
        
$
 232 
  
$
 
  
$
 133 
  
$
 (8)

Derivatives Not Designated as
  
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
            
 Hedging Instruments:
  
 Income on Derivatives
  
2012 
  
2011 
                 
Commodity contracts
  
Unregulated retail electric and gas
  
$
 22 
  
$
 1 
   
Wholesale energy marketing
    
 1,343 
    
 45 
   
Net energy trading margins (a)
    
 9 
    
 7 
   
Fuel
    
 6 
    
 23 
   
Energy purchases
    
 (1,070)
    
 (55)
   
Total
  
$
 310 
  
$
 21 

(a)
Differs from the Statement of Income due to intra-month transactions that PPL Energy Supply defines as spot activity, which is not accounted for as a derivative.

(LKE and LG&E)

The following table presents the fair value and location of derivative instruments recorded on the Balance Sheets.

 
87
 

             
March 31, 2012
  
December 31, 2011
             
Derivatives designated as
  
Derivatives not designated
  
Derivatives designated as
  
Derivatives not designated
             
hedging instruments
  
as hedging instruments
  
hedging instruments
  
as hedging instruments
             
Assets
  
Liabilities
  
Assets
  
Liabilities
  
Assets
  
Liabilities
  
Assets
  
Liabilities
Current:
                                                
 
Other Current
                                                
   
Assets/Liabilities (a):
                                                
     
Interest rate swaps
  
 
 
  
 
 
    
 
  
$
 4 
  
 
 
  
 
 
    
 
  
$
 5 
         
Total current
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 4 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 5 
Noncurrent:
                                                
 
Price Risk Management
                                                
   
Assets/Liabilities (a):
                                                
     
Interest rate swaps
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 49 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 55 
         
Total noncurrent
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 49 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 55 
Total derivatives
  
 
 
  
 
 
    
 
  
$
 53 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
$
 60 

(a)
Represents the location on the Balance Sheet.

The following tables present the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments recognized in income or regulatory assets for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Derivatives Not Designated as
  
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
            
 Hedging Instruments:
  
 Income on Derivatives
  
2012 
  
2011 
                 
Interest rate swaps
  
Interest expense
  
$
 (2)
  
$
 (2)
   
Total
  
$
 (2)
  
$
 (2)
                 
Derivatives Not Designated as
  
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized as
            
 Hedging Instruments:
  
Regulatory Liabilities/Assets
  
2012 
  
2011 
                 
Interest rate swaps
  
Regulatory assets
  
$
 7 
  
$
 2 

Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features (PPL, PPL Energy Supply, LKE and LG&E)

Certain derivative contracts contain credit risk-related contingent provisions which, when in a net liability position, would permit the counterparties to require the transfer of additional collateral upon a decrease in the credit ratings of PPL, PPL Energy Supply, LKE and LG&E, or certain of their subsidiaries.  Most of these provisions would require the transfer of additional collateral or permit the counterparty to terminate the contract if the applicable credit rating were to fall below investment grade.  Some of these provisions also would allow the counterparty to require additional collateral upon each decrease in the credit rating at levels that remain above investment grade.  In either case, if the applicable credit rating were to fall below investment grade (i.e., below BBB- for S&P or Fitch, or Baa3 for Moody's), and assuming no assignment to an investment grade affiliate were allowed, most of these credit contingent provisions require either immediate payment of the net liability as a termination payment or immediate and ongoing full collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions.

Additionally, certain derivative contracts contain credit risk-related contingent provisions that require "adequate assurance" of performance be provided if the other party has reasonable grounds for insecurity regarding the performance of PPL's obligation under the contract.  A counterparty demanding adequate assurance could require a transfer of additional collateral or other security, including letters of credit, cash and guarantees from a creditworthy entity.  This would typically involve negotiations among the parties.  However, amounts disclosed below represent assumed immediate payment or immediate and ongoing full collateralization for derivative instruments in net liability positions with "adequate assurance" provisions.

At March 31, 2012, the effect of a decrease in credit ratings below investment grade on derivative contracts that contain credit contingent features and were in a net liability position is summarized as follows.

             
PPL
            
       
PPL
  
Energy Supply
  
LKE
  
LG&E
                             
Aggregate fair value of derivative instruments in a net liability
                        
 
position with credit contingent provisions
  
$
 211 
  
$
 168 
  
$
 36 
  
$
 36 
Aggregate fair value of collateral posted on these derivative instruments
    
 53 
    
 26 
    
 27 
    
 27 
Aggregate fair value of additional collateral requirements in the event of
    
 
          
 
      
 
a credit downgrade below investment grade (a)
    
 175 
    
 158 
    
 9 
    
9 

 
(a)
Includes the effect of net receivables and payables already recorded on the Balance Sheet.

 
88
 

15.  Goodwill
              
                             
(PPL)
                      
                             
The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment were:
                           
       
Kentucky Regulated
  
U.K. Regulated
  
Supply
  
Total
PPL
                      
Balance at December 31, 2011 (a)
$
 662 
  
$
 3,032 
  
$
 420 
  
$
 4,114 
 
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates
  
 
    
 47 
    
 
    
 47 
Balance at March 31, 2012 (a)
$
 662 
  
$
 3,079 
  
$
 420 
  
$
 4,161 

(a)
There were no accumulated impairment losses related to goodwill.

16.  Asset Retirement Obligations

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, LKE, LG&E and KU)

The changes in the carrying amounts of AROs were as follows.

           
PPL
                  
     
PPL
  
Energy Supply
  
LKE
  
LG&E
  
KU
                                 
ARO at December 31, 2011
  
$
 497 
  
$
 359 
  
$
 118 
  
$
 57 
  
$
 61 
 
Accretion expense
    
 9 
    
 6 
    
 2 
    
 1 
    
 1 
 
Changes in estimated cash flow or settlement date
    
 2 
    
 2 
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
Obligations settled
    
 (4)
    
 (4)
    
 
    
 
    
 
ARO at March 31, 2012
  
$
 504 
  
$
 363 
  
$
 120 
  
$
 58 
  
$
 62 

Substantially all of the ARO balances are classified as noncurrent at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

(PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

Accretion and depreciation expense recorded by LG&E and KU is offset with a regulatory credit on the income statement, such that there is no earnings impact.

 
(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

The most significant ARO recorded by PPL and PPL Energy Supply relates to the decommissioning of the Susquehanna nuclear plant.  The accrued nuclear decommissioning obligation was $298 million and $292 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Assets in the NDT funds are legally restricted for purposes of settling PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's ARO related to the decommissioning of the Susquehanna plant.  The aggregate fair value of these assets was $693 million and $640 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and is included in "Nuclear plant decommissioning trust funds" on the Balance Sheets.  See Notes 13 and 17 for additional information on these assets.

17.  Available-for-Sale Securities

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, LKE and LG&E)

Certain short-term investments and securities held by the NDT funds and auction rate securities are classified as available-for-sale.  Available-for-sale securities are carried on the Balance Sheet at fair value.  Unrealized gains and losses on these securities are reported, net of tax, in OCI or are recognized currently in earnings when a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary.  The specific identification method is used to calculate realized gains and losses.

(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

The following table shows the amortized cost, the gross unrealized gains and losses recorded in AOCI and the fair value of available-for-sale securities.
 
89
 
             
March 31, 2012
  
December 31, 2011
                   
Gross
  
Gross
            
Gross
  
Gross
    
             
Amortized
  
 Unrealized
  
 Unrealized
      
Amortized
  
 Unrealized
  
 Unrealized
    
             
Cost
  
Gains
  
Losses
  
Fair Value
  
 Cost
  
 Gains
  
Losses
  
Fair Value
PPL
                                                
 
NDT funds:
                                                
     
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 8 
    
 
    
 
  
$
 8 
  
$
 12 
    
 
    
 
  
$
 12 
     
Equity securities:
                                                
       
U.S. large-cap
    
 177 
  
$
 152 
    
 
    
 329 
    
 173 
  
$
 119 
    
 
    
 292 
       
U.S. mid/small-cap
    
 69 
    
 64 
    
 
    
 133 
    
 67 
    
 50 
    
 
    
 117 
     
Debt securities:
                                                
       
U.S. Treasury
    
 79 
    
 8 
    
 
    
 87 
    
 76 
    
 10 
    
 
    
 86 
       
U.S. government sponsored
                                                
         
agency
    
 9 
    
 1 
    
 
    
 10 
    
 9 
    
 1 
    
 
    
 10 
       
Municipality
    
 81 
    
 4 
  
$
 1 
    
 84 
    
 80 
    
 4 
  
$
 1 
    
 83 
       
Investment-grade corporate
    
 35 
    
 3 
    
 
    
 38 
    
 35 
    
 3 
    
 
    
 38 
       
Other
    
 2 
    
 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 2 
    
 
    
 
    
 2 
     
Receivables/payables, net
    
 2 
    
 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
     
Total NDT funds
    
 462 
    
 232 
    
 1 
    
 693 
    
 454 
    
 187 
    
 1 
    
 640 
 
Auction rate securities
    
 25 
    
 
    
 1 
    
 24 
    
 25 
    
 
    
 1 
    
 24 
 
Total
  
$
 487 
  
$
 232 
  
$
 2 
  
$
 717 
  
$
 479 
  
$
 187 
  
$
 2 
  
$
 664 
                                                           
PPL Energy Supply
                                                
 
NDT funds:
                                                
     
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 8 
    
 
    
 
  
$
 8 
  
$
 12 
    
 
    
 
  
$
 12 
     
Equity securities:
    
 
    
 
    
 
                              
       
U.S. large-cap
    
 177 
  
$
 152 
    
 
    
 329 
    
 173 
  
$
 119 
    
 
    
 292 
       
U.S. mid/small-cap
    
 69 
    
 64 
    
 
    
 133 
    
 67 
    
 50 
    
 
    
 117 
     
Debt securities:
    
 
    
 
    
 
                              
       
U.S. Treasury
    
 79 
    
 8 
    
 
    
 87 
    
 76 
    
 10 
    
 
    
 86 
       
U.S. government sponsored
    
 
    
 
    
 
                              
         
agency
    
 9 
    
 1 
    
 
    
 10 
    
 9 
    
 1 
    
 
    
 10 
       
Municipality
    
 81 
    
 4 
  
$
 1 
    
 84 
    
 80 
    
 4 
  
$
 1 
    
 83 
       
Investment-grade corporate
    
 35 
    
 3 
    
 
    
 38 
    
 35 
    
 3 
    
 
    
 38 
       
Other
    
 2 
    
 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 2 
    
 
    
 
    
 2 
     
Receivables/payables, net
    
 2 
    
 
    
 
    
 2 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
     
Total NDT funds
    
 462 
    
 232 
    
 1 
    
 693 
    
 454 
    
 187 
    
 1 
    
 640 
 
Auction rate securities
    
 20 
    
 
    
 1 
    
 19 
    
 20 
    
 
    
 1 
    
 19 
 
Total
  
$
 482 
  
$
 232 
  
$
 2 
  
$
 712 
  
$
 474 
  
$
 187 
  
$
 2 
  
$
 659 

There were no securities with credit losses at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

The following table shows the scheduled maturity dates of debt securities held at March 31, 2012.

     
Maturity
  
Maturity
  
Maturity
  
Maturity
      
     
 Less Than
1-5
5-10
in Excess
    
     
1 Year
Years
Years
of 10 Years
Total
PPL
                              
Amortized cost
  
$
 9 
  
$
 77 
  
$
 64 
  
$
 81 
  
$
 231 
Fair value
    
 9 
    
 80 
    
 70 
    
 86 
    
 245 
                                 
PPL Energy Supply
                              
Amortized cost
  
$
 9 
  
$
 77 
  
$
 64 
  
$
 76 
  
$
 226 
Fair value
    
 9 
    
 80 
    
 70 
    
 81 
    
 240 

The following table shows proceeds from and realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities for the three months ended March 31.

     
2012 
  
2011 
PPL
            
Proceeds from sales of NDT securities (a)
  
$
 34 
  
$
 75 
Other proceeds from sales
    
 
    
 163 
Gross realized gains (b)
    
 6 
    
 17 
Gross realized losses (b)
    
 1 
    
 5 
               
PPL Energy Supply
            
Proceeds from sales of NDT securities (a)
  
$
 34 
  
$
 75 
Gross realized gains (b)
    
 6 
    
 17 
Gross realized losses (b)
    
 1 
    
 5 

(a)
These proceeds are used to pay income taxes and fees related to managing the trust.  Remaining proceeds are reinvested in the trust.
 
90
 

(b)
Excludes the impact of other-than-temporary impairment charges recognized in the Statements of Income.

(PPL, LKE and LG&E)

At December 31, 2010, LG&E held $163 million aggregate principal amount of tax-exempt revenue bonds issued by Louisville/Jefferson County, Kentucky on behalf of LG&E that were purchased from the remarketing agent in 2008.  During the three months ended March 31, 2011, LG&E received $163 million for its investments in these bonds when they were remarketed to unaffiliated investors.  No realized or unrealized gains (losses) were recorded on these securities, as the difference between carrying value and fair value was not significant.

18.  New Accounting Guidance Pending Adoption

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E and KU)

Improving Disclosures about Offsetting Balance Sheet Items

Effective January 1, 2013, the Registrants will retrospectively adopt accounting guidance issued to enhance disclosures about financial instruments and derivative instruments that either (1) offset on the balance sheet or (2) are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset on the balance sheet.

Upon adoption, the enhanced disclosure requirements are not expected to have a significant impact on the Registrants.

 
91
 

PPL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


The following should be read in conjunction with PPL's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes and with PPL's 2011 Form 10-K.  Capitalized terms and abbreviations are defined in the glossary.  Dollars are in millions, except per share data, unless otherwise noted.

"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" includes the following information:

·  
"Overview" provides a description of PPL and its business strategy, a summary of Net Income Attributable to PPL Corporation and a discussion of certain events related to PPL's results of operations and financial condition.

·  
"Results of Operations" provides a summary of PPL's earnings, a review of results by reportable segment and a description of factors by segment expected to impact future earnings.  This section ends with explanations of significant changes in principal items on PPL's Statements of Income, comparing the three months ended March 31, 2012 with the same period in 2011.

·  
"Financial Condition - Liquidity and Capital Resources" provides an analysis of PPL's liquidity position and credit profile.

·  
"Financial Condition - Risk Management" provides an explanation of PPL's risk management programs relating to market and credit risk.


Overview

Introduction

PPL is an energy and utility holding company with headquarters in Allentown, Pennsylvania.  Through subsidiaries, PPL generates electricity from power plants in the northeastern, northwestern and southeastern U.S., markets wholesale and retail energy primarily in the northeastern and northwestern portions of the U.S., delivers electricity to customers in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee and the U.K. and delivers natural gas to customers in Kentucky.

PPL's principal subsidiaries are shown below (* denotes an SEC registrant):
 
Organizational Chart
 
 
92
 

Business Strategy

PPL's overall strategy is to achieve stable, long-term growth in its regulated electricity delivery businesses through efficient operations and strong customer and regulatory relations, and disciplined optimization of energy supply margins in its energy supply business while mitigating volatility in both cash flows and earnings.  In pursuing this strategy, PPL acquired LKE in November 2010 and WPD Midlands in April 2011.  These acquisitions have reduced PPL's overall business risk profile and reapportioned the mix of PPL's regulated and competitive businesses by increasing the regulated portion of its business and enhancing rate-regulated growth opportunities as the regulated businesses make investments to improve infrastructure and customer reliability.

The increase in regulated assets is expected to provide earnings stability through regulated returns and the ability to recover costs of capital investments, in contrast to the competitive energy supply business where earnings and cash flows are subject to commodity market volatility.  The pro forma impacts of the acquisition of WPD Midlands on income from continuing operations (after income taxes) for the three months ended March 31 are as follows.

       
2011 
               
Pro forma
    
Actual
  
                                 
Regulated
                  
$
 310 
59%
  
$
 201 
48%
Competitive
                    
 216 
41%
    
 216 
52%
                   
$
 526 
    
$
 417 
  

Note:  Pro forma and actual amounts exclude non-recurring items identified in Note 8 to the Financial Statements.

Results for periods prior to the acquisition of WPD Midlands are not comparable with, or indicative of, results for periods subsequent to the acquisition.

With the purchase of WPD Midlands and the related growth of the portion of PPL's overall earnings translated from British pounds sterling, the related foreign currency risk is more substantial.  The U.K. subsidiaries also have currency exposure to the U.S. dollar associated with their U.S. dollar-denominated debt.  To manage these risks, PPL generally uses contracts such as forwards, options and cross currency swaps that contain characteristics of both interest rate and foreign currency exchange contracts.

PPL's strategy for its competitive energy supply business is to optimize the value from its unregulated generation and marketing portfolio.  PPL endeavors to do this by matching energy supply with load, or customer demand, under contracts of varying durations with creditworthy counterparties to capture profits while effectively managing exposure to energy and fuel price volatility, counterparty credit risk and operational risk.

To manage financing costs and access to credit markets, a key objective of PPL's business strategy is to maintain a strong credit profile.  PPL continually focuses on maintaining an appropriate capital structure and liquidity position.  In addition, PPL has adopted financial and operational risk management programs that, among other things, are designed to monitor and manage its exposure to earnings and cash flow volatility related to changes in energy and fuel prices, interest rates, counterparty credit quality and the operating performance of its generating units.

Financial and Operational Developments

Net Income Attributable to PPL Corporation

Net Income Attributable to PPL Corporation for the three months ended March 31, 2012, was $541 million compared to $401 million for the same period in 2011, an increase of 35%.  Net Income Attributable to PPL Corporation by segment was:

     
Three Months Ended March 31,
     
2012 
  
2011 
               
Kentucky Regulated
  
$
42 
  
$
75 
U.K. Regulated (a)
    
165 
    
55 
Pennsylvania Regulated
    
33 
    
52 
Supply
    
301 
    
219 
Net Income Attributable to PPL Corporation
  
$
 541 
  
$
 401 
               
EPS - basic
  
$
 0.93 
  
$
 0.82 
EPS - diluted
  
$
 0.93 
  
$
 0.82 

 
93
 

(a)
As a result of the WPD Midlands acquisition on April 1, 2011, the U.K. Regulated segment includes WPD Midlands' results for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  PPL consolidates WPD, including WPD Midlands, on a one-month lag.  Material intervening events are recognized in the current period financial statements; events that are significant but not material are disclosed.

The changes in Net Income Attributable to PPL Corporation from period to period were, in part, attributable to certain items that management considers special.  See "Results of Operations" for further discussion of the results of PPL's business segments, details of special items and analysis of the consolidated results of operations.

Ironwood Acquisition

In April 2012, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply completed the acquisition from a subsidiary of The AES Corporation of all of the equity interests of AES Ironwood, L.L.C. (subsequently renamed PPL Ironwood, LLC) and AES Prescott, L.L.C. (subsequently renamed PPL Prescott, LLC), which own and operate, respectively, the Ironwood Facility.  The Ironwood Facility began operation in 2001 and, since 2008, PPL EnergyPlus has supplied natural gas for the operation of the Ironwood Facility and received the facility's full electricity output and capacity value pursuant to a tolling agreement that expires in 2021.  The acquisition provides PPL Energy Supply, through its subsidiaries, operational control of additional combined-cycle gas generation in PJM.  See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Equity Forward Contract

In April 2012 PPL made a registered underwritten public offering of 9.9 million shares of its common stock.  In conjunction with that offering, the underwriters exercised an option to purchase an additional 590,880 shares of PPL common stock solely to cover over-allotments.  In connection with the registered public offering, PPL entered into forward sale agreements with two counterparties covering the 9.9 million shares of PPL's common stock.  Settlement of these initial forward sale agreements will occur no later than April 2013.  As a result of the underwriters' exercise of the overallotment option, PPL entered into additional forward sale agreements covering the additional 590,880 shares of common stock.  Settlement of the subsequent forward sale agreements will occur in July 2013.

PPL will not receive any proceeds or issue any shares of common stock until settlement of the forward sale agreements.  PPL intends to use any net proceeds that it receives upon settlement to repay short-term debt obligations and for other general corporate purposes.

The forward sale agreements will be classified as equity transactions.  As a result, no amounts will be recorded in the consolidated financial statements until the settlement of the forward sale agreements.  Prior to those settlements, the only impact to the financial statements will be the inclusion of incremental shares within the calculation of diluted EPS using the treasury stock method.  See "Financial Condition - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Long Term Debt and Equity Securities" for additional information.

Redemption of PPL Electric Preference Stock

In April 2012, PPL Electric gave notice that it had elected to redeem all 2.5 million shares of its 6.25% Series Preference Stock, par value $100 per share, on June 18, 2012. The price to be paid for the redemption is the par value, without premium ($250 million in the aggregate).  The Preference Stock is reflected on PPL's Balance Sheets in "Noncontrolling Interests."

Bankruptcy of SMGT

In October 2011, SMGT, a Montana cooperative and purchaser of electricity under a long-term supply contract with PPL EnergyPlus expiring in June 2019 (SMGT Contract), filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Montana.  At the time of the bankruptcy filing, SMGT was PPL EnergyPlus' largest unsecured credit exposure.

The SMGT Contract provided for fixed volume purchases on a monthly basis at established prices.  Pursuant to a court order and subsequent stipulations entered into between the SMGT bankruptcy trustee and PPL EnergyPlus, since the date of its Chapter 11 filing through January 2012, SMGT continued to purchase electricity from PPL EnergyPlus at the price specified in the SMGT Contract, and made timely payments for such purchases, but at lower volumes than as prescribed in the SMGT Contract.  In January 2012, the trustee notified PPL EnergyPlus that SMGT would not purchase electricity under the SMGT Contract for the month of February.  In March 2012, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Montana issued an order approving the request of the SMGT bankruptcy trustee and PPL EnergyPlus to terminate the SMGT Contract.  As a result, the SMGT Contract was terminated effective April 1, 2012, allowing PPL EnergyPlus to resell the electricity previously contracted to SMGT under the SMGT Contract to other customers.
 
 
94
 

PPL EnergyPlus' receivable under the SMGT Contract totaled approximately $22 million at March 31, 2012, which has been fully reserved.  No assurance can be given as to the collectability of the receivable.

At this time, PPL Energy Supply cannot predict the prices and other terms on which it will be able to market to third parties the power that SMGT will not purchase from PPL EnergyPlus due to the termination of the SMGT Contract.

Tax Litigation

In 1997, the U.K. imposed a Windfall Profits Tax (WPT) on privatized utilities, including WPD.  PPL filed its tax returns for years subsequent to its 1997 and 1998 claim for refund on the basis that the U.K. WPT was creditable.  In September 2010, the U.S. Tax Court (Tax Court) ruled in PPL's favor in a dispute with the IRS, concluding that the U.K. WPT is a creditable tax for U.S. tax purposes.  As a result, and with finalization of other issues, PPL recorded a $42 million tax benefit in 2010.  In January 2011, the IRS appealed the Tax Court's decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (Third Circuit).  In December 2011, the Third Circuit issued its opinion reversing the Tax Court's decision, holding that the U.K. WPT is not a creditable tax.  As a result of the Third Circuit's adverse determination, PPL recorded a $39 million expense in the fourth quarter of 2011.  In February 2012, PPL filed a petition for rehearing of the Third Circuit opinion.  In March 2012, the Third Circuit denied PPL's petition.  PPL is considering whether to file a petition for a writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court.

Pending Bluegrass CTs Acquisition and NGCC Construction

In September 2011, LG&E and KU filed a CPCN with the KPSC requesting approval to build a 640 MW NGCC at the existing Cane Run plant site.  In conjunction with this request and to meet new, stricter EPA regulations, LG&E and KU anticipate retiring six older coal-fired electric generating units.  These units are located at the Cane Run, Green River and Tyrone plants, which have a combined summer rating of 797 MW.  LG&E and KU also requested approval to purchase the Bluegrass CTs, which are expected to provide up to 495 MW of peak generation supply.  In November 2011, LG&E and KU filed an application with the FERC under the Federal Power Act requesting approval to purchase the Bluegrass CTs.

LG&E and KU anticipate that the NGCC construction and the acquisition of the Bluegrass CTs could require up to $800 million (comprised of up to $300 million for LG&E and up to $500 million for KU) in capital costs including related transmission projects. Formal requests for recovery of the costs associated with the NGCC construction and the acquisition of the Bluegrass CTs were not included in the CPCN filing with the KPSC but are expected to be included in future rate proceedings.  In May 2012, the KPSC issued an order approving the request to build the NGCC and purchase the Bluegrass CTs.  Also, on May 4, 2012, the FERC issued an order conditionally authorizing the acquisition of the Bluegrass CTs, subject to implementation of satisfactory mitigation measures to address market-power concerns.  FERC approval of the proposed mitigation measures is required.  LG&E and KU are reviewing the order's conditions and their impact on the closing conditions under the Bluegrass CTs purchase contract, as well as other regulatory, operational and economic aspects of the transaction.  See Notes 6 and 8 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
 
Regional Transmission Line Expansion Plan

PPL Electric has experienced delays in obtaining necessary National Park Service (NPS) approvals for the Susquehanna-Roseland transmission line and anticipates a delay of the line's in-service date to 2015.  In March 2012, the NPS announced that the route proposed by PPL Electric and PSE&G, previously approved by the Pennsylvania and New Jersey public utility commissions, is the preferred route for the line under the NPS's National Environmental Policy Act review.  The NPS has stated that it expects to issue its record of decision in October 2012.  An appeal of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approval of the line is pending before the New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division.  PPL Electric cannot predict the ultimate outcome or timing of the NPS approval or any further legal challenges to the project.  PJM has developed a strategy to manage potential reliability problems until the line is built.  PPL Electric cannot predict what additional actions, if any, PJM might take in the event of further delay to its scheduled in-service date for the new line.  See Note 8 in PPL's 2011 Form 10-K for additional information.

Ofgem Review of Line Loss Calculation

WPD has a $173 million liability recorded at March 31, 2012 compared with $170 million at December 31, 2011, calculated in accordance with Ofgem's accepted methodology, related to the close-out of line losses for the prior price control period, DPCR4.  Ofgem is currently consulting on the methodology used to calculate the final line loss incentive/penalty for the DPCR4.  In October 2011, Ofgem issued a consultation paper citing two potential changes to the methodology, both of which would result in a reduction of the liability.  In March 2012, Ofgem issued a decision regarding the preferred methodology and in April 2012 WPD submitted further data as requested by Ofgem.  PPL cannot predict the outcome of this matter, but expects resolution to occur before the end of 2012.
 
95
 
Results of Operations

The following discussion provides a review of results by reportable segment and a description of factors by segment expected to impact future earnings.  This section ends with "Statement of Income Analysis," which includes explanations of significant changes in principal items on PPL's Statements of Income, comparing the three months ended March 31, 2012 with the same period in 2011.

On April 1, 2011, PPL completed its acquisition of WPD Midlands.  As a result, the results of operations of WPD Midlands are included in PPL's results for the three months ended March 31, 2012, with no comparable amounts for the same period in 2011.  When discussing PPL's results of operations for 2012 compared with 2011, the results of WPD Midlands are isolated for purposes of comparability.  WPD Midlands' results are included within the U.K. Regulated segment (formerly the International Regulated segment, renamed in 2012).  See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for additional information regarding the acquisition.

The results for interim periods can be disproportionately influenced by numerous factors and developments and by seasonal variations.  As such, the results of operations for interim periods do not necessarily indicate results or trends for the year or future periods.

Tables analyzing changes in amounts between periods within "Segment Results" and "Statement of Income Analysis" are presented on a constant U.K. foreign currency exchange rate basis, where applicable, in order to isolate the impact of the change in the exchange rate on the item being explained.  Results computed on a constant U.K. foreign currency exchange rate basis are calculated by translating current year results at the prior year weighted-average U.K. foreign currency exchange rate.

Segment Results

Kentucky Regulated Segment

The Kentucky Regulated segment consists primarily of LKE's results from the operation of regulated electricity generation, transmission and distribution assets, primarily in Kentucky, as well as in Virginia and Tennessee.  This segment also includes LKE's results from the regulated distribution and sale of natural gas in Kentucky.

Net Income Attributable to PPL Corporation includes the following results:

     
Three Months Ended March 31,
     
2012 
  
2011 
  
% Change
                   
Utility revenues
  
$
 705 
  
$
 766 
    
 (8)
Fuel and energy purchases
    
 287 
    
 322 
    
 (11)
Other operation and maintenance
    
 206 
    
 181 
    
 14 
Depreciation
    
 86 
    
 81 
    
 6 
Taxes, other than income
    
 11 
    
 9 
    
 22 
 
Total operating expenses
    
 590 
    
 593 
    
 (1)
Other Income (Expense) - net
    
 (3)
    
 (1)
    
 200 
Interest Expense (a)
    
 55 
    
 54 
    
 2 
Income Taxes
    
 15 
    
 43 
    
 (65)
Net Income Attributable to PPL Corporation
  
$
 42 
  
$
 75 
    
 (44)

(a)
Includes allocated interest expense of $17 million in 2012 and $18 million in 2011 related to the 2010 Equity Units and interest rate swaps.

The changes in the components of the Kentucky Regulated segment's results between these periods were due to the following factors, which are adjusted for certain items that management considers special.  See additional detail of these special items in the table below.

Kentucky Gross Margins
  
$
 (28)
Other operation and maintenance
    
 (22)
Depreciation
    
 (4)
Taxes, other than income
    
 (2)
Other Income (Expense) - net
    
 (2)
Interest Expense
    
 (1)
Income Taxes
    
 22 
Special Items, after-tax
    
 4 
Total
  
$
 (33)
 
96
 
·
See "Statement of Income Analysis - Margins - Changes in Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for an explanation of Kentucky Gross Margins.

·
Higher other operation and maintenance expense due to $11 million of higher steam maintenance costs primarily resulting from an increased scope of scheduled plant outages, a $6 million credit to establish a regulatory asset recorded in the first quarter of 2011 related to 2009 storm costs and $3 million of higher storm restoration and vegetation management costs.

·
Lower income taxes primarily due to the change in pre-tax income.

The following after-tax amounts, which management considers special items, also impacted the Kentucky Regulated segment's results.

     
Income Statement
  
Three Months Ended March 31,
     
Line Item
  
2012 
  
2011 
                   
Special items gains (losses), net of tax (expense) benefit:
              
LKE acquisition-related adjustments:
      
 
    
 
 
Net operating loss carryforward and other tax related adjustments
Income Taxes and Other O&M
  
$
 4 
    
 
Total
    
$
 4 
      

Outlook

Excluding special items, PPL projects lower segment earnings in 2012 compared with 2011, primarily driven by higher operation and maintenance expense and higher depreciation, which are expected to be partially offset by higher margins.

Earnings in 2012 are subject to various risks and uncertainties.  See "Forward-Looking Information," the rest of this Item 2, and Notes 6 and 10 to the Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q and "Item 1. Business" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in PPL's 2011 Form 10-K for a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and factors that may impact future earnings.

U.K. Regulated Segment

The U.K. Regulated segment consists primarily of the electric distribution operations of WPD in the U.K.

Net Income Attributable to PPL Corporation includes the following results:

     
Three Months Ended March 31,
     
2012 
  
2011 
  
% Change
                     
Utility revenues
  
$
 228 
  
$
 216 
    
 6 
Energy-related businesses
    
 10 
    
 9 
    
 11 
 
Total operating revenues
    
 238 
    
 225 
    
 6 
Other operation and maintenance
    
 55 
    
 42 
    
 31 
Depreciation
    
 31 
    
 30 
    
 3 
Taxes, other than income
    
 14 
    
 13 
    
 8 
Energy-related businesses
    
 5 
    
 4 
    
 25 
 
Total operating expenses
    
 105 
    
 89 
    
 18 
Other Income (Expense) - net
    
 (21)
    
 (1)
    
 2,000 
Interest Expense (a)
    
 47 
    
 40 
    
 18 
Income Taxes
    
 19 
    
 21 
    
 (10)
WPD Midlands, after-tax (b)
    
 123 
    
 
    
n/a
WPD Midlands acquisition-related costs, net of tax
    
 (4)
    
 (19)
    
 (79)
Net Income Attributable to PPL Corporation
  
$
 165 
  
$
 55 
    
 200 

(a)
2012 includes allocated interest expense of $12 million related to the 2011 Equity Units.
(b)
Represents the operations of WPD Midlands for the three months ended March 31, 2012 including revenue from external customers of $324 million (pre-tax).  This amount excludes acquisition-related costs incurred by WPD Midlands.

The changes in the components of the U.K. Regulated segment's results between these periods were due to the following factors, which are adjusted for certain items that management considers special.  See additional detail of these special items in the table below.  The amounts for PPL WW are presented on a constant U.K. foreign currency exchange rate basis in order to isolate the impact of the change in the exchange rate.
 
97
 
PPL WW
      
 
Utility revenues
  
$
 15 
 
Other operation and maintenance
    
 (10)
 
Interest expense
    
 4 
 
Other
    
 (2)
 
Income taxes
    
 (2)
WPD Midlands, after-tax
    
 124 
U.S.
      
 
Interest expense and other
    
 (18)
 
Income taxes
    
 (3)
Special items
    
 2 
Total
  
$
 110 
 
PPL WW
 
·
Higher utility revenues due to $36 million from a price increase in April 2011, partially offset by $13 million from lower volumes resulting from the downturn in the economy and weather, and $7 million of lower regulatory recovery due to a charge to income from an estimated over-recovery position in 2012, compared to a credit to income in 2011.

·
Higher other operation and maintenance expense due to $5 million of higher pension expense resulting from higher amortization of prior period actuarial losses.
U.S.

·
Higher U.S. interest expense and other due to $12 million of higher interest expense as a result of the 2011 Equity Units issued to finance the WPD Midlands acquisition.

The following after-tax amounts, which management considers special items, also impacted the U.K. Regulated segment's results.

     
Income Statement
  
Three Months Ended March 31,
     
Line Item
  
2012 
  
2011 
                   
Special items gains (losses), net of tax (expense) benefit:
              
Foreign currency-related economic hedges, net of tax of $7, $1 (a)
Other Income-net
  
$
 (14)
  
$
 (1)
WPD Midlands acquisition-related adjustments:
      
 
    
 
 
2011 Bridge Facility costs, net of tax of $0, $2 (b)
Interest Expense
    
 
    
 (5)
 
Net hedge losses, net of tax of $0, $3 (c)
Other Income-net
    
 
    
 (4)
 
Separation benefits, net of tax of $2, $0 (d)
Other O&M
    
 (4)
    
 
 
Other acquisition-related costs, net of tax of $0, $1 (e)
Other Income-net
    
 
    
 (10)
Total
    
$
(18)
  
$
(20)

(a)
Represents unrealized gains (losses) on contracts that economically hedge anticipated earnings denominated in GBP.
(b)
Represents amortization of fees incurred in connection with establishing the 2011 Bridge Facility.
(c)
Primarily represents unrealized losses on foreign currency economic hedges associated with the repayment of the 2011 Bridge Facility.
(d)
Represents severance compensation expense for employees separating from the WPD Midlands companies as a result of a reorganization to transition the WPD Midlands companies to the same operating structure as WPD (South West) and WPD (South Wales).
(e)
Represents advisory, accounting and legal fees.

Outlook

Excluding special items, PPL projects higher segment earnings in 2012 compared with 2011, primarily driven by four additional months of earnings from the WPD Midlands businesses and higher electricity delivery revenue.  Partially offsetting these positive earnings drivers are higher income taxes, higher operation and maintenance expense, higher depreciation, higher financing costs and a less favorable currency exchange rate.

Earnings in 2012 are subject to various risks and uncertainties.  See "Forward-Looking Information," the rest of this Item 2, and Notes 6 and 10 to the Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q and "Item 1. Business" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in PPL's 2011 Form 10-K for a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and factors that may impact future earnings.

Pennsylvania Regulated Segment
      
                     
The Pennsylvania Regulated segment includes the regulated electric delivery operations of PPL Electric.
      
                     
Net Income Attributable to PPL Corporation includes the following results:
      
 
98
 
 
                     
     
Three Months Ended March 31,
     
2012 
  
2011 
  
% Change
Operating revenues
                  
 
External
  
$
 457 
  
$
 554 
    
 (18)
 
Intersegment
    
 1 
    
 4 
    
 (75)
 
Total operating revenues
    
 458 
    
 558 
    
 (18)
Energy purchases
    
 
    
 
      
 
External
    
 153 
    
 251 
    
 (39)
 
Intersegment
    
 21 
    
 6 
    
 250 
Other operation and maintenance
    
 140 
    
 130 
    
 8 
Depreciation
    
 39 
    
 33 
    
 18 
Taxes, other than income
    
 26 
    
 35 
    
 (26)
 
Total operating expenses
    
 379 
    
 455 
    
 (17)
Other Income (Expense) - net
    
 2 
    
 
    
n/a
Interest Expense
    
 24 
    
 24 
    
 
Income Taxes
    
 20 
    
 23 
    
 (13)
Net Income
    
 37 
    
 56 
    
 (34)
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
    
 4 
    
 4 
    
 
Net Income Attributable to PPL Corporation
  
$
 33 
  
$
 52 
    
 (37)
 
The changes in the components of the Pennsylvania Regulated segment's results between these periods were due to the following factors.

Pennsylvania gross delivery margins
$
 (13)
Other operation and maintenance
  
 (6)
Depreciation
  
 (6)
Other
  
 3 
Income Taxes
  
 3 
Total
$
 (19)

·
See "Statement of Income Analysis - Margins - Changes in Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for an explanation of Pennsylvania Gross Delivery Margins.

·
Higher other operation and maintenance expense due to $3 million of higher payroll related costs, $3 million of higher support group costs and $2 million of higher vegetation management costs, partially offset by $5 million of lower PUC reportable storm costs.

·
Higher depreciation expense due to a $5 million depreciation impact from PP&E additions, primarily related to the ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance the reliability of the delivery system, including the replacement of aging infrastructure.

·
Lower income taxes primarily due to lower pre-tax income, which reduced income taxes by $9 million, partially offset by $4 million of benefits recorded in 2011 related to Pennsylvania Department of Revenue interpretive guidance on bonus depreciation.

Outlook

Excluding special items, PPL projects lower segment earnings in 2012 compared with 2011, primarily driven by higher operation and maintenance expense, higher depreciation, and lower distribution revenue, which are expected to be partially offset by higher transmission revenue and lower financing costs.

In March 2012, PPL Electric filed a request with the PUC to increase distribution rates by approximately $105 million.  The PUC's review of the distribution rate increase is expected to take about nine months.  The proposed distribution revenue rate increase would result in a 2.9% increase over PPL Electric's present rates and would be effective January 1, 2013.  PPL Electric cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding.

Earnings in 2012 are subject to various risks and uncertainties.  See "Forward-Looking Information," the rest of this Item 2, and Notes 6 and 10 to the Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q and "Item 1. Business" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in PPL's 2011 Form 10-K for a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and factors that may impact future earnings.
 
99
 
Supply Segment

The Supply segment primarily consists of the energy marketing and trading activities, as well as the competitive generation and development operations of PPL Energy Supply.

Net Income Attributable to PPL Corporation includes the following results:
      
                     
     
Three Months Ended March 31,
     
2012 
  
2011 
  
% Change
Energy revenues
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
External (a)
  
$
 2,290 
  
$
 1,253 
    
 83 
 
Intersegment
    
 21 
    
 6 
    
 250 
Energy-related businesses
    
 98 
    
 112 
    
 (13)
 
Total operating revenues
    
 2,409 
    
 1,371 
    
 76 
Fuel and energy purchases
    
 
    
 
      
 
External (a)
    
 1,458 
    
 555 
    
 163 
 
Intersegment
    
 1 
    
 1 
    
 
Other operation and maintenance
    
 248 
    
 233 
    
 6 
Depreciation
    
 72 
    
 64 
    
 13 
Taxes, other than income
    
 18 
    
 16 
    
 13 
Energy-related businesses
    
 97 
    
 109 
    
 (11)
 
Total operating expenses
    
 1,894 
  
 
 978 
    
 94 
Other Income (Expense) - net
    
 5 
    
 15 
    
 (67)
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
    
 
    
 1 
    
 (100)
Interest Expense
    
 48 
    
 49 
    
 (2)
Income Taxes
    
 171 
    
 142 
    
 20 
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations
    
 
    
 3 
    
 (100)
Net Income Attributable to PPL Corporation
  
$
 301 
  
$
 219 
    
 37 

(a)
Includes the impact from energy-related economic activity.  See "Commodity Price Risk (Non-trading) - Economic Activity" in Note 14 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

The changes in the components of the Supply segment's results between these periods were due to the following factors, which are adjusted for certain items that management considers special.  See additional detail of these special items in the table below.

Unregulated gross energy margins
$
 (87)
Other operation and maintenance
  
 (11)
Depreciation
  
 (8)
Other Income (Expense) - net
  
 (10)
Other
  
 (2)
Income Taxes
  
 65 
Discontinued operations, after-tax - excluding certain revenues and expenses included in margins
  
 3 
Special items, after-tax
  
 132 
Total
$
 82 

·
See "Statement of Income Analysis - Margins - Changes in Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for an explanation of Unregulated Gross Energy Margins.

·
Higher other operation and maintenance expense due to $6 million of higher costs at the Susquehanna plant due to a combination of higher payroll-related costs, contractor costs and timing of projects, and $4 million of higher expenses at PPL EnergyPlus due primarily to payroll-related costs.

·
Higher depreciation expense due to the depreciation impact of higher PP&E additions.

·
Lower other income (expense) primarily due to $6 million of lower NDT fund earnings.

·
Lower income taxes due to lower pre-tax income which reduced income taxes by $41 million, an $11 million benefit from a state tax rate adjustment recorded in 2012, and $11 million of Pennsylvania net operating loss valuation allowances recorded in 2011, driven primarily by the impact of bonus depreciation.

The following after-tax amounts, which management considers special items, also impacted the Supply segment's results.
 
100
 

     
Income Statement
  
Three Months Ended March 31,
     
Line Item
  
2012 
  
2011 
                   
Special items gains (losses), net of tax (expense) benefit:
              
Adjusted energy-related economic activity, net, net of tax of ($102), ($12)
(a)
  
$
150 
  
$
 17 
Impairments:
      
 
    
 
 
Emission allowances, net of tax of $0, $0
Other O&M
    
 
    
 (1)
 
Renewable energy credits, net of tax of $0, $1
Other O&M
    
 
    
 (2)
 
Adjustments - nuclear decommissioning trust investments, net of tax of ($1), ($1)
Other Income-net
    
 1 
    
 1 
LKE acquisition-related adjustments:
      
 
    
 
 
Sale of certain non-core generation facilities, net of tax of $0, ($1)
Disc. Operations
    
 
    
 (1)
Other:
      
 
    
 
 
Counterparty bankruptcy, net of tax of $5, $0 (b)
Other O&M
    
 (6)
    
 
 
Ash basin leak remediation adjustment, net of tax of ($1), $0
Other O&M
    
 1 
      
Total
    
$
 146 
  
$
 14 

(a)
See "Reconciliation of Economic Activity" below.
(b)
In October 2011, a wholesale customer, SMGT, filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy code.  PPL EnergyPlus recorded an allowance for unpaid amounts under the long-term power contract.  In March 2012, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Montana approved the request to terminate the contract, effective April 1, 2012.
 
Reconciliation of Economic Activity

The following table reconciles unrealized pre-tax gains (losses) from the table within "Commodity Price Risk (Non-trading) - Economic Activity" in Note 14 to the Financial Statements to the special item identified as "Adjusted energy-related economic activity, net."

       
Three Months Ended March 31,
       
2012 
  
2011 
Operating Revenues
            
   
Unregulated retail electric and gas
  
$
 10 
  
$
 4 
   
Wholesale energy marketing
    
 852 
    
 57 
Operating Expenses
            
   
Fuel
    
 2 
    
 23 
   
Energy Purchases
    
 (591)
    
 18 
Energy-related economic activity (a)
    
 273 
    
 102 
Option premiums (b)
    
 
    
 5 
Adjusted energy-related economic activity
    
 273 
    
 107 
Less:  Economic activity realized, associated with the monetization of certain
            
 
full-requirement sales contracts in 2010
    
 21 
    
 78 
Adjusted energy-related economic activity, net, pre-tax
  
$
 252 
  
$
 29 
                 
Adjusted energy-related economic activity, net, after-tax
  
$
 150 
  
$
 17 

(a)
See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
(b)
Adjustment for the net deferral and amortization of option premiums over the delivery period of the item that was hedged or upon realization.  Option premiums are recorded in "Wholesale energy marketing - Realized" and "Energy purchases - Realized" on the Statements of Income.

Outlook

Excluding special items, PPL projects lower segment earnings in 2012 compared with 2011.  The decrease is primarily driven by lower energy margins as a result of lower energy and capacity prices and higher fuel costs, higher operation and maintenance expense and higher depreciation, which are expected to be partially offset by higher baseload generation.

Earnings in 2012 are subject to various risks and uncertainties.  See "Forward-Looking Information," the rest of this Item 2, and Note 10 to the Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q and "Item 1. Business" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in PPL's 2011 Form 10-K for a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and factors that may impact future earnings.

Statement of Income Analysis --

Margins

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following discussion includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as three non-GAAP financial measures:  "Kentucky Gross Margins," "Pennsylvania Gross Delivery Margins" and "Unregulated Gross Energy Margins."  These measures are not intended to replace "Operating Income," which is determined in accordance with GAAP,
 
101
 
as an indicator of overall operating performance.  Other companies may use different measures to analyze and to report on the results of their operations.  PPL believes that these measures provide additional criteria to make investment decisions.  These performance measures are used, in conjunction with other information, internally by senior management and the Board of Directors to manage the Kentucky Regulated, Pennsylvania Regulated and Supply segment operations, analyze each respective segment's actual results compared with budget and, in certain cases, to measure certain corporate financial goals used in determining variable compensation.

PPL's three non-GAAP financial measures include:

·
"Kentucky Gross Margins" is a single financial performance measure of the Kentucky Regulated segment's electricity generation, transmission and distribution operations as well as its distribution and sale of natural gas.  In calculating this measure, utility revenues and expenses associated with approved cost recovery tracking mechanisms are offset.  Certain costs associated with these mechanisms, primarily ECR and DSM, are recorded as "Other operation and maintenance" expense and the depreciation associated with ECR equipment is recorded as "Depreciation" expense.  These mechanisms allow for recovery of certain expenses, returns on capital investments and performance incentives.  As a result, this measure represents the net revenues from the Kentucky Regulated segment's operations.
 
·
"Pennsylvania Gross Delivery Margins" is a single financial performance measure of the Pennsylvania Regulated segment's electric delivery operations, which includes transmission and distribution activities.  In calculating this measure, utility revenues and expenses associated with approved recovery mechanisms, including energy provided as a PLR, are offset with minimal impact on earnings.  Costs associated with these mechanisms are recorded in "Energy purchases," "Other operation and maintenance" expense, which is primarily Act 129 costs, and in "Taxes, other than income," which is primarily gross receipts tax.  This performance measure includes PLR energy purchases by PPL Electric from PPL EnergyPlus, which are reflected in "PLR intersegment utility revenue (expense)" in the table below.  As a result, this measure represents the net revenues from the Pennsylvania Regulated segment's electric delivery operations.

·
"Unregulated Gross Energy Margins" is a single financial performance measure of the Supply segment's competitive energy non-trading and trading activities.  In calculating this measure, the Supply segment's energy revenues, which include operating revenues associated with certain Supply segment businesses that are classified as discontinued operations, are offset by the cost of fuel, energy purchases, certain other operation and maintenance expenses, primarily ancillary charges, gross receipts tax, which is recorded in "Taxes, other than income," and operating expenses associated with certain Supply segment businesses that are classified as discontinued operations.  This performance measure is relevant to PPL due to the volatility in the individual revenue and expense lines on the Statements of Income that comprise "Unregulated Gross Energy Margins."  This volatility stems from a number of factors, including the required netting of certain transactions with ISOs and significant swings in unrealized gains and losses.  Such factors could result in gains or losses being recorded in either "Wholesale energy marketing" or "Energy purchases" on the Statements of Income.  This performance measure includes PLR revenues from energy sales to PPL Electric by PPL EnergyPlus, which are reflected in "PLR intersegment utility revenue (expense)" in the table below.  PPL excludes from "Unregulated Gross Energy Margins" the Supply segment's adjusted energy-related economic activity, which includes the changes in fair value of positions used to economically hedge a portion of the economic value of PPL's competitive generation assets, full-requirement sales contracts and retail activities.  This economic value is subject to changes in fair value due to market price volatility of the input and output commodities (e.g., fuel and power) prior to the delivery period that was hedged.  Also included in this energy-related economic activity is the ineffective portion of qualifying cash flow hedges, the monetization of certain full-requirement sales contracts and premium amortization associated with options.  This economic activity is deferred, with the exception of the full-requirement sales contracts that were monetized, and included in unregulated gross energy margins over the delivery period that was hedged or upon realization.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following table reconciles "Operating Income" to PPL's three non-GAAP financial measures for the three months ended March 31.
 
 
102
 

         
2012 
  
2011 
                   
Unregulated
                        
Unregulated
              
         
Kentucky
  
PA Gross
  
Gross
              
Kentucky
  
PA Gross
  
Gross
            
         
Gross
  
Delivery
  
Energy
        
Operating
  
Gross
  
Delivery
  
Energy
          
Operating
         
Margins
  
Margins
  
Margins
  
Other (a)
  
Income (b)
  
Margins
  
Margins
  
Margins
  
Other (a)
  
Income (b)
                                                   
Operating Revenues
                                                              
 
Utility
$
 705 
  
$
 457 
        
$
 552 
(c)
  
$
 1,714 
  
$
 766 
  
$
 554 
        
$
 216 
(c)
  
$
 1,536 
 
PLR intersegment utility
                                                              
   
revenue (expense) (d)
        
 (21)
  
$
 21 
    
 
                  
 (6)
  
$
 6 
    
 
        
 
Unregulated retail
                    
 
                              
 
        
   
electric and gas
              
 214 
    
 9 
(g)
    
 223 
                
 143 
    
 4 
      
 147 
 
Wholesale energy marketing
                    
 
                              
 
      
 
     
Realized
              
 1,204 
    
 4 
(e)
    
 1,208 
                
 1,022 
    
 16 
(e)
    
 1,038 
     
Unrealized economic
                    
 
                              
 
        
       
activity
              
 
    
 852 
(f)
    
 852 
                
 
    
 57 
(f)
    
 57 
 
Net energy trading margins
              
 8 
    
 
      
 8 
                
 11 
    
 
      
 11 
 
Energy-related businesses
              
 
    
 107 
      
 107 
                
 
    
 121 
      
 121 
     
Total Operating Revenues
  
 705 
    
 436 
    
 1,447 
    
 1,524 
      
 4,112 
    
 766 
    
 548 
    
 1,182 
    
 414 
      
 2,910 
                                                   
Operating Expenses
                                                              
 
Fuel
  
 213 
          
 214 
    
 (3)
(g)
    
 424 
    
 215 
          
 284 
    
 (24)
(g)
    
 475 
 
Energy purchases
                    
 
                              
 
      
 
     
Realized
  
 74 
    
 153 
    
 636 
    
 20 
(e)
    
 883 
    
 107 
    
 251 
    
 227 
    
 86 
(e)
    
 671 
     
Unrealized economic
                    
 
                              
 
        
       
activity
              
 
    
 591 
(f)
    
 591 
                
 
    
 (18)
(f)
    
 (18)
 
Other operation and
                    
 
                              
 
        
   
maintenance
  
 22 
    
 22 
    
 4 
    
 658 
      
 706 
    
 21 
    
 18 
    
 4 
    
 540 
      
 583 
 
Depreciation
  
 13 
    
 
    
 
    
 251 
      
 264 
    
 12 
    
 
    
 
    
 196 
      
 208 
 
Taxes, other than income
        
 25 
    
 8 
    
 58 
      
 91 
          
 33 
    
 7 
    
 33 
      
 73 
 
Energy-related businesses
              
 
    
 102 
      
 102 
                
 
    
 113 
      
 113 
 
Intercompany eliminations
        
 (1)
    
 1 
    
 
                  
 (4)
    
 1 
    
 3 
        
     
Total Operating Expenses
  
 322 
    
 199 
    
 863 
    
 1,677 
      
 3,061 
    
 355 
    
 298 
    
 523 
    
 929 
      
 2,105 
 
Discontinued operations
                    
 
                        
 12 
    
 (12)
(h)
      
Total
$
 383 
  
$
 237 
  
$
 584 
  
$
 (153)
    
$
 1,051 
  
$
 411 
  
$
 250 
  
$
 671 
  
$
 (527)
    
$
 805 

(a)
Represents amounts that are excluded from Margins.
(b)
As reported on the Statement of Income.
(c)
Primarily represents WPD's utility revenue.
(d)
Primarily related to PLR supply sold by PPL EnergyPlus to PPL Electric.
(e)
Represents energy-related economic activity as described in "Commodity Price Risk (Non-trading) - Economic Activity" within Note 14 to the Financial Statements.  The three months ended March 31, 2012, includes a net pre-tax loss of $21 million related to the monetization of certain full-requirement sales contracts.  The three months ended March 31, 2011 includes a net pre-tax gain of $5 million related to the amortization of option premiums and a net pre-tax loss of $78 million related to the monetization of certain full-requirement sales contracts.
(f)
Represents energy-related economic activity, which is subject to fluctuations in value due to market price volatility, as described in "Commodity Price Risk (Non-trading) - Economic Activity" within Note 14 to the Financial Statements.
(g)
Includes economic activity as described in "Commodity price risk (Non-trading) - Economic Activity" within Note 14 to the Financial Statements.
(h)
Represents the net of certain revenues and expenses associated with certain businesses that are classified as discontinued operations.  These revenues and expenses are not reflected in "Operating Income" on the Statements of Income.

Changes in Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following table shows PPL's three non-GAAP financial measures for the three months ended March 31, as well as the change between periods.  The factors that gave rise to the changes are described below the table.

       
2012 
  
2011 
  
Change
                       
Kentucky Gross Margins
    
$
 383 
  
$
 411 
  
$
 (28)
                       
PA Gross Delivery Margins by Component
                    
 
Distribution
    
$
 189 
  
$
 208 
  
$
 (19)
 
Transmission
      
 48 
    
 42 
    
 6 
Total
    
$
 237 
  
$
 250 
  
$
 (13)
                       
Unregulated Gross Energy Margins by Region
                    
Non-trading
                    
 
Eastern U.S.
    
$
 489 
  
$
 578 
  
$
 (89)
 
Western U.S.
      
 87 
    
 82 
    
 5 
Net energy trading
      
 8 
    
 11 
    
 (3)
Total
    
$
 584 
  
$
 671 
  
$
 (87)
 
103
 
Kentucky Gross Margins

Lower Kentucky gross margins due to $23 million of lower retail electric margins as volumes were impacted by unseasonably mild weather in the first quarter of 2012 as total heating degree days decreased by 26%.

Pennsylvania Gross Delivery Margins

Distribution

Margins decreased as weather had an unfavorable impact of $16 million on base distribution revenues.

Transmission

Margins increased primarily due to increased investment in plant and the recovery of additional costs through the FERC formula-based rates.
 
Unregulated Gross Energy Margins
        
         
Eastern U.S.
        
         
The changes in Eastern U.S. non-trading margins for the three months were:
         
Baseload energy and capacity (a)
    
$
 (82)
Margins on the intermediate and peaking units (b)
      
 (22)
Impact of non-core generation facilities sold in the first quarter of 2011
      
 (12)
Higher nuclear fuel prices
      
 (5)
Full-requirement sales contracts
      
 (5)
Gas optimization and storage
      
 (5)
Margins from retail electric business
      
 7 
Net coal and hydroelectric unit availability (c)
      
 10 
Nuclear generation volume (d)
      
 25 
     
$
 (89)

(a)
Energy prices and capacity prices were lower in 2012.
(b)
Capacity prices were lower in 2012.
(c)
Coal unit availability was higher in 2012 compared to 2011, however, volumes were lower as a result of economic reductions.
(d)
Volumes were higher due to an unplanned outage in March 2011 and an uprate in the third quarter of 2011.

Western U.S.

Non-trading margins were $13 million higher due to higher net wholesale prices, partially offset by $7 million of lower wholesale volumes.

Utility Revenues
             
The increase (decrease) in utility revenues was due to:
             
     
Three Months Ended
     
March 31, 2012 vs. March 31, 2011
Domestic:
        
 
PPL Electric (a)
        
   
Transmission rate base
  
$
 6 
  
   
Revenue related to delivery
        
   
   Price
    
 14 
  
   
   Volume (b)
    
 (28)
  
   
Revenue related to PLR energy supply (c)
    
 (89)
  
   
Total PPL Electric
    
 (97)
  
 
LKE
        
   
Price (d)
    
 10 
  
   
Volume (e)
    
 (78)
  
   
Other
    
 7 
  
   
Total LKE
    
 (61)
  
 
Total Domestic
    
 (158)
  
 
104
 
 
     
Three Months Ended
     
March 31, 2012 vs. March 31, 2011
U.K.:
        
 
PPL WW
        
   
Price (f)
    
 36 
  
   
Volume (g)
    
 (13)
  
   
Recovery of allowed revenues (h)
    
 (7)
  
   
Other
    
 (4)
  
   
Total PPL WW
    
 12 
  
 
WPD Midlands (i)
    
 324 
  
 
Total U.K.
    
 336 
  
Total
  
$
 178 
  

(a)
See "Pennsylvania Gross Delivery Margins" for further information.
(b)
Unseasonably mild weather had a $16 million unfavorable impact on volume.
(c)
These changes in revenue had a minimal impact on earnings as the cost of supplying this energy as a PLR is passed through to the customer with no additional mark-up.  These revenues are offset primarily with energy purchases in "Pennsylvania Gross Delivery Margins."
(d)
Primarily due to an increase in the price of recoverable fuel costs.  This change in revenue had a minimal impact on earnings as this revenue is offset primarily with fuel costs in "Kentucky Gross Margins."
(e)
Primarily due to lower volumes resulting from unseasonably mild weather.  This change in revenue is partially offset by a reduction in fuel costs and energy purchases in "Kentucky Gross Margins."
(f)
Due to a price increase effective April 1, 2011.
(g)
Primarily due to the downturn in the economy and weather.
(h)
Primarily due to an estimated over-recovery position in 2012, compared to a credit to income in 2011.
(i)
There are no comparable amounts in the 2011 period as WPD Midlands was acquired in April 2011.

Other Operation and Maintenance
        
           
The increase (decrease) in other operation and maintenance expense was due to:
        
           
   
Three Months Ended
   
March 31, 2012 vs. March 31, 2011
           
Domestic:
        
 
Uncollectible accounts (a)
  
$
 14 
  
 
Susquehanna nuclear plant costs
    
 6 
  
 
Stock based compensation
    
 8 
  
 
Pension and other postretirement benefit costs
    
 5 
  
 
LKE steam maintenance plant costs (b)
    
 11 
  
 
LKE storm costs (c)
    
 6 
  
 
Other
    
 6 
  
U.K.:
        
 
PPL WW (d)
    
 10 
  
 
WPD Midlands (e)
    
 57 
  
Total
  
$
 123 
  

(a)
In October 2011, SMGT filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.  This increase primarily reflects an $11 million increase to a reserve on unpaid amounts.
(b)
Increase primarily due to steam maintenance costs, resulting from an increased scope of scheduled outages.
(c)
A $6 million credit to establish a regulatory asset was recorded in the first quarter of 2011 related to 2009 storm costs.
(d)
Increase includes $5 million of higher pension expenses resulting from the amortization of prior period actuarial losses.
(e)
There are no comparable amounts in the 2011 period as WPD Midlands was acquired in April 2011.

Depreciation
           
The increase (decrease) in depreciation expense was due to:
           
   
Three Months Ended
   
March 31, 2012 vs. March 31, 2011
           
Additions to PP&E
  
$
 20 
  
WPD Midlands (a)
    
 36 
  
Total
  
$
 56 
  

(a)
There are no comparable amounts in the 2011 period as WPD Midlands was acquired in April 2011.

Taxes, Other Than Income
        
           
The increase (decrease) in taxes, other than income was due to:
        
           
 
105
 
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
March 31, 2012 vs. March 31, 2011
           
Pennsylvania gross receipts tax (a)
  
$
 (7)
  
WPD Midlands (b)
    
 22 
  
Other
    
 3 
  
Total
  
$
 18 
  

(a)
Primarily due to a decrease in taxable electric revenues.  This tax is included in "Unregulated Gross Energy Margins" and "Pennsylvania Gross Delivery Margins."
(b)
There are no comparable amounts in the 2011 period as WPD Midlands was acquired in April 2011.

Other Income (Expense) - net

The $12 million decrease in other income (expense) - net for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared with the same period in 2011 was primarily due to:

·
a $7 million decrease in earnings on securities in NDT funds;
·
a $16 million increase in a loss from economic foreign currency exchange contracts; partially offset by
·
a $7 million loss from foreign currency forward contracts in 2011 that hedged the anticipated repayment of borrowings under the 2011 Bridge Facility; and
·
$11 million of WPD Midlands acquisition-related costs recorded in 2011.

See Note 12 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Interest Expense
         
The increase (decrease) in interest expense was due to:
         
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31, 2012 vs. March 31, 2011
         
Interest rates (excluding 2011 Equity Units) (a)
  
$
 (11)
  
Debt balances (excluding 2011 Equity Units)
    
 4 
  
WPD Midlands (b)
    
 56 
  
2011 Bridge Facility costs related to the acquisition of WPD Midlands
    
 (7)
  
2011 Equity Units (c)
    
 12 
  
Hedging activities
    
 9 
  
Other
    
 (7)
  
Total
  
$
 56 
  
 
(a)
Lower average long-term interest rates due to a weighted average rate of 4.75% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared with a rate of 5.03% for the same period in 2011.
(b)
There are no comparable amounts in the 2011 period as WPD Midlands was acquired in April 2011.
(c)
Interest related to the issuance in April 2011 to support the WPD Midlands acquisition.
 
Income Taxes
           
The increase (decrease) in income taxes was due to:
           
   
Three Months Ended
   
March 31, 2012 vs. March 31, 2011
           
Higher pre-tax book income
  
$
 7 
  
State valuation allowance adjustments (a)
    
 (11)
  
Federal and state tax return adjustments
    
 3 
  
U.S. income tax on foreign earnings net of foreign tax credit (b)
    
 8 
  
Net operating loss carryforward adjustment (c)
    
 (6)
  
Depreciation not normalized (a)
    
 2 
  
WPD Midlands (d)
    
 34 
  
State deferred tax rate change (e)
    
 (11)
  
Intercompany interest on WPD financing entities
    
 6 
  
Other
    
 4 
  
Total
  
$
 36 
  

(a)
In February 2011 the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue issued interpretive guidance on the treatment of bonus depreciation for Pennsylvania income tax purposes.  In accordance with Corporation Tax Bulletin 2011-01, Pennsylvania allows 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying assets in the same year bonus depreciation is allowed for federal tax purposes.  Due to the decrease in projected taxable income related to bonus depreciation, PPL recorded an $11 million state deferred income tax expense during the three months ended March 31, 2011 related to valuation allowances.
 
106
 

 
Additionally, the 100% Pennsylvania bonus depreciation deduction created a current state income tax benefit for the flow-through impact of Pennsylvania regulated state tax depreciation.  The federal provision for 100% bonus depreciation generally applies to property placed in service before January 1, 2012.  The placed in service deadline is extended to January 1, 2013 for property that exceeds $1 million, has a production period longer than one year and has a tax life of at least 10 years.
(b)
During the three months ended March 31, 2011, PPL recorded a $7 million federal income tax benefit related to U.K. pension contributions.
(c)
During the three months ended March 31, 2012, PPL recorded an adjustment to deferred taxes related to net operating loss carryforwards of LKE.
(d)
There are no comparable amounts in the 2011 period as WPD Midlands was acquired in April 2011.
(e)
During the three months ended March 31, 2012, PPL recorded an $11 million adjustment related to state deferred tax liabilities.
 
See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information on income taxes.
 
Financial Condition
             
Liquidity and Capital Resources
             
PPL had the following at:
             
   
March 31, 2012
  
December 31, 2011
             
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 1,103 
  
$
 1,202 
Short-term investments
    
 
    
 16 
   
$
 1,103 
  
$
 1,218 
Short-term debt
  
$
 674 
  
$
 578 
 
At March 31, 2012, $501 million of cash and cash equivalents were denominated in GBP.  If these amounts would be remitted as dividends, PPL may be subject to additional U.S. taxes, net of allowable foreign tax credits.  Historically, dividends paid by foreign subsidiaries have been distributions of the current year's earnings.  See Note 5 to the Financial Statements in PPL's 2011 Form 10-K for additional information on undistributed earnings of WPD.

The $99 million decrease in PPL's cash and cash equivalents position was primarily the net result of:

·
$682 million of capital expenditures; and
·
the payment of $203 million of common stock dividends; partially offset by
·
$728 million of cash provided by operating activities; and
·
a net increase in short-term debt of $93 million.

PPL's cash provided by operating activities increased $532 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared with the same period in 2011.  The increase was primarily due to:

·      cash from components of working capital of $238 million, primarily related to changes in counterparty collateral;
·      lower defined benefit plan contributions of $223 million; and
·
operating cash provided by WPD Midlands of $150 million.

Credit Facilities

At March 31, 2012, PPL's total committed borrowing capacity under its credit facilities and the use of this borrowing capacity were:

                 
Letters of
      
                 
Credit Issued
      
                 
and
      
     
Committed
      
Commercial
  
Unused
     
Capacity
  
Borrowed
  
Paper Backstop
  
Capacity
                   
PPL Energy Supply Credit Facilities
  
$
 3,200 
    
 
  
$
 778 
  
$
 2,422 
PPL Electric Credit Facilities (a)
    
 350 
    
 
    
 1 
    
 349 
LG&E Credit Facility
    
 400 
  
 
 
    
 
    
 400 
KU Credit Facilities
    
 598 
  
 
 
    
 198 
    
 400 
 
Total Domestic Credit Facilities (b)
  
$
 4,548 
  
 
 
  
$
 977 
  
$
 3,571 
                           
PPL WW Credit Facility
  
£
 150 
  
£
 110 
    
n/a
  
£
 40 
WPD (South West) Credit Facility (c)
    
 245 
    
 
    
n/a
    
 245 
WPD (East Midlands) Credit Facility
    
 300 
    
 
  
£
 70 
    
 230 
WPD (West Midlands) Credit Facility
    
 300 
    
 
    
 71 
    
 229 
 
Total WPD Credit Facilities (d)
  
£
 995 
  
£
 110 
  
£
 141 
  
£
 744 

(a)
In April 2012, PPL Electric increased the capacity of its syndicated credit facility from $200 million to $300 million.

 
107
 
Committed capacity includes a $150 million credit facility related to an asset-backed commercial paper program through which PPL Electric obtains financing by selling and contributing its eligible accounts receivable and unbilled revenue to a special purpose, wholly owned subsidiary on an ongoing basis.  The subsidiary pledges these assets to secure loans of up to an aggregate of $150 million from a commercial paper conduit sponsored by a financial institution.  At March 31, 2012, based on accounts receivable and unbilled revenue pledged, the amount available for borrowing under the facility was limited to $82 million.
(b)
The commitments under PPL's domestic credit facilities are provided by a diverse bank group, with no one bank and its affiliates providing an aggregate commitment of more than 9% of the total committed capacity.
(c)
In January 2012, WPD (South West) entered into a new £245 million syndicated credit facility to replace its existing £210 million syndicated credit facility.  Under the new facility, WPD (South West) has the ability to make cash borrowings but cannot request the lenders to issue letters of credit.  WPD (South West) pays customary commitment fees under this facility, and borrowings bear interest at LIBOR-based rates plus a margin.  The facility contains financial covenants that require WPD (South West) to maintain an interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.0 times consolidated earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization and total net debt not in excess of 85% of its RAV, in each case calculated in accordance with the credit facility.
(d)
At March 31, 2012, the unused capacity of WPD's committed credit facilities was approximately $1.2 billion.  The commitments under WPD's credit facilities are provided by a diverse bank group with no one bank providing more than 16% of the total committed capacity.

See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of PPL's credit facilities.

Commercial Paper

In April 2012, PPL Energy Supply increased the capacity of its commercial paper program from $500 million to $750 million to provide an additional financing source to fund its short-term liquidity needs, if and when necessary.  Commercial paper issuances are supported by PPL Energy Supply's Syndicated Credit Facility.  At March 31, 2012, PPL Energy Supply had $500 million of commercial paper outstanding, included in "Short-term debt" on the Balance Sheet, at a weighted-average interest rate of approximately 0.47%.

PPL Electric maintains a commercial paper program for up to $200 million to provide an additional financing source to fund its short-term liquidity needs, if and when necessary.  Commercial paper issuances are supported by PPL Electric's Syndicated Credit Facility.  PPL Electric had no commercial paper outstanding at March 31, 2012.

In February 2012, LG&E and KU each established a commercial paper program for up to $250 million to provide an additional financing source to fund their short-term liquidity needs.  Commercial paper issuances will be supported by LG&E and KU's Syndicated Credit Facilities.  LG&E and KU had no commercial paper outstanding at March 31, 2012.

Long-term Debt and Equity Securities

In April 2012, PPL made a registered underwritten public offering of 9.9 million shares of its common stock.  In conjunction with that offering, the underwriters exercised an option to purchase an additional 590,880 shares of PPL common stock solely to cover over-allotments.

In connection with the registered public offering, PPL entered into forward sale agreements with two counterparties covering the 9.9 million shares of PPL's common stock.  Settlement of these initial forward sale agreements will occur no later than April 2013.  As a result of the underwriters' exercise of the overallotment option, PPL entered into additional forward sale agreements covering the additional 590,880 shares of common stock.  Settlement of the subsequent forward sale agreements will occur in July 2013.  Upon any physical settlement of any forward sale agreement, PPL will issue and deliver to the forward counterparties shares of its common stock in exchange for cash proceeds per share equal to the forward sale price.  The forward sale price will be calculated based on an initial forward price of $27.02 per share reduced during the period the contracts are outstanding as specified in the forward sale agreements.  PPL may, in certain circumstances, elect cash settlement or net share settlement for all or a portion of its rights or obligations under the forward sale agreements.

PPL will not receive any proceeds or issue any shares of common stock until settlement of the forward sale agreements.  PPL intends to use any net proceeds that it receives upon settlement to repay short-term debt obligations and for other general corporate purposes.

The forward sale agreements will be classified as equity transactions.  As a result, no amounts will be recorded in the consolidated financial statements until the settlement of the forward sale agreements.  Prior to those settlements, the only impact to the financial statements will be the inclusion of incremental shares within the calculation of diluted EPS using the treasury stock method.

Also in April 2012, WPD (East Midlands) issued £100 million aggregate principal amount of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2023.  WPD (East Midlands) received proceeds of approximately £111 million, which equated to $178 million at the time of issuance, net of underwriting fees.  The net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes.
 
108
 

In April 2012, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply completed the Ironwood Acquisition.  See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for information on the transaction and the debt of PPL Ironwood, LLC assumed through consolidation as part of the acquisition.

In April 2012, PPL Electric gave notice that it had elected to redeem all 2.5 million shares of its 6.25% Series Preference Stock, par value $100 per share, on June 18, 2012.  The price to be paid for the redemption is the par value, without premium ($250 million in the aggregate).  The Preference Stock is reflected on PPL's Balance Sheets in "Noncontrolling Interests" as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

In April 2012, LKE filed a Form S-4 Registration Statement with the SEC, as required by a registration rights agreement entered into in connection with the issuance of senior notes in September 2011, in a transaction not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.  The Form S-4 relates to an offer to exchange the senior notes issued in September 2011, with similar but registered securities.  See Note 7 in PPL's and LKE's 2011 Form 10-K for additional information.

See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for additional information about long-term debt and equity securities.
 
Common Stock Dividends

In February 2012, PPL declared its quarterly common stock dividend, payable April 2, 2012, at 36.0 cents per share (equivalent to $1.44 per annum).  Future dividends, declared at the discretion of the Board of Directors, will be dependent upon future earnings, cash flows, financial and legal requirements and other factors.

Rating Agency Actions

Moody's, S&P and Fitch periodically review the credit ratings on the debt and preferred securities of PPL and its subsidiaries.  Based on their respective independent reviews, the rating agencies may make certain ratings revisions or ratings affirmations.

A credit rating reflects an assessment by the rating agency of the creditworthiness associated with an issuer and particular securities that it issues.  The credit ratings of PPL and its subsidiaries are based on information provided by PPL and other sources.  The ratings of Moody's, S&P and Fitch are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any securities of PPL or its subsidiaries.  Such ratings may be subject to revisions or withdrawal by the agencies at any time and should be evaluated independently of each other and any other rating that may be assigned to the securities.  A downgrade in PPL's or its subsidiaries' credit ratings could result in higher borrowing costs and reduced access to capital markets.

As a result of the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act, PPL is limiting its credit rating disclosure to a description of the actions taken by the rating agencies with respect to PPL's ratings, but without stating what ratings have been assigned to PPL or its subsidiaries, or their securities.  The ratings assigned by the rating agencies to PPL and its subsidiaries and their respective securities may be found, without charge, on each of the respective rating agencies' websites, which ratings together with all other information contained on such rating agency websites is hereby explicitly not incorporated by reference in this report.

The rating agencies took the following actions related to PPL and its subsidiaries.

In January 2012, S&P affirmed its rating and revised its outlook to stable from positive for PPL Montana's Pass Through Certificates due 2020.

In February 2012, Fitch assigned ratings to the two newly established commercial paper programs for LG&E and KU.

In March 2012, Moody's affirmed the following ratings:
·
the long-term ratings of the First Mortgage Bonds for LG&E and KU;
·
the issuer ratings for LG&E and KU; and
·
the bank loan ratings for LG&E and KU.

Also in March 2012, Moody's and S&P each assigned short-term ratings to the two newly established commercial paper programs for LG&E and KU.

Following the announcement of the then-pending acquisition of AES Ironwood, L.L.C. in February 2012, the rating agencies took the following actions:

In March 2012, Moody's placed AES Ironwood, L.L.C.'s senior secured bonds under review for possible ratings upgrade.

In April 2012, S&P affirmed the rating of AES Ironwood, L.L.C.'s senior secured bonds.

 
109
 

Ratings Triggers
 
PPL and PPL Energy Supply have various derivative and non-derivative contracts, including contracts for the sale and purchase of electricity and fuel, commodity transportation and storage, tolling agreements and interest rate and foreign currency instruments, which contain provisions requiring PPL and PPL Energy Supply to post additional collateral, or permit the counterparty to terminate the contract, if PPL's or PPL Energy Supply's credit rating were to fall below investment grade.  See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of "Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features," including a discussion of the potential additional collateral that would have been required for derivative contracts in a net liability position at March 31, 2012.  At March 31, 2012, if PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's credit ratings had been below investment grade, PPL would have been required to prepay or post an additional $527 million of collateral to counterparties for both derivative and non-derivative commodity and commodity-related contracts used in its generation, marketing and trading operations and interest rate and foreign currency contracts.
 
For additional information on PPL's liquidity and capital resources, see "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in PPL's 2011 Form 10-K.
 
Risk Management

Market Risk

See Notes 13 and 14 to the Financial Statements for information about PPL's risk management objectives, valuation techniques and accounting designations.

The forward-looking information presented below provides estimates of what may occur in the future, assuming certain adverse market conditions and model assumptions.  Actual future results may differ materially from those presented.  These disclosures are not precise indicators of expected future losses, but only indicators of possible losses under normal market conditions at a given confidence level.

Commodity Price Risk (Non-trading)

PPL segregates its non-trading activities into two categories:  hedge activity and economic activity.  Transactions that are accounted for as hedge activity qualify for hedge accounting treatment.  The economic activity category includes transactions that address a specific risk, but were not eligible for hedge accounting or for which hedge accounting was not elected.  This activity includes the changes in fair value of positions used to hedge a portion of the economic value of PPL's generation assets, full-requirement sales contracts and retail contracts.  This economic activity is subject to changes in fair value due to market price volatility of the input and output commodities (e.g., fuel and power).  Although they do not receive hedge accounting treatment, these transactions are considered non-trading activity.  The fair value of economic positions at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was a net asset of $816 million and a net liability of $63 million.  The change in fair value is largely attributable to the dedesignation of cash flow hedges that are now classified as economic hedges.  See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

To hedge the impact of market price volatility on PPL's energy-related assets, liabilities and other contractual arrangements, PPL both sells and purchases physical energy at the wholesale level under FERC market-based tariffs throughout the U.S. and enters into financial exchange-traded and over-the-counter contracts.  PPL's non-trading commodity derivative contracts mature at various times through 2019.

The following table sets forth the change in net fair value of PPL's non-trading commodity derivative contracts.  See Notes 13 and 14 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

   
Gains (Losses)
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
2012 
  
2011 
             
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period
  
$
 1,082 
  
$
 947 
Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period
    
 (279)
    
 (43)
Fair value of new contracts entered into during the period (a)
    
 (1)
    
 (16)
Other changes in fair value
    
 413 
    
 109 
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period
  
$
 1,215 
  
$
 997 

(a)
Represents the fair value of contracts at the end of the quarter of their inception.

 
 
110
 
The following table segregates the net fair value of PPL's non-trading commodity derivative contracts at March 31, 2012, based on whether the fair value was determined by prices quoted in active markets for identical instruments or other more subjective means.

     
Net Asset (Liability)
     
Maturity
              
Maturity
      
     
Less Than
  
Maturity
  
Maturity
  
in Excess
  
Total Fair
     
1 Year
  
1-3 Years
  
4-5 Years
  
of 5 Years
  
Value
Source of Fair Value
                              
Prices based on significant other observable inputs
  
$
 854 
  
$
 349 
  
$
 (17)
  
$
 10 
  
$
 1,196 
Prices based on significant unobservable inputs
    
 10 
    
 5 
    
 4 
    
 
    
 19 
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period
  
$
 864 
  
$
 354 
  
$
 (13)
  
$
 10 
  
$
 1,215 

PPL sells electricity, capacity and related services and buys fuel on a forward basis to hedge the value of energy from its generation assets.  If PPL were unable to deliver firm capacity and energy or to accept the delivery of fuel under its agreements, under certain circumstances it could be required to pay liquidating damages.  These damages would be based on the difference between the market price and the contract price of the commodity.  Depending on price changes in the wholesale energy markets, such damages could be significant.  Extreme weather conditions, unplanned power plant outages, transmission disruptions, nonperformance by counterparties (or their own counterparties) with which it has energy contracts and other factors could affect PPL's ability to meet its obligations, or cause significant increases in the market price of replacement energy.  Although PPL attempts to mitigate these risks, there can be no assurance that it will be able to fully meet its firm obligations, that it will not be required to pay damages for failure to perform, or that it will not experience counterparty nonperformance in the future.  In connection with its bankruptcy proceedings, a significant counterparty, SMGT, had been purchasing lower volumes of electricity than prescribed in the contract and effective April 1, 2012 the contract was terminated.  At this time, PPL Energy Supply cannot predict the prices or other terms on which it will be able to market to third parties the power that SMGT will not purchase from PPL EnergyPlus due to the termination of this contract.  See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Commodity Price Risk (Trading)

PPL's trading commodity derivative contracts mature at various times through 2016.  The following table sets forth changes in the net fair value of PPL's trading commodity derivative contracts.  See Notes 13 and 14 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

   
Gains (Losses)
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
2012 
  
2011 
             
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period
  
$
 (4)
  
$
 4 
Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period
    
 
    
 2 
Fair value of new contracts entered into during the period (a)
    
 6 
    
 3 
Other changes in fair value
    
 
    
 (2)
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period
  
$
 2 
  
$
 7 

(a)
Represents the fair value of contracts at the end of the quarter of their inception.

Unrealized losses of approximately $5 million will be reversed over the next three months as the transactions are realized.

The following table segregates the net fair value of trading commodity derivative contracts at March 31, 2012, based on whether the fair value was determined by prices quoted in active markets for identical instruments or other more subjective means.

   
Net Asset (Liability)
   
Maturity
            
Maturity
    
   
Less Than
  
Maturity
  
Maturity
  
in Excess
  
Total Fair
   
1 Year
  
1-3 Years
  
4-5 Years
  
of 5 Years
  
Value
Source of Fair Value
                              
Prices based on significant other observable inputs
  
$
 (8)
  
$
 8 
  
$
 2 
    
 
  
$
 2 
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period
  
$
 (8)
  
$
 8 
  
$
 2 
    
 
  
$
 2 

VaR Models

A VaR model is utilized to measure commodity price risk in domestic gross energy margins for the non-trading and trading portfolios.  VaR is a statistical model that attempts to estimate the value of potential loss over a given holding period under
 
111
 

normal market conditions at a given confidence level.  VaR is calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation technique based on a five-day holding period at a 95% confidence level.  Given the company's conservative hedging program, the non-trading VaR exposure is expected to be limited in the short-term.  The VaR for portfolios using end-of-month results for the period was as follows.

     
Trading VaR
  
Non-Trading VaR
     
Three Months
  
Twelve Months
  
Three Months
  
Twelve Months
     
Ended
  
Ended
  
Ended
  
Ended
     
March 31,
  
December 31,
  
March 31,
  
December 31,
     
2012 
  
2011 
  
2012 
  
2011 
95% Confidence Level, Five-Day Holding Period
                        
 
Period End
  
$
 2 
  
$
1 
  
$
7 
  
$
 6 
 
Average for the Period
    
 2 
    
3 
    
8 
    
 5 
 
High
    
 2 
    
6 
    
9 
    
 7 
 
Low
    
 1 
    
1 
    
7 
    
 4 

The trading portfolio includes all speculative positions, regardless of the delivery period.  All positions not considered speculative are considered non-trading.  The non-trading portfolio includes the entire portfolio, including generation, with delivery periods through the next 12 months.  Both the trading and non-trading VaR computations exclude FTRs due to the absence of reliable spot and forward markets.  The fair value of the non-trading and trading FTR positions was insignificant at March 31, 2012.

Interest Rate Risk

PPL and its subsidiaries have issued debt to finance their operations, which exposes them to interest rate risk.  PPL utilizes various financial derivative instruments to adjust the mix of fixed and floating interest rates in its debt portfolio, adjust the duration of its debt portfolio and lock in benchmark interest rates in anticipation of future financing, when appropriate.  Risk limits under the risk management program are designed to balance risk exposure to volatility in interest expense and changes in the fair value of PPL's debt portfolio due to changes in the absolute level of interest rates.

At March 31, 2012, PPL's potential annual exposure to increased interest expense, based on a 10% increase in interest rates, was not significant.

PPL is also exposed to changes in the fair value of its domestic and U.K. debt portfolios.  PPL estimated that a 10% decrease in interest rates at March 31, 2012 would increase the fair value of its debt portfolio by $620 million.

At March 31, 2012, PPL had the following interest rate hedges outstanding:

             
Effect of a
         
Fair Value,
  
10% Adverse
     
 Exposure
  
Net - Asset
  
Movement
     
Hedged
  
(Liability) (a)
  
in Rates (b)
Cash flow hedges
                  
 
Interest rate swaps (c)
  
$
 175 
        
$
 (4)
 
Cross-currency swaps (d)
    
 1,262 
  
$
 35 
    
 (185)
Fair value hedges
                  
 
Interest rate swaps (e)
    
 99 
    
 3 
      
Economic hedges
                  
 
Interest rate swaps (f)
    
 179 
    
 (54)
    
 (4)
 
(a)
Includes accrued interest, if applicable.
(b)
Effects of adverse movements decrease assets or increase liabilities, as applicable, which could result in an asset becoming a liability.
(c)
PPL utilizes various risk management instruments to reduce its exposure to the expected future cash flow variability of its debt instruments.  These risks include exposure to adverse interest rate movements for outstanding variable rate debt and for future anticipated financing.  While PPL is exposed to changes in the fair value of these instruments, any changes in the fair value of such cash flow hedges are recorded in equity.  The changes in fair value of these instruments are then reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the item being hedged affects earnings.  Sensitivities represent a 10% adverse movement in interest rates.  The positions outstanding at March 31, 2012 mature in 2022.
(d)
PPL WEM, through PPL, and PPL WW use cross-currency swaps to hedge the interest payments and principal of their U.S. dollar-denominated senior notes.  The maturity dates of positions outstanding at March 31, 2012 range from May 2016 to December 2028.  While PPL is exposed to changes in the fair value of these instruments, any change in the fair value of these instruments is recorded in equity and reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the item being hedged affects earnings.  Sensitivities represent a 10% adverse movement in both interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates.
(e)
PPL utilizes various risk management instruments to adjust the mix of fixed and floating interest rates in its debt portfolio.  The change in fair value of these instruments, as well as the offsetting change in the value of the hedged exposure of the debt, is reflected in earnings.  Sensitivities represent a 10% adverse movement in interest rates.  The positions outstanding at March 31, 2012 mature in 2047.
(f)
PPL utilizes various risk management instruments to reduce its exposure to the expected future cash flow variability of its debt instruments.  These   risks include exposure to adverse interest rate movements for outstanding variable rate debt and for future anticipated financing.  While PPL is exposed to changes in the fair value of these instruments, any realized changes in the fair value of such economic hedges are recoverable through regulated rates
 
 
112
 
 
 
and any subsequent changes in fair value of these derivatives are included in regulatory assets or liabilities.  Sensitivities represent a 10% adverse movement in interest rates.  The positions outstanding at March 31, 2012 mature through 2033.
 
Foreign Currency Risk

PPL is exposed to foreign currency risk, primarily through investments in U.K. affiliates.  In addition, PPL's domestic operations may make purchases of equipment in currencies other than U.S. dollars.

PPL has adopted a foreign currency risk management program designed to hedge certain foreign currency exposures, including firm commitments, recognized assets or liabilities, anticipated transactions and net investments.  In addition, PPL enters into financial instruments to protect against foreign currency translation risk of expected earnings.

At March 31, 2012, PPL had the following foreign currency hedges outstanding:
             
Effect of a
             
10%
             
Adverse
             
Movement
             
in Foreign
         
Fair Value,
  
Currency
     
Exposure
  
Net - Asset
  
Exchange
     
Hedged
  
(Liability)
  
Rates (a)
                     
Net investment hedges (b)
  
£
 55 
  
$
 1 
  
$
(9)
Economic hedges (c)
    
 761 
    
 (9)
    
 (112)

(a)
Effects of adverse movements decrease assets or increase liabilities, as applicable, which could result in an asset becoming a liability.
(b)
To protect the value of a portion of its net investment in WPD, PPL executes forward contracts to sell GBP.
(c)
To economically hedge the translation of expected income denominated in GBP to U.S. dollars, PPL enters into a combination of average rate forwards and average rate options to sell GBP.  The forwards and options outstanding at March 31, 2012, have termination dates ranging from April 2012 through September 2013.

NDT Funds - Securities Price Risk

In connection with certain NRC requirements, PPL Susquehanna maintains trust funds to fund certain costs of decommissioning the Susquehanna nuclear plant.  At March 31, 2012, these funds were invested primarily in domestic equity securities and fixed-rate, fixed-income securities and are reflected at fair value on PPL's Balance Sheet.  The mix of securities is designed to provide returns sufficient to fund Susquehanna's decommissioning and to compensate for inflationary increases in decommissioning costs.  However, the equity securities included in the trusts are exposed to price fluctuation in equity markets, and the values of fixed-rate, fixed-income securities are exposed to changes in interest rates.  PPL actively monitors the investment performance and periodically reviews asset allocation in accordance with its NDT policy statement.  At March 31, 2012, a hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates and a 10% decrease in equity prices would have resulted in an estimated $48 million reduction in the fair value of the trust assets.  See Notes 13 and 17 to the Financial Statements for additional information regarding the NDT funds.

Credit Risk

See Notes 13 and 14 to the Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q and "Risk Management - Energy Marketing & Trading and Other - Credit Risk" in PPL's 2011 Form 10-K for additional information.

Foreign Currency Translation

The value of the British pound sterling fluctuates in relation to the U.S. dollar.  Changes in these exchange rates resulted in a foreign currency translation gain of $76 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, which primarily reflected a $141 million increase to PP&E offset by an increase of $65 million to net liabilities.  Changes in these exchange rates resulted in a foreign currency translation gain of $67 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, which primarily reflected a $158 million increase to PP&E offset by an increase of $91 million to net liabilities.  The impact of foreign currency translation is recorded in AOCI.

Related Party Transactions

PPL is not aware of any material ownership interests or operating responsibility by senior management of PPL, PPL Energy Supply, PPL Electric, LKE, LG&E or KU in outside partnerships, including leasing transactions with variable interest entities, or other entities doing business with PPL.  See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for additional information on related party transactions.
 
 
113
 
Acquisitions, Development and Divestitures

See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for information on the April 2012 Ironwood Acquisition.

See Note 10 to the Financial Statements in PPL's 2011 Form 10-K and Note 8 to the Financial Statements for information on PPL's April 2011 acquisition of WPD Midlands.

Development projects are continuously reexamined based on market conditions and other factors to determine whether to proceed with the projects, sell, cancel or expand them, execute tolling agreements or pursue other options.  See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for additional information on the more significant activities.

Environmental Matters

Protection of the environment is a priority for PPL and a significant element of its business activities.  Extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations are applicable to PPL's air emissions, water discharges and the management of hazardous and solid waste, among other areas; and the cost of compliance or alleged non-compliance cannot be predicted with certainty but could be material.  In addition, costs may increase significantly if the requirements or scope of environmental laws or regulations, or similar rules, are expanded or changed from prior versions by the relevant agencies.  Costs may take the form of increased capital or operating and maintenance expenses; monetary fines, penalties or forfeitures or other restrictions.  Many of these environmental law considerations are also applicable to the operations of key suppliers, or customers, such as coal producers, industrial power users, etc., and may impact the cost for their products or their demand for PPL's services.  See "Item 1. Business - Environmental Matters" in PPL's 2011 Form 10-K and Note 10 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of environmental matters.

New Accounting Guidance

See Notes 2 and 18 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of new accounting guidance adopted and pending adoption.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

Financial condition and results of operations are impacted by the methods, assumptions and estimates used in the application of critical accounting policies.  The following accounting policies are particularly important to the financial condition or results of operations, and require estimates or other judgments of matters inherently uncertain: price risk management, defined benefits, asset impairment, loss accruals, AROs, income taxes, regulatory assets and liabilities and business combinations - purchase price allocation.  See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in PPL's 2011 Form 10-K for a discussion of each critical accounting policy.

 
114
 

PPL ENERGY SUPPLY, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


The following should be read in conjunction with PPL Energy Supply's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes and with PPL Energy Supply's 2011 Form 10-K.  Capitalized terms and abbreviations are defined in the glossary.  Dollars are in millions unless otherwise noted.

"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" includes the following information:

·  
"Overview" provides a description of PPL Energy Supply and its business strategy, a summary of Net Income Attributable to PPL Energy Supply and a discussion of certain events related to PPL Energy Supply's results of operations and financial condition.

·  
"Results of Operations" provides a summary of PPL Energy Supply's earnings and a description of factors expected to impact future earnings.  This section ends with explanations of significant changes in principal items on PPL Energy Supply's Statements of Income, comparing the three months ended March 31, 2012 with the same period in 2011.

·  
"Financial Condition - Liquidity and Capital Resources" provides an analysis of PPL Energy Supply's liquidity position and credit profile.

·  
"Financial Condition - Risk Management" provides an explanation of PPL Energy Supply's risk management programs relating to market and credit risk.
 
Overview

Introduction

PPL Energy Supply is an energy company with headquarters in Allentown, Pennsylvania.  Through its subsidiaries, PPL Energy Supply is primarily engaged in the generation and marketing of electricity in two key markets - the northeastern and northwestern U.S.

Business Strategy

PPL Energy Supply's overall strategy is to achieve disciplined optimization of energy supply margins while mitigating volatility in both cash flows and earnings.  More specifically, PPL Energy Supply's strategy is to optimize the value from its unregulated generation and marketing portfolio.  PPL Energy Supply endeavors to do this by matching energy supply with load, or customer demand, under contracts of varying durations with creditworthy counterparties to capture profits while effectively managing exposure to energy and fuel price volatility, counterparty credit risk and operational risk.

To manage financing costs and access to credit markets, a key objective of PPL Energy Supply's business is to maintain a strong credit profile.  PPL Energy Supply continually focuses on maintaining an appropriate capital structure and liquidity position.  In addition, PPL Energy Supply has financial and operational risk management programs that, among other things, are designed to monitor and manage its exposure to earnings and cash flow volatility related to changes in energy and fuel prices, interest rates, counterparty credit quality and the operating performance of its generating units.

Financial and Operational Developments

Net Income Attributable to PPL Energy Supply

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
2012 
  
2011 
  
% Change
                 
Net Income Attributable to PPL Energy Supply
$
 309 
  
$
 214 
  
 44 

See "Results of Operations" for a discussion and analysis of PPL Energy Supply's earnings.


 
115
 

Ironwood Acquisition

In April 2012, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply completed the acquisition from a subsidiary of the AES Corporation of all of the equity interests of AES Ironwood, L.L.C. (subsequently renamed PPL Ironwood, LLC) and AES Prescott, L.L.C. (subsequently renamed PPL Prescott, LLC), which own and operate, respectively, the Ironwood Facility.  The Ironwood Facility began operation in 2001 and, since 2008, PPL EnergyPlus has supplied natural gas for the operation of the Ironwood Facility and received the facility's full electricity output and capacity value pursuant to a tolling agreement that expires in 2021.  The acquisition provides PPL Energy Supply, through its subsidiaries, operational control of additional combined-cycle gas generation in PJM.

See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Bankruptcy of SMGT

In October 2011, SMGT, a Montana cooperative and purchaser of electricity under a long-term supply contract with PPL EnergyPlus expiring in June 2019 (SMGT Contract), filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Montana.  At the time of the bankruptcy filing, SMGT was PPL EnergyPlus' largest unsecured credit exposure.

The SMGT Contract provided for fixed volume purchases on a monthly basis at established prices.  Pursuant to a court order and subsequent stipulations entered into between the SMGT bankruptcy trustee and PPL EnergyPlus, since the date of its Chapter 11 filing through January 2012, SMGT continued to purchase electricity from PPL EnergyPlus at the price specified in the SMGT Contract, and made timely payments for such purchases, but at lower volumes than as prescribed in the SMGT Contract.  In January 2012, the trustee notified PPL EnergyPlus that SMGT would not purchase electricity under the SMGT Contract for the month of February.  In March 2012, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Montana issued an order approving the request of the SMGT bankruptcy trustee and PPL EnergyPlus to terminate the SMGT Contract.  As a result, the SMGT Contract was terminated effective April 1, 2012, allowing PPL EnergyPlus to resell the electricity previously contracted to SMGT under the SMGT Contract to other customers.

PPL EnergyPlus' receivable under the SMGT Contract totaled approximately $22 million at March 31, 2012, which has been fully reserved.  No assurance can be given as to the collectability of the receivable.

At this time, PPL Energy Supply cannot predict the prices and other terms on which it will be able to market to third parties the power that SMGT will not purchase from PPL EnergyPlus due to the termination of the SMGT Contract.

Results of Operations

The following discussion provides a summary of PPL Energy Supply's earnings and a description of factors that are expected to impact future earnings.  This section ends with "Statement of Income Analysis," which includes explanations of significant changes in principal items on PPL Energy Supply's Statements of Income, comparing the three months ended March 31, 2012 with the same period in 2011.

The results for interim periods can be disproportionately influenced by numerous factors and developments and by seasonal variations.  As such, the results of operations for interim periods do not necessarily indicate results or trends for the year or future periods.

Earnings
             
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
2012 
  
2011 
             
Net Income Attributable to PPL Energy Supply
$
 309 
  
$
 214 

The changes in the components of Net Income Attributable to PPL Energy Supply between these periods were due to the following factors, which are adjusted for certain items that management considers special.  See additional detail of these special items in the tables below.

 
116
 
 
Unregulated gross energy margins
$
 (87)
Other operation and maintenance
  
 (6)
Depreciation
  
 (5)
Other Income (Expense) - net
  
 (9)
Interest Expense
  
 9 
Other
  
 (1)
Income Taxes
  
 59 
Discontinued operations, after-tax - excluding certain revenues and expenses included in margins
  
 3 
Special items, after-tax
  
 132 
Total
$
 95 

·
See "Statement of Income Analysis - Unregulated Gross Energy Margins - Changes in Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for an explanation of Unregulated Gross Energy Margins.

·
Higher other operation and maintenance expense due to $6 million of higher costs at the Susquehanna plant due to a combination of higher payroll-related costs, contractor costs and timing of projects and $4 million of higher expenses at PPL EnergyPlus due primarily to payroll-related costs and $2 million higher allocated support group costs, partially offset by $9 million of trademark royalties with an affiliate in 2011 for which the agreement was terminated December 31, 2011.

·
Higher depreciation expense due to the depreciation impact of higher PP&E additions.

·
Lower other income (expense) primarily due to $6 million of lower NDT fund earnings.

·
Lower interest expense due to $5 million of lower interest rates due primarily to the redemption of 7.00% Senior Unsecured Notes in July 2011 and $3 million of lower average short-term and long-term debt balances.

·
Lower income taxes due to lower pre-tax income which reduced income taxes by $41 million, an $11 million benefit from a state tax rate adjustment recorded in 2012, and $6 million of Pennsylvania net operating loss valuation allowances recorded in 2011, driven primarily by the impact of bonus depreciation.

The following after-tax amounts, which management considers special items, also impacted the results.

     
Income Statement
  
Three Months Ended March 31,
     
Line Item
  
2012 
  
2011 
                   
Special items gains (losses), net of tax (expense) benefit:
              
Adjusted energy-related economic activity, net, net of tax of ($102), ($12)
(a)
  
$
 150 
  
$
 17 
Impairments:
      
 
    
 
 
Emission allowances, net of tax of $0, $0
Other O&M
    
 
    
 (1)
 
Renewable energy credits, net of tax of $0, $1
Other O&M
    
 
    
 (2)
 
Adjustments - nuclear decommissioning trust investments, net of tax of ($1), ($1)
Other Income-net
    
 1 
    
 1 
LKE acquisition-related adjustments:
      
 
    
 
 
Sale of certain non-core generation facilities, net of tax of $0, ($1)
Disc. Operations
    
 
    
 (1)
Other:
      
 
    
 
 
Counterparty bankruptcy, net of tax of $5, $0 (b)
Other O&M
    
 (6)
    
 
 
Ash basin leak remediation adjustment, net of tax of ($1), $0
Other O&M
    
 1 
      
Total
    
$
 146 
  
$
 14 

(a)
See "Reconciliation of Economic Activity" below.
(b)
In October 2011, a wholesale customer, SMGT, filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy code.  PPL EnergyPlus recorded an allowance for unpaid amounts under the long-term power contract.  In March 2012, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Montana approved the request to terminate the contract, effective April 1, 2012.

Reconciliation of Economic Activity

The following table reconciles unrealized pre-tax gains (losses) from the table within "Commodity Price Risk (Non-trading) - Economic Activity" in Note 14 to the Financial Statements to the special item identified as "Adjusted energy-related economic activity, net."
 
117
 

       
Three Months Ended March 31,
       
2012 
  
2011 
Operating Revenues
            
   
Unregulated retail electric and gas
  
$
 10 
  
$
 4 
   
Wholesale energy marketing
    
 852 
    
 57 
Operating Expenses
            
   
Fuel
    
 2 
    
 23 
   
Energy Purchases
    
 (591)
    
 18 
Energy-related economic activity (a)
    
 273 
    
 102 
Option premiums (b)
    
 
    
 5 
Adjusted energy-related economic activity
    
 273 
    
 107 
Less:  Economic activity realized, associated with the monetization of certain
            
 
full-requirement sales contracts in 2010
    
 21 
    
 78 
Adjusted energy-related economic activity, net, pre-tax
  
$
 252 
  
$
 29 
                 
Adjusted energy-related economic activity, net, after-tax
  
$
 150 
  
$
 17 

(a)
See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
(b)
Adjustment for the net deferral and amortization of option premiums over the delivery period of the item that was hedged or upon realization.  Option premiums are recorded in "Wholesale energy marketing - Realized" and "Energy purchases - Realized" on the Statements of Income.

Outlook

Excluding special items, PPL Energy Supply projects lower earnings in 2012 compared with 2011.  The decrease is primarily driven by lower energy margins as a result of lower energy and capacity prices and higher fuel costs, higher operation and maintenance expense and higher depreciation, which are expected to be partially offset by higher baseload generation.

Earnings in 2012 are subject to various risks and uncertainties.  See "Forward-Looking Information," the rest of this Item 2 and Note 10 to the Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q and "Item 1. Business" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in PPL Energy Supply's 2011 Form 10-K for a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and factors that may impact future earnings.

Statement of Income Analysis --

Unregulated Gross Energy Margins

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

The following discussion includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as a non-GAAP financial measure, "Unregulated Gross Energy Margins."  "Unregulated Gross Energy Margins" is a single financial performance measure of PPL Energy Supply's competitive energy non-trading and trading activities.  In calculating this measure, PPL Energy Supply's energy revenues, which include operating revenues associated with certain PPL Energy Supply businesses that are classified as discontinued operations, are offset by the cost of fuel, energy purchases, certain other operation and maintenance expenses, primarily ancillary charges, gross receipts tax, which is recorded in "Taxes, other than income," and operating expenses associated with certain PPL Energy Supply businesses that are classified as discontinued operations.  This performance measure is relevant to PPL Energy Supply due to the volatility in the individual revenue and expense lines on the Statements of Income that comprise "Unregulated Gross Energy Margins."  This volatility stems from a number of factors, including the required netting of certain transactions with ISOs and significant swings in unrealized gains and losses.  Such factors could result in gains or losses being recorded in either "Wholesale energy marketing" or "Energy purchases" on the Statements of Income.  This performance measure includes PLR revenues from energy sales to PPL Electric by PPL EnergyPlus, which are recorded in "Wholesale energy marketing to affiliate" revenue.  PPL Energy Supply excludes from "Unregulated Gross Energy Margins" energy-related economic activity, which includes the changes in fair value of positions used to economically hedge a portion of the economic value of PPL Energy Supply's competitive generation assets, full-requirement sales contracts and retail activities.  This economic value is subject to changes in fair value due to market price volatility of the input and output commodities (e.g., fuel and power) prior to the delivery period that was hedged.  Also included in this energy-related economic activity is the ineffective portion of qualifying cash flow hedges, the monetization of certain full-requirement sales contracts and premium amortization associated with options.  This economic activity is deferred, with the exception of the full-requirement sales contracts that were monetized, and included in unregulated gross energy margins over the delivery period that was hedged or upon realization.  This measure is not intended to replace "Operating Income," which is determined in accordance with GAAP, as an indicator of overall operating performance.  Other companies may use different measures to analyze and to report on the results of their operations.  PPL Energy Supply believes that "Unregulated Gross Energy Margins" provides another criterion to make investment decisions.  This performance measure is used, in conjunction with other information, internally by senior management and PPL's Board
 
118
 

of Directors to manage PPL Energy Supply's operations, analyze actual results compared with budget and measure certain corporate financial goals used in determining variable compensation.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following table reconciles "Operating Income" to "Unregulated Gross Energy Margins" as defined by PPL Energy Supply for the three months ended March 31.

           
2012 
  
2011 
           
Unregulated
              
Unregulated
            
           
Gross Energy
        
Operating
  
Gross Energy
          
Operating
           
Margins
  
Other (a)
  
Income (b)
  
Margins
  
Other (a)
  
Income (b)
                                     
Operating Revenues
                                        
 
Wholesale energy marketing
                                        
       
Realized
  
$
 1,204 
  
$
 4 
(c)
  
$
 1,208 
  
$
 1,022 
  
$
 16 
(c)
  
$
 1,038 
       
Unrealized economic activity
          
 852 
(d)
    
 852 
    
 
    
 57 
(d)
    
 57 
 
Wholesale energy marketing
    
 
                                  
   
to affiliate
    
 21 
    
 
      
 21 
    
 6 
            
 6 
 
Unregulated retail electric and gas
    
 214 
    
 10 
      
 224 
    
 143 
    
 4 
      
 147 
 
Net energy trading margins
    
 8 
    
 
      
 8 
    
 11 
    
 
      
 11 
 
Energy-related businesses
    
 
    
 96 
      
 96 
    
 
    
 110 
      
 110 
     
Total Operating Revenues
    
 1,447 
    
 962 
      
 2,409 
    
 1,182 
    
 187 
      
 1,369 
                                                 
Operating Expenses
                                        
 
Fuel
    
 214 
    
 (3)
(e)
    
 211 
    
 284 
    
 (24)
(e)
    
 260 
 
Energy purchases
    
 
    
 
            
 
    
 
      
 
       
Realized
    
 636 
    
 23 
(c)
    
 659 
    
 227 
    
 87 
(c)
    
 314 
       
Unrealized economic activity
    
 
    
 591 
(d)
    
 591 
    
 
    
 (18)
(d)
    
 (18)
 
Energy purchases from affiliate
    
 1 
    
 
      
 1 
    
 1 
            
 1 
 
Other operation and maintenance
    
 4 
    
 251 
      
 255 
    
 4 
    
 241 
      
 245 
 
Depreciation
          
 64 
      
 64 
    
 
    
 59 
      
 59 
 
Taxes, other than income
    
 8 
    
 10 
      
 18 
    
 7 
    
 9 
      
 16 
 
Energy-related businesses
    
 
    
 92 
      
 92 
    
 
    
 108 
      
 108 
     
Total Operating Expenses
    
 863 
    
 1,028 
      
 1,891 
    
 523 
    
 462 
      
 985 
 
Discontinued Operations
                        
 12 
    
 (12)
(f)
    
 
Total
  
$
 584 
  
$
 (66)
    
$
 518 
  
$
 671 
  
$
 (287)
    
$
 384 

(a)
Represents amounts excluded from Margins.
(b)
As reported on the Statements of Income.
(c)
Represents energy-related economic activity as described in "Commodity Price Risk (Non-trading) - Economic Activity" within Note 14 to the Financial Statements.  The three months ended March 31, 2012, "Wholesale energy marketing - Realized" and "Energy purchases - Realized" includes a net pre-tax loss of $21 million related to the monetization of certain full-requirement sales contracts.  The three months ended March 31, 2011 includes a net pre-tax gain of $5 million related to the amortization of option premiums and a net pre-tax loss of $78 million related to the monetization of certain full-requirement sales contracts.
(d)
Represents energy-related economic activity, which is subject to fluctuations in value due to market price volatility, as described in "Commodity Price Risk (Non-trading) - Economic Activity" within Note 14 to the Financial Statements.
(e)
Includes economic activity related to fuel as described in "Commodity Price Risk (Non-trading) - Economic Activity" within Note 14 to the Financial Statements.
(f)
Represents the net of certain revenues and expenses associated with certain businesses that are classified as discontinued operations.  These revenues and expenses are not reflected in "Operating Income" on the Statements of Income.

Changes in Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Unregulated Gross Energy Margins are generated through PPL Energy Supply's competitive non-trading and trading activities.  PPL Energy Supply's non-trading energy business is managed on a geographic basis that is aligned with its generation fleet.  The following table shows PPL Energy Supply's non-GAAP financial measure, Unregulated Gross Energy Margins, for the three months ended March 31, as well as the change between periods.  The factors that gave rise to the changes are described below the table.

       
2012 
  
2011 
  
Change
                       
Non-trading
                    
 
Eastern U.S.
    
$
 489 
  
$
 578 
  
$
 (89)
 
Western U.S.
      
 87 
    
 82 
    
 5 
Net energy trading
      
 8 
    
 11 
    
 (3)
Total
    
$
 584 
  
$
 671 
  
$
 (87)


 
119
 
 
Unregulated Gross Energy Margins
        
         
Eastern U.S.
        
         
The changes in Eastern U.S. non-trading margins for the three months were:
         
Baseload energy and capacity (a)
    
$
 (82)
Margins on the intermediate and peaking units (b)
      
 (22)
Impact of non-core generation facilities sold in the first quarter of 2011
      
 (12)
Higher nuclear fuel prices
      
 (5)
Full-requirement sales contracts
      
 (5)
Gas optimization and storage
      
 (5)
Margins from retail electric business
      
 7 
Net coal and hydroelectric unit availability (c)
      
 10 
Nuclear generation volume (d)
      
 25 
     
$
 (89)

(a)
Energy prices and capacity prices were lower in 2012.
(b)
Capacity prices were lower in 2012.
(c)
Coal unit availability was higher in 2012 compared to 2011, however, volumes were lower as a result of economic reductions.
(d)
Volumes were higher due to an unplanned outage in March 2011 and an uprate in the third quarter of 2011.

Western U.S.

Non-trading margins were $13 million higher due to higher net wholesale prices, partially offset by $7 million of lower wholesale volumes.

Other Operation and Maintenance
        
           
The increase (decrease) in other operation and maintenance expense was due to:
        
   
Three Months Ended
   
March 31, 2012 vs. March 31, 2011
           
Uncollectible accounts (a)
  
$
 11 
  
Susquehanna nuclear plant costs
    
 6 
  
Trademark royalties (b)
    
 (9)
  
Other
    
 2 
  
Total
  
$
 10 
  

(a)
In October 2011, SMGT filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.  This increase primarily reflects an $11 million increase to a reserve on unpaid amounts.
(b)
In 2011, PPL Energy Supply was charged trademark royalties by an affiliate.  The agreement was terminated December 31, 2011.

Depreciation

Depreciation increased by $5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to PP&E additions.

Other Income (Expense) - net

The decrease of $9 million in other income (expense) - net for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared with the same period in 2011 was primarily due to a $7 million decrease in earnings on securities in NDT funds.

See Note 12 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Interest Expense
        
           
The increase (decrease) in interest expense was due to:
        
           
   
Three Months Ended
   
March 31, 2012 vs. March 31, 2011
           
Interest rates (a)
  
$
 (5)
  
Debt balances (b)
    
 (3)
  
Other
    
 (2)
  
Total
  
$
 (10)
  
 
 
120
 
(a)
Lower average long-term interest rates due to a weighted average rate of 5.88% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared with a rate of 6.24% for the same period in 2011.
(b)
PPL Energy Supply's average short-term debt balance was $200 million lower and its average long-term debt balance was $252 million lower for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared with the same period in 2011.  The lower short-term debt balance was primarily due to the repayment of $700 million in bank loans in 2011 partially offset by a $500 million balance of commercial paper in 2012.  The lower long-term debt balance was primarily due to the redemption of $250 million in Senior Unsecured Notes in July 2011.

Income Taxes
        
         
The increase (decrease) in income taxes was due to:
        
         
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31, 2012 vs. March 31, 2011
         
Higher pre-tax book income
  
$
 52 
  
State valuation allowance adjustments (a)
    
 (6)
  
State deferred tax rate change (b)
    
 (11)
  
Total
  
$
 35 
  

(a)
In February 2011 the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue issued interpretive guidance on the treatment of bonus depreciation for Pennsylvania income tax purposes.  In accordance with Corporation Tax Bulletin 2011-01, Pennsylvania allows 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying assets in the same year bonus depreciation is allowed for federal tax purposes.  Due to the decrease in projected taxable income related to bonus depreciation, PPL Energy Supply recorded a $6 million state deferred income tax expense during the three months ended March 31, 2011 related to valuation allowances.
(b)
During the three months ended March 31, 2012, PPL recorded an $11 million adjustment related to state deferred tax liabilities.

See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information on income taxes.

Financial Condition
             
Liquidity and Capital Resources
             
PPL Energy Supply had the following at:
             
   
March 31, 2012
  
December 31, 2011
             
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 135 
  
$
 379 
Short-term debt
  
$
 500 
  
$
 400 

The $244 million decrease in PPL Energy Supply's cash and cash equivalents position was primarily the net result of:

·
distributions to Member of $557 million; and
·
$199 million of capital expenditures; partially offset by
·
$254 million of cash provided by operating activities;
·
a net decrease of $198 million in notes receivable from affiliates; and
·
a net increase in short-term debt of $100 million.

PPL Energy Supply's cash provided by operating activities increased by $52 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to a $58 million decrease in defined benefit plan funding.

Credit Facilities

At March 31, 2012, PPL Energy Supply's total committed borrowing capacity under its credit facilities and the use of this borrowing capacity were:

                 
Letters of
      
                 
Credit Issued
      
             
and
    
     
Committed
      
Commercial
  
Unused
     
Capacity
  
Borrowed
  
Paper Backstop
  
Capacity
                           
Syndicated Credit Facility
  
$
 3,000 
  
$
 
  
$
 634 
  
$
 2,366 
Letter of Credit Facility
    
 200 
    
n/a
    
 144 
    
 56 
Total PPL Energy Supply Credit Facilities (a)
  
$
 3,200 
  
$
 
  
$
 778 
  
$
 2,422 

(a)
The commitments under PPL Energy Supply's credit facilities are provided by a diverse bank group, with no one bank and its affiliates providing an aggregate commitment of more than 11% of the total committed capacity.

See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of PPL Energy Supply's credit facilities.
 
121
 
Long-term Debt

In April 2012, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply completed the Ironwood Acquisition.  See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for information on the transaction and the debt of PPL Ironwood, LLC assumed through consolidation as part of the acquisition.

Commercial Paper

In April 2012, PPL Energy Supply increased the capacity of its commercial paper program from $500 million to $750 million to provide an additional financing source to fund its short-term liquidity needs, if and when necessary.  Commercial paper issuances are supported by PPL Energy Supply's Syndicated Credit Facility.  At March 31, 2012, PPL Energy Supply had $500 million of commercial paper outstanding, included in "Short-term debt" on the Balance Sheet, at a weighted-average interest rate of approximately 0.47%.

Rating Agency Actions

Moody's, S&P and Fitch periodically review the credit ratings on the debt securities of PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries.  Based on their respective independent reviews, the rating agencies may make certain ratings revisions or ratings affirmations.

A credit rating reflects an assessment by the rating agency of the creditworthiness associated with an issuer and particular securities that it issues.  The credit ratings of PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries are based on information provided by PPL Energy Supply and other sources.  The ratings of Moody's, S&P and Fitch are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any securities of PPL Energy Supply or its subsidiaries.  Such ratings may be subject to revisions or withdrawal by the agencies at any time and should be evaluated independently of each other and any other rating that may be assigned to the securities.  A downgrade in PPL Energy Supply's or its subsidiaries' credit ratings could result in higher borrowing costs and reduced access to capital markets.

As a result of the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act, PPL Energy Supply is limiting its credit rating disclosure to a description of the actions taken by the rating agencies with respect to PPL Energy Supply's ratings, but without stating what ratings have been assigned to PPL Energy Supply or its subsidiaries, or their securities.  The ratings assigned by the rating agencies to PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries and their respective securities may be found, without charge, on each of the respective rating agencies' websites, which ratings together with all other information contained on such rating agency websites is, hereby, explicitly not incorporated by reference in this report.

The rating agencies took the following actions related to PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries.

In January 2012, S&P affirmed its rating and revised its outlook to stable from positive for PPL Montana's Pass Through Certificates due 2020.

Following the announcement of the then-pending acquisition of AES Ironwood, L.L.C. in February 2012, the rating agencies took the following actions:

In March 2012, Moody's placed AES Ironwood, L.L.C.'s senior secured bonds under review for possible ratings upgrade.

In April 2012, S&P affirmed the rating of AES Ironwood, L.L.C.'s senior secured bonds.

Ratings Triggers

PPL Energy Supply has various derivative and non-derivative contracts, including contracts for the sale and purchase of electricity and fuel, commodity transportation and storage, tolling agreements and interest rate instruments, which contain provisions requiring PPL Energy Supply to post additional collateral, or permit the counterparty to terminate the contract, if PPL Energy Supply's credit rating were to fall below investment grade.  See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of "Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features," including a discussion of the potential additional collateral that would have been required for derivative contracts in a net liability position at March 31, 2012.  At March 31, 2012, if PPL Energy Supply's credit rating had been below investment grade, PPL Energy Supply would have been required to prepay or post an additional $425 million of collateral to counterparties for both derivative and non-derivative commodity and commodity-related contracts used in its generation, marketing and trading operations and interest rate contracts.
 
 
122
 
For additional information on PPL Energy Supply's liquidity and capital resources, see "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in PPL Energy Supply's 2011 Form 10-K.

Risk Management

Market Risk

See Notes 13 and 14 to the Financial Statements for information about PPL Energy Supply's risk management objectives, valuation techniques and accounting designations.

The forward-looking information presented below provides estimates of what may occur in the future, assuming certain adverse market conditions and model assumptions.  Actual future results may differ materially from those presented.  These disclosures are not precise indicators of expected future losses, but only indicators of possible losses under normal market conditions at a given confidence level.

Commodity Price Risk (Non-trading)

PPL Energy Supply segregates its non-trading activities into two categories:  hedge activity and economic activity.  Transactions that are accounted for as hedge activity qualify for hedge accounting treatment.  The economic activity category includes transactions that address a specific risk, but were not eligible for hedge accounting or for which hedge accounting was not elected.  This activity includes the changes in fair value of positions used to hedge a portion of the economic value of PPL Energy Supply's generation assets, full-requirement sales contracts and retail contracts.  This economic activity is subject to changes in fair value due to market price volatility of the input and output commodities (e.g., fuel and power).  Although they do not receive hedge accounting treatment, these transactions are considered non-trading activity.  The fair value of economic positions at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was a net asset of $816 million and a net liability of $63 million.  The change in fair value is largely attributable to the dedesignation of cash flow hedges that are now classified as economic hedges.  See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

To hedge the impact of market price volatility on PPL Energy Supply's energy-related assets, liabilities and other contractual arrangements, PPL Energy Supply both sells and purchases physical energy at the wholesale level under FERC market-based tariffs throughout the U.S. and enters into financial exchange-traded and over-the-counter contracts.  PPL Energy Supply's non-trading commodity derivative contracts mature at various times through 2019.

The following table sets forth the changes in net fair value of PPL Energy Supply's non-trading commodity derivative contracts.  See Notes 13 and 14 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

   
Gains (Losses)
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
2012 
  
2011 
             
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period
  
$
 1,082 
  
$
 958 
Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period
    
 (279)
    
 (52)
Fair value of new contracts entered into during the period (a)
    
 (1)
    
 (17)
Other changes in fair value
    
 413 
    
 109 
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period
  
$
 1,215 
  
$
 998 

(a)
Represents the fair value of contracts at the end of the quarter of their inception.

The following table segregates the net fair value of PPL Energy Supply's non-trading commodity derivative contracts at March 31, 2012, based on whether the fair value was determined by prices quoted in active markets for identical instruments or other more subjective means.

     
Net Asset (Liability)
     
Maturity
              
Maturity
      
     
Less Than
  
Maturity
  
Maturity
  
in Excess
  
Total Fair
     
1 Year
  
1-3 Years
  
4-5 Years
  
of 5 Years
  
Value
Source of Fair Value
                              
Prices based on significant other observable inputs
  
$
 854 
  
$
 349 
  
$
 (17)
  
$
 10 
  
$
 1,196 
Prices based on significant unobservable inputs
    
 10 
    
 5 
    
 4 
    
 
    
 19 
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period
  
$
 864 
  
$
 354 
  
$
 (13)
  
$
 10 
  
$
 1,215 

PPL Energy Supply sells electricity, capacity and related services and buys fuel on a forward basis to hedge the value of energy from its generation assets.  If PPL Energy Supply were unable to deliver firm capacity and energy or to accept the delivery of fuel under its agreements, under certain circumstances it could be required to pay liquidating damages.  These
 
123
 

damages would be based on the difference between the market price and the contract price of the commodity.  Depending on price changes in the wholesale energy markets, such damages could be significant.  Extreme weather conditions, unplanned power plant outages, transmission disruptions, nonperformance by counterparties with which it has energy contracts and other factors could affect PPL Energy Supply's ability to meet its obligations, or cause significant increases in the market price of replacement energy.  Although PPL Energy Supply attempts to mitigate these risks, there can be no assurance that it will be able to fully meet its firm obligations, that it will not be required to pay damages for failure to perform, or that it will not experience counterparty nonperformance in the future.  In connection with its bankruptcy proceedings, a significant counterparty, SMGT, had been purchasing lower volumes of electricity than prescribed in the contract and effective April 1, 2012 the contract was terminated.  At this time, PPL Energy Supply cannot predict the prices or other terms on which it will be able to market to third parties the power that SMGT will not purchase from PPL EnergyPlus due to the termination of this contract.  See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Commodity Price Risk (Trading)

PPL Energy Supply's trading commodity derivative contracts mature at various times through 2016.  The following table sets forth changes in the net fair value of PPL Energy Supply's trading commodity derivative contracts.  See Notes 13 and 14 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

   
Gains (Losses)
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
2012 
  
2011 
             
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period
  
$
 (4)
  
$
 4 
Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period
    
 
    
 2 
Fair value of new contracts entered into during the period (a)
    
 6 
    
 3 
Other changes in fair value
    
 
    
 (2)
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period
  
$
 2 
  
$
 7 

(a)
Represents the fair value of contracts at the end of the quarter of their inception.

Unrealized losses of approximately $5 million will be reversed over the next three months as the transactions are realized.

The following table segregates the net fair value of trading commodity derivative contracts at March 31, 2012, based on whether the fair value was determined by prices quoted in active markets for identical instruments or other more subjective means.

   
Net Asset (Liability)
   
Maturity
            
Maturity
    
   
Less Than
  
Maturity
  
Maturity
  
in Excess
  
Total Fair
   
1 Year
  
1-3 Years
  
4-5 Years
  
of 5 Years
  
Value
Source of Fair Value
                              
Prices based on significant other observable inputs
  
$
 (8)
  
$
 8 
  
$
 2 
    
 
  
$
 2 
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the end of the period
  
$
 (8)
  
$
 8 
  
$
 2 
    
 
  
$
 2 

VaR Models

A VaR model is utilized to measure commodity price risk in domestic gross energy margins for the non-trading and trading portfolios.  VaR is a statistical model that attempts to estimate the value of potential loss over a given holding period under normal market conditions at a given confidence level.  VaR is calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation technique based on a five-day holding period at a 95% confidence level.  Given the company's conservative hedging program, the non-trading VaR exposure is expected to be limited in the short-term.  The VaR for portfolios using end-of-month results for the period was as follows.

     
Trading VaR
  
Non-Trading VaR
     
Three Months
  
Twelve Months
  
Three Months
  
Twelve Months
     
Ended
  
Ended
  
Ended
  
Ended
     
March 31,
  
December 31,
  
March 31,
  
December 31,
     
2012 
  
2011 
  
2012 
  
2011 
95% Confidence Level, Five-Day Holding Period
                        
 
Period End
  
$
 2 
  
$
1 
  
$
7 
  
$
 6 
 
Average for the Period
    
 2 
    
3 
    
8 
    
 5 
 
High
    
 2 
    
6 
    
9 
    
 7 
 
Low
    
 1 
    
1 
    
7 
    
 4 
 
 
124
 

The trading portfolio includes all speculative positions, regardless of the delivery period.  All positions not considered speculative are considered non-trading.  The non-trading portfolio includes the entire portfolio, including generation, with delivery periods through the next 12 months.  Both the trading and non-trading VaR computations exclude FTRs due to the absence of reliable spot and forward markets.  The fair value of the non-trading and trading FTR positions was insignificant at March 31, 2012.

Interest Rate Risk

PPL Energy Supply and its subsidiaries have issued debt to finance their operations, which exposes them to interest rate risk.  PPL and PPL Energy Supply utilize various financial derivative instruments to adjust the mix of fixed and floating interest rates in PPL Energy Supply's debt portfolio, adjust the duration of its debt portfolio and lock in benchmark interest rates in anticipation of future financing, when appropriate.  Risk limits under the risk management program are designed to balance risk exposure to volatility in interest expense and changes in the fair value of PPL Energy Supply's debt portfolio due to changes in the absolute level of interest rates.  PPL Energy Supply had no interest rate hedges outstanding at March 31, 2012.

At March 31, 2012, PPL Energy Supply's potential annual exposure to increased interest expense, based on a 10% increase in interest rates, was not significant.

PPL Energy Supply is also exposed to changes in the fair value of its debt portfolio.  PPL Energy Supply estimated that a 10% decrease in interest rates at March 31, 2012 would increase the fair value of its debt portfolio by $49 million.

NDT Funds - Securities Price Risk

In connection with certain NRC requirements, PPL Susquehanna maintains trust funds to fund certain costs of decommissioning the Susquehanna nuclear plant.  At March 31, 2012, these funds were invested primarily in domestic equity securities and fixed-rate, fixed-income securities and are reflected at fair value on PPL Energy Supply's Balance Sheet.  The mix of securities is designed to provide returns sufficient to fund Susquehanna's decommissioning and to compensate for inflationary increases in decommissioning costs.  However, the equity securities included in the trusts are exposed to price fluctuation in equity markets, and the values of fixed-rate, fixed-income securities are exposed to changes in interest rates.  PPL actively monitors the investment performance and periodically reviews asset allocation in accordance with its NDT policy statement.  At March 31, 2012, a hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates and a 10% decrease in equity prices would have resulted in an estimated $48 million reduction in the fair value of the trust assets.  See Notes 13 and 17 to the Financial Statements for additional information regarding the NDT funds.

Credit Risk

See Notes 11, 13 and 14 to the Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q and "Risk Management - Energy Marketing & Trading and Other - Credit Risk" in PPL Energy Supply's 2011 Form 10-K for additional information.

Related Party Transactions

PPL Energy Supply is not aware of any material ownership interests or operating responsibility by senior management of PPL Energy Supply in outside partnerships, including leasing transactions with variable interest entities, or other entities doing business with PPL Energy Supply.  See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for additional information on related party transactions.

Acquisitions, Development and Divestitures

Development projects are continuously reexamined based on market conditions and other factors to determine whether to proceed with the projects, sell, cancel or expand them, execute tolling agreements or pursue other options.  See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for information on the more significant activities, including the April 2012 Ironwood Acquisition.

Environmental Matters

Protection of the environment is a priority for PPL Energy Supply and a significant element of its business activities.  Extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations are applicable to PPL Energy Supply's air emissions, water discharges and the management of hazardous and solid waste, among other areas; and the cost of compliance or alleged non-compliance cannot be predicted with certainty but could be material.  In addition, costs may increase significantly if the requirements or scope of environmental laws or regulations, or similar rules, are expanded or changed from prior versions by the relevant agencies.  Costs may take the form of increased capital or operating and maintenance expenses; monetary fines, penalties or forfeitures or other restrictions.  Many of these environmental law considerations are also applicable to the

 
125
 

operations of key suppliers, or customers, such as coal producers, industrial power users, etc., and may impact the cost for their products or their demand for PPL Energy Supply's services.  See "Item 1. Business - Environmental Matters" in PPL Energy Supply's 2011 Form 10-K and Note 10 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of environmental matters.

New Accounting Guidance

See Notes 2 and 18 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of new accounting guidance adopted and pending adoption.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

Financial condition and results of operations are impacted by the methods, assumptions and estimates used in the application of critical accounting policies.  The following accounting policies are particularly important to the financial condition or results of operations, and require estimates or other judgments of matters inherently uncertain: price risk management, defined benefits, asset impairment, loss accruals, AROs and income taxes.  See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in PPL Energy Supply's 2011 Form 10-K for a discussion of each critical accounting policy.

 
126
 

PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following should be read in conjunction with PPL Electric's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes and with PPL Electric's 2011 Form 10-K.  Capitalized terms and abbreviations are defined in the glossary.  Dollars are in millions unless otherwise noted.

"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" includes the following information:

·  
"Overview" provides a description of PPL Electric and its business strategy, a summary of Net Income Available to PPL Corporation and a discussion of certain events related to PPL Electric's results of operations and financial condition.

·  
"Results of Operations" provides a summary of PPL Electric's earnings and a description of factors expected to impact future earnings.  This section ends with explanations of significant changes in principal items on PPL Electric's Statements of Income, comparing the three months ended March 31, 2012 with the same period in 2011.

·  
"Financial Condition - Liquidity and Capital Resources" provides an analysis of PPL Electric's liquidity position and credit profile.

·  
"Financial Condition - Risk Management" provides an explanation of PPL Electric's risk management programs relating to market and credit risk.
 
Overview

Introduction

PPL Electric is an electricity delivery service provider in eastern and central Pennsylvania with headquarters in Allentown, Pennsylvania.  PPL Electric is subject to regulation as a public utility by the PUC, and certain of its transmission activities are subject to the jurisdiction of FERC under the Federal Power Act.  PPL Electric delivers electricity in its Pennsylvania service area and provides electricity supply to retail customers in that area as a PLR under the Customer Choice Act.

Business Strategy

PPL Electric's strategy and principal challenge is to own and operate its electricity delivery business at the most efficient cost while maintaining high quality customer service and reliability.  PPL Electric anticipates that it will have significant capital expenditure requirements in the future.  In order to manage financing costs and access to credit markets, a key objective for PPL Electric's business is to maintain a strong credit profile.  PPL Electric continually focuses on maintaining an appropriate capital structure and liquidity position.

Timely recovery of costs to maintain and enhance the reliability of its delivery system including the replacement of aging distribution assets is required in order to maintain strong cash flows and a strong credit profile.  Traditionally, such cost recovery would be pursued through periodic base rate case proceedings with the PUC.  As such costs continue to increase, more frequent rate case proceedings may be required or an alternative rate-making process would need to be implemented in order to achieve more timely recovery.  See "Regulatory Matters - Pennsylvania Activities - Legislation - Regulatory Procedures and Mechanisms" in Note 6 to the Financial Statements for information on Pennsylvania's new alternative rate-making mechanism.

Transmission costs are recovered through a FERC Formula Rate mechanism which is updated annually for costs incurred and assets placed in service.  Accordingly, increased costs including the replacement of aging transmission assets and the PJM-approved Regional Transmission Line Expansion Plan are recovered on a timely basis.


 
127
 

Financial and Operational Developments

Net Income Available to PPL Corporation

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
2012 
  
2011 
  
% Change
                 
Net Income Available to PPL Corporation
$
 33 
  
$
 52 
  
 (37)

See "Results of Operations" for a discussion and analysis of PPL Electric's earnings.

Redemption of Preference Stock

 
In April 2012, PPL Electric gave notice that it had elected to redeem all 2.5 million shares of its 6.25% Series Preference Stock, par value $100 per share, on June 18, 2012.  The price to be paid for the redemption is the par value, without premium ($250 million in the aggregate).  The Preference Stock is reflected on PPL Electric's Balance Sheets in "Preferred securities."
 

Regional Transmission Line Expansion Plan

PPL Electric has experienced delays in obtaining necessary National Park Service (NPS) approvals for the Susquehanna-Roseland transmission line and anticipates a delay of the line's in-service date to 2015.  In March 2012, the NPS announced that the route proposed by PPL Electric and PSE&G, previously approved by the Pennsylvania and New Jersey public utility commissions, is the preferred route for the line under the NPS's National Environmental Policy Act review.  The NPS has stated that it expects to issue its record of decision in October 2012.  An appeal of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approval of the line is pending before the New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division.  PPL Electric cannot predict the ultimate outcome or timing of the NPS approval or any further legal challenges to the project.  PJM has developed a strategy to manage potential reliability problems until the line is built.  PPL Electric cannot predict what additional actions, if any, PJM might take in the event of a further delay to its scheduled in-service date for the new line.  See Note 8 in PPL Electric's 2011 Form 10-K for additional information.

Results of Operations

The following discussion provides a summary of PPL Electric's earnings and a description of factors that management expects may impact future earnings.  This section ends with "Statement of Income Analysis," which includes explanations of significant changes in principal items on PPL Electric's Statements of Income, comparing the three months ended March 31, 2012 with the same period in 2011.

The results for interim periods can be disproportionately influenced by numerous factors and developments and by seasonal variations.  As such, the results of operations for interim periods do not necessarily indicate results or trends for the year or future periods.

Earnings
          
             
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
2012 
  
2011 
             
Net Income Available to PPL Corporation
$
 33 
  
$
 52 

The changes in the components of Net Income Available to PPL Corporation between these periods were due to the following factors.

Pennsylvania gross delivery margins
$
 (13)
Other operation and maintenance
  
 (6)
Depreciation
  
 (6)
Other
  
 3 
Income Taxes
  
 3 
Total
$
 (19)

·
See "Statement of Income Analysis - Pennsylvania Gross Delivery Margins - Changes in Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for an explanation of Pennsylvania Gross Delivery Margins.


 
128
 

·
Higher other operation and maintenance expense due to $3 million of higher payroll related costs, $3 million of higher support group costs and $2 million of higher vegetation management costs, partially offset by $5 million of lower PUC reportable storm costs.

·
Higher depreciation expense due to a $5 million depreciation impact from PP&E additions, primarily related to the ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance the reliability of the delivery system, including the replacement of aging infrastructure.

·
Lower income taxes primarily due to lower pre-tax income, which reduced income taxes by $9 million, partially offset by $4 million of benefits recorded in 2011 related to Pennsylvania Department of Revenue interpretive guidance on bonus depreciation.

Outlook

Excluding special items, PPL Electric projects lower earnings in 2012 compared with 2011, primarily driven by higher operation and maintenance expense, higher depreciation and lower distribution revenue, which are expected to be partially offset by higher transmission revenue and lower financing costs.

In March 2012, PPL Electric filed a request with the PUC to increase distribution rates by approximately $105 million.  The PUC's review of the distribution rate increase is expected to take about nine months.  The proposed distribution revenue rate increase would result in a 2.9% increase over PPL Electric's present rates and would be effective January 1, 2013.  PPL Electric cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding.

Earnings in 2012 are subject to various risks and uncertainties.  See "Forward-Looking Information," the rest of this Item 2 and Notes 6 and 10 to the Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q and "Item 1. Business" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in PPL Electric's 2011 Form 10-K for a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and factors that may impact future earnings.

Statement of Income Analysis --

Pennsylvania Gross Delivery Margins

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

The following discussion includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as a non-GAAP financial measure, "Pennsylvania Gross Delivery Margins."  "Pennsylvania Gross Delivery Margins" is a single financial performance measure of PPL Electric's Pennsylvania regulated electric delivery operations, which includes transmission and distribution activities.  In calculating this measure, utility revenues and expenses associated with approved recovery mechanisms, including energy provided as a PLR, are offset with minimal impact on earnings.  Costs associated with these mechanisms are recorded in "Energy purchases," "Energy purchases from affiliate," "Other operation and maintenance" expense, which is primarily Act 129 costs, and "Taxes, other than income," which is primarily gross receipts tax.  As a result, this measure represents the net revenues from PPL Electric's Pennsylvania regulated electric delivery operations.  This measure is not intended to replace "Operating Income," which is determined in accordance with GAAP, as an indicator of overall operating performance.  Other companies may use different measures to analyze and to report on the results of their operations.  PPL Electric believes that "Pennsylvania Gross Delivery Margins" provides another criterion to make investment decisions.  This performance measure is used, in conjunction with other information, internally by senior management and PPL's Board of Directors to manage PPL Electric's operations and analyze actual results to budget.
 
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following table reconciles "Operating Income" to "Pennsylvania Gross Delivery Margins" as defined by PPL Electric for the three months ended March 31.

 
129
 
 
           
2012 
  
2011 
           
PA Gross
              
PA Gross
            
           
Delivery
        
Operating
  
Delivery
          
Operating
           
Margins
  
Other (a)
  
Income (b)
  
Margins
  
Other (a)
  
Income (b)
                                     
Operating Revenues
                                        
 
Retail electric
  
$
 457 
    
 
    
$
 457 
  
$
 554 
    
 
    
$
 554 
 
Electric revenue from affiliate
    
 1 
    
 
      
 1 
    
 4 
    
 
      
 4 
     
Total Operating Revenues
    
 458 
    
 
      
 458 
    
 558 
    
 
      
 558 
                                                 
Operating Expenses
                                        
 
Energy purchases
    
 153 
    
 
      
 153 
    
 251 
    
 
      
 251 
 
Energy purchases from affiliate
    
 21 
            
 21 
    
 6 
            
 6 
 
Other operation and maintenance
    
 22 
  
$
 118 
      
 140 
    
 18 
  
$
 112 
      
 130 
 
Depreciation
          
 39 
      
 39 
          
 33 
      
 33 
 
Taxes, other than income
    
 25 
    
 1 
      
 26 
    
 33 
    
 2 
      
 35 
     
Total Operating Expenses
    
 221 
    
 158 
      
 379 
    
 308 
    
 147 
      
 455 
Total
  
$
 237 
  
$
 (158)
    
$
 79 
  
$
 250 
  
$
 (147)
    
$
 103 

 
(a)
Represents amounts that are excluded from Margins.
 
(b)
As reported on the Statement of Income.

Changes in Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following table shows PPL Electric's non-GAAP financial measure, "Pennsylvania Gross Delivery Margins" for the periods ended March 31, as well as the change between periods.  The factors that gave rise to the change are described below the table.

       
Three Months
       
2012 
  
2011 
  
Change
                       
PA Gross Delivery Margins by Component
                    
 
Distribution
    
$
 189 
  
$
 208 
  
$
 (19)
 
Transmission
      
 48 
    
 42 
    
 6 
Total
    
$
 237 
  
$
 250 
  
$
 (13)

Distribution

Margins decreased as weather had an unfavorable impact of $16 million on base distribution revenues.

Transmission

Margins increased primarily due to increased investment in plant and the recovery of additional costs through the FERC formula-based rates.
 
 
Other Operation and Maintenance
        
           
The increase/(decrease) in other operation and maintenance expense was due to:
        
   
Three Months Ended
   
March 31, 2012 vs. March 31, 2011
           
Payroll-related costs
  
$
 3 
  
Vegetation management
    
 2 
  
Uncollectible accounts
    
 2 
  
Allocation of certain corporate support group costs
    
 3 
  
PUC-reportable storm costs, net of insurance recovery
    
 (5)
  
Other
    
 5 
  
Total
  
$
 10 
  

Depreciation

Depreciation increased by $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to PP&E additions related to PPL Electric's ongoing efforts to ensure the reliability of its delivery system and replace aging infrastructure.


 
130
 
Taxes, Other Than Income

Taxes, other than income decreased by $9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to a decrease in gross receipts tax from a decline in taxable electric revenues.  This tax is included in "Pennsylvania Gross Delivery Margins."

Income Taxes
        
         
The increase (decrease) in income taxes was due to:
        
         
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31, 2012 vs. March 31, 2011
         
Lower pre-tax book income
  
$
 (9)
  
Federal and state tax reserve adjustments
    
 1 
  
Federal and state tax return adjustments (a)
    
 2 
  
Depreciation not normalized (a)
    
 2 
  
Other
    
 1 
  
Total
  
$
 (3)
  

(a)
In February 2011, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue issued interpretive guidance on the treatment of bonus depreciation for Pennsylvania income tax purposes.  In accordance with Corporation Tax Bulletin 2011-01, Pennsylvania allows 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying assets in the same year bonus depreciation is allowed for federal tax purposes.  The 100% Pennsylvania bonus depreciation deduction created a current state income tax benefit for the flow-through impact of Pennsylvania regulated state tax depreciation.  The federal provision for 100% bonus depreciation generally applies to property placed in service before January 1, 2012.

See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information on income taxes.

Financial Condition
             
Liquidity and Capital Resources
             
PPL Electric had the following at:
             
   
March 31, 2012
  
December 31, 2011
             
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 149 
  
$
 320 

The $171 million decrease in PPL Electric's cash and cash equivalents position was primarily the net result of:

·
$121 million of capital expenditures; and
·
the payment of $35 million of common stock dividends to PPL.

PPL Electric's cash used in operating activities improved by $37 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to a $44 million decrease in defined benefit plan funding.

Credit Facilities

At March 31, 2012, PPL Electric's total committed borrowing capacity under its credit facilities and the use of this borrowing capacity were:

             
Letters of
    
     
Committed
      
Credit
  
Unused
     
Capacity
  
Borrowed
  
 Issued
  
Capacity
                   
Syndicated Credit Facility (a)
  
$
 200 
    
 
  
$
 1 
  
$
 199 
Asset-backed Credit Facility (b)
    
 150 
    
 
    
n/a
    
 150 
Total PPL Electric Credit Facilities
  
$
 350 
    
 
  
$
 1 
  
$
 349 

(a)
In April 2012, PPL Electric increased the capacity of its syndicated credit facility to $300 million.

 
The commitments under this credit facility are provided by a diverse bank group, with no one bank and its affiliates providing an aggregate commitment of more than 6% of the total committed capacity.
(b)
PPL Electric obtains financing by selling and contributing its eligible accounts receivable and unbilled revenue to a special purpose, wholly owned subsidiary on an ongoing basis.  The subsidiary pledges these assets to secure loans of up to an aggregate of $150 million from a commercial paper conduit sponsored by a financial institution.  At March 31, 2012, based on accounts receivable and unbilled revenue pledged, the amount available for borrowing under this facility was limited to $82 million.
 
131
 
See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of PPL Electric's credit facilities.

Commercial Paper

PPL Electric maintains a commercial paper program for up to $200 million to provide an additional financing source to fund its short-term liquidity needs, if and when necessary.  Commercial paper issuances are supported by PPL Electric's Syndicated Credit Facility.  PPL Electric had no commercial paper outstanding at March 31, 2012.

Equity Securities

In April 2012, PPL Electric gave notice that it had elected to redeem all 2.5 million shares of its 6.25% Series Preference Stock, par value $100 per share, on June 18, 2012.  The price to be paid for the redemption is the par value, without premium ($250 million in the aggregate).  The Preference Stock is reflected on PPL Electric's Balance Sheets in "Preferred securities" at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Rating Agency Actions

Moody's, S&P and Fitch periodically review the credit ratings on the debt and preferred securities of PPL Electric.  Based on their respective independent reviews, the rating agencies may make certain ratings revisions or ratings affirmations.

A credit rating reflects an assessment by the rating agency of the creditworthiness associated with an issuer and particular securities that it issues.  The credit ratings of PPL Electric are based on information provided by PPL Electric and other sources.  The ratings of Moody's, S&P and Fitch are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any securities of PPL Electric.  Such ratings may be subject to revisions or withdrawal by the agencies at any time and should be evaluated independently of each other and any other rating that may be assigned to the securities.  A downgrade in PPL Electric's credit ratings could result in higher borrowing costs and reduced access to capital markets.

As a result of the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act, PPL Electric is limiting its credit rating disclosure to a description of the actions taken by the rating agencies with respect to PPL Electric's ratings, but without stating what ratings have been assigned to PPL Electric or its securities.  The ratings assigned by the rating agencies to PPL Electric and its respective securities may be found, without charge, on each of the respective rating agencies' websites, which ratings together with all other information contained on such rating agency websites is, hereby, explicitly not incorporated by reference in this report.

The rating agencies did not take any actions related to PPL Electric in 2012.

For additional information on PPL Electric's liquidity and capital resources, see "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in PPL Electric's 2011 Form 10-K.

Risk Management

Market Risk and Credit Risk

PPL Electric has issued debt to finance its operations, which exposes it to interest rate risk.  PPL Electric had no potential annual exposure to increased interest expense, based on a 10% increase in interest rates, at March 31, 2012.  PPL Electric estimated that a 10% decrease in interest rates at March 31, 2012 would increase the fair value of its debt portfolio by $93 million.

See Notes 13 and 14 to the Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q and "Risk Management" in PPL Electric's 2011 Form 10-K for additional information on market and credit risk.

Related Party Transactions

PPL Electric is not aware of any material ownership interests or operating responsibility by senior management of PPL Electric in outside partnerships, including leasing transactions with variable interest entities, or other entities doing business with PPL Electric.  See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for additional information on related party transactions.

Environmental Matters

Protection of the environment is a priority for PPL Electric and a significant element of its business activities.  See "Item 1. Business - Environmental Matters" in PPL Electric's 2011 Form 10-K and Note 10 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of environmental matters.

 
132
 


New Accounting Guidance

See Notes 2 and 18 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of new accounting guidance adopted and pending adoption.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

Financial condition and results of operations are impacted by the methods, assumptions and estimates used in the application of critical accounting policies.  The following accounting policies are particularly important to the financial condition or results of operations, and require estimates or other judgments of matters inherently uncertain: defined benefits, loss accruals, income taxes, regulatory assets and liabilities and revenue recognition - unbilled revenue.  See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in PPL Electric's 2011 Form 10-K for a discussion of each critical accounting policy.

 
133
 

LG&E AND KU ENERGY LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


The following should be read in conjunction with LKE's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes and with LKE's 2011 Form 10-K.  Capitalized terms and abbreviations are defined in the glossary.  Dollars are in millions, unless otherwise noted.

"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" includes the following information:

 
·
"Overview" provides a description of LKE and its business strategy, a summary of Net Income and a discussion of certain events related to LKE's results of operations and financial condition.

 
·
"Results of Operations" provides a summary of LKE's earnings and a description of factors expected to impact future earnings.  This section ends with explanations of significant changes in principal items on LKE's Statements of Income, comparing the three months ended March 31, 2012 with the same period in 2011.

 
·
"Financial Condition - Liquidity and Capital Resources" provides an analysis of LKE's liquidity position and credit profile.

 
·
"Financial Condition - Risk Management" provides an explanation of LKE's risk management programs relating to market and credit risk.

Overview

Introduction

LKE, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a holding company with utility operations through its subsidiaries, LG&E and KU.  LG&E and KU, which constitute substantially all of LKE's operations, are regulated utilities engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity, in Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee.  LG&E also engages in the distribution and sale of natural gas in Kentucky.

Business Strategy

LKE's overall strategy is to provide reliable, safe and competitively priced energy to its customers.

A key objective for LKE is to maintain a strong credit profile through managing financing costs and access to credit markets.  LKE continually focuses on maintaining an appropriate capital structure and liquidity position.

Financial and Operational Developments

Net Income
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
2012 
  
2011 
  
% Change
                 
Net Income
$
 53 
  
$
 87 
  
 (39)

See "Results of Operations" for a discussion and analysis of LKE's earnings.

Registered Debt Exchange Offer by LKE

In April 2012, LKE filed a Form S-4 Registration Statement with the SEC, as required by a registration rights agreement entered into in connection with the issuance of senior notes in September 2011 in a transaction not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.  The Form S-4 relates to an offer to exchange the senior notes issued in September 2011 for similar but registered securities.  See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

 
134
 

Commercial Paper

In February 2012, LG&E and KU each established a commercial paper program for up to $250 million to provide an additional financing source to fund their short-term liquidity needs.  Commercial paper issuances will be supported by LG&E's and KU's Syndicated Credit Facilities.  LG&E and KU had no commercial paper outstanding at March 31, 2012.  See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Pending Bluegrass CTs Acquisition and NGCC Construction

In September 2011, LG&E and KU filed a CPCN with the KPSC requesting approval to build a 640 MW NGCC at the existing Cane Run plant site.  In conjunction with this request and to meet new, stricter EPA regulations, LG&E and KU anticipate retiring six older coal-fired electric generating units.  These units are located at the Cane Run, Green River and Tyrone plants, which have a combined summer rating of 797 MW.  LG&E and KU also requested approval to purchase the Bluegrass CTs, which are expected to provide up to 495 MW of peak generation supply.  In November 2011, LG&E and KU filed an application with the FERC under the Federal Power Act requesting approval to purchase the Bluegrass CTs.

LG&E and KU anticipate that the NGCC construction and the acquisition of the Bluegrass CTs could require up to $800 million (comprised of up to $300 million for LG&E and up to $500 million for KU) in capital costs including related transmission projects.  Formal requests for recovery of the costs associated with the NGCC construction and the acquisition of the Bluegrass CTs were not included in the CPCN filing with the KPSC but are expected to be included in future rate proceedings.  In May 2012, the KPSC issued an order approving the request to build the NGCC and purchase the Bluegrass CTs.  Also, on May 4, 2012, the FERC issued an order conditionally authorizing the acquisition of the Bluegrass CTs, subject to implementation of satisfactory mitigation measures to address market-power concerns.  FERC approval of the proposed mitigation measures is required.  LG&E and KU are reviewing the order's conditions and their impact on the closing conditions under the Bluegrass CTs purchase contract, as well as other regulatory, operational and economic aspects of the transaction.  See Notes 6 and 8 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
 
Results of Operations

The following discussion provides a summary of LKE's earnings and a description of factors that management expects may impact future earnings.  This section ends with "Statement of Income Analysis," which includes explanations of significant changes in principal items on LKE's Statements of Income, comparing the three months ended March 31, 2012 with the same period in 2011.

The results for interim periods can be disproportionately influenced by numerous factors and developments and by seasonal variations.  As such, the results of operations for interim periods do not necessarily indicate results or trends for the year or future periods.

Earnings
             
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
2012 
    
2011 
             
Net Income
$
 53 
  
$
 87 

The changes in the components of Net Income between these periods were due to the following factors, which are adjusted for certain items that management considers special.  See additional detail of these special items in the table below.

     
Margin
$
 (28)
Other operation and maintenance
  
 (22)
Depreciation
  
 (4)
Taxes, other than income
  
 (2)
Other Income (Expense) - net
  
 (2)
Interest Expense
  
 (2)
Income Taxes
  
 22 
Special Items, after-tax
  
 4 
Total
$
 (34)

·
See "Statement of Income Analysis - Margin - Changes in Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for an explanation of margin.

·
Higher other operation and maintenance expense due to $11 million of higher steam maintenance costs primarily resulting from an increased scope of scheduled plant outages, a $6 million credit to establish a regulatory asset recorded in the first quarter of 2011 related to 2009 storm costs and $3 million of higher storm restoration and vegetation management costs.

 
135
 


·
Lower income taxes primarily due to the change in pre-tax income.

The following after-tax amounts, which management considers special items, also impacted earnings:

     
Income Statement
  
Three Months Ended March 31,
     
Line Item
  
2012 
  
2011 
                   
Special items gains (losses), net of tax (expense) benefit:
              
Acquisition-related adjustments:
              
 
Net operating loss carryforward and other tax related adjustments
Income Taxes and Other O&M
  
$
 4 
      
Total
    
$
 4 
      

Outlook

Excluding special items, LKE projects lower earnings in 2012 compared with 2011, as margin increases are not expected to offset operating expense increases, including depreciation.  Actual results will be dependent on the effects of the economy and the impact of weather on retail sales among other variables.  As a result of the stay out provision established in the settlement of the PPL-LKE acquisition, LKE is generally unable to implement an increase in base rates for its two regulated utilities in Kentucky before January 1, 2013.

Earnings in 2012 are subject to various risks and uncertainties.  See "Forward-Looking Information," the rest of this Item 2, Notes 6 and 10 to the Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q and "Item 1. Business" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in LKE's 2011 Form 10-K for a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and factors that may impact future earnings.

Statement of Income Analysis --

Margin

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

The following discussion includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as a non-GAAP financial measure, "Margin." Margin is not intended to replace "Operating Income," which is determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of overall operating performance.  Other companies may use different measures to analyze and to report on the results of their operations.  Margin is a single financial performance measure of LKE's operations.  In calculating this measure, utility revenues and expenses associated with approved cost recovery tracking mechanisms are offset.  These mechanisms allow for recovery of certain expenses, returns on capital investments associated with environmental regulations and performance incentives.  Certain costs associated with these mechanisms, primarily ECR and DSM, are recorded as "Other operation and maintenance" expenses and the depreciation associated with ECR equipment is recorded as "Depreciation" expense.  As a result, this measure represents the net revenues from LKE's operations.  This performance measure is used, in conjunction with other information, internally by senior management to manage LKE's operations and analyze actual results compared to budget.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following tables reconcile "Operating Income" to "Margin" as defined by LKE for the three months ended March 31.

           
2012 
    
2011 
                   
Operating
              
Operating
           
Margin
  
Other (a)
  
Income (b)
    
Margin
  
Other (a)
  
Income (b)
                                   
Operating Revenues
  
$
 705 
    
 
  
$
 705 
    
$
 766 
    
 
  
$
 766 
Operating Expenses
                                      
 
Fuel
    
 213 
    
 
    
 213 
      
 215 
    
 
    
 215 
 
Energy purchases
    
 74 
    
 
    
 74 
      
 107 
    
 
    
 107 
 
Other operation and maintenance
    
 22 
  
$
 184 
    
 206 
      
 21 
  
$
 160 
    
 181 
 
Depreciation
    
 13 
    
 73 
    
 86 
      
 12 
    
 69 
    
 81 
 
Taxes, other than income
    
 
    
 11 
    
 11 
      
 
    
 9 
    
 9 
     
Total Operating Expenses
    
 322 
    
 268 
    
 590 
      
 355 
    
 238 
    
 593 
Total
  
$
 383 
  
$
 (268)
  
$
 115 
    
$
 411 
  
$
 (238)
  
$
 173 

(a)
Represents amounts excluded from Margin.
(b)
As reported on the Statement of Income.
 
 
136
 

Changes in Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Margins decreased by $28 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared with the same period in 2011.  The negative impact mainly resulted from $23 million of lower retail electric margins as volumes were impacted by unseasonably mild weather in the first quarter of 2012.  The total heating degree days decreased by 26% compared to the same period in 2011.

The $61 million decrease in revenues resulted from a negative volume variance, largely due to a decrease in retail sales volumes of $61 million and a decrease in off-system sales volumes to third-parties of $14 million.  This decrease was offset by a positive fuel price variance of $14 million, due to increased recoverable fuel expenses.

Other Operation and Maintenance
        
           
The increase (decrease) in other operation and maintenance expense was due to:
  
         
   
Three Months Ended
 
March 31, 2012 vs. March 31, 2011
           
Steam maintenance (a)
  
$
 11 
  
Distribution maintenance (b)
    
 8 
  
Other
    
 6 
  
Total
  
$
 25 
  

(a)
Steam maintenance costs increased $11 million, primarily resulting from an increased scope of scheduled outages.
(b)
A $6 million credit to establish a regulatory asset was recorded in the first quarter of 2011 related to 2009 storm costs.  Storm restoration and vegetation management costs increased $3 million.

Depreciation

Depreciation increased by $5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to PP&E additions.

Income Taxes
           
The increase (decrease) in income taxes was due to:
           
   
Three Months Ended
   
March 31, 2012 vs. March 31, 2011
           
Lower pre-tax book income
  
$
 (24)
  
Net operating loss carryforward adjustment (a)
    
 (6)
  
Other
    
 2 
  
Total
  
$
 (28)
  

(a)
In the first quarter of 2012, LKE recorded a prior period adjustment to deferred taxes related to net operating losses.

See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information on income taxes.

Financial Condition
             
Liquidity and Capital Resources
             
LKE had the following at:
             
   
March 31, 2012
  
December 31, 2011
             
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 104 
  
$
 59 

The $45 million increase in LKE's cash and cash equivalents position was primarily the net result of:

·
cash provided by operating activities of $232 million, partially offset by
·
capital expenditures of $174 million and
·
the payment of $25 million of distributions to PPL.

LKE's cash provided by operating activities increased by $39 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to:


 
137
 
·
a decrease in cash outflows of $95 million due to a reduction in discretionary defined benefit plan contributions;
·
a net decrease in accounts receivable and accounts payable of $25 million due to an increase in the customer receivable balance in 2012 resulting from increased revenues in 2012 following unseasonably mild weather in December 2011 and the timing of cash receipts and payments, including a decrease of $11 million due to lower revenues and corresponding natural gas purchases and a decrease of $8 million in natural gas purchases for electric generation due to a $12 million volume variance, partially offset by a $4 million decrease in price;
·
an increase in cash inflows related to income tax receivable of $17 million primarily due to LKE recording a $52 million receivable for a capital loss carryover in 2011, partially offset by a payment of $40 million received in 2011; and
·
a decrease in cash outflows related to accrued taxes of $17 million primarily due to the timing of property tax payments; partially offset by
·
a decrease in net income adjusted for non-cash effects of $110 million (deferred income taxes and investment tax credits of $88 million, net income of $34 million and defined benefit plans - expense of $2 million, partially offset by depreciation of $5 million and other noncash items of $9 million) and
·
an increase in cash outflows related to inventory of $14 million, which was primarily driven by a $7 million lesser decline in gas storage volumes in 2012 as compared with 2011 and a $4 million increase in coal inventory in 2012 as compared with a $5 million decrease in 2011 resulting from lower coal-fired generation, which was a result of the mild winter weather.

Credit Facilities

At March 31, 2012, LKE's total committed borrowing capacity under its credit facilities and the use of this borrowing capacity were:

     
Committed
      
Letters of
  
Unused
     
Capacity
  
Borrowed
  
Credit Issued
  
Capacity
                   
LKE Credit Facility with a subsidiary of PPL Energy Supply
  
$
 300 
              
$
 300 
LG&E Syndicated Credit Facility
    
 400 
    
 
    
 
    
 400 
KU Credit Facilities
    
 598 
    
 
  
$
 198 
    
 400 
 
Total Credit Facilities (a)
  
$
 1,298 
    
 
  
$
 198 
  
$
 1,100 

(a)
The commitments under LKE's domestic credit facilities are provided by a diverse bank group, with no one bank and its affiliates providing an aggregate commitment of more than 10% of the total committed capacity; however, the PPL affiliate provides a commitment of approximately 23% of the total facilities listed above.

See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of LKE's credit facilities and long-term debt securities.

Rating Agency Actions

Moody's, S&P and Fitch periodically review the credit ratings on the debt securities of LKE and its subsidiaries.  Based on their respective independent reviews, the rating agencies may make certain ratings revisions or ratings affirmations.

A credit rating reflects an assessment by the rating agency of the creditworthiness associated with an issuer and particular securities that it issues.  The credit ratings of LKE and its subsidiaries are based on information provided by LKE and other sources.  The ratings of Moody's, S&P and Fitch are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any securities of LKE or its subsidiaries.  Such ratings may be subject to revisions or withdrawal by the agencies at any time and should be evaluated independently of each other and any other rating that may be assigned to the securities.  A downgrade in LKE's or its subsidiaries' credit ratings could result in higher borrowing costs and reduced access to capital markets.

As a result of the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act and the attendant uncertainties relating to the extent to which issuers of non-asset backed securities may disclose credit ratings without being required to obtain rating agency consent to the inclusion of such disclosure, or incorporation by reference of such disclosure, in a registrant's registration statement or section 10(a) prospectus, LKE is limiting its credit rating disclosure to a description of the actions taken by the rating agencies with respect to LKE's ratings, but without stating what ratings have been assigned to LKE or its subsidiaries, or their securities.  The ratings assigned by the rating agencies to LKE and its subsidiaries and their respective securities may be found, without charge, on each of the respective rating agencies' websites, which ratings together with all other information contained on such rating agency websites is, hereby, explicitly not incorporated by reference in this report.

The rating agencies took the following actions related to LKE and its subsidiaries:

In February 2012, Fitch assigned ratings to the two newly established commercial paper programs for LG&E and KU.
 
138
 
In March 2012, Moody's affirmed the following ratings:
·
the long-term ratings of the First Mortgage Bonds for LG&E and KU;
·
the issuer ratings for LG&E and KU; and
·
the bank loan ratings for LG&E and KU.

Also in March 2012, Moody's and S&P each assigned short-term ratings to the two newly established commercial paper programs for LG&E and KU.

Ratings Triggers

LKE and its subsidiaries have various derivative and non-derivative contracts, including contracts for the sale and purchase of electricity, fuel, commodity transportation and storage and interest rate instruments, which contain provisions requiring LKE and its subsidiaries to post additional collateral, or permitting the counterparty to terminate the contract, if LKE's or its subsidiaries' credit ratings were to fall below investment grade.  See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of "Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features," including a discussion of the potential additional collateral that would have been required for derivative contracts in a net liability position at March 31, 2012.  At March 31, 2012, if LKE's or its subsidiaries' credit ratings had been below investment grade, the maximum amount that LKE would have been required to post as additional collateral to counterparties was $95 million for both derivative and non-derivative commodity and commodity-related contracts used in its generation and marketing operations, gas supply and interest rate contracts.

Risk Management

Market Risk

LKE is exposed to market risk from equity instruments, interest rate instruments and commodity instruments, as discussed below.  However, regulatory cost recovery mechanisms significantly mitigate those risks.  See Notes 13 and 14 to the Financial Statements for information about LKE's risk management objectives, valuation techniques and accounting designations.

The forward-looking information presented below provides estimates of what may occur in the future, assuming certain adverse market conditions and model assumptions.  Actual future results may differ materially from those presented.  These disclosures are not precise indicators of expected future losses, but only indicators of possible losses under normal market conditions at a given confidence level.

Commodity Price Risk

LG&E's and KU's rates are set by regulatory commissions and the fuel costs incurred are directly recoverable from customers.  As a result, LG&E and KU are subject to commodity price risk for only a small portion of on-going business operations.  LKE conducts energy trading and risk management activities to maximize the value of the physical assets at times when the assets are not required to serve LG&E's or KU's customers.  See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for additional disclosures.

Interest Rate Risk

LKE and its subsidiaries have issued debt to finance their operations, which exposes them to interest rate risk.  LKE utilizes various financial derivative instruments to adjust the mix of fixed and floating interest rates in its debt portfolio when appropriate.  Risk limits under LKE's risk management program are designed to balance risk, exposure to volatility in interest expense and changes in the fair value of LKE's debt portfolio due to changes in the absolute level of interest rates.

At March 31, 2012, LKE's potential annual exposure to increased interest expense, based on a 10% increase in interest rates, was not significant.

LKE is also exposed to changes in the fair value of its debt portfolio.  LKE estimated that a 10% decrease in interest rates at March 31, 2012, would increase the fair value of its debt portfolio by $122 million.

 
139
 
 
At March 31, 2012, LKE had the following interest rate hedges outstanding:
                     
             
Effect of a
         
Fair Value,
  
10% Adverse
     
 Exposure
  
Net - Asset
  
Movement
     
Hedged
  
(Liability) (a)
  
in Rates
Economic hedges
                  
 
Interest rate swaps  (b)
  
$
 179 
  
$
 (54)
  
$
 (4)

(a)
Includes accrued interest.
(b)
LKE utilizes various risk management instruments to reduce its exposure to the expected future cash flow variability of its debt instruments.  These risks include exposure to adverse interest rate movements for outstanding variable rate debt and for future anticipated financing.  While LKE is exposed to changes in the fair value of these instruments, any realized changes in the fair value of such economic hedges are recoverable through regulated rates and any subsequent changes in fair value of these derivatives are included in regulatory assets or liabilities.  Sensitivities represent a 10% adverse movement in interest rates.  The positions outstanding at March 31, 2012 mature through 2033.

Credit Risk

See Notes 13 and 14 to the Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q and "Risk Management - Energy Marketing & Trading and Other - Credit Risk" in PPL's and LKE's 2011 Form 10-K for additional information.

Related Party Transactions

LKE is not aware of any material ownership interest or operating responsibility by senior management of LKE, LG&E or KU in outside partnerships, including leasing transactions with variable interest entities, or other entities doing business with LKE.  See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for additional information on related party transactions.

Acquisitions, Development and Divestitures

Development projects are continuously reexamined based on market conditions and other factors to determine whether to proceed with the projects, sell, cancel or expand them, execute tolling agreements or pursue other options.  See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for additional information on the more significant activities.

Environmental Matters

Protection of the environment is a major priority for LKE and a significant element of its business activities.  Extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations are applicable to LKE's air emissions, water discharges and the management of hazardous and solid waste, among other areas, and the costs of compliance or alleged non-compliance cannot be predicted with certainty but could be material.  In addition, costs may increase significantly if the requirements or scope of environmental laws or regulations, or similar rules, are expanded or changed from prior versions by the relevant agencies.  Costs may take the form of increased capital or operating and maintenance expenses; monetary fines, penalties or forfeitures; or other restrictions.  Many of these environmental law considerations are also applicable to the operations of key suppliers, or customers, such as coal producers, industrial power users, etc. and may impact the costs for their products or their demand for LKE's services.  See "Item 1. Business - Environmental Matters" in LKE's 2011 Form 10-K and Note 10 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of environmental matters.

New Accounting Guidance

See Notes 2 and 18 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of new accounting guidance adopted and pending adoption.

 
Application of Critical Accounting Policies

Financial condition and results of operations are impacted by the methods, assumptions and estimates used in the application of critical accounting policies.  The following accounting policies are particularly important to the financial condition or results of operations and require estimates or other judgments of matters inherently uncertain: revenue recognition - unbilled revenue, price risk management, defined benefits, asset impairment, loss accruals, AROs, income taxes and regulatory assets and liabilities.  See "Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in LKE's 2011 Form 10-K for a discussion of each critical accounting policy.

 
140
 

LOUISVILLE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


The following should be read in conjunction with LG&E's Condensed Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes and with LG&E's 2011 Form 10-K.  Capitalized terms and abbreviations are defined in the glossary.  Dollars are in millions, unless otherwise noted.

"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" includes the following information:

 
·
"Overview" provides a description of LG&E and its business strategy, a summary of Net Income and a discussion of certain events related to LG&E's results of operations and financial condition.

 
·
"Results of Operations" provides a summary of LG&E's earnings and a description of factors expected to impact future earnings.  This section ends with explanations of significant changes in principal items on LG&E's Statements of Income, comparing the three months ended March 31, 2012 with the same period in 2011.

 
·
"Financial Condition - Liquidity and Capital Resources" provides an analysis of LG&E's liquidity position and credit profile.

 
·
"Financial Condition - Risk Management" provides an explanation of LG&E's risk management programs relating to market and credit risk.

Overview

Introduction

LG&E, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a regulated utility engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and the distribution and sale of natural gas in Kentucky.

Business Strategy

LG&E's overall strategy is to provide reliable, safe and competitively priced energy to its customers.

A key objective for LG&E is to maintain a strong credit profile through managing financing costs and access to credit markets.  LG&E continually focuses on maintaining an appropriate capital structure and liquidity position.

Financial and Operational Developments

Net Income

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
2012 
  
2011 
  
% Change
                 
Net Income
$
 25 
  
$
 39 
  
 (36)

See "Results of Operations" for a discussion and analysis of LG&E's earnings.

Commercial Paper

In February 2012, LG&E established a commercial paper program for up to $250 million to provide an additional financing source to fund its short-term liquidity needs.  Commercial paper issuances will be supported by LG&E's Syndicated Credit Facilities.  LG&E had no commercial paper outstanding at March 31, 2012.  See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Pending Bluegrass CTs Acquisition and NGCC Construction

In September 2011, LG&E and KU filed a CPCN with the KPSC requesting approval to build a 640 MW NGCC at the existing Cane Run plant site.  In conjunction with this request and to meet new, stricter EPA regulations, LG&E anticipates retiring three older coal-fired electric generating units, located at the Cane Run plant, which have a combined summer rating

 
141
 

of 563 MW.  LG&E and KU also requested approval to purchase the Bluegrass CTs, which are expected to provide up to 495 MW of peak generation supply.  In November 2011, LG&E and KU filed an application with the FERC under the Federal Power Act requesting approval to purchase the Bluegrass CTs.
 
 
LG&E anticipates that its share of the NGCC construction and the acquisition of the Bluegrass CTs could require up to $300 million in capital costs including related transmission projects.  Formal requests for recovery of the costs associated with the NGCC construction and the acquisition of the Bluegrass CTs were not included in the CPCN filing with the KPSC but are expected to be included in future rate proceedings.  In May 2012, the KPSC issued an order approving the request to build the NGCC and purchase the Bluegrass CTs.  Also, on May 4, 2012, the FERC issued an order conditionally authorizing the acquisition of the Bluegrass CTs, subject to implementation of satisfactory mitigation measures to address market-power concerns.  FERC approval of the proposed mitigation measures is required.  LG&E is reviewing the order's conditions and their impact on the closing conditions under the Bluegrass CTs purchase contract, as well as other regulatory, operational and economic aspects of the transaction.  See Notes 6 and 8 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
Results of Operations

The following discussion provides a summary of LG&E's earnings and a description of factors that management expects may impact future earnings.  This section ends with "Statement of Income Analysis," which includes explanations of significant changes in principal items on LG&E's Statements of Income, comparing the three months ended March 31, 2012 with the same period in 2011.

The results for interim periods can be disproportionately influenced by numerous factors and developments and by seasonal variations.  As such, the results of operations for interim periods do not necessarily indicate results or trends for the year or future periods.

Earnings
             
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
2012 
  
2011 
             
Net Income
$
 25 
  
$
 39 

The changes in the components of Net Income between these periods were due to the following factors.

     
Margin
$
 (12)
Other operation and maintenance
  
 (8)
Depreciation
  
 (2)
Taxes, other than income
  
 (1)
Other Income (Expense) - net
  
 2 
Income Taxes
  
 7 
Total
$
 (14)

·
See "Statement of Income Analysis - Margin - Changes in Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for an explanation of margin.

·
Higher other operation and maintenance due to $8 million of higher steam maintenance costs primarily resulting from an increased scope of scheduled plant outages.

·
Lower income taxes primarily due to the change in pre-tax income.

Outlook

LG&E projects lower earnings in 2012 compared with 2011, as margin increases are not expected to offset operating expense increases, including depreciation.  Actual results will be dependent on the effects of the economy and the impact of weather on retail sales among other variables.  As a result of the stay out provision established in the settlement of the PPL-LKE acquisition, LG&E is generally unable to implement an increase in base rates before January 1, 2013.

Earnings in 2012 are subject to various risks and uncertainties.  See "Forward-Looking Information," the rest of this Item 2, Notes 6 and 10 to the Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q and "Item 1. Business" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in LG&E's 2011 Form 10-K for a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and factors that may impact future earnings.


 
142
 

Statement of Income Analysis --

Margin

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

The following discussion includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as a non-GAAP financial measure, "Margin."  Margin is not intended to replace "Operating Income," which is determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of overall operating performance.  Other companies may use different measures to analyze and to report on the results of their operations.  Margin is a single financial performance measure of LG&E's operations.  In calculating this measure, utility revenues and expenses associated with approved cost recovery tracking mechanisms are offset.  These mechanisms allow for recovery of certain expenses, returns on capital investments associated with environmental regulations and performance incentives.  Certain costs associated with these mechanisms, primarily ECR and DSM, are recorded as "Other operation and maintenance" expenses and the depreciation associated with ECR equipment is recorded as "Depreciation" expense.  As a result, this measure represents the net revenues from LG&E's operations.  This performance measure is used, in conjunction with other information, internally by senior management to manage operations and analyze actual results compared to budget.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following tables reconcile "Operating Income" to "Margin" as defined by LG&E for the three months ended March 31.

           
2012 
    
2011 
                   
Operating
              
Operating
           
Margin
  
Other (a)
  
Income (b)
    
Margin
  
Other (a)
  
Income (b)
                                   
                                       
Operating Revenues
  
$
 353 
    
 
  
$
 353 
    
$
 398 
    
 
  
$
 398 
Operating Expenses
                                      
 
Fuel
    
 89 
    
 
    
 89 
      
 85 
    
 
    
 85 
 
Energy purchases
    
 73 
    
 
    
 73 
      
 110 
    
 
    
 110 
 
Other operation and maintenance
    
 10 
  
$
 88 
    
 98 
      
 10 
  
$
 80 
    
 90 
 
Depreciation
    
 1 
    
 37 
    
 38 
      
 1 
    
 35 
    
 36 
 
Taxes, other than income
    
 
    
 5 
    
 5 
      
 
    
 4 
    
 4 
     
Total Operating Expenses
    
 173 
    
 130 
    
303 
      
 206 
    
119 
    
325 
Total
  
$
 180 
  
$
 (130)
  
$
 50 
    
$
 192 
  
$
 (119)
  
$
 73 

(a)
Represents amounts excluded from Margin.
(b)
As reported on the Statement of Income.

Changes in Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Margins decreased by $12 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared with the same period in 2011.  The negative impact mainly resulted from $6 million of lower retail electric margins as volumes were impacted by unseasonably mild weather in the first quarter of 2012.  The total heating degree days decreased by 28% compared to the same period in 2011.

The $45 million decrease in revenues resulted from a negative volume variance, largely due to a decrease in retail sales volumes of $40 million and a decrease in off-system sales volumes to third-parties of $13 million.  This decrease was partially offset by a positive fuel price variance of $12 million, due to increased recoverable fuel expenses.

Other Operation and Maintenance

Other operation and maintenance increased by $8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared with the same period in 2011, due to higher steam maintenance costs of $8 million, primarily resulting from an increased scope of scheduled outages.

Income Taxes
           
The increase (decrease) in income taxes was due to:
           

 
143
 
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
March 31, 2012 vs. March 31, 2011
           
Lower pre-tax book income
  
$
 (8)
  
Other
    
 1 
  
Total
  
$
 (7)
  

See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information on income taxes.

Financial Condition
             
Liquidity and Capital Resources
             
LG&E had the following at:
             
   
March 31, 2012
  
December 31, 2011
             
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 54 
  
$
 25 

The $29 million increase in LG&E's cash and cash equivalents position was primarily the net result of:

·
cash provided by operating activities of $102 million;
·
capital expenditures of $60 million; and
·
the payment of $15 million of common stock dividends.

LG&E's cash provided by operating activities increased by $11 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to:

·
a decrease in cash outflows of $41 million due to a reduction in discretionary defined benefit plan contributions and
·
a net decrease in accounts receivable and accounts payable of $9 million due to the timing of cash receipts and payments, including a decrease of $11 million due to lower revenues and corresponding natural gas purchases and a decrease of $8 million in natural gas purchases for electric generation due to a $12 million volume variance, partially offset by a $4 million decrease in price, partially offset by
·
an increase in cash outflows related to inventory of $21 million, which was primarily driven by a $7 million lesser decline in gas storage volumes in 2012 as compared with 2011 and a $14 million increase in coal inventory in 2012 as compared with a $1 million decrease in 2011 resulting from lower coal-fired generation, which was a result of the mild winter weather and
·
a decrease in net income adjusted for non-cash effects of $10 million (net income of $14 million and defined benefit plans - expense of $1 million, partially offset by deferred income taxes and investment tax credits of $3 million and depreciation of $2 million).

Credit Facilities

At March 31, 2012, LG&E's committed borrowing capacity under its credit facilities and the use of this borrowing capacity were:

             
Letters of
  
Unused
     
Capacity
  
Borrowed
  
Credit Issued
  
Capacity
                   
Syndicated Credit Facility (a)
  
$
 400 
    
 
    
 
  
$
 400 

(a)
The commitments under LG&E's Syndicated Credit Facility are provided by a diverse bank group, with no one bank and its affiliates providing an aggregate commitment of more than 6% of the total committed capacity available to LG&E.

LG&E participates in an intercompany money pool agreement whereby LKE and/or KU make available to LG&E funds up to $500 million at an interest rate based on a market index of commercial paper issues.  At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there was no balance outstanding.

See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of LG&E's credit facilities.

 
144
 

Rating Agency Actions

Moody's, S&P and Fitch periodically review the credit ratings on the debt securities of LG&E.  Based on their respective independent reviews, the rating agencies may make certain ratings revisions or ratings affirmations.

A credit rating reflects an assessment by the rating agency of the creditworthiness associated with an issuer and particular securities that it issues.  The credit ratings of LG&E are based on information provided by LG&E and other sources.  The ratings of Moody's, S&P and Fitch are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any securities of LG&E.  Such ratings may be subject to revisions or withdrawal by the agencies at any time and should be evaluated independently of each other and any other rating that may be assigned to the securities.  A downgrade in LG&E's credit ratings could result in higher borrowing costs and reduced access to capital markets.

As a result of the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act and the attendant uncertainties relating to the extent to which issuers of non-asset backed securities may disclose credit ratings without being required to obtain rating agency consent to the inclusion of such disclosure, or incorporation by reference of such disclosure, in a registrant's registration statement or section 10(a) prospectus, LG&E is limiting its credit rating disclosure to a description of the actions taken by the rating agencies with respect to LG&E's ratings, but without stating what ratings have been assigned to LG&E's securities.  The ratings assigned by the rating agencies to LG&E and its securities may be found, without charge, on each of the respective rating agencies' websites, which ratings together with all other information contained on such rating agency websites is, hereby, explicitly not incorporated by reference in this report.

The rating agencies took the following actions related to LG&E:

In February 2012, Fitch assigned ratings to LG&E's newly established commercial paper program.

In March 2012, Moody's affirmed the following ratings:
·
the long-term ratings of the First Mortgage Bonds for LG&E;
·
the issuer ratings for LG&E; and
·
the bank loan ratings for LG&E.

Also in March 2012, Moody's and S&P each assigned short-term ratings to LG&E's newly established commercial paper programs.

Ratings Triggers

LG&E has various derivative and non-derivative contracts, including contracts for the sale and purchase of electricity, fuel, commodity transportation and storage and interest rate instruments, which contain provisions requiring LG&E to post additional collateral, or permitting the counterparty to terminate the contract, if LG&E's credit rating were to fall below investment grade.  See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of "Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features," including a discussion of the potential additional collateral that would have been required for derivative contracts in a net liability position at March 31, 2012.  At March 31, 2012, if LG&E's credit ratings had been below investment grade, the maximum amount that LG&E would have been required to post as additional collateral to counterparties was $66 million for both derivative and non-derivative commodity and commodity-related contracts used in its generation and marketing operations, gas supply and interest rate contracts.

Risk Management

Market Risk

LG&E is exposed to market risk from equity instruments, interest rate instruments and commodity instruments, as discussed below.  However, regulatory cost recovery mechanisms significantly mitigate those risks.  See Notes 13 and 14 to the Financial Statements for information about LG&E's risk management objectives, valuation techniques and accounting designations.

The forward-looking information presented below provides estimates of what may occur in the future, assuming certain adverse market conditions and model assumptions.  Actual future results may differ materially from those presented.  These disclosures are not precise indicators of expected future losses, but only indicators of possible losses under normal market conditions at a given confidence level.


 
145
 
Commodity Price Risk

LG&E's rates are set by a regulatory commission and the fuel costs incurred are directly recoverable from customers.  As a result, LG&E is subject to commodity price risk for only a small portion of on-going business operations.  LG&E conducts energy trading and risk management activities to maximize the value of the physical assets at times when the assets are not required to serve LG&E's or KU's customers.  See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for additional disclosures.

Interest Rate Risk

LG&E has issued debt to finance its operations, which exposes it to interest rate risk.  LG&E utilizes various financial derivative instruments to adjust the mix of fixed and floating interest rates in its debt portfolio when appropriate.  Risk limits under LG&E's risk management program are designed to balance risk, exposure to volatility in interest expense and changes in the fair value of LG&E's debt portfolio due to changes in the absolute level of interest rates.

At March 31, 2012, LG&E's potential annual exposure to increased interest expense, based on a 10% increase in interest rates, was not significant.

LG&E is also exposed to changes in the fair value of its debt portfolio.  LG&E estimated that a 10% decrease in interest rates at March 31, 2012, would increase the fair value of its debt portfolio by $27 million.

At March 31, 2012, LG&E had the following interest rate hedges outstanding:
                     
             
Effect of a
         
Fair Value,
  
10% Adverse
     
 Exposure
  
Net - Asset
  
Movement
     
Hedged
  
(Liability) (a)
  
in Rates
Economic hedges
                  
 
Interest rate swaps  (b)
  
$
 179 
  
$
 (54)
  
$
 (4)

(a)
Includes accrued interest.
(b)
LG&E utilizes various risk management instruments to reduce its exposure to the expected future cash flow variability of its debt instruments.  These risks include exposure to adverse interest rate movements for outstanding variable rate debt and for future anticipated financing.  While LG&E is exposed to changes in the fair value of these instruments, any realized changes in the fair value of such economic hedges are recoverable through regulated rates and any subsequent changes in fair value of these derivatives are included in regulatory assets and liabilities.  Sensitivities represent a 10% adverse movement in interest rates.  The positions outstanding at March 31, 2012 mature through 2033.

Credit Risk

See Notes 13 and 14 to the Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q and "Risk Management - Energy Marketing & Trading and Other - Credit Risk" in PPL's and LG&E's 2011 Form 10-K for additional information.

Related Party Transactions

LG&E is not aware of any material ownership interest or operating responsibility by senior management of LG&E in outside partnerships, including leasing transactions with variable interest entities, or other entities doing business with LG&E.  See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for additional information on related party transactions.

Acquisitions, Development and Divestitures

Development projects are continuously reexamined based on market conditions and other factors to determine whether to proceed with the projects, sell, cancel or expand them, execute tolling agreements or pursue other options.  See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for additional information on the more significant activities.

Environmental Matters

Protection of the environment is a major priority for LG&E and a significant element of its business activities.  Extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations are applicable to LG&E's air emissions, water discharges and the management of hazardous and solid waste, among other areas, and the costs of compliance or alleged non-compliance cannot be predicted with certainty but could be material.  In addition, costs may increase significantly if the requirements or scope of environmental laws or regulations, or similar rules, are expanded or changed from prior versions by the relevant agencies.  Costs may take the form of increased capital or operating and maintenance expenses; monetary fines, penalties or forfeitures; or other restrictions.  Many of these environmental law considerations are also applicable to the operations of key suppliers, or customers, such as coal producers, industrial power users, etc. and may impact the costs for their products or their demand
 
146
 
for LG&E's services.  See "Item 1. Business - Environmental Matters" in LG&E's 2011 Form 10-K and Note 10 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of environmental matters.

New Accounting Guidance

See Notes 2 and 18 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of new accounting guidance adopted and pending adoption.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

Financial condition and results of operations are impacted by the methods, assumptions and estimates used in the application of critical accounting policies.  The following accounting policies are particularly important to the financial condition or results of operations and require estimates or other judgments of matters inherently uncertain: revenue recognition - unbilled revenue, price risk management, defined benefits, asset impairment, loss accruals, AROs, income taxes, and regulatory assets and liabilities.  See "Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in LG&E's 2011 Form 10-K for a discussion of each critical accounting policy.

 
147
 

KENTUCKY UTILITIES COMPANY

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


The following should be read in conjunction with KU's Condensed Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes and with KU's 2011 Form 10-K.  Capitalized terms and abbreviations are defined in the glossary.  Dollars are in millions, unless otherwise noted.

"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" includes the following information:

 
·
"Overview" provides a description of KU and its business strategy, a summary of Net Income and a discussion of certain events related to KU's results of operations and financial condition.

 
·
"Results of Operations" provides a summary of KU's earnings and a description of factors expected to impact future earnings.  This section ends with explanations of significant changes in principal items on KU's Statements of Income, comparing the three months ended March 31, 2012 with the same period in 2011.

 
·
"Financial Condition - Liquidity and Capital Resources" provides an analysis of KU's liquidity position and credit profile.

 
·
"Financial Condition - Risk Management" provides an explanation of KU's risk management programs relating to market and credit risk.

Overview

Introduction

KU, headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, is a regulated utility engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity, in Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee.

Business Strategy

KU's overall strategy is to provide reliable, safe and competitively priced energy to its customers.

A key objective for KU is to maintain a strong credit profile through managing financing costs and access to credit markets.  KU continually focuses on maintaining an appropriate capital structure and liquidity position.

Financial and Operational Developments

Net Income

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
2012 
  
2011 
  
% Change
                 
Net Income
$
 38 
  
$
58 
  
(34)

See "Results of Operations" for a discussion and analysis of KU's earnings.

Commercial Paper

In February 2012, KU established a commercial paper program for up to $250 million to provide an additional financing source to fund its short-term liquidity needs.  Commercial paper issuances will be supported by KU's Syndicated Credit Facilities.  KU had no commercial paper outstanding at March 31, 2012.  See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Pending Bluegrass CTs Acquisition and NGCC Construction

In September 2011, KU and LG&E filed a CPCN with the KPSC requesting approval to build a 640 MW NGCC at the existing Cane Run plant site.  In conjunction with this request and to meet new, stricter EPA regulations, KU anticipates retiring three older coal-fired electric generating units.  These units are located at the Green River and Tyrone plants, which

 
148
 

have a combined summer rating of 234 MW.  KU and LG&E also requested approval to purchase the Bluegrass CTs, which are expected to provide up to 495 MW of peak generation supply.  In November 2011, LG&E and KU filed an application with the FERC under the Federal Power Act requesting approval to purchase the Bluegrass CTs.

KU anticipates that its share of the NGCC construction and the acquisition of the Bluegrass CTs could require up to $500 million in capital costs including related transmission projects.  Formal requests for recovery of the costs associated with the NGCC construction and the acquisition of the Bluegrass CTs were not included in the CPCN filing with the KPSC but are expected to be included in future rate proceedings.  In May 2012, the KPSC issued an order approving the request to build the NGCC and purchase the Bluegrass CTs.  Also, on May 4, 2012, the FERC issued an order conditionally authorizing the acquisition of the Bluegrass CTs, subject to implementation of satisfactory mitigation measures to address market-power concerns.  FERC approval of the proposed mitigation measures is required.  KU is reviewing the order's conditions and their impact on the closing conditions under the Bluegrass CTs purchase contract, as well as other regulatory, operational and economic aspects of the transaction.  See Notes 6 and 8 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
 
Results of Operations

The following discussion provides a summary of KU's earnings and a description of factors that management expects may impact future earnings.  This section ends with "Statement of Income Analysis," which includes explanations of significant changes in principal items on KU's Statements of Income, comparing the three months ended March 31, 2012 with the same period in 2011.

The results for interim periods can be disproportionately influenced by numerous factors and developments and by seasonal variations.  As such, the results of operations for interim periods do not necessarily indicate results or trends for the year or future periods.

Earnings
             
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
2012 
    
2011 
             
Net Income
$
 38 
  
$
 58 

The changes in the components of Net Income between these periods were due to the following factors.

     
Margin
$
 (16)
Other operation and maintenance
  
 (10)
Depreciation
  
 (2)
Taxes, other than income
  
 (1)
Other Income (Expense) - net
  
 (2)
Interest Expense
  
 1 
Income Taxes
  
 10 
Total
$
 (20)

·
See "Statement of Income Analysis - Margin - Changes in Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for an explanation of margin.

·
Higher other operation and maintenance due to a $6 million credit to establish a regulatory asset recorded in the first quarter of 2011 related to 2009 storm costs, $3 million of higher steam maintenance costs primarily resulting from an increased scope of scheduled plant outages and $2 million of higher storm restoration and vegetation management costs.

·
Lower income taxes primarily due to the change in pre-tax income.

Outlook

KU projects lower earnings in 2012 compared with 2011, as margin increases are not expected to offset operating expense increases, including depreciation.  Actual results will be dependent on the effects of the economy and the impact of weather on retail sales among other variables.  As a result of the stay out provision established in the settlement of the PPL-LKE acquisition, KU is generally unable to implement an increase in base rates in Kentucky before January 1, 2013.

Earnings in 2012 are subject to various risks and uncertainties.  See "Forward-Looking Information," the rest of this Item 2, Notes 6 and 10 to the Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q and "Item 1. Business" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in KU's 2011 Form 10-K for a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and factors that may impact future earnings.


 
149
 

Statement of Income Analysis --

Margin

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

The following discussion includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as a non-GAAP financial measure, "Margin." Margin is not intended to replace "Operating Income," which is determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of overall operating performance.  Other companies may use different measures to analyze and to report on the results of their operations.  Margin is a single financial performance measure of KU's operations.  In calculating this measure, utility revenues and expenses associated with approved cost recovery tracking mechanisms are offset.  These mechanisms allow for recovery of certain expenses, returns on capital investments associated with environmental regulations and performance incentives.  Certain costs associated with these mechanisms, primarily ECR and DSM, are recorded as "Other operation and maintenance" expenses and the depreciation associated with ECR equipment is recorded as "Depreciation" expense.  As a result, this measure represents the net revenues from KU's operations.  This performance measure is used, in conjunction with other information, internally by senior management to manage operations and analyze actual results compared to budget.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following tables reconcile "Operating Income" to "Margin" as defined by KU for the three months ended March 31.

           
2012 
    
2011 
                   
Operating
              
Operating
           
Margin
  
Other (a)
  
Income (b)
    
Margin
  
Other (a)
  
Income (b)
                                   
Operating Revenues
  
$
 380 
    
 
  
$
 380 
    
$
 406 
    
 
  
$
 406 
Operating Expenses
                                      
 
Fuel
    
 124 
    
 
    
 124 
      
 130 
    
 
    
 130 
 
Energy purchases
    
 29 
    
 
    
 29 
      
 35 
    
 
    
 35 
 
Other operation and maintenance
    
 12 
  
$
 83 
    
 95 
      
 11 
  
$
 73 
    
 84 
 
Depreciation
    
 12 
    
 36 
    
 48 
      
 11 
    
 34 
    
 45 
 
Taxes, other than income
    
 
    
 6 
    
 6 
      
 
    
 5 
    
 5 
     
Total Operating Expenses
    
 177 
    
 125 
    
 302 
      
 187 
    
 112 
    
 299 
Total
  
$
 203 
  
$
 (125)
  
$
 78 
    
$
 219 
  
$
 (112)
  
$
 107 

(a)
Represents amounts excluded from Margin.
(b)
As reported on the Statement of Income.

Changes in Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Margins decreased by $16 million during the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared with the same period in 2011.  The negative impact mainly resulted from $16 million of lower retail electric margins as volumes were impacted by unseasonably mild weather in the first quarter of 2012.  The total heating degree days decreased by 23% compared to the same period in 2011.

The $26 million decrease in revenues resulted from a negative volume variance, largely due to a decrease in retail sales volumes of $21 million and a decrease in off-system sales volumes to third-parties of $1 million.  This decrease was offset by a positive fuel price variance of $2 million, due to increased recoverable fuel expenses.

Other Operation and Maintenance
        
           
The increase (decrease) in other operation and maintenance expense was due to:
     
   
Three Months Ended
   
March 31, 2012 vs. March 31, 2011
           
Distribution maintenance (a)
  
$
 8 
  
Other
    
 3 
  
Total
  
$
 11 
  

(a)
A $6 million credit to establish a regulatory asset was recorded in the first quarter of 2011 related to 2009 storm costs.  Storm restoration and vegetation management costs increased $2 million.

 
150
 


Income Taxes
    
           
The increase (decrease) in income taxes was due to:
           
   
Three Months Ended
   
March 31, 2012 vs. March 31, 2011
           
Lower pre-tax book income
  
$
 (12)
  
Other
    
 2 
  
Total
  
$
 (10)
  

See Note 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information on income taxes.

Financial Condition
             
Liquidity and Capital Resources
             
KU had the following at:
             
   
March 31, 2012
  
December 31, 2011
             
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
 46 
  
$
 31 

The $15 million increase in KU's cash and cash equivalents position was primarily the net result of:

·
cash provided by operating activities of $152 million, partially offset by
·
capital expenditures of $113 million and
·
the payment of $24 million of common stock dividends.

KU's cash provided by operating activities increased by $21 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared with the same period in 2011, primarily due to:

·
a decrease in cash outflows of $27 million due to a reduction in discretionary defined benefit plan contributions;
·
a decrease in cash outflows related to accounts payable to affiliates of $10 million due to the timing of cash payments; and
·
a decrease in cash outflows related to inventory of $7 million, which was driven primarily by decreases in volumes in 2012 and 2011, which was attributed to reduced shipments after the winter seasonal build-up, and a decrease in price per ton of coal; partially offset by
·
a net increase in accounts receivable and accounts payable of $20 million due to an increase in the customer receivable balance in 2012 resulting from increased revenues in 2012 following unseasonably mild weather in December 2011 and the timing of cash receipts and payments, including a $12 million collection in 2011 on 2010 tax settlements with LKE.

Credit Facilities

At March 31, 2012, KU's committed borrowing capacity under its credit facilities and the use of this borrowing capacity were:

             
Letters of
  
Unused
     
Capacity
  
Borrowed
  
Credit Issued
  
Capacity
                   
Syndicated Credit Facility (a)
  
$
 400 
    
 
    
 
  
$
 400 
Letter of Credit Facility
    
 198 
        
$
 198 
    
 

(a)
The commitments under KU's Syndicated Credit Facility are provided by a diverse bank group, with no one bank and its affiliates providing an aggregate commitment of more than 19% of the total committed capacity available to KU.

KU participates in an intercompany money pool agreement whereby LKE and/or LG&E make available to KU funds up to $500 million at an interest rate based on a market index of commercial paper issues.  At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there was no balance outstanding.

See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of KU's credit facilities.


 
151
 

Rating Agency Actions

Moody's, S&P and Fitch periodically review the credit ratings on the debt securities of KU.  Based on their respective independent reviews, the rating agencies may make certain ratings revisions or ratings affirmations.

A credit rating reflects an assessment by the rating agency of the creditworthiness associated with an issuer and particular securities that it issues.  The credit ratings of KU are based on information provided by KU and other sources.  The ratings of Moody's, S&P and Fitch are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any securities of KU.  Such ratings may be subject to revisions or withdrawal by the agencies at any time and should be evaluated independently of each other and any other rating that may be assigned to the securities.  A downgrade in KU's credit ratings could result in higher borrowing costs and reduced access to capital markets.

As a result of the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act and the attendant uncertainties relating to the extent to which issuers of non-asset backed securities may disclose credit ratings without being required to obtain rating agency consent to the inclusion of such disclosure, or incorporation by reference of such disclosure, in a registrant's registration statement or section 10(a) prospectus, KU is limiting its credit rating disclosure to a description of the actions taken by the rating agencies with respect to KU's ratings, but without stating what ratings have been assigned to KU's securities.  The ratings assigned by the rating agencies to KU and its securities may be found, without charge, on each of the respective rating agencies' websites, which ratings together with all other information contained on such rating agency websites is, hereby, explicitly not incorporated by reference in this report.

The rating agencies took the following actions related to KU:

In February 2012, Fitch assigned ratings to KU's newly established commercial paper program.

In March 2012, Moody's affirmed the following ratings:
·
the long-term ratings of the First Mortgage Bonds for KU;
·
the issuer ratings for KU; and
·
the bank loan ratings for KU.

Also in March 2012, Moody's and S&P each assigned short-term ratings to KU's newly established commercial paper programs.

Ratings Triggers

KU has various derivative and non-derivative contracts, including contracts for the sale and purchase of electricity, fuel, and commodity transportation and storage, which contain provisions requiring KU to post additional collateral, or permitting the counterparty to terminate the contract, if KU's credit rating were to fall below investment grade.  See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of "Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features," including a discussion of the potential additional collateral that would have been required for derivative contracts in a net liability position at March 31, 2012.  At March 31, 2012, if KU's credit ratings had been below investment grade, the maximum amount that KU would have been required to post as additional collateral to counterparties was $29 million for both derivative and non-derivative commodity and commodity-related contracts used in its generation and marketing operations.

Risk Management

Market Risk

KU is exposed to market risk from equity instruments, interest rate instruments and commodity instruments, as discussed below.  However, regulatory cost recovery mechanisms significantly mitigate those risks.  See Notes 13 and 14 to the Financial Statements for information about KU's risk management objectives, valuation techniques and accounting designations.

The forward-looking information presented below provides estimates of what may occur in the future, assuming certain adverse market conditions and model assumptions.  Actual future results may differ materially from those presented.  These disclosures are not precise indicators of expected future losses, but only indicators of possible losses under normal market conditions at a given confidence level.


 
152
 

Commodity Price Risk

KU's rates are set by regulatory commissions and the fuel costs incurred are directly recoverable from customers.  As a result, KU is subject to commodity price risk for only a small portion of on-going business operations.  KU conducts energy trading and risk management activities to maximize the value of the physical assets at times when the assets are not required to serve KU's or LG&E's customers.  See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for additional disclosures.

Interest Rate Risk

KU has issued debt to finance its operations, which exposes it to interest rate risk.  At March 31, 2012, KU's potential annual exposure to increased interest expense, based on a 10% increase in interest rates, was not significant.

KU is also exposed to changes in the fair value of its debt portfolio.  KU estimated that a 10% decrease in interest rates at March 31, 2012, would increase the fair value of its debt portfolio by $72 million.

Credit Risk

See Notes 13 and 14 to the Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q and "Risk Management - Energy Marketing & Trading and Other - Credit Risk" in PPL's and KU's 2011 Form 10-K for additional information.

Related Party Transactions

KU is not aware of any material ownership interest or operating responsibility by senior management of KU in outside partnerships, including leasing transactions with variable interest entities, or other entities doing business with KU.  See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for additional information on related party transactions.

Acquisitions, Development and Divestitures

Development projects are continuously reexamined based on market conditions and other factors to determine whether to proceed with the projects, sell, cancel or expand them, execute tolling agreements or pursue other options.  See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for additional information on the more significant activities.

Environmental Matters

Protection of the environment is a major priority for KU and a significant element of its business activities.  Extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations are applicable to KU's air emissions, water discharges and the management of hazardous and solid waste, among other areas, and the costs of compliance or alleged non-compliance cannot be predicted with certainty but could be material.  In addition, costs may increase significantly if the requirements or scope of environmental laws or regulations, or similar rules, are expanded or changed from prior versions by the relevant agencies.  Costs may take the form of increased capital or operating and maintenance expenses; monetary fines, penalties or forfeitures; or other restrictions.  Many of these environmental law considerations are also applicable to the operations of key suppliers, or customers, such as coal producers, industrial power users, etc. and may impact the costs for their products or their demand for KU's services.  See "Item 1. Business - Environmental Matters" in KU's 2011 Form 10-K and Note 10 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of environmental matters.

New Accounting Guidance

See Notes 2 and 18 to the Financial Statements for a discussion of new accounting guidance adopted and pending adoption.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

Financial condition and results of operations are impacted by the methods, assumptions and estimates used in the application of critical accounting policies.  The following accounting policies are particularly important to the financial condition or results of operations and require estimates or other judgments of matters inherently uncertain: revenue recognition - unbilled revenue, price risk management, defined benefits, asset impairment, loss accruals, AROs, income taxes and regulatory assets and liabilities.  See "Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in KU's 2011 Form 10-K for a discussion of each critical accounting policy.

 
153
 

PPL Corporation
PPL Energy Supply, LLC
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
LG&E and KU Energy LLC
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
Kentucky Utilities Company


Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Reference is made to "Risk Management" in each Registrant's "Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

PPL Corporation, PPL Energy Supply, LLC, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company, and Kentucky Utilities Company

(a)           Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

The registrants' principal executive officers and principal financial officers, based on their evaluation of the registrants' disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) have concluded that, as of March 31, 2012, the registrants' disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material information relating to the registrants and their consolidated subsidiaries is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC's rules and forms, particularly during the period for which this quarterly report has been prepared.  The aforementioned principal officers have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are also effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive and principal financial officers, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b)           Change in internal controls over financial reporting.

PPL Corporation

As reported in the 2011 Form 10-K, PPL's principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that a recent systems migration related to the WPD Midlands acquisition created a material change to its internal control over financial reporting.  Specifically, on December 1, 2011 the use of legacy information technology systems at WPD Midlands was discontinued and the related data, processes and internal controls were migrated to the systems, processes and controls currently in place at PPL WW.

Risks related to the system migration were partially mitigated by PPL's expanded internal control over financial reporting that were implemented subsequent to the acquisition and PPL's existing policy of consolidating foreign subsidiaries on a one-month lag, which provided management additional time for review and analysis of WPD Midlands' results and their incorporation into PPL's consolidated financial statements.

PPL Energy Supply, LLC, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company, and Kentucky Utilities Company

The registrants' principal executive officers and principal financial officers have concluded that there were no changes in the registrants' internal control over financial reporting during the registrants' first fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants' internal control over financial reporting.



 
154
 


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

For additional information regarding various pending administrative and judicial proceedings involving regulatory, environmental and other matters, which information is incorporated by reference into this Part II, see:

· 
  
"Item 3. Legal Proceedings" in each Registrant's 2011 Form 10-K; and
· 
  
Notes 5, 6 and 10 to the Financial Statements.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the Registrant's risk factors from those disclosed in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of the 2011 Form 10-K.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

 
155
 

Item 6. Exhibits
 
 
The following Exhibits indicated by an asterisk preceding the Exhibit number are filed herewith.  The balance of the Exhibits have heretofore been filed with the Commission and pursuant to Rule 12(b)-32 are incorporated herein by reference.  Exhibits indicated by a [_] are filed or listed pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K.

-
Amendment No. 6 to PPL Amended and Restated Employee Stock Ownership Plan, dated January 18, 2012
4(b)
-
Final Terms of WPD East Midlands £100,000,000 5.25% Notes due 2023 (Exhibit 1.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated April 19, 2012)
[_]10(a)
-
Form of Retention Agreement entered into between PPL Corporation and Messrs. Farr and Gabbard (Exhibit 10(h) to PPL Corporation Form 10-Q Report (File No. 1-11459) for the quarter ended March 31, 2007)
-
Form of Change in Control Severance Protection Agreement as adopted March 5, 2012
-
Change in Control Severance Protection Agreement, effective as of March 5, 2012, entered into between PPL Corporation and Gregory N. Dudkin
10(d)
-
Confirmation of Forward Sale Transaction, dated April 9, 2012, between PPL Corporation and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (Exhibit 10.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated April 13, 2012)
10(e)
-
Confirmation of Forward Sale Transaction, dated April 9, 2012, between PPL Corporation and Merrill Lynch International (Exhibit 10.2 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated April 13, 2012)
-
Commitment Increase Agreement, dated as of April 20, 2012, entered into by and among PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, the Lenders who are increasing their Commitments, the JLA Issuing Banks, who are consenting to the increase in Fronting Sublimit, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and Issuing Lender
10(g)
-
Confirmation of Forward Sale Transaction, dated April 20, 2012, between PPL Corporation and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (Exhibit 10.1 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated April 26, 2012)
10(h)
-
Confirmation of Forward Sale Transaction, dated April 20, 2012, between PPL Corporation and Merrill Lynch International (Exhibit 10.2 to PPL Corporation Form 8-K Report (File No. 1-11459) dated April 26, 2012)
-
PPL Corporation and Subsidiaries Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends
-
PPL Energy Supply, LLC and Subsidiaries Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
-
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Subsidiaries Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends
-
LG&E and KU Energy LLC and Subsidiaries Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
-
Louisville Gas and Electric Company Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
-
Kentucky Utilities Company Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charge
     
Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012, filed by the following officers for the following companies:
     
-
PPL Corporation's principal executive officer
-
PPL Corporation's principal financial officer
-
PPL Energy Supply, LLC's principal executive officer
-
Energy Supply, LLC's principal financial officer
-
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation's principal executive officer
-
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation's principal financial officer
-
LG&E and KU Energy LLC's principal executive officer

 
156
 


-
LG&E and KU Energy LLC's principal financial officer
-
Louisville Gas and Electric Company's principal executive officer
-
Louisville Gas and Electric Company's principal financial officer
-
Kentucky Utilities Company's principal executive officer
-
Kentucky Utilities Company's principal financial officer
     
Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012, furnished by the following officers for the following companies:
     
-
PPL Corporation's principal executive officer
-
PPL Corporation's principal financial officer
-
PPL Energy Supply, LLC's principal executive officer
-
Energy Supply, LLC's principal financial officer
-
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation's principal executive officer
-
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation's principal financial officer
-
LG&E and KU Energy LLC's principal executive officer
-
LG&E and KU Energy LLC's principal financial officer
-
Louisville Gas and Electric Company's principal executive officer
-
Louisville Gas and Electric Company's principal financial officer
-
Kentucky Utilities Company's principal executive officer
-
Kentucky Utilities Company's principal financial officer
     
101.INS
-
XBRL Instance Document for PPL Corporation, PPL Energy Supply, LLC, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company
101.SCH
-
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema for PPL Corporation, PPL Energy Supply, LLC, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company
101.CAL
-
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase for PPL Corporation, PPL Energy Supply, LLC, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company
101.DEF
-
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase for PPL Corporation, PPL Energy Supply, LLC, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company
101.LAB
-
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase for PPL Corporation, PPL Energy Supply, LLC, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company
101.PRE
-
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase for PPL Corporation, PPL Energy Supply, LLC, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, LG&E and KU Energy LLC, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company

 
157
 


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.  The signature for each undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company or its subsidiaries.

 
PPL Corporation
 
(Registrant)
  
     
 
PPL Energy Supply, LLC
 
(Registrant)
  
     
     
     
Date:  May 7, 2012
/s/  Vincent Sorgi
  
 
Vincent Sorgi
  
 
Vice President and Controller
  
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  
     
     
     
 
PPL Electric Utilities Corporation
 
(Registrant)
  
     
     
     
Date:  May 7, 2012
/s/  Vincent Sorgi
  
 
Vincent Sorgi
  
 
Vice President and
  
 
Chief Accounting Officer
  
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
  


 
LG&E and KU Energy LLC
 
(Registrant)
  
     
 
Louisville Gas and Electric Company
 
(Registrant)
  
     
 
Kentucky Utilities Company
 
(Registrant)
  
     
     
     
Date:  May 7, 2012
/s/  Kent W. Blake
  
 
Kent W. Blake
Chief Financial Officer
  
 
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
  

 
 
 
 
 
158