10-Q 1 form10-q.htm 2011 3RD QTR 10-Q form10-q.htm


UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
þ
 
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED   September 30, 2011
OR
¨
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM      TO  
 
   
Registrant, Address of
 
I.R.S. Employer
   
   
Principal Executive Offices
 
Identification
 
State of
Commission File Number
 
and Telephone Number
 
Number
 
Incorporation
             
1-08788
 
NV ENERGY, INC.
 
88-0198358
 
Nevada
   
6226 West Sahara Avenue
       
   
Las Vegas, Nevada  89146
       
   
(702) 402-5000
       
             
2-28348
 
NEVADA POWER COMPANY d/b/a
 
88-0420104
 
Nevada
   
NV ENERGY
       
   
6226 West Sahara Avenue
       
   
Las Vegas, Nevada 89146
       
   
(702) 402-5000
       
             
0-00508
 
SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANY d/b/a
 
88-0044418
 
Nevada
   
NV ENERGY
       
   
P.O. Box 10100
       
   
(6100 Neil Road)
       
   
Reno, Nevada 89520-0400 (89511)
       
   
(775) 834-4011
       
 
Indicate by check mark whether registrant (1) has 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 registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes  þ          No  o   (Response applicable to all registrants)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).       Yes  þ          No  o    (Response applicable to all registrants)
 
Indicate by check mark whether any registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer", "non-accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
NV Energy, Inc.:
 
Large accelerated filer þ
 
Accelerated filer o
 
Non-accelerated filer o
  Smaller reporting company      o
Nevada Power Company:
 
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer o
 
Non-accelerated filer þ
  Smaller reporting company      o
Sierra Pacific Power Company:
 
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer o
 
Non-accelerated filer þ
  Smaller reporting company      o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  o  No þ   (Response applicable to all registrants)
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of Common Stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class
 
Outstanding at November 1, 2011
Common Stock, $1.00 par value
of NV Energy, Inc.
 
 235,999,750 Shares
 
NV Energy, Inc. is the sole holder of the 1,000 shares of outstanding Common Stock, $1.00 stated value, of Nevada Power Company.
NV Energy, Inc. is the sole holder of the 1,000 shares of outstanding Common Stock, $3.75 stated value, of Sierra Pacific Power Company.
 
This combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is separately filed by NV Energy, Inc., Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company.  Information contained in this document relating to Nevada Power Company is filed by NV Energy, Inc. and separately by Nevada Power Company on its own behalf.  Nevada Power Company makes no representation as to information relating to NV Energy, Inc. or its subsidiaries, except as it may relate to Nevada Power Company.  Information contained in this document relating to Sierra Pacific Power Company is filed by NV Energy, Inc. and separately by Sierra Pacific Power Company on its own behalf.  Sierra Pacific Power Company makes no representation as to information relating to NV Energy, Inc. or its subsidiaries, except as it may relate to Sierra Pacific Power Company.


NEVADA POWER COMPANY
SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANY
QUARTERLY REPORTS ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
     
 
3
     
 
ITEM 1.
Financial Statements
 
       
   
NV Energy, Inc.
 
     
5
     
6
     
8
     
9
   
Nevada Power Company
 
     
10
     
11
     
13
     
14
   
Sierra Pacific Power Company
 
     
15
     
16
     
18
     
19
   
Condensed Notes to Financial Statements
 
     
20
     
Note 2.     Segment Information
21
     
Note 3.     Regulatory Actions
23
     
Note 4.     Long-Term Debt
27
     
28
     
28
     
30
     
32
     
Note 9.     Earnings per Share (NVE)
35
     
35
     
Note 11.  Dividends
36
       
 
ITEM 2.
37
       
   
43
   
48
   
56
       
 
ITEM 3.
66
       
 
ITEM 4.
66
       
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
       
 
ITEM 1.
67
 
ITEM 1A.
67
 
ITEM 2.
67
 
ITEM 3.
67
 
ITEM 5.
67
 
ITEM 6.
68
       
 
70


(The following common acronyms and terms are found in multiple locations within the document)
     
Acronym/Term
 
Meaning
 
 
 
2010 Form 10-K
 
NVE’s, NPC’s and SPPC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010
AFUDC-debt
 
Allowance for Borrowed Funds Used During Construction
AFUDC-equity
 
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
BOD
 
Board of Directors
BTER
 
Base Tariff Energy Rate
BTGR
 
Base Tariff General Rate
CAISO
 
California Independent System Operator Corporation
CalPeco
 
California Pacific Electric Company
CALPX
 
California Power Exchange
CWIP
 
Construction Work-in-Progress
d/b/a
 
Doing business as
DEAA
 
Deferred Energy Accounting Adjustment
DSM
 
Demand Side Management
Dth
 
Decatherm
EEC
 
Ely Energy Center
EEIR
 
Energy Efficiency Implementation Rate
EEPR
 
Energy Efficiency Program Rate
EPA
 
Environmental Protection Agency
EPS
 
Earnings per Share
EWAM
 
Enterprise Work Asset Management System
FASB
 
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FASC
 
FASB Accounting Standards Codification
FERC
 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Fitch
 
Fitch Ratings, Ltd.
Fort Churchill
 
226 megawatt nominally rated Fort Churchill Generating Station
GAAP
 
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States
GBT
 
Great Basin Transmission, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Texas Nevada Transmission, LLC
GBT-South
 
Great Basin Transmission South, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of GBT
GRC
 
General Rate Case
Harry Allen Generating Station
 
142 megawatt nominally rated Harry Allen Generating Station
Higgins Generating Station
 
598 megawatt nominally rated Walter M. Higgins, III Generating Station
Independence Lake
 
2,325 acres of forestland in the Sierra Nevada Mountains purchased from NV Energy, Inc. by The Nature Conservancy
IRP
 
Integrated Resource Plan
kV
 
Kilovolt
kWh
 
Kilowatt hour
Legislature
 
Nevada State Legislature
Lenzie Generating Station
 
1,102 megawatt nominally rated Chuck Lenzie Generating Station
MMBtu
 
Million British Thermal Units
Mohave Generating Station
 
1,580 megawatt nominally rated Mohave Generating Station
Moody’s
 
Moody’s Investors Services, Inc.
MW
 
Megawatt
MWh
 
Megawatt hour
Navajo Generating Station
 
255 megawatt nominally rated Navajo Generating Station
NEICO
 
Nevada Electric Investment Company
NERC
 
North American Electric Reliability Corporation
Ninth Circuit
 
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
NPC
 
Nevada Power Company d/b/a NV Energy
NPC Credit Agreement
 
$600 million Revolving Credit Facility entered into in April 2010 between NPC and Wells Fargo, N.A.,
 
 
as administrative agent for the lenders a party thereto.
NPC’s Indenture
 
NPC’s General and Refunding Mortgage Indenture dated as of May 1, 2001, between NPC and the Bank of
 
 
New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee
NRSRO
 
Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization
NVE
 
NV Energy, Inc.
NV Energize
 
A smart grid infrastructure that is expected to enable the widespread use of smart meters that will provide
 
 
customers the ability to more directly manage their energy usage
ON Line
 
250 mile 500 kV transmission line connecting NVE’s northern and southern service territories
PEC
 
Portfolio Energy Credit
Portfolio Standard
 
Nevada Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard
PPA
 
Purchased Power Agreement
PUCN
 
Public Utilities Commission of Nevada
Reid Gardner Generating Station
 
325 megawatt nominally rated Reid Gardner Generating Station
REPR
 
Renewable Energy Program Rate
ROE
 
Return on Equity
ROR
 
Rate of Return
S&P
 
Standard & Poor’s
Salt River
 
Salt River Project
SEC
 
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
Silverhawk Generating Station
 
395 megawatt nominally rated Silverhawk Generating Station
 
 
 
 
 
SNWA
 
Southern Nevada Water Authority
SPPC
 
Sierra Pacific Power Company d/b/a NV Energy
SPPC Credit Agreement
 
$250 million Revolving Credit Facility entered into in April 2010 between SPPC and Bank of America, N.A.,
 
 
as administrative agent for the lenders a party thereto
SPPC’s Indenture
 
SPPC’s General and Refunding Mortgage Indenture, dated as of May 1, 2001, between SPPC and the Bank of
 
 
New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee
Term Loan
 
$195 million loan agreement entered into on October 7, 2011 between NVE and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,
 
 
as administrative agent for the lenders a party thereto
TMWA
 
Truckee Meadows Water Authority 
Tracy Generating Station
 
541 megawatt nominally rated Frank A. Tracy Generating Station
TRED
 
Temporary Renewable Energy Development
TUA
 
Transmission Use and Capacity Exchange Agreement with GBT-South
U.S.
 
United States of America
Utilities
 
Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company
Valmy Generating Station
 
261 megawatt nominally rated Valmy Generating Station
VIE
 
Variable Interest Entity
WSPP
 
Western Systems Power Pool 


 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
 
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
OPERATING REVENUES
  $ 1,017,796     $ 1,128,039     $ 2,333,710     $ 2,625,211  
 
                               
OPERATING EXPENSES:
                               
Fuel for power generation
    216,779       247,233       519,920       650,514  
Purchased power
    223,348       249,854       518,672       522,538  
Gas purchased for resale
    10,137       10,823       87,753       101,536  
Deferred energy
    (33,620 )     34,055       (43,678 )     106,554  
Other operating expenses
    127,645       112,741       331,166       320,755  
Maintenance
    11,369       31,126       73,317       85,715  
Depreciation and amortization
    93,737       83,423       266,445       249,067  
Taxes other than income
    15,205       15,420       46,134       47,532  
Total Operating Expenses
    664,600       784,675       1,799,729       2,084,211  
OPERATING INCOME
    353,196       343,364       533,981       541,000  
 
                               
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                               
Interest expense (net of AFUDC-debt: $1,326, $6,485,
                               
$10,371 and $17,349)
    (80,496 )     (80,789 )     (238,718 )     (241,625 )
Interest expense on regulatory items
    (4,316 )     (3,685 )     (12,140 )     (8,753 )
AFUDC-equity
    1,690       7,824       12,854       20,915  
Other income
    4,645       9,246       14,942       30,524  
Other expense
    (9,857 )     (4,313 )     (23,600 )     (17,038 )
Total Other Income (Expense)
    (88,334 )     (71,717 )     (246,662 )     (215,977 )
Income Before Income Tax Expense
    264,862       271,647       287,319       325,023  
 
                               
Income tax expense
    91,400       94,101       98,639       112,252  
 
                               
NET INCOME
  $ 173,462     $ 177,546     $ 188,680     $ 212,771  
 
                               
Amount per share basic and diluted - (Note 9)
                               
Net income per share - basic
  $ 0.74     $ 0.76     $ 0.80     $ 0.91  
Net income per share - diluted
  $ 0.73     $ 0.75     $ 0.80     $ 0.90  
Weighted Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - basic
    235,990,373       235,117,058       235,796,321       234,991,208  
Weighted Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - diluted
    237,901,330       236,477,187       237,320,796       236,136,725  
Dividends Declared Per Share of Common Stock
  $ 0.12     $ 0.11     $ 0.36     $ 0.33  
 
                               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 


  
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Shares)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
ASSETS
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Current Assets:
   
 
   
 
 
   Cash and cash equivalents
    $ 137,475     $ 86,189  
   Accounts receivable less allowance for uncollectible accounts:
                 
  2011 - $31,297; 2010 - $28,684   487,384       354,010  
   Materials, supplies and fuel, at average cost
      141,107       114,520  
   Risk management assets (Note 6)
      64       4,007  
   Current income taxes receivable
      82       82  
   Deferred income taxes
      114,414       130,800  
   Other current assets
      47,572       42,330  
Total Current Assets
      928,098       731,938  
                       
Utility Property:
                 
   Plant in service
      11,944,740       11,068,518  
   Construction work-in-progress
      413,299       908,579  
   Total
      12,358,039       11,977,097  
Less accumulated provision for depreciation
      3,167,925       3,047,438  
   Total Utility Property, Net
      9,190,114       8,929,659  
                       
Investments and other property, net
      54,968       61,613  
                       
Deferred Charges and Other Assets:
                 
   Deferred energy (Note 3)
      105,778       117,623  
   Regulatory assets
      1,083,898       1,237,159  
   Regulatory asset for pension plans
      255,037       269,472  
   Other deferred charges and assets
      148,872       166,882  
Total Deferred Charges and Other Assets
      1,593,585       1,791,136  
                       
Assets Held for Sale (Note 10)
      -       155,322  
                       
TOTAL ASSETS
    $ 11,766,765     $ 11,669,668  
                       
                       
 
(Continued)
 



NV ENERGY, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Shares)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
2011
   
2010
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
   
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 4)
  $ 136,139     $ 355,929  
Accounts payable
    341,500       346,409  
Accrued expenses
    106,260       133,851  
Risk management liabilities (Note 6)
    1,515       33,229  
Deferred energy (Note 3)
    283,046       315,839  
Other current liabilities
    60,357       70,638  
Total Current Liabilities
    928,817       1,255,895  
 
               
Long-term debt (Note 4)
    5,038,232       4,924,109  
 
               
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)
               
 
               
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:
               
Deferred income taxes
    1,317,176       1,246,410  
Deferred investment tax credit
    16,796       19,204  
Accrued retirement benefits
    149,008       148,841  
Risk management liabilities (Note 6)
    416       -  
Regulatory liabilities
    476,305       428,114  
Other deferred credits and liabilities
    374,326       265,571  
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
    2,334,027       2,108,140  
 
               
Liabilities Held for Sale (Note 10)
    -       30,706  
 
               
Shareholders' Equity:
               
Common stock, $1.00 par value; 350 million shares authorized;
               
235,999,749 and 235,322,553 issued and outstanding for 2011and 2010
    236,000       235,323  
Other paid-in capital
    2,713,958       2,705,954  
Retained earnings
    520,205       416,432  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (4,474 )     (6,891 )
Total Shareholders' Equity
    3,465,689       3,350,818  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 11,766,765     $ 11,669,668  
 
               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
 
               
 
               
(Concluded)
 


 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
   
 
 
  Net Income
  $ 188,680     $ 212,771  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
               
     Depreciation and amortization
    266,445       249,067  
     Deferred taxes and deferred investment tax credit
    99,920       126,659  
     AFUDC-equity
    (12,854 )     (20,915 )
     Deferred energy
    (20,802 )     134,969  
     Gain on sale of asset
    -       (7,575 )
     Amortization of other regulatory assets
    124,213       59,643  
     Deferred rate increase
    65,306       (6,250 )
     Other, net
    25,633       8,922  
  Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
               
     Accounts receivable
    (132,078 )     (82,833 )
     Materials, supplies and fuel
    (26,290 )     5,883  
     Other current assets
    (5,242 )     475  
     Accounts payable
    32,397       43,110  
     Accrued retirement benefits
    167       (13,658 )
     Other current liabilities
    (37,869 )     (13,589 )
     Risk management assets and liabilities
    1,913       10,086  
     Other deferred assets
    (14,982 )     (4,912 )
     Other regulatory assets
    (72,480 )     (41,679 )
     Other deferred liabilities
    (15,043 )     (4,850 )
Net Cash from Operating Activities
    467,034       655,324  
 
               
CASH FLOWS USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
     Additions to utility plant (excluding AFUDC-equity)
    (469,870 )     (520,175 )
     Proceeds from sale of asset
    166,603       18,225  
     Customer advances for construction
    (7,159 )     (6,030 )
     Contributions in aid of construction
    79,343       46,217  
     Investments and other property - net
    410       (9,090 )
Net Cash used by Investing Activities
    (230,673 )     (470,853 )
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED BY) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
     Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    386,784       660,711  
     Retirement of long-term debt
    (480,689 )     (453,656 )
     Settlement of interest rate lock
    (14,944 )     -  
     Sale of common stock
    8,681       4,086  
     Dividends paid
    (84,907 )     (77,561 )
Net Cash from (used by) Financing Activities
    (185,075 )     133,580  
 
               
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    51,286       318,051  
Beginning Balance in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    86,189       62,706  
Ending Balance in Cash and Cash Equivalents
  $ 137,475     $ 380,757  
 
               
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
               
    Cash paid during period for:
               
        Interest
  $ 251,011     $ 264,974  
        Income taxes
  $ 1     $ 14  
    Significant non-cash transactions:
               
        Accrued construction expenses as of September 30,
  $ 158,849     $ 65,163  
        Capital lease obligations incurred
  $ -     $ 15,336  
 
               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 


 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
Accumulated
   
 
 
 
 
Common
   
Common
   
Other
   
 
   
Other
   
Total
 
 
 
Stock
   
Stock
   
Paid-in
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
Shareholders'
 
 
 
Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income (Loss)
   
Equity
 
December 31, 2009
    234,834,169     $ 234,834     $ 2,700,329     $ 295,248     $ (6,488 )   $ 3,223,923  
   Net Income
    -       -       -       212,771       -       212,771  
   Dividend reinvestment and employee benefits
    338,455       339       3,748       -       -       4,087  
   Change in compensation retirement
                                               
   benefits liability and amortization
                                               
   (net of taxes ($51))
    -       -       -       -       94       94  
   Dividends declared
    -       -       -       (77,561 )     -       (77,561 )
September 30, 2010
    235,172,624     $ 235,173     $ 2,704,077     $ 430,458     $ (6,394 )   $ 3,363,314  
 
                                               
 
                                               
December 31, 2010
    235,322,553     $ 235,323     $ 2,705,954     $ 416,432     $ (6,891 )   $ 3,350,818  
   Net Income
    -       -       -       188,680       -       188,680  
   Dividend reinvestment and employee benefits
    677,196       677       7,692       -       -       8,369  
   Tax benefit from stock options exercised
    -       -       312       -       -       312  
   Change in compensation retirement
                                               
   benefits liability and amortization
                                               
   (net of taxes ($1,302))
    -       -       -       -       2,417       2,417  
   Dividends declared
    -       -       -       (84,907 )     -       (84,907 )
September 30, 2011
    235,999,749     $ 236,000     $ 2,713,958     $ 520,205     $ (4,474 )   $ 3,465,689  
 
                                               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 


 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
OPERATING REVENUES
  $ 798,914     $ 870,950     $ 1,662,880     $ 1,836,144  
 
                               
OPERATING EXPENSES:
                               
Fuel for power generation
    162,976       181,100       378,790       469,282  
Purchased power
    181,733       216,309       399,707       412,276  
Deferred energy
    (10,354 )     22,296       (1,274 )     81,719  
Other operating expenses
    88,455       73,762       215,491       203,773  
Maintenance
    3,460       23,707       45,122       58,945  
Depreciation and amortization
    67,212       56,575       186,798       169,330  
Taxes other than income
    9,105       9,038       28,209       28,857  
Total Operating Expenses
    502,587       582,787       1,252,843       1,424,182  
OPERATING INCOME
    296,327       288,163       410,037       411,962  
 
                               
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                               
Interest expense (net of AFUDC-debt: $842,
                               
$5,787, $8,962 and $15,763)
    (55,267 )     (54,144 )     (163,036 )     (161,496 )
Interest expense on regulatory items
    (2,478 )     (1,157 )     (5,911 )     (1,965 )
AFUDC-equity
    1,026       6,795       10,979       18,555  
Other income
    2,990       3,842       9,298       9,084  
Other expense
    (7,324 )     (3,034 )     (15,235 )     (9,338 )
Total Other Income (Expense)
    (61,053 )     (47,698 )     (163,905 )     (145,160 )
Income Before Income Tax Expense
    235,274       240,465       246,132       266,802  
 
                               
Income tax expense
    80,666       81,537       84,481       90,416  
 
                               
NET INCOME
  $ 154,608     $ 158,928     $ 161,651     $ 176,386  
 
                               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 


 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Shares)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
ASSETS
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Current Assets:
   
 
   
 
 
    Cash and cash equivalents
    $ 34,753     $ 60,077  
    Accounts receivable less allowance for uncollectible accounts:
                 
  2011 - $28,716; 2010 - $26,428     370,567       224,704  
    Materials, supplies and fuel, at average cost
      75,856       66,459  
    Risk management assets (Note 6)
      64       3,476  
    Deferred income taxes
      73,084       76,282  
    Other current assets
      32,987       29,680  
Total Current Assets
      587,311       460,678  
                       
Utility Property:
                 
    Plant in service
      8,394,645       7,552,097  
    Construction work-in-progress
      286,694       825,079  
 
Total
      8,681,339       8,377,176  
    Less accumulated provision for depreciation
      1,902,992       1,828,366  
 
Total Utility Property, Net
      6,778,347       6,548,810  
                       
Investments and other property, net
      49,094       55,305  
                       
    Deferred Charges and Other Assets:
                 
    Deferred energy (Note 3)
      105,778       117,623  
    Regulatory assets
      769,136       871,982  
    Regulatory asset for pension plans
      125,453       133,410  
    Other deferred charges and assets
      108,756       114,016  
Total Deferred Charges and Other Assets
      1,109,123       1,237,031  
                       
TOTAL ASSETS
    $ 8,523,875     $ 8,301,824  
                       
                       
(Continued)
 
 

 


NEVADA POWER COMPANY
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Shares)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
   
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 4)
  $ 136,139     $ 355,929  
Accounts payable
    220,601       232,279  
Accounts payable, affiliated companies
    29,056       29,334  
Accrued expenses
    65,459       89,638  
Risk management liabilities (Note 6)
    1,258       22,764  
Deferred energy (Note 3)
    174,155       171,349  
Other current liabilities
    46,263       54,607  
Total Current Liabilities
    672,931       955,900  
 
               
Long-term debt (Note 4)
    3,352,044       3,221,833  
 
               
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)
               
 
               
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:
               
Deferred income taxes
    982,194       908,094  
Deferred investment tax credit
    6,425       7,255  
Accrued retirement benefits
    35,878       31,907  
Risk management liabilities (Note 6)
    416       -  
Regulatory liabilities
    267,417       225,983  
Other deferred credits and liabilities
    293,259       189,220  
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
    1,585,589       1,362,459  
 
               
Shareholder's Equity:
               
Common stock, $1.00 par value, 1,000 shares authorized,
               
issued and outstanding for 2011 and 2010
    1       1  
Other paid-in capital
    2,308,219       2,254,219  
Retained earnings
    607,939       511,288  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (2,848 )     (3,876 )
Total Shareholder's Equity
    2,913,311       2,761,632  
 
               
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
  $ 8,523,875     $ 8,301,824  
 
               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
 
               
 
               
(Concluded)
 


 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2011
   
2010
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
   
 
 
  Net Income
  $ 161,651     $ 176,386  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
               
     Depreciation and amortization
    186,798       169,330  
     Deferred taxes and deferred investment tax credit
    85,488       90,930  
     AFUDC-equity
    (10,979 )     (18,555 )
     Deferred energy
    14,651       99,407  
     Amortization of other regulatory assets
    62,994       41,415  
     Deferred rate increase
    65,306       (6,250 )
     Other, net
    18,507       3,085  
  Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
               
     Accounts receivable
    (145,862 )     (108,609 )
     Materials, supplies and fuel
    (9,100 )     4,678  
     Other current assets
    (3,307 )     233  
     Accounts payable
    26,434       35,249  
     Accrued retirement benefits
    3,971       (13,320 )
     Other current liabilities
    (32,523 )     (8,474 )
     Risk management assets and liabilities
    1,382       7,903  
     Other deferred assets
    (13,788 )     (2,214 )
     Other regulatory assets
    (44,383 )     (28,175 )
     Other deferred liabilities
    (16,676 )     (3,233 )
Net Cash from Operating Activities
    350,564       439,786  
 
               
CASH FLOWS USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
     Additions to utility plant (excluding AFUDC-equity)
    (367,097 )     (421,793 )
     Proceeds from sale of asset
    31,997       3,254  
     Customer advances for construction
    (2,165 )     (3,891 )
     Contributions in aid of construction
    64,617       42,034  
     Investments and other property - net
    395       (99 )
Net Cash used by Investing Activities
    (272,253 )     (380,495 )
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
     Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    386,884       637,975  
     Retirement of long-term debt
    (464,575 )     (412,201 )
     Settlement of interest rate lock
    (14,944 )     -  
     Additional investment by parent company
    54,000       -  
     Dividends paid
    (65,000 )     (62,000 )
Net Cash from Financing Activities
    (103,635 )     163,774  
 
               
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (25,324 )     223,065  
Beginning Balance in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    60,077       42,609  
Ending Balance in Cash and Cash Equivalents
  $ 34,753     $ 265,674  
 
               
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
               
     Cash paid during period for:
               
          Interest
  $ 182,992     $ 180,732  
          Income taxes
  $ 1     $ 2  
     Significant non-cash transactions:
                 
         Accrued construction expenses as of September 30,
  $ 141,384     $ 57,638  
         Capital lease obligations incurred
  $ -     $ 15,336  
 
               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 


 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Accumulated
   
 
 
 
 
Common
 
Common
 
Other
   
 
 
Other
 
Total
 
 
 
Stock
 
Stock
 
Paid-in
 
Retained
 
Comprehensive
 
Shareholder's
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Income (Loss)
 
Equity
 
December 31, 2009
    1,000     $ 1     $ 2,254,189     $ 399,345     $ (3,496 )   $ 2,650,039  
    Net Income
    -       -       -       176,386       -       176,386  
    Change in compensation retirement
                                               
    benefits liability and amortization
                                               
    (net of taxes ($27))
    -       -       -       -       50       50  
    Dividends declared
    -       -       -       (62,000 )     -       (62,000 )
September 30, 2010
    1,000     $ 1     $ 2,254,189     $ 513,731     $ (3,446 )   $ 2,764,475  
 
                                               
December 31, 2010
    1,000     $ 1     $ 2,254,219     $ 511,288     $ (3,876 )   $ 2,761,632  
    Net Income
    -       -       -       161,651       -       161,651  
    Capital contribution from parent
    -       -       54,000       -       -       54,000  
    Change in compensation retirement
                                               
    benefits liability and amortization
                                               
    (net of taxes ($554))
    -       -       -       -       1,028       1,028  
    Dividends declared
    -       -       -       (65,000 )     -       (65,000 )
September 30, 2011
    1,000     $ 1     $ 2,308,219     $ 607,939     $ (2,848 )   $ 2,913,311  
 
                                               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 


 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
OPERATING REVENUES:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Electric
  $ 202,263     $ 237,798     $ 545,462     $ 649,337  
Gas
    16,615       19,286       125,357       139,711  
Total Operating Revenues
    218,878       257,084       670,819       789,048  
 
                               
OPERATING EXPENSES:
                               
Fuel for power generation
    53,803       66,133       141,130       181,232  
Purchased power
    41,615       33,545       118,965       110,262  
Gas purchased for resale
    10,137       10,823       87,753       101,536  
Deferral of energy - electric - net
    (22,095 )     9,964       (45,924 )     17,189  
Deferral of energy - gas - net
    (1,171 )     1,795       3,520       7,646  
Other operating expenses
    38,529       38,004       113,432       114,371  
Maintenance
    7,909       7,419       28,195       26,770  
Depreciation and amortization
    26,525       26,848       79,647       79,737  
Taxes other than income
    6,052       6,330       17,675       18,494  
Total Operating Expenses
    161,304       200,861       544,393       657,237  
OPERATING INCOME
    57,574       56,223       126,426       131,811  
 
                               
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                               
Interest expense (net of AFUDC-debt: $484,
                               
$698, $1,409 and $1,586)
    (16,861 )     (16,983 )     (50,581 )     (51,141 )
Interest expense on regulatory items
    (1,838 )     (2,528 )     (6,229 )     (6,788 )
AFUDC-equity
    664       1,029       1,875       2,360  
Other income
    1,448       2,379       4,677       14,276  
Other expense
    (2,255 )     (1,285 )     (7,403 )     (7,555 )
Total Other Income (Expense)
    (18,842 )     (17,388 )     (57,661 )     (48,848 )
Income Before Income Tax Expense
    38,732       38,835       68,765       82,963  
 
                               
Income tax expense
    13,396       14,373       23,341       30,066  
 
                               
NET INCOME
  $ 25,336     $ 24,462     $ 45,424     $ 52,897  
 
                               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 

 


 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Shares)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
ASSETS
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Current Assets:
   
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
    $
66,311
    $ 9,552  
Accounts receivable less allowance for uncollectible accounts:
                 
  2011 - $2,581; 2010 - $2,256    
116,685
      129,306  
Materials, supplies and fuel, at average cost
      65,251       48,061  
Risk management assets (Note 6)
      -       531  
Intercompany income taxes receivable       10,351        10,351   
Deferred income taxes
      40,343       53,282  
Other current assets
      12,597       11,633  
Total Current Assets
      311,538       262,716  
                       
Utility Property:
                 
Plant in service
      3,550,095       3,516,421  
Construction work-in-progress
      126,605       83,500  
 
Total
      3,676,700       3,599,921  
Less accumulated provision for depreciation
      1,264,933       1,219,072  
 
Total Utility Property, Net
      2,411,767       2,380,849  
                       
Investments and other property, net
      5,522       5,956  
                       
Deferred Charges and Other Assets:
                 
Regulatory assets
      314,762       365,177  
Regulatory asset for pension plans
      126,619       131,734  
Other deferred charges and assets
      33,138       45,268  
Total Deferred Charges and Other Assets
      474,519       542,179  
                   
 Assets Held for Sale (Note 10)                   155,322   
                       
TOTAL ASSETS
    $ 3,203,346     $ 3,347,022  
                       
                       
(Continued)
 
 

 
 


 


SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANY
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Shares)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
   
 
 
Accounts payable
  $ 86,146     $ 90,206  
Accounts payable, affiliated companies
    28,786       10,812  
Accrued expenses
    29,276       33,788  
Dividends Declared
    -       54,000  
Risk management liabilities (Note 6)
    257       10,465  
Deferred energy (Note 3)
    108,891       144,490  
Other current liabilities
    14,095       16,029  
Total Current Liabilities
    267,451       359,790  
 
               
Long-term debt (Note 4)
    1,179,688       1,195,775  
 
               
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)
               
 
               
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:
               
Deferred income taxes
    401,686       395,454  
Deferred investment tax credit
    10,371       11,949  
Accrued retirement benefits
    105,798       110,302  
Regulatory liabilities
    208,888       202,131  
Other deferred credits and liabilities
    68,078       67,495  
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
    794,821       787,331  
 
               
Liabilities Held for Sale (Note 10)
    -       30,706  
 
               
Shareholder's Equity:
               
Common stock, $3.75 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized,
               
1,000 shares issued and ouutstanding for 2011 and 2010
    4       4  
Other paid-in capital
    1,111,574       1,111,262  
Retained earnings
    (149,802 )     (135,226 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (390 )     (2,620 )
Total Shareholder's Equity
    961,386       973,420  
 
               
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
  $ 3,203,346     $ 3,347,022  
 
               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
 
               
 
               
(Concluded)
 


 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
   
 
 
  Net Income
  $ 45,424     $ 52,897  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
               
     Depreciation and amortization
    79,647       79,737  
     Deferred taxes and deferred investment tax credit
    23,296       21,134  
     AFUDC-equity
    (1,875 )     (2,360 )
     Deferred energy
    (35,453 )     35,562  
     Gain on sale of asset
    -       (7,575 )
     Amortization of other regulatory assets
    59,855       18,056  
     Other, net
    8,015       4,454  
  Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
               
     Accounts receivable
    13,917       51,221  
     Materials, supplies and fuel
    (17,190 )     1,184  
     Other current assets
    (964 )     1,423  
     Accounts payable
    12,833       1,112  
     Accrued retirement benefits
    (4,504 )     (1,939 )
     Other current liabilities
    (6,447 )     1,615  
     Risk management assets and liabilities
    531       2,183  
     Other deferred assets
    (1,194 )     (2,698 )
     Other regulatory assets
    (28,097 )     (13,504 )
     Other deferred liabilities
    (2,501 )     (2,691 )
Net Cash from Operating Activities
    145,293       239,811  
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED BY) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
     Additions to utility plant (excluding AFUDC-equity)
    (102,773 )     (111,476 )
     Proceeds from sale of asset
    134,606       14,971  
     Customer advances for construction
    (4,994 )     (2,139 )
     Contributions in aid of construction
    14,726       4,183  
     Investments and other property - net
    15       (119 )
Net Cash from (used by) Investing Activities
    41,580       (94,580 )
 
               
CASH FLOWS USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
     Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    -       22,736  
     Retirement of long-term debt
    (16,114 )     (41,308 )
     Dividends paid
    (114,000 )     (48,000 )
Net Cash used by Financing Activities
    (130,114 )     (66,572 )
 
               
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    56,759       78,659  
Beginning Balance in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    9,552       14,359  
Ending Balance in Cash and Cash Equivalents
  $ 66,311     $ 93,018  
 
               
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
               
      Cash paid during period for:
               
       Interest
  $ 45,632     $ 48,990  
       Income taxes
  $ -     $ 12  
Significant non-cash transactions:
               
Accrued construction expenses as of September 30,
  $ 17,465     $ 7,525  
 
               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 


 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Amounts)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
Accumulated
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
Other
   
Total
 
 
 
Common
   
Common
   
Other Paid-
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
Shareholder's
 
 
 
Stock Shares
   
Stock Amount
   
in Capital
   
Deficit
   
Income (Loss)
   
Equity
 
December 31, 2009
    1,000     $ 4     $ 1,111,260     $ (99,601 )   $ (2,405 )   $ 1,009,258  
Net Income
    -       -       -       52,897       -       52,897  
Change in compensation retirement
                                               
benefits liability and amortization
                                               
(net of taxes ($14))
    -       -       -       -       26       26  
Dividends declared
    -       -       -       (48,000 )     -       (48,000 )
September 30, 2010
    1,000     $ 4     $ 1,111,260     $ (94,704 )   $ (2,379 )   $ 1,014,181  
 
                                               
 
                                               
December 31, 2010
    1,000     $ 4     $ 1,111,262     $ (135,226 )   $ (2,620 )   $ 973,420  
Net Income
    -       -       -       45,424       -       45,424  
Tax benefit from stock options exercised
    -       -       312       -       -       312  
Change in compensation retirement
                                               
benefits liability and amortization
                                               
(net of taxes ($1,201))
    -       -       -       -       2,230       2,230  
Dividends declared
    -       -       -       (60,000 )     -       (60,000 )
September 30, 2011
    1,000     $ 4     $ 1,111,574     $ (149,802 )   $ (390 )   $ 961,386  
 
                                               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 


CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1.                          SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The significant accounting policies for both utility and non-utility operations are as follows:

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NV Energy, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, NPC, SPPC, Sierra Pacific Communications, Lands of Sierra, Inc., NVE Insurance Company, Inc. and Sierra Gas Holding Company.  All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities.  These estimates and assumptions also affect the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of certain revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
In the opinion of the management of NVE, NPC and SPPC, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements contain normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods shown.  These consolidated financial statements do not contain the complete detail concerning accounting policies and other matters, which are included in full year financial statements; therefore, they should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements included in the 2010 Form 10-K.
 
During the third quarter 2010, NPC terminated a long term service agreement for one of its generating stations.  The estimated termination payment was not material to the third quarter but would have been material to the fourth quarter of 2010. Therefore, management determined it more appropriate to revise third quarter 2010 for the estimated termination payment.  As disclosed in our 2010 Form 10-K, Note 18, Quarterly Financial Data, of the Notes to Financial Statements, operating income, net income and earnings per share were reduced by $8.0 million, $5.2 million (net of taxes) and $0.02 per share (net of taxes), share respectively.
 
The results of operations and cash flows of NVE, NPC and SPPC for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Consolidations of VIEs

In June 2009, the FASB amended existing guidance related to the Consolidation of VIEs.  NVE and the Utilities adopted this amendment on January 1, 2010.  The amendment no longer allows the scope exception for contracts which an entity was unable to obtain financial information from to be excluded from the primary beneficiary determination.  As a result, NVE and the Utilities will continually perform an analysis to determine whether their variable interests give it controlling financial interest in a VIE; which would require consolidation.  This analysis identifies the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both the following characteristics: a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.  To identify potential variable interests, management reviewed contracts under leases, long-term purchase power contracts, tolling contracts and jointly owned facilities.  The Utilities identified certain long-term purchase power contracts that could be defined as variable interests.  However, the Utilities are not the primary beneficiary as defined above, as they primarily lacked the power to direct the activities of the entity, including the ability to operate the generating facilities and make management decisions.  The Utilities' maximum exposure to loss is limited to the cost of replacing these purchase power contracts if the providers are unable to deliver power.  However, the Utilities believe their exposure is mitigated as they would likely recover these costs through their deferred energy accounting mechanism.  As of September 30, 2011, the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the Utilities’ balance sheets that relate to their involvement with VIEs are predominately related to working capital accounts and generally represent the amounts owed by the Utilities for the deliveries associated with the current billing cycle under the contracts.

Recent Accounting Standards Updates

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures

In January 2010, the FASB amended the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Topic as reflected in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification for recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. NVE and the Utilities adopted this amendment on January 1, 2010.  The new accounting guidance adds requirements for disclosures about transfers into and out of
 
 
 
 
20

 
Levels 1 and 2 and separate disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements relating to Level 3 measurements.  It also clarifies existing fair value disclosures about the level of disaggregation and about inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value. In addition, the accounting update amends guidance on employers’ disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets to require disclosures by classes of assets instead of by major categories of assets.  The amendment is effective for NVE and the Utilities as of January 1, 2010, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for NVE and the Utilities as of January 1, 2011.  The adoption of this guidance did not have, nor is it expected to have, a significant impact on the disclosure requirements for NVE and the Utilities.

Other Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the FASB amended the Comprehensive Income Topic as reflected in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification for presentation of comprehensive income.  NVE and the Utilities will be required to adopt this amendment for our fiscal year ending after December 15, 2011.  The amendment does not change the amount of comprehensive income reported, but rather establishes a standard for the reporting and presentation of comprehensive income providing an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  NVE and the Utilities are evaluating our presentation options, but do not expect the amendment to have a significant impact on our reporting or presentation requirements.

NOTE 2.                 SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Utilities operate three regulated business segments which are NPC electric, SPPC electric and SPPC natural gas service, which are reported in accordance with Segment Reporting of the FASC.  Electric service is provided to Las Vegas and surrounding Clark County by NPC, and to northern Nevada by SPPC.  Natural gas services are provided by SPPC in the Reno-Sparks area of Nevada.  Other information includes amounts below the quantitative thresholds for separate disclosure.

Operational information of the different business segments is set forth below based on the nature of products and services offered.  NVE evaluates performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is business segment gross margin.  Gross margin, which the Utilities calculate as operating revenues less energy costs, provides a measure of income available to support the other operating expenses of the Utilities.  Operating expenses are provided by segment in order to reconcile to operating income as reported in the consolidated financial statements (dollars in thousands).

Three Months Ended
   
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
NVE
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
Consolidated
   
NVE Other
   
NPC Electric
   
SPPC Total
   
SPPC Electric
   
SPPC Gas
 
Operating Revenues (1)
  $ 1,017,796     $ 4     $ 798,914     $ 218,878     $ 202,263     $ 16,615  
                                                 
Energy Costs:
                                               
   Fuel for power generation
    216,779       -       162,976       53,803       53,803       -  
   Purchased power
    223,348       -       181,733       41,615       41,615       -  
   Gas purchased for resale
    10,137       -       -       10,137       -       10,137  
   Deferred energy
    (33,620 )     -       (10,354 )     (23,266 )     (22,095 )     (1,171 )
Total Energy Costs
  $ 416,644     $ -     $ 334,355     $ 82,289     $ 73,323     $ 8,966  
                                                 
Gross Margin
  $ 601,152     $ 4     $ 464,559     $ 136,589     $ 128,940     $ 7,649  
                                                 
Other operating expenses (1)
    127,645       661       88,455       38,529                  
Maintenance
    11,369       -       3,460       7,909                  
Depreciation and amortization
    93,737       -       67,212       26,525                  
Taxes other than income
    15,205       48       9,105       6,052                  
                                                 
Operating Income (Loss)
  $ 353,196     $ (705 )   $ 296,327     $ 57,574                  



Nine Months Ended
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
NVE
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
Consolidated
   
NVE Other
   
NPC Electric
   
SPPC Total
   
SPPC Electric
   
SPPC Gas
 
Operating Revenues(1)
  $ 2,333,710     $ 11     $ 1,662,880     $ 670,819     $ 545,462     $ 125,357  
                                                 
Energy Costs:
                                               
   Fuel for power generation
    519,920       -       378,790       141,130       141,130       -  
   Purchased power
    518,672       -       399,707       118,965       118,965       -  
   Gas purchased for resale
    87,753       -       -       87,753       -       87,753  
   Deferred energy
    (43,678 )     -       (1,274 )     (42,404 )     (45,924 )     3,520  
Total Energy Costs
  $ 1,082,667     $ -     $ 777,223     $ 305,444     $ 214,171     $ 91,273  
                                                 
Gross Margin
  $ 1,251,043     $ 11     $ 885,657     $ 365,375     $ 331,291     $ 34,084  
                                                 
Other operating expenses (1)
    331,166       2,243       215,491       113,432                  
Maintenance
    73,317       -       45,122       28,195                  
Depreciation and amortization
    266,445       -       186,798       79,647                  
Taxes other than income
    46,134       250       28,209       17,675                  
                                                 
Operating Income (Loss)
  $ 533,981     $ (2,482 )   $ 410,037     $ 126,426                  



Three Months Ended
 
September 30, 2010
 
NVE
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
Consolidated
   
NVE Other
   
NPC Electric
   
SPPC Total
   
SPPC Electric
   
SPPC Gas
 
Operating Revenues(2)
  $ 1,128,039     $ 5     $ 870,950     $ 257,084     $ 237,798     $ 19,286  
                                                 
Energy Costs:
                                               
   Fuel for power generation
    247,233       -       181,100       66,133       66,133       -  
   Purchased power
    249,854       -       216,309       33,545       33,545       -  
   Gas purchased for resale
    10,823       -       -       10,823       -       10,823  
   Deferred energy
    34,055       -       22,296       11,759       9,964       1,795  
Total Energy Costs
  $ 541,965     $ -     $ 419,705     $ 122,260     $ 109,642     $ 12,618  
                                                 
Gross Margin(2)
  $ 586,074     $ 5     $ 451,245     $ 134,824     $ 128,156     $ 6,668  
                                                 
Other operating expenses
    112,741       975       73,762       38,004                  
Maintenance
    31,126       -       23,707       7,419                  
Depreciation and amortization
    83,423       -       56,575       26,848                  
Taxes other than income
    15,420       52       9,038       6,330                  
                                                 
Operating Income (Loss)(3)
  $ 343,364     $ (1,022 )   $ 288,163     $ 56,223                  



Nine Months Ended
 
September 30, 2010
 
NVE
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
Consolidated
   
NVE Other
   
NPC Electric
   
SPPC Total
   
SPPC Electric
   
SPPC Gas
 
Operating Revenues (2)
  $ 2,625,211     $ 19     $ 1,836,144     $ 789,048     $ 649,337     $ 139,711  
                                                 
Energy Costs:
                                               
   Fuel for power generation
    650,514       -       469,282       181,232       181,232       -  
   Purchased power
    522,538       -       412,276       110,262       110,262       -  
   Gas purchased for resale
    101,536       -       -       101,536       -       101,536  
   Deferred energy
    106,554       -       81,719       24,835       17,189       7,646  
Total Energy Costs
  $ 1,381,142     $ -     $ 963,277     $ 417,865     $ 308,683     $ 109,182  
                                                 
Gross Margin(2)
  $ 1,244,069     $ 19     $ 872,867     $ 371,183     $ 340,654     $ 30,529  
                                                 
Other operating expenses
    320,755       2,611       203,773       114,371                  
Maintenance
    85,715       -       58,945       26,770                  
Depreciation and amortization
    249,067       -       169,330       79,737                  
Taxes other than income
    47,532       181       28,857       18,494                  
                                                 
Operating Income (Loss)(3)
  $ 541,000     $ (2,773 )   $ 411,962     $ 131,811                  


(1)
Effective July 1, 2011, included in operating revenues were EEPR revenues, for which costs related to the program are included in other operating expense and therefore have no effect on operating income.   See Note 3, Regulatory Actions.
(2)
As reported in our 2010 Form 10-K, amounts for REPR are presented net.  As such, revenues and gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2010 were reduced by $3.5 million, $2.0 million and $1.5 million for NVE, NPC and SPPC, respectively, from that reported in the Forms 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2010.  Revenues and gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were reduced by $8.7 million, $4.6 million and $4.1 million for NVE, NPC and SPPC, respectively, from that reported in the Forms 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2010.
(3)
During the third quarter 2010, NPC terminated a long-term service agreement from one of its generating stations.  The estimated termination payment was not considered material to the third quarter but would have been material to the fourth quarter; therefore, as disclosed in our 2010 Form 10-K, third quarter 2010 was revised to reflect the estimated termination payment.  As such, operating  income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 was reduced by $8.0 million, before tax,  for  NVE and NPC, from that reported in the Forms 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010.  See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

NOTE 3.                      REGULATORY ACTIONS

NPC and SPPC follow deferred energy accounting.  See Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Notes to Financial Statements in the 2010 Form 10-K for additional information regarding deferred energy accounting by the Utilities.

The following deferred energy amounts were included in the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2011 (dollars in thousands):

   
September 30, 2011
 
   
NVE Total
   
NPC Electric
     
SPPC Electric
   
SPPC Gas
 
Nevada Deferred Energy
 
 
   
 
     
 
   
 
 
   Cumulative Balance requested in 2011 DEAA
  $ (334,102 )   $ (189,032 ) (1)   $ (115,955 )   $ (29,115 )
   2011 Amortization
    166,081       78,624         75,464       11,993  
   2011 Deferred Energy Over Collections (2)
    (129,925 )     (78,647 )       (34,646 )     (16,632 )
Nevada Deferred Energy Balance at September 30, 2011 - Subtotal
  $ (297,946 )   $ (189,055 )     $ (75,137 )   $ (33,754 )
Reinstatement of deferred energy (effective 6/07, 10 years)
    120,678       120,678         -       -  
Total Deferred Energy
  $ (177,268 )   $ (68,377 )     $ (75,137 )   $ (33,754 )
                                   
Deferred Assets
                                 
Deferred energy
  $ 105,778     $ 105,778       $ -     $ -  
Current Liabilities
                                 
Deferred energy
    (283,046 )     (174,155 )       (75,137 )     (33,754 )
Total Deferred Energy
  $ (177,268 )   $ (68,377 )     $ (75,137 )   $ (33,754 )

(1)
Refer to NPC 2010 DEAA “Settled Regulatory Actions” in Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Notes to Financial Statements in the 2010 Form 10-K for separate discussion regarding rate offset of this balance.
(2)
These deferred energy over collections will be filed in the March 2012 DEAA filings.
 
 

 
Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company
 
          Assembly Bill 215

In 2011, the Legislature passed Assembly Bill 215 which allows an electric or gas utility that adjusts its BTER on a quarterly basis to request PUCN approval to make quarterly changes to its DEAA rate if the request is in the public interest.  The Utilities will still be required to file an annual DEAA case to review costs for prudency and reasonableness, and if any costs are disallowed on such grounds, the disallowance will be incorporated into the next subsequent quarterly rate.  SPPC filed an application to change its quarterly DEAA rates for both electric and gas in July 2011, and in October 2011, the PUCN accepted a stipulation authorizing the first quarterly adjustment to the electric DEAA to become effective on January 1, 2012.  NPC filed an application to change its quarterly DEAA in October 2011.  NPC requested the first quarterly adjustment to the DEAA to become effective on April 1, 2012.

   Energy Efficiency Implementation Rate (EEIR) and Energy Efficiency Program Rate (EEPR)

             EEIR
 
In 2009, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 358, which required the PUCN to adopt regulations authorizing an electric utility to recover lost revenue that is attributable to the measurable and verifiable effects associated with the implementation of efficiency and conservation programs approved by the PUCN.  As a result, the PUCN opened Docket No. 09-07016 to amend and adopt the regulation.  The regulation was adopted by the Legislature on July 22, 2010.  Accordingly, as of August 1, 2010, the Utilities began recording the amount of additional revenues which are objectively determinable and probable of recovery and are attributable to reduced kWh sales related to energy efficiency programs, prior to their inclusion in rates in accordance with FASC 980-605-25, Alternative Revenue Programs.

In October 2010, the Utilities filed to set 2011 base rates effective mid 2011 to recover approximately $35.1 million and $7.6 million for NPC and SPPC, respectively, for estimated reduced kWh sales related to the Utilities’ energy efficiency programs.  Annually, thereafter, the Utilities will make a filing in March, to adjust rates and set a clearing rate or EEIR for over or under collected balances, effective in October of the same year. In May 2011, the PUCN issued a final order on the October 2010 filing authorizing increases to the base rates of $14.5 million and $2.6 million for NPC and SPPC, respectively, effective July 1, 2011.  As a result of the May order in June 2011, NPC and SPPC recorded a pre-tax adjustment to earnings for revenue previously recorded of approximately $4.5 million and $4.1 million, respectively.  As of September 30, 2011, NPC and SPPC have recognized 2011 revenues of approximately $10.4 million and $4.1 million, respectively, of the authorized EEIR base amounts of which $7.4 million and $1 million, respectively, were recognized in accordance with FASC 980-605-25, Alternative Revenue Programs discussed above.

In March 2011, the Utilities filed applications with their annual DEAA filings to reset the base rates and clear the accumulated regulatory asset accounts between August 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010, with rates effective in October 2011.  Reference further discussion below at NPC and SPPC DEAA, TRED, REPR, EEIR, EEPR Rate Filing.

   EEPR
 
In addition, the regulation approved the transition of the recovery of energy efficiency program costs from general rates (filed every 3 years) to recovery through independent annual rate filings.  Accordingly, in their filing made in October 2010, the Utilities requested to set base rates beginning mid 2011 to recover the 2011 costs of implementing energy efficiency program costs of approximately $71.0 million and $12.1 million for NPC and SPPC, respectively.  In May 2011, the PUCN issued a final order authorizing increases to the base rates of $58.4 million and $9.7 million for NPC and SPPC, respectively, effective July 1, 2011.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, NPC and SPPC have recorded $20.5 million and $2.6 million respectively, of EEPR revenues.  Costs accumulated between August 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 were requested for recovery in the March 2011 DEAA filing with rates effective October 2011. Reference further discussion below at NPC and SPPC DEAA, TRED, REPR, EEIR, EEPR Rate Filing.

          Ely Energy Center

In February 2011, NVE and the Utilities cancelled plans to construct the EEC due to increasing environmental and economic uncertainties.  In June 2009, the Utilities filed to withdraw the initial construction application under the Utility Environmental Protection Act (UEPA) filed in 2006 due to postponing the construction of the EEC.  Simultaneously, the Utilities filed a new UEPA application for the construction of a transmission line which was granted in May 2011.  The PUCN had previously approved the Utilities spending on development costs for the EEC up to $130 million, of which the Utilities have spent and recorded as an other deferred asset approximately $65.3 million as of September 30, 2011.  Management believes the development amounts expended through September 30, 2011 are probable of recovery.  In compliance with the SPPC 2010 Electric GRC, SPPC filed a separate
 
 
 
application concurrent with the filing of NPC’s GRC filed in June 2011, to determine the reasonableness of the EEC project development costs and propose reclassification of these costs from a deferred debit to a regulatory asset.

      Nevada Power Company

   NPC 2011 GRC

In June 2011, NPC filed its statutorily required triennial GRC and updated the filing in August 2011.  In this updated filing, NPC is requesting the following:

Increase in general rates by $249.9 million;
ROE and ROR of 11.25% and 8.64%, respectively;
Recovery of approximately $638.7 million, excluding AFUDC, for the 500 MW (nominally rated) expansion at the Harry Allen Generating Station;
Authorization to defer collection of approximately $79.7 million of the requested rate increase as a regulatory asset in order to mitigate the impact on customers.  The remaining requested increase of approximately $170.2 is expected to be effective on January 1, 2012.
 
Testimony from intervening parties was filed with the PUCN in September and October. Hearings began in October and are scheduled to conclude in early November.  A decision is expected in December 2011.

           NPC 2011 DEAA, TRED, REPR, EEIR, EEPR Rate Filings
 
In March 2011, NPC filed an application to establish a new DEAA to refund over-collected purchased power and fuel costs and reset or establish several other rate elements (TRED, REPR, EEIR and EEPR).  In September 2011, the PUCN accepted stipulations which resulted in an overall decrease in revenue requirement of approximately $78.6 million.  The PUCN authorized  recovery of the following amounts (dollars in millions):
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Authorized
     
Present
   
$ Change in
 
 
Effective
 
Revenue
     
Revenue
   
Revenue
 
 
 Date
 
Requirement
     
Requirement
   
Requirement
 
Revenue Requirement Subject To Change:
 
 
 
     
 
   
 
 
DEAA
Oct. 2011
  $ (188.9 )     $ (101.0 )   $ (87.9 )
REPR
Oct. 2011
    8.6         29.8       (21.2 )
TRED
Oct. 2011
    18.1         16.3       1.8  
EEPR Base
Oct. 2011
    58.4         58.4       -  
EEPR Amortization
Oct. 2011
    21.3         -       21.3  
EEIR Base
Oct. 2011
    17.1         14.5       2.6  
EEIR Amortization
Oct. 2011
    4.8  
 (1)
    -       4.8  
Total Revenue Requirement
 
  $ (60.6 )     $ 18.0     $ (78.6 )

(1)
In accordance with Alternative Revenue Accounting, NPC has recognized approximately $4.8 million in revenues pertaining to 2010.  Based on the order from the PUCN in May 2011, which clarified the calculation of EEIR revenues, NPC does not expect to record further revenue from this rate request; however, NPC does expect to collect approximately $4.8 million from its customers.

NPC Harry Allen Regulatory Asset Filing
 
In December 2010, NPC filed a petition with the PUCN seeking permission to establish a regulatory asset related to the 500 MW (nominally rated) expansion at the Harry Allen Generating Station.  The petition sought to recover approximately $40 million of foregone return, depreciation expense and incremental operating and maintenance expense incurred between June 1, 2011, the approved in service date, and December 31, 2011, which due to regulatory lag will not be recovered.  In April 2011, the PUCN denied NPC’s petition to establish a regulatory asset.  NPC does not plan further action on this request.
 
      Sierra Pacific Power Company

        SPPC 2011 Electric DEAA, TRED, REPR, EEIR, EEPR Rate Filings
 
In March 2011, SPPC filed an application to establish a new DEAA to refund over-collected purchased power and fuel costs and reset or establish several other rate elements (TRED, REPR, EEIR and EEPR).  In September 2011, the PUCN accepted
 
 
 
 
stipulations which resulted in an overall decrease in revenue requirement of approximately $8.2 million.  The PUCN authorized recovery of the following amounts (dollars in millions):

 
 
 
 
     
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Authorized
     
Present
   
$ Change in
 
 
Effective
 
Revenue
     
Revenue
   
Revenue
 
 
 Date
 
Requirement
     
Requirement
   
Requirement
 
Revenue Requirement Subject To Change:
 
 
 
     
 
   
 
 
DEAA
Oct. 2011
  $ (115.9 )     $ (99.5 )   $ (16.4 )
REPR
Oct. 2011
    38.0         36.6       1.4  
TRED
Oct. 2011
    9.1         7.9       1.2  
EEPR Base
Oct. 2011
    9.7         9.7       -  
EEPR Amortization
Oct. 2011
    4.6         -       4.6  
EEIR Base
Oct. 2011
    3.1         2.6       0.5  
EEIR Amortization
Oct. 2011
    0.5  
 (1)
    -       0.5  
Total Revenue Requirement
 
  $ (50.9 )     $ (42.7 )   $ (8.2 )

(1)
In accordance with Alternative Revenue Accounting, SPPC has recognized approximately $0.5 million in revenues pertaining to 2010.  Based on the order from the PUCN in May 2011, which clarified the calculation of EEIR revenues, SPPC does not expect to record further revenue from this rate request; however, SPPC does expect to collect approximately $0.5 million from their customers.

         SPPC 2011 Nevada Gas DEAA

In March 2011, SPPC filed an application to create a new DEAA rate to refund over-collected gas costs and to establish a new STPR (Solar Thermal Prospective Rate) to recover a legislatively mandated solar thermal program.   In September 2011, the PUCN accepted stipulations which resulted in an overall decrease in revenue requirement of $12.1 million.  The PUCN authorized the recovery of the following amounts (dollars in millions):

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Authorized
 
Present
 
$ Change in
 
 
Effective
 
Revenue
 
Revenue
 
Revenue
 
 
 Date
 
Requirement
 
Requirement
 
Requirement
 
Revenue Requirement Subject To Change:
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
DEAA
Oct. 2011
    $ (29.1 )   $ (16.7 )   $ (12.4 )
STPR
Oct. 2011
      0.3       -       0.3  
Total Revenue Requirement
 
    $ (28.8 )   $ (16.7 )   $ (12.1 )

   FERC Matters

       California Wholesale Spot Market Refunds

NPC and SPPC are participants in a FERC proceeding wherein California parties have been authorized to recalculate, or mitigate, the prices they paid for wholesale spot market power between October 2, 2000 and June 20, 2001.  Both of the Utilities made spot market sales that are eligible for mitigation.  NPC and SPPC have negotiated a comprehensive settlement with the California parties and have joined in requesting that the FERC approve the settlement agreement.  The date by which parties may comment or protest the joint offer of settlement has passed and no party has tendered any form of opposition.   A FERC order on the joint offer of settlement is anticipated by December 2011.  The settlement is not material to the financial statements as a whole.
 
 

 
NOTE 4.                      LONG-TERM DEBT
 
   Maturities of Long-Term Debt
 
As of September 30, 2011, NPC’s, SPPC’s and NVE’s aggregate annual amount of maturities for long-term debt (including obligations related to capital leases) for the next five years and thereafter are shown below (dollars in thousands):
 

   
NVE
   
NVE
   
 
   
 
 
   
Consolidated
   
Holding Co.
   
NPC
   
SPPC
 
2011(1)
  $ (1,034 )   $ -     $ (1,034 )   $ -  
2012
    134,822       -       134,822       -  
2013
    285,405       -       35,405       250,000  
2014
    128,513       -       128,513       -  
2015
    251,039       -       251,039       -  
Total Debt 2011-2015
    798,745       -       548,745       250,000  
Thereafter
    4,388,183       506,500       2,965,266       916,417  
Total Debt Before Unamortized Premium (Discount)
    5,186,928       506,500       3,514,011       1,166,417  
Unamortized Premium (Discount) Amount
    (12,557 )     -       (25,828 )     13,271  
Total Debt
  $ 5,174,371     $ 506,500     $ 3,488,183     $ 1,179,688  

(1)
Amounts may differ from current portion of long-term debt as reported on the consolidated balance sheet due to the timing difference of payments and the change in obligation.

Substantially all utility plant is subject to the liens of the NPC Indenture and the SPPC Indenture under which their respective General and Refunding Mortgage bonds are issued.

Financing Transactions

   NV Energy, Inc.

$195 Million Term Loan Agreement

On October 7, 2011, NVE entered into a $195 million 3-year loan agreement (Term Loan).  The Term Loan is an unsecured, single-draw loan that is due on October 7, 2014.  The borrowing under the Term Loan will bear interest at the LIBOR rate plus a margin. The current LIBOR rate margin is 2.00%.   The margin varies based upon NVE’s long-term unsecured debt credit rating by S&P and Moody’s.  However, NVE entered into a floating-for-fixed interest rate swap agreement to lock in an effective interest rate of 2.81% for the length of the Term Loan.

The Term Loan contains conditions of borrowing, events of default, and affirmative and negative covenants. The Term Loan includes (i) a financial covenant to maintain a ratio of total consolidated indebtedness to total consolidated capitalization, determined on the last day of each fiscal quarter ending on and after September 30, 2011, not to exceed 0.70 to 1.00 and (ii) a fixed charge covenant that requires NVE not to permit the fixed charge coverage ratio, determined on the last day of each fiscal quarter ending on and after September 30, 2011, to be less than 1.50 to 1.00.

Redemption of 6.75% Senior Notes

On October 7, 2011, NVE provided notice of the redemption of all of its $191.5 million 6.75% Senior Notes due 2017 (the "Senior Notes").  On November 7, 2011, NVE expects to use the proceeds of the Term Loan, plus cash on hand, to redeem the Senior Notes.  The Senior Notes will be redeemed at 102.25% of the stated principal amount plus accrued interest to the date of redemption.   Upon redemption, NVE and the Utilities will no longer be subject to the covenants contained in the Senior Notes, which were more restrictive than the covenants described above for the Term Loan.

Nevada Power Company

5.45% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series Y

On May 12, 2011, NPC issued and sold $250 million of its 5.45% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series Y, due May 15, 2041.  The approximately $248 million in net proceeds, plus a portion of the proceeds from a draw on NPC’s revolving credit facility, were utilized to pay at maturity NPC’s $350 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25%  General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series A, which matured on June 1, 2011.   In conjunction with this debt issuance, NPC entered into an interest rate swap
 
 
 
27

 
hedging agreement with a notional principal amount of $250 million and a mandatory termination date of June 1, 2011.  The interest rate swap agreement was entered into to effectively lock the interest rate of the U.S. Treasury component of the prospective General and Refunding Note issuance.  The swap transaction was settled on May 9, 2011, when NPC launched and priced the Series Y Notes, resulting in a settlement payment amount of $14.9 million, which was recorded as a regulatory asset and will be amortized over the 30 year life of the Series Y Notes in accordance with past accounting precedent for the Utilities.

NOTE 5.                       FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The September 30, 2011 carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, current assets, accounts receivable, accounts payable and current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

The total fair value of NVE’s consolidated long-term debt at September 30, 2011, is estimated to be $6.0 billion based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to NVE for debt of the same remaining maturities.  The total fair value was estimated to be $5.7 billion as of December 31, 2010.

The total fair value of NPC’s consolidated long-term debt at September 30, 2011, is estimated to be $4.1 billion based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to NPC for debt of the same remaining maturities.  The total fair value was estimated to be $3.9 billion at December 31, 2010.

The total fair value of SPPC’s consolidated long-term debt at September 30, 2011, is estimated to be $1.3 billion based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to SPPC for debt of the same remaining maturities.  The total fair value was estimated to be $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2010.

NOTE 6.                       DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

NVE, NPC and SPPC apply the accounting guidance as required by the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the FASC.  The accounting guidance for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities, requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position, measure those instruments at fair value, and recognize changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments in earnings in the period of change, unless the derivative meets certain defined conditions and qualifies as an effective hedge.  The accounting guidance for derivative instruments also provides a scope exception for commodity contracts that meet the normal purchase and sales criteria specified in the standard.  The normal purchases and normal sales exception requires, among other things, physical delivery in quantities expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business.  Contracts that are designated as normal purchase and normal sales are accounted for under deferred energy accounting and not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets of NVE and the Utilities at fair value.

 Commodity Risk

The energy supply function encompasses the reliable and efficient operation of the Utilities’ generation, the procurement of all fuels and power and resource optimization (i.e., physical and economic dispatch) and is exposed to risks relating to, but not limited to, changes in commodity prices.  NVE and the Utilities’ objective in using derivative instruments is to reduce exposure to energy price risk.  Energy price risks result from activities that include the generation, procurement and sale of power and the procurement and sale of natural gas.  Derivative instruments used to manage energy price risk from time to time may include: forward contracts, which involve physical delivery of an energy commodity; over-the-counter options with financial institutions and other energy companies, which mitigate price risk by providing the right, but not the requirement, to buy or sell energy related commodities at a fixed price; and swaps, which require the Utilities to receive or make payments based on the difference between a specified price and the actual price of the underlying commodity. These contracts assist the Utilities to reduce the risks associated with volatile electricity and natural gas markets.

Interest Rate Risk

In August 2009, NPC entered into two interest rate swap agreements which terminated in June 2011, for an aggregated notional amount of $350 million associated with its $350 million 8.25% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series A, due June 1, 2011.  Interest rate hedges manage existing and future fixed rate interest rate exposure with a variable interest rate in order to lower overall borrowing costs.  The interest rate swaps terminated in the second quarter of 2011 in conjunction with the payment at maturity of NPC’s $350 million 8.25% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series A, due 2011, see Note 4, Long-Term Debt.
 
    On October 7, 2011, NVE entered into a floating for fixed interest rate swap in conjunction with its 3-year Term Loan to lock in an effective interest rate of 2.81% for the length of the Term Loan and manage existing and future variable rate interest rate exposure with fixed interest rate.  See Note 4, Long-Term Debt.

 
 
 
Determination of Fair Value

    As required by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Topic of the FASC, financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  Risk management assets and liabilities in the recurring fair value measures table below may include over-the-counter forwards, swaps, options and interest rate swaps.  Total risk management assets below do not include option premiums on commodity contracts which are not considered a derivative asset.  Option premiums upon settlement are recorded in fuel and purchased power expense and are subsequently requested for recovery through the deferred energy mechanism.  Option premium amounts included in risk management assets and liabilities for NVE, NPC and SPPC were as follows (dollars in millions):

Option Premiums
                       
 
September 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
 
NVE
 
NPC
 
SPPC
 
NVE
 
NPC
 
SPPC
 
Current Assets
 $ 0.1    $ 0.1    $ -    $ 1.9    $ 1.4    $ 0.5  
 
                                   
Current Liabilities
 $ (0.3 )  $ (0.3 )  $ -    $ (0.4 )  $ (0.4 )  $ -  
Non-Current Liabilities
  (0.2 )   (0.2 )   -     -     -     -  
Total Liabilities
 $ (0.5 )  $ (0.5 )  $ -    $ (0.4 )  $ (0.4 )  $ -  

Forwards and swaps are valued using a market approach that uses quoted forward commodity prices for similar assets and liabilities, which incorporates a mid-market pricing convention (the mid-point price between bid and ask prices) as a practical expedient for valuing its assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value.  Options are valued based on an income approach using an option pricing model that includes various inputs; such as forward commodity prices, interest rate yield curves and option volatility rates.  The determination of the fair value for derivative instruments not only includes counterparty risk, but also the impact of NVE and the Utilities’ nonperformance risk on their liabilities, which as of September 30, 2011, had an immaterial impact to the fair value of their derivative instruments.
    
The following table shows the fair value of the open derivative positions recorded on the consolidated balance sheets of NVE, NPC and SPPC and the related regulatory assets and/or liabilities that did not meet the normal purchase and normal sales exception criteria as required by the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the FASC.  Due to regulatory accounting treatment under which the utilities operate, regulatory assets and liabilities are established to the extent that derivative gains and losses are recoverable or payable through future rates, once realized.  This accounting treatment is intended to defer the recognition of mark-to-market gains and losses on derivative transactions until the period of settlement (dollars in millions):

   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
Derivative Contracts
 
Level 2
   
Level 2
 
   
NVE
   
NPC
   
SPPC
   
NVE
   
NPC
   
SPPC
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Risk management assets - current
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 2.1     $ 2.1     $ -  
                                                 
Risk management liabilities - current
    1.2       0.9       0.3       32.9       22.4       10.5  
Risk management liabilities - noncurrent
    0.3       0.3       -       -       -       -  
Total risk management liabilities
    1.5       1.2       0.3       32.9       22.4       10.5  
                                                 
Risk management regulatory assets/liabilities – net (1)
  $ (1.5 )   $ (1.2 )   $ (0.3 )   $ (30.8 )   $ (20.3 )   $ (10.5 )

(1)
When amount is negative it represents a risk management regulatory asset, when positive it represents a risk management regulatory liability.  For the three months ended September 30, 2011, NVE, NPC and SPPC would have recorded cumulative gains of $3.5 million, $2.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, NVE, NPC and SPPC would have recorded gains of $29.3 million, $19.1 million, and $10.2 million, respectively.  However, as permitted by the Regulated Operations Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, NVE and the Utilities deferred these gains, which are included in the risk management regulatory liability - net amounts above.

As a result of the nature of operations and the use of mark-to-market accounting for certain derivatives that do not meet the normal purchase and normal sales exception criteria, mark-to-market fair values will fluctuate.  The Utilities cannot predict these fluctuations, but the primary factors that cause changes in the fair values are the number and size of the Utilities’ open derivative positions with their counterparties and the changes in market prices.  Risk management liabilities decreased as of September 30, 2011, as compared to December 31, 2010, due to settlements of derivative contracts and the suspension of the Utilities’ hedging program as of October 2009.
 
 
 
 
The following table shows the commodity volume for our open derivative contracts related to natural gas contracts (amounts in millions):

   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Commodity Volume (MMBTU)
   
Commodity Volume (MMBTU)
 
   
NVE
   
NPC
   
SPPC
   
NVE
   
NPC
   
SPPC
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Commodity volume liabilities - current (1)
    0.6       0.5       0.1       18.1       12.9       5.2  

(1)
The change in commodity volumes at September 30, 2011, as compared to December 31, 2010, is primarily due to the suspension of the Utilities’ hedging program as of October 2009.  As such, the Utilities’ exposure to mark-to-market hedging transactions has declined. 

NOTE 7.                      RETIREMENT PLAN AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

NVE has a single employer defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees of NVE and the Utilities.  NVE allocates the unfunded liability and the net periodic benefit costs for its pension benefit and other postretirement benefit plans to NPC and SPPC based upon the current, or in the case of the retirees, previous employment location.  Certain grandfathered and union employees are covered under a benefit formula based on years of service and the employee's highest compensation for a period prior to retirement, while most employees are covered under a cash balance formula with vesting after three years of service. NVE also has other postretirement plans, including a defined contribution plan which provides medical and life insurance benefits for certain retired employees.   A summary of the components of net periodic pension and other postretirement costs for the three and nine months ended September 30 follows.  This summary is based on a December 31, measurement date (dollars in thousands):

NVE
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
   
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
   
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Service cost
  $ 4,607     $ 4,727     $ 653     $ 617  
Interest cost
    10,169       10,718       2,090       2,184  
Expected return on plan assets
    (12,192 )     (11,069 )     (1,596 )     (1,556 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    (738 )     (448 )     (987 )     (972 )
Amortization of net loss
    4,155       3,777       1,083       1,085  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 6,001     $ 7,705     $ 1,243     $ 1,358  
 
                               
 
                               
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
     For the Nine Months Ended September 30,      For the Nine Months Ended September 30,  
 
    2011       2010       2011       2010  
Service cost
  $ 13,820     $ 14,182     $ 1,958     $ 1,850  
Interest cost
    30,507       32,154       6,270       6,551  
Expected return on plan assets
    (36,575 )     (33,206 )     (4,789 )     (4,667 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    (2,214 )     (1,345 )     (2,961 )     (2,917 )
Amortization of net loss
    12,465       11,329       3,250       3,256  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 18,003     $ 23,114     $ 3,728     $ 4,073  
 
                               
The average percentage of NVE net periodic costs capitalized during 2011 and 2010 was 33.26% and 33.85%, respectively.
 




NPC
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
   
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Service cost
  $ 2,445     $ 2,392     $ 363     $ 353  
Interest cost
    4,880       5,023       615       619  
Expected return on plan assets
    (6,169 )     (5,362 )     (590 )     (567 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    (470 )     (433 )     229       236  
Amortization of net loss
    1,690       1,764       302       300  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 2,376     $ 3,384     $ 919     $ 941  
 
                               
 
                               
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
    2011       2010       2011       2010  
Service cost
  $ 7,336     $ 7,175     $ 1,090     $ 1,060  
Interest cost
    14,640       15,069       1,844       1,856  
Expected return on plan assets
    (18,508 )     (16,085 )     (1,769 )     (1,702 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    (1,409 )     (1,300 )     687       709  
Amortization of net loss
    5,069       5,292       906       899  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 7,128     $ 10,151     $ 2,758     $ 2,822  
 
                               
The average percentage of NPC net periodic costs capitalized during 2011 and 2010 was 37.18% and 36.34% respectively.
 

SPPC
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Service cost
 
$
1,840
 
$
2,004
 
$
271
 
$
245
Interest cost
 
 
5,013
 
 
5,389
 
 
1,457
 
 
1,547
Expected return on plan assets
 
 
(5,741)
 
 
(5,431)
 
 
(976)
 
 
(961)
Amortization of prior service cost
 
 
(277)
 
 
(26)
 
 
(1,219)
 
 
(1,213)
Amortization of net loss
 
 
2,412
 
 
1,969
 
 
773
 
 
777
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
3,247
 
$
3,905
 
$
306
 
$
395
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
Service cost
 
$
5,520
 
$
6,012
 
$
815
 
$
733
Interest cost
 
 
15,038
 
 
16,167
 
 
4,372
 
 
4,640
Expected return on plan assets
 
 
(17,223)
 
 
(16,292)
 
 
(2,929)
 
 
(2,883)
Amortization of prior service cost
 
 
(831)
 
 
(78)
 
 
(3,658)
 
 
(3,638)
Amortization of net loss
 
 
7,235
 
 
5,907
 
 
2,319
 
 
2,332
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
9,739
 
$
11,716
 
$
919
 
$
1,184
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The average percentage of SPPC net periodic costs capitalized during 2011 and 2010 was 31.22% and 34.57% respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the company made contributions totaling $10.0 million to the pension plan and no contributions to the other postretirement benefits plan.  At the present time, it is not anticipated that additional funding will be required for either plan in 2011 in order to meet the minimum funding level requirements defined by the Pension Protection Act of 2006.  However, NVE and the Utilities have included in their 2011 assumptions funding levels similar to the 2010 funding.  The amounts to be contributed in 2011 may change subject to market conditions.
 
 

 
NOTE 8.                       COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Environmental

   NPC and SPPC

     Regional Haze Rule Update

On June 22, 2011, the EPA filed notice in the Federal Register proposing to approve a revision to the Nevada State Implementation Plan (SIP) to implement the Regional Haze program, also known as the Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) rule, for the first planning period extending through July 31, 2018.  Public comments on the proposed revision were received by the EPA in the third quarter of 2011.

The generating units subject to the BART rule are:  Reid Gardner units 1, 2 and 3 at NPC; and Tracy units 1, 2 and 3 and Fort Churchill units 1 and 2 at SPPC.

The Nevada BART rule will require a reduction in the nitrogen dioxide (NOx) emission rates for all affected units and specifies further reductions in sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate emissions from the units located at Tracy and Fort Churchill Generating Stations.   The current emission rates for SO2 and particulates at the Reid Gardner Generating Station are currently meeting the lower level BART requirements. Compliance with the new emission rules will be required by 2015 through a combination of fuel switching, installation of additional pollution controls, or retirement of individual units.  Management is currently assessing the impacts on the Utilities for these alternatives, while awaiting the final rule approval which is expected by year end.

   NPC

      NEICO

NEICO, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NPC, owns property in Wellington, Utah, which was the site of a coal washing and load-out facility.  The site has a reclamation estimate supported by a bond of approximately $5 million with the Utah Division of Oil and Gas Mining, which management believes is sufficient to cover reclamation costs.  Management is continuing to evaluate various options including reclamation and sale.

      Reid Gardner Generating Station

On October 4, 2011, NPC received a request for information from the EPA-Region 9 under Section 114 of the Federal Clean Air Act requesting current and historical operations and capital project information for NPC’s Reid Gardner Generating Station located near Moapa, Nevada.  NPC operates the facility and owns Units 1-3.  Unit 4 of the facility is co-owned with the California Department of Water Resources.  The EPA’s Section 114 information request does not allege any incidents of non-compliance at the plant.  A first response is due back to the EPA in December 2011.  NPC has requested an extension from the EPA and is awaiting a decision on its extension request.  At this time, NPC cannot predict the impact, if any, associated with this information request.

   SPPC

      Valmy Generating Station

On June 22, 2009, SPPC received a request for information from the EPA-Region 9 under Section 114 of the Federal Clean Air Act requesting current and historical operations and capital project information for SPPC’s Valmy Generating Station located in Valmy, Nevada.  SPPC co-owns and operates this coal-fired plant.  Idaho Power Company owns the remaining 50%.  The EPA’s Section 114 information request does not allege any incidents of non-compliance at the plant, and there have been no other new enforcement-related proceedings that have been initiated by the EPA relating to the plant.  SPPC completed its response to the EPA in December 2009, and will continue to monitor developments relating to this Section 114 request.  SPPC cannot predict the impact, if any, associated with this information request.

Other Environmental Matters

NVE and the Utilities are subject to federal, state and local regulations regarding air and water quality, hazardous and solid waste disposal and other environmental matters.  NVE and the Utilities continue to comply with these environmental commitments.  As of September 30, 2011, environmental expenditures did not change materially from those disclosed in the 2010 Form 10-K.
 
 

 
Litigation Contingencies

   NPC and SPPC
  
      Peabody Western Coal Company – Royalty Claim

NPC owns an 11% interest in the Navajo Generating Station which is located in Northern Arizona and is operated by Salt River.  Other participants in the Navajo Generating Station are Arizona Public Service Company, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Tucson Electric Power Company (together with Salt River and NPC, the “Navajo Joint Owners”).  NPC also owns a 14% interest in the Mohave Generating Station which is located in Laughlin, Nevada and was operated by Southern California Edison (SCE) prior to the time it became non-operational on December 31, 2005.

In October 2004, the Navajo Generating Station’s coal supplier, Peabody Western Coal Company (Peabody WC), filed a complaint against the Navajo Joint Owners in Missouri State Court in St. Louis, alleging, among other things, a declaration that the Navajo Joint Owners are obligated to reimburse Peabody WC for any royalty, tax or other obligations arising out of a lawsuit that the Navajo Nation filed against Salt River, several Peabody Coal Company entities (including Peabody WC and collectively referred to as “Peabody”) and SCE in June 1999 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (DC Lawsuit).

The Navajo Joint Owners were first served in the Missouri lawsuit in January 2005.  The operating agent for the Navajo Generating Station, Salt River, defended the suit on behalf of the Navajo Joint Owners.  In July 2008, the Court dismissed all counts against NPC, two without prejudice to their possible refiling at a later date.  NPC is unable to predict whether any liability may arise from any of these matters, including from the ultimate outcome of the DC Lawsuit.

NPC is not a party to the DC Lawsuit although, as noted above, it is a participant in both the Navajo Generating Station and the Mohave Generating Station.  The DC Lawsuit consists of various claims relating to the renegotiations of coal royalty and lease agreements and alleges, among other things, that the defendants obtained a favorable coal royalty rate for the lease agreements under which Peabody mines coal for both the Navajo Generating Station and the Mohave Generating Station by improperly influencing the outcome of a federal administrative process pursuant to which the royalty rate was to be adjusted.  Initially, the DC Lawsuit sought $600 million in damages, treble damages and punitive damages of not less than $1 billion, and the ejection of defendants from all possessory interests and Navajo Tribal lands arising out of the primary coal lease.  In July 2001, the U.S. District Court dismissed all claims against Salt River.   In April 2010, the Navajo Nation amended their complaint; it no longer seeks treble damages.  Factual discovery was completed in October 2010, after which the parties engaged in settlement discussions. In April 2011, SCE indicated that it reached a settlement in the DC Lawsuit in principle. On August 1, 2011, the Navajo Nation, Peabody, Salt River and SCE executed a written settlement agreement in return for dismissal of all claims by the Navajo Nation. Salt River has asked that the Navajo Joint Owners, including NPC, contribute towards the settlement based on its 11% ownership stake in the Navajo plant. NPC has paid Salt River the requested contribution, which did not have a material impact on the financial statements.  SCE has asked that the Mohave Joint Owners, including NPC, contribute towards the settlement based upon their ownership stake in the Mohave plant. NPC has not agreed to pay SCE the requested contribution. Management continues to assess to what extent it should reimburse SCE, but does not believe the impact of such assessment will be material to NPC at this time.
  
   SPPC

      Farad Dam

SPPC sold four hydro generating units, (10.3 MW total capacity), located in Nevada and California, for $8 million to TMWA in June 2001.  The Farad Hydro (2.8 MW), has been out of service since the summer of 1996 due to a collapsed flume.  The current estimate to rebuild the diversion dam, if management decides to proceed, is approximately $20 million.  Under the terms of the contract with TMWA, SPPC is not entitled to receive the proceeds of sale relating to Farad unless and until it has reconstructed the Farad facility in a manner reasonably acceptable to TMWA or, alternatively SPPC assigns its casualty loss claim to TMWA and TMWA is reasonably satisfied regarding its rights with respect to such claim.

SPPC filed a claim with the insurers Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company and Zurich-American Insurance Company (collectively, the “Insurers”) for the Farad flume and Farad Dam.  In December 2003, SPPC sued the Insurers in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada on a coverage dispute relating to potential rebuild costs for Farad Dam.  The case went to trial before the Court in April 2008.  On September 30, 2008, the Court ruled that SPPC was not time barred from reconstructing Farad Dam, and has coverage for the full rebuild costs, subject to coverage sub-limits set forth in the insurance policies.  The Court further ruled that SPPC is entitled to recover $4 million for costs incurred to date on Farad Dam and that SPPC shall have three years to rebuild the dam from the date of the Court’s decision.  In the event Farad Dam is not rebuilt, the Court determined SPPC would be entitled to actual cash value of approximately $1.3 million.  SPPC has requested the court to reconsider the cash value to reflect rebuild costs and the Insurers opposed.   The Insurers time to file an appeal on the Court’s decision had been
 
 
 
 
suspended pending the Court’s determination on the cash value reconsideration.  On July 10, 2009, the District Court declined SPPC’s request to reconsider the cash value and further ordered that the three-year period to replace the dam commences as of July 10, 2009. In early August 2009, SPPC appealed the District Court’s $1.3 million cash value determination with the Ninth Circuit. Subsequently, in August 2009, the Insurers appealed the District Court’s insurance coverage decision with the Ninth Circuit.  The Ninth Circuit heard arguments on the appeal in November 2010 and further asked that the parties consider mediation settlement proceedings. In January 2011, the parties, including TMWA, agreed to engage in mediation settlement discussions. Mediation was not successful, and the case was returned to the active docket for decision by the Ninth Circuit. At this time, SPPC filed a motion with the District Court to stay or toll the three-year replacement period. On June 15, 2011, the parties filed supplemental briefs concerning the cash value determination and the replacement cost of the dam. A decision by the Ninth Circuit is expected in the fourth quarter of 2011. Following the Ninth Circuit decision, the District Court is expected to decide on the motion concerning the replacement period.

Other Legal Matters

NVE and its subsidiaries, through the course of their normal business operations, are currently involved in a number of other legal actions, none of which, in the opinion of management, is expected to have a significant impact on their financial positions, results of operations or cash flows.

Other Commitments

   NPC and SPPC

      ON Line TUA

During the second quarter of 2011, NVE began to construct ON Line, which is Phase 1 of a joint project between the Utilities and GBT-South.  Construction of ON Line consists of a 500 kV interconnection between the Robinson Summit substation on the SPPC system and the Harry Allen Generating Station on the NPC system by late 2012.  The Utilities will own a 25% interest in ON Line and have entered into a TUA with GBT-South for its 75% interest in ON Line.  Under the terms of the TUA, NVE’s future lease payments are adjusted for construction costs, including cost overruns; therefore, for accounting purposes NVE is treated as the owner of the construction project in accordance with Lease Accounting, The Effect of Lessee Involvement in Asset Construction of the FASC. As a result, NVE has capitalized construction costs, incurred as of September 30, 2011, associated with GBT’s 75% interest of approximately $110.0 million, or $105.2 and $4.8 million at NPC and SPPC, respectively, in CWIP with a corresponding credit to other deferred liabilities.  Total construction costs for Phase 1 of On Line is estimated to be $556 million, including AFUDC.
 
 
 
 
NOTE 9.                      EARNINGS PER SHARE (NVE)

The difference, if any, between basic EPS and diluted EPS is due to potentially dilutive common shares resulting from stock options, the employee stock purchase plan, performance and restricted stock plans, and the non-employee director stock plan.

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Basic EPS
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Numerator ($000)
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net Income
  $ 173,462     $ 177,546 (2)   $ 188,680     $ 212,771 (2)
                                 
Denominator(1)
                               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    235,990,373       235,117,058       235,796,321       234,991,208  
                                 
Per Share Amounts
                               
Net Income per share - basic
  $ 0.74     $ 0.76 (2)   $ 0.80     $ 0.91 (2)
                                 
Diluted EPS
                               
Numerator ($000)
                               
Net Income
  $ 173,462     $ 177,546 (2)   $ 188,680     $ 212,771 (2)
                                 
Denominator(1)
                               
Weighted average number of shares outstanding before dilution
    235,990,373       235,117,058       235,796,321       234,991,208  
Stock options
    33,343       35,973       36,314       30,818  
Non-Employee Director stock plan
    141,122       147,718       142,587       137,032  
Employee stock purchase plan
    4,012       9,463       4,547       6,186  
Restricted Shares
    146,464       87,613       123,940       69,322  
Performance Shares
    1,586,016       1,079,362       1,217,087       902,159  
   Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares
    237,901,330       236,477,187       237,320,796       236,136,725  
                                 
Per Share Amounts
                               
Net income per share - diluted
  $ 0.73     $ 0.75 (2)   $ 0.80     $ 0.90 (2)

(1)
The denominator does not include stock equivalents for options issued under the non-qualified stock option plan due to conversion prices being higher than market prices for all periods.  If the conditions for conversion were met under this plan, 572,825 and 575,846 shares would be included for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, and 701,190 and 707,950 would be included for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.
(2)
As discussed in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, net income and earnings per share basic and diluted were reduced from that previously reported by $5.2 million (net of taxes) and $0.02 per share (net of taxes), respectively.

NOTE 10.                      ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

Nevada Power Company

      Sale of NPC’s Telecommunication Towers

In August 2011, NPC completed the sale of 37 telecommunication towers to Global Tower Partners, LLC.  Cash proceeds from the sale were approximately $32 million with the gain on sale deferred subject to the final accounting approval by the PUCN.

Sierra Pacific Power Company

       Sale of California Electric Distribution and Generation Assets

On January 1, 2011, SPPC completed the sale of its California electric distribution and generation assets to CalPeco, d/b/a Liberty Energy-CalPeco.  Cash proceeds from the sale were approximately $132 million, plus additional closing adjustments, resulting in an immaterial after tax gain, for which the final accounting was approved by the FERC in September 2011.  Refer to Note 16, Assets Held for Sale, of the Notes to Financial Statements of the 2010 Form 10-K for more information.
 
 

 
NOTE 11.                      DIVIDENDS

Dividends

The following dividend declarations were made by the BOD of NVE:

Declaration Date
 
Amount Per Share
 
Payable Date
 
Shareholders of Record Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 3, 2011
  $ 0.12  
June 22, 2011
 
June 7, 2011
August 4, 2011
  $ 0.12  
September 21, 2011
 
September 6, 2011
 October 28, 2011   $ 0.13    December 21, 2011    December 6, 2011

On May 3, 2011, NPC and SPPC declared dividends to NVE for $25 million and $12 million, respectively. On August 4, 2011, NPC and SPPC declared dividends to NVE for $40 million and $10 million, respectively.   On October 28, 2011, NPC declared a dividend to NVE for $34 million.
 


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors

The information in this Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements relate to anticipated financial performance, management’s plans and objectives for future operations, business prospects, outcome of regulatory proceedings, market conditions and other matters.

Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan” and “objective” and other similar expressions identify those statements that are forward-looking.  These statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management.  Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements.  In addition to any assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with such statements, factors that could cause the actual results of NVE, NPC or SPPC; (NPC and SPPC are collectively referred to as the “Utilities”) to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statement include, among others, the following:

(1)  
economic conditions internationally, nationwide and regionally, including availability and cost of credit, inflation rates, monetary policy, unemployment rates, customer bankruptcies, including major gaming customers with significant debt maturities, weaker housing markets, a decrease in tourism, particularly in Southern Nevada, and cancelled or deferred hotel construction projects, each of which affect customer growth, customer collections, customer demand and usage patterns;

(2)  
changes in the rate of industrial, commercial and residential growth in the service territories of the Utilities, including the effect of weaker housing markets, increased unemployment and energy conservation programs, which could affect the Utilities’ ability to accurately forecast electric and gas demand;

(3)  
unfavorable or untimely rulings in rate or other cases filed or to be filed by the Utilities with the PUCN, including, but not limited to GRCs, the periodic applications to recover costs for fuel and purchased power that have been recorded by the Utilities in their deferred energy accounts, deferred natural gas costs recorded by SPPC for its gas distribution business, and energy efficiency recovery programs relating to the EEIR and EEPR;

(4)  
whether the Utilities will be able to continue to obtain fuel and power from their suppliers on favorable payment terms and favorable prices, particularly in the event of unanticipated power demands (for example, due to unseasonably hot weather), current suspension of the hedging program, physical availability, sharp increases in the prices for fuel (including increases in long-term transportation costs)  and/or power, or a ratings downgrade;

(5)  
unseasonable or severe weather, drought, threat of wildfire and other natural phenomena, which could affect the Utilities’ customers’ demand for power, could seriously impact the Utilities’ ability and/or cost to procure adequate supplies of fuel or purchased power, could affect the amount of water available for electric generating plants in the Southwestern U.S., and could have other adverse effects on our business;

(6)  
whether the Utilities will be able to integrate the new advanced metering system with their billing and other computer information systems and whether the technologies and equipment will perform as expected, and in all other respects, meet operational, commercial and regulatory requirements;

(7)  
wholesale market conditions, including availability of power on the spot market and the availability to enter into commodity financial hedges with creditworthy counterparties, including the impact as a result of the Dodd-Frank Act on counterparties who are lenders under our revolving credit facilities, which may affect the prices the Utilities have to pay for power as well as the prices at which the Utilities can sell any excess power;

(8)  
the ability and terms upon which NVE, NPC and SPPC will be able to access the capital markets to support their requirements for working capital, including amounts necessary for construction and acquisition costs and other capital expenditures, as well as to finance deferred energy costs, particularly in the event of: volatility in the global credit markets as a result of the viability of European sovereign debt or otherwise, changes in availability and cost of capital either due to market conditions or as a result of unfavorable rulings by the PUCN,  a downgrade of the current debt ratings of NVE, NPC or SPPC, and/or interest rate fluctuations;
 
 

 
(9)  
changes in and/or implementation of environmental laws or regulations, including the imposition of limits on emissions of carbon or other pollutants from electric generating facilities, which could significantly affect our existing operations as well as our construction program;

(10)  
changes in and/or implementation of FERC and NERC mandatory reliability, security, and other requirements for system infrastructure, which could significantly affect existing and future operations;
 
(11)  
the effect security breaches of our information technology systems or the systems of others  upon which the Utilities rely, whether through cyber-attack, cyber-terrorism, sabotage, accident or other means, may have on our ability to prevent system or service disruptions, generating facility shutdowns or disclosure of confidential corporate or customer information;
 
(12)  
construction risks, such as delays in permitting, changes in environmental laws, difficulty in securing adequate skilled labor, cost and availability of materials and equipment (including escalating costs for materials, labor and environmental compliance due to timing delays and other economic factors which may affect vendor access to capital), equipment failure, work accidents, fire or explosions, business interruptions, possible cost overruns, delay of in-service dates, and pollution and environmental damage;

(13)  
depending on their needs and analysis of the existing portfolio, whether the Utilities can procure and/or obtain sufficient renewable energy sources in each compliance year to satisfy the Portfolio Standard in the State of Nevada;

(14)  
the effect of existing or future Nevada, state or federal legislation or regulations affecting the electric industry,  including laws or regulations which could allow additional customers to choose new electricity suppliers, or use alternative sources of energy, or change the conditions under which they may do so;

(15)  
explosions, fires, accidents and mechanical breakdowns that may occur while operating and maintaining an electric and natural gas system in the Utilities’ service territory that can cause unplanned outages, reduce generating output, damage the Utilities’ assets or operations, subject the Utilities to third-party claims for property damage, personal injury or loss of life, or result in the imposition of civil, criminal, or regulatory fines or penalties on the Utilities;

(16)  
whether the Utilities will be able to continue to pay NVE dividends under the terms of their respective financing and credit agreements and limitations imposed by the Federal Power Act;

(17)  
employee workforce factors, including changes in and renewals of collective bargaining unit agreements, strikes or work stoppages, the ability to adjust the labor cost structure to changes in growth within our service territories;

(18)  
whether NVE's BOD will continue to declare NVE's common stock dividends based on the BOD’s periodic consideration of factors ordinarily affecting dividend policy, such as current and prospective financial condition, earnings and liquidity, prospective business conditions, regulatory factors, and restrictions in NVE's and the Utilities' agreements;

(19)  
whether, following the Great Basin Water Network, et al. v. Nevada State Engineer litigation, certain permitted water rights of the SNWA that are used to supply water to the Utilities’ power production plants and service territories could be re-opened, which could adversely impact the operations of those plants and future growth and customer usage patterns;

(20)  
further increases in the unfunded liability or changes in actuarial assumptions, the interest rate environment and the actual return on plan assets for our pension and other post retirement plans, which can affect future funding obligations, costs and pension and other post retirement plan liabilities;

(21)
the effect that any future terrorist attacks, wars, threats of war or pandemics may have on the tourism and gaming industries in Nevada, particularly in Las Vegas, as well as on the national economy in general; including the impact of acts of terrorism or vandalism that damage or disrupt information technology and systems owned by the Utilities, or third parties on which the Utilities rely;

(22)  
changes in tax or accounting matters or other laws and regulations to which NVE or the Utilities are subject;
 
(23)  
changes in the business of the Utilities’ major customers engaged in gold mining or gaming, including availability and cost of capital or power demands, which may result in changes in the demand for services of the Utilities, including the effect on the Nevada gaming industry of the opening of additional gaming establishments in California, other states and internationally; and
 
 

 
(24)  
unusual or unanticipated changes in normal business operations, including unusual maintenance or repairs.

Other factors and assumptions not identified above may also have been involved in deriving forward-looking statements, and the failure of those other assumptions to be realized, as well as other factors, may also cause actual results to differ materially from those projected.  NVE, NPC and SPPC assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements.

NOTE REGARDING RELIANCE ON STATEMENTS IN OUR CONTRACTS

In reviewing the agreements filed as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, please remember that they are filed to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about NVE, the Utilities or the other parties to the agreements.  The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement.  These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and:

should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties to the agreement if those statements prove to be inaccurate;
have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement;
may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to investors; and
were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments.

Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.

NOTE REGARDING STATISTICAL DATA

The statistical data used throughout this Form 10-Q, other than data relating specifically to NVE and its subsidiaries, are based upon independent industry publications, government publications, reports by market research firms or other published independent sources.   NVE and the Utilities did not commission any of these publications or reports.  These publications generally state that they have obtained information from sources believed to be reliable, but do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information.  While NVE and the Utilities believe that each of these studies and publications is reliable, NVE and the Utilities have not independently verified such data and make no representation as to the accuracy of such information.


EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations explains the general financial condition and the results of operations of NVE and its two primary subsidiaries, NPC and SPPC, collectively referred to as the “Utilities” (references to “we,” “us” and “our” refer to NVE and the Utilities collectively), and includes discussion of the following:

 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates:
   
 
Recent Pronouncements
     
 
For each of NVE, NPC and SPPC:
   
 
Results of Operations
   
 
Analysis of  Cash Flows
   
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

NVE’s Utilities operate three regulated business segments which are NPC electric, SPPC electric and SPPC natural gas.  The Utilities are public utilities engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and, in the case of SPPC, sale of natural gas.  Other operations consist mainly of unregulated operations and the holding company operations.  The Utilities are the principal operating subsidiaries of NVE and account for substantially all of NVE’s assets and revenues.  NVE, NPC and SPPC are separate filers for SEC reporting purposes and as such this discussion has been divided to reflect the individual filers (NVE, NPC and SPPC), except for discussions that relate to all three entities or the Utilities.

NVE recognized net income of $173.5 million and $188.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, compared to net income of $177.5 million and $212.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.   The decrease in net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same periods in 2010, is primarily due to the completion of the expansion at the Harry Allen Generating Station in May 2011 which resulted in a decrease in AFUDC, an increase in depreciation expense and other operating and maintenance costs which are not currently recovered in rates.  Further contributing to the decrease in net income is a decrease in gross margin, excluding EEPR revenues and a loss from other investments.  Effective July 1, 2011, included in operating revenues were EEPR revenues, for which costs related to the program  are included in other operating expenses and therefore have no effect on operating income or net income (see Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements, for further discussion of EEPR revenues).  Net income for the nine month period decreased further due to an adjustment for revenue recorded in 2010, as a result of the PUCN’s final decision on the EEIR rate and the gain on sale of Independence Lake recognized in 2010.  Partially offsetting these decreases in net income was a favorable settlement with a vendor on a long term service agreement for the Higgins Generating Station, which was accrued for in the third quarter 2010.  Further offsetting the decrease in net income was a decrease in interest expense and reduced operating expenses, excluding EEPR costs.
 
During the third quarter 2010, NPC terminated a long term service agreement for one of its generating stations.  The estimated termination payment was not material to the third quarter but would have been material to the fourth quarter of 2010. Therefore, management determined it more appropriate to revise third quarter 2010 for the estimated termination payment.  As disclosed in our 2010 Form 10-K, Note 18, Quarterly Financial Data, of the Notes to Financial Statements, operating income, net income and earnings per share were reduced by $8.0 million, $5.2 million (net of taxes)  and $0.02 per share (net of taxes), share respectively.
 
The Utilities are regulated by the PUCN.  The FERC has jurisdiction under the Federal Power Act with respect to wholesale rates, service, interconnection, accounting, and other matters in connection with the Utilities’ sale of electricity for resale and interstate transmission.  The FERC also has jurisdiction over the natural gas pipeline companies from which the Utilities take service.  As a result of regulation, many of the fundamental business decisions of the Utilities, as well as the ROR they are permitted to earn on their utility assets, are subject to the approval of governmental agencies.

The Utilities’ revenues and operating income are subject to fluctuations during the year due to impacts that seasonal weather, rate changes, and customer usage patterns have on demand for electric energy and resources.  NPC is a summer peaking utility experiencing its highest retail energy sales in response to the demand for air conditioning.  SPPC’s electric system peak typically occurs in the summer, while its gas business typically peaks in the winter.  The variations in energy usage are primarily due to varying weather, customer growth and other energy usage patterns, including DSM programs and energy efficiency and conservation measures, which necessitate a continual balancing of loads and resources and purchases and sales of energy under short and long-term contracts.  As a result, the prudent management and optimization of available resources has a direct effect on the operating and financial performance of the Utilities.  Additionally, the timely recovery of purchased power and fuel costs, and other costs, and the ability to earn a fair return on investments are essential to the operating and financial performance of the Utilities.
 
 
 

Future Challenges

NVE and the Utilities must balance the needs of our customers and regulatory requirements while still continuing to provide value to our shareholders. Challenges arising from the need to balance these elements include:
 
   Economic conditions in Nevada and its effect on various interrelated factors, which include:
 
customer growth;
  customer  usage;
 
pressure on regulators to limit necessary rate increases or otherwise lessen rate impacts upon customers;
 
load factors;
 
future capital projects and capital requirements;
 
managing operating and maintenance expenses within projected revenue without compromising safety, reliability and efficiency;
 
our liquidity and ability to access capital markets;
 
collections on accounts receivable; and
 
counterparty risk.
     
Meeting the Portfolio Standard, which requires that the Utilities obtain 15% of their energy from renewable resources in 2011 and 2012, increasing to 25% by 2025.
     
Future execution of our three part strategy described below, including the impact of economic conditions, rate impacts on customers and any future legislative or regulatory requirements.
     
Full and timely rate recovery of costs.

  Economic Conditions

In NPC’s service territory, which consists primarily of Las Vegas, key economic indicators, as outlined below, continue to show mixed activity:

Unemployment in Las Vegas was at 14.2% in August 2011, down from 15.5% a year ago; 
In southern Nevada, construction activity, another leading indicator, has experienced an increase in the number of commercial permits while residential permits have decreased in August 2011 compared to a year ago;
Construction employment has decreased 10.0% as of August  2011 compared to a year ago;
July 2011 taxable sales have increased 2.6%  from a year ago;
August 2011 gaming revenues have decreased 6.7% from a year ago;
August 2011 visitor volume increased 2.1% from a year ago; and
August 2011 hotel/motel occupancy rate in Las Vegas has increased approximately 2.1% from a year ago.
 
Gaming properties in southern Nevada are experiencing financial problems, including difficulties meeting debt payments, bankruptcies and delays or termination of construction projects which may further decrease the projected growth in rooms or offset any increases.
 
In SPPC’s service territory, which consists primarily of Washoe County, key economic indicators, as outlined below, continue to show mixed activity:

Unemployment in Washoe County was at 13.0% in August 2011, down from 13.9% a year ago; however, much of the decline is a result of workers exiting the labor force;
In Washoe County, residential permits have decreased, while commercial permits have increased in August 2011 compared to a year ago;
Construction employment increased 2.0% as of August 2011, compared to a year ago 2010;
July 2011 taxable sales increased 1.7% compared to a year ago; and
August 2011 gaming revenues decreased 9.5% compared to a year ago.
 
The Portfolio Standard

The Portfolio Standard as set forth by Nevada law requires a specific percentage of an electric service provider’s total retail energy sales be obtained from renewable resources.  Renewables include biomass, geothermal, solar, waterpower, wind and qualified recovered energy generation projects.  In 2011 and 2012, the Utilities are required to obtain an amount of PECs equivalent to 15% of their total retail energy from renewables.  Currently, the Portfolio Standard increases to 18% for 2013 and 2014 and reaches 20% in
 
 
 
41

 
2015 after which it increases to 22% for the years 2020 through 2024, and to 25% for 2025 and beyond.  Moreover, not less than 5% of the total Portfolio Standard must be met from solar resources until 2016 when a minimum of 6% must be solar.  The Portfolio Standard allows energy efficiency measures from qualified conservation programs to meet up to 25% of the Portfolio Standard.  The successful execution of the three part strategy, as discussed below, will be critical to our ability to meet the Portfolio Standard.
 
Three Part Strategy

The three part strategy which began in 2007 to manage resources against our load includes (1) encouraging energy efficiency and conservation programs, (2) the purchase and development of renewable energy projects, and (3) construction of generating facilities in an effort to reduce our reliance on purchased power and expansion of transmission capability.  The three part strategy continues to be the framework used to manage our resources against our load; however, the strategy has evolved as NVE has made progress on the goals included in the strategy.  This evolution includes (1) empower customers through more focused energy efficiency programs; (2) pursue cost-effective renewable energy  initiatives; (3) optimize generation efficiency; and (4) deliver lowest competitive price while maintaining and improving performance.

      Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programs

As stated above, the Portfolio Standard allows energy efficiency measures from qualified conservation programs to meet up to 25% of the Portfolio Standard.  Under this provision, a PEC is created for each kWh of energy conserved by qualified energy efficiency programs.  In addition, energy saved during peak demand hours earns double the PECs for each kWh of energy conserved.  After the DSM percentage allowance is fully utilized, NVE’s strategy is to assess economic conditions and potential rate impacts in pursuing the implementation of cost effective DSM programs needed to achieve future Portfolio Standard requirements.  As such, NVE remains committed to investing in such programs that qualify toward the Portfolio Standard, reduce our peak load, especially during peak periods, and are cost-effective.  NVE’s current 2011 budget includes approximately $67.5 million for energy efficiency and conservation programs.  Furthermore, the Utilities will continue with the implementation of NV Energize which will provide NVE with the Smart Grid infrastructure necessary to: (1) enable the achievement of metering and customer service operating savings; (2) enable the expansion of demand response and energy efficiency benefits; and (3) provide customers better information to help manage their energy usage.
    
       Purchase and Development of Renewable Energy Resources

 NVE continues to strive to balance the need to meet the Portfolio Standard, with the changes in load forecast and the uncertainty of renewable energy project development, either for financial or resource related reasons.  However, NVE remains committed to renewable energy and continues to seek cost effective opportunities that will benefit our state, customers and environment.  Depending on its needs and analysis of the existing portfolio, NVE may elect to issue requests for proposals for renewable energy contracts, explore opportunities to either jointly construct or pursue the development of projects using wind, geothermal and solar, or undertake additional short-term purchases.

       Construction of Generating and Transmission Facilities and Optimizing the Operation of Current Generation Assets

During the second quarter of 2011, NPC completed construction of the 500 MW (nominally rated) natural gas generating station at the existing Harry Allen Generating Station.

In February 2011, NVE and the Utilities achieved Financial Closing under a TUA with GBT-South, formerly entered into with GBT, to jointly construct and own ON Line, a 500 Kv transmission line.  Construction of ON Line began in April 2011 and completion is expected in late 2012.  Upon completion, the ON Line will connect NVE’s southern and northern service territories and, pending certain state and federal regulatory approvals, will provide the ability to jointly dispatch energy throughout the state and provide access to renewable energy resources in parts of northern and eastern Nevada, which will enhance NVE’s ability to meet its Portfolio Standard, discussed above, and lower costs to our customers.  In addition, NVE intends to file an application to merge the two Utilities with the PUCN by the end of 2011.

ON Line is Phase 1 of a Joint Project between the Utilities and GBT-South.  The Joint Project consists of two phases.  In Phase 1 of the Joint Project, the parties would complete construction of a 500 kV interconnection between the Robinson Summit substation on the SPPC system and the Harry Allen Generating Station on the NPC system by late 2012 (ON Line).  Under the Joint Project, the Utilities will own a 25% interest in Phase 1 and have entered into a TUA with GBT-South for its 75% interest in Phase 1. The Utilities 25% interest in Phase 1 of the Joint Project, which approximates $127 million, will be allocated 95% and 5% to NPC and SPPC, respectively.  The Utilities will have rights to 100% of the capacity of Phase 1, which is estimated to be approximately 600 MW.  If GBT elects to construct Phase 2, it would construct two additional transmission segments at either end of ON Line: one extending from Robinson Summit north to Midpoint, Idaho, and the other commencing at the Harry Allen Generating Station and interconnecting south to the Eldorado substation.  GBT would pay for and own 100% of Phase 2 facilities.  However, NPC and SPPC
 
 
 
42

 
would have rights to additional transmission capacity from Midpoint to Eldorado (for a total of approximately 760 MW based on a rating of 2,000 MW for the complete path).
 
In 2011, NVE anticipates it will have sufficient resources to meet its forecasted load requirements.  However, resource adequacy could be affected by a number of factors, including the unplanned retirement of aging generating stations, the timing of commercial operation of renewable energy projects and associated PPA’s, customer behavior with respect to DSM programs, and environmental regulations which may limit our ability to operate certain generating units.  With consideration to these unpredictable factors, the current portfolio of generating assets and power contracts provides the Utilities the ability to provide a reliable level of energy supply.  NVE’s management continuously optimizes the Utilities’ energy portfolio in order to meet load obligations in a cost effective and reliable manner.

 Full and Timely Rate Recovery of Costs

The Utilities are required to file rate cases every three years to adjust general rates in order to recover their cost of service and return on investment.  The frequency of these filings is designed to more closely align earned returns with those allowed by regulators.  In addition, the Utilities are required to file a triennial IRP which is a comprehensive plan that considers customer energy requirements and proposes the resources to meet that requirement.  Historically, resource additions approved by the PUCN in the resource planning process are deemed prudent for ratemaking purposes.  Between IRP filings, the Utilities may seek PUCN approval for modifications to their resource plans and for power purchases.  The Utilities remain focused on communicating with regulators the necessity of investments to better serve our customers, the prudency of the costs incurred, and the importance of a reasonable return on investment for our shareholders. 

NPC’s GRC was filed in June 2011, with new rates to become effective January 1, 2012.  A decision on the rate case is expected in late 2011.  One of the major elements in this GRC will be the inclusion in rate base of the new 500 MW (nominally rated) combined cycle natural gas generators at the site of the existing Harry Allen Generating Station, which was placed in service during the second quarter of 2011.    NPC’s investment in this facility (including AFUDC) as of September 30, 2011 was approximately $704 million. Management cannot predict future decisions on our rate cases, but believes the regulatory process, described above, coupled with prudent management provides a reasonable basis for the recovery of our investments.  An unfavorable ruling in NPC’s GRC with respect to its ability to recover its cost of service and return on investment could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation.

2011 Goals

Management cannot predict when economic recovery may occur in Nevada, but expects that the Nevada economy will continue to struggle for the next several years.  As such, our primary goals will focus on meeting the challenges discussed above by:

Continuing to monitor economic conditions in Nevada and adjusting our business decisions accordingly
Building a sustainable foundation for future requirements by:
 
Continuing to meet system deployment milestones in order to achieve NV Energize project completion by 2012
 
Continued investment in energy efficiency and conservation programs
 
Empower customers through more focused energy efficiency programs
 
Pursue cost effective renewable energy initiatives
 
Construction of ON Line
 
Optimizing generation efficiency
  Deliver lowest competitive price while maintaining and improving performance
Full and timely rate recovery of costs, in particular, NPC’s GRC filed in June 2011


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NV Energy, Inc. and Other Subsidiaries

NVE (Holding Company)

The operating results of NVE primarily reflect those of NPC and SPPC, discussed later.  The holding company’s (stand alone) operating results included approximately $25.1 million and $29 million of interest costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
 
 

 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, NPC had paid $65 million in dividends to NVE and SPPC had paid $114 million in dividends to NVE.
 
On October 28, 2011, NPC declared a dividend to NVE of $34 million.

Other Subsidiaries

Other subsidiaries of NVE, except for NPC and SPPC, did not contribute materially to the consolidated results of operations of NVE.

ANALYSIS OF CASH FLOWS

NVE’s cash flows decreased during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, due to a decrease in cash from operating and financing activities, offset partially by a reduction in cash used by investing activities.

Cash From Operating Activities. The decrease in cash from operating activities was primarily due to an overall decrease in rates resulting from quarterly BTER adjustments and negative DEAA rates implemented in October 2010 to refund prior period over collected balances to customers, as well as a reduction in revenues from California customers due to the sale of the California assets, as discussed in Note 10, Assets Held for Sale, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements.  Also contributing to this decrease was an increase in coal inventory for the Valmy Generating Station, increased incentive compensation payments for 2010 operating results, refund of customer deposits and an increase in conservation program costs and solar rebates.  These decreases were partially offset by an increase in cash resulting from NPC’s deferred rate increase beginning in October 2010, recovery of deferred conservation program costs and funding of retirement plans.

Cash Used By Investing Activities. The decrease in cash used by investing activities was primarily due to the decrease in general construction activity and activity related to the Harry Allen Generating Station which was placed in service in May 2011, and the receipt of proceeds from the sale of the California assets and the telecommunication towers, as discussed in Note 10, Assets Held for Sale, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements.  Further contributing to the decrease in cash used by investing activities was federal funding under the American Recovery Act of 2011, as part of the NV Energize project.

Cash Used By Financing Activities. Cash from financing activities decreased due to a reduction in draws on the Utilities’ revolving credit facilities, the redemption of NPC’s $350 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series A, which were partially paid by proceeds from the issuance of NPC’s $250 million 5.45% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series Y, and a draw on the credit facility.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (NVE CONSOLIDATED)

Overall Liquidity

NVE’s consolidated operating cash flows are primarily derived from the operations of NPC and SPPC.  The primary source of operating cash flows for the Utilities is revenues (including the recovery of previously deferred energy costs and natural gas costs) from sales of electricity and, in the case of SPPC, natural gas.  Significant uses of cash flows from operations include the purchase of electricity and natural gas, other operating expenses, capital expenditures and interest.  Operating cash flows can be significantly influenced by factors such as weather, regulatory outcomes, and economic conditions.  
 
 
Available Liquidity as of September 30, 2011 (in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NVE
 
NPC
 
SPPC
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
$
32.9
 
$
34.8
 
$
66.3
 
 
 
Balance available on Revolving Credit Facilities(1)
 
 
N/A
 
 
548.0
 
 
237.5
 
 
 
 
Less Reduction for Hedging Transactions(2)
 
 
N/A
 
 
(1.7)
 
 
(0.5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
32.9
 
$
581.1
 
$
303.3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
 
As of October 31, 2011, NPC and SPPC had approximately $577.4 million and $237.2 million available under their revolving credit facilities,
 
 
 
 
 which includes reductions in availability for hedging transactions and letters of credit, as discussed further under NPC's
 
 
 
 
and SPPC's Financing Transactions.
 
 
(2)
 
Reduction for hedging transactions reflects balances as of August 31, 2011.
 
 
 

 
NVE and the Utilities attempt to maintain their cash and cash equivalents in highly liquid investments, such as U.S. Treasury Bills and bank deposits.  In addition to cash on hand, the Utilities may use their revolving credit facilities in order to meet their liquidity needs.  Alternatively, depending on the usage of their revolving credit facilities, the Utilities may issue debt, subject to certain restrictions as discussed in Factors Affecting Liquidity, Ability to Issue Debt, below.

NVE and the Utilities have no significant debt maturities remaining in 2011; however, NPC’s $130 million 6.50% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series I, will mature on April 15, 2012.  In addition, NPC is required to redeem approximately $98.1 million of its variable rate debt, due 2020, prior to ON Line’s commercial operation date, expected in late 2012.

NVE and the Utilities anticipate that they will be able to meet short-term operating costs, such as fuel and purchased power costs, with internally generated funds and the use of their revolving credit facilities.    Furthermore, in order to fund long-term capital requirements and maturing debt obligations, NVE and the Utilities will use a combination of internally generated funds, the Utilities’ revolving credit facilities, the issuance of long-term debt and/or equity and, in the case of the Utilities, capital contributions from NVE.  However, if energy costs rise at a rapid rate and the Utilities do not recover the cost of fuel, purchased power and operating costs in a timely manner or the Utilities were to experience a credit rating downgrade resulting in the posting of collateral as discussed below under Gas Supplier Matters and Financial Gas Hedges, the amount of liquidity available to the Utilities could be significantly less.  In order to maintain sufficient liquidity, NVE and the Utilities may be required to delay capital expenditures (discussed in the 2010 Form 10-K), re-finance debt or issue equity at NVE.

The ability to issue debt, as discussed later, is subject to certain covenant calculations which include net income of NVE and the Utilities.  As a result of these covenant calculations and the seasonality of the Utilities’ business, the ability to issue debt can vary from quarter to quarter and the Utilities’ utilization of their revolving credit facilities may be limited.  Additionally, disruptions in the banking and capital markets not specifically related to NVE or the Utilities may affect their ability to access funding sources or cause an increase in the interest rates paid on newly issued debt.

As of October 31, 2011, NVE has approximately $10.8 million payable of debt service obligations remaining for 2011, not including the redemption of the 6.75% Senior Notes discussed below, which it intends to pay through dividends from subsidiaries.  (See Factors Affecting Liquidity-Dividends from Subsidiaries, below).  On January 4, 2011, NVE contributed $54 million in capital to NPC.  As of September 30, 2011, NPC and SPPC have paid  $65 million and $114 million, respectively, to NVE.  On October 28, 2011, NPC declared a dividend payable to NVE of $34 million.

NVE develops operating and capital budgets to control operating costs and capital expenditures.  In addition to operating expenses, NVE has continuing commitments for capital expenditures for construction, improvement and maintenance of facilities.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, there were no material changes to contractual obligations as set forth in NVE’s 2010 Form 10-K.  However, as discussed below, on October 7, 2011, NVE entered into a Term Loan.  See NPC's and SPPC's respective sections for changes in their contractual obligations.  

Financing Transactions

$195 Million Term Loan Agreement

On October 7, 2011, NVE entered into a $195 million 3-year loan agreement (Term Loan).  The Term Loan is an unsecured, single-draw loan that is due on October 7, 2014.  The borrowing under the Term Loan will bear interest at the LIBOR rate plus a margin. The current LIBOR rate margin is 2.00%.   The margin varies based upon NVE’s long-term unsecured debt credit rating by S&P and Moody’s.  However, NVE entered into a floating-for-fixed interest rate swap agreement to lock in an effective interest rate of 2.81% for the length of the Term Loan.

The Term Loan contains conditions of borrowing, events of default, and affirmative and negative covenants. The Term Loan includes (i) a financial covenant to maintain a ratio of total consolidated indebtedness to total consolidated capitalization, determined on the last day of each fiscal quarter ending on and after September 30, 2011, not to exceed 0.70 to 1.00 and (ii) a fixed charge covenant that requires NVE not to permit the fixed charge coverage ratio, determined on the last day of each fiscal quarter ending on and after September 30, 2011, to be less than 1.50 to 1.00.

Redemption of 6.75% Senior Notes

On October 7, 2011, NVE provided notice of the redemption of all of its $191.5 million 6.75% Senior Notes due 2017 (the "Senior Notes").  On November 7, 2011, NVE expects to use the proceeds of the Term Loan, plus cash on hand, to redeem the Senior Notes.  The Senior Notes will be redeemed at 102.25% of the stated principal amount plus accrued interest to the date of redemption.   
 
 
 
45

 
Upon redemption, NVE and the Utilities will no longer be subject to the covenants contained in the Senior Notes, which were more restrictive than the covenants described above for the Term Loan.
 
Factors Affecting Liquidity

   Ability to Issue Debt

Certain debt of NVE (holding company) places restrictions on debt incurrence, liens and dividends, unless, at the time the debt is incurred, the ratio of cash flow to fixed charges for NVE’s (consolidated) most recently ended four quarter period on a pro forma basis is at least 2 to 1.  Under this covenant restriction, as of September 30, 2011, NVE (consolidated) would be allowed to incur up to $2.1 billion of additional indebtedness, assuming an interest rate of 7%.  However, upon the redemption of NVE’s Senior Notes (see Note 4, Long-Term Debt, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements), NPC would be subject to the financial covenants contained in NVE’s new Term Loan.  Under the new covenants, NVE (consolidated) would be allowed to incur up to $2.9 billion of additional indebtedness.

   Effect of Holding Company Structure

As of September 30, 2011, NVE (on a stand-alone basis) had outstanding debt and other obligations including, but not limited to: $191.5 million of its unsecured 6.75% Senior Notes due 2017, which NVE intends to redeem as of November 7, 2011; and $315 million of its unsecured 6.25% Senior Notes due 2020.  In addition, as discussed above, on October 7, 2011, NVE entered into a Term Loan for $195 million.

Due to the holding company structure, NVE’s right as a common shareholder to receive assets of any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries upon a subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization is junior to the claims against the assets of such subsidiary by its creditors.  Therefore, NVE’s debt obligations are effectively subordinated to all existing and future claims of the creditors of NPC and SPPC and its other subsidiaries, including trade creditors, debt holders, secured creditors, taxing authorities and guarantee holders.

As of September 30, 2011, NVE, NPC, SPPC and their subsidiaries had approximately $5.2 billion of debt and other obligations outstanding, consisting of approximately $3.5 billion of debt at NPC, approximately $1.2 billion of debt at SPPC and approximately $507 million of debt at the holding company and other subsidiaries.  Although NVE and the Utilities are parties to agreements that limit the amount of additional indebtedness they may incur, NVE and the Utilities retain the ability to incur substantial additional indebtedness and other liabilities.

Certain NVE debt agreements contain covenants that limit the amount of restricted payments, including dividends that may be made by NVE.  However, because permitted payments under these covenant calculations exceed retained earnings, NVE’s retained earnings were effectively free from any dividend restrictions as of September 30, 2011.

   Dividends from Subsidiaries

Since NVE is a holding company, substantially all of its cash flow is provided by dividends paid to NVE by NPC and SPPC on their common stock, all of which is owned by NVE.  Since NPC and SPPC are public utilities, they are subject to regulation by state utility commissions, which impose limits on investment returns or otherwise impact the amount of dividends that the Utilities may declare and pay.

 In addition, certain agreements entered into by the Utilities set restrictions on the amount of dividends they may declare and pay and restrict the circumstances under which such dividends may be declared and paid.  As a result of the Utilities’ credit rating on their senior secured debt being rated investment grade by S&P and Moody’s, these restrictions are suspended and no longer in effect so long as such debt remains investment grade by both rating agencies.  In addition to the restrictions imposed by specific agreements, the Federal Power Act prohibits the payment of dividends from “capital accounts.”  Although the meaning of this provision is unclear, the Utilities believe that the Federal Power Act restriction, as applied to their particular circumstances, would not be construed or applied by the FERC to prohibit the payment of dividends for lawful and legitimate business purposes from current year earnings, or in the absence of current year earnings, from other/additional paid-in capital accounts.  If, however, the FERC were to interpret this provision differently, the ability of the Utilities to pay dividends to NVE could be jeopardized.

   Credit Ratings

The liquidity of NVE and the Utilities, the cost and availability of borrowing by the Utilities under their respective credit facilities, the potential exposure of the Utilities to collateral calls under various contracts and the ability of the Utilities to acquire fuel and purchased power on favorable terms are all directly affected by the credit ratings for the companies’ debt.  NPC’s and SPPC’s senior secured debt is rated investment grade by three NRSRO’s: Fitch, Moody’s and S&P.   On March 11, 2011, S&P upgraded
 
 
 
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NVE’s senior unsecured debt to BB+.  On May 10, 2011, Moody’s upgraded NVE’s senior unsecured debt to Ba2.  As of September 30, 2011, the ratings are as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rating Agency
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fitch(1)
 
Moody’s(2)
 
S&P(3)
 
 
NVE
 
Sr. Unsecured Debt
 
     BB
 
      Ba2
 
     BB+
 
 
NPC
 
Sr. Secured Debt
 
     BBB*
 
      Baa2*
 
     BBB*
 
 
SPPC
 
Sr. Secured Debt
 
     BBB*
 
      Baa2*
 
     BBB*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
Investment grade
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Fitch’s lowest level of “investment grade” credit rating is BBB-.
 
 
(2)
Moody’s lowest level of “investment grade” credit rating is Baa3.
 
 
(3)
S&P’s lowest level of “investment grade” credit rating is BBB-.
 

Fitch’s, Moody’s and S&P’s rating outlook for NVE, NPC and SPPC is Stable.  

            A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities.  Security ratings are subject to revision and withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization.  Each security rating agency has its own methodology for assigning ratings, and, accordingly, each rating should be evaluated in the context of the applicable methodology, independently of all other ratings.  The rating agencies provide ratings at the request of the company being rated and charge the company fees for their services.

   Energy Supplier Matters

With respect to NPC’s and SPPC’s contracts for purchased power, NPC and SPPC purchase and sell electricity with counterparties under the WSPP agreement, an industry standard contract that NPC and SPPC use as members of the WSPP.  The WSPP contract is posted on the WSPP website.
  
Under these contracts, a material adverse change, which includes a credit rating downgrade of NPC and SPPC, may allow the counterparty to request adequate financial assurance, which, if not provided within three business days, could cause a default.  Most contracts and confirmations for purchased power have been modified or separate agreements have been made to either shorten the normal payment due date or require payment in advance of delivery in response to requests for financial assurance.  A default must be declared within 30 days of the event, giving rise to the default becoming known.  A default will result in a termination payment equal to the present value of the net gains and losses for the entire remaining term of all contracts between the parties aggregated to a single liquidated amount due within three business days following the date the notice of termination is received.  The mark-to-market value, which is substantially based on quoted market prices, can be used to roughly approximate the termination payment and benefit at any point in time.  The net mark-to-market value as of September 30, 2011 for all suppliers continuing to provide power under a WSPP agreement would approximate a $53.3 million payment or obligation to NPC.  No amounts would be due to or from SPPC.  These contracts qualify for the normal purchases scope exception under the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the FASC, and as such, are not required to be marked-to-market on the balance sheet.  Refer to Note 6, Derivatives and Hedging Activities, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements, for further discussion. 

   Gas Supplier Matters

With respect to the purchase and sale of natural gas, NPC and SPPC use several types of standard industry contracts.  The natural gas contract terms and conditions are more varied than the electric contracts.  Consequently, some of the contracts contain language similar to that found in the WSPP agreement and other agreements have unique provisions dealing with material adverse changes, which primarily means a credit rating downgrade below investment grade.  Most contracts and confirmations for natural gas purchases have been modified or separate agreements have been made to either shorten the normal payment due date or require payment in advance of delivery in response to requests for financial assurances.  Forward physical gas supplies are purchased under index based pricing terms and as such do not carry forward mark-to-market exposure.   

Gas transmission service is secured under FERC Tariffs or custom agreements.  These service contracts and Tariffs require the user to establish and maintain creditworthiness to obtain service or otherwise post cash or a letter of credit to be able to receive service.  Service contracts are subject to FERC approved tariffs, which, under certain circumstances, require the Utilities to provide collateral to continue receiving service.  NPC has a transmission counterparty for which it is required to post cash collateral or a letter of credit in the event of credit rating downgrades.  NPC recently executed contracts for additional gas transportation capacity with this counterparty.  The maximum amount of additional collateral NPC would be required to post in the event NPC’s senior unsecured debt falls below BB (S&P) or Ba3(Moody’s) is $19.5 million.  The maximum amount of additional collateral NPC would be required to post in the event NPC’s senior secured debt is downgraded by both Moody’s and S&P below investment grade is $45.2 million.
 
 

 
   Financial Gas Hedges

The Utilities enter into certain hedging contracts with various counterparties to manage the gas price risk inherent in purchased power and fuel contracts.  As discussed under NPC’s and SPPC’s Financing Transactions, the Utilities shall reduce their availability under the Utilities’ revolving credit facilities for net negative mark-to-market positions on hedging contracts with counterparties who are lenders under the revolving credit facilities provided that the reduction of availability under the revolving credit facilities shall at no time exceed 50% of the total commitments then in effect under the credit facilities.  The calculation of NPC’s and SPPC’s negative mark-to-market exposure as of August 31, 2011 was approximately $1.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively, which amount was in effect for borrowings during the month of September 2011. Currently, the Utilities only have hedging transactions with counterparties who are also lenders on the revolving credit facilities; however, future transactions executed with non-lenders may require the Utilities to post cash collateral in the event of a credit rating downgrade.  Finally, in October 2009, the Utilities suspended their hedging program, and as such, expect their exposure to negative mark-to-market hedging transactions to continue to decline.

Cross Default Provisions

None of the Utilities’ financing agreements contains a cross-default provision that would result in an event of default by that Utility upon an event of default by NVE or the other Utility under any of their respective financing agreements.  Certain of NVE’s financing agreements, however, do contain cross-default provisions that would result in an event of default by NVE upon an event of default by the Utilities under their respective financing agreements.  In addition, certain financing agreements of each of NVE and the Utilities provide for an event of default if there is a failure under other financing agreements of that entity to meet payment terms or to observe other covenants that would result in an acceleration of payments due.  Most of these default provisions (other than ones relating to a failure to pay other indebtedness) provide for a cure period of 30-60 days from the occurrence of a specified event, during which time NVE or the Utilities may rectify or correct the situation before it becomes an event of default.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NPC recognized net income of approximately $154.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to net income of approximately $158.9 million for the same period in 2010.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, NPC recognized net income of approximately $161.7 million compared to a net income of approximately $176.4 million for the same period in 2010.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, NPC paid $65 million in dividends to NVE, and on October 28, 2011, NPC declared a dividend to NVE of approximately $34 million.

Gross margin is presented by NPC in order to provide information that management believes aids the reader in determining how profitable the electric business is at the most fundamental level.  Gross margin, which is a “non-GAAP financial measure” as defined in accordance with SEC rules, provides a measure of income available to support the other operating expenses of the business and is a key factor utilized by management in its analysis of its business.

NPC believes presenting gross margin allows the reader to assess the impact of NPC’s regulatory treatment and its overall regulatory environment on a consistent basis.  Gross margin, as a percentage of revenue, is primarily impacted by the fluctuations in electric and natural gas supply costs versus the fixed rates collected from customers.  While these fluctuating costs impact gross margin as a percentage of revenue, they only impact gross margin amounts if the costs cannot be passed through to customers.  Gross margin, which NPC calculates as operating revenues less energy costs, provides a measure of income available to support the other operating expenses of NPC.  For reconciliation to operating income, see Note 2, Segment Information, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements.  Gross margin changes are primarily due to general base rate adjustments (which are required by statute to be filed every three years).
 
 
 
 
The components of gross margin were (dollars in thousands):

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
Change from
   
 
   
 
   
Change from
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
Prior Year %
   
2011
   
2010
   
Prior Year %
 
Operating Revenues:
  $ 798,914     $ 870,950       (8.3 )%   $ 1,662,880     $ 1,836,144       (9.4 )%
 
                                               
 
                                               
Energy Costs:
                                               
Fuel for power generation
    162,976       181,100       (10.0 )%     378,790       469,282       (19.3 )%
Purchased power
    181,733       216,309       (16.0 )%     399,707       412,276       (3.0 )%
Deferred energy
    (10,354 )     22,296       (146.4 )%     (1,274 )     81,719       (101.6 )%
 
  $ 334,355     $ 419,705       (20.3 )%   $ 777,223     $ 963,277       (19.3 )%
 
                                               
 
                                               
Gross Margin
  $ 464,559     $ 451,245       3.0 %   $ 885,657     $ 872,867       1.5 %

Gross margin increased for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to the implementation of the EEPR revenue, which became effective July 1, 2011 and a slight increase in customer growth for residential and commercial classes. However, costs related to EEPR are recorded in other operating expense, therefore, EEPR revenue does not have an effect on operating income or net income (see Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements).   Partially offsetting this increase was decreased usage among retail customers primarily due to milder weather.

Gross margin increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to the implementation of the EEIR and EEPR rates, which became effective August 1, 2010 and July 1, 2011 respectively and a slight increase in customer growth for residential and commercial classes.  However, as stated above, EEPR revenue does not have an effect on operating income or net income as costs associated with the rate are recorded in other operating expense (see Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements).  Further contributing to the increase in gross margin is a small increase in industrial usage.  Partially offsetting this increase was decreased usage among residential and commercial classes primarily due to milder weather.

The causes for significant changes in specific lines comprising the results of operations for NPC for the respective periods are provided below (dollars in thousands except for amounts per unit):

Electric Operating Revenue
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
Change from
   
 
   
 
   
Change from
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
Prior Year %
   
2011
   
2010
   
Prior Year %
 
Residential
  $ 426,827     $ 459,483       (7.1 )%   $ 824,378     $ 897,417       (8.1 )%
Commercial
    118,599       131,805       (10.0 )%     304,911       339,327       (10.1 )%
Industrial
    236,452       261,534       (9.6 )%     485,347       548,901       (11.6 )%
    Retail  revenues
    781,878       852,822       (8.3 )%     1,614,636       1,785,645       (9.6 )%
Other
    17,036       18,128       (6.0 )%     48,244       50,499       (4.5 )%
   Total Operating Revenues
  $ 798,914     $ 870,950       (8.3 )%   $ 1,662,880     $ 1,836,144       (9.4 )%
 
                                               
Retail sales in thousands of MWhs
    7,100       7,208       (1.5 )%     16,121       16,255       (0.8 )%
 
                                               
Average retail revenue per MWh
  $ 110.12     $ 118.32       (6.9 )%   $ 100.16     $ 109.85       (8.8 )%

NPC’s retail revenues decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to the same period in 2010 primarily due to decreased energy rates from NPC’s various BTER quarterly updates and the annual deferred energy case effective October 1, 2010 (See Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Condensed Notes to the Financial Statements and in the 2010 Form 10-K). Residential retail revenues decreased further due to decreases in customer usage resulting from milder temperatures during the summer months of 2011. These decreases were partially offset by EEPR revenue, effective July 1, 2011 (See Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Condensed Notes to the Financial Statements).  However, as noted in the discussion of Gross Margin, costs related to EEPR revenues are recorded in other operating expense, therefore, have no effect on operating income or net income.  For the three months ended September 30, 2011, the average number of residential and commercial customers increased by 1.1% and 0.7%, respectively, while industrial customers decreased by 2.9%.

NPC retail revenues decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010 primarily due to the reasons discussed above and the expiration of the Western Energy Crisis Amortization rate on May 1, 2010. The
 
 
 
49

 
decrease was partially offset by EEPR revenue effective July 1, 2011, as discussed above, and by EEIR revenue, effective August 1, 2010 (See Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Condensed Notes to the Financial Statements and in the 2010 Form 10-K).  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the average number of residential and commercial customers increased by 1.1% and 0.5%, respectively, while industrial customers decreased by 1.7%.

Electric Operating Revenues – Other decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 primarily due to decreased revenue from Public Street and Highway Lighting, resulting from lower energy rates.

Energy Costs

Energy Costs include fuel for generation and purchased power.  Energy costs are dependent upon several factors which may vary by season or period.  As a result, NPC’s usage and average cost per MWh of fuel for generation versus purchased power to meet demand can vary significantly.  Factors that may affect energy costs include, but are not limited to:

 
Weather
 
Generation efficiency
 
Plant outages
 
Total system demand
 
Resource constraints
 
Transmission constraints
 
Natural gas constraints
 
Long-term contracts
 
Mandated power purchases; and
 
Volatility of commodity prices

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
   
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
   
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
Energy Costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel for power generation
  $ 162,976   $ 181,100     (10.0 )%   $ 378,790   $ 469,282     (19.3 )%
Purchased power
    181,733     216,309     (16.0 )%     399,707     412,276     (3.0 )%
Energy Costs
  $ 344,709   $ 397,409     (13.3 )%   $ 778,497   $ 881,558     (11.7 )%
 
                                       
MWhs
                                       
   MWhs Generated (in thousands)
    4,879     4,738     3.0 %     11,138     11,868     (6.2 )%
   Purchased Power (in thousands)
    2,520     2,804     (10.1 )%     5,821     5,211     11.7 %
Total MWhs
    7,399     7,542     (1.9 )%     16,959     17,079     (0.7 )%
 
                                       
Average cost per MWh
                                       
   Average fuel cost per MWh of Generated Power
  $ 33.40   $ 38.22     (12.6 )%   $ 34.01   $ 39.54     (14.0 )%
   Average cost per MWh of Purchased Power
  $ 72.12   $ 77.14     (6.5 )%   $ 68.67   $ 79.12     (13.2 )%
   Average total cost per MWh
  $ 46.59   $ 52.69     (11.6 )%   $ 45.90   $ 51.62     (11.1 )%

Energy Costs decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 primarily due to a decrease in hedging costs. Volume decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2011 primarily due to the milder weather. The average cost per MWh for energy costs decreased primarily due to decreased hedging costs.

Fuel for power generation costs decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 primarily due to a decrease in hedging costs. Volume increased for the three months ended September 30, 2011 primarily due to increased internal generation. Volume decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 primarily due to outages within the generation fleet earlier in the year.  The average price per MWh decreased for the three and nine months primarily due to a decrease in hedging costs and a decrease in market prices.
   
Purchased power costs decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 primarily due to a decrease in hedging costs related to tolling and a decrease in market prices. For the three and the nine months ended September 30, 2011 the average cost per MWh decreased primarily due to lower hedging costs related to tolling. Volume for the three months ended September 30, 2011 decreased primarily due to increased internal generation as the result of completion of the expansion at the Harry Allen Generating Station in May 2011. Volume for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 increased primarily due to planned outages within the generation fleet earlier in the year.
 
 

 
Deferred Energy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred energy
$
(10,354)
 
$
22,296
 
(146.4)%
 
$
(1,274)
 
$
81,719
 
(101.6)%

Deferred energy represents the difference between actual fuel and purchased power costs incurred during the period and amounts recoverable through current rates.  To the extent actual costs exceed amounts recoverable through current rates, the excess is recognized as a reduction in costs.  Conversely, to the extent actual costs are less than amounts recoverable through current rates, the difference is recognized as an increase in costs.  Deferred energy also includes the current amortization of fuel and purchased power costs previously deferred.  Reference Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements for further detail of deferred energy balances.

Amounts for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 include amortization of deferred energy of $(28) million and $5.4 million, respectively; and an over-collection of amounts recoverable in rates of $17.7 million and $16.9 million, respectively.  Amounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 include amortization of deferred energy of $(67) million and $20.7 million, respectively; and an over-collection of amounts recoverable in rates of $65.7 million and $61 million, respectively.

Other Operating Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other operating expenses
$
88,455
 
$
73,762
 
19.9%
 
$
215,491
 
$
203,773
 
5.8%
Maintenance
$
3,460
 
$
23,707
 
(85.4)%
 
$
45,122
 
$
58,945
 
(23.5)%
Depreciation and amortization
$
67,212
 
$
56,575
 
18.8%
 
$
186,798
 
$
169,330
 
10.3%

Other operating expense increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to an increase in energy efficiency program costs and stock compensation costs.  However, as noted above in Gross Margin, energy efficiency program costs are recovered through EEPR and therefore, have no effect on operating income or net income (see Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements).  The increase in other operating expense was partially offset by higher capitalization of administrative general costs for the Harry Allen Generating Station and lower overall generating expense, consulting fees and employee pension and benefit costs.

Maintenance expense decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to the accrual in 2010 for estimated payments for the termination of long term service agreements for the Higgins and Lenzie Generating Stations, which, in the case of the Higgins Generating Station, was reversed in the third quarter of 2011 upon final calculation of the termination amount.  Also contributing to the decrease in maintenance expense was planned maintenance outages that occurred in 2010 at the Higgins Generating Station. This decrease was partially offset by planned maintenance outages that occurred at the Reid Gardner Generating Station.

Depreciation and amortization increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to general increases in plant-in-service balances, including the addition of Harry Allen Combined Cycle Plant, EWAM, and transmission and distribution infrastructure.

Interest Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
Interest expense (net of AFUDC-debt: $842,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$5,787, $8,962 and $15,763)
$
55,267
 
$
54,144
 
2.1%
 
$
163,036
 
$
161,496
 
1.0%

Interest expense increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 primarily due to a decrease in AFUDC due to the completion of various construction projects, including the expansion at the Harry Allen Generating Station and EWAM projects.  Also contributing to the increase was the issuance of $250 million, Series X, General and Refunding Mortgage Notes in September 2010 and the issuance of $250 million, Series Y, General and Refunding Mortgage
 
 
 
51

 
Notes in May 2011.  Partially offsetting the increase was a decrease in interest expense due to the redemption of the $350 million Series A General and Refunding Mortgage Notes in June 2011, partial redemptions of Series 1995 A, B, C, and D tax exempt bonds in October 2010 and lower credit facility balances in 2011.

Other Income (Expense)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense on regulatory items
$
(2,478)
 
$
(1,157)
 
114.2%
 
$
(5,911)
 
$
(1,965)
 
200.8%
AFUDC-equity
$
1,026
 
$
6,795
 
(84.9)%
 
$
10,979
 
$
18,555
 
(40.8)%
Other income
$
2,990
 
$
3,842
 
(22.2)%
 
$
9,298
 
$
9,084
 
2.4%
Other expense
$
(7,324)
 
$
(3,034)
 
141.4%
 
$
(15,235)
 
$
(9,338)
 
63.2%

The change in interest expense on regulatory items for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, is primarily due to higher over-collected deferred energy balances in 2011.  See Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements for further details of deferred energy balances.

AFUDC-equity decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to the completion of various construction projects, including the expansion at the Harry Allen Generation Station and EWAM projects.

Other income for the three months ended September 30, 2011, decreased over the same period in 2010 primarily due to lower gains on investments, partially offset by higher carrying charges for energy conservation programs.

Other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, increased over the same period in 2010 primarily due to higher carrying charges for energy conservation programs, partially offset by lower gains on investments.

Other expense for the three months ended September 30, 2011, increased over the same period in 2010, primarily due to losses on investments, and higher adjustments for a deferred energy settlement in 2011.

Other expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, increased over the same period in 2010, primarily due to the disallowance for EEIR, an adjustment for a deferred energy settlement, losses on investments, and higher donations, partially offset by adjustments made in 2010 for excess power purchases and a deferred energy settlement.

ANALYSIS OF CASH FLOWS

NPC’s cash flows decreased during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, due to a decrease in cash from operating and financing activities, offset partially by a reduction in cash used by investing activities.

Cash From Operating Activities. The decrease in cash from operating activities was primarily due to an overall decrease in rates resulting from quarterly BTER adjustments and negative DEAA rates implemented in October 2010 to refund prior period over collected balances to customers, increased incentive compensation payments for 2010 operating results, refunds of customer deposits and an increase in conservation programs and solar rebates.  These decreases were partially offset by an increase in cash resulting from NPC’s deferred rate increase beginning in October 2010, the recovery of deferred conservation program costs and retirement plan funding.

Cash Used By Investing Activities. The decrease in cash used by investing activities was primarily due to the decrease in construction activity related to the Harry Allen Generating Station which was placed in service in May 2011, proceeds from the sale of the telecommunication towers and federal funding under the American Recovery Act of 2011 as part of the NV Energize project.

Cash From Financing Activities. Cash from financing activities decreased primarily due to a reduction in draws on NPC’s revolving credit facility, the redemption of NPC’s $350 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25%, Series A, General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, which were partially paid by proceeds from the issuance of NPC’s $250 million 5.45%, Series Y, General and Refunding Mortgage Notes.  Also contributing to the decrease was the payment of dividends to NVE and a settlement payment for the interest rate swap agreement as discussed in Note 4, Long-Term Debt, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements.  The decrease was partially offset by a capital contribution from NVE.
 
 

 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Overall Liquidity

NPC’s primary source of operating cash flows is electric revenues, including the recovery of previously deferred energy costs.  Significant uses of cash flows from operations include the purchase of electricity and natural gas, other operating expenses, capital expenditures and the payment of interest on NPC’s outstanding indebtedness.  Operating cash flows can be significantly influenced by factors such as weather, regulatory outcome, and economic conditions.  
 
 
Available Liquidity as of September 30, 2011 (in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NPC
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
$
34.8
 
 
 
 
Balance available on Revolving Credit Facility(1)
 
 
 
548.0
 
 
 
 
 
Less Reduction for Hedging Transactions(2)
 
 
 
(1.7)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
581.1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
As of October 31, 2011, NPC had approximately $577.4 million available under its revolving credit facility which includes
 
 
 
 
 
reductions for hedging transactions and letters of credits, as discussed below under Financing Transactions.
 
 
 
(2)
Reduction for hedging transactions reflects balances as of August 31, 2011.
 
 

NPC attempts to maintain its cash and cash equivalents in highly liquid investments, such as U.S. Treasury Bills and bank deposits.  In addition to cash on hand, NPC may use its revolving credit facility in order to meet its liquidity needs.  Alternatively, depending on the usage of the revolving credit facility, NPC may issue debt, subject to certain restrictions as discussed in Factors Affecting Liquidity, Ability to Issue Debt, below.

NPC has no significant debt maturities remaining in 2011; however, NPC’s $130 million 6.50% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series I, will mature on April 15, 2012.  In addition, NPC is required to redeem approximately $98.1 million of its variable rate debt, due 2020, prior to ON Line’s commercial operation date, expected in late 2012.  As of October 31, 2011, NPC has no borrowings on its revolving credit facility, not including letters of credit.

NPC anticipates that it will be able to meet short-term operating costs, such as fuel and purchased power costs, with internally generated funds and the use of its revolving credit facility.  Furthermore, in order to fund long-term capital requirements and maturing debt obligations, NPC will use a combination of internally generated funds, its revolving credit facility, the issuance of long-term debt and/or capital contributions from NVE.  However, if energy costs rise at a rapid rate and NPC does not recover the cost of fuel and purchased power in a timely manner, if operating costs are not recovered in a timely manner or NPC were to experience a credit rating downgrade resulting in the posting of collateral as discussed below under Gas Supplier Matters and Financial Gas Hedges, the amount of liquidity available to NPC could be significantly less.  In order to maintain sufficient liquidity, NPC may be required to further delay capital expenditures (discussed in the 2010 Form 10-K), re-finance debt or obtain funding through an equity or debt issuance by NVE.

The ability to issue debt, as discussed later, is subject to certain covenant calculations which include consolidated net income of NVE and the Utilities.  As a result of these covenant calculations and the seasonality of the Utilities’ business, the ability to issue debt can vary from quarter to quarter, and the Utilities may not be able to fully utilize the availability on their revolving credit facilities.  Additionally, disruptions in the banking and capital markets not specifically related to NPC may affect its ability to access funding sources or cause an increase in the interest rates paid on newly issued debt.

On January 4, 2011, NPC received a capital contribution of approximately $54 million from NVE.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, NPC paid dividends to NVE of $65 million. On October 28, 2011, NPC declared a dividend to NVE of $34 million.

NPC develops operating and capital budgets to control operating costs and capital expenditures.  In addition to operating expenses, NPC has continuing commitments for capital expenditures for construction, improvement and maintenance of facilities.
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, there were no material changes to contractual obligations as set forth in NPC’s 2010 Form 10-K, except for the issuance of its 5.45% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series Y, discussed below.
 
 

 
Financing Transactions

   5.45% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series Y

On May 12, 2011, NPC issued and sold $250 million of its 5.45% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series Y, due May 15, 2041.  The approximately $248 million in net proceeds, plus a portion of the proceeds from a draw on NPC’s revolving credit facility, were utilized to pay at maturity NPC’s $350 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25%  General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series A, which matured on June 1, 2011.   In conjunction with this debt issuance, NPC entered into an interest rate swap hedging agreement with a notional principal amount of $250 million and a mandatory termination date of June 1, 2011.  The interest rate swap agreement was entered into to effectively lock the interest rate of the U.S. Treasury component of the prospective General and Refunding Note issuance.  The swap transaction was settled on May 9, 2011, when NPC launched and priced the Series Y Notes, resulting in a settlement payment amount of $14.9 million, which was recorded as a regulatory asset and will be amortized over the 30 year life of the Series Y Notes in accordance with past accounting precedent for the Utilities.

Factors Affecting Liquidity

   Ability to Issue Debt

NPC’s ability to issue debt is impacted by certain factors such as financing authority from the PUCN, financial covenants in its financing agreements and its revolving credit facility agreement, and the terms of certain NVE debt.  As of September 30, 2011, the most restrictive of the factors below is the PUCN authority.  As such, NPC may issue up to $725 million in long-term debt, in addition to the use of its existing credit facility.  However, depending on NVE’s or SPPC’s issuance of long-term debt or the use of the Utilities’ revolving credit facilities, the PUCN authority may not remain the most restrictive factor.  The factors affecting NPC’s ability to issue debt are further detailed below:

a.
Financing authority from the PUCN - As of September 30, 2011, NPC has financing authority from the PUCN for the period ending December 31, 2013, consisting of authority (1) to issue additional long-term debt securities of up to $725 million; (2) to refinance up to approximately $322.5 million of long-term debt securities; and (3) ongoing authority to maintain a revolving credit facility of up to $1.3 billion;
   
b.
Financial covenants within NPC’s financing agreements – Under its $600 million revolving credit facility, NPC must maintain a ratio of consolidated indebtedness to consolidated capital, determined as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, not to exceed 0.68 to 1.  Based on September 30, 2011 financial statements, NPC was in compliance with this covenant and could incur up to $2.7 billion of additional indebtedness;
   
 
All other financial covenants contained in NPC’s financing agreements are suspended as NPC’s senior secured debt is currently rated investment grade.  However, if NPC’s senior secured debt ratings fall below investment grade by either Moody’s or S&P, NPC would again be subject to the limitations under these additional covenants; and
   
c.
Financial covenants within NVE’s financing agreements – As discussed in NVE’s Ability to Issue Debt, NPC is also subject to NVE’s cap on additional consolidated indebtedness of $2.1 billion.   However, upon the redemption of NVE’s Senior Notes (see Note 4, Long-Term Debt, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements), NPC would be subject to the financial covenants contained in NVE’s new Term Loan.  Under the new covenants, NVE (consolidated) would be allowed to incur up to $2.9 billion of additional indebtedness.

   Ability to Issue General and Refunding Mortgage Securities

To the extent that NPC has the ability to issue debt under the most restrictive covenants in its and NVE’s financing agreements and has financing authority to do so from the PUCN, NPC’s ability to issue secured debt is still limited by the amount of bondable property or retired bonds that can be used to issue debt under the NPC Indenture.

The Indenture creates a lien on substantially all of NPC’s properties in Nevada.  As of September 30, 2011, $4 billion of NPC’s General and Refunding Mortgage Securities were outstanding.  NPC had the capacity to issue $1.4 billion of additional General and Refunding Mortgage Securities as of September 30, 2011.  That amount is determined on the basis of:

1.
70% of net utility property additions;
2.
The principal amount of retired General and Refunding Mortgage Securities; and/or
3.
The principal amount of first mortgage bonds retired after October 2001.

 

 
Property additions include plant in service and specific assets in CWIP.  The amount of bond capacity listed above does not include eligible property in CWIP.

NPC also has the ability to release property from the lien of the Indenture on the basis of net property additions, cash and/or retired bonds.  To the extent NPC releases property from the lien of NPC’s Indenture, it will reduce the amount of securities issuable under the NPC Indenture.

   $600 Million Revolving Credit Facility

NPC’s $600 million revolving credit facility contains a provision which reduces the availability under the credit facility by the negative mark-to-market exposure for hedging transactions with credit facility lenders or their energy trading affiliates.  The reduction in availability limits the amount that NPC can borrow or use for letters of credit and would require that NPC prepay any amount in excess of that limitation.  The amount of the reduction is calculated by NPC on a monthly basis, and after calculating such reduction, the NPC Credit Agreement provides that the reduction in availability under the revolving credit facility to NPC shall not exceed 50% of the total commitments then in effect under the revolving credit facility.

The NPC Credit Agreement contains one financial maintenance covenant that requires NPC to maintain a ratio of consolidated indebtedness to consolidated capital, determined as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, not to exceed 0.68 to 1.  In the event that NPC did not meet the financial maintenance covenant or there is an event of default, the NPC Credit Agreement would restrict dividends to NVE.  Moreover, so long as NPC’s senior secured debt remains rated investment grade by S&P and Moody’s (in each case, with a stable or better outlook), a representation concerning no material adverse change in NPC’s business, assets, property or financial condition would not be a condition to the availability of credit under the facility.  In the event that NPC’s senior secured debt rating were rated below investment grade by either S&P or Moody’s, or investment grade by either S&P or Moody’s but with a negative outlook, a representation concerning no material adverse change in NPC’s business, assets, property or financial condition would be a condition to borrowing under the revolving credit facility.

   Credit Ratings

The liquidity of NPC, the cost and availability of borrowing by NPC under its credit facility, the potential exposure of NPC to collateral calls under various contracts and the ability of NPC to acquire fuel and purchased power on favorable terms are all directly affected by the credit ratings for NPC’s debt.  NPC’s senior secured debt is rated investment grade by three NRSRO’s:  Fitch, Moody’s and S&P.  On May 10, 2011, Moody’s upgraded NPC’s senior secured debt to Baa2.  As of September 30, 2011, the ratings are as follows:

 
 
 
 
 
Rating Agency
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fitch(1)
 
Moody’s(2)
 
S&P(3)
 
 
NPC
 
Sr. Secured Debt
 
     BBB*
 
      Baa2*
 
     BBB*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
Investment grade
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Fitch’s lowest level of “investment grade” credit rating is BBB-.
 
 
(2)
Moody’s lowest level of “investment grade” credit rating is Baa3.
 
 
(3)
S&P’s lowest level of “investment grade” credit rating is BBB-.
 

Fitch’s, Moody’s and S&P’s rating outlook for NPC is Stable.  

            A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities.  Security ratings are subject to revision and withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization.  Each security rating agency has its own methodology for assigning ratings, and accordingly, each rating should be evaluated in the context of the applicable methodology, independently of all other ratings.  The rating agencies provide ratings at the request of the company being rated and charge the company fees for their services.
 
   Energy Supplier Matters

With respect to NPC’s contracts for purchased power, NPC purchases and sells electricity with counterparties under the WSPP agreement, an industry standard contract that NPC uses as a member of the WSPP.  The WSPP contract is posted on the WSPP website.

Under these contracts, a material adverse change, which includes a credit rating downgrade, in NPC may allow the counterparty to request adequate financial assurance, which, if not provided within three business days, could cause a default.  Most contracts and confirmations for purchased power have been modified or separate agreements have been made to either shorten the
 
 
 
55

 
normal payment due date or require payment in advance of delivery in response to requests for financial assurance.  A default must be declared within 30 days of the event giving rise to the default becoming known.  A default will result in a termination payment equal to the present value of the net gains and losses for the entire remaining term of all contracts between the parties aggregated to a single liquidated amount due within three business days following the date the notice of termination is received.  The mark-to-market value, which is substantially based on quoted market prices, can be used to roughly approximate the termination payment and benefit at any point in time.  The net mark-to-market value as of September 30, 2011 for all suppliers continuing to provide power under a WSPP agreement would approximate a $53.3 million payment or obligation to NPC.  These contracts qualify for the normal purchases scope exception under the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the FASC, and as such, are not required to be marked-to-market on the balance sheet.  Refer to Note 6, Derivatives and Hedging Activities, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements, for further discussion. 
  
   Gas Supplier Matters

With respect to the purchase and sale of natural gas, NPC uses several types of standard industry contracts.  The natural gas contract terms and conditions are more varied than the electric contracts.  Consequently, some of the contracts contain language similar to that found in the WSPP agreement and other agreements have unique provisions dealing with material adverse changes, which primarily means a credit rating downgrade below investment grade.  Most contracts and confirmations for natural gas purchases have been modified or separate agreements have been made to either shorten the normal payment due date or require payment in advance of delivery in response to requests for financial assurances.  Forward physical gas supplies are purchased under index based pricing terms and as such do not carry forward mark-to-market exposure.  

Gas transmission service is secured under FERC Tariffs or custom agreements.  These service contracts and Tariffs require the user to establish and maintain creditworthiness to obtain service or otherwise post cash or a letter of credit to be able to receive service.  Service contracts are subject to FERC approved Tariffs, which, under certain circumstances, require the Utilities to provide collateral to continue receiving service.  NPC has a transmission counterparty for which it is required to post cash collateral or a letter of credit in the event of credit rating downgrades.  NPC recently executed contracts for additional gas transportation capacity with this counterparty.  The maximum amount of additional collateral NPC would be required to post in the event NPC’s senior unsecured debt falls below BB (S&P) or Ba3(Moody’s) is $19.5 million.  The maximum amount of additional collateral NPC would be required to post in the event NPC’s senior secured debt is downgraded by both Moody’s and S&P below investment grade is $45.2 million.

   Financial Gas Hedges

NPC enters into certain hedging contracts with various counterparties to manage the gas price risk inherent in purchased power and fuel contracts.  As discussed under NPC’s Financing Transactions, the availability under NPC’s revolving credit facility is reduced by the amount of net negative mark-to-market positions on hedging contracts with counterparties who are lenders to the revolving credit facility, provided that the reduction in availability under the revolving credit facility shall at no time exceed 50% of the total commitments then in effect under the revolving credit facility.  The calculation of NPC’s negative mark-to-market exposure as of August 30, 2011 was approximately $1.7 million, which amount was in effect for borrowings during the month of September 2011.  Currently, NPC only has hedging transactions with counterparties who are also lenders on the revolving credit facility; however, future transactions executed with non-lenders may require NPC to post cash collateral in the event of a credit rating downgrade.  Finally, in October 2009, NPC suspended its hedging program, and as such, expects its exposure to negative mark-to-market positions to continue to decline.

   Cross Default Provisions

None of the financing agreements of NPC contains a cross-default provision that would result in an event of default by NPC upon an event of default by NVE or SPPC under any of its financing agreements.  In addition, certain financing agreements of NPC provide for an event of default if there is a failure under other financing agreements of NPC to meet payment terms or to observe other covenants that would result in an acceleration of payments due.  Most of these default provisions (other than ones relating to a failure to pay such other indebtedness when due) provide for a cure period of 30-60 days from the occurrence of a specified event during which time NPC may rectify or correct the situation before it becomes an event of default.
 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SPPC recognized net income of $25.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to net income of $24.5 million for the same period in 2010.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, SPPC recognized net income of approximately $45.4 million compared to $52.9 million for the same period in 2010.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, SPPC paid $114 million in dividends to NVE.
 
 

 
Gross margin is presented by SPPC in order to provide information by segment that management believes aids the reader in determining how profitable the electric and gas businesses are at the most fundamental level.  Gross margin, which is a “non-GAAP financial measure” as defined in accordance with SEC rules, provides a measure of income available to support the other operating expenses of the business and is utilized by management in its analysis of its business.

SPPC believes presenting gross margin allows the reader to assess the impact of SPPC’s regulatory treatment and its overall regulatory environment on a consistent basis.  Gross margin, as a percentage of revenue, is primarily impacted by the fluctuations in regulated electric and natural gas supply costs versus the fixed rates collected from customers.  While these fluctuating costs impact gross margin as a percentage of revenue, they only impact gross margin amounts if the costs cannot be passed through to customers.  Gross margin, which SPPC calculates as operating revenues less energy costs, provides a measure of income available to support the other operating expenses of SPPC.  For reconciliation to operating income, see Note 2, Segment Information, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements.  Gross margin changes are primarily due to general base rate adjustments (which are required by statute to be filed every three years).

The components of gross margin were (dollars in thousands):

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
Operating Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric
$
 202,263
 
$
 237,798
 
(14.9)%
 
$
 545,462
 
$
 649,337
 
(16.0)%
 
Gas
 
 16,615
 
 
 19,286
 
(13.8)%
 
 
 125,357
 
 
 139,711
 
(10.3)%
 
 
$
 218,878
 
$
 257,084
 
(14.9)%
 
$
 670,819
 
$
 789,048
 
(15.0)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy Costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel for power generation
 
 53,803
 
 
 66,133
 
(18.6)%
 
 
 141,130
 
 
 181,232
 
(22.1)%
 
Purchased power
 
 41,615
 
 
 33,545
 
24.1%
 
 
 118,965
 
 
 110,262
 
7.9%
 
Gas purchased for resale
 
 10,137
 
 
 10,823
 
(6.3)%
 
 
 87,753
 
 
 101,536
 
(13.6)%
 
Deferral of energy - electric - net
 
 (22,095)
 
 
 9,964
 
(321.7)%
 
 
 (45,924)
 
 
 17,189
 
(367.2)%
 
Deferral of energy - gas - net
 
 (1,171)
 
 
 1,795
 
(165.2)%
 
 
 3,520
 
 
 7,646
 
(54.0)%
 
 
$
 82,289
 
$
 122,260
 
(32.7)%
 
$
 305,444
 
$
 417,865
 
(26.9)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Margin by Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric
 
 128,940
 
 
 128,156
 
0.6%
 
 
 331,291
 
 
 340,654
 
(2.7)%
 
Gas
 
 7,649
 
 
 6,668
 
14.7%
 
 
 34,084
 
 
 30,529
 
11.6%
Gross Margin
$
 136,589
 
$
 134,824
 
1.3%
 
$
 365,375
 
$
 371,183
 
(1.6)%

Electric gross margin increased slightly for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to increased rates, particularly for commercial and industrial customers, as a result of SPPC’s GRC effective January 1, 2011.  Also contributing to the increase was EEPR revenue, which became effective July 1, 2011.  However, costs related to EEPR are recorded in other operating expense; therefore, EEPR revenue does not have an effect on operating income or net income (see Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements).  The increase in gross margin was partially offset by the sale of the California assets, as discussed in Note 10, Assets Held for Sale, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements.  Further contributing to the decrease was increased gross margin in 2010 as a result of an adjustment for California revenues upon a final filing in 2010 with the CPUC in regards to the Rate Reduction Certificates Series 1999-1.

Electric gross margin decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to the sale of the California assets, as discussed in Note 10, Assets Held for Sale, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements, partially offset by a related five year power sale agreement entered into as a condition to the sale of the assets.  Further contributing to the decrease was increased gross margin in 2010 as a result of an adjustment for California revenues upon a final filing in 2010 with the CPUC in regards to the Rate Reduction Certificates Series 1999-1. In addition, reduced Distribution Only Service impact fees in 2011 contributed to the decrease in margin.  Partially offsetting this decrease is increased rates, particularly for commercial and industrial customers, as a result of SPPC’s GRC effective January 1, 2011, increased usage in residential and industrial customer classes, as well as, the implementation of the EEPR rate, which became effective July 1, 2011.  However, costs related to EEPR are recorded in other operating expense; therefore, EEPR revenue does not have an effect on operating income or net income (see Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements).

Gas gross margin increased for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to a slight BTGR increase as a result of SPPC’s 2010 GRC effective January 1, 2011.
 
 

 
Gas gross margin increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to increased usage as a result of colder temperatures and a slight BTGR increase as a result of SPPC’s 2010 GRC effective January 1, 2011.

The causes of significant changes in specific lines comprising the results of operations are provided below (dollars in thousands except for amounts per unit):

Electric Operating Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
Residential
$
63,402
 
$
81,638
 
(22.3)%
 
$
178,445
 
$
234,274
 
(23.8)%
 
Commercial
 
75,503
 
 
93,150
 
(18.9)%
 
 
200,064
 
 
250,647
 
(20.2)%
 
Industrial
 
46,761
 
 
51,398
 
(9.0)%
 
 
116,396
 
 
138,280
 
(15.8)%
 
 
    Retail  Revenues
 
185,666
 
 
226,186
 
(17.9)%
 
 
494,905
 
 
623,201
 
(20.6)%
 
Other
 
16,597
 
 
11,612
 
42.9%
 
 
50,557
 
 
26,136
 
93.4%
 
 
Total Operating Revenues
$
202,263
 
$
237,798
 
(14.9)%
 
$
545,462
 
$
649,337
 
(16.0)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail sales in thousands of MWhs
 
2,076
 
 
2,192
 
(5.3)%
 
 
5,725
 
 
6,075
 
(5.8)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average retail revenue per MWh
$
89.43
 
$
103.19
 
(13.3)%
 
$
86.45
 
$
102.58
 
(15.7)%

SPPC’s retail revenues decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods in 2010, due to decreases in retail rates as a result of SPPC’s annual deferred energy case effective October 1, 2010, and various BTER quarterly updates (see Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Notes to Financial Statements in the 2010 Form 10-K).  Retail revenues also decreased due to the sale of the California assets on January 1, 2011 (see Note 10, Assets Held for Sale, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements). These decreases were offset by a slight increase in rates due to SPPC’s 2010 GRC effective January 1, 2011.  For the three months ended September 30, 2011, excluding California customers, the average number of retail and commercial customers increased by 0.3% and 0.1%, respectively, while industrial customers decreased by 4.2%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, excluding California customers, the average number of retail and commercial customers increased by 0.3% and 0.8%, respectively, while industrial customers decreased by 1.8%.

Electric Operating Revenues – Other increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same periods in 2010, primarily due to the sale of energy to CalPeco, under a five year agreement, as a condition to the sale of SPPC’s California assets which occurred on January 1, as discussed in Note 10, Assets Held for Sale, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements.

Gas Operating Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
Gas Operating Revenues:                              
 
Residential
$
8,582
 
$
9,953
 
(13.8)%
 
$
65,833
 
$
72,699
 
(9.4)%
 
Commercial
 
3,398
 
 
4,617
 
(26.4)%
 
 
27,945
 
 
34,014
 
(17.8)%
 
Industrial
 
1,265
 
 
1,784
 
(29.1)%
 
 
8,634
 
 
11,228
 
(23.1)%
 
 
    Retail  Revenues
 
13,245
 
 
16,354
 
(19.0)%
 
 
102,412
 
 
117,941
 
(13.2)%
 
Wholesale Revenues
 
2,615
 
 
2,408
 
8.6%
 
 
20,530
 
 
19,976
 
2.8%
 
Miscellaneous
 
755
 
 
524
 
44.1%
 
 
2,415
 
 
1,794
 
34.6%
 
 
Total Gas Revenues
$
16,615
 
$
19,286
 
(13.8)%
 
$
125,357
 
$
139,711
 
(10.3)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail sales in thousands of Dths
 
1,187
 
 
1,272
 
(6.7)%
 
 
10,593
 
 
10,108
 
4.8%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average retail revenue per Dth
$
11.16
 
$
12.86
 
(13.2)%
 
$
9.67
 
$
11.67
 
(17.1)%

SPPC’s retail gas revenues decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same periods in 2010, primarily due to decreased retail rates as a result of SPPC’s various BTER quarterly updates and 2010 Natural Gas and Propane Deferred Rate Case effective October 1, 2010 (see Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Notes to Financial Statements in the 2010 Form 10-K). These decreases were partially offset by increased customer usage resulting from colder 2011 temperatures, during the nine month period, and a slight BTGR increase as a result of SPPC’s 2010 GRC effective January 1, 2011. The average number of retail customers increased by 0.6% and 0.7%, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 
 

 
Wholesale revenues increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same periods in 2010 primarily due to the sale of gas as a result of the optimization of pipeline capacity.
 
Energy Costs

Energy Costs include Purchased Power and Fuel for Generation.  These costs are dependent upon many factors which may vary by season or period.  As a result, SPPC’s usage and average cost per MWh of Purchased Power versus Fuel for Generation can vary significantly as the company meets the demands of the season.  These factors include, but are not limited to:

 
Weather
 
Plant outages
 
Total system demand
 
Resource constraints
 
Transmission constraints
 
Gas transportation constraints
 
Natural gas constraints
 
Long-term contracts
 
Mandated power purchases; and
 
Generation efficiency

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
Energy Costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel for power generation
$
53,803
 
$
66,133
 
(18.6)%
 
$
141,130
 
$
181,232
 
(22.1)%
 
Purchased power
 
41,615
 
 
33,545
 
24.1%
 
 
118,965
 
 
110,262
 
7.9%
Total Energy Costs
$
95,418
 
$
99,678
 
(4.3)%
 
$
260,095
 
$
291,494
 
(10.8)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MWhs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   MWhs Generated (in thousands)
 
1,301
 
 
1,525
 
(14.7)%
 
 
3,339
 
 
3,825
 
(12.7)%
 
   Purchased Power (in thousands)
 
1,057
 
 
767
 
37.8%
 
 
3,260
 
 
2,643
 
23.3%
Total MWhs
 
2,358
 
 
2,292
 
2.9%
 
 
6,599
 
 
6,468
 
2.0%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average cost per MWh
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Average fuel cost per MWh of Generated Power
$
41.36
 
$
43.37
 
(4.6)%
 
$
42.27
 
$
47.38
 
(10.8)%
 
   Average cost per MWh of Purchased Power
$
39.37
 
$
43.74
 
(10.0)%
 
$
36.49
 
$
41.72
 
(12.5)%
 
   Average total cost per MWh
$
40.47
 
$
43.49
 
(7.0)%
 
$
39.41
 
$
45.07
 
(12.5)%

Energy costs decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to a decrease in hedging costs and market prices partially offset by higher volumes.  Total system demand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to the same period in 2010, increased primarily due to the hotter weather.  The average cost per MWh decreased primarily due to a decrease in hedging costs and lower market prices.

Fuel for generation costs and volumes decreased for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to a decrease in hedging costs and outages at the Valmy Generating Station. The average costs per MWh for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, decreased primarily due to a decrease in hedging activities, as well as a decrease in natural gas prices.
   
Purchased power costs and volume increased for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to the outages discussed above, as well as hotter weather, partially offset by a decrease in market prices. The average price per MWh for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, decreased primarily due to lower market prices.   
 
 

 
Gas Purchased for Resale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas purchased for resale
$
10,137
 
$
10,823
 
 (6.3)%
 
$
87,753
 
$
101,536
 
 (13.6)%
Gas purchased for resale (in thousands of Dths)
 
1,859
 
 
1,867
 
 (0.4)%
 
 
15,696
 
 
14,759
 
 6.3%
Average cost per Dth
$
5.45
 
$
5.80
 
 (5.9)%
 
$
5.59
 
$
6.88
 
 (18.7)%
 
Gas purchased for resale and the average cost per Dth decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to the same period in 2010 primarily due to decreased hedging costs.  Volume increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to the same period in 2010 due to colder weather and an increase in the purchase of gas in an effort to optimize pipeline capacity.

Deferred Energy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferral of energy - electric - net
$
(22,095)
 
$
9,964
 
(321.7)%
 
$
(45,924)
 
$
17,189
 
(367.2)%
Deferral of energy - gas - net
 
(1,171)
 
 
1,795
 
(165.2)%
 
 
3,520
 
 
7,646
 
(54.0)%
 
$
(23,266)
 
$
11,759
 
 
 
$
(42,404)
 
$
24,835
 
 

Deferred energy represents the difference between actual fuel and purchased power costs incurred during the period and amounts recoverable through current rates.  To the extent actual costs exceed amounts recoverable through current rates the excess is recognized as a reduction in costs.  Conversely, to the extent actual costs are less than amounts recoverable through current rates the difference is recognized as an increase in costs.  Deferred energy also includes the current amortization of fuel and purchased power costs previously deferred.  Reference Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements for further detail of deferred energy balances.

Deferred energy – electric for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 reflect amortization of deferred energy costs of ($27.1) million and ($6.1) million, respectively; and an over-collection of amounts recoverable in rates of $5.0 million and $16.1 million, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, amortization of deferred energy was ($75.5) million and ($17.3) million, respectively; with an over-collection of amounts recoverable in rates of $29.5 million and $34.5 million, respectively.

Deferred energy – gas for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 reflect amortization of deferred energy of ($1.3) million, and ($0.7) million, respectively; and an over-collection of amounts recoverable in rates of $0.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, amortization of deferred energy was ($12.0) million and ($5.9) million, respectively; with an over-collection of amounts recoverable in rates of $15.5 million and $13.5 million, respectively.

Other Operating Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other operating expenses
$
38,529
 
$
38,004
 
1.4%
 
$
113,432
 
$
114,371
 
(0.8)%
Maintenance
$
7,909
 
$
7,419
 
6.6%
 
$
28,195
 
$
26,770
 
5.3%
Depreciation and amortization
$
26,525
 
$
26,848
 
(1.2)%
 
$
79,647
 
$
79,737
 
(0.1)%

Other operating expense increased for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to regulatory amortizations, energy efficiency program costs and stock compensation costs.  However, as discussed in Gross Margin, energy efficiency program costs are recovered by the EEPR and therefore have no effect on operating or net income (see Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements).  These increases were partially offset by lower outside consulting fees and rate case expenses.

Other operating expense decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to lower outside consulting fees, lease expense, an increase in capitalized administrative and general expenses and
 
 
 
60

 
employee pension and benefits expenses, partially offset by regulatory amortizations, energy efficiency program costs and stock compensation costs.  However, as discussed in Gross Margin, energy efficiency program costs are recovered by the EEPR and therefore have no effect on operating or net income (see Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements).

Maintenance expense increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to a scheduled major outage at the Valmy and Ft. Churchill Generating Stations; partially offset by the 2010 combustion turbine maintenance at the Tracy Generating Station.
 
Depreciation and amortization decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to a change in depreciation rates effective January 1, 2011.

Interest Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
Interest expense (net of AFUDC-debt: $484,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$698, $1,409 and $1,586)
$
16,861
 
$
16,983
 
(0.7)%
 
$
50,581
 
$
51,141
 
(1.1)%

Interest expense decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 primarily due to the redemption of $100 million Series H General and Refunding Mortgage Bonds in December 2010. See Note 6, Long-Term Debt, of the Notes to Financial Statements of the 2010 Form 10-K for additional information regarding long-term debt.

Other Income (Expense)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change from
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
2011
 
2010
 
Prior Year %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense on regulatory items
$
(1,838)
 
$
(2,528)
 
(27.3)
%
 
$
(6,229)
 
$
(6,788)
 
(8.2)
%
AFUDC-equity
$
664
 
$
1,029
 
(35.5)
%
 
$
1,875
 
$
2,360
 
(20.6)
%
Other income
$
1,448
 
$
2,379
 
(39.1)
%
 
$
4,677
 
$
14,276
 
(67.2)
%
Other expense
$
(2,255)
 
$
(1,285)
 
75.5
%
 
$
(7,403)
 
$
(7,555)
 
(2.0)
%

Interest expense on regulatory items decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, is due to lower over-collected deferred energy balances in 2011.

AFUDC-equity decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to the completion of various construction projects, including EWAM.

Other income for the three months ended September 30, 2011, decreased over the same period in 2010, primarily due to a decrease in income from subleases and lower interest income on investments.

Other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, decreased over the same period in 2010, primarily due to the gain on sale for the Independence Lake property in 2010, as further discussed in Note 10, Assets Held for Sale of the Notes to Financial Statements, and a decrease in income from subleases.

Other expense for the three months ended September 30, 2011, increased over the same period in 2010, primarily due to losses on investments in 2011, and adjustments for the settlement of the deferred energy rate case, see Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Notes to Financial Statements in the 2010 Form 10-K for further details.

Other expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, decreased over the same period in 2010, primarily due to a decrease in lease expense and charitable donations, partially offset by an adjustment, upon final order from the PUCN in the second quarter of 2011, for EEIR revenue recorded in 2010 and adjustments for the settlement of the deferred energy rate case, see Note 3, Regulatory Actions, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements for further details.

ANALYSIS OF CASH FLOWS

SPPC’s cash flows decreased during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, due to a decrease in cash from operating activities and an increase in cash used for financing activities, offset partially by an increase in cash from investing.
 
 

 
Cash From Operating Activities. The decrease in cash from operating activities was primarily due to an overall decrease in rates resulting from quarterly BTER adjustments and negative DEAA rates implemented in October 2010 to refund prior period over collected balances to customers.  Also contributing to the decrease is the reduction in revenues from California customers due to the sale of the California Assets, as discussed in Note 10, Assets Held for Sale, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements, an increase in coal inventory for the Valmy Generating Station, an increase in conservation and renewable energy program costs and increased incentive compensation payments for the 2010 operating results.  These decreases were partially offset by the recovery of deferred conservation program costs as a result of SPPC’s 2010 GRC.

Cash From Investing Activities. Cash from investing activities increased due to the receipt of proceeds from the sale of the California Assets, as discussed in Note 10, Assets Held for Sale, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements.  Also contributing to the increase in cash from investing activities was the decrease in general construction for infrastructure, which was partially offset by federal funding under the American Recovery Act of 2011, as part of the NV Energize project.

Cash Used By Financing Activities. The increase in cash used by financing activities is primarily due to increased dividends to NVE.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Overall Liquidity

SPPC’s primary source of operating cash flows is electric revenues, including the recovery of previously deferred energy costs.  Significant uses of cash flows from operations include the purchase of electricity and natural gas, other operating expenses, capital expenditures and the payment of interest on SPPC’s outstanding indebtedness.  Operating cash flows can be significantly influenced by factors such as weather, regulatory outcome and economic conditions.  
 
 
Available Liquidity as of September 30, 2011 (in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SPPC
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
$
66.3
 
 
 
 
Balance available on Revolving Credit Facility(1)
 
 
 
237.5
 
 
 
 
 
Less Reduction for Hedging Transactions(2)
 
 
 
(0.5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
303.3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
 
As of October 31, 2011, SPPC had approximately $237.2 million available under its revolving credit facility which includes
 
 
 
 
 
reductions for hedging transactions and letters of credits, as discussed below under Financing Transactions.
 
 
 
(2)
 
Reduction for hedging transactions reflects balances as of August 31, 2011.
 
 

SPPC attempts to maintain its cash and cash equivalents in highly liquid investments, such as U.S. Treasury Bills and bank deposits.  In addition to cash on hand, SPPC may use its revolving credit facility in order to meet its liquidity needs.  Alternatively, depending on the usage of the revolving credit facility, SPPC may issue debt, subject to certain restrictions as discussed in Factors Affecting Liquidity, Ability to Issue Debt, below.

SPPC has no significant debt maturities in either 2011 or 2012.  As of October 31, 2011, SPPC has no borrowings on its revolving credit facility, not including letters of credit.

SPPC anticipates that it will be able to meet short-term operating costs, such as fuel and purchased power costs, with internally generated funds and the use of its revolving credit facility.  Furthermore, in order to fund long-term capital requirements and maturing debt obligations, SPPC will use a combination of internally generated funds, its revolving credit facility, the issuance of long-term debt and/or capital contributions from NVE.  However, if energy costs rise at a rapid rate and SPPC does not recover the cost of fuel and purchased power in a timely manner, if operating costs are not recovered in a timely manner or SPPC were to experience a credit rating downgrade resulting in the posting of collateral as discussed below under Gas Supplier Matters and Financial Gas Hedges, the amount of liquidity available to SPPC could be significantly less.  In order to maintain sufficient liquidity, SPPC may be required to further delay capital expenditures (discussed in the 2010 Form 10-K), refinance debt or obtain funding through an equity or debt issuance by NVE.
 
The ability to issue debt, as discussed later, is subject to certain covenant calculations which include consolidated net income of NVE and the Utilities.  As a result of these covenant calculations and the seasonality of the Utilities’ business, the ability to issue debt can vary from quarter to quarter, and the Utilities may not be able to fully utilize the availability on their revolving credit facilities.  Additionally, disruptions in the banking and capital markets not specifically related to SPPC may affect its ability to access funding sources or cause an increase in the interest rates paid on newly issued debt.
 
 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, SPPC paid dividends to NVE of $114 million.
 
SPPC develops operating and capital budgets to control operating costs and capital expenditures.  In addition to operating expenses, SPPC has continuing commitments for capital expenditures for construction, improvement and maintenance of facilities.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, there were no material changes to contractual obligations as set forth in SPPC’s 2010 Form 10-K.
 
Factors Affecting Liquidity

   Ability to Issue Debt

SPPC’s ability to issue debt is impacted by certain factors such as financing authority from the PUCN, financial covenants in its financing agreements and its revolving credit facility agreement, and the terms of certain NVE debt.  As of September 30, 2011, the most restrictive of the factors below is the PUCN authority.  Based on this restriction, SPPC may issue up to $350 million of long-term debt securities, and maintain a credit facility of up to $600 million.  However, depending on NVE’s or NPC’s issuance of long-term debt or the use of the Utilities’ revolving credit facilities, the PUCN authority may not remain the most restrictive factor.  The factors affecting SPPC’s ability to issue debt are further detailed below:

a.
Financing authority from the PUCN - As of September 30, 2011, SPPC has financing authority from the PUCN for the period ending December 31, 2012, consisting of authority (1) to issue additional long-term debt securities of up to $350 million; (2) to refinance approximately $348 million of long-term debt securities; and (3) ongoing authority to maintain a revolving credit facility of up to $600 million;
   
b.
Financial covenants within SPPC’s financing agreements – Under SPPC’s $250 million revolving credit facility, the Utility must maintain a ratio of consolidated indebtedness to consolidated capital, determined as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, not to exceed 0.68 to 1.  Based on September 30, 2011 financial statements, SPPC was in compliance with this covenant and could incur up to $851 million of additional indebtedness;
   
 
All other financial covenants contained in SPPC’s financing agreements are suspended as SPPC’s senior secured debt is currently rated investment grade.  However, if SPPC’s senior secured debt ratings fall below investment grade by either Moody’s or S&P, SPPC would again be subject to the limitations under these additional covenants; and
   
c.
Financial covenants within NVE’s financing agreements – As discussed in NVE’s Ability to Issue Debt, SPPC is also subject to NVE’s cap on additional consolidated indebtedness of $2.1 billion.   However, upon the redemption of NVE’s Senior Notes (see Note 4, Long-Term Debt, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements), SPPC would be subject to the financial covenants contained in NVE’s new Term Loan.  Under the new covenants, NVE (consolidated) would be allowed to incur up to $2.9 billion of additional indebtedness.

   Ability to Issue General and Refunding Mortgage Securities

To the extent that SPPC has the ability to issue debt under the most restrictive covenants in its and NVE’s financing agreements and has financing authority to do so from the PUCN, SPPC’s ability to issue secured debt is still limited by the amount of bondable property or retired bonds that can be used to issue debt under the SPPC Indenture.

The Indenture creates a lien on substantially all of SPPC’s properties in Nevada.  As of September 30, 2011, $1.5 billion of SPPC’s General and Refunding Mortgage Securities were outstanding.  SPPC had the capacity to issue $742 million of additional General and Refunding Mortgage Securities as of September 30, 2011.  That amount is determined on the basis of:

1.
70% of net utility property additions;
2.
The principal amount of retired General and Refunding Mortgage Securities; and/or
3.
The principal amount of first mortgage bonds retired after October 2001.
  
Property additions include plant in service and specific assets in CWIP.  The amount of bond capacity listed above does not include eligible property in CWIP.
 
 

 
SPPC also has the ability to release property from the lien of the SPPC Indenture on the basis of net property additions, cash and/or retired bonds.  To the extent SPPC releases property from the lien of SPPC’s Indenture, it will reduce the amount of securities issuable under the SPPC Indenture.
 
   $250 Million Revolving Credit Facility

SPPC’s $250 million revolving credit facility contains a provision which reduces the availability under the credit facility by the negative mark-to-market exposure for hedging transactions with credit facility lenders or their energy trading affiliates.  The reduction in availability limits the amount that SPPC can borrow or use for letters of credit and would require that SPPC prepay any amount in excess of that limitation.  The amount of the reduction is calculated by SPPC on a monthly basis, and after calculating such reduction, the SPPC Credit Agreement provides that reduction in the availability under the revolving credit facility to SPPC shall not exceed 50% of the total commitments then in effect under the revolving credit facility.

The SPPC Credit Agreement contains one financial maintenance covenant that requires SPPC to maintain a ratio of consolidated indebtedness to consolidated capital, determined as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, not to exceed 0.68 to 1.  In the event that SPPC did not meet the financial maintenance covenant or there is an event of default, the SPPC Credit Agreement would restrict dividends to NVE.  Moreover, so long as SPPC’s senior secured debt remains rated investment grade by S&P and Moody’s (in each case, with a stable or better outlook), a representation concerning no material adverse change in SPPC’s business, assets, property or financial condition would not be a condition to the availability of credit under the facility.  In the event that SPPC’s senior secured debt rating were rated below investment grade by either S&P or Moody’s, or investment grade by either S&P or Moody’s but with a negative outlook, a representation concerning no material adverse change in SPPC’s business, assets, property or financial condition would be a condition to borrowing under the revolving credit facility.

   Credit Ratings

The liquidity of SPPC, the cost and availability of borrowing by SPPC under its credit facility, the potential exposure of SPPC to collateral calls under various contracts, and the ability of SPPC to acquire fuel and purchased power on favorable terms are all directly affected by the credit ratings for SPPC’s debt.  SPPC’s senior secured debt is rated investment grade by three NRSROs: Fitch, Moody’s and S&P.  On May 10, 2011, Moody’s upgraded SPPC’s senior secured debt to Baa2.  As of September 30, 2011, the ratings are as follows:

 
 
 
 
Rating Agency
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fitch(1)
 
Moody’s(2)
 
S&P(3)
 
 
 
SPPC
Sr. Secured Debt
 
     BBB*
 
      Baa2*
 
     BBB*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*Investment grade
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Fitch’s lowest level of “investment grade” credit rating is BBB-.
 
 
 
(2)
Moody’s lowest level of “investment grade” credit rating is Baa3.
 
 
 
(3)
S&P’s lowest level of “investment grade” credit rating is BBB-.
 
 

Fitch’s, Moody’s and S&P’s rating outlook for SPPC is Stable.  

A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities.  Security ratings are subject to revision and withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization.  Each security rating agency has its own methodology for assigning ratings, and, accordingly, each rating should be evaluated in the context of the applicable methodology, independently of all other ratings.  The rating agencies provide ratings at the request of the company being rated and charge the company fees for their services.

   Energy Supplier Matters

With respect to SPPC’s contracts for purchased power, SPPC purchases and sells electricity with counterparties under the WSPP agreement, an industry standard contract that SPPC uses as a member of the WSPP.  The WSPP contract is posted on the WSPP website.

Under these contracts, a material adverse change, which includes a credit rating downgrade, in SPPC may allow the counterparty to request adequate financial assurance, which, if not provided within three business days, could cause a default.  Most contracts and confirmations for purchased power have been modified or separate agreements have been made to either shorten the normal payment due date or require payment in advance of delivery in response to requests for financial assurance.  A default must be declared within 30 days of the event, giving rise to the default becoming known.  A default will result in a termination payment equal to the present value of the net gains and losses for the entire remaining term of all contracts between the parties aggregated to a single
 
 
 
64

 
liquidated amount due within three business days following the date the notice of termination is received.  The mark-to-market value, which is substantially based on quoted market prices, can be used to roughly approximate the termination payment and benefit at any point in time.  Under the net mark-to-market value as of September 30, 2011 for all suppliers continuing to provide power under a WSPP agreement, no amounts would be due to or from SPPC.  These contracts qualify for the normal purchases scope exception under the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the FASC, and as such, are not required to be marked-to-market on the balance sheet.  Refer to Note 6, Derivatives and Hedging Activities, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements, for further discussion. 

   Gas Supplier Matters

With respect to the purchase and sale of natural gas, SPPC uses several types of standard industry contracts.  The natural gas contract terms and conditions are more varied than the electric contracts.  Consequently, some of the contracts contain language similar to that found in the WSPP agreement and other agreements have unique provisions dealing with material adverse change, which primarily means a credit rating downgrade below investment grade.  Forward physical gas supplies are purchased under index based pricing terms and as such do not carry forward mark-to-market exposure.  Most contracts and confirmations for natural gas purchases have been modified or separate agreements have been made to either shorten the normal payment due date or require payment in advance of delivery.  At the present time, no counterparties require payment in advance of delivery.

Gas transmission service is secured under FERC Tariffs or custom agreements.  These service contracts and tariffs require the user to establish and maintain creditworthiness to obtain service or otherwise post cash or a letter of credit to be able to receive service.  Service contracts are subject to FERC approved Tariffs, which, under certain circumstances, require the Utilities to provide collateral to continue receiving service.

   Financial Gas Hedges

SPPC enters into certain hedging contracts with various counterparties to manage the gas price risk inherent in purchased power and fuel contracts.  As discussed under SPPC’s Financing Transactions, the availability under SPPC’s revolving credit facility is reduced by the amount of net negative mark-to-market positions on hedging contracts with counterparties who are lenders to the revolving credit facility, provided that the reduction in availability under the revolving credit facility shall at no time exceed 50% of the total commitments then in effect under the revolving credit facility.  The calculation of SPPC’s negative mark-to-market exposure as of August 31, 2011 was approximately $0.5 million, which amount was in effect for borrowings during the month of September 2011.  Currently, SPPC only has hedging transactions with counterparties who are also lenders on the revolving credit facility; however, future transactions executed with non-lenders may require SPPC to post cash collateral in the event of a credit rating downgrade.  Finally, in October 2009, SPPC suspended its hedging program, and as such, expects its exposure to negative mark-to-market positions to continue to decline.

   Cross Default Provisions

None of the financing agreements of SPPC contains a cross-default provision that would result in an event of default by SPPC upon an event of default by NVE or NPC under any of its financing agreements.  In addition, certain financing agreements of SPPC provide for an event of default if there is a failure under other financing agreements of SPPC to meet payment terms or to observe other covenants that would result in an acceleration of payments due.  Most of these default provisions (other than ones relating to a failure to pay such other indebtedness when due) provide for a cure period of 30-60 days from the occurrence of a specified event during which time SPPC may rectify or correct the situation before it becomes an event of default.
 
RECENT PRONOUNCEMENTS

See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements, for discussion of accounting policies and recent pronouncements.
 
 

 
ITEM 3.                       QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk

As of September 30, 2011, NVE, NPC and SPPC have evaluated their risk related to financial instruments whose values are subject to market sensitivity.  Such instruments are fixed and variable rate debt.   Fair market value is determined using quoted market price for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered for debt of the same remaining maturities (dollars in thousands):

 
 
 
 
 
2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expected Maturities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair
 
 
 
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
 
Value
Long-Term Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NVE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Rate
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
506,500
 
$
506,500
 
$
522,369
 
 
Average Interest Rate
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
           -
 
 
-
 
 
           -
 
 
6.44
%
 
6.44
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NPC
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Rate
$
 -
 
 $
130,000
 
$
 -
 
$
125,000
 
$
250,000
 
$
2,755,000
 
$
3,260,000
 
$
3,929,529
 
 
Average Interest Rate
 
    -
 
 
6.50
%
 
           -
 
 
7.38
%
 
5.88
%
 
6.43
%
 
6.42
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable Rate
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
30,000
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
173,775
 
$
203,775
 
$
197,699
 
 
Average Interest Rate
 
 -
 
 
-
 
 
2.49
%
 
           -
 
 
           -
 
 
0.65
%
 
0.92
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SPPC
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Rate
$
 -
 
$
  -
 
$
250,000
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
701,742
 
$
951,742
 
$
1,132,203
 
 
Average Interest Rate
 
   -
 
 
   -
 
 
5.45
%
 
   -
 
 
           -
 
 
6.27
%
 
6.05
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable Rate
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 214,675
 
$
214,675
 
$
190,989
 
 
Average Interest Rate
 
   -
 
 
   -
 
 
   -
 
 
           -
 
 
           -
 
 
0.62
%
 
0.62
%
 
-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL DEBT
$
 -
 
$
130,000
 
$
280,000
 
$
125,000
 
$
250,000
 
$
4,351,692
 
$
5,136,692
 
$
5,972,789

Commodity Price Risk

See the 2010 Form 10-K, Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, Commodity Price Risk, for a discussion of Commodity Price Risk.  No material changes in commodity risk have occurred since December 31, 2010.

Credit Risk

The Utilities monitor and manage credit risk with their trading counterparties.  Credit risk is defined as the possibility that a counterparty to one or more contracts will be unable or unwilling to fulfill its financial or physical obligations to the Utilities because of the counterparty’s financial condition.  The Utilities’ credit risk associated with trading counterparties was approximately $55.7 million as of September 30, 2011, which compares to balances of $51.4 million at June 30, 2011. The increase from June 30, 2011 is primarily related to a long-term tolling contract.

ITEM 4.                      CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a)  
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

NVE’s, NPC’s and SPPC’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, based on their evaluation of the registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), have concluded that, as of September 30, 2011, the registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

(b)  
Change in internal controls over financial reporting.

There were no changes in internal controls over financial reporting in the third quarter of 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal controls over financial reporting.
 
 

 
ITEM 1.                      LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Other Legal Matters

NVE and its subsidiaries, through the course of their normal business operations, are currently involved in a number of other legal actions, none of which has had, or in the opinion of management, is expected to have a significant impact on their financial positions or results of operations.  See Note 8, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Condensed Notes to Financial Statements for further discussion of other legal matters.

ITEM 1A.                      RISK FACTORS

For the purposes of this section, the terms “we,” “us” and “our” refer to NVE on a consolidated basis (including NPC and SPPC).  The following information updates, and should be read in conjunction with, the information disclosed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our 2010 Form 10-K.  The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face.  Additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known or that we currently believe to be less significant may also adversely affect us.

As of the date of this report, there have been no material changes with regard to the Risk Factors disclosed in NVE’s, NPC’s and SPPC’s 2010 Form 10-K, and quarterly reports for NVE, NPC and SPPC on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011.

ITEM 2.                      UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
    None.

ITEM 3.                      DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
    None.

ITEM 5.                      OTHER INFORMATION
 
    On October 28, 2011, NVE’s BOD approved two amendments to NVE’s By-laws, effectively immediately.  The first amendment, to Article IV of the By-laws, lowers the percentage of the voting power of the outstanding capital stock of the company required to call a special meeting of the stockholders from twenty-five percent to fifteen percent.  The second amendment, to Article VIII of the By-laws, provides that in uncontested elections of directors, the required vote for election will be a majority of the votes cast with respect to a particular director, which means that the number of shares voted for the director must exceed the number of shares voted against the director.  If a director in an uncontested election does not receive a majority of the votes cast with respect to that director, then that director must promptly tender his or her resignation.  The Nominating and Governance Committee will then consider the tendered resignation, taking into account certain specified factors, and will make a recommendation to the Board within 60 days following the election whether to accept the resignation or take other action.  Within 120 days following the election, the full Board must act on the Committee’s recommendation and must publicly disclose its decision, including the reasons for not accepting a resignation.  In contested elections, the required vote for election of directors will be a plurality of shares represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors.
 
An amended and restated version of the By-laws, reflecting the foregoing amendments, is filed herewith as an exhibit.

 

 
ITEM 6.                      EXHIBITS

(a)   Exhibits filed with this Form 10-Q:
 
(3)       NV Energy, Inc.
 
(12)    NV Energy, Inc.:

12.1
 
Statement regarding computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

          Nevada Power Company:

12.2
 
Statement regarding computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

          Sierra Pacific Power Company:

12.3
 
Statement regarding computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

(31)    NV Energy, Inc., Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company

31.1
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer of NV Energy, Inc. Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.2
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Nevada Power Company Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.3
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Sierra Pacific Power Company Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.4
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer of NV Energy, Inc. Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.5
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Nevada Power Company Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.6
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Sierra Pacific Power Company Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 (32)    NV Energy, Inc., Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company

32.1
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer of NV Energy, Inc. Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.2
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Nevada Power Company Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.3
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Sierra Pacific Power Company Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.4
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer of NV Energy, Inc. Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
     
32.5
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Nevada Power Company Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.6
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Sierra Pacific Power Company Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(101)    NV Energy, Inc., Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company

*101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
*101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Schema
*101.CAL
 
XBRL Calculation Linkbase
*101.LAB
 
XBRL Label Linkbase
*101.PRE
 
XBRL Presentation Linkbase
*101.DEF
 
XBRL Definition Linkbase

*  XBRL information will be considered to be furnished, not filed, for the first two years of a company’s submission of XBRL information.


 
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.

 
         
   
NV Energy, Inc.
   
             (Registrant)
         
Date:  November 2, 2011
 
By:
 
/s/ Dilek L. Samil
       
Dilek L. Samil
       
Chief Financial Officer
       
(Principal Financial Officer)
         
Date:  November 2, 2011
 
By:
 
/s/ E. Kevin Bethel
       
E. Kevin Bethel
       
Chief Accounting Officer
       
(Principal Accounting Officer)
         
   
Nevada Power Company d/b/a NV Energy
   
             (Registrant)
         
Date:  November 2, 2011
 
By:
 
/s/ Dilek L. Samil
       
Dilek L. Samil
       
Chief Financial Officer
       
(Principal Financial Officer)
         
Date:  November 2, 2011
 
By:
 
/s/ E. Kevin Bethel
       
E. Kevin Bethel
       
Chief Accounting Officer
       
(Principal Accounting Officer)
         
   
Sierra Pacific Power Company d/b/a NV Energy
   
             (Registrant)
         
Date:  November 2, 2011
 
By:
 
/s/ Dilek L. Samil
       
Dilek L. Samil
       
Chief Financial Officer
       
(Principal Financial Officer)
         
Date:  November 2, 2011
 
By:
 
/s/ E. Kevin Bethel
       
E. Kevin Bethel
       
Chief Accounting Officer
       
(Principal Accounting Officer)