10-Q 1 a07-10678_110q.htm 10-Q

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

x

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007

 

or

 

o

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                          to                         

 

Commission File Number: 001-03140

 

Northern States Power Company

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Wisconsin

 

39-0508315

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

1414 W. Hamilton Avenue,

 

 

Eau Claire, Wisconsin

 

54701

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (715) 839-2625

 

Indicate by check mark whether the 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. x Yes o No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large Accelerated Filer o

 

Accelerated Filer o

 

Non-Accelerated Filer x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). o Yes x No

 

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 April 30, 2007

Common Stock, $100 par value

 

933,000 shares

 

Northern States Power Co. (a Wisconsin corporation) meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H (1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format specified in General Instruction H (2) to such Form 10-Q.

 

 



 

Table of Contents

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item l.

 

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

 

Certifications Pursuant to Section 302

Certifications Pursuant to Section 906

Statement Pursuant to Private Litigation

 

This Form 10-Q is filed by Northern States Power Co., a Wisconsin corporation (NSP-Wisconsin). NSP-Wisconsin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Xcel Energy Inc. (Xcel Energy). Additional information on Xcel Energy is available on various filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

 

2



 

PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial  Statements

 

NSP-WISCONSIN AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Operating revenues

 

 

 

 

 

Electric utility

 

$

149,231

 

$

141,649

 

Natural gas utility

 

62,882

 

73,333

 

Other

 

182

 

175

 

Total operating revenues

 

212,295

 

215,157

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Electric fuel and purchased power

 

88,663

 

74,017

 

Cost of natural gas sold and transported

 

49,626

 

61,237

 

Other operating and maintenance expenses

 

35,613

 

34,334

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

13,231

 

12,786

 

Taxes (other than income taxes)

 

5,340

 

4,767

 

Total operating expenses

 

192,473

 

187,141

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

19,822

 

28,016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and other income, net (see Note 7)

 

273

 

121

 

Allowance for funds used during construction – equity

 

157

 

125

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest charges and financing costs

 

 

 

 

 

Interest charges –including financing costs of $308 and $309, respectively

 

5,732

 

5,956

 

Allowance for funds used during construction – debt

 

(256

)

(251

)

Total interest charges and financing costs

 

5,476

 

5,705

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

14,776

 

22,557

 

Income taxes

 

5,647

 

8,434

 

Net income

 

$

9,129

 

$

14,123

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

3



 

NSP-WISCONSIN AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

9,129

 

$

14,123

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

13,820

 

13,291

 

Deferred income taxes

 

3,008

 

(1,281

)

Amortization of investment tax credits

 

(173

)

(190

)

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

 

(157

)

(41

)

Net realized and unrealized hedging and derivative transactions

 

1,540

 

3,829

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

2,204

 

6,687

 

Accrued unbilled revenues

 

12,837

 

12,596

 

Inventories

 

8,193

 

12,077

 

Other current assets

 

4,868

 

5,933

 

Accounts payable

 

6,517

 

(19,144

)

Net regulatory assets and liabilities

 

(13,076

)

(9,422

)

Other current liabilities

 

9,034

 

13,807

 

Change in other noncurrent assets

 

(733

)

(374

)

Change in other noncurrent liabilities

 

287

 

5,287

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

57,298

 

57,178

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Utility capital/construction expenditures

 

(17,871

)

(17,211

)

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

 

157

 

41

 

Other investments

 

(183

)

(152

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(17,897

)

(17,322

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Payments on short-term borrowings, net

 

(29,250

)

(33,500

)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

¾

 

247

 

Repayment of long-term debt

 

(6

)

¾

 

Capital contributions from parent

 

¾

 

4,000

 

Dividends paid to parent

 

(10,536

)

(10,597

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(39,792

)

(39,850

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(391

)

6

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

1,162

 

681

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

771

 

$

687

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest (net of amounts capitalized)

 

$

123

 

$

386

 

Cash paid for income taxes (net of refunds received)

 

196

 

2,844

 

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment additions in accounts payable

 

$

777

 

$

763

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4



 

NSP-WISCONSIN AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

 

 

March 31,
2007

 

Dec. 31,
2006

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

771

 

$

1,162

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for bad debts of $2,356 and $2,180, respectively

 

63,413

 

62,076

 

Accounts receivable from affiliates

 

318

 

3,859

 

Accrued unbilled revenues

 

19,264

 

32,101

 

Material and supplies inventories

 

4,781

 

4,749

 

Fuel inventories

 

12,008

 

7,500

 

Natural gas inventories

 

1,304

 

14,035

 

Prepaid taxes

 

11,630

 

15,630

 

Current deferred income taxes

 

7,609

 

6,268

 

Derivative instruments valuation

 

99

 

129

 

Prepayments and other

 

1,804

 

2,672

 

Total current assets

 

123,001

 

150,181

 

Property, plant and equipment, at cost:

 

 

 

 

 

Electric utility plant

 

1,307,968

 

1,301,597

 

Natural gas utility plant

 

162,091

 

160,676

 

Common utility and other property

 

105,075

 

103,730

 

Construction work in progress

 

34,845

 

19,600

 

Total property, plant and equipment

 

1,609,979

 

1,585,603

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(657,604

)

(637,673

)

Net property, plant and equipment

 

952,375

 

947,930

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory assets

 

97,145

 

96,441

 

Prepaid pension asset

 

44,825

 

44,111

 

Other investments

 

6,297

 

6,114

 

Other

 

6,726

 

6,510

 

Total other assets

 

154,993

 

153,176

 

Total assets

 

$

1,230,369

 

$

1,251,287

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

$

34

 

$

34

 

Notes payable to affiliates

 

1,800

 

31,050

 

Accounts payable

 

30,420

 

34,050

 

Accounts payable to affiliates

 

24,777

 

16,167

 

Dividends payable to parent

 

10,043

 

10,536

 

Accrued payroll and benefits

 

4,268

 

5,609

 

Accrued interest

 

9,091

 

4,101

 

Other

 

15,538

 

10,523

 

Total current liabilities

 

95,971

 

112,070

 

Deferred credits and other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

166,875

 

163,476

 

Deferred investment tax credits

 

11,517

 

11,690

 

Regulatory liabilities

 

103,052

 

111,797

 

Pension and employee benefit obligations

 

30,136

 

30,157

 

Customer advances

 

18,073

 

17,997

 

Asset retirement obligations

 

3,007

 

2,989

 

Other

 

25,728

 

23,813

 

Total deferred credits and other liabilities

 

358,388

 

361,919

 

Minority interest in subsidiaries

 

385

 

387

 

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 5)

 

 

 

 

 

Capitalization:

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

315,640

 

315,630

 

Common stock — authorized 1,000,000 shares of $100 par value; outstanding 933,000 shares

 

93,300

 

93,300

 

Additional paid in capital

 

110,199

 

110,199

 

Retained earnings

 

257,366

 

258,681

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(880

)

(899

)

Total common stockholders’ equity

 

459,985

 

461,281

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

1,230,369

 

$

1,251,287

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5



 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of NSP-Wisconsin and its subsidiaries as of  March 31, 2007, and Dec. 31, 2006; the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006; and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006. Due to the seasonality of electric and natural gas sales of NSP-Wisconsin, quarterly results are not necessarily an appropriate base from which to project annual results.

 

1. Significant Accounting Policies

 

Except to the extent updated or described below, the significant accounting policies set forth in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in NSP-Wisconsin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of accounting policies, and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Income Taxes — Consistent with prior periods and upon adoption of Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48 – “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109”, NSP-Wisconsin records interest and penalties related to income taxes as interest charges in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

Reclassifications — Certain amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows have been reclassified from prior-period presentation to conform to the 2007 presentation. The reclassifications reflect the presentation of unbilled revenues, recoverable purchased natural gas and electric energy costs and regulatory assets and liabilities as separate items rather than components of other assets and other liabilities within net cash provided by operating activities. In addition, activity related to derivative transactions have been combined into net realized and unrealized hedging and derivative transactions. These reclassifications did not affect total net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing or financing activities within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

 

2. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157) — In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) 157, which provides a single definition of fair value, together with a framework for measuring it, and requires additional disclosure about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities. SFAS 157 also emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, and sets out a fair value hierarchy with the highest priority being quoted prices in active markets. Fair value measurements are disclosed by level within that hierarchy. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after Nov. 15, 2007. NSP-Wisconsin is evaluating the impact of SFAS 157 on its financial condition and results of operations and does not expect the impact of adoption to be material.

 

The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS 159) —  In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, which provides companies with an option to measure, at specified election dates, many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently measured at fair value. A company that adopts SFAS 159 will report unrealized gains and losses on items, for which the fair value option has been elected, in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. This statement also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after Nov. 15, 2007. NSP-Wisconsin is evaluating the impact of SFAS 159 on its financial condition and results of operations and does not expect the impact of adoption to be material.

 

3. Income Taxes

 

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48)In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. (FIN) 48. FIN 48 prescribes how a company should recognize, measure, present and disclose uncertain tax positions that the company has taken or expects to take in its income tax returns. FIN 48 requires that only income tax benefits that meet the “more likely than not” recognition threshold be recognized or continue to be recognized on its effective date. As required, NSP-Wisconsin adopted FIN 48 as of Jan. 1, 2007 and the initial derecognition amounts were reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. The cumulative effect of the change, which is reported as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings, was not material. Following implementation, the ongoing recognition of changes in measurement of uncertain tax positions will be reflected as a component of income tax expense.

 

NSP-Wisconsin is a member of the Xcel Energy affiliated group that files consolidated income tax returns. Xcel Energy has been audited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) through tax year 2003, with a limited exception for 2003 research tax credits. The IRS commenced an examination of Xcel Energy’s federal income tax returns for 2004 and 2005 (and research credits for 2003) in the third quarter of 2006, and that examination is anticipated to be complete by March 31, 2008.  As of March 31, 2007, the IRS had not

 

6



 

proposed any material adjustments. As of March 31, 2007, Xcel Energy’s 2000 through 2002 federal income tax returns remain open under applicable statutes of limitations.

 

NSP-Wisconsin is currently under examination by the state of Wisconsin for years 2002 through 2005. No material adjustments have been proposed as of March 31, 2007. As of March 31, 2007, NSP-Wisconsin’s earliest open tax year in which an audit can be initiated by state taxing authorities under applicable statutes of limitations is 2002.

 

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $1.6 million and $1.8 million on Jan. 1, 2007 and March 31, 2007, respectively.

 

Included in the unrecognized tax benefit balance was $0.4 million and $0.5 million of tax positions on Jan. 1, 2007 and March 31, 2007, respectively, which if recognized would affect the annual effective tax rate. In addition, the unrecognized tax benefit balance included $1.2 million and $1.3 million of tax positions on Jan. 1, 2007 and March 31, 2007, respectively, for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. A change in the period of deductibility would not affect the effective tax rate but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authority to an earlier period. The change in the unrecognized tax benefit balance from Jan. 1, 2007 to March 31, 2007, was due to the addition of similar uncertain tax positions relating to first quarter activity.

 

NSP-Wisconsin’s amount of unrecognized tax benefits could significantly change in the next 12 months as the IRS and state tax audits progress. However, at this time due to the nature of the audit process, it is not reasonably possible to estimate a range of the possible change.

 

The interest expense liability related to unrecognized tax benefits on Jan. 1, 2007, was not material. The change in the interest expense liability from Jan. 1, 2007, to March 31, 2007, was not material. No amounts were accrued for penalties.

 

4.  Rate Matters

 

Pending and Recently Concluded Regulatory Proceedings — Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

 

Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. (MISO) Long-Term Transmission Pricing In October 2005, MISO filed a proposed change to its Transmission and Energy Markets Tariff (TEMT) to regionalize future cost recovery of certain high voltage (345 kilovolts (KV)) transmission projects to be constructed for reliability improvements. The proposal, called the Regional Expansion Criteria Benefits phase I (RECB I) proposal, would recover 20 percent of eligible transmission costs from all transmission service customers in the MISO 15 state region, with 80 percent recovered on a sub-regional basis. The proposal would exclude certain projects that had been planned prior to the October 2005 filing, and would require new generators to fund 50 percent of the cost of network upgrades associated with their interconnection. In February 2006, the FERC generally approved the RECB I proposal, but set the 20 percent limitation on regionalization for additional proceedings. Various parties filed requests for rehearing. On Nov. 29, 2006, the FERC issued an order on rehearing upholding the February 2006 order and approving the 20 percent limitation. On Dec. 13, 2006, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) filed an appeal of the RECB I order.

 

In addition, in October 2006, MISO filed additional changes to its TEMT to regionalize future recovery of certain transmission projects (230 KV and above) constructed to provide access to lower cost generation supplies. The filing, known as Regional Expansion Criteria Benefits phase II (RECB II), would provide regional recovery of 20 percent of the project costs and sub-regional recovery of 80 percent, based on a benefits analysis. MISO proposed that the RECB II tariff be effective April 1, 2007. Initial comments were filed at the FERC on Dec. 22, 2006. The date the FERC will take initial action is not known.

 

Transmission service rates in the MISO region presently use a rate design, in which the transmission cost depends on the location of the load being served. Costs of existing transmission facilities are not regionalized. MISO is required to file a replacement rate methodology in August 2007, to be effective Feb. 1, 2008. It is possible MISO will propose to regionalize the recovery of the costs of existing transmission facilities.

 

On March 15, 2007, the FERC issued orders separately upholding the Nov. 29, 2006 order accepting the RECB I pricing proposal, and approving most aspects of the RECB II proposal. However, the FERC ordered MISO to re-examine the cost allocation for existing facilities, new reliability improvements and economic projects in the Aug. 2007 compliance filing.

 

Proposals to regionalize transmission costs could shift the costs of NSP-Wisconsin transmission investments to other MISO transmission service customers, but would also shift the costs of transmission investments of other participants in MISO to NSP-Wisconsin.

 

Wholesale Rate Case Application — On July 31, 2006, NSP-Wisconsin filed a rate case at the FERC requesting a base rate increase of approximately $4 million, or 15 percent, for its ten wholesale municipal electric sales customers. NSP-Wisconsin’s wholesale customers are currently served under a bundled full requirements tariff, with rates based on embedded costs, and a monthly fuel cost adjustment clause (FCAC). NSP-Wisconsin proposes to unbundle transmission service and revise the FCAC to reflect current FERC

 

7



 

regulatory policies, the advent of MISO operations and the MISO Day 2 energy market. In August 2006, all ten customers filed a joint protest of the rate case, requesting the increase be suspended until March 1, 2007, and the request be set for litigated hearings. On Sept. 28, 2006, the FERC issued an order accepting the filing, suspending the effective date of the rates to March 1, 2007, and setting the filing for hearing and settlement judge procedures. In February 2007, NSP-Wisconsin reached a settlement with customers that provides for full cost recovery of MISO Day 2 and renewable energy costs through the FCAC and a $2.4 million base rate increase. On April 13, 2007, a motion was approved to implement the settlement rate increase on an interim basis, effective March 1, 2007. Approval of the settlement is pending final FERC action.

 

Pending and Recently Concluded Regulatory Proceedings — Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW)

 

MISO Cost Recovery On June 29, 2006, the PSCW opened a proceeding to address the proper amount of MISO Day 2 deferrals that the state’s utilities should be allowed to recover and the proper method of rate recovery.

 

On Sept. 1, 2006, NSP-Wisconsin detailed its calculation methodology and reported that, as of June 30, 2006, it had deferred approximately $6.2 million. PSCW staff and intervenors filed testimony in December 2006, arguing that the various methodologies used by the utilities to calculate the deferrals were inconsistent, and to varying degrees incorrect. Further, the testimony argued that some or all of the deferred costs are being recovered in current rates and were, therefore, inappropriately deferred and the utilities should be required to write off balances that were inappropriately deferred.

 

On Feb. 13, 2007 a hearing was held. Initial briefs and reply briefs were filed on March 13, 2007, and April 3, 2007, respectively, and a decision is pending before the PSCW. The potential impact on NSP-Wisconsin is unknown at this time but could be material. NSP-Wisconsin currently anticipates that the ultimate decision on the amount of costs to be recovered in rates could be delayed until its next general rate case to be filed on June 1, 2007.

 

As of March 31, 2007, NSP-Wisconsin has deferred approximately $11.7 million of MISO Day 2 costs.

 

2006 Fuel Cost Recovery — Fuel costs for the Wisconsin retail jurisdiction in 2006 were $14.4 million, or 9.7 percent lower than the fuel-related component of base electric rates authorized in the 2006 general rate case. Under the provisions of the Wisconsin Fuel Rules and a May 4, 2006 order from the PSCW, NSP-Wisconsin was required to refund, with interest, that portion of the over-recovery that occurred subsequent to the May 4 order. Accordingly, NSP-Wisconsin established a $10.1 million fuel refund provision during 2006. On Jan. 30, 2007, NSP-Wisconsin filed its 2006 year-end fuel cost recovery report and a proposed refund plan with the PSCW. On Feb. 8, 2007, the PSCW approved the refund and NSP-Wisconsin credited customer bills over a two month period beginning Feb. 15, 2007.

 

Fuel Cost Recovery Rulemaking — On June 22, 2006, the PSCW opened a rulemaking docket to address potential revisions to the electric fuel cost recovery rules. Wisconsin statutes prohibit the use of automatic adjustment clauses by large investor-owned electric public utilities. Instead, the statutes authorize the PSCW to approve, after a hearing, a rate increase for these utilities to allow for the recovery of costs caused by an emergency or extraordinary increase in the cost of fuel. In opening this rulemaking, the PSCW recognized the increased volatility of fuel and energy costs, citing events such as the implementation of the MISO Day 2 Market, increased demand on some fuels, increased transportation costs of some fuels, and the effects of hurricanes on the availability of some fuels. On Sept. 7, 2006, Wisconsin’s large investor-owned utilities, including NSP-Wisconsin, jointly filed proposed revisions to the rules. The utilities’ proposal incorporates a plan year forecast and an after-the-fact reconciliation to eliminate regulatory lag, and ensure recovery of prudently incurred costs. On Nov. 3, 2006, a coalition of customer and intervenor groups submitted a counter proposal that included only minor revisions to the existing rules. On Feb. 1, 2007, the utilities filed a revised proposal to reflect input from the PSCW staff. Attorneys for the customer intervenors and the utilities filed legal analyses of the utilities’ proposed rule changes on March 7, 2007 and March 15, 2007, respectively. A decision on this matter is pending. At this time it is not certain what, if any, changes to the existing rules will be recommended by the PSCW.

 

5. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

 

The circumstances set forth in Note 9 and 10 to the financial statements in NSP-Wisconsin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2006 and Notes 4 and 5 to the financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of commitments and contingent liabilities and are incorporated herein by reference. The following include unresolved contingencies that are material to NSP-Wisconsin’s financial position.

 

Environmental Contingencies

 

NSP-Wisconsin has been, or is currently, involved with the cleanup of contamination from certain hazardous substances at several sites. In many situations, NSP-Wisconsin believes it will recover some portion of these costs through insurance claims. Additionally, where applicable, NSP-Wisconsin is pursuing, or intends to pursue, recovery from other potentially responsible parties and through the rate regulatory process. New and changing federal and state environmental mandates can also create added financial liabilities for

 

8



 

NSP-Wisconsin, which are normally recovered through the rate regulatory process. To the extent any costs are not recovered through the options listed above, NSP-Wisconsin would be required to recognize an expense.

 

Site RemediationNSP-Wisconsin must pay all or a portion of the cost to remediate sites where past activities of NSP-Wisconsin and some other parties have caused environmental contamination. Environmental contingencies could arise from various situations including the following categories of sites:

 

   sites of former manufactured gas plants (MGPs) operated by NSP-Wisconsin or its predecessors; and

   third party sites, such as landfills, to which NSP-Wisconsin is alleged to be a potentially responsible party (PRP) that sent hazardous materials and wastes.

 

NSP-Wisconsin records a liability when enough information is obtained to develop an estimate of the cost of environmental remediation and revises the estimate as information is received. The estimated remediation cost may vary materially.

 

To estimate the cost to remediate these sites, assumptions are made when facts are not fully known. For instance, assumptions may be made about the nature and extent of site contamination, the extent of required cleanup efforts, costs of alternative cleanup methods and pollution-control technologies, the period over which remediation will be performed and paid for, changes in environmental remediation and pollution-control requirements, the potential effect of technological improvements, the number and financial strength of other PRPs and the identification of new environmental cleanup sites.

 

Estimates are revised as facts become known. At March 31, 2007, the liability for the cost of remediating these sites was estimated to be $26.6 million, of which $3.1 million was considered to be a current liability. Some of the cost of remediation may be recovered from:

 

   insurance coverage;

   other parties that have contributed to the contamination; and

   customers.

 

Neither the total remediation cost nor the final method of cost allocation among all PRPs of the unremediated sites has been determined. Estimates have been recorded for NSP-Wisconsin’s future costs for these sites.

 

Manufactured Gas Plant Sites

 

Ashland Manufactured Gas Plant Site — NSP-Wisconsin was named a PRP for creosote and coal tar contamination at a site in Ashland, Wis. The Ashland site includes property owned by NSP-Wisconsin, which was previously an MGP facility, and two other properties: an adjacent city lakeshore park area, on which an unaffiliated third party previously operated a sawmill, and an area of Lake Superior’s Chequemegon Bay adjoining the park.

 

On Sept. 5, 2002, the Ashland site was placed on the National Priorities List (NPL). A determination of the scope and cost of the remediation of the Ashland site is not currently expected until late 2007 or 2008 following the submission of the remedial investigation report and feasibility study in 2007. NSP-Wisconsin continues to work with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) to access state and federal funds to apply to the ultimate remediation cost of the entire site. In November 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation Program (SITE) accepted the Ashland site into its program. As part of the SITE program, NSP-Wisconsin proposed  and the EPA accepted a site demonstration of an in situ, chemical oxidation technique to treat upland ground water and contaminated soil. The field work for the demonstration study was completed in February 2007, and the EPA is scheduled to complete its assessment this summer. In 2006, NSP-Wisconsin spent $2.0 million in the development of the work plan, the interim response action and other matters related to the site.

 

The WDNR and NSP-Wisconsin have each developed several estimates of the ultimate cost to remediate the Ashland site. The estimates vary significantly, between $4 million and $93 million, because different methods of remediation and different results are assumed in each. The EPA and WDNR have not yet selected the method of remediation to use at the site. Until the EPA and the WDNR select a remediation strategy for the entire site and determine NSP-Wisconsin’s level of responsibility, NSP-Wisconsin’s liability for the cost of remediating the Ashland site is not determinable. NSP-Wisconsin has recorded a liability of  $25.0 million for its potential liability for remediating the Ashland site and for external legal and consultant costs. Since NSP-Wisconsin cannot currently estimate the cost of remediating the Ashland site, that portion of the recorded liability related to remediation is based upon the minimum of the estimated range of remediation costs, using information available to date and reasonably effective remedial methods.

 

On Oct. 19, 2004, the WDNR filed a lawsuit in Wisconsin state court for reimbursement of past oversight costs incurred at the Ashland site between 1994 and March 2003 in the approximate amount of $1.4 million. The lawsuit has been stayed . NSP- Wisconsin has recorded an estimate of its potential liability. All costs paid to the WDNR are expected to be recoverable in rates.

 

In addition to potential liability for remediation and WDNR oversight costs, NSP-Wisconsin may also have liability for natural resource damages (NRD) at the Ashland site. NSP-Wisconsin has indicated to the relevant natural resource trustees its interest in

 

9



 

engaging in discussions concerning the assessment of natural resources injuries and in proposing various restoration projects in an effort to fully and finally resolve all NRD claims. NSP-Wisconsin is not able to estimate its potential exposure for NRD at the site, but has recorded an estimate of its potential liability based upon the minimum of its estimated range of potential exposure.

 

NSP-Wisconsin has deferred, as a regulatory asset, the costs accrued for the Ashland site based on an expectation that the PSCW will continue to allow NSP-Wisconsin to recover payments for MGP-related environmental remediation from its customers. The PSCW has consistently authorized recovery in NSP-Wisconsin rates of all remediation costs incurred at the Ashland site, and has authorized recovery of similar remediation costs for other Wisconsin utilities. External MGP remediation costs are subject to deferral in the Wisconsin retail jurisdiction and are reviewed for prudence as part of the Wisconsin biennial retail rate case process.

 

In addition, in 2003, the Wisconsin Supreme Court rendered a ruling that reopens the possibility that NSP-Wisconsin may be able to recover a portion of the remediation costs from its insurance carriers. Any insurance proceeds received by NSP-Wisconsin will operate as a credit to ratepayers.

 

Chippewa Falls Manufactured Gas Plant Site — Following WDNR approval of the cleanup plan, the remediation of the site was initiated in November 2006. The removal, disposal and treatment of contaminated materials from the Chippewa Falls MGP site was completed in February 2007. Site restoration is expected to be completed by August of 2007. The total project costs are estimated to be approximately $4.0 million, significantly less than the previously recorded liability of $5.0 million. Costs accrued for the site were deferred as a regulatory asset based on the expectation that the PSCW will continue to allow NSP-Wisconsin to recover payments for MGP-related environmental remediation from its customers.

 

Third Party and Other Environmental Site Remediation
 

Asbestos RemovalSome of NSP-Wisconsin facilities contain asbestos. Most asbestos will remain undisturbed until the facilities that contain it are demolished or renovated. NSP-Wisconsin  removal costs for asbestos are expected to be immaterial, therefore no asset retirement obligation was recorded. See additional discussion of asset retirement obligations in Note 10 of the NSP-Wisconsin Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec.31, 2006.  It may be necessary to remove some asbestos to perform maintenance or make improvements to other equipment. The cost of removing asbestos as part of other work is immaterial and is recorded as incurred as operating expenses for maintenance projects, capital expenditures for construction projects or removal costs for demolition projects.

 

Other Environmental Requirements

 

Clean Air Interstate Rule  In March 2005, the EPA issued the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) to further regulate sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The objective of CAIR is to cap emissions of SO2 and NOx in the eastern United States, including Wisconsin. CAIR addresses the transportation of fine particulates, ozone and emission precursors to nonattainment downwind states. CAIR has a two-phase compliance schedule, beginning in 2009 for NOx and 2010 for SO2, with a final compliance deadline in 2015 for both emissions. Under CAIR, each affected state will be allocated an emissions budget for SO2 and NOx that will result in significant emission reductions. It will be based on stringent emission controls and forms the basis for a cap-and-trade program. State emission budgets or caps decline over time. States can choose to implement an emissions reduction program based on the EPA’s proposed model program, or they can propose another method, which the EPA would need to approve.

 

NSP-Wisconsin has generating facilities that will be impacted. Preliminary estimates of capital expenditures associated with compliance with CAIR for the integrated electric production and transmission system of NSP-Wisconsin and NSP-Minnesota, jointly referred to as the NSP System, range from $30 million to $40 million, which would be a cost sharable through the Interchange Agreement with NSP-Minnesota.

 

There is uncertainty concerning implementation of CAIR. States are required to develop implementation plans within 18 months of the issuance of the new rules and have a significant amount of discretion in the implementation details. Legal challenges to CAIR rules could alter their requirements and/or schedule. The uncertainty associated with the final CAIR rules makes it difficult to project the ultimate amount and timing of capital expenditures and operating expenses.

 

While NSP-Wisconsin expects to comply with the new rules through a combination of additional capital investments in emission controls at various facilities and purchases of emission allowances, it is continuing to review the alternatives. NSP-Wisconsin believes the cost of any required capital investment or allowance purchases will be recoverable from customers.

 

Clean Air Mercury Rule — In March 2005, the EPA issued the Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR), which regulates mercury emissions from power plants for the first time. The EPA’s CAMR  uses a national cap-and-trade system, where compliance may be achieved by either adding mercury controls or purchasing allowances or a combination of both and is designed to achieve a 70 percent reduction in mercury emissions. It affects all coal- and oil-fired generating units across the country that are greater than 25 MW. Compliance with this rule occurs in two phases, with the first phase beginning in 2010 and the second phase in 2018. States will be allocated mercury allowances based on coal type and their baseline heat input relative to other states. Each electric generating unit will be allocated mercury allowances based on its percentage of total coal heat input for the state. Similar to CAIR, states can choose

 

10



 

to implement an emissions reduction program based on the EPA’s proposed model program, or they can propose another method, which the EPA would need to approve.

 

Under CAMR, NSP-Wisconsin can comply through capital investments in emission controls or purchase of emission “allowances” from other utilities making reductions on their systems. Testing indicates that the NSP-Wisconsin facilities will be low mass mercury emitters; therefore, compliance with CAMR is not expected to require mercury controls or purchases of allowances.

 

Federal Clean Water Act — The federal Clean Water Act requires the EPA to regulate cooling water intake structures  to assure that these structures reflect the “best technology available” for minimizing adverse environmental impacts. In July 2004, the EPA published phase II of the rule, which applies to existing cooling water intakes at steam-electric power plants. Several lawsuits were filed against the EPA in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit challenging the phase II rulemaking. On Jan. 25, 2007, the court issued its decision and remanded virtually every aspect of the rule to the EPA for reconsideration. The EPA announced on March 20, 2007, it will suspend the deadlines and refer any implementation to each state’s best professional judgment until the EPA is able to fully respond to the court-ordered remands. As a result, the rule’s compliance requirements and associated deadlines are currently unknown. It is not possible to provide an accurate estimate of the overall cost of this rulemaking at this time due to the many uncertainties involved.

 

Industrial Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology Standards On Sept. 13, 2004, the EPA published final maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards for hazardous air pollutants from industrial boilers. Except for the later adoption of the CAMR by the EPA, two boilers at the Bay Front plant would have to comply with this rule by September 2007 at a capital cost estimated to be approximately $10 million. NSP- Wisconsin has determined that CAMR supercedes the effect of the Industrial Boiler MACT Rule on Bay Front.

 

Legal Contingencies

 

In the normal course of business, NSP-Wisconsin is party to routine claims and litigation arising from prior and current operations. NSP-Wisconsin is actively defending these matters and has recorded a liability related to the probable cost of settlement or other disposition, when it can be reasonably estimated.

 

Arandell vs. e prime, Xcel Energy, NSP-Wisconsin et al.   In February 2007, a complaint was filed alleging that NSP-Wisconsin, Xcel Energy and e prime, among others, engaged in fraud and anticompetitive activities in conspiring to restrain the trade of natural gas and manipulate natural gas prices. The plaintiffs seek a declaration that contracts for natural gas entered into between Jan. 1, 2000 and Oct. 31, 2002 are void, that they are entitled to repayment for amounts paid for natural gas during that time period, and that treble damages are appropriate. The case was filed in the Wisconsin State Court (Dane County), and then removed to U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin. The plaintiffs have filed a motion to remand the matter to state court. NSP-Wisconsin, together with the other defendants, intend to oppose the motion for remand and seek dismissal of all claims.

 

Carbon Dioxide Emissions Lawsuit — On July 21, 2004, the attorneys general of eight states and New York City, as well as several environmental groups, filed lawsuits in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against five utilities, including Xcel Energy, to force reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Although NSP-Wisconsin is not named as a party to this litigation, the requested relief that Xcel Energy cap and reduce its CO2 emissions could have a material adverse effect on NSP-Wisconsin. The other utilities include American Electric Power Co., Southern Co., Cinergy Corp. and Tennessee Valley Authority. CO2 is emitted whenever fossil fuel is combusted, such as in automobiles, industrial operations and coal- or natural gas-fired power plants. The lawsuits allege that CO2 emitted by each company is a public nuisance as defined under state and federal common law because it has contributed to global warming. The lawsuits do not demand monetary damages. Instead, the lawsuits ask the court to order each utility to cap and reduce its CO2 emissions. In October 2004, Xcel Energy and four other utility companies filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, contending, among other reasons, that the lawsuit is an attempt to usurp the policy-setting role of the U.S. Congress and the president. On Sept. 19, 2005, the judge granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss on constitutional grounds. Plaintiffs filed an appeal to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Oral arguments were presented on June 7, 2006 and a decision on the appeal is pending.

 

Comer vs. Xcel Energy Inc. et al. — On April 25, 2006, Xcel Energy received notice of a purported class action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. Although NSP-Wisconsin is not named as a party to this litigation, if the litigation ultimately results in an unfavorable outcome for Xcel Energy, it could have a material adverse effect on NSP-Wisconsin. The lawsuit names more than 45 oil, chemical and utility companies, including Xcel Energy, as defendants and alleges that defendants’ CO2 “were a proximate and direct cause of the increase in the destructive capacity of Hurricane Katrina.”

 

Stray Voltage — On Nov. 13, 2001, Ralph and Karline Schmidt filed a complaint in Clark County, Wisconsin against NSP-Wisconsin. Plaintiffs allege that electricity provided by NSP-Wisconsin harmed their dairy herd resulting in decreased milk production, lost profits and income, property damage and seek compensatory, punitive and treble damages. Plaintiffs allege compensatory damages of $1.0 million and pre-verdict interest of $1.2 million. In addition, plaintiffs allege an unspecified amount of damages related to nuisance. The trial court’s grant of summary judgment to NSP-Wisconsin on the bases of the statute of

 

11



 

limitations and the filed doctrine was reversed by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District IV, on Sept. 28, 2006. NSP-Wisconsin filed its petition for review with the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Oct. 30, 2006. NSP-Wisconsin’s petition for review was granted by the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Feb. 12, 2007.

 

On Nov. 13, 2001, August C. Heeg Jr. and Joanne Heeg filed a complaint in Clark County, Wisconsin against NSP-Wisconsin. Plaintiffs allege that electricity provided by NSP-Wisconsin harmed their dairy herd resulting in decreased milk production, lost profits and income, property damage and seek compensatory, punitive and treble damages. Plaintiffs allege compensatory damages of $1.9 million and pre-verdict interest of $6.1 million. In addition, plaintiffs allege an unspecified amount of damages related to nuisance. The trial court’s grant of summary judgment to NSP-Wisconsin on the bases of the statute of limitations and the filed doctrine was reversed by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District IV, on Sept. 28, 2006. NSP-Wisconsin has filed a petition for review with the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

 

On March 1, 2002, NSP-Wisconsin was served with a lawsuit commenced by James and Grace Gumz and Michael and Susan Gumz in Marathon County Circuit Court, Wisconsin, alleging that electricity supplied by NSP-Wisconsin harmed their dairy herd and caused them personal injury. The case was tried to a jury in Wausau, Wisconsin commencing in February 2005, on theories of negligence and nuisance. On March 4, 2005, a verdict in the amount of approximately $0.5 million was returned against NSP-Wisconsin. On May 3, 2005, judgment in the amount of $0.6 million was entered against NSP-Wisconsin. NSP-Wisconsin subsequently filed an appeal in District III, Court of Appeals. Plaintiffs filed a cross appeal with respect to the trial court’s dismissal of the treble damages claim. On July 18, 2006, the Court of Appeals affirmed the judgment entered against NSP-Wisconsin. The Court also affirmed the trial court’s dismissal of the plaintiffs’ treble damages claim. NSP- Wisconsin’s petition for review was granted by the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Feb. 12, 2007.

 

MGP Insurance Coverage Litigation — In October 2003, NSP-Wisconsin initiated discussions with its insurers regarding the availability of insurance coverage for costs associated with the remediation of four former MGP sites located in Ashland, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, and LaCrosse, Wis. In lieu of participating in discussions, on Oct. 28, 2003, two of NSP-Wisconsin’s insurers, St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Co. and St. Paul Mercury Insurance Co., commenced litigation against NSP-Wisconsin in Minnesota state district court. On Nov. 12, 2003, NSP-Wisconsin commenced suit in Wisconsin state circuit court against St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Co. and its other insurers. Subsequently, the Minnesota court enjoined NSP-Wisconsin from pursuing the Wisconsin litigation. Although the Wisconsin action has not been dismissed, the January 2007 trial date was adjourned and has not been rescheduled.

 

NSP-Wisconsin has entered into confidential settlements with St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company, St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company and the Phoenix Insurance Company (St. Paul Companies), Associated Electric & Gas Insurance Services Limited, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, INSCO, Ltd. (on its own behalf and on behalf of the insurance companies subscribing per Britamco, Ltd.), Allstate Insurance Company, Admiral Insurance Company; certain underwriters at Lloyd’s, London and certain London Market Insurance Companies (London Market Insurers), and Compagnie Europeene D’ Assurances Industrielles S.A. These insurers have been dismissed from the Minnesota and Wisconsin actions. These settlements are not expected to have a material effect on NSP Wisconsin’s financial results.

 

NSP-Wisconsin has reached settlements in principle with General Reinsurance Corporation and First State and Twin City Fire Insurance Companies. These settlements are not expected to have a material effect on NSP-Wisconsin’s financial results.

 

On Oct. 6, 2006, the trial court issued a memorandum and order on various summary judgment motions. The court ruled that Minnesota law on allocation applies and ordered dismissal, without prejudice, of 15 carriers whose coverage would not be triggered under such an allocation method. The court denied the insurers’ motions for summary judgment on the sudden and accidental and absolute pollution exclusions; late notice; legal expenses and costs; certain specific lost policies; and miscellaneous coverage issues under several individual policies. The court granted the motions of Fidelity and Casualty Insurance Company and Continental Insurance Company related to certain specific lost policies. On Oct. 13, 2006, the trial court denied NSP-Wisconsin’s request for leave to file a motion for reconsideration of the court’s allocation decision. The Nov. 6, 2006 trial date was also adjourned to allow for additional discovery and potential motions in light of the Minnesota Supreme Court’s recent allocation decision in Wooddale Builders, Inc. v. Maryland Casualty Company, 722 N. W.2d 283 (Minn. 2006). The insurers have moved for summary judgment based upon Wooddale Builders. At the court’s request, the parties have submitted additional briefs on the choice of law issue. A hearing on these issues has been scheduled for May 21, 2007. The trial has been set for a four-week period commencing on July 16, 2007. The PSCW has established a deferral process whereby clean-up costs associated with the remediation of former MGP sites are deferred and, if approved by the PSCW, recovered from ratepayers. Carrying charges associated with these clean-up costs are not subject to the deferral process and are not recoverable from ratepayers. Any insurance proceeds received by NSP-Wisconsin will operate as a credit in ratepayers, therefore, these lawsuits are not expected to have a material effect on Xcel Energy's financial results.

 

The PSCW has established a deferral process whereby clean-up costs associated with the remediation of former MGP sites are deferred and, if approved by the PSCW, recovered from ratepayers. Carrying charges associated with these clean-up costs are not subject to the deferral process and are not recoverable from ratepayers. Any insurance proceeds received by NSP-Wisconsin will operate as a credit to ratepayers, therefore, these lawsuits are not expected to have a material effect on  NSP-Wisconsin’s financial results.

 

12



 

6. Derivative Valuation and Financial Impacts

 

NSP-Wisconsin uses a number of different derivative instruments in connection with its utility commodity price and interest rate activities, including forward contracts, futures, swaps and options.

 

All derivative instruments not qualifying for the normal purchases and normal sales exception, as defined by SFAS 133-“Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended (SFAS 133), are recorded at fair value. The presentation of these derivative instruments is dependent on the designation of a qualifying hedging relationship. The adjustment to fair value of derivative instruments not designated in a qualifying hedging relationship is reflected in current earnings or as a regulatory balance. This classification is dependent on the applicability of any regulatory mechanism in place. This includes certain instruments used to mitigate market risk for NSP-Wisconsin. The designation of a cash flow hedge permits the classification of fair value to be recorded within Other Comprehensive Income, to the extent effective. The designation of a fair value hedge permits a derivative instrument’s gains or losses to offset the related results of the hedged item in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

NSP-Wisconsin records the fair value of its derivative instruments in its Consolidated Balance Sheet as separate line items identified as Derivative Instruments Valuation in both current and noncurrent assets and liabilities.

 

Qualifying hedging relationships are designated as either a hedge of a forecasted transaction or future cash flow (cash flow hedge), or a hedge of a recognized asset, liability or firm commitment (fair value hedge). The types of qualifying hedging transactions that NSP-Wisconsin is currently engaged in are discussed below.

 

Cash Flow Hedges

 

NSP-Wisconsin enters into derivative instruments to manage variability of future cash flows from changes in commodity prices and interest rates. These derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes, and the changes in the fair value of these instruments are recorded as a component of Other Comprehensive Income.

 

At March 31, 2007, NSP-Wisconsin had no commodity-related contracts classified as cash flow hedges.

 

NSP-Wisconsin enters into various instruments that effectively fix the interest payments on certain floating rate debt obligations or effectively fix the yield or price on a specified benchmark interest rate for a specific period. These derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes and the change in the fair value of these instruments is recorded as a component of Other Comprehensive Income.

 

As of March 31, 2007, NSP-Wisconsin had net losses of approximately $0.1 million in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income that it expects to recognize in earnings during the next 12 months.

 

Gains or losses on hedging transactions for the sales of energy or energy-related products are primarily recorded as a component of revenues, hedging transactions for fuel used in energy generation are recorded as a component of fuel costs, hedging transactions for gas purchased for resale are recorded as a component of gas costs and interest rate hedging transactions are recorded as a component of interest expense. NSP-Wisconsin is allowed to recover in natural gas rates the costs of certain financial instruments acquired to reduce commodity cost volatility. There was an immaterial amount of ineffectiveness in the first quarter of 2007.

 

The impact of qualifying cash flow hedges on NSP-Wisconsin’s Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, included as a component of stockholder's equity, are detailed in the following table:

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

(Millions of dollars)

 

March 31, 2007

 

March 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to cash flow hedges at Jan. 1

 

$

(0.9

)

$

(1.0

)

After-tax net unrealized gains related to derivatives accounted for as hedges

 

 

 

After-tax net realized gains on derivative transactions reclassified into earnings

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to cash flow hedges at March 31

 

$

(0.9

)

$

(1.0

)

 

Normal Purchases or Normal Sales Contracts

 

NSP-Wisconsin enters into contracts for the purchase and sale of various commodities for use in its business operations. SFAS 133 requires a company to evaluate these contracts to determine whether the contracts are derivatives. Certain contracts that meet the definition of a derivative may be exempted from SFAS 133 as normal purchases or normal sales. Normal purchases and normal sales are contracts that provide for the purchase or sale of something other than a financial or derivative instrument that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business. In addition, normal purchases and normal sales contracts must have a price based on an underlying that is clearly and closely related to the asset being purchased or sold.

 

13



 

An underlying is a specified interest rate, security price, commodity price, foreign exchange rate, index of prices or rates, or other variable, including the occurrence or nonoccurrence of a specified event, such as a scheduled payment under a contract.

 

NSP-Wisconsin evaluates all of its contracts when such contracts are entered to determine if they are derivatives and, if so, if they qualify to meet the normal designation requirements under SFAS 133.

 

Normal purchases and normal sales contracts are accounted for as executory contracts.

 

7. Detail of Interest and Other Income, Net

 

Interest and other income, net of nonoperating expenses, for the three months ended March 31 consisted of the following:

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31

 

(Thousands of dollars)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Interest income

 

$

367

 

$

161

 

Other nonoperating income

 

1

 

50

 

Minority interest

 

(4

)

(4

)

Employee-related insurance policy expense

 

(91

)

(86

)

Total interest and other income, net

 

$

273

 

$

121

 

 

8.  Segment Information

 

NSP-Wisconsin has two reportable segments, Regulated Electric Utility and Regulated Natural Gas Utility.

 

(Thousands of dollars)

 

Regulated 
Electric Utility

 

Regulated 
Natural Gas 
Utility

 

All Other

 

Reconciling 
Eliminations

 

Consolidated 
Total

 

Three months ended March 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External customers

 

$

149,231

 

$

62,882

 

$

182

 

$

 

$

212,295

 

Internal customers

 

29

 

510

 

 

(539

)

 

Total revenues

 

149,260

 

63,392

 

182

 

(539

)

212,295

 

Segment net income (loss)

 

$

5,780

 

$

3,369

 

$

(20

)

$

 

$

9,129

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External customers

 

$

141,649

 

$

73,333

 

$

175

 

$

 

$

215,157

 

Internal customers

 

30

 

1,580

 

 

(1,610

)

 

Total revenues

 

141,679

 

74,913

 

175

 

(1,610

)

215,157

 

Segment net income (loss)

 

$

11,858

 

$

2,597

 

$

(332

)

$

 

$

14,123

 

 

9. Comprehensive Income

 

The components of total comprehensive income are shown below:

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

(Millions of dollars)

 

2007

 

2006

 

Net income

 

$

9.1

 

$

14.1

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

After-tax net unrealized gains related to derivatives accounted for as hedges (see Note 6)

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

9.1

 

$

14.1

 

 

14



 

10. Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

 

Pension and other postretirement benefit disclosures below generally represent Xcel Energy consolidated information unless specifically identified as being attributable to NSP-Wisconsin.

 

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

(Thousands of dollars)

 

Pension Benefits

 

Postretirement Health
Care Benefits

 

Xcel Energy Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

16,485

 

$

16,434

 

$

1,701

 

$

1,837

 

Interest cost

 

39,598

 

39,509

 

13,603

 

13,183

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(65,891

)

(66,481

)

(7,618

)

(6,268

)

Amortization of transition obligation

 

 

 

3,611

 

3,645

 

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

 

6,487

 

7,427

 

(545

)

(545

)

Amortization of net loss

 

3,867

 

4,511

 

4,994

 

6,523

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

546

 

1,400

 

 

15,746

 

 

18,375

 

Credits not recognized due to the effects of regulation

 

2,680

 

2,425

 

 

 

Additional cost recognized due to the effects of regulation

 

 

 

973

 

973

 

Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting

 

$

3,226

 

$

3,825

 

$

16,719

 

$

19,348

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSP-Wisconsin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net benefit cost (credit) recognized for financial reporting

 

$

(236

)

$

(179

)

$

602

 

$

680

 

 

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Discussion of financial condition and liquidity for NSP-Wisconsin is omitted per conditions set forth in general instructions H (1) (a) and (b) of Form 10-Q for wholly owned subsidiaries. It is replaced with management’s narrative analysis and the results of operations set forth in general instructions H (2) (a) of Form 10-Q for wholly owned subsidiaries (reduced disclosure format).

 

Forward-Looking Information

 

The following discussion and analysis by management focuses on those factors that had a material effect on the financial condition and results of operations of NSP-Wisconsin during the periods presented, or are expected to have a material impact in the future. It should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited financial statements and notes.

Except for the historical statements contained in this report, the matters discussed in the following discussion and analysis are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements are intended to be identified in this document by the words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “objective,” “outlook,” “possible,” “potential” and similar expressions. Actual results may vary materially. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to:

 

    Economic conditions, including their impact on capital expenditures and the ability of NSP-Wisconsin to obtain financing on favorable terms, inflation rates and monetary fluctuations;

    Business conditions in the energy business;

    Demand for electricity in the nonregulated marketplace;

    Trade, monetary, fiscal, taxation and environmental policies of governments, agencies and similar organizations in geographic areas where NSP-Wisconsin has a financial interest;

    Customer business conditions, including demand for their products or services and supply of labor and materials used in creating their products and services;

    Financial or regulatory accounting principles or policies imposed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and similar entities with regulatory oversight;

    Availability or cost of capital such as changes in: interest rates; market perceptions of the utility industry, Xcel Energy or NSP-Wisconsin; or security ratings;

    Factors affecting utility operations such as unusual weather conditions; catastrophic weather-related damage; unscheduled eneration outages, maintenance or repairs; unanticipated changes to fossil fuel, nuclear fuel or natural gas supply costs or

 

15



 

availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments; nuclear or environmental incidents; or electric transmission or gas pipeline constraints;

    Employee workforce factors, including loss or retirement of key executives, collective bargaining agreements with union employees, or work stoppages;

    Increased competition in the utility industry;

    State and federal legislative and regulatory initiatives that affect cost and investment recovery, have an impact on rate structures and affect the speed and degree to which competition enters the electric and gas markets; industry restructuring initiatives; transmission system operation and/or administration initiatives; recovery of investments made under traditional regulation; nature of competitors entering the industry; retail wheeling; a new pricing structure; and former customers entering the generation market;

    Rate-setting policies or procedures of regulatory entities, including environmental externalities, which are values established by regulators assigning environmental costs to each method of electricity generation when evaluating generation resource options;

    Nuclear regulatory policies and procedures, including operating regulations and spent nuclear fuel storage;

    Social attitudes regarding the utility and power industries;

    Cost and other effects of legal and administrative proceedings, settlements, investigations and claims;

    Technological developments that result in competitive disadvantages and create the potential for impairment of existing assets;

    Significant slowdown in growth or decline in the U.S. economy, delay in growth or recovery of the U.S. economy or increased cost for insurance premiums, security and other items;

    Risks associated with implementation of new technologies; and

    Other business or investment considerations that may be disclosed from time to time in NSP-Wisconsin’s SEC filings, including “Risk Factors” in Item A of NSP-Wisconsin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, or in other publicly disseminated written documents.

 

Market Risks

 

NSP-Wisconsin is exposed to market risks, including changes in commodity prices and interest rates, as disclosed in Item 7A — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2006. Commodity price and interest rate risks for NSP-Wisconsin are mitigated in most jurisdictions due to cost-based rate regulation. At March 31, 2007, there were no material changes to the financial market risks that affect the quantitative and qualitative disclosures presented as of Dec. 31, 2006.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

NSP-Wisconsin’s net income was $9.1 million for the first three months of 2007, compared with $14.1 million for the first three months of 2006.

 

Electric Utility Margins

 

The following table details the change in electric revenues and margin. Electric production expenses tend to vary with the quantity of electricity sold and changes in the unit costs of fuel and purchased power. The fuel and purchased power cost recovery mechanism of the Wisconsin jurisdiction may not allow for complete recovery of all expenses and, therefore, dramatic changes in costs or periods of extreme temperatures can impact earnings.

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

(Millions of dollars)

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total electric utility revenues

 

$

149

 

$

142

 

Electric fuel and purchased power

 

(89

)

(74

)

Total electric utility margin

 

$

60

 

$

68

 

Margin as a percentage of revenues

 

40.3

%

47.9

%

 

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The following summarizes the components of the changes in base electric revenues and base electric margin for the three months ended March 31:

 

Base Electric Revenues

 

(Millions of dollars)

 

2007 vs. 2006

 

 

 

 

 

Interchange agreement billing with NSP-Minnesota

 

$

10

 

Estimated impact of weather

 

2

 

Fuel and purchased power cost recovery

 

(7

)

Other

 

2

 

Total increase in base electric revenues

 

$

7

 

 

Base Electric Margin

 

(Millions of dollars)

 

2007 vs. 2006

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel and purchased power cost recovery

 

$

(10

)

Interchange agreement billing with NSP-Minnesota

 

(2

)

Estimated impact of weather

 

2

 

Other

 

2

 

Total decrease in base electric margin

 

$

(8

)

 

Natural Gas Utility Margins

 

The following table details the change in natural gas revenues and margin. The cost of natural gas tends to vary with changing sales requirements and unit cost of natural gas purchases. However, due to purchased natural gas cost recovery mechanisms for retail customers, fluctuations in the cost of natural gas have little effect on natural gas margin.

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

(Millions of dollars)

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas revenues

 

$

63

 

$

73

 

Cost of natural gas purchased and transported

 

(50

)

(61

)

Natural gas margin

 

$

13

 

$

12

 

 

The following summarizes the components of the changes in natural gas revenues and margin for the three months ended March 31:

 

Natural Gas Revenues

 

(Millions of dollars)

 

2007 vs. 2006

 

 

 

 

 

Purchased gas adjustment clause recovery

 

$

(18

)

Sales growth (excluding weather impact)

 

(1

)

Estimated impact of weather

 

7

 

Other

 

2

 

Total decrease natural gas revenues

 

$

(10

)

 

Natural Gas Margin

 

(Millions of dollars)

 

2007 vs. 2006

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated impact of weather

 

$

1

 

Total increase in natural gas margin

 

$

1

 

 

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Non-Fuel Operating Expense and Other Costs

 

Other Operating and Maintenance Expenses — The following summarizes the components of the changes in other operating and maintenance expense for the three months ended March 31:

 

(Millions of dollars)

 

2007 vs. 2006

 

 

 

 

 

Higher transmission interchange expense

 

$

2

 

Higher employee benefit costs

 

1

 

Higher plant maintenance costs

 

1

 

Lower uncollectible receivable costs

 

(2

)

Lower information technology costs

 

(1

)

Total increase in operating and maintenance expenses

 

$

1

 

 

Depreciation and Amortization – Depreciation and amortization expense increased by approximately $0.4 million, or 3.5 percent, for the first three months of 2007 compared with the first three months of 2006. The increase was primarily due to capital additions.

 

Income Tax -Income tax expense decreased by approximately $2.8 million for the first three months of 2007 compared with the first three months of 2006. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in pretax income. The effective tax rate was 38.2 percent for the first three months of 2007, compared with 37.4 percent for the same period in 2006.

 

Regulation

 

Summary of Recent Federal Regulatory Developments

The FERC has jurisdiction over rates for electric transmission service in interstate commerce and electric energy sold at wholesale, hydro facility licensing, natural gas transportation, accounting practices and certain other activities of NSP-Wisconsin. State and local agencies have jurisdiction over many of NSP-Wisconsin’s activities, including regulation of retail rates and environmental matters. In addition to the matters discussed below, see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of other regulatory matters.

 

FERC Rules Implementing Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Energy Act) —  The Energy Act repealed the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 effective Feb. 8, 2006. In addition, the Energy Act required the FERC to conduct several rulemakings to adopt new regulations to implement various aspects of the Energy Act. Since August 2005, the FERC has completed or initiated the proceedings to modify its regulations on a number of subjects. In addition to the previous disclosure in Item 1 of NSP-Wisconsin’s Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, the FERC issued final rules making certain reliability standards mandatory and subject to potential financial penalties up to $1 million per day per violation for non-compliance effective June 1, 2007.

 

While NSP-Wisconsin cannot predict the ultimate impact the new regulations will have on its operations or financial results, NSP-Wisconsin is taking actions that are intended to comply with and implement these new rules and regulations as they become effective.

 

Electric Transmission Rate Regulation — The FERC also regulates the rates charged and terms and conditions for electric transmission services. FERC policy encourages utilities to turn over the functional control over their electric transmission assets and the related responsibility for the sale of electric transmission services to a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO). NSP-Wisconsin is a member of the MISO. Each RTO separately files regional transmission tariff rates for approval by the FERC. All members within that RTO are then subjected to those rates.

 

On Feb. 15, 2007, the FERC issued final rules adopting revisions to its 1996 open access transmission rules. The final rules are effective May 14, 2007. NSP-Wisconsin will be required to complete several compliance actions.

 

In addition, in January 2007, the FERC issued interim and proposed rules to modify its 2004 standards of conduct rules for electric and natural gas transmission providers, in response to a 2006 court appeal partially vacating the rules. The proposed rules would modify the current FERC rules governing the functional separation of the NSP-Wisconsin electric transmission function from the wholesale sales and marketing function. The proposed rules are pending final FERC action.

 

While NSP-Wisconsin cannot predict the ultimate impact the new regulations will have on its operations or financial results, NSP-Wisconsin is taking actions that are intended to comply with and implement these new rules and regulations as they become effective.

 

Centralized Regional Wholesale Markets — FERC rules require RTO’s to operate centralized regional wholesale energy markets. The FERC required the MISO to begin operation of a “Day 2” wholesale energy market on April 1, 2005. MISO uses security constrained regional economic dispatch and congestion management using locational marginal pricing (LMP) and Financial Transmission Rights (FTRs). The Day 2 market is intended to provide more efficient generation dispatch over the 15 state MISO region, including the NSP-Wisconsin system.

 

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On Feb. 15, 2007, the MISO filed for FERC approval to establish a “Day 3” centralized regional wholesale ancillary services market (ASM) in 2008. The ASM would be co-optimized with the MISO Day 2 wholesale energy market, and is intended to provide further efficiencies in generation dispatch by allowing for regional regulation and contingency reserve services through a bid-based market mechanism. In addition, to implement the ASM, MISO would consolidate the operation of 22 existing North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) approved balancing authorities (the entity responsible for maintaining reliable operations for a defined geographic region) into a single regional balancing authority. The ASM and balancing authority consolidation are expected to benefit NSP-Wisconsin’s integrated operation by reducing the total cost of intermittent generation resources such as wind energy. The ASM and balancing authority consolidation proposals are pending FERC action.

 

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

NSP-Wisconsin maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. In addition, the disclosure controls and procedures ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to management, including the chief executive officer (CEO) and chief financial officer (CFO), allowing timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As of the end of the period covered by this report, based on an evaluation carried out under the supervision and with the participation of NSP-Wisconsin’s management, including the CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, the CEO and CFO have concluded that NSP-Wisconsin’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

No change in NSP-Wisconsin’s internal control over financial reporting has occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

 

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

In the normal course of business, various lawsuits and claims have arisen against NSP-Wisconsin. After consultation with legal counsel, NSP-Wisconsin has recorded an estimate of the probable cost of settlement or other disposition for such matters. See Notes 4 and 5 of the Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion of legal proceedings, including Regulatory Matters and Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, which are hereby incorporated by reference. Reference also is made to Item 3 and Note 10 of NSP-Wisconsin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2006 for a description of certain legal proceedings presently pending. Except as discussed herein, there are no new significant cases to report against NSP-Wisconsin and there have been no notable changes in the previously reported proceedings.

 

Stray Voltage - On Nov. 13, 2001, Ralph and Karline Schmidt filed a complaint in Clark County, Wisconsin against NSP-Wisconsin. Plaintiffs allege that electricity provided by NSP-Wisconsin harmed their dairy herd resulting in decreased milk production, lost profits and income, property damage and seek compensatory, punitive and treble damages. Plaintiffs allege compensatory damages of $1.0 million and pre-verdict interest of $1.2 million. In addition, plaintiffs allege an unspecified amount of damages related to nuisance. The trial court’s grant of summary judgment to NSP-Wisconsin on the bases of the statute of limitations and the filed doctrine was reversed by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District IV, on Sept. 28, 2006. NSP-Wisconsin filed its petition for review with the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Oct. 30, 2006. NSP-Wisconsin’s petition for review was granted by the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Feb. 12, 2007.
 

On Nov. 13, 2001, August C. Heeg Jr. and Joanne Heeg filed a complaint in Clark County, Wisconsin against NSP-Wisconsin. Plaintiffs allege that electricity provided by NSP-Wisconsin harmed their dairy herd resulting in decreased milk production, lost profits and income, property damage and seek compensatory, punitive and treble damages. Plaintiffs allege compensatory damages of $1.9 million and pre-verdict interest of $6.1 million. In addition, plaintiffs allege an unspecified amount of damages related to nuisance. The trial court’s grant of summary judgment to NSP-Wisconsin on the bases of the statute of limitations and the filed doctrine was reversed by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District IV, on Sept. 28, 2006. NSP-Wisconsin has filed a petition for review with the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

 

On March 1, 2002, NSP-Wisconsin was served with a lawsuit commenced by James and Grace Gumz and Michael and Susan Gumz in Marathon County Circuit Court, Wisconsin, alleging that electricity supplied by NSP-Wisconsin harmed their dairy herd and caused them personal injury. The case was tried to a jury in Wausau, Wisconsin commencing in February 2005, on theories of negligence and nuisance. On March 4, 2005, a verdict in the amount of approximately $0.5 million was returned against NSP-Wisconsin. On May 3, 2005, judgment in the amount of $0.6 million was entered against NSP-Wisconsin. NSP-Wisconsin subsequently filed an

 

19



 

appeal in District III, Court of Appeals. Plaintiffs filed a cross appeal with respect to the trial court’s dismissal of the treble damages claim. On July 18, 2006, the Court of Appeals affirmed the judgment entered against NSP-Wisconsin. The Court also affirmed the trial court’s dismissal of the plaintiffs’ treble damages claim. NSP- Wisconsin’s petition for review was granted by the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Feb. 12, 2007.

 

MGP Insurance Coverage Litigation — In October 2003, NSP-Wisconsin initiated discussions with its insurers regarding the availability of insurance coverage for costs associated with the remediation of four former MGP sites located in Ashland, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, and LaCrosse, Wis. In lieu of participating in discussions, on Oct. 28, 2003, two of NSP-Wisconsin’s insurers, St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Co. and St. Paul Mercury Insurance Co., commenced litigation against NSP-Wisconsin in Minnesota state district court. On Nov. 12, 2003, NSP-Wisconsin commenced suit in Wisconsin state circuit court against St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Co. and its other insurers. Subsequently, the Minnesota court enjoined NSP-Wisconsin from pursuing the Wisconsin litigation. Although the Wisconsin action has not been dismissed, the January 2007 trial date was adjourned and has not been rescheduled.

 

NSP-Wisconsin has entered into confidential settlements with St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company, St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company and the Phoenix Insurance Company (St. Paul Companies), Associated Electric & Gas Insurance Services Limited, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, INSCO, Ltd. (on its own behalf and on behalf of the insurance companies subscribing per Britamco, Ltd.), Allstate Insurance Company, Admiral Insurance Company; certain underwriters at Lloyd’s, London and certain London Market Insurance Companies (London Market Insurers), and Compagnie Europeene D’ Assurances Industrielles S.A. These insurers have been dismissed from the Minnesota and Wisconsin actions. These settlements are not expected to have a material effect on NSP Wisconsin’s financial results.

 

NSP-Wisconsin has reached settlements in principle with General Reinsurance Corporation and First State and Twin City Fire Insurance Companies. These settlements are not expected to have a material effect on NSP Wisconsin’s financial results.

 

On Oct. 6, 2006, the trial court issued a memorandum and order on various summary judgment motions. The court ruled that Minnesota law on allocation applies and ordered dismissal, without prejudice, of 15 carriers whose coverage would not be triggered under such an allocation method. The court denied the insurers’ motions for summary judgment on the sudden and accidental and absolute pollution exclusions; late notice; legal expenses and costs; certain specific lost policies; and miscellaneous coverage issues under several individual policies. The court granted the motions of Fidelity and Casualty Insurance Company and Continental Insurance Company related to certain specific lost policies. On Oct. 13, 2006, the trial court denied NSP-Wisconsin’s request for leave to file a motion for reconsideration of the court’s allocation decision. The Nov. 6, 2006 trial date was also adjourned to allow for additional discovery and potential motions in light of the Minnesota Supreme Court’s recent allocation decision in Wooddale Builders, Inc. v. Maryland Casualty Company, 722 N. W.2d 283 (Minn. 2006). The insurers have moved for summary judgment based upon Wooddale Builders. At the court’s request, the parties have submitted additional briefs on the choice of law issue. A hearing on these issues has been scheduled for May 21, 2007. The trial has been set for a four-week period commencing on July 16, 2007.

 

The PSCW has established a deferral process whereby clean-up costs associated with the remediation of former MGP sites are deferred and, if approved by the PSCW, recovered from ratepayers. Carrying charges associated with these clean-up costs are not subject to the deferral process and are not recoverable from ratepayers. Any insurance proceeds received by NSP-Wisconsin will operate as a credit to ratepayers, therefore, these lawsuits are not expected to have a material effect on  NSP-Wisconsin’s financial results.

 

Arandell vs. e prime, Xcel Energy, NSP-Wisconsin et al.   In February 2007, a complaint was filed alleging that NSP-Wisconsin, Xcel Energy and e-prime, among others, engaged in fraud and antitrust-type activities in conspiring to restrain the trade of natural gas and manipulate natural gas prices. The plaintiffs seek a declaration that contracts for natural gas entered into between Jan. 1, 2000 and Oct. 31, 2002 are void, that they are entitled to repayment for amounts paid for natural gas during that time period, and that treble damages are appropriate. The case was filed in the Wisconsin State Court (Dane County), and then removed to U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin. The plaintiffs have filed a motion to remand the matter to state court. NSP-Wisconsin, together with the other defendants, will oppose the motion to remand, and will seek dismissal of all claims.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

NSP-Wisconsin’s risk factors are documented in Item 1A of Part I of its 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference. There have been no material changes to the risk factors.

 

20



 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

The following Exhibits are filed with this report:

 

31.01

 

Principal Executive Officer’s and Principal Financial Officer’s certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.01

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

99.01

 

Statement pursuant to Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on April 30, 2007.

 

Northern States Power Co. (a Wisconsin corporation)

(Registrant)

 

/s/ TERESA S. MADDEN

 

Teresa S. Madden

Vice President and Controller

 

/s/ BENJAMIN G.S. FOWKE III

 

Benjamin G.S. Fowke III

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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