10-Q 1 a08-13393_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, 2008

 

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, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

 

o  Large accelerated filer    o  Accelerated filer    x Non-accelerated filer    o  Smaller Reporting Company

 

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 May 5, 2008

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,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Operating revenues

 

 

 

 

 

Electric utility

 

$

165,420

 

$

149,231

 

Natural gas utility

 

78,593

 

62,882

 

Other

 

226

 

182

 

Total operating revenues

 

244,239

 

212,295

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Electric fuel and purchased power

 

100,428

 

88,663

 

Cost of natural gas sold and transported

 

61,883

 

49,626

 

Other operating and maintenance expenses

 

36,387

 

35,613

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

14,109

 

13,231

 

Taxes (other than income taxes)

 

5,534

 

5,340

 

Total operating expenses

 

218,341

 

192,473

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

25,898

 

19,822

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and other income, net

 

397

 

273

 

Allowance for funds used during construction — equity

 

295

 

157

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest charges and financing costs

 

 

 

 

 

Interest charges — includes financing costs of $323 and $308, respectively

 

5,927

 

5,732

 

Allowance for funds used during construction — debt

 

(423

)

(256

)

Total interest charges and financing costs

 

5,504

 

5,476

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

21,086

 

14,776

 

Income taxes

 

7,946

 

5,647

 

Net income

 

$

13,140

 

$

9,129

 

 

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,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

13,140

 

$

9,129

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

14,792

 

13,820

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(850

)

3,008

 

Amortization of investment tax credits

 

(170

)

(173

)

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

 

(295

)

(157

)

Net realized and unrealized hedging and derivative transactions

 

1,439

 

1,540

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

497

 

2,204

 

Accrued unbilled revenues

 

6,609

 

12,837

 

Inventories

 

12,585

 

8,193

 

Other current assets

 

4,119

 

4,868

 

Accounts payable

 

(5,404

)

6,517

 

Net regulatory assets and liabilities

 

1,651

 

(13,076

)

Other current liabilities

 

13,571

 

9,034

 

Change in other noncurrent assets

 

14

 

(733

)

Change in other noncurrent liabilities

 

(211

)

287

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

61,487

 

57,298

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Utility capital/construction expenditures

 

(24,650

)

(17,871

)

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

 

295

 

157

 

Other investments

 

178

 

(183

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(24,177

)

(17,897

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from notes payable to affiliate

 

113,100

 

65,900

 

Repayment of notes payable to affiliate

 

(145,700

)

(95,150

)

Repayment of long-term debt

 

(7

)

(6

)

Capital contributions from parent

 

5,000

 

¾

 

Dividends paid to parent

 

(9,522

)

(10,536

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(37,129

)

(39,792

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

181

 

(391

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

751

 

1,162

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

932

 

$

771

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest (net of amounts capitalized)

 

$

206

 

$

123

 

Cash paid (received) for income taxes (net of refunds received)

 

(1,912

)

196

 

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment additions in accounts payable

 

$

980

 

$

777

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4



 

NSP-WISCONSIN AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

 

 

March 31,
2008

 

Dec. 31,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

932

 

$

751

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

71,382

 

69,183

 

Accounts receivable from affiliates

 

22

 

2,718

 

Accrued unbilled revenues

 

30,431

 

37,040

 

Inventories

 

20,938

 

33,523

 

Prepaid taxes

 

12,865

 

17,041

 

Deferred income taxes

 

14,310

 

13,532

 

Derivative instruments valuation

 

¾

 

226

 

Prepayments and other

 

2,354

 

2,734

 

Total current assets

 

153,234

 

176,748

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

986,143

 

975,609

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory assets

 

110,452

 

114,373

 

Prepaid pension asset

 

41,463

 

40,681

 

Other investments

 

4,724

 

4,902

 

Other

 

4,897

 

4,959

 

Total other assets

 

161,536

 

164,915

 

Total assets

 

$

1,300,913

 

$

1,317,272

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

$

80,262

 

$

80,266

 

Notes payable to affiliates

 

26,650

 

59,250

 

Accounts payable

 

31,625

 

37,454

 

Accounts payable to affiliates

 

25,187

 

25,691

 

Dividends payable to parent

 

9,366

 

9,522

 

Accrued payroll and benefits

 

4,581

 

5,916

 

Accrued interest

 

9,092

 

4,105

 

Derivative instruments valuation

 

¾

 

460

 

Other

 

16,235

 

6,317

 

Total current liabilities

 

202,998

 

228,981

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred credits and other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

181,959

 

181,506

 

Deferred investment tax credits

 

10,825

 

10,995

 

Regulatory liabilities

 

103,980

 

103,327

 

Pension and employee benefit obligations

 

26,460

 

26,328

 

Customer advances

 

18,269

 

18,462

 

Asset retirement obligations

 

2,920

 

2,902

 

Other

 

43,837

 

43,769

 

Total deferred credits and other liabilities

 

388,250

 

387,289

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest in subsidiaries

 

181

 

212

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingent liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Capitalization:

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

235,415

 

235,402

 

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

 

93,300

 

93,300

 

Additional paid in capital

 

120,957

 

115,957

 

Retained earnings

 

260,611

 

256,951

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(799

)

(820

)

Total common stockholder’s equity

 

474,069

 

465,388

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

1,300,913

 

$

1,317,272

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5



 

NSP-WISCONSIN AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

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, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2007; the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007; and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007. Due to the seasonality of electric and natural gas sales of NSP-Wisconsin, interim 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, 2007, appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of accounting policies and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Fair Value Measurements –NSP-Wisconsin presents commodity derivatives at estimated fair values in its consolidated financial statements.  The most observable inputs available are used to determine the fair value of each contract.  In the absence of a quoted price for an identical contract in an active market, NSP-Wisconsin may use broker quotes for identical or similar contracts, or internally prepared valuation models to determine fair value.

 

2.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157 Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157) — In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 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 No. 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 No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after Nov. 15, 2007.

 

In February 2008, the FASB issued Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157 (FASB Statement of Position (FSP) No. 157-2 (FSP No. 157-2)).  FSP No. 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 until fiscal years beginning after Nov. 15, 2008, for fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in an entity’s financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually).

 

As of Jan. 1, 2008, NSP-Wisconsin adopted SFAS No. 157 for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value except for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, as permitted by FSP No. 157-2.  The adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.  For additional discussion and SFAS No. 157 required disclosures, see Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS No. 159) — In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 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 No. 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, effective Jan. 1, 2008.  NSP-Wisconsin adopted SFAS No. 159 and the adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

Business Combinations (SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007)) — In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, which establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest; recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R is to be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year that begins on or after Dec. 15, 2008. NSP-Wisconsin will evaluate the impact of SFAS No. 141R on its consolidated financial statements for any potential business combinations subsequent to Jan. 1, 2009.

 

6



 

Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an Amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 51 (SFAS No. 160) — In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, which establishes accounting and reporting standards that require the ownership interest in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent be clearly identified and presented in the consolidated balance sheets within equity, but separate from the parent’s equity; the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and the noncontrolling interest be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of earnings; and changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary be accounted for consistently. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after Dec. 15, 2008. NSP-Wisconsin is evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 160 on its consolidated financial statements.

 

Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS No. 161) – In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, which is intended to enhance disclosures to help users of the financial statements better understand how derivative instruments and hedging activities affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows.  SFAS No. 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, to require disclosures of objectives and strategies for using derivatives, gains and losses on derivative instruments, and credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements.  SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after Nov. 15, 2008, with early application encouraged.  NSP-Wisconsin is currently evaluating the impact of adoption of SFAS No. 161.

 

Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements (Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 06-4) In June 2006, the EITF reached a consensus on EITF No. 06-4, which provides guidance on the recognition of a liability and related compensation costs for endorsement split-dollar life insurance policies that provide a benefit to an employee that extends to postretirement periods. Therefore, this EITF would not apply to a split-dollar life insurance arrangement that provides a specified benefit to an employee that is limited to the employee’s active service period with an employer.  EITF No. 06-4 is effective for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2007, with earlier application permitted.  Upon adoption of EITF 06-4 on Jan. 1, 2008, NSP-Wisconsin recorded a liability of $0.1 million, net of tax, as a reduction of retained earnings.  Thereafter, changes in the liability will be reflected in operating results.

 

Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards (EITF No. 06-11) In June 2007, the EITF reached a consensus on EITF No. 06-11, which states that an entity should recognize a realized tax benefit associated with dividends on nonvested equity shares and nonvested equity share units charged to retained earnings as an increase in additional paid in capital. The amount recognized in additional paid in capital should be included in the pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb potential future tax deficiencies on share-based payment awards. EITF No. 06-11 should be applied prospectively to income tax benefits of dividends on equity-classified share-based payment awards that are declared in fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2007. The adoption of EITF No. 06-11 did not have a material impact on NSP-Wisconsin’s consolidated financial statements.

 

3.

Selected Balance Sheet Data

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

March 31, 2008

 

Dec. 31, 2007

 

Accounts receivable, net:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

$

74,246

 

$

72,013

 

Less allowance for bad debts

 

(2,864

)

(2,830

)

 

 

$

71,382

 

$

69,183

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories:

 

 

 

 

 

Materials and supplies

 

$

4,457

 

$

4,283

 

Fuel

 

14,572

 

13,457

 

Natural gas

 

1,909

 

15,783

 

 

 

$

20,938

 

$

33,523

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net:

 

 

 

 

 

Electric utility plant

 

$

1,349,686

 

$

1,338,188

 

Natural gas utility plant

 

168,695

 

167,593

 

Common utility and other property

 

108,699

 

108,289

 

Construction work in progress

 

61,365

 

52,705

 

Total property, plant and equipment

 

1,688,445

 

1,666,775

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(702,302

)

(691,166

)

 

 

$

986,143

 

$

975,609

 

 

7



 

4.

Income Taxes

 

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48) — NSP-Wisconsin is a member of the Xcel Energy affiliated group that files consolidated income tax returns.  In the first quarter of 2008, the IRS completed an examination of Xcel Energy’s federal income tax returns for 2004 and 2005 (and research credits for 2003). The IRS did not propose any material adjustments for those tax years. Tax year 2004 is the earliest open year and the statute of limitations applicable to Xcel Energy’s 2004 federal income tax return remains open until Dec. 31, 2008.

 

As of March 31, 2008, 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 $0.9 million and $1.0 million on Dec. 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, respectively.

 

The unrecognized tax benefit balance included $0.1 million and $0.1 million of tax positions on Dec. 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, respectively, which if recognized would affect the annual effective tax rate.  In addition, the unrecognized tax benefit balance included $0.8 million and $0.9 million of tax positions on Dec. 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, 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 increase in the unrecognized tax benefit balance of $0.1 million from Dec. 31, 2007 to March 31, 2008, was due to the addition of similar uncertain tax positions related to ongoing activity and the resolution of certain federal and state audit matters.  NSP-Wisconsin’s amount of unrecognized tax benefits could significantly change in the next 12 months when the IRS and state tax audits resume.  However, at this time, it is not reasonably possible to estimate an overall range of possible change.

 

The liability for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits on Dec. 31, 2007, was not material.  The change in the interest liability from Dec. 31, 2007, to March 31, 2008, was not material.  No amounts were accrued for penalties as of March 31, 2008.

 

5.

Rate Matters

 

Except to the extent noted below, the circumstances set forth in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements included in NSP-Wisconsin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007 appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of other rate matters, and are incorporated herein by reference. The following include unresolved proceedings that are material to NSP-Wisconsin’s financial position.

 

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

 

Base Rate

 

Electric and Gas Rate Case — In January 2008, the PSCW issued the final written order in NSP-Wisconsin’s 2008 test year rate case, approving an electric rate increase of approximately $39.4 million, or 8.1 percent, and a natural gas rate increase of $5.3 million, or 3.3 percent. The rate increase was based on a 10.75 percent ROE and a 52.5 percent common equity ratio. New rates went into effect Jan. 9, 2008.

 

Other

 

2008 Electric Fuel Cost Recovery — On May 2, 2008, the PSCW approved NSP-Wisconsin's request to increase Wisconsin retail electric rates on an interim basis. The PSCW approved $19.7 million, or 3.8 percent, on an annual basis, to recover increases in fuel and purchased power costs.  NSP-Wisconsin expects that the surcharge will generate approximately $13 million in additional revenue in 2008.  The increase in fuel costs is primarily driven by fuel and purchased power costs, including replacement power costs associated with unplanned plant outages.  Fuel costs for the remainder of 2008 are expected to be significantly higher than approved by the PSCW in NSP-Wisconsin’s 2008 rate case. The increased rates will be effective May 6, 2008.  The revenues that NSP-Wisconsin collects are subject to refund with interest at a rate of 10.75 percent, pending PSCW review and final approval.

 

Financing Certificates of Authority In January 2008, NSP-Wisconsin filed an application with the PSCW for a certificate of authority to increase its previously approved short-term borrowing authority from $75 million to $150 million until such

 

8



 

time NSP-Wisconsin completes its scheduled financing plan, at which time the authorization can decrease to $100 million; increase its short-term borrowing authority from NSP-Minnesota from $75 million to $150 million; and issue and sell up to $250 million aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds, debentures, notes, or other long-term indebtedness.  NSP-Wisconsin intends to use the proceeds of the long-term debt issuance to refinance or replace existing long-term debt totaling up to $145 million and use the remainder to repay outstanding short-term debt.  NSP-Wisconsin expects to issue long-term debt in 2008, but the exact timing and amount of the issuance will depend upon market conditions.  The PSCW issued a certificate of authority and orders approving NSP-Wisconsin’s short- and long-term financing applications in April 2008.

 

Bay Front Emission Controls Certificate of Authority In February 2008, NSP-Wisconsin filed an application with the PSCW seeking a certificate of authority to install equipment relating to combustion improvement and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission controls in boilers 1 and 2 at the Bay Front power plant in Ashland County, Wisconsin.  In March 2008, the PSCW issued a certificate of authority and order approving the project.  Construction is expected to begin in May and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2008.

 

6.              Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

 

Except as noted below, the circumstances set forth in Notes 10 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements in NSP-Wisconsin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007 and Note 5 to the consolidated 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 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, its predecessors, or other entities; 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 from the initial estimate.

 

To estimate the remediation cost for 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, 2008, the liability for the cost of remediating these sites was estimated to be $44.0 million, of which $1.3 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.

 

9



 

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/Northern States Power Lakefront Superfund Site (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.

 

In September 2002, the Ashland site was placed on the National Priorities List. A determination of the scope and cost of the remediation of the Ashland site is not currently expected until early 2009. 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) Program 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 fieldwork for the demonstration study was completed in February 2007. In 2007, NSP-Wisconsin spent $1.5 million in the development of the work plan, the operation of the existing interim response action and other matters related to the site. In June 2007, the EPA modified its remedial investigation report to establish final remedial action objectives (RAOs) and preliminary remediation goals (PRGs) for the Ashland site. The RAOs and PRGs could potentially impact the development and evaluation of remedial options for ultimate site cleanup. In September 2007, the EPA approved the series of reports included in the remedial investigation (RI) report. The draft feasibility study, which develops and assesses the alternatives for cleaning up the site, was prepared by NSP-Wisconsin and was submitted to the EPA in October 2007. The range of remediation costs set forth in the draft feasibility study is between $35.8 million and $125.5 million. In February 2008, the EPA provided written comments on the October 2007 draft feasibility study submitted by NSP-Wisconsin.  NSP-Wisconsin has until May 15, 2008 to submit a revised draft feasibility study based upon the EPA’s comments.

 

In October 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 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.

 

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 actual cost of remediating the Ashland site and the time frame over which the amounts may be paid out are not determinable. 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, contained in the draft feasibility study. NSP-Wisconsin has recorded a liability of $43.6 million for its potential liability related to the Ashland site, including potential liability for remediation of the Ashland site, WDNR oversight costs, NRD claims, outside legal and consultant costs and work plan costs.

 

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.

 

10



 

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 be credited to ratepayers.

 

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 11 of the NSP-Wisconsin Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007. 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 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.  NSP-Wisconsin purchases of CAIR NOx allowances are estimated at $2.4 million in 2009 and $2.1 million in 2010.

 

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 regulated mercury emissions from power plants.   In February 2008, the D. C. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated CAMR, which impacts federal CAMR requirements but not necessarily state-only rules.  Given the many uncertainties created by the court’s opinion, it is not possible at this time to provide an accurate summary of applicable federal mercury requirements or cost estimates.

 

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. In January 2007, the court issued its decision and remanded virtually every aspect of the rule to the EPA for reconsideration. In June 2007, the EPA suspended the deadlines and referred any implementation to each state’s best professional judgment until the EPA is able to fully respond to the court-ordered remand. 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.

 

Legal Contingencies

 

Lawsuits and claims arise in the normal course of business. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, has recorded an estimate of the probable cost of settlement or other disposition of them. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot presently be determined. Accordingly, the ultimate resolution of these matters could have a material adverse effect on NSP-Wisconsin’s financial position and results of operations.

 

11



 

Gas Trading Litigation

 

Arandell vs. e prime, Xcel Energy, NSP-Wisconsin et al. e prime was a subsidiary of Xcel Energy Markets Holdings Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Xcel Energy.  Among other things, e prime was in the business of natural gas trading and marketing. e prime has not engaged in natural gas trading or marketing activities since 2003.   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. In June 2007, the plaintiffs filed a motion to remand the matter to state court, which was denied, and the matter was transferred by the Multi-District Litigation panel to Federal District Court Judge Pro in Nevada, who is the judge assigned to western area wholesale natural gas marketing litigation. In July 2007, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in Federal District Court in Nevada, which includes allegations against NRG, a former Xcel Energy subsidiary. This gas-trading lawsuit is in the early procedural stages of litigation.  In February 2008, the court denied the defendants’ motions for summary judgment, granted plaintiffs’ motion to conduct limited discovery, and stated that defendants may renew their summary judgment motions upon completion of discovery.

 

Environmental Litigation

 

Carbon Dioxide Emissions Lawsuit In July 2004, the attorneys general of eight states and New York City, as well as several environmental groups, filed lawsuits in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York against five utilities, including Xcel Energy, to force reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The other utilities include American Electric Power Co., Southern Co., Cinergy Corp. and Tennessee Valley Authority. 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 the other defendants filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. On Sept. 19, 2005, the court granted the motion to dismiss on constitutional grounds. Plaintiffs filed an appeal to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.  In June 2007 the Second Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order requesting the parties to file a letter brief regarding the impact of the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Massachusetts v. EPA, 127 S.Ct. 1438 ( April 2, 2007) on the issues raised by the parties on appeal. Among other things, in its decision in Massachusetts v. EPA, the United States Supreme Court held that CO2 emissions are a “ pollutant” subject to regulation by the EPA under the Clean Air Act. In response to the request of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, in June 2007, the defendant utilities filed a letter brief stating the position that the United States Supreme Court’s decision supports the arguments raised by the utilities on appeal.  The Court of Appeals has taken the matter under advisement and is expected to issue an opinion in due course.

 

Comer vs. Xcel Energy Inc. et al. In April 2006, Xcel Energy received notice of a purported class action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Mississippi. The lawsuit names more than 45 oil, chemical and utility companies, including Xcel Energy, as defendants and alleges that defendants’ CO2 emissions “were a proximate and direct cause of the increase in the destructive capacity of Hurricane Katrina.” Plaintiffs allege in support of their claim, several legal theories, including negligence and public and private nuisance and seek damages related to the loss resulting from the hurricane. Xcel Energy believes this lawsuit is without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims.   In August 2007, the court dismissed the lawsuit in its entirety against all defendants on constitutional grounds.  In  September 2007, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.  The Court of Appeals has taken the matter under advisement and is expected to issue an opinion in due course.

 

Native Village of Kivalina vs. Xcel Energy Inc. et al. — In February 2008, the City and Native Village of Kivalina, Alaska, filed a lawsuit against Xcel Energy and 23 other oil, gas and coal companies.  The suit was brought on behalf of approximately 400 native Alaskans, the Inupiat Eskimo, who claim that Defendants’ emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases contribute to global warming, which is harming their village.  Plaintiffs claim that as a consequence, the entire village must be relocated at a cost of between $95 million and $400 million.  Plaintiffs assert a nuisance claim under federal and state common law, as well as a claim asserting “concert of action” in which defendants are alleged to have engaged in tortious acts in concert with each other.  Xcel Energy was not named in the civil conspiracy claim.  Xcel Energy believes the claims asserted in this lawsuit are without merit. A response to the complaint is due on or before June 30, 2008.

 

Employment, Tort and Commercial Litigation

 

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,

 

12



 

Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire and LaCrosse, Wis.  In lieu of participating in discussions, in October 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. In November 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. The Wisconsin action remains in abeyance.

 

NSP-Wisconsin has reached settlements with 22 insurers and these insurers have been dismissed from both the Minnesota and Wisconsin actions.

 

In July 2007, the Minnesota state court issued a decision on allocation, reaffirming its prior rulings that Minnesota law on allocation should apply and ordering the dismissal, without prejudice, of eleven insurers whose coverage would not be triggered under such an allocation method.  In September 2007, NSP-Wisconsin commenced an appeal in the Court of Appeals for Minnesota challenging the dismissal of these carriers.  In November 2007, Ranger Insurance Company (Ranger) and TIG Insurance Company (TIG) filed a motion to dismiss NSP-Wisconsin’s appeal, asserting that NSP-Wisconsin’s failure to serve Continental Insurance Company, as successor in interest to certain policies issued by Harbor Insurance Company (Harbor), requires dismissal of NSP-Wisconsin’s appeal.   In February 2008, the Court of Appeals issued an order deferring a decision on the procedural motion filed by Harbor and TIG and referring the motion to the panel assigned to consider the merits of the appeal.

 

In April 2008, the Court of Appeals issued an order staying briefing until further order of the court.  The order was issued in response to NSP-Wisconsin’s request that oral argument be deferred pending a decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in Plastics Engineering Co. vs. Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.  In Plastics Engineering Co., the Wisconsin Supreme Court will consider the method of allocation to be adopted in Wisconsin.

 

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 be credited to ratepayers. None of the aforementioned lawsuit settlements are expected to have a material effect on NSP-Wisconsin’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Stray Voltage — In November 2001, Ralph and Karline Schmidt filed a complaint against NSP-Wisconsin alleging 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 rate doctrine was reversed by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District IV, in September 2006. NSP-Wisconsin filed its petition for review with the Wisconsin Supreme Court in October 2006, which was granted by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in February 2007. In December 2007, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued its decision affirming the decision of the Court of Appeals and remanding the case to the Circuit Court.

 

In November 2001, August C. Heeg Jr. and Joanne Heeg filed a complaint against NSP-Wisconsin alleging 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 rate doctrine was reversed by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District IV, in September 2006. NSP-Wisconsin has filed a petition for review with the Wisconsin Supreme Court.  In March 2008, the Wisconsin Supreme Court denied NSP-Wisconsin’s petition for review.

 

In March 2002, NSP-Wisconsin was served with a lawsuit commenced by James and Grace Gumz and Michael and Susan Gumz alleging that electricity supplied by NSP-Wisconsin harmed their dairy herd and caused them personal injury. The case was tried to a jury commencing in February 2005, on theories of negligence and nuisance. In March 2005, a verdict in the amount of approximately $0.5 million was returned against NSP-Wisconsin. In May 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. In July 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 in February 2007. In December 2007, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued its decision affirming the decision of the Court of Appeals.  In March 2008, the Wisconsin Supreme Court denied NSP-Wisconsin’s motion for reconsideration.  In April 2008, NSP-Wisconsin paid the judgment in full. Payment of the judgment will not have a material effect on NSP-Wisconsin’s consolidated financial statements.

 

13



 

7.

Short-Term Borrowings

 

NSP-Wisconsin has an intercompany borrowing arrangement with NSP-Minnesota, with interest charged at NSP-Minnesota’s short-term borrowing rate.  At March 31, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2007, NSP-Wisconsin had short-term borrowings under this intercompany arrangement of $26.0 million and $58.6 million, respectively.  The weighted average interest rates at March 31, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2007 were 3.45 percent and 5.58 percent, respectively.

 

Clearwater Investments Inc., an NSP-Wisconsin subsidiary, also had notes payable outstanding as of March 31, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2007, to Xcel Energy, in the amount of $0.7 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

 

8.

Derivative Valuation and Financial Impacts

 

NSP-Wisconsin uses derivative instruments in connection with its utility commodity price and interest rate activities, including forward contracts, futures, swaps and options.  Qualifying hedging relationships are designated as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or future cash flow (cash flow hedge).  The types of qualifying hedging transactions that NSP-Wisconsin is currently engaged in are discussed below.

 

Cash Flow Hedges

 

Commodity Cash Flow Hedges NSP-Wisconsin enters into derivative instruments to manage variability of future cash flows from changes in commodity prices.  These derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes.  At March 31, 2008, NSP-Wisconsin had no commodity-related contracts designated as cash flow hedges.

 

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges — NSP-Wisconsin enters into interest rate lock agreements, including treasury-rate locks and forward starting swaps, that effectively fix the yield or price on a specified treasury security for a specific period.  These derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes.

 

At March 31, 2008, NSP-Wisconsin had net losses of $0.1 million in accumulated other comprehensive income that is expected to be recognized in earnings during the next 12 months.

 

The following table shows the major components of the derivative instruments valuation in the consolidated balance sheets at March 31 and Dec. 31:

 

 

 

March 31, 2008

 

Dec. 31, 2007

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

Derivative
Instruments
Valuation -
Assets

 

Derivative
Instruments
Valuation -
Liabilities

 

Derivative
Instruments
Valuation -
Assets

 

Derivative
Instruments
Valuation -
Liabilities

 

Natural gas hedging derivative instruments

 

$

 

$

 

$

226

 

$

460

 

Total

 

$

 

$

 

$

226

 

$

460

 

 

The impact of qualifying cash flow hedges on NSP-Wisconsin’s accumulated other comprehensive income, included as a component of common stockholder’s equity, is detailed in the following table:

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2008

 

2007

 

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

 

$

(820

)

$

(899

)

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

 

21

 

19

 

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

 

$

(799

)

$

(880

)

 

9.

Fair Value Measurements

 

Effective Jan. 1, 2008, NSP-Wisconsin adopted SFAS No. 157 for recurring fair value measurements.  SFAS No. 157 provides a single definition of fair value and requires enhanced disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. SFAS No. 157 establishes a hierarchal framework for disclosing the observability of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value. The three levels defined by the SFAS No. 157 hierarchy and examples of each level are as follows:

 

14



 

Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reported date. The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 1 are highly liquid and actively traded instruments with quoted prices.

 

Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, but are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date.  The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 2 are typically either comparable to actively traded securities or contracts or priced with models using highly observable inputs.

 

Level 3 – Significant inputs to pricing have little or no observability as of the reporting date.  The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 3 are those with inputs requiring significant management judgment or estimation.

 

NSP-Wisconsin did not have any material assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2008, but had several commodity derivatives measured at fair value as of Jan. 1, 2008.  Fair value for these commodity derivatives was determined based on observable prices for similar forward contracts, or internally prepared option valuation models using observable forward curves and volatilities.  Given the observability of the primary inputs to pricing, commodity derivatives assets of $0.2 million and liabilities of $0.5 million at Jan. 1, 2008, were assigned a Level 2 under the SFAS No. 157 hierarchy.

 

10.

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)

 

2008

 

2007

 

Interest income

 

$

450

 

$

367

 

Other nonoperating income

 

32

 

 

Insurance policy expenses

 

(85

)

(91

)

Other nonoperating expenses

 

 

(3

)

Total interest and other income, net

 

$

397

 

$

273

 

 

11.

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, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External customers

 

$

165,420

 

$

78,593

 

$

226

 

$

 

$

244,239

 

Internal customers

 

40

 

84

 

 

(124

)

 

Total revenue

 

$

165,460

 

$

78,677

 

$

226

 

$

(124

)

$

244,239

 

Segment net income

 

$

7,548

 

$

5,414

 

$

178

 

$

 

$

13,140

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External customers

 

$

149,231

 

$

62,882

 

$

182

 

$

 

$

212,295

 

Internal customers

 

29

 

510

 

 

(539

)

 

Total revenue

 

$

149,260

 

$

63,392

 

$

182

 

$

(539

)

$

212,295

 

Segment net income (loss)

 

$

5,780

 

$

3,369

 

$

(20

)

$

 

$

9,129

 

 

15



 

12.

Comprehensive Income

 

The components of total comprehensive income are shown below:

 

 

 

Three months ended
March 31,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2008

 

2007

 

Net income

 

$

13,140

 

$

9,129

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

21

 

19

 

Other comprehensive income

 

21

 

19

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

13,161

 

$

9,148

 

 

13.

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 (Credit)

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2008 (1)

 

2007 (1)

 

2008

 

2007

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

Pension Benefits

 

Postretirement Health
Care Benefits

 

Xcel Energy Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

16,773

 

$

16,485

 

$

1,464

 

$

1,701

 

Interest cost

 

40,583

 

39,598

 

12,546

 

13,603

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(68,472

)

(65,891

)

(7,500

)

(7,618

)

Amortization of transition obligation

 

 

 

3,644

 

3,611

 

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

 

5,166

 

6,487

 

(544

)

(545

)

Amortization of net loss

 

2,859

 

3,867

 

2,718

 

4,994

 

Net periodic benefit cost (credit)

 

(3,091

)

546

 

12,328

 

15,746

 

Credits not recognized due to the effects of regulation

 

2,592

 

2,680

 

 

 

Additional cost recognized due to the effects of regulation

 

 

 

973

 

973

 

Net benefit cost (credit) recognized for financial reporting

 

$

(499

)

$

3,226

 

$

13,301

 

$

16,719

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSP-Wisconsin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net benefit cost (credit) recognized for financial reporting

 

$

(389

)

$

(236

)

$

500

 

$

602

 

 


(1)  Includes qualified and non-qualified pension net periodic benefit cost.

 

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 NSP-Wisconsin’s financial condition and results of operations 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 consolidated 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,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,”

 

16



 

“objective,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” “possible,” “potential,” “should” and similar expressions. Actual results may vary materially. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them to reflect changes that occur after that date.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions, including the availability of credit and its impact on capital expenditures and the ability of Xcel Energy and its subsidiaries to obtain financing on favorable terms; business conditions in the energy industry; actions of credit rating agencies; competitive factors, including the extent and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets served by NSP-Wisconsin; unusual weather; effects of geopolitical events, including war and acts of terrorism; state, federal and foreign legislative and regulatory initiatives that affect cost and investment recovery, have an impact on rates or have an impact on asset operation or ownership or impose environmental compliance conditions; structures that affect the speed and degree to which competition enters the electric and natural gas markets; costs and other effects of legal and administrative proceedings, settlements, investigations and claims, actions of accounting regulatory bodies; the items described under Factors Affecting Results of Continuing Operations; and the other risk factors listed from time to time by NSP-Wisconsin in reports filed with the SEC, including “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of NSP-Wisconsin’s Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007 and Exhibit 99.01 to this report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

 

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, 2007.

 

Commodity price and interest rate risks for NSP-Wisconsin are mitigated in most jurisdictions due to cost-based rate regulation. At March 31, 2008, there were no material changes to the financial market risks that affect the quantitative and qualitative disclosures presented as of Dec. 31, 2007.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

NSP-Wisconsin’s net income was $13.1 million for the first three months of 2008, compared with $9.1 million for the first three months of 2007.

 

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)

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total electric utility revenues

 

$

165

 

$

149

 

Electric fuel and purchased power

 

(100

)

(89

)

Total electric utility margin

 

$

65

 

$

60

 

Margin as a percentage of revenues

 

39.3

%

40.3

%

 

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

 

17



 

Base Electric Revenues

 

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2008 vs. 2007

 

 

 

 

 

2007 fuel refund

 

$

10

 

Base rate changes

 

8

 

Interchange agreement billing with NSP-Minnesota

 

(8

)

Fuel and purchased power cost recovery

 

3

 

Estimated impact of weather

 

1

 

Firm wholesale

 

1

 

Increased revenue due to leap year (weather normalized impact)

 

1

 

Total increase in base electric revenues

 

$

16

 

 

Base Electric Margin

 

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2008 vs. 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Base rate changes

 

$

8

 

Interchange agreement billing with NSP-Minnesota (net of deferrals)

 

(5

)

Estimated impact of weather

 

1

 

Increased margin due to leap year (weather normalized impact)

 

1

 

Firm wholesale

 

1

 

Fuel and purchased power cost recovery

 

(1

)

Total increase in base electric margin

 

$

5

 

 

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)

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas revenues

 

$

79

 

$

63

 

Cost of natural gas purchased and transported

 

(62

)

(50

)

Natural gas margin

 

$

17

 

$

13

 

 

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)

 

2008 vs. 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Purchased gas adjustment clause recovery

 

$

13

 

Base rate changes

 

1

 

Estimated impact of weather

 

1

 

Other

 

1

 

Total increase in natural gas revenues

 

$

16

 

 

18



 

Natural Gas Margin

 

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2008 vs. 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Base rate changes

 

$

1

 

Estimated impact of weather

 

1

 

Other

 

2

 

Total increase in natural gas margin

 

$

4

 

 

Non-Fuel Operating Expense and Other Items
 

The following summarizes the components of the changes in other operating and maintenance expense for the three months ended March. 31:

 

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2008 vs. 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Higher conservation program costs

 

$

1

 

Total increase in operating and maintenance expense

 

$

1

 

 

Depreciation and Amortization – Depreciation and amortization expense increased by approximately $0.9 million, or 6.6 percent, for the first three months of 2008 compared with the first three months of 2007.  The increase was primarily due to normal system expansion.

 

Income taxes — Income tax expense increased by $2.3 million for the first quarter of 2008, compared with 2007.  The increase in income tax expense was primarily due to an increase in pretax income. The effective tax rate was 37.7 percent for the first quarter of 2008, compared with 38.2 percent for the same period in 2007.

 

Regulation

 

Summary of Recent Regulatory Developments

 

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has jurisdiction over rates for electric transmission service in interstate commerce and electricity 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. See additional discussion in the summary of recent federal regulatory developments and public utility regulation sections of the NSP-Wisconsin Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007.In addition to the matters discussed below, see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of other regulatory matters.

 

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 its disclosure controls and the 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, NSP-Wisconsin’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

19



 

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 5 and 6 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 Notes 10 and 11 of NSP-Wisconsin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007 for a description of certain legal proceedings presently pending.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

NSP-Wisconsin’s risk factors are documented in Item 1A of Part I of its 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference. There have been no material changes to the risk factors.

 

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.

 

20



 

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 May 5, 2008.

 

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

 

 

21