10-Q 1 a08-25787_110q.htm 10-Q

Table of Contents

 

 

 

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 Sept. 30, 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 (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) 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 Oct. 27, 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

 

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).

 

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Table of Contents

 

PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NSP-WISCONSIN AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
Sept. 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
Sept. 30,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Operating revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric utility

 

$

173,312

 

$

173,634

 

$

495,159

 

$

476,006

 

Natural gas utility

 

18,459

 

14,888

 

128,549

 

99,588

 

Other

 

234

 

212

 

675

 

611

 

Total operating revenues

 

192,005

 

188,734

 

624,383

 

576,205

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric fuel and purchased power

 

98,322

 

93,529

 

289,749

 

275,054

 

Cost of natural gas sold and transported

 

12,851

 

9,910

 

98,550

 

74,997

 

Other operating and maintenance expenses

 

33,161

 

32,932

 

103,374

 

100,211

 

Conservation program expenses

 

2,542

 

1,854

 

7,627

 

5,563

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

14,687

 

13,658

 

43,246

 

40,335

 

Taxes (other than income taxes)

 

5,189

 

4,475

 

15,970

 

14,845

 

Total operating expenses

 

166,752

 

156,358

 

558,516

 

511,005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

25,253

 

32,376

 

65,867

 

65,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and other income (expense), net

 

(732

)

161

 

(58

)

827

 

Allowance for funds used during construction — equity

 

248

 

356

 

621

 

817

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest charges and financing costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest charges — includes other financing costs of $338, $316, $984 and $936, respectively

 

6,619

 

5,706

 

18,202

 

17,049

 

Allowance for funds used during construction — debt

 

(219

)

(412

)

(824

)

(985

)

Total interest charges and financing costs

 

6,400

 

5,294

 

17,378

 

16,064

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

18,369

 

27,599

 

49,052

 

50,780

 

Income taxes

 

7,278

 

10,949

 

18,830

 

19,702

 

Net income

 

$

11,091

 

$

16,650

 

$

30,222

 

$

31,078

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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NSP-WISCONSIN AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

 

 

Nine months Ended Sept. 30,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

30,222

 

$

31,078

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

45,334

 

42,138

 

Deferred income taxes

 

3,450

 

6,840

 

Amortization of investment tax credits

 

(510

)

(518

)

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

 

(621

)

(817

)

Net realized and unrealized hedging and derivative transactions

 

(383

)

(602

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

18,117

 

18,275

 

Accrued unbilled revenues

 

20,549

 

12,795

 

Inventories

 

(12,711

)

(8,171

)

Other current assets

 

4,050

 

3,524

 

Accounts payable

 

(14,928

)

(4,088

)

Net regulatory assets and liabilities

 

3,273

 

(9,801

)

Other current liabilities

 

11,108

 

4,405

 

Change in other noncurrent assets

 

335

 

(342

)

Change in other noncurrent liabilities

 

(630

)

2,418

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

106,655

 

97,134

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Utility capital/construction expenditures

 

(63,758

)

(58,335

)

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

 

621

 

817

 

Other investments

 

(28,632

)

612

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(91,769

)

(56,906

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from notes payable to affiliate

 

337,600

 

248,900

 

Repayment of notes payable to affiliate

 

(396,200

)

(261,950

)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

196,641

 

 

Repayment of long-term debt

 

(58

)

(20

)

Capital contributions from parent

 

8,188

 

3,002

 

Dividends paid to parent

 

(53,216

)

(30,568

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

92,955

 

(40,636

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

107,841

 

(408

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

751

 

1,162

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

108,592

 

$

754

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest (net of amounts capitalized)

 

$

10,486

 

$

9,844

 

Cash paid for income taxes (net of refunds received)

 

9,522

 

9,913

 

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment additions in accounts payable

 

$

1,708

 

$

607

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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NSP-WISCONSIN AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

 

 

Sept. 30, 2008

 

Dec. 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

108,592

 

$

751

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

53,784

 

69,183

 

Accounts receivable from affiliates

 

 

2,718

 

Accrued unbilled revenues

 

16,491

 

37,040

 

Inventories

 

46,234

 

33,523

 

Prepaid taxes

 

13,365

 

17,041

 

Deferred income taxes

 

25,175

 

13,532

 

Derivative instruments valuation

 

407

 

226

 

Prepayments and other

 

30,374

 

2,734

 

Total current assets

 

294,422

 

176,748

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

997,903

 

975,609

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory assets

 

134,896

 

114,373

 

Prepaid pension asset

 

42,683

 

40,681

 

Other investments

 

4,734

 

4,902

 

Other

 

6,305

 

4,959

 

Total other assets

 

188,618

 

164,915

 

Total assets

 

$

1,480,943

 

$

1,317,272

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

$

80,254

 

$

80,266

 

Notes payable to affiliates

 

650

 

59,250

 

Accounts payable

 

30,293

 

37,454

 

Accounts payable to affiliates

 

17,723

 

25,691

 

Dividends payable to parent

 

9,312

 

9,522

 

Accrued payroll and benefits

 

5,458

 

5,916

 

Accrued interest

 

9,814

 

4,105

 

Derivative instruments valuation

 

1,817

 

460

 

Other

 

11,926

 

6,317

 

Total current liabilities

 

167,247

 

228,981

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred credits and other liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

197,303

 

181,506

 

Deferred investment tax credits

 

10,485

 

10,995

 

Regulatory liabilities

 

104,595

 

103,327

 

Pension and employee benefit obligations

 

26,843

 

26,328

 

Customer advances

 

17,217

 

18,462

 

Asset retirement obligations

 

2,957

 

2,902

 

Environmental liabilities

 

68,045

 

42,705

 

Other

 

1,484

 

1,064

 

Total deferred credits and other liabilities

 

428,929

 

387,289

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest in subsidiaries

 

151

 

212

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingent liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Capitalization:

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

433,878

 

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

 

124,145

 

115,957

 

Retained earnings

 

234,054

 

256,951

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(761

)

(820

)

Total common stockholder’s equity

 

450,738

 

465,388

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

1,480,943

 

$

1,317,272

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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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 Sept. 30, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2007; the results of operations for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2008 and 2007; and cash flows for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2008 and 2007.  All adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature, except as otherwise disclosed.  The Dec. 31, 2007 balance sheet information has been derived from the audited 2007 financial statements. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto, included in the NSP-Wisconsin Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 25, 2008.  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 cash equivalents and commodity derivatives at estimated fair values in its consolidated financial statements.  Cash equivalents are recorded at cost plus accrued interest to approximate fair value.  Changes in the observed trading prices and liquidity of cash equivalents, including commercial paper and money market funds, are also monitored as additional support for determining fair value, and losses are recorded in earnings if fair value falls below recorded cost.  For commodity derivatives, 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 quoted prices for similar contracts, or internally prepared valuation models as primary inputs 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 was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after Nov. 15, 2007.

 

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 FASB Staff Position 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 10 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 was 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.

 

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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 currently 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 on its consolidated financial statements.

 

The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) (SFAS No. 162)  — In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, which establishes the GAAP hierarchy, identifying the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements.  SFAS No. 162 is effective Nov. 15, 2008. NSP-Wisconsin does not believe that implementation of SFAS No. 162 will have any material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

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 was effective for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2007, with earlier application permitted.  Upon adoption of EITF No. 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 are 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)

 

Sept. 30, 2008

 

Dec. 31, 2007

 

Accounts receivable, net:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

$

57,144

 

$

72,013

 

Less allowance for bad debts

 

(3,360

)

(2,830

)

 

 

$

53,784

 

$

69,183

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories:

 

 

 

 

 

Materials and supplies

 

$

4,781

 

$

4,283

 

Fuel

 

13,559

 

13,457

 

Natural gas

 

27,894

 

15,783

 

 

 

$

46,234

 

$

33,523

 

 

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(Thousands of Dollars)

 

Sept. 30, 2008

 

Dec. 31, 2007

 

Property, plant and equipment, net:

 

 

 

 

 

Electric utility plant

 

$

1,401,286

 

$

1,338,188

 

Natural gas utility plant

 

172,446

 

167,593

 

Common utility and other property

 

109,973

 

108,289

 

Construction work in progress

 

41,240

 

52,705

 

Total property, plant and equipment

 

1,724,945

 

1,666,775

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(727,042

)

(691,166

)

 

 

$

997,903

 

$

975,609

 

 

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 Internal Revenue Service (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, 2009. In the third quarter of 2008, the IRS commenced an examination of tax years 2006 and 2007.

 

As of Sept. 30, 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 2003. There currently are no state income tax audits in progress.

 

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $0.9 million and $1.3 million on Dec. 31, 2007 and Sept. 30, 2008, respectively.

 

The unrecognized tax benefit balance included $0.1 million and $0.2 million of tax positions on Dec. 31, 2007 and Sept. 30, 2008, respectively, which if recognized would affect the annual effective tax rate.  In addition, the unrecognized tax benefit balance included $0.8 million and $1.1 million of tax positions on Dec. 31, 2007 and Sept. 30, 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 $0.2 million from July 1, 2008 to Sept. 30, 2008, was due to the addition of similar uncertain tax positions related to ongoing activity.  NSP-Wisconsin’s amount of unrecognized tax benefits could significantly change in the next 12 months as the IRS audit progresses and when state 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 Sept. 30, 2008, was not material.  No amounts were accrued for penalties as of Sept. 30, 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 2008 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.

 

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Electric Limited Reopener 2009 Rate Case — On Aug. 1, 2008, NSP-Wisconsin filed an application with the PSCW requesting authority to increase retail electric rates by $47.1 million, which represents an overall increase of 8.6 percent.  In the application, NSP-Wisconsin requested the PSCW to reopen the 2008 base rate case for the limited purpose of adjusting 2009 base electric rates to reflect forecasted increases in production and transmission costs, as authorized by the PSCW.  Of the total amount requested, approximately $22.7 million was for anticipated increases in fuel and purchased power expenses, approximately $18.8 million was for capital investments in electric generation and transmission projects and the remaining $5.6 million was for various operating and maintenance expenses associated with generation and transmission.  No changes were requested to the capital structure or authorized ROE authorized by the PSCW in the 2008 base rate case.

 

On Oct. 10, 2008, the PSCW staff filed direct testimony recommending adjustments to the filed revenue deficiency that, in total, would reduce the $47.1 million requested increase to approximately $16.0 million.  Approximately $26.1 million of the $31.1 million reduction is related to updated data since the filing was prepared and would not result in any financial impact to NSP-Wisconsin:

 

·                  $20.6 million is due to a lower forecast of 2009 fuel and purchased power costs, caused by declining market prices since the filing was made.  PSCW staff requested the company to update the fuel and purchased power forecast again just prior to the PSCW decision in this case.

 

·                  $5.5 million is due to a change in recovery method for nuclear outage costs from the direct expense method used in the initial August 2008 filing to the deferral and amortization method.  On Sept. 16, 2008, NSP-Minnesota received approval for this change in recovery method from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC), and as a result, NSP-Wisconsin will see a reduction in nuclear outage expense billed through the interchange agreement in 2009.

 

The remaining $5.0 million reduction is the net effect of a number of smaller adjustments recommended by PSCW staff, including a $1.8 million adjustment to the fixed charge component of the Interchange Agreement based on historic actual to budget spending patterns, and a $1.6 million adjustment to reflect an increase to the sales forecast.  At this time, NSP-Wisconsin is in the process of reviewing PSCW staff testimony to determine the extent to which it will contest the adjustments in rebuttal testimony.

 

Although the Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group (WIEG), Wal-Mart Stores East, LP (Wal-Mart) and the Citizen’s Utility Board (CUB) participated in the pre hearing conference in this proceeding, none of the parties submitted testimony concerning the revenue deficiency.

 

On Oct. 17, 2008 the PSCW staff and Wal-Mart submitted testimony on rate design issues.  The PSCW staff is recommending a slightly below-average increase for residential and small commercial customers and an above-average increase for medium and large commercial and industrial customers.  The PSCW staff rate design is generally consistent with the rate design proposed by NSP-Wisconsin, but is based on the lower staff-adjusted revenue requirements. Wal-Mart is recommending an across-the-board percentage increase.  All rebuttal testimony, on both revenue requirements and rate design, is due Oct. 24, 2008.

 

A hearing to address NSP-Wisconsin’s rate request is scheduled on Oct. 31, 2008 at the PSCW.  The PSCW has also scheduled public meetings concurrently in the Wisconsin cities of Eau Claire, La Crosse and Madison by video conference on Nov. 3, 2008.  A final PSCW decision on the request is expected in December 2008.

 

Other

 

Nuclear Refueling Outage Costs — As noted above, on Sept. 16, 2008, the MPUC approved NSP-Minnesota’s request to adopt the deferral and amortization method of accounting for costs associated with refueling outages at its nuclear plants, effective Jan. 1, 2008.  NSP-Wisconsin’s 2008 Wisconsin retail electric retail rates were set based on the previous direct-expense accounting method, and will recover costs associated with 2008 refueling outages in 2008.  For ratemaking purposes, NSP-Wisconsin will switch to the deferral and amortization method effective Jan. 1, 2009.  To reflect timing differences between when the revenue was received from customers versus when the corresponding expense will be billed through the interchange agreement, NSP-Wisconsin has recorded a regulatory liability of $4.1 million.  The regulatory liability will be fully amortized by the end of 2010.

 

2007 Electric Fuel Cost Recovery — In October 2007, the PSCW issued an order approving an interim fuel surcharge, subject to refund, under the provisions of the Wisconsin fuel rules. The interim surcharge became effective Oct. 15, 2007 and was terminated upon implementation of new base electric rates on Jan. 9, 2008.  During the time period it was in effect, the surcharge generated approximately $1.3 million in additional revenue.  Despite the additional surcharge revenue, NSP-Wisconsin’s actual fuel costs for 2007 were approximately $11.9 million higher than fuel revenues recovered in rates.

 

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On June 30, 2008, NSP-Wisconsin filed a stipulation with the PSCW indicating the parties in this docket are in agreement that NSP-Wisconsin’s actual fuel cost during the time period interim rates were in effect were higher than fuel costs authorized by the PSCW and no final hearing to determine a refund amount is necessary.  The PSCW administrative law judge (ALJ) issued an order closing the docket on Sept. 26, 2008.

 

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 a $19.7 million surcharge, 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 $12.6 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.  The increased rates went into effect on 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.  At this time, NSP-Wisconsin expects that the PSCW will leave the interim rates in effect for the remainder of 2008, conducting the final review in 2009, after 2008 actual fuel costs are known.

 

NSP-Wisconsin actual retail fuel costs through September were approximately $6.9 million less than assumed in the April 2008 forecast used to set the interim fuel surcharge.  Actual fuel costs have been running lower than this forecast primarily due to lower load and lower market prices for fuel and purchased power.  Based on actual fuel costs to date, NSP-Wisconsin has established a reserve of $5.0 million to reflect the likelihood that the PSCW will order the company to refund a portion of the revenues collected through the interim surcharge.  Further, NSP-Wisconsin anticipates fuel costs in the fourth quarter of 2008 will continue to be less than assumed in the April 2008 forecast used to set the interim fuel surcharge.  Notwithstanding the interim surcharge and lower than forecast fuel costs, NSP-Wisconsin expects that 2008 calendar year fuel costs will exceed authorized revenues by approximately $3.7 million, net of the anticipated refund.

 

Fuel Cost Recovery Rulemaking — In June 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. The statutes authorize the PSCW to approve 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 August 2007, the PSCW staff issued its draft revisions to the fuel rules and requested comments. The proposed rules incorporate a plan year fuel cost forecast, deferred accounting for differences between actual and forecast costs (if the difference is greater than 2 percent), and an after the fact reconciliation proceeding to allow the opportunity to recover or refund the deferred balance.

 

On July 3, 2008, the PSCW issued its notice of hearing in the rulemaking and requested public comments on the proposed revisions to the fuel rules.  The proposed revisions to the rules were substantively the same as the version issued in August 2007, described above.  A public hearing was held Aug. 4, 2008 and written comments were filed by the parties on Aug. 6, 2008.  The utilities subject to the fuel rules, including NSP-Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Utilities Association, and Wisconsin Utility Investors, Inc. filed comments generally supporting the revised rule.  An ad hoc coalition of intervenors, consisting of consumer and industrial customer groups, filed joint comments in opposition to the proposed rules.

 

The PSCW did not forward the proposed rules to the legislature for approval before the statutory deadline for action in the 2007-08 legislative session, and no further action is expected this year.  At this time it is uncertain what, if any, additional action the PSCW will take with respect to this rulemaking, or the fuel rules in general.

 

Bay Front Emission Controls Certificate of Authority In March 2008, the PSCW issued a certificate of authority and order approving NSP-Wisconsin’s application 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, Wis.  Construction began in May and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter 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.

 

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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 (PRP) 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 or other parties have caused environmental contamination. Environmental contingencies could arise from various situations including 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 PRP that sent hazardous materials and wastes.  At Sept. 30, 2008, the liability for the cost of remediating these sites was estimated to be $69.1 million, of which $1.0 million was considered to be a current liability.

 

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 final 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 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 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 October 2007, the EPA approved the series of reports included in the remedial investigation 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 EPA commented on the draft feasibility study in February 2008, and a revised feasibility study addressing EPA’s concerns was submitted in May 2008.  Comments on the revised feasibility study were received from the EPA on Sept. 25, 2008, and the second revision of the feasibility study addressing these comments was submitted on Oct. 24, 2008.  The EPA Remedy Review Board is scheduled to meet in November 2008 to consider the remedial approach proposed by the Remedial Project Manager (RPM) for EPA Region 5.  The estimated remediation costs for the site range between $49.7 million and $137.5 million, including costs set forth in the revised feasibility study, as well as estimates for WDNR past oversight costs, outside legal and consultant costs and work plan costs.

 

In addition to potential liability for remediation, 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 accurately quantify its potential exposure for NRD at the site, but has recorded an estimate of its potential liability based upon its best estimate of potential exposure.

 

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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. NSP-Wisconsin has recorded a liability of $65.9 million based on management’s best estimate of remediation 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.

 

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’s 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 (CAIR)  In March 2005, the EPA issued the CAIR to further regulate sulfur dioxide (SO2) and NOx emissions. The objective of CAIR was to cap emissions of SO2 and NOx in the eastern United States, including Wisconsin. In July 2008, a three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated CAIR and remanded the rule to EPA.  The EPA subsequently requested a rehearing en banc, or by the full court.  The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has yet to rule on the EPA’s petition for rehearing.

 

Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR) — In March 2005, the EPA issued the 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.

 

Wisconsin Mercury Rule — The WDNR is developing a proposed mercury rule that could potentially impact NSP-Wisconsin’s Bay Front plant.  The current proposal would require all three units at the Bay Front plant to install Best Available Control Technology for mercury by January 1, 2015, if the units are defined as coal-fired units.

 

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” (BTA) 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.  In April 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court granted limited review of the Second Circuit’s opinion to determine whether the EPA has the authority to consider costs and benefits in assessing BTA.  A decision is not expected until 2009.

 

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.

 

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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, the parent company of NSP-Wisconsin, 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, the parent company of NSP-Wisconsin, 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. Oral arguments were presented to the Court of Appeals on Aug. 6, 2008. On Sept. 26, 2008 the Court of Appeals notified the parties that this matter was set for re-argument on Nov. 3, 2008. No explanation was given for the decision.

 

Native Village of Kivalina vs. Xcel Energy Inc. et al. In February 2008, the City and Native Village of Kivalina, Alaska, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against Xcel Energy, the parent company of NSP-Wisconsin, 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 CO2 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 and joined with other utility defendants in filing a motion to dismiss on Sept. 30, 2008.

 

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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, 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 and other appellate proceedings 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. 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.  Mediation is scheduled for Dec. 5, 2008.  The matter is set for trial October 12 — 30, 2009.

 

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. In March 2008, the Wisconsin Supreme Court denied NSP-Wisconsin’s petition for review.  Mediation is scheduled for Dec. 1, 2008.  The trial set for June 15-30, 2009 has been adjourned.

 

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.  NSP-Wisconsin has approval to borrow up to $100 million under the arrangement.  At Sept. 30, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2007, NSP-Wisconsin had short-term borrowings under this intercompany arrangement of $0.0 and $58.6 million, respectively.  The weighted average interest rate at Dec. 31, 2007 was 5.58 percent.

 

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Clearwater Investments Inc., an NSP-Wisconsin subsidiary, also had notes payable outstanding as of Sept. 30, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2007, to Xcel Energy, in the amount of $0.7 million.  The weighted average interest rates at Sept. 30, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2007, were 3.31 percent and 5.52 percent, respectively.

 

8.

Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments

 

On Sept. 10, 2008, NSP-Wisconsin issued $200 million of 6.375 percent first mortgage bonds, series due Sept. 1, 2038.  NSP-Wisconsin added the net proceeds from the sale of the first mortgage bonds to its general funds and applied a portion of such net proceeds to fund the payment at maturity of $80 million of 7.64 percent senior notes due Oct. 1, 2008.  The balance of the net proceeds will be used for the repayment of short-term debt (including notes payable to affiliates) and general corporate purposes that may include the refinancing of higher-interest rate long-term debt and general working capital.

 

9.

Derivative Instruments

 

NSP-Wisconsin uses derivative instruments in connection with its interest rate hedging, short-term wholesale, and commodity trading 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.  This could include the purchase or sale of energy or energy-related products, the use of natural gas to generate electric energy, or gas purchased for resale and fuel for fleet vehicles.  These derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes.  At Sept. 30, 2008, NSP-Wisconsin had various commodity-related contracts designated as cash flow hedges extending through March 2009. Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income or deferred as a regulatory asset or liability.  This classification is based on the regulatory recovery mechanisms in place.

 

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges — NSP-Wisconsin enters into various instruments that effectively fix the yield or price on a benchmark interest rate for a specific period.  These derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes.

 

At Sept. 30, 2008, NSP-Wisconsin had $0.1 million of net losses in accumulated other comprehensive income related to interest rate derivatives that are expected to be recognized in earnings during the next 12 months.

 

The following table shows the derivative instruments valuation in the consolidated balance sheets at Sept. 30 and Dec. 31:

 

 

 

Sept. 30, 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

 

$

407

 

$

1,817

 

$

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:

 

 

 

Nine months ended Sept. 30,

 

(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

 

59

 

60

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to cash flow hedges at Sept. 30

 

$

(761

)

$

(839

)

 

10.

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

 

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and liabilities at fair value. The three levels defined by the SFAS No. 157 hierarchy and examples of each level are as follows:

 

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 held several commodity derivatives measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of Sept. 30, 2008.  Fair value for these commodity derivatives was determined based on observable prices for identical or similar forward contracts, or internally prepared option valuation models using observable forward curves and volatilities.  NSP-Wisconsin continuously monitors the creditworthiness of the counterparties to its commodity derivative contracts and assesses each counterparty’s ability to perform on the transactions set forth in the contracts.  Given this assessment, as well an assessment of the impact of NSP-Wisconsin’s own credit risk when determining the fair value of commodity derivative liabilities, the impact of considering credit risk was immaterial to the fair value of commodity derivative assets and liabilities at Sept. 30, 2008.

 

The following table presents, for each of the SFAS No. 157 hierarchy levels, NSP-Wisconsin’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of Sept. 30, 2008:

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Counterparty
Netting (a)

 

Net Balance

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash equivalents

 

$

 

$

10,000

 

$

 

$

 

$

10,000

 

Commodity derivatives

 

 

427

 

 

(20

)

407

 

Total

 

$

 

$

10,427

 

$

 

$

(20

)

$

10,407

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity derivatives

 

$

1,633

 

$

204

 

$

 

$

(20

)

$

1,817

 

 

11.

Detail of Interest and Other Income (Expense), Net

 

Interest and other income (expense), net, for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30 consisted of the following:

 

 

 

Three months ended Sept. 30,

 

Nine months ended Sept. 30,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Interest income (expense)

 

$

(741

)

$

292

 

$

(11

)

$

1,172

 

Other nonoperating income

 

88

 

 

144

 

 

Insurance policy expenses

 

(79

)

(131

)

(191

)

(345

)

Total interest and other income (expense), net

 

$

(732

)

$

161

 

$

(58

)

$

827

 

 

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12.

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 Sept. 30, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External customers

 

$

173,312

 

$

18,459

 

$

234

 

$

 

$

192,005

 

Internal customers

 

24

 

606

 

 

(630

)

 

Total revenues

 

$

173,336

 

$

19,065

 

$

234

 

$

(630

)

192,005

 

Segment net income (loss)

 

$

12,754

 

$

(1,497

)

$

(166

)

$

 

$

11,091

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended Sept. 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External customers

 

$

173,634

 

$

14,888

 

$

212

 

$

 

$

188,734

 

Internal customers

 

29

 

2

 

 

(31

)

 

Total revenues

 

$

173,663

 

$

14,890

 

$

212

 

$

(31

)

$

188,734

 

Segment net income (loss)

 

$

17,657

 

$

(1,027

)

$

20

 

$

 

$

16,650

 

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

Regulated
Electric Utility

 

Regulated
Natural Gas
Utility

 

All Other

 

Reconciling
Eliminations

 

Consolidated
Total

 

Nine months ended Sept. 30, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External customers

 

$

495,159

 

$

128,549

 

$

675

 

$

 

$

624,383

 

Internal customers

 

147

 

1,406

 

 

(1,553

)

 

Total revenues

 

$

495,306

 

$

129,955

 

$

675

 

$

(1,553

)

$

624,383

 

Segment net income (loss)

 

$

26,436

 

$

3,879

 

$

(93

)

$

 

$

30,222

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended Sept. 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External customers

 

$

476,006

 

$

99,588

 

$

611

 

$

 

$

576,205

 

Internal customers

 

127

 

1,162

 

 

(1,289

)

 

Total revenues

 

$

476,133

 

$

100,750

 

$

611

 

$

(1,289

)

$

576,205

 

Segment net income (loss)

 

$

29,228

 

$

1,993

 

$

(143

)

$

 

$

31,078

 

 

13.

Comprehensive Income

 

The components of total comprehensive income are shown below:

 

 

 

Three months ended
Sept. 30,

 

Nine months ended
Sept. 30,

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Net income

 

$

11,091

 

$

16,650

 

$

30,222

 

$

31,078

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

19

 

22

 

59

 

60

 

Other comprehensive income

 

19

 

22

 

59

 

60

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

11,110

 

$

16,672

 

$

30,281

 

$

31,138

 

 

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14.

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 Sept. 30,

 

 

 

2008 (1)

 

2007 (1)

 

2008

 

2007

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

Pension Benefits

 

Postretirement Health
Care Benefits

 

Xcel Energy Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

15,851

 

$

15,520

 

$

1,338

 

$

1,453

 

Interest cost

 

42,630

 

41,313

 

12,720

 

12,619

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(68,584

)

(66,208

)

(7,963

)

(7,600

)

Amortization of transition obligation

 

 

 

3,644

 

3,644

 

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

 

5,166

 

6,487

 

(544

)

(545

)

Amortization of net loss

 

3,185

 

4,211

 

2,875

 

3,550

 

Net periodic benefit (credit) cost

 

(1,752

)

1,323

 

12,070

 

13,121

 

Credits not recognized due to the effects of regulation

 

2,258

 

2,787

 

 

 

Additional cost recognized due to the effects of regulation

 

 

 

972

 

972

 

Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting

 

$

506

 

$

4,110

 

$

13,042

 

$

14,093

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSP-Wisconsin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net benefit (credit) cost recognized for financial reporting

 

$

(277

)

$

(245

)

$

502

 

$

479

 

 


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

 

 

 

Nine months ended Sept. 30,

 

 

 

2008 (1)

 

2007 (1)

 

2008

 

2007

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

Pension Benefits

 

Postretirement Health
Care Benefits

 

Xcel Energy Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$

47,553

 

$

46,560

 

$

4,013

 

$

4,359

 

Interest cost

 

127,890

 

123,939

 

38,160

 

37,857

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(205,753

)

(198,624

)

(23,888

)

(22,800

)

Amortization of transition obligation

 

 

 

10,932

 

10,932

 

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

 

15,498

 

19,461

 

(1,632

)

(1,635

)

Amortization of net loss

 

9,555

 

12,633

 

8,624

 

10,650

 

Net periodic benefit (credit) cost

 

(5,257

)

3,969

 

36,209

 

39,363

 

Credits not recognized due to the effects of regulation

 

6,775

 

8,361

 

 

 

Additional cost recognized due to the effects of regulation

 

 

 

2,918

 

2,918

 

Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting

 

$

1,518

 

$

12,330

 

$

39,127

 

$

42,281

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSP-Wisconsin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net benefit (credit) cost recognized for financial reporting

 

$

(832

)

$

(735

)

$

1,508

 

$

1,436

 

 


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

 

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Table of Contents

 

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,” “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 Sept. 30, 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 and in Item 1A — Risk Factors in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Commodity price and interest rate risks for NSP-Wisconsin are mitigated in most jurisdictions due to cost-based rate regulation.

 

NSP-Wisconsin is exposed to the impact of changes in price for energy and energy related products, which is partially mitigated by the company’s use of commodity derivatives and impact of cost-based rate regulation.  Though no material non-performance risk currently exists with the counterparties to NSP-Wisconsin’s commodity derivative contracts, the continued turmoil in the financial markets may in the future impact that risk to the extent it impacts those counterparties.  Continued distress in the financial markets may also impact the fair value of the debt and equity securities in pension and postretirement health care plan trusts, as well as NSP-Wisconsin’s ability to earn a return on short-term investments of excess cash.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

NSP-Wisconsin’s net income was $30.2 million for the first nine months of 2008, compared with $31.1 million for the first nine months of 2007.

 

Electric Utility Margin

 

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.

 

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Nine months ended Sept. 30,

 

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total electric utility revenues

 

$

495

 

$

476

 

Electric fuel and purchased power

 

(290

)

(275

)

Total electric utility margin before other operating expenses

 

$

205

 

$

201

 

Margin as a percentage of revenues

 

41.4

%

42.2

%

 

The following summarizes the components of the changes in base electric revenues and base electric margin for the nine months ended Sept. 30:

 

Base Electric Revenues

 

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2008 vs. 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Base rate changes

 

$

26

 

2007 fuel refund

 

10

 

Fuel and purchased power cost recovery

 

10

 

Retail sales growth (excluding weather impact)

 

3

 

Increased revenues due to leap year (weather normalized impact)

 

1

 

Interchange agreement billing with NSP-Minnesota

 

(17

)

2008 fuel refund

 

(5

)

Estimated impact of weather

 

(5

)

Nuclear outage refueling deferral

 

(4

)

Total increase in base electric revenues

 

$

19

 

 

Base Electric Margin

 

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2008 vs. 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Base rate changes

 

$

26

 

Fuel and purchased power cost recovery

 

8

 

Retail sales growth (excluding weather impact)

 

2

 

Increased margin due to leap year (weather normalized impact)

 

1

 

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

 

(17

)

2008 fuel refund

 

(5

)

Estimated impact of weather

 

(5

)

Nuclear outage refueling deferral

 

(4

)

Purchased capacity cost

 

(2

)

Total increase in base electric margin

 

$

4

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Nine months ended Sept. 30,

 

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas revenues

 

$

129

 

$

100

 

Cost of natural gas purchased and transported

 

(99

)

(75

)

Natural gas margin before other operating expenses

 

$

30

 

$

25

 

 

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The following summarizes the components of the changes in natural gas revenues and margin for the nine months ended Sept. 30:

 

Natural Gas Revenues

 

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2008 vs. 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Purchased natural gas adjustment clause recovery

 

$

23

 

Estimated impact of weather

 

2

 

Base rate changes

 

2

 

Other

 

2

 

Total increase in natural gas revenues

 

$

29

 

 

Natural Gas Margin

 

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2008 vs. 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated impact of weather

 

$

2

 

Base rate changes

 

2

 

Other

 

1

 

Total increase in natural gas margin

 

$

5

 

 

Non-Fuel Operating Expense and Other Items

 

Other operating and maintenance expenses — The following summarizes the components of the changes in other operating and maintenance expense for the nine months ended Sept. 30:

 

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2008 vs. 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Interchange agreement billing with NSP-Minnesota

 

$

2

 

Higher labor costs

 

1

 

Higher plant generation costs

 

1

 

Lower employee benefit costs

 

(1

)

Total increase in other operating and maintenance expenses

 

$

3

 

 

Depreciation and Amortization — Depreciation and amortization expense increased by approximately $2.9 million, or 7.2 percent, for the first nine months of 2008 compared with the first nine months of 2007.  The increase was primarily due to normal system expansion.

 

Conservation program expenses — Conservation program expenses increased approximately $2.1 million, or 37.1 percent, for the first nine months of 2008, compared to the same period in 2007.  The higher expense is attributable to the ongoing expansion of such programs as designed, in part, to meet certain regulatory commitments.

 

Income taxes — Income tax expense decreased by $0.9 million for the first nine months of 2008, compared with the first nine months of 2007.  The decrease in income tax expense was primarily due to a decrease in pretax income. The effective tax rate was 38.4 percent for the first nine months of 2008, compared with 38.8 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.

 

Electric Reliability Standards Matters The electric production and transmission system of NSP-Minnesota is managed as an integrated system with that of NSP-Wisconsin, jointly referred to as the NSP System.  On Sept. 18, 2007, portions of the

 

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Table of Contents

 

NSP System and transmission systems west and north of the NSP System briefly islanded from the rest of the Eastern Interconnection, as a result of a series of transmission line outages.  The initial transmission line outage appears to have occurred on the NSP-Minnesota transmission system due to a failure of a 345 KV conductor during severe weather, and approximately 6,000 NSP-Wisconsin customers temporarily lost power.  The Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO), the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) regional entity responsible for oversight of electric system reliability in the upper Midwest, including the NSP System, has initiated an independent incident analysis.  In addition, NERC has initiated a compliance investigation to determine if violations of mandatory NERC reliability standards contributed to the event.  Xcel Energy is cooperating with the MRO incident analysis and NERC compliance investigation.

 

In April 2008, a self-report was filed with MRO indicating that certain tests of generation station batteries had not been completed in accordance with Xcel Energy’s adopted maintenance plan for generation station relays and batteries.  Xcel Energy has received preliminary information from the MRO indicating that penalties are likely to be assessed against NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin in conjunction with this self-report, though the amount of those penalties is not expected to be material.

 

In June 2008, PSCo was subject to an audit of its compliance with NERC and regional reliability standards by Western Electricity Coordinating Council, the NERC regional entity for the PSCo system.  In response to information identified during the audit, Xcel Energy conducted a comprehensive review of the maintenance records for all relay devices on the NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin transmission systems.  That review found NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin did not have documentation demonstrating that all relay devices on those systems had been maintained on the schedule in Xcel Energy’s adopted maintenance plan.  In June 2008, PSCo, SPS and the NSP System filed self-reports regarding the maintenance plan violations with the MRO.

 

In September 2008, as a result of a review of Xcel Energy’s procedures implementing certain NERC critical infrastructure protection standards applicable to control centers effective July 1, 2008, the NSP System filed a self-report with the MRO disclosing certain deficiencies in requirements applicable to access to critical infrastructure assets for the period July to September 2008.  The NSP System filed a mitigation plan with the MRO within 30 days of the self-report discussing how the deficiencies were corrected.

 

Xcel Energy is uncertain if the NERC investigation regarding the Sept. 18, 2008 NSP System event or the self-reports of reliability standards violations will result in financial penalties being imposed on NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin.  If so, the penalties are not expected to be material.

 

Other Regulatory Matters — NSP-Wisconsin

 

Bay Front Biomass Gasification Announcement — On Sept. 30, 2008, NSP-Wisconsin publicly announced a plan to submit an application to the PSCW for a certificate of authority to install biomass gasification technology at the Bay Front Power Plant in Ashland, Wisc. Currently, two of the three boilers at Bay Front use biomass as their primary fuel to generate electricity. The proposed project will convert the existing coal-fired unit to biomass gasification technology allowing the plant to use 100 percent biomass in all three boilers. This is the first time biomass gasification technology will be used to convert a coal-fired boiler at an existing base-load power plant. When complete, the Bay Front Power Plant will be the largest biomass-fueled power plant in the Midwest and one of the largest in the nation.  Contingent upon final approval by the Xcel Energy Board of Directors, the company expects to file an application with the PSCW later this year. Following all state regulatory approvals, engineering, design and construction work are expected to begin in 2010 and the unit could be operational in late 2012.  The preliminary estimate of the project cost is $55 to $70 million.  If approved, the project will improve the environmental performance of the plant and contribute towards state renewable energy standards in the region.

 

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 (Exchange Act) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports under the Exchange Act 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 procedures, the CEO and CFO have concluded that NSP-Wisconsin’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

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Table of Contents

 

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.

 

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 consolidated 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. As a result of developments in the financial markets since the filing of the 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K, we are providing updates below of the risk factors as follows.

 

Economic conditions could negatively impact our business.

 

Our operations are affected by local, national and worldwide economic conditions. The consequences of a prolonged recession may include a lower level of economic activity and uncertainty regarding energy prices and the capital and commodity markets. A lower level of economic activity might result in a decline in energy consumption, which may adversely affect our revenues and future growth.  Instability in the financial markets, as a result of recession or otherwise, also may affect the cost of capital and our ability to raise capital, which are discussed in greater detail in the capital markets risk section in the 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Current economic conditions may be exacerbated by insufficient financial sector liquidity leading to potential increased unemployment, which may impact customers ability to pay timely, increase customer bankruptcies, and may lead to increased bad debt.  It is expected that commercial and industrial customers will be impacted first with residential customers following, if such circumstances occur.  See credit risk section for more related information.

 

Further worldwide economic activity has an impact on the demand for basic commodities needed for utility infrastructure, such as steel, copper, aluminum, etc., which may impact our ability to acquire sufficient supplies. Additionally, the cost of those commodities may be higher than expected.

 

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Item 6. EXHIBITS

 


*Indicates incorporation by reference

 

3.01*

 

Amended and restated articles of incorporation of Northern States Power Company, a Wisconsin corporation, (Exhibit 3.01 to Form S-4 (file no. 333-112033) Jan. 21, 2004).

 

 

 

3.02*

 

By-Laws of Northern States Power Company, a Wisconsin corporation, as amended Dec. 6, 2001 and June 3, 2008. (Exhibit 3.02 to Form 10Q (file no. 001-03140) Aug. 4, 2008).

 

 

 

4.01*

 

Supplemental Trust Indenture dated as of Sept. 1, 2008 between Northern States Power Company (Wisconsin) and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor Trustee, creating $200,000,000 principal amount of 6.375% First Mortgage Bonds, Series due Sept. 1, 2038 (Exhibit 4.01 of Form 8-K of Northern States Power Company, a Wisconsin corporation, dated Sept. 3, 2008 (file no. 001-03140)).

 

 

 

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 Oct. 27, 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

 

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