May Update 2012 Exhibit 99.1
2 Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information Much of the information contained in this presentation is forward-looking information based upon management’s current expectations and projections that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes, among other things, information concerning earnings per share, rate case activity, earnings per share growth, cash flow, dividend growth and dividend payout ratios, debt repayment, share repurchases, construction costs and capital expenditures, investment opportunities, rate base, future electric sales and the capital structure. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking information. In addition to the assumptions and other factors referred to in connection with the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, rate recovery of any costs above the PSCW approved amount for the Oak Creek expansion; PSCW approval of utility construction projects, including infrastructure upgrades; and continued growth in earnings from ATC, factors that could cause Wisconsin Energy's actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking information or otherwise affect our future results of operations and financial condition include, among others, the following: general economic conditions; business, competitive and regulatory conditions in the deregulating and consolidating energy industry, in general, and, in particular, in the company’s service territories; timing, resolution and impact of pending and future rate cases and other regulatory decisions; availability of the company’s generating facilities; unanticipated changes in purchased power costs; unanticipated changes in coal or natural gas prices and supply and transportation availability; key personnel changes; the ability to recover fuel and purchased power costs; varying weather conditions; catastrophic weather-related or terrorism-related damage; cyber-security threats; construction risks, including those associated with the construction of new environmental controls and renewable generation; adverse interpretation or enforcement of permit conditions by permitting agencies; equity and bond market fluctuations; the investment performance of the company’s pension and other post-retirement benefit plans; the impact of recent and future federal, state and local legislative and regulatory changes; current and future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings or inquiries, including FERC matters and IRS audits and other tax matters; the effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard setting bodies, including any requirement for U.S. registrants to follow International Financial Reporting Standards instead of GAAP; foreign governmental, economic, political and currency risks; and other factors described under the heading “Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and under the headings “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” and “Risk Factors” contained in Wisconsin Energy's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and in subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Wisconsin Energy expressly disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information.
3 Largest electric and gas company in Wisconsin 1.1 million electric customers 1.0 million natural gas customers Retail Electric and Gas Utilities
4 Investment Thesis Solid Growth with a Low Risk Profile Wisconsin Energy is positioned to deliver strong earnings and dividend growth with a lower than average risk profile Targeted EPS growth of 4 - 6% Double digit dividend growth - moving to a 60% dividend payout ratio in 2014 Proven management team that has delivered strong financial results and operational excellence Constructive regulatory climate
5 A Track Record of Performance Consistent Annual Earnings and Dividends Growth Wisconsin Energy is the only company in the indices below that has grown earnings per share and dividends per share every year since 2003 S&P Utilities Index S&P Electric Index Philadelphia Utility Index Dow Jones Utilities Average *Sources: Bloomberg Financial News Service Barclays Capital
6 Projected Earnings Base for 2011 – 2013 Major Segment Contributions 2011A 2012E 2013E Electric and Gas Utilities $1.44 $1.46 to $1.51 $6.8 billion rate base Power the Future (1) $0.66 $0.67 $0.68 Wholesale Electric Transmission (2) $0.16 $0.17 $0.18 Unallocated holding company debt (3) ($0.08) ($0.06) ($0.05) $2.18 $2.24 to $2.29 (1)Includes allocation of approximately $375 million of 6.25% rate holding company debt (2)26.2% investment in ATC (3) Includes unallocated holding company debt and other miscellaneous corporate costs
7 Forecast of Electric Sales 2012 vs. 2011 Actual and Normalized 2012 Forecast vs. 2011 Actual 2012 Forecast vs. 2011 Normalized Residential -1.1% 0.0% Small C&I 0.9% 0.6% Large C&I (ex. Mines) -2.3% -2.4% Total Large C&I -7.1% -7.2% Total Retail -0.8% -2.4%
8 Dividend Growth Accelerating Dividend Payout The directors raised the quarterly dividend in January to 30 cents a share – equivalent to an annual rate of $1.20 a share 15.4 percent increase over the 2011 amount Our policy is to move to a dividend payout ratio that is competitive with our peers Trending to a 60 percent payout ratio in 2014 This policy should support average annual dividend increases of more than 10 percent from 2012 to 2014
9 Share Repurchases $100 Million Repurchased thru March 2012 To maintain appropriate financial strength and provide value to our investors, we are implementing a share repurchase plan Buy back up to $300 million of Wisconsin Energy common stock through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions through the end of 2013 Through March 2012 repurchased approximately 3.2 million shares at an average price of $30.79 a share The final size of the program will be based on actual capital spending We do not expect to issue any additional shares
10 Retail Electric and Gas Utilities Expected Levels of Investment and Depreciation $401 $473 $611 $586 $260 $161 $24 $131 $71 $43 $39 $260 $305 $330 $355 $0 $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $600 $700 $800 $900 $1,000 2011A 2012E 2013E 2014E M ill io ns o f D ol la rs Base Renewable Environmental Depreciation *Total depreciation expense is expected to be $305, $330 and $355 million in 2012, 2013, and 2014 respectively for utilities on a combined basis. $792 $705 $678 $625
11 Rebuild 2,500 miles of electric distribution lines that are more than 50 years old Strengthen our electric distribution network by replacing: 28,000 power poles 28,000 transformers Hundreds of substation components Strengthen our gas distribution system by: Replacing 1,250 miles of fiberglass, plastic and steel gas mains Replacing 83,000 individual gas distribution lines Replacing 233,000 meter sets Base Utility Investment Expected Base Investment from 2012 to 2016
12 Rate Case Activity Wisconsin Jurisdiction Filed rate case on March 23, 2012, for a net customer bill increase of 3.6% in 2013 and an additional bill increase of 3.6% in 2014 -- after applying expected proceeds from a renewable energy tax grant Non-fuel rate increase prior to credits: 6.2% or $173 million in 2013 and 1.3% or $37 million in 2014 Key driver is recovery of costs for previously approved projects: Air quality controls at Oak Creek Glacier Hills Wind Park Biomass plant Finalization of Oak Creek Expansion costs Also filed our 2013 fuel cost plan
13 Rate Case Activity Wisconsin Jurisdiction Pre-Hearing Conference on May 21 Rate Case schedule was set as follows: Audit Complete 6/29 Direct Testimony 9/07 Rebuttal Testimony 9/20 Hearing 9/26 – 9/27 Reply Brief 10/29 Briefing Memo Issued 10/30 PSCW staff stated that it does not intend to pursue capital structure or return on equity as issues in this proceeding None of the interveners at the conference objected to staff’s position on capital structure or return on equity
14 Rate Case Activity Michigan Jurisdiction Filed rate case on July 5, 2011 Requested $17.5 million annually -- a 9.9% increase Increase of $7.7 million took effect in January 2012 The commission approved a self-implementation of $5.7 million (3.2% increase) offset by the Michigan portion of the DOE settlement Results in a net interim increase of 1.7% In addition, approximately $2.0 million of renewable cost recovery was included in the Michigan PSCR effective January 1, 2012 Requested a 10.4% ROE Final rates expected to be effective July 2012
15 Retail Electric and Gas Utilities Wolverine Joint Venture In January, we announced that a joint venture with Wolverine Power Cooperative at the Presque Isle Power Plant is being explored Wolverine would fund the cost of environmental upgrades and become a part owner of the plant WEC would continue to operate the plant Expect a decision to be reached later this year Regulatory approvals would be required The joint venture would reduce our ownership in the plant, but would not reduce rate base Our 2012–2016 capital budget would not be materially impacted Timing of the construction would be dependent upon final EPA regulation
16 Renewable Energy Summary of New Investments Glacier Hills 162 MW Final investment is expected to be below the PSCW approved amount of $364 million Completed in December of 2011 Biomass 50MW Estimated investment of $245-$255 million Approved by PSCW and Domtar Inc. Expected completion by the end of 2013 Wisconsin Electric has executed 165MW of renewable energy transactions to help achieve compliance with the Wisconsin Renewable Portfolio Standard We expect to be in compliance with the Standard through 2016
17 Power the Future Investments PTF Plants Represent a Key Investment in the Energy Future of Wisconsin Natural Gas Coal Capacity 1,090 MW 1,030 MW 1 Investment $664 million $2.0 billion ROE 12.7% 12.7% Equity 53% 55% Initial Lease Term 25 Years 30 Years In-service Dates Unit 1 – July 16, 2005 Unit 2 – May 23, 2008 Unit 1 – February 2, 2010 Unit 2 – January 12, 2011 2012 Estimated Net Income $37 million 2 $118 million 2 1All capacity and investment amounts reflect WEC ownership only. Demonstrated capacity for the coal units is 1,056 MW – value shown in table is amount guaranteed in lease agreement. 2Includes allocation of holding company debt.
18 Power the Future Oak Creek Expansion – Accelerated Depreciation In December 2011, the Internal Revenue Service confirmed that accelerated depreciation can be applied to our recently completed expansion units at the Oak Creek site We expect to see a $285 million cash timing benefit by the end of 2014 In total, we expect approximately $600M of free cash flow after capex and dividends over the five-year period 2012-2016 Cash from accelerated depreciation will be used to: Support a higher level of investment in our core business Reduce debt levels at the holding company Fund our revised dividend policy Deferred tax impact will not affect our rate base
19 Wholesale Electric Transmission ATC Expected Growth Key Assumptions ATC rate base at year end 2012 is projected to be about $2.7 billion ATC projects a need for $3.8-$4.4 billion of transmission improvements in its footprint from 2011 to 2020 Implies average $38 million effective annual rate base growth for WEC from 2012 to 2014 Excludes potential transmission projects outside ATC’s traditional footprint Projected Capital Expenditures (Millions of Dollars)
20 Potential Investment Opportunities Multiple Options Being Evaluated Investment in fuel blending at new Oak Creek coal units Additional investment in aging gas and electric distribution infrastructure Renewable energy investments beyond 2016 Investment in aging generation facilities such as hydro rebuilds Investment required to meet future EPA rules Divestiture of energy assets by the State of Wisconsin
21 Key Takeaways on Wisconsin Energy Solid Growth with a Low Risk Profile Power the Future program now complete Highly visible earnings and strong cash flow Well managed utility franchises with rate base growth Investment in American Transmission Company provides an additional regulated growth opportunity Positioned to deliver among the best risk-adjusted returns in the industry Positive free cash flow Best in class dividend growth story
Appendix
23 Overview of Wisconsin Energy Estimated Rate Base and Power the Future Investment at 12/31/12 Retail Electric and Gas Utilities Wisconsin, Michigan, and FERC jurisdictions 48.5% to 53.5% equity for Wisconsin Electric 10.4% allowed ROE 45% to 50% equity for Wisconsin Gas 10.5% allowed ROE Power the Future 53% to 55% equity levels in lease agreements 12.7% ROE fixed in lease agreements Wholesale Electric Transmission FERC jurisdictional 50% equity level for rates 12.2% ROE with true-up $2.7 $5.7 Note: Value for retail electric and gas utilities represents rate base. Power the Future value is book value of investment. Wholesale electric transmission is 26.2% of ATC’s rate base. $10.0 Billion
24 Retail Electric and Gas Utilities Projected Rate Base *All other is comprised of customer advances, def. taxes, inventory and implied working capital.
25 Retail Electric and Gas Utilities Expected Levels of Investment
26 Wholesale Electric Transmission DATC Non-exclusive joint venture between Duke Energy and ATC (DATC) announced in April 2011 Adds potential investment opportunities outside ATC’s current footprint Ownership is split 50/50 between Duke and ATC In September, DATC submitted the first set of proposed transmission projects to MISO’s Midwest Transmission Expansion Plan Seven new transmission lines, located in five Midwestern states Total cost of approximately $4 billion Phased in over the next 10 years Projects are subject to regulatory approval Potential impact on WEC No significant capital deployment expected until 2015 Earnings impact anticipated in 2015 and beyond
27 Regulatory Environment Wisconsin Commissioners Name Party Began Serving Term Ends Phil Montgomery Chairman R 03/2011 03/2017 Eric Callisto D 05/2008 03/2015 Ellen Nowak R 07/2011 03/2013 Wisconsin Commission 3 Commissioners Gubernatorial appointment, Senate confirmation Chairman: Gubernatorial appointment Terms 6 year—staggered terms Michigan Commission 3 Commissioners Gubernatorial appointment, Senate confirmation Chairman: Gubernatorial appointment Terms 6 year—staggered terms Michigan Commissioners Name Party Began Serving Term Ends John D. Quackenbush Chairman R 10/2011 07/2017 Greg R. White I 12/2009 07/2015 Orjiakor Isiogu D 8/2007 07/2013
28 Political Environment During the summer of 2011, nine Senators were recalled Seven retained their seats (4 GOP, 3 DEM) Two GOP Senators were defeated The WI State Senate is 16 GOP and 16 DEM The Government Accountability Board (GAB) has received six recall petitions filed on January 17, 2012 Governor, Lieutenant Governor and four Republican State Senators As of March 30th the board had unanimously passed motions certifying all six petitions Key Dates June 5th general elections November 6th general elections
29 Wisconsin Energy Electric Retail Customer Base C&I Sector Small & Large % of 2011 Electric C&I Sales Office 12.2% Mining 11.9% Retail 6.1% Primary Metals 5.9% Health Care 5.5% Paper & Products 5.5% Food 4.7% Education 4.7%
30 Financing Policy Capital Structure Goals Maintain our current credit ratings Debt/Capital Ratio as of 12/31/2011 Actual ratio was 57.1% Adjusted ratio was 54.4% Adjusted assumes half of $500 million of hybrid securities are treated as common equity