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Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Note 8. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Guaranteed Obligations
Power’s activities primarily involve the purchase and sale of energy and related products under transportation, physical, financial and forward contracts at fixed and variable prices. These transactions are with numerous counterparties and brokers that may require cash, cash-related instruments or guarantees.
Power has unconditionally guaranteed payments to counterparties by its subsidiaries in commodity-related transactions in order to
support current exposure, interest and other costs on sums due and payable in the ordinary course of business, and
obtain credit.
Under these agreements, guarantees cover lines of credit between entities and are often reciprocal in nature. The exposure between counterparties can move in either direction.
In order for Power to incur a liability for the face value of the outstanding guarantees, its subsidiaries would have to
fully utilize the credit granted to them by every counterparty to whom Power has provided a guarantee, and
all of the related contracts would have to be “out-of-the-money” (if the contracts are terminated, Power would owe money to the counterparties).
Power believes the probability of this result is unlikely. For this reason, Power believes that the current exposure at any point in time is a more meaningful representation of the potential liability under these guarantees. This current exposure consists of the net of accounts receivable and accounts payable and the forward value on open positions, less any collateral posted.
Power is subject to
counterparty collateral calls related to commodity contracts, and
certain creditworthiness standards as guarantor under performance guarantees of its subsidiaries.
Changes in commodity prices can have a material impact on collateral requirements under such contracts, which are posted and received primarily in the form of cash and letters of credit. Power also routinely enters into futures and options transactions for electricity and natural gas as part of its operations. These futures contracts usually require a cash margin deposit with brokers, which can change based on market movement and in accordance with exchange rules.
In addition to the guarantees discussed above, Power has also provided payment guarantees to third parties on behalf of its affiliated companies. These guarantees support various other non-commodity related contractual obligations.
The face value of Power's outstanding guarantees, current exposure and margin positions as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are shown below:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of
 
As of
 
 
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Face Value of Outstanding Guarantees
$
1,564

 
$
1,508

 
 
Exposure under Current Guarantees
$
259

 
$
226

 
 
Letters of Credit Margin Posted
$
119

 
$
124

 
 
Letters of Credit Margin Received
$
61

 
$
69

 
 
Cash Deposited and Received
 
 
 
 
 
Counterparty Cash Margin Deposited
$
6

 
$
15

 
 
Counterparty Cash Margin Received
(1
)
 
(4
)
 
 
Net Broker Balance Deposited (Received)
149

 
26

 
 
In the Event Power were to Lose its Investment Grade Rating:
 
 
 
 
 
Additional Collateral that Could be Required
$
675

 
$
654

 
 
Liquidity Available under PSEG’s and Power’s Credit Facilities to Post Collateral
$
3,536

 
$
3,531

 
 
Additional Amounts Posted
 
 
 
 
 
Other Letters of Credit
$
45

 
$
45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 


As part of determining credit exposure, Power nets receivables and payables with the corresponding net energy contract balances. See Note 10. Financial Risk Management Activities for further discussion. In accordance with PSEG's accounting policy, where it is applicable, cash (received)/deposited is allocated against derivative asset and liability positions with the same counterparty on the face of the Balance Sheet. The remaining balances of net cash (received)/deposited after allocation are generally included in Accounts Payable and Receivable, respectively.
In the event of a deterioration of Power’s credit rating to below investment grade, which would represent a three level downgrade from its current S&P's, Moody’s and Fitch ratings, many of these agreements allow the counterparty to demand further performance assurance. See table above.
The SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) continue efforts to implement new rules to enact stricter regulation over swaps and derivatives. In 2012, the CFTC issued Final Rules regarding the definition of a swap dealer and the definition of a swap, and established reporting and record-keeping requirements for commercial end users including PSEG. In September 2012, a federal court vacated the CFTC's rule on monitoring of position limits for several commodities, including natural gas, thereby indefinitely delaying the effectiveness of these position limits rules. PSEG is carefully monitoring all of these new rules as they are issued to analyze the potential impact on its swap and derivatives transactions, including any potential increase in its collateral requirements.
In addition to amounts for outstanding guarantees, current exposure and margin positions, Power had posted letters of credit to support various other non-energy contractual and environmental obligations. See table above.
Environmental Matters
Passaic River    
Historic operations of PSEG companies and the operations of hundreds of other companies along the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers are alleged by Federal and State agencies to have discharged substantial contamination into the Passaic River/Newark Bay Complex.
Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA)
The EPA has determined that an eight-mile stretch of the Passaic River in the area of Newark, New Jersey is a “facility” within the meaning of that term under CERCLA. The EPA has determined the need to perform a study of the entire 17-mile tidal reach of the lower Passaic River.
PSE&G and certain of its predecessors conducted operations at properties in this area on or adjacent to the Passaic River. The properties included one operating electric generating station (Essex Site), which was transferred to Power, one former generating station and four former manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites. When the Essex Site was transferred from PSE&G to Power, PSE&G obtained releases and indemnities for liabilities arising out of the former Essex generating station and Power assumed any environmental liabilities.
The EPA believes that certain hazardous substances were released from the Essex Site and one of PSE&G’s former MGP locations (Harrison Site). In 2006, the EPA notified the potentially responsible parties (PRPs) that the cost of its Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS) would greatly exceed the original estimated cost of $20 million. The total cost of the RI/FS is now estimated at approximately $110 million. Seventy-three PRPs, including Power and PSE&G, agreed to assume responsibility for the RI/FS and formed the Cooperating Parties Group (CPG) to divide the associated costs according to a mutually agreed upon formula. The CPG group, currently 70 members, is presently executing the RI/FS. Approximately five percent of the RI/FS costs are attributable to PSE&G’s former MGP sites and approximately one percent to Power’s generating stations. Power has provided notice to insurers concerning this potential claim.
In 2007, the EPA released a draft “Focused Feasibility Study” (FFS) that proposed six options to address the contamination cleanup of the lower eight miles of the Passaic River. The EPA estimated costs for the proposed remedy range from $1.3 billion to $3.7 billion. The work contemplated by the FFS is not subject to the cost sharing agreement discussed above. The EPA's revised proposed FFS may be released for public comment as early as the second quarter of 2013.
In June 2008, an agreement was announced between the EPA and Tierra Solutions, Inc. and Maxus Energy Corporation (Tierra/Maxus) for removal of a portion of the contaminated sediment in the Passaic River at an estimated cost of $80 million. Phase I of the removal work has been completed. Phase II is contingent on the approval of an appropriate sediment disposal facility. Tierra/Maxus have reserved their rights to seek contribution for the removal costs from the other PRPs, including Power and PSE&G.
The EPA has advised that the levels of contaminants at Passaic River mile 10.9 will require removal in advance of the completion of the RI/FS. The CPG members, with the exception of Tierra/Maxus, which are no longer members, have agreed to fund the removal, currently estimated at approximately $30 million. PSEG’s share of that effort is approximately three percent.
Except for the Passaic River 10.9 mile removal, Power and PSE&G are unable to estimate their portion of the possible loss or range of loss related to the Passaic River matters.
New Jersey Spill Compensation and Control Act (Spill Act)
In 2005, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) filed suit against a PRP (Occidental Chemical Corporation (OCC)) and its related companies in the New Jersey Superior Court seeking damages and reimbursement for costs expended by the State of New Jersey to address the effects of the PRP’s discharge of hazardous substances into both the Passaic River and the balance of the Newark Bay Complex. Power and PSE&G are alleged to have owned, operated or contributed hazardous substances to a total of 11 sites or facilities that impacted these water bodies. In February 2009, third party complaints were filed against some 320 third party defendants, including Power and PSE&G, claiming that each of the third party defendants is responsible for its proportionate share of the clean-up costs for the hazardous substances it allegedly discharged into the Passaic River and the Newark Bay Complex. The third party complaints seek statutory contribution and contribution under the Spill Act to recover past and future removal costs and damages. Power and PSE&G filed answers to the complaints in June 2010. A special master for discovery has been appointed by the court and document production has commenced. In October 2012, the Court issued a 90 day stay of discovery for the third party defendants to explore a possible settlement of this matter with the State of New Jersey. That settlement effort is ongoing. On March 22, 2013, Power and PSE&G signed an agreement to settle the NJDEP vs. OCC litigation at a nominal cost. That settlement is contingent upon a public comment and NJDEP response period that will extend for at least 120 days and the issuance of an order approving the settlement by the Court after conducting a fairness hearing. The stay of third-party discovery remains in place and has been extended. Power and PSE&G believe they have good and valid defenses to the allegations contained in the third party complaints and will vigorously assert those defenses. Power and PSE&G are unable to estimate their portion of the possible loss or range of loss related to this matter.
Natural Resource Damage Claims
In 2003, the NJDEP directed PSEG, PSE&G and 56 other PRPs to arrange for a natural resource damage assessment and interim compensatory restoration of natural resource injuries along the lower Passaic River and its tributaries pursuant to the Spill Act. The NJDEP alleged that hazardous substances had been discharged from the Essex Site and the Harrison Site. The NJDEP estimated the cost of interim natural resource injury restoration activities along the lower Passaic River at approximately $950 million. In 2007, agencies of the United States Department of Commerce and the United States Department of the Interior sent letters to PSE&G and other PRPs inviting participation in an assessment of injuries to natural resources that the agencies intended to perform. In 2008, PSEG and a number of other PRPs agreed to share certain immaterial costs the trustees have incurred and will incur going forward, and to work with the trustees to explore whether some or all of the trustees’ claims can be resolved in a cooperative fashion. That effort is continuing. PSEG is unable to estimate its portion of the possible loss or range of loss related to this matter.
Newark Bay Study Area
The EPA has established the Newark Bay Study Area, which it defines as Newark Bay and portions of the Hackensack River, the Arthur Kill and the Kill Van Kull. In August 2006, the EPA sent PSEG and 11 other entities notices that it considered each of the entities to be a PRP with respect to contamination in the Study Area. The notice letter requested that the PRPs fund an EPA-approved study in the Newark Bay Study Area and encouraged the PRPs to contact OCC to discuss participating in the RI/FS that OCC was conducting. The notice stated the EPA’s belief that hazardous substances were released from sites owned by PSEG companies and located on the Hackensack River, including two operating electric generating stations (Hudson and Kearny sites) and one former MGP site. PSEG has participated in and partially funded the second phase of this study. Notices to fund the next phase of the study have been received but it is uncertain at this time whether the PSEG companies will consent to fund the third phase. Power and PSE&G are unable to estimate their portion of the possible loss or range of loss related to this matter.
MGP Remediation Program
PSE&G is working with the NJDEP to assess, investigate and remediate environmental conditions at its former MGP sites. To date, 38 sites requiring some level of remedial action have been identified. Based on its current studies, PSE&G has determined that the estimated cost to remediate all MGP sites to completion could range between $513 million and $649 million through 2021. Since no amount within the range is considered to be most likely, PSE&G has recorded a liability of $513 million as of March 31, 2013. Of this amount, $111 million was recorded in Other Current Liabilities and $402 million was reflected as Environmental Costs in Noncurrent Liabilities. PSE&G has recorded a $513 million Regulatory Asset with respect to these costs. PSE&G periodically updates its studies taking into account any new regulations or new information which could impact future remediation costs and adjusts its recorded liability accordingly.
Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD)/New Source Review (NSR)
The PSD/NSR regulations, promulgated under the Clean Air Act (CAA), require major sources of certain air pollutants to obtain permits, install pollution control technology and obtain offsets, in some circumstances, when those sources undergo a “major modification,” as defined in the regulations. The federal government may order companies that are not in compliance with the PSD/NSR regulations to install the best available control technology at the affected plants and to pay monetary penalties ranging from $25,000 to $37,500 per day for each violation, depending upon when the alleged violation occurred.
In 2009, the EPA issued a notice of violation to Power and the other owners of the Keystone coal-fired plant in Pennsylvania, alleging, among other things, that various capital improvement projects were completed at the plant which are considered modifications (or major modifications) causing significant net emission increases of PSD/NSR air pollutants, beginning in 1985 for Keystone Unit 1 and in 1984 for Keystone Unit 2. The notice of violation states that none of these modifications underwent PSD/NSR permitting process prior to being put into service, which the EPA alleges was required under the CAA. The notice of violation states that the EPA may issue an order requiring compliance with the relevant CAA provisions and may seek injunctive relief and/or civil penalties. Power owns approximately 23% of the plant. Power cannot predict the outcome of this matter.
Hazardous Air Pollutants Regulation
In accordance with a ruling of the U.S. Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia (Court of Appeals), the EPA published a Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) regulation on February 16, 2012. These Mercury Air Toxics Standards (MATS) are scheduled to go into effect on April 16, 2015 and establish allowable emission levels for mercury as well as other hazardous air pollutants pursuant to the CAA. In February 2012, members of the electric generating industry filed a petition challenging the existing source National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), new source NESHAP and the New Source Performance Standard (NSPS). In March 2012, PSEG filed a motion to intervene with the Court of Appeals in support of the EPA's implementation of MATS. Litigation of these matters remains pending and the impact on the implementation schedule is unknown at this time.
Power believes that it will not be necessary to install any additional material controls at its New Jersey facilities. Additional controls may be necessary at Power’s Bridgeport Harbor coal-fired unit at an immaterial cost. In December 2011, to comply with the MACT regulators, a decision was reached to upgrade the previously planned two flue gas desulfurization scrubbers and install Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems at Power’s jointly owned coal-fired generating facility at Conemaugh in Pennsylvania. This installation is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2015. Power's share of this investment is approximately $147 million.
NOx Regulation
In April 2009, the NJDEP finalized revisions to NOx emission control regulations that impose new NOx emission reduction requirements and limits for New Jersey fossil fuel-fired electric generation units. The rule has an impact on Power’s generation fleet, as it imposes NOx emissions limits that will require capital investment for controls or the retirement of up to 86 combustion turbines (approximately 1,750 MW) and four older New Jersey steam electric generation units (approximately 400 MW) by May 30, 2015. Retirement notifications for the combustion turbines, except for Salem Unit 3, have been filed with the PJM Interconnection, LLC (PJM). The Salem Unit 3 combustion turbine (38 MW) will be transitioning to an emergency generator. Evaluations are ongoing for the steam electric generation units.
Under current Connecticut regulations, Power’s Bridgeport and New Haven facilities have been utilizing Discrete Emission Reduction Credits (DERCs) to comply with certain NOx emission limitations that were incorporated into the facilities’ operating permits. In 2010, Power negotiated new agreements with the State of Connecticut extending the continued use of DERCs for certain emission units and equipment until May 31, 2014.
Clean Water Act Permit Renewals
Pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA), National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits expire within five years of their effective date. In order to renew these permits, but allow a plant to continue to operate, an owner or operator must file a permit application no later than six months prior to expiration of the permit. States with delegated federal authority for this program manage these permits. The NJDEP manages the permits under the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) program. Connecticut and New York also have permits to manage their respective pollutant discharge elimination system programs.
One of the most significant NJPDES permits governing cooling water intake structures at Power is for Salem. In 2001, the NJDEP issued a renewed NJPDES permit for Salem, expiring in July 2006, allowing for the continued operation of Salem with its existing cooling water intake system. In February 2006, Power filed with the NJDEP a renewal application allowing Salem to continue operating under its existing NJPDES permit until a new permit is issued. Power prepared its renewal application in accordance with the FWPCA Section 316(b) and the 316(b) rules published in 2004.
As a result of several legal challenges to the 2004 316(b) rule by certain northeast states, environmentalists and industry groups, the rule has been suspended and has been returned to the EPA to be consistent with a 2009 United States Supreme Court decision which concluded that the EPA could rely upon cost-benefit analysis in setting the national performance standards and in providing for cost-benefit variances from those standards as part of the Phase II regulations.
In late 2010, the EPA entered into a settlement agreement with environmental groups that established a schedule to develop a new 316(b) rule by July 27, 2012. In April 2011, the EPA published a new proposed rule which did not establish any particular technology as the best technology available (e.g. closed cycle cooling). Instead, the proposed rule established marine life mortality standards for existing cooling water intake structures with a design flow of more than two million gallons per day. In June 2012, the EPA posted two Notices of Data Availability (NODA) requesting comment on aspects of the April 2011 proposed rule. In July 2012, PSEG and industry trade associations submitted comments on both NODAs and the EPA and environmental groups agreed to delay the deadline for finalization of the Rule to June 27, 2013 to allow for more time to address public comments and analyze data submitted in response to the NODAs.
Power is unable to predict the outcome of this proposed rulemaking, the final form that the proposed regulations may take and the effect, if any, that they may have on its future capital requirements, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The results of further proceedings on this matter could have a material impact on Power’s ability to renew permits at its larger once-through cooled plants, including Salem, Hudson, Mercer, Bridgeport and possibly Sewaren and New Haven, without making significant upgrades to existing intake structures and cooling systems. The costs of those upgrades to one or more of Power’s once-through cooled plants would be material, and would require economic review to determine whether to continue operations at these facilities. For example, in Power’s application to renew its Salem permit, filed with the NJDEP in February 2006, the estimated costs for adding cooling towers for Salem were approximately $1 billion, of which Power’s share would have been approximately $575 million. These cost estimates have not been updated. Currently, potential costs associated with any closed cycle cooling requirements are not included in Power’s forecasted capital expenditures.
Capital Expenditures
The construction programs of PSEG and its subsidiaries are currently estimated to include a base level total investment of approximately $6.1 billion for the three years ended 2015. The three-year projected capital expenditures for PSEG, Power and PSE&G are as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Power
 
$
400

 
$
365

 
$
305

 
 
PSE&G
 
2,040

 
1,680

 
1,180

 
 
Other
 
95

 
40

 
30

 
 
Total PSEG
 
$
2,535

 
$
2,085

 
$
1,515

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Power's projected capital expenditures include baseline maintenance (investments to replace major parts and enhance operational performance), investments in response to environmental, regulatory or legal mandates and nuclear expansion. PSE&G's projections include material additions and replacements in its transmission and distribution systems to meet expected growth and manage reliability.
Power
During the three months ended March 31, 2013, Power made $102 million of capital expenditures, including interest capitalized during construction (IDC) but excluding $41 million for nuclear fuel, primarily related to various projects at its fossil and nuclear generation stations.
PSE&G
During the three months ended March 31, 2013, PSE&G made $583 million of capital expenditures, including $572 million of investment in plant, primarily for reliability of transmission and distribution systems and $11 million in solar loan investments. This does not include expenditures for cost of removal, net of salvage, of $24 million, which is included in operating cash flows.
Energy Holdings
Included in Other for 2013 in the preceding table is a 19MW solar project currently under construction in Arizona for which Energy Holdings had issued an outstanding guarantee of $41 million as of March 31, 2013.
Basic Generation Service (BGS) and Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS)
PSE&G obtains its electric supply requirements for customers who do not purchase electric supply from third party suppliers through the annual New Jersey BGS auctions. Pursuant to applicable BPU rules, PSE&G enters into the Supplier Master Agreement with the winners of these BGS auctions following the BPU’s approval of the auction results. PSE&G has entered into contracts with Power, as well as with other winning BGS suppliers, to purchase BGS for PSE&G’s load requirements. The winners of the auction (including Power) are responsible for fulfilling all the requirements of a PJM Load Serving Entity including the provision of capacity, energy, ancillary services, transmission and any other services required by PJM. BGS suppliers assume all volume risk and customer migration risk and must satisfy New Jersey’s renewable portfolio standards.
Power seeks to mitigate volatility in its results by contracting in advance for the sale of most of its anticipated electric output as well as its anticipated fuel needs. As part of its objective, Power has entered into contracts to directly supply PSE&G and other New Jersey electric distribution companies (EDCs) with a portion of their respective BGS requirements through the New Jersey BGS auction process, described above.
PSE&G has contracted for its anticipated BGS-Fixed Price eligible load, as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auction Year
 
 
 
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
 
 
36-Month Terms Ending
May 2013

 
May 2014

 
May 2015

 
May 2016

(A) 
 
 
Load (MW)
2,800

 
2,800

 
2,900

 
2,800

  
 
 
$ per kWh
0.09577

 
0.09430

 
0.08388

 
0.09218

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(A)
Prices set in the 2013 BGS auction will become effective on June 1, 2013 when the 2010 BGS auction agreements expire.
PSE&G has a full requirements contract with Power to meet the gas supply requirements of PSE&G’s gas customers. Power has entered into hedges for a portion of these anticipated BGSS obligations, as permitted by the BPU. The BPU permits PSE&G to recover the cost of gas hedging up to 115 billion cubic feet or 80% of its residential gas supply annual requirements through the BGSS tariff. Current plans call for Power to hedge on behalf of PSE&G approximately 70 billion cubic feet or 50% of its residential gas supply annual requirements. For additional information, see Note 17. Related-Party Transactions.
Minimum Fuel Purchase Requirements
Power has various long-term fuel purchase commitments for coal through 2017 to support its fossil generation stations and for supply of nuclear fuel for the Salem, Hope Creek and Peach Bottom nuclear generating stations and for firm transportation and storage capacity for natural gas.
Power’s strategy is to maintain certain levels of uranium and to make periodic purchases to support such levels. As such, the commitments referred to in the following table may include estimated quantities to be purchased that deviate from contractual nominal quantities. Power’s nuclear fuel commitments cover approximately 100% of its estimated uranium, enrichment and fabrication requirements through 2015 and a portion through 2017 at Salem, Hope Creek and Peach Bottom.
Power’s various multi-year contracts for firm transportation and storage capacity for natural gas are primarily used to meet its gas supply obligations to PSE&G. These purchase obligations are consistent with Power’s strategy to enter into contracts for its fuel supply in comparable volumes to its sales contracts.
As of March 31, 2013, the total minimum purchase requirements included in these commitments were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel Type
Power’s Share of
Commitments
through 2017
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Nuclear Fuel
 
 
 
Uranium
$
483

 
 
Enrichment
$
444

 
 
Fabrication
$
145

 
 
Natural Gas
$
1,035

 
 
Coal
$
508

 
 
 
 
 


Regulatory Proceedings
New Jersey Clean Energy Program
In 2008, the BPU approved funding requirements for each New Jersey EDC applicable to its Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency programs for the years 2009 to 2012. In late 2012, the BPU approved additional funding requirements for these programs for the first half of 2013. The aggregate funding for the first half of 2013 is $195 million. PSE&G has a current liability of $92 million as of March 31, 2013 for its outstanding share of the funding. The liability is reduced as normal payments are made. The liability has been recorded with an offsetting Regulatory Asset, since the costs associated with this program are recovered from PSE&G ratepayers through the Societal Benefits Charge (SBC).
The BPU has started a new Comprehensive Resource Analysis proceeding to determine SBC funding for the years 2013-2016. The proceeding has no impact on current SBC assessments.
Long-Term Capacity Agreement Pilot Program (LCAPP)
In 2011, New Jersey enacted the LCAPP Act that resulted in the selection of three generators to build a total of approximately 2,000 MW of new combined-cycle generating facilities located in New Jersey. Each of the New Jersey EDCs, including PSE&G, was directed to execute a standard offer capacity agreement (SOCA) with the three selected generators, but did so under protest preserving their legal rights. The SOCA provides for the EDCs to guarantee specified annual capacity payments to the generators subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement. Legal challenges to the BPU’s implementation of the LCAPP Act were filed in New Jersey appellate court and this appeal is pending. In addition, the LCAPP Act itself has been challenged on constitutional grounds in federal court and that proceeding is ongoing.
In May 2012, two of the three generators cleared the Reliability Pricing Model auction for the 2015/2016 delivery year in the aggregate notional amount of approximately 1,300 MW of installed capacity. SOCA payments are for a 15-year term, which are scheduled to commence for one of the generators in the 2015/2016 delivery year and for the other generator in the 2016/2017 delivery year. Based upon the expected percentage of state load that PSE&G will be serving during the term of these contracts, PSE&G would be responsible for approximately 52% or 676 MW of this amount.
The current estimated fair value of the SOCAs is recorded as a Derivative Asset or Liability with an offsetting Regulatory Asset or Liability on PSE&G’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 11. Fair Value Measurements for additional information.
Superstorm Sandy
In late October 2012, Superstorm Sandy caused severe damage to PSE&G's transmission and distribution system throughout its service territory as well as to some of Power's generation infrastructure in the northern part of New Jersey. Strong winds resulted in a storm surge that caused damage to switching stations, substations and generating infrastructure.
Power incurred an additional $28 million of storm-related expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013, primarily for repairs at certain generating stations in Power's fossil fleet. These costs were recognized in Operation and Maintenance Expense. Power expects it will incur additional future costs, primarily relating to repairs to, and replacement of, equipment and property, which could be material.
PSEG maintains insurance coverage against loss or damage to plants and certain properties, subject to certain exceptions and limitations, to the extent such property is usually insured and insurance is available at a reasonable cost. PSEG is seeking recovery from its insurers for the property damage, above its self-insured retentions; however, no assurances can be given relative to the timing or amount of such recovery. PSEG received $25 million from its insurance carriers as an advance payment which was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012. PSEG believes that additional insurance recoveries are not estimable as of March 31, 2013. PSEG is documenting its insurance claim which then will need to be submitted to and reviewed by its insurers. PSEG does not believe that it has a basis for estimating additional probable insurance recoveries at this time.
Leveraged Lease Investments
On January 31, 2012, PSEG entered into a specific matter closing agreement with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) settling all matters related to cross border lease transactions. This agreement settled the leasing dispute with finality for all tax periods in which PSEG realized tax deductions from these transactions. On January 31, 2012, PSEG also signed a Form 870-AD settlement agreement covering all audit issues for tax years 1997 through 2003. On March 26, 2012, PSEG executed a Form 870-AD settlement agreement covering all audit issues for tax years 2004 through 2006. These two agreements concluded ten years of audits for PSEG and the leasing issue for all tax years. For PSEG, the impact of these agreements was an increase in financial statement Income Tax Expense of approximately $175 million in the first quarter of 2012. In prior periods, PSEG had established financial statement tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions in the amount of $246 million with respect to these tax years. Accordingly, the settlement resulted in a net $71 million decrease in the first quarter of 2012 in the Income Tax Expense of PSEG.
Cash Impact
For tax years 1997 through 2003, the tax and interest PSEG owes the IRS as a result of this settlement will be reduced by the $320 million PSEG has on deposit with the IRS for this matter. PSEG paid a net deficiency for these years of approximately $4 million during the second quarter of 2012. Based upon the closing agreement and the Form 870-AD for tax years 2004 through 2006, PSEG owes the IRS approximately $620 million in tax and interest for tax years from 2004 through 2006. Based on the settlement of the leasing dispute, for tax years 2007 through 2010, the IRS owes PSEG approximately $676 million. PSEG has filed amended returns for tax years 2007-2010 reflecting the impact of the settlement. These returns have been audited by the IRS and accepted as filed. As required by statute, the IRS presented the refund claim to the Joint Committee on Taxation for approval. On October 16, 2012, PSEG was notified that the Joint Committee took no exception to the refund claim. In April 2013, PSEG received confirmation from the IRS which shows that overpayments from the 2008 through 2010 tax years have been applied to satisfy the liabilities due with respect to tax years 2004 through 2007. Accordingly, no further cash payments will be required with respect to the contested leasing transactions. In addition to the above, PSEG will claim a tax deduction for the accrued deficiency interest associated with this settlement in 2012, which gives rise to a cash tax savings of approximately $100 million.
Power [Member]
 
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Note 8. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Guaranteed Obligations
Power’s activities primarily involve the purchase and sale of energy and related products under transportation, physical, financial and forward contracts at fixed and variable prices. These transactions are with numerous counterparties and brokers that may require cash, cash-related instruments or guarantees.
Power has unconditionally guaranteed payments to counterparties by its subsidiaries in commodity-related transactions in order to
support current exposure, interest and other costs on sums due and payable in the ordinary course of business, and
obtain credit.
Under these agreements, guarantees cover lines of credit between entities and are often reciprocal in nature. The exposure between counterparties can move in either direction.
In order for Power to incur a liability for the face value of the outstanding guarantees, its subsidiaries would have to
fully utilize the credit granted to them by every counterparty to whom Power has provided a guarantee, and
all of the related contracts would have to be “out-of-the-money” (if the contracts are terminated, Power would owe money to the counterparties).
Power believes the probability of this result is unlikely. For this reason, Power believes that the current exposure at any point in time is a more meaningful representation of the potential liability under these guarantees. This current exposure consists of the net of accounts receivable and accounts payable and the forward value on open positions, less any collateral posted.
Power is subject to
counterparty collateral calls related to commodity contracts, and
certain creditworthiness standards as guarantor under performance guarantees of its subsidiaries.
Changes in commodity prices can have a material impact on collateral requirements under such contracts, which are posted and received primarily in the form of cash and letters of credit. Power also routinely enters into futures and options transactions for electricity and natural gas as part of its operations. These futures contracts usually require a cash margin deposit with brokers, which can change based on market movement and in accordance with exchange rules.
In addition to the guarantees discussed above, Power has also provided payment guarantees to third parties on behalf of its affiliated companies. These guarantees support various other non-commodity related contractual obligations.
The face value of Power's outstanding guarantees, current exposure and margin positions as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are shown below:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of
 
As of
 
 
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Face Value of Outstanding Guarantees
$
1,564

 
$
1,508

 
 
Exposure under Current Guarantees
$
259

 
$
226

 
 
Letters of Credit Margin Posted
$
119

 
$
124

 
 
Letters of Credit Margin Received
$
61

 
$
69

 
 
Cash Deposited and Received
 
 
 
 
 
Counterparty Cash Margin Deposited
$
6

 
$
15

 
 
Counterparty Cash Margin Received
(1
)
 
(4
)
 
 
Net Broker Balance Deposited (Received)
149

 
26

 
 
In the Event Power were to Lose its Investment Grade Rating:
 
 
 
 
 
Additional Collateral that Could be Required
$
675

 
$
654

 
 
Liquidity Available under PSEG’s and Power’s Credit Facilities to Post Collateral
$
3,536

 
$
3,531

 
 
Additional Amounts Posted
 
 
 
 
 
Other Letters of Credit
$
45

 
$
45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 


As part of determining credit exposure, Power nets receivables and payables with the corresponding net energy contract balances. See Note 10. Financial Risk Management Activities for further discussion. In accordance with PSEG's accounting policy, where it is applicable, cash (received)/deposited is allocated against derivative asset and liability positions with the same counterparty on the face of the Balance Sheet. The remaining balances of net cash (received)/deposited after allocation are generally included in Accounts Payable and Receivable, respectively.
In the event of a deterioration of Power’s credit rating to below investment grade, which would represent a three level downgrade from its current S&P's, Moody’s and Fitch ratings, many of these agreements allow the counterparty to demand further performance assurance. See table above.
The SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) continue efforts to implement new rules to enact stricter regulation over swaps and derivatives. In 2012, the CFTC issued Final Rules regarding the definition of a swap dealer and the definition of a swap, and established reporting and record-keeping requirements for commercial end users including PSEG. In September 2012, a federal court vacated the CFTC's rule on monitoring of position limits for several commodities, including natural gas, thereby indefinitely delaying the effectiveness of these position limits rules. PSEG is carefully monitoring all of these new rules as they are issued to analyze the potential impact on its swap and derivatives transactions, including any potential increase in its collateral requirements.
In addition to amounts for outstanding guarantees, current exposure and margin positions, Power had posted letters of credit to support various other non-energy contractual and environmental obligations. See table above.
Environmental Matters
Passaic River    
Historic operations of PSEG companies and the operations of hundreds of other companies along the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers are alleged by Federal and State agencies to have discharged substantial contamination into the Passaic River/Newark Bay Complex.
Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA)
The EPA has determined that an eight-mile stretch of the Passaic River in the area of Newark, New Jersey is a “facility” within the meaning of that term under CERCLA. The EPA has determined the need to perform a study of the entire 17-mile tidal reach of the lower Passaic River.
PSE&G and certain of its predecessors conducted operations at properties in this area on or adjacent to the Passaic River. The properties included one operating electric generating station (Essex Site), which was transferred to Power, one former generating station and four former manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites. When the Essex Site was transferred from PSE&G to Power, PSE&G obtained releases and indemnities for liabilities arising out of the former Essex generating station and Power assumed any environmental liabilities.
The EPA believes that certain hazardous substances were released from the Essex Site and one of PSE&G’s former MGP locations (Harrison Site). In 2006, the EPA notified the potentially responsible parties (PRPs) that the cost of its Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS) would greatly exceed the original estimated cost of $20 million. The total cost of the RI/FS is now estimated at approximately $110 million. Seventy-three PRPs, including Power and PSE&G, agreed to assume responsibility for the RI/FS and formed the Cooperating Parties Group (CPG) to divide the associated costs according to a mutually agreed upon formula. The CPG group, currently 70 members, is presently executing the RI/FS. Approximately five percent of the RI/FS costs are attributable to PSE&G’s former MGP sites and approximately one percent to Power’s generating stations. Power has provided notice to insurers concerning this potential claim.
In 2007, the EPA released a draft “Focused Feasibility Study” (FFS) that proposed six options to address the contamination cleanup of the lower eight miles of the Passaic River. The EPA estimated costs for the proposed remedy range from $1.3 billion to $3.7 billion. The work contemplated by the FFS is not subject to the cost sharing agreement discussed above. The EPA's revised proposed FFS may be released for public comment as early as the second quarter of 2013.
In June 2008, an agreement was announced between the EPA and Tierra Solutions, Inc. and Maxus Energy Corporation (Tierra/Maxus) for removal of a portion of the contaminated sediment in the Passaic River at an estimated cost of $80 million. Phase I of the removal work has been completed. Phase II is contingent on the approval of an appropriate sediment disposal facility. Tierra/Maxus have reserved their rights to seek contribution for the removal costs from the other PRPs, including Power and PSE&G.
The EPA has advised that the levels of contaminants at Passaic River mile 10.9 will require removal in advance of the completion of the RI/FS. The CPG members, with the exception of Tierra/Maxus, which are no longer members, have agreed to fund the removal, currently estimated at approximately $30 million. PSEG’s share of that effort is approximately three percent.
Except for the Passaic River 10.9 mile removal, Power and PSE&G are unable to estimate their portion of the possible loss or range of loss related to the Passaic River matters.
New Jersey Spill Compensation and Control Act (Spill Act)
In 2005, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) filed suit against a PRP (Occidental Chemical Corporation (OCC)) and its related companies in the New Jersey Superior Court seeking damages and reimbursement for costs expended by the State of New Jersey to address the effects of the PRP’s discharge of hazardous substances into both the Passaic River and the balance of the Newark Bay Complex. Power and PSE&G are alleged to have owned, operated or contributed hazardous substances to a total of 11 sites or facilities that impacted these water bodies. In February 2009, third party complaints were filed against some 320 third party defendants, including Power and PSE&G, claiming that each of the third party defendants is responsible for its proportionate share of the clean-up costs for the hazardous substances it allegedly discharged into the Passaic River and the Newark Bay Complex. The third party complaints seek statutory contribution and contribution under the Spill Act to recover past and future removal costs and damages. Power and PSE&G filed answers to the complaints in June 2010. A special master for discovery has been appointed by the court and document production has commenced. In October 2012, the Court issued a 90 day stay of discovery for the third party defendants to explore a possible settlement of this matter with the State of New Jersey. That settlement effort is ongoing. On March 22, 2013, Power and PSE&G signed an agreement to settle the NJDEP vs. OCC litigation at a nominal cost. That settlement is contingent upon a public comment and NJDEP response period that will extend for at least 120 days and the issuance of an order approving the settlement by the Court after conducting a fairness hearing. The stay of third-party discovery remains in place and has been extended. Power and PSE&G believe they have good and valid defenses to the allegations contained in the third party complaints and will vigorously assert those defenses. Power and PSE&G are unable to estimate their portion of the possible loss or range of loss related to this matter.
Natural Resource Damage Claims
In 2003, the NJDEP directed PSEG, PSE&G and 56 other PRPs to arrange for a natural resource damage assessment and interim compensatory restoration of natural resource injuries along the lower Passaic River and its tributaries pursuant to the Spill Act. The NJDEP alleged that hazardous substances had been discharged from the Essex Site and the Harrison Site. The NJDEP estimated the cost of interim natural resource injury restoration activities along the lower Passaic River at approximately $950 million. In 2007, agencies of the United States Department of Commerce and the United States Department of the Interior sent letters to PSE&G and other PRPs inviting participation in an assessment of injuries to natural resources that the agencies intended to perform. In 2008, PSEG and a number of other PRPs agreed to share certain immaterial costs the trustees have incurred and will incur going forward, and to work with the trustees to explore whether some or all of the trustees’ claims can be resolved in a cooperative fashion. That effort is continuing. PSEG is unable to estimate its portion of the possible loss or range of loss related to this matter.
Newark Bay Study Area
The EPA has established the Newark Bay Study Area, which it defines as Newark Bay and portions of the Hackensack River, the Arthur Kill and the Kill Van Kull. In August 2006, the EPA sent PSEG and 11 other entities notices that it considered each of the entities to be a PRP with respect to contamination in the Study Area. The notice letter requested that the PRPs fund an EPA-approved study in the Newark Bay Study Area and encouraged the PRPs to contact OCC to discuss participating in the RI/FS that OCC was conducting. The notice stated the EPA’s belief that hazardous substances were released from sites owned by PSEG companies and located on the Hackensack River, including two operating electric generating stations (Hudson and Kearny sites) and one former MGP site. PSEG has participated in and partially funded the second phase of this study. Notices to fund the next phase of the study have been received but it is uncertain at this time whether the PSEG companies will consent to fund the third phase. Power and PSE&G are unable to estimate their portion of the possible loss or range of loss related to this matter.
MGP Remediation Program
PSE&G is working with the NJDEP to assess, investigate and remediate environmental conditions at its former MGP sites. To date, 38 sites requiring some level of remedial action have been identified. Based on its current studies, PSE&G has determined that the estimated cost to remediate all MGP sites to completion could range between $513 million and $649 million through 2021. Since no amount within the range is considered to be most likely, PSE&G has recorded a liability of $513 million as of March 31, 2013. Of this amount, $111 million was recorded in Other Current Liabilities and $402 million was reflected as Environmental Costs in Noncurrent Liabilities. PSE&G has recorded a $513 million Regulatory Asset with respect to these costs. PSE&G periodically updates its studies taking into account any new regulations or new information which could impact future remediation costs and adjusts its recorded liability accordingly.
Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD)/New Source Review (NSR)
The PSD/NSR regulations, promulgated under the Clean Air Act (CAA), require major sources of certain air pollutants to obtain permits, install pollution control technology and obtain offsets, in some circumstances, when those sources undergo a “major modification,” as defined in the regulations. The federal government may order companies that are not in compliance with the PSD/NSR regulations to install the best available control technology at the affected plants and to pay monetary penalties ranging from $25,000 to $37,500 per day for each violation, depending upon when the alleged violation occurred.
In 2009, the EPA issued a notice of violation to Power and the other owners of the Keystone coal-fired plant in Pennsylvania, alleging, among other things, that various capital improvement projects were completed at the plant which are considered modifications (or major modifications) causing significant net emission increases of PSD/NSR air pollutants, beginning in 1985 for Keystone Unit 1 and in 1984 for Keystone Unit 2. The notice of violation states that none of these modifications underwent PSD/NSR permitting process prior to being put into service, which the EPA alleges was required under the CAA. The notice of violation states that the EPA may issue an order requiring compliance with the relevant CAA provisions and may seek injunctive relief and/or civil penalties. Power owns approximately 23% of the plant. Power cannot predict the outcome of this matter.
Hazardous Air Pollutants Regulation
In accordance with a ruling of the U.S. Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia (Court of Appeals), the EPA published a Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) regulation on February 16, 2012. These Mercury Air Toxics Standards (MATS) are scheduled to go into effect on April 16, 2015 and establish allowable emission levels for mercury as well as other hazardous air pollutants pursuant to the CAA. In February 2012, members of the electric generating industry filed a petition challenging the existing source National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), new source NESHAP and the New Source Performance Standard (NSPS). In March 2012, PSEG filed a motion to intervene with the Court of Appeals in support of the EPA's implementation of MATS. Litigation of these matters remains pending and the impact on the implementation schedule is unknown at this time.
Power believes that it will not be necessary to install any additional material controls at its New Jersey facilities. Additional controls may be necessary at Power’s Bridgeport Harbor coal-fired unit at an immaterial cost. In December 2011, to comply with the MACT regulators, a decision was reached to upgrade the previously planned two flue gas desulfurization scrubbers and install Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems at Power’s jointly owned coal-fired generating facility at Conemaugh in Pennsylvania. This installation is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2015. Power's share of this investment is approximately $147 million.
NOx Regulation
In April 2009, the NJDEP finalized revisions to NOx emission control regulations that impose new NOx emission reduction requirements and limits for New Jersey fossil fuel-fired electric generation units. The rule has an impact on Power’s generation fleet, as it imposes NOx emissions limits that will require capital investment for controls or the retirement of up to 86 combustion turbines (approximately 1,750 MW) and four older New Jersey steam electric generation units (approximately 400 MW) by May 30, 2015. Retirement notifications for the combustion turbines, except for Salem Unit 3, have been filed with the PJM Interconnection, LLC (PJM). The Salem Unit 3 combustion turbine (38 MW) will be transitioning to an emergency generator. Evaluations are ongoing for the steam electric generation units.
Under current Connecticut regulations, Power’s Bridgeport and New Haven facilities have been utilizing Discrete Emission Reduction Credits (DERCs) to comply with certain NOx emission limitations that were incorporated into the facilities’ operating permits. In 2010, Power negotiated new agreements with the State of Connecticut extending the continued use of DERCs for certain emission units and equipment until May 31, 2014.
Clean Water Act Permit Renewals
Pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA), National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits expire within five years of their effective date. In order to renew these permits, but allow a plant to continue to operate, an owner or operator must file a permit application no later than six months prior to expiration of the permit. States with delegated federal authority for this program manage these permits. The NJDEP manages the permits under the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) program. Connecticut and New York also have permits to manage their respective pollutant discharge elimination system programs.
One of the most significant NJPDES permits governing cooling water intake structures at Power is for Salem. In 2001, the NJDEP issued a renewed NJPDES permit for Salem, expiring in July 2006, allowing for the continued operation of Salem with its existing cooling water intake system. In February 2006, Power filed with the NJDEP a renewal application allowing Salem to continue operating under its existing NJPDES permit until a new permit is issued. Power prepared its renewal application in accordance with the FWPCA Section 316(b) and the 316(b) rules published in 2004.
As a result of several legal challenges to the 2004 316(b) rule by certain northeast states, environmentalists and industry groups, the rule has been suspended and has been returned to the EPA to be consistent with a 2009 United States Supreme Court decision which concluded that the EPA could rely upon cost-benefit analysis in setting the national performance standards and in providing for cost-benefit variances from those standards as part of the Phase II regulations.
In late 2010, the EPA entered into a settlement agreement with environmental groups that established a schedule to develop a new 316(b) rule by July 27, 2012. In April 2011, the EPA published a new proposed rule which did not establish any particular technology as the best technology available (e.g. closed cycle cooling). Instead, the proposed rule established marine life mortality standards for existing cooling water intake structures with a design flow of more than two million gallons per day. In June 2012, the EPA posted two Notices of Data Availability (NODA) requesting comment on aspects of the April 2011 proposed rule. In July 2012, PSEG and industry trade associations submitted comments on both NODAs and the EPA and environmental groups agreed to delay the deadline for finalization of the Rule to June 27, 2013 to allow for more time to address public comments and analyze data submitted in response to the NODAs.
Power is unable to predict the outcome of this proposed rulemaking, the final form that the proposed regulations may take and the effect, if any, that they may have on its future capital requirements, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The results of further proceedings on this matter could have a material impact on Power’s ability to renew permits at its larger once-through cooled plants, including Salem, Hudson, Mercer, Bridgeport and possibly Sewaren and New Haven, without making significant upgrades to existing intake structures and cooling systems. The costs of those upgrades to one or more of Power’s once-through cooled plants would be material, and would require economic review to determine whether to continue operations at these facilities. For example, in Power’s application to renew its Salem permit, filed with the NJDEP in February 2006, the estimated costs for adding cooling towers for Salem were approximately $1 billion, of which Power’s share would have been approximately $575 million. These cost estimates have not been updated. Currently, potential costs associated with any closed cycle cooling requirements are not included in Power’s forecasted capital expenditures.
Capital Expenditures
The construction programs of PSEG and its subsidiaries are currently estimated to include a base level total investment of approximately $6.1 billion for the three years ended 2015. The three-year projected capital expenditures for PSEG, Power and PSE&G are as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Power
 
$
400

 
$
365

 
$
305

 
 
PSE&G
 
2,040

 
1,680

 
1,180

 
 
Other
 
95

 
40

 
30

 
 
Total PSEG
 
$
2,535

 
$
2,085

 
$
1,515

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Power's projected capital expenditures include baseline maintenance (investments to replace major parts and enhance operational performance), investments in response to environmental, regulatory or legal mandates and nuclear expansion. PSE&G's projections include material additions and replacements in its transmission and distribution systems to meet expected growth and manage reliability.
Power
During the three months ended March 31, 2013, Power made $102 million of capital expenditures, including interest capitalized during construction (IDC) but excluding $41 million for nuclear fuel, primarily related to various projects at its fossil and nuclear generation stations.
PSE&G
During the three months ended March 31, 2013, PSE&G made $583 million of capital expenditures, including $572 million of investment in plant, primarily for reliability of transmission and distribution systems and $11 million in solar loan investments. This does not include expenditures for cost of removal, net of salvage, of $24 million, which is included in operating cash flows.
Energy Holdings
Included in Other for 2013 in the preceding table is a 19MW solar project currently under construction in Arizona for which Energy Holdings had issued an outstanding guarantee of $41 million as of March 31, 2013.
Basic Generation Service (BGS) and Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS)
PSE&G obtains its electric supply requirements for customers who do not purchase electric supply from third party suppliers through the annual New Jersey BGS auctions. Pursuant to applicable BPU rules, PSE&G enters into the Supplier Master Agreement with the winners of these BGS auctions following the BPU’s approval of the auction results. PSE&G has entered into contracts with Power, as well as with other winning BGS suppliers, to purchase BGS for PSE&G’s load requirements. The winners of the auction (including Power) are responsible for fulfilling all the requirements of a PJM Load Serving Entity including the provision of capacity, energy, ancillary services, transmission and any other services required by PJM. BGS suppliers assume all volume risk and customer migration risk and must satisfy New Jersey’s renewable portfolio standards.
Power seeks to mitigate volatility in its results by contracting in advance for the sale of most of its anticipated electric output as well as its anticipated fuel needs. As part of its objective, Power has entered into contracts to directly supply PSE&G and other New Jersey electric distribution companies (EDCs) with a portion of their respective BGS requirements through the New Jersey BGS auction process, described above.
PSE&G has contracted for its anticipated BGS-Fixed Price eligible load, as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auction Year
 
 
 
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
 
 
36-Month Terms Ending
May 2013

 
May 2014

 
May 2015

 
May 2016

(A) 
 
 
Load (MW)
2,800

 
2,800

 
2,900

 
2,800

  
 
 
$ per kWh
0.09577

 
0.09430

 
0.08388

 
0.09218

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(A)
Prices set in the 2013 BGS auction will become effective on June 1, 2013 when the 2010 BGS auction agreements expire.
PSE&G has a full requirements contract with Power to meet the gas supply requirements of PSE&G’s gas customers. Power has entered into hedges for a portion of these anticipated BGSS obligations, as permitted by the BPU. The BPU permits PSE&G to recover the cost of gas hedging up to 115 billion cubic feet or 80% of its residential gas supply annual requirements through the BGSS tariff. Current plans call for Power to hedge on behalf of PSE&G approximately 70 billion cubic feet or 50% of its residential gas supply annual requirements. For additional information, see Note 17. Related-Party Transactions.
Minimum Fuel Purchase Requirements
Power has various long-term fuel purchase commitments for coal through 2017 to support its fossil generation stations and for supply of nuclear fuel for the Salem, Hope Creek and Peach Bottom nuclear generating stations and for firm transportation and storage capacity for natural gas.
Power’s strategy is to maintain certain levels of uranium and to make periodic purchases to support such levels. As such, the commitments referred to in the following table may include estimated quantities to be purchased that deviate from contractual nominal quantities. Power’s nuclear fuel commitments cover approximately 100% of its estimated uranium, enrichment and fabrication requirements through 2015 and a portion through 2017 at Salem, Hope Creek and Peach Bottom.
Power’s various multi-year contracts for firm transportation and storage capacity for natural gas are primarily used to meet its gas supply obligations to PSE&G. These purchase obligations are consistent with Power’s strategy to enter into contracts for its fuel supply in comparable volumes to its sales contracts.
As of March 31, 2013, the total minimum purchase requirements included in these commitments were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel Type
Power’s Share of
Commitments
through 2017
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Nuclear Fuel
 
 
 
Uranium
$
483

 
 
Enrichment
$
444

 
 
Fabrication
$
145

 
 
Natural Gas
$
1,035

 
 
Coal
$
508

 
 
 
 
 


Regulatory Proceedings
New Jersey Clean Energy Program
In 2008, the BPU approved funding requirements for each New Jersey EDC applicable to its Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency programs for the years 2009 to 2012. In late 2012, the BPU approved additional funding requirements for these programs for the first half of 2013. The aggregate funding for the first half of 2013 is $195 million. PSE&G has a current liability of $92 million as of March 31, 2013 for its outstanding share of the funding. The liability is reduced as normal payments are made. The liability has been recorded with an offsetting Regulatory Asset, since the costs associated with this program are recovered from PSE&G ratepayers through the Societal Benefits Charge (SBC).
The BPU has started a new Comprehensive Resource Analysis proceeding to determine SBC funding for the years 2013-2016. The proceeding has no impact on current SBC assessments.
Long-Term Capacity Agreement Pilot Program (LCAPP)
In 2011, New Jersey enacted the LCAPP Act that resulted in the selection of three generators to build a total of approximately 2,000 MW of new combined-cycle generating facilities located in New Jersey. Each of the New Jersey EDCs, including PSE&G, was directed to execute a standard offer capacity agreement (SOCA) with the three selected generators, but did so under protest preserving their legal rights. The SOCA provides for the EDCs to guarantee specified annual capacity payments to the generators subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement. Legal challenges to the BPU’s implementation of the LCAPP Act were filed in New Jersey appellate court and this appeal is pending. In addition, the LCAPP Act itself has been challenged on constitutional grounds in federal court and that proceeding is ongoing.
In May 2012, two of the three generators cleared the Reliability Pricing Model auction for the 2015/2016 delivery year in the aggregate notional amount of approximately 1,300 MW of installed capacity. SOCA payments are for a 15-year term, which are scheduled to commence for one of the generators in the 2015/2016 delivery year and for the other generator in the 2016/2017 delivery year. Based upon the expected percentage of state load that PSE&G will be serving during the term of these contracts, PSE&G would be responsible for approximately 52% or 676 MW of this amount.
The current estimated fair value of the SOCAs is recorded as a Derivative Asset or Liability with an offsetting Regulatory Asset or Liability on PSE&G’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 11. Fair Value Measurements for additional information.
Superstorm Sandy
In late October 2012, Superstorm Sandy caused severe damage to PSE&G's transmission and distribution system throughout its service territory as well as to some of Power's generation infrastructure in the northern part of New Jersey. Strong winds resulted in a storm surge that caused damage to switching stations, substations and generating infrastructure.
Power incurred an additional $28 million of storm-related expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013, primarily for repairs at certain generating stations in Power's fossil fleet. These costs were recognized in Operation and Maintenance Expense. Power expects it will incur additional future costs, primarily relating to repairs to, and replacement of, equipment and property, which could be material.
PSEG maintains insurance coverage against loss or damage to plants and certain properties, subject to certain exceptions and limitations, to the extent such property is usually insured and insurance is available at a reasonable cost. PSEG is seeking recovery from its insurers for the property damage, above its self-insured retentions; however, no assurances can be given relative to the timing or amount of such recovery. PSEG received $25 million from its insurance carriers as an advance payment which was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012. PSEG believes that additional insurance recoveries are not estimable as of March 31, 2013. PSEG is documenting its insurance claim which then will need to be submitted to and reviewed by its insurers. PSEG does not believe that it has a basis for estimating additional probable insurance recoveries at this time.
Leveraged Lease Investments
On January 31, 2012, PSEG entered into a specific matter closing agreement with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) settling all matters related to cross border lease transactions. This agreement settled the leasing dispute with finality for all tax periods in which PSEG realized tax deductions from these transactions. On January 31, 2012, PSEG also signed a Form 870-AD settlement agreement covering all audit issues for tax years 1997 through 2003. On March 26, 2012, PSEG executed a Form 870-AD settlement agreement covering all audit issues for tax years 2004 through 2006. These two agreements concluded ten years of audits for PSEG and the leasing issue for all tax years. For PSEG, the impact of these agreements was an increase in financial statement Income Tax Expense of approximately $175 million in the first quarter of 2012. In prior periods, PSEG had established financial statement tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions in the amount of $246 million with respect to these tax years. Accordingly, the settlement resulted in a net $71 million decrease in the first quarter of 2012 in the Income Tax Expense of PSEG.
Cash Impact
For tax years 1997 through 2003, the tax and interest PSEG owes the IRS as a result of this settlement will be reduced by the $320 million PSEG has on deposit with the IRS for this matter. PSEG paid a net deficiency for these years of approximately $4 million during the second quarter of 2012. Based upon the closing agreement and the Form 870-AD for tax years 2004 through 2006, PSEG owes the IRS approximately $620 million in tax and interest for tax years from 2004 through 2006. Based on the settlement of the leasing dispute, for tax years 2007 through 2010, the IRS owes PSEG approximately $676 million. PSEG has filed amended returns for tax years 2007-2010 reflecting the impact of the settlement. These returns have been audited by the IRS and accepted as filed. As required by statute, the IRS presented the refund claim to the Joint Committee on Taxation for approval. On October 16, 2012, PSEG was notified that the Joint Committee took no exception to the refund claim. In April 2013, PSEG received confirmation from the IRS which shows that overpayments from the 2008 through 2010 tax years have been applied to satisfy the liabilities due with respect to tax years 2004 through 2007. Accordingly, no further cash payments will be required with respect to the contested leasing transactions. In addition to the above, PSEG will claim a tax deduction for the accrued deficiency interest associated with this settlement in 2012, which gives rise to a cash tax savings of approximately $100 million.
PSE And G [Member]
 
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Note 8. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Guaranteed Obligations
Power’s activities primarily involve the purchase and sale of energy and related products under transportation, physical, financial and forward contracts at fixed and variable prices. These transactions are with numerous counterparties and brokers that may require cash, cash-related instruments or guarantees.
Power has unconditionally guaranteed payments to counterparties by its subsidiaries in commodity-related transactions in order to
support current exposure, interest and other costs on sums due and payable in the ordinary course of business, and
obtain credit.
Under these agreements, guarantees cover lines of credit between entities and are often reciprocal in nature. The exposure between counterparties can move in either direction.
In order for Power to incur a liability for the face value of the outstanding guarantees, its subsidiaries would have to
fully utilize the credit granted to them by every counterparty to whom Power has provided a guarantee, and
all of the related contracts would have to be “out-of-the-money” (if the contracts are terminated, Power would owe money to the counterparties).
Power believes the probability of this result is unlikely. For this reason, Power believes that the current exposure at any point in time is a more meaningful representation of the potential liability under these guarantees. This current exposure consists of the net of accounts receivable and accounts payable and the forward value on open positions, less any collateral posted.
Power is subject to
counterparty collateral calls related to commodity contracts, and
certain creditworthiness standards as guarantor under performance guarantees of its subsidiaries.
Changes in commodity prices can have a material impact on collateral requirements under such contracts, which are posted and received primarily in the form of cash and letters of credit. Power also routinely enters into futures and options transactions for electricity and natural gas as part of its operations. These futures contracts usually require a cash margin deposit with brokers, which can change based on market movement and in accordance with exchange rules.
In addition to the guarantees discussed above, Power has also provided payment guarantees to third parties on behalf of its affiliated companies. These guarantees support various other non-commodity related contractual obligations.
The face value of Power's outstanding guarantees, current exposure and margin positions as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are shown below:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of
 
As of
 
 
 
March 31,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Face Value of Outstanding Guarantees
$
1,564

 
$
1,508

 
 
Exposure under Current Guarantees
$
259

 
$
226

 
 
Letters of Credit Margin Posted
$
119

 
$
124

 
 
Letters of Credit Margin Received
$
61

 
$
69

 
 
Cash Deposited and Received
 
 
 
 
 
Counterparty Cash Margin Deposited
$
6

 
$
15

 
 
Counterparty Cash Margin Received
(1
)
 
(4
)
 
 
Net Broker Balance Deposited (Received)
149

 
26

 
 
In the Event Power were to Lose its Investment Grade Rating:
 
 
 
 
 
Additional Collateral that Could be Required
$
675

 
$
654

 
 
Liquidity Available under PSEG’s and Power’s Credit Facilities to Post Collateral
$
3,536

 
$
3,531

 
 
Additional Amounts Posted
 
 
 
 
 
Other Letters of Credit
$
45

 
$
45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 


As part of determining credit exposure, Power nets receivables and payables with the corresponding net energy contract balances. See Note 10. Financial Risk Management Activities for further discussion. In accordance with PSEG's accounting policy, where it is applicable, cash (received)/deposited is allocated against derivative asset and liability positions with the same counterparty on the face of the Balance Sheet. The remaining balances of net cash (received)/deposited after allocation are generally included in Accounts Payable and Receivable, respectively.
In the event of a deterioration of Power’s credit rating to below investment grade, which would represent a three level downgrade from its current S&P's, Moody’s and Fitch ratings, many of these agreements allow the counterparty to demand further performance assurance. See table above.
The SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) continue efforts to implement new rules to enact stricter regulation over swaps and derivatives. In 2012, the CFTC issued Final Rules regarding the definition of a swap dealer and the definition of a swap, and established reporting and record-keeping requirements for commercial end users including PSEG. In September 2012, a federal court vacated the CFTC's rule on monitoring of position limits for several commodities, including natural gas, thereby indefinitely delaying the effectiveness of these position limits rules. PSEG is carefully monitoring all of these new rules as they are issued to analyze the potential impact on its swap and derivatives transactions, including any potential increase in its collateral requirements.
In addition to amounts for outstanding guarantees, current exposure and margin positions, Power had posted letters of credit to support various other non-energy contractual and environmental obligations. See table above.
Environmental Matters
Passaic River    
Historic operations of PSEG companies and the operations of hundreds of other companies along the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers are alleged by Federal and State agencies to have discharged substantial contamination into the Passaic River/Newark Bay Complex.
Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA)
The EPA has determined that an eight-mile stretch of the Passaic River in the area of Newark, New Jersey is a “facility” within the meaning of that term under CERCLA. The EPA has determined the need to perform a study of the entire 17-mile tidal reach of the lower Passaic River.
PSE&G and certain of its predecessors conducted operations at properties in this area on or adjacent to the Passaic River. The properties included one operating electric generating station (Essex Site), which was transferred to Power, one former generating station and four former manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites. When the Essex Site was transferred from PSE&G to Power, PSE&G obtained releases and indemnities for liabilities arising out of the former Essex generating station and Power assumed any environmental liabilities.
The EPA believes that certain hazardous substances were released from the Essex Site and one of PSE&G’s former MGP locations (Harrison Site). In 2006, the EPA notified the potentially responsible parties (PRPs) that the cost of its Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS) would greatly exceed the original estimated cost of $20 million. The total cost of the RI/FS is now estimated at approximately $110 million. Seventy-three PRPs, including Power and PSE&G, agreed to assume responsibility for the RI/FS and formed the Cooperating Parties Group (CPG) to divide the associated costs according to a mutually agreed upon formula. The CPG group, currently 70 members, is presently executing the RI/FS. Approximately five percent of the RI/FS costs are attributable to PSE&G’s former MGP sites and approximately one percent to Power’s generating stations. Power has provided notice to insurers concerning this potential claim.
In 2007, the EPA released a draft “Focused Feasibility Study” (FFS) that proposed six options to address the contamination cleanup of the lower eight miles of the Passaic River. The EPA estimated costs for the proposed remedy range from $1.3 billion to $3.7 billion. The work contemplated by the FFS is not subject to the cost sharing agreement discussed above. The EPA's revised proposed FFS may be released for public comment as early as the second quarter of 2013.
In June 2008, an agreement was announced between the EPA and Tierra Solutions, Inc. and Maxus Energy Corporation (Tierra/Maxus) for removal of a portion of the contaminated sediment in the Passaic River at an estimated cost of $80 million. Phase I of the removal work has been completed. Phase II is contingent on the approval of an appropriate sediment disposal facility. Tierra/Maxus have reserved their rights to seek contribution for the removal costs from the other PRPs, including Power and PSE&G.
The EPA has advised that the levels of contaminants at Passaic River mile 10.9 will require removal in advance of the completion of the RI/FS. The CPG members, with the exception of Tierra/Maxus, which are no longer members, have agreed to fund the removal, currently estimated at approximately $30 million. PSEG’s share of that effort is approximately three percent.
Except for the Passaic River 10.9 mile removal, Power and PSE&G are unable to estimate their portion of the possible loss or range of loss related to the Passaic River matters.
New Jersey Spill Compensation and Control Act (Spill Act)
In 2005, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) filed suit against a PRP (Occidental Chemical Corporation (OCC)) and its related companies in the New Jersey Superior Court seeking damages and reimbursement for costs expended by the State of New Jersey to address the effects of the PRP’s discharge of hazardous substances into both the Passaic River and the balance of the Newark Bay Complex. Power and PSE&G are alleged to have owned, operated or contributed hazardous substances to a total of 11 sites or facilities that impacted these water bodies. In February 2009, third party complaints were filed against some 320 third party defendants, including Power and PSE&G, claiming that each of the third party defendants is responsible for its proportionate share of the clean-up costs for the hazardous substances it allegedly discharged into the Passaic River and the Newark Bay Complex. The third party complaints seek statutory contribution and contribution under the Spill Act to recover past and future removal costs and damages. Power and PSE&G filed answers to the complaints in June 2010. A special master for discovery has been appointed by the court and document production has commenced. In October 2012, the Court issued a 90 day stay of discovery for the third party defendants to explore a possible settlement of this matter with the State of New Jersey. That settlement effort is ongoing. On March 22, 2013, Power and PSE&G signed an agreement to settle the NJDEP vs. OCC litigation at a nominal cost. That settlement is contingent upon a public comment and NJDEP response period that will extend for at least 120 days and the issuance of an order approving the settlement by the Court after conducting a fairness hearing. The stay of third-party discovery remains in place and has been extended. Power and PSE&G believe they have good and valid defenses to the allegations contained in the third party complaints and will vigorously assert those defenses. Power and PSE&G are unable to estimate their portion of the possible loss or range of loss related to this matter.
Natural Resource Damage Claims
In 2003, the NJDEP directed PSEG, PSE&G and 56 other PRPs to arrange for a natural resource damage assessment and interim compensatory restoration of natural resource injuries along the lower Passaic River and its tributaries pursuant to the Spill Act. The NJDEP alleged that hazardous substances had been discharged from the Essex Site and the Harrison Site. The NJDEP estimated the cost of interim natural resource injury restoration activities along the lower Passaic River at approximately $950 million. In 2007, agencies of the United States Department of Commerce and the United States Department of the Interior sent letters to PSE&G and other PRPs inviting participation in an assessment of injuries to natural resources that the agencies intended to perform. In 2008, PSEG and a number of other PRPs agreed to share certain immaterial costs the trustees have incurred and will incur going forward, and to work with the trustees to explore whether some or all of the trustees’ claims can be resolved in a cooperative fashion. That effort is continuing. PSEG is unable to estimate its portion of the possible loss or range of loss related to this matter.
Newark Bay Study Area
The EPA has established the Newark Bay Study Area, which it defines as Newark Bay and portions of the Hackensack River, the Arthur Kill and the Kill Van Kull. In August 2006, the EPA sent PSEG and 11 other entities notices that it considered each of the entities to be a PRP with respect to contamination in the Study Area. The notice letter requested that the PRPs fund an EPA-approved study in the Newark Bay Study Area and encouraged the PRPs to contact OCC to discuss participating in the RI/FS that OCC was conducting. The notice stated the EPA’s belief that hazardous substances were released from sites owned by PSEG companies and located on the Hackensack River, including two operating electric generating stations (Hudson and Kearny sites) and one former MGP site. PSEG has participated in and partially funded the second phase of this study. Notices to fund the next phase of the study have been received but it is uncertain at this time whether the PSEG companies will consent to fund the third phase. Power and PSE&G are unable to estimate their portion of the possible loss or range of loss related to this matter.
MGP Remediation Program
PSE&G is working with the NJDEP to assess, investigate and remediate environmental conditions at its former MGP sites. To date, 38 sites requiring some level of remedial action have been identified. Based on its current studies, PSE&G has determined that the estimated cost to remediate all MGP sites to completion could range between $513 million and $649 million through 2021. Since no amount within the range is considered to be most likely, PSE&G has recorded a liability of $513 million as of March 31, 2013. Of this amount, $111 million was recorded in Other Current Liabilities and $402 million was reflected as Environmental Costs in Noncurrent Liabilities. PSE&G has recorded a $513 million Regulatory Asset with respect to these costs. PSE&G periodically updates its studies taking into account any new regulations or new information which could impact future remediation costs and adjusts its recorded liability accordingly.
Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD)/New Source Review (NSR)
The PSD/NSR regulations, promulgated under the Clean Air Act (CAA), require major sources of certain air pollutants to obtain permits, install pollution control technology and obtain offsets, in some circumstances, when those sources undergo a “major modification,” as defined in the regulations. The federal government may order companies that are not in compliance with the PSD/NSR regulations to install the best available control technology at the affected plants and to pay monetary penalties ranging from $25,000 to $37,500 per day for each violation, depending upon when the alleged violation occurred.
In 2009, the EPA issued a notice of violation to Power and the other owners of the Keystone coal-fired plant in Pennsylvania, alleging, among other things, that various capital improvement projects were completed at the plant which are considered modifications (or major modifications) causing significant net emission increases of PSD/NSR air pollutants, beginning in 1985 for Keystone Unit 1 and in 1984 for Keystone Unit 2. The notice of violation states that none of these modifications underwent PSD/NSR permitting process prior to being put into service, which the EPA alleges was required under the CAA. The notice of violation states that the EPA may issue an order requiring compliance with the relevant CAA provisions and may seek injunctive relief and/or civil penalties. Power owns approximately 23% of the plant. Power cannot predict the outcome of this matter.
Hazardous Air Pollutants Regulation
In accordance with a ruling of the U.S. Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia (Court of Appeals), the EPA published a Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) regulation on February 16, 2012. These Mercury Air Toxics Standards (MATS) are scheduled to go into effect on April 16, 2015 and establish allowable emission levels for mercury as well as other hazardous air pollutants pursuant to the CAA. In February 2012, members of the electric generating industry filed a petition challenging the existing source National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), new source NESHAP and the New Source Performance Standard (NSPS). In March 2012, PSEG filed a motion to intervene with the Court of Appeals in support of the EPA's implementation of MATS. Litigation of these matters remains pending and the impact on the implementation schedule is unknown at this time.
Power believes that it will not be necessary to install any additional material controls at its New Jersey facilities. Additional controls may be necessary at Power’s Bridgeport Harbor coal-fired unit at an immaterial cost. In December 2011, to comply with the MACT regulators, a decision was reached to upgrade the previously planned two flue gas desulfurization scrubbers and install Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems at Power’s jointly owned coal-fired generating facility at Conemaugh in Pennsylvania. This installation is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2015. Power's share of this investment is approximately $147 million.
NOx Regulation
In April 2009, the NJDEP finalized revisions to NOx emission control regulations that impose new NOx emission reduction requirements and limits for New Jersey fossil fuel-fired electric generation units. The rule has an impact on Power’s generation fleet, as it imposes NOx emissions limits that will require capital investment for controls or the retirement of up to 86 combustion turbines (approximately 1,750 MW) and four older New Jersey steam electric generation units (approximately 400 MW) by May 30, 2015. Retirement notifications for the combustion turbines, except for Salem Unit 3, have been filed with the PJM Interconnection, LLC (PJM). The Salem Unit 3 combustion turbine (38 MW) will be transitioning to an emergency generator. Evaluations are ongoing for the steam electric generation units.
Under current Connecticut regulations, Power’s Bridgeport and New Haven facilities have been utilizing Discrete Emission Reduction Credits (DERCs) to comply with certain NOx emission limitations that were incorporated into the facilities’ operating permits. In 2010, Power negotiated new agreements with the State of Connecticut extending the continued use of DERCs for certain emission units and equipment until May 31, 2014.
Clean Water Act Permit Renewals
Pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA), National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits expire within five years of their effective date. In order to renew these permits, but allow a plant to continue to operate, an owner or operator must file a permit application no later than six months prior to expiration of the permit. States with delegated federal authority for this program manage these permits. The NJDEP manages the permits under the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) program. Connecticut and New York also have permits to manage their respective pollutant discharge elimination system programs.
One of the most significant NJPDES permits governing cooling water intake structures at Power is for Salem. In 2001, the NJDEP issued a renewed NJPDES permit for Salem, expiring in July 2006, allowing for the continued operation of Salem with its existing cooling water intake system. In February 2006, Power filed with the NJDEP a renewal application allowing Salem to continue operating under its existing NJPDES permit until a new permit is issued. Power prepared its renewal application in accordance with the FWPCA Section 316(b) and the 316(b) rules published in 2004.
As a result of several legal challenges to the 2004 316(b) rule by certain northeast states, environmentalists and industry groups, the rule has been suspended and has been returned to the EPA to be consistent with a 2009 United States Supreme Court decision which concluded that the EPA could rely upon cost-benefit analysis in setting the national performance standards and in providing for cost-benefit variances from those standards as part of the Phase II regulations.
In late 2010, the EPA entered into a settlement agreement with environmental groups that established a schedule to develop a new 316(b) rule by July 27, 2012. In April 2011, the EPA published a new proposed rule which did not establish any particular technology as the best technology available (e.g. closed cycle cooling). Instead, the proposed rule established marine life mortality standards for existing cooling water intake structures with a design flow of more than two million gallons per day. In June 2012, the EPA posted two Notices of Data Availability (NODA) requesting comment on aspects of the April 2011 proposed rule. In July 2012, PSEG and industry trade associations submitted comments on both NODAs and the EPA and environmental groups agreed to delay the deadline for finalization of the Rule to June 27, 2013 to allow for more time to address public comments and analyze data submitted in response to the NODAs.
Power is unable to predict the outcome of this proposed rulemaking, the final form that the proposed regulations may take and the effect, if any, that they may have on its future capital requirements, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The results of further proceedings on this matter could have a material impact on Power’s ability to renew permits at its larger once-through cooled plants, including Salem, Hudson, Mercer, Bridgeport and possibly Sewaren and New Haven, without making significant upgrades to existing intake structures and cooling systems. The costs of those upgrades to one or more of Power’s once-through cooled plants would be material, and would require economic review to determine whether to continue operations at these facilities. For example, in Power’s application to renew its Salem permit, filed with the NJDEP in February 2006, the estimated costs for adding cooling towers for Salem were approximately $1 billion, of which Power’s share would have been approximately $575 million. These cost estimates have not been updated. Currently, potential costs associated with any closed cycle cooling requirements are not included in Power’s forecasted capital expenditures.
Capital Expenditures
The construction programs of PSEG and its subsidiaries are currently estimated to include a base level total investment of approximately $6.1 billion for the three years ended 2015. The three-year projected capital expenditures for PSEG, Power and PSE&G are as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Power
 
$
400

 
$
365

 
$
305

 
 
PSE&G
 
2,040

 
1,680

 
1,180

 
 
Other
 
95

 
40

 
30

 
 
Total PSEG
 
$
2,535

 
$
2,085

 
$
1,515

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Power's projected capital expenditures include baseline maintenance (investments to replace major parts and enhance operational performance), investments in response to environmental, regulatory or legal mandates and nuclear expansion. PSE&G's projections include material additions and replacements in its transmission and distribution systems to meet expected growth and manage reliability.
Power
During the three months ended March 31, 2013, Power made $102 million of capital expenditures, including interest capitalized during construction (IDC) but excluding $41 million for nuclear fuel, primarily related to various projects at its fossil and nuclear generation stations.
PSE&G
During the three months ended March 31, 2013, PSE&G made $583 million of capital expenditures, including $572 million of investment in plant, primarily for reliability of transmission and distribution systems and $11 million in solar loan investments. This does not include expenditures for cost of removal, net of salvage, of $24 million, which is included in operating cash flows.
Energy Holdings
Included in Other for 2013 in the preceding table is a 19MW solar project currently under construction in Arizona for which Energy Holdings had issued an outstanding guarantee of $41 million as of March 31, 2013.
Basic Generation Service (BGS) and Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS)
PSE&G obtains its electric supply requirements for customers who do not purchase electric supply from third party suppliers through the annual New Jersey BGS auctions. Pursuant to applicable BPU rules, PSE&G enters into the Supplier Master Agreement with the winners of these BGS auctions following the BPU’s approval of the auction results. PSE&G has entered into contracts with Power, as well as with other winning BGS suppliers, to purchase BGS for PSE&G’s load requirements. The winners of the auction (including Power) are responsible for fulfilling all the requirements of a PJM Load Serving Entity including the provision of capacity, energy, ancillary services, transmission and any other services required by PJM. BGS suppliers assume all volume risk and customer migration risk and must satisfy New Jersey’s renewable portfolio standards.
Power seeks to mitigate volatility in its results by contracting in advance for the sale of most of its anticipated electric output as well as its anticipated fuel needs. As part of its objective, Power has entered into contracts to directly supply PSE&G and other New Jersey electric distribution companies (EDCs) with a portion of their respective BGS requirements through the New Jersey BGS auction process, described above.
PSE&G has contracted for its anticipated BGS-Fixed Price eligible load, as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auction Year
 
 
 
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
 
 
36-Month Terms Ending
May 2013

 
May 2014

 
May 2015

 
May 2016

(A) 
 
 
Load (MW)
2,800

 
2,800

 
2,900

 
2,800

  
 
 
$ per kWh
0.09577

 
0.09430

 
0.08388

 
0.09218

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(A)
Prices set in the 2013 BGS auction will become effective on June 1, 2013 when the 2010 BGS auction agreements expire.
PSE&G has a full requirements contract with Power to meet the gas supply requirements of PSE&G’s gas customers. Power has entered into hedges for a portion of these anticipated BGSS obligations, as permitted by the BPU. The BPU permits PSE&G to recover the cost of gas hedging up to 115 billion cubic feet or 80% of its residential gas supply annual requirements through the BGSS tariff. Current plans call for Power to hedge on behalf of PSE&G approximately 70 billion cubic feet or 50% of its residential gas supply annual requirements. For additional information, see Note 17. Related-Party Transactions.
Minimum Fuel Purchase Requirements
Power has various long-term fuel purchase commitments for coal through 2017 to support its fossil generation stations and for supply of nuclear fuel for the Salem, Hope Creek and Peach Bottom nuclear generating stations and for firm transportation and storage capacity for natural gas.
Power’s strategy is to maintain certain levels of uranium and to make periodic purchases to support such levels. As such, the commitments referred to in the following table may include estimated quantities to be purchased that deviate from contractual nominal quantities. Power’s nuclear fuel commitments cover approximately 100% of its estimated uranium, enrichment and fabrication requirements through 2015 and a portion through 2017 at Salem, Hope Creek and Peach Bottom.
Power’s various multi-year contracts for firm transportation and storage capacity for natural gas are primarily used to meet its gas supply obligations to PSE&G. These purchase obligations are consistent with Power’s strategy to enter into contracts for its fuel supply in comparable volumes to its sales contracts.
As of March 31, 2013, the total minimum purchase requirements included in these commitments were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel Type
Power’s Share of
Commitments
through 2017
 
 
 
Millions
 
 
Nuclear Fuel
 
 
 
Uranium
$
483

 
 
Enrichment
$
444

 
 
Fabrication
$
145

 
 
Natural Gas
$
1,035

 
 
Coal
$
508

 
 
 
 
 


Regulatory Proceedings
New Jersey Clean Energy Program
In 2008, the BPU approved funding requirements for each New Jersey EDC applicable to its Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency programs for the years 2009 to 2012. In late 2012, the BPU approved additional funding requirements for these programs for the first half of 2013. The aggregate funding for the first half of 2013 is $195 million. PSE&G has a current liability of $92 million as of March 31, 2013 for its outstanding share of the funding. The liability is reduced as normal payments are made. The liability has been recorded with an offsetting Regulatory Asset, since the costs associated with this program are recovered from PSE&G ratepayers through the Societal Benefits Charge (SBC).
The BPU has started a new Comprehensive Resource Analysis proceeding to determine SBC funding for the years 2013-2016. The proceeding has no impact on current SBC assessments.
Long-Term Capacity Agreement Pilot Program (LCAPP)
In 2011, New Jersey enacted the LCAPP Act that resulted in the selection of three generators to build a total of approximately 2,000 MW of new combined-cycle generating facilities located in New Jersey. Each of the New Jersey EDCs, including PSE&G, was directed to execute a standard offer capacity agreement (SOCA) with the three selected generators, but did so under protest preserving their legal rights. The SOCA provides for the EDCs to guarantee specified annual capacity payments to the generators subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement. Legal challenges to the BPU’s implementation of the LCAPP Act were filed in New Jersey appellate court and this appeal is pending. In addition, the LCAPP Act itself has been challenged on constitutional grounds in federal court and that proceeding is ongoing.
In May 2012, two of the three generators cleared the Reliability Pricing Model auction for the 2015/2016 delivery year in the aggregate notional amount of approximately 1,300 MW of installed capacity. SOCA payments are for a 15-year term, which are scheduled to commence for one of the generators in the 2015/2016 delivery year and for the other generator in the 2016/2017 delivery year. Based upon the expected percentage of state load that PSE&G will be serving during the term of these contracts, PSE&G would be responsible for approximately 52% or 676 MW of this amount.
The current estimated fair value of the SOCAs is recorded as a Derivative Asset or Liability with an offsetting Regulatory Asset or Liability on PSE&G’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 11. Fair Value Measurements for additional information.
Superstorm Sandy
In late October 2012, Superstorm Sandy caused severe damage to PSE&G's transmission and distribution system throughout its service territory as well as to some of Power's generation infrastructure in the northern part of New Jersey. Strong winds resulted in a storm surge that caused damage to switching stations, substations and generating infrastructure.
Power incurred an additional $28 million of storm-related expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013, primarily for repairs at certain generating stations in Power's fossil fleet. These costs were recognized in Operation and Maintenance Expense. Power expects it will incur additional future costs, primarily relating to repairs to, and replacement of, equipment and property, which could be material.
PSEG maintains insurance coverage against loss or damage to plants and certain properties, subject to certain exceptions and limitations, to the extent such property is usually insured and insurance is available at a reasonable cost. PSEG is seeking recovery from its insurers for the property damage, above its self-insured retentions; however, no assurances can be given relative to the timing or amount of such recovery. PSEG received $25 million from its insurance carriers as an advance payment which was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012. PSEG believes that additional insurance recoveries are not estimable as of March 31, 2013. PSEG is documenting its insurance claim which then will need to be submitted to and reviewed by its insurers. PSEG does not believe that it has a basis for estimating additional probable insurance recoveries at this time.
Leveraged Lease Investments
On January 31, 2012, PSEG entered into a specific matter closing agreement with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) settling all matters related to cross border lease transactions. This agreement settled the leasing dispute with finality for all tax periods in which PSEG realized tax deductions from these transactions. On January 31, 2012, PSEG also signed a Form 870-AD settlement agreement covering all audit issues for tax years 1997 through 2003. On March 26, 2012, PSEG executed a Form 870-AD settlement agreement covering all audit issues for tax years 2004 through 2006. These two agreements concluded ten years of audits for PSEG and the leasing issue for all tax years. For PSEG, the impact of these agreements was an increase in financial statement Income Tax Expense of approximately $175 million in the first quarter of 2012. In prior periods, PSEG had established financial statement tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions in the amount of $246 million with respect to these tax years. Accordingly, the settlement resulted in a net $71 million decrease in the first quarter of 2012 in the Income Tax Expense of PSEG.
Cash Impact
For tax years 1997 through 2003, the tax and interest PSEG owes the IRS as a result of this settlement will be reduced by the $320 million PSEG has on deposit with the IRS for this matter. PSEG paid a net deficiency for these years of approximately $4 million during the second quarter of 2012. Based upon the closing agreement and the Form 870-AD for tax years 2004 through 2006, PSEG owes the IRS approximately $620 million in tax and interest for tax years from 2004 through 2006. Based on the settlement of the leasing dispute, for tax years 2007 through 2010, the IRS owes PSEG approximately $676 million. PSEG has filed amended returns for tax years 2007-2010 reflecting the impact of the settlement. These returns have been audited by the IRS and accepted as filed. As required by statute, the IRS presented the refund claim to the Joint Committee on Taxation for approval. On October 16, 2012, PSEG was notified that the Joint Committee took no exception to the refund claim. In April 2013, PSEG received confirmation from the IRS which shows that overpayments from the 2008 through 2010 tax years have been applied to satisfy the liabilities due with respect to tax years 2004 through 2007. Accordingly, no further cash payments will be required with respect to the contested leasing transactions. In addition to the above, PSEG will claim a tax deduction for the accrued deficiency interest associated with this settlement in 2012, which gives rise to a cash tax savings of approximately $100 million.