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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

(Mark One)


/x/

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000

OR

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

For the transition period from                to                

Commission
File Number

  Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter, State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, Address of principal executive offices and Registrant's Telephone Number, including area code
  IRS Employer
Identification No.


000-31709

 

NORTHERN STATES POWER COMPANY (a Minnesota Corporation)
414 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
Telephone (612) 330-5500

 

41-1967505

001-03140

 

NORTHERN STATES POWER COMPANY (a Wisconsin Corporation)
1414 W. Hamilton Ave., Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701
Telephone (715) 839-2621

 

39-0508315

001-03280

 

PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO (a Colorado Corporation)
1225 17th Street, Denver, Colorado 80202
Telephone (303) 571-7511

 

84-0296600

001-03789

 

SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
(a New Mexico Corporation)
Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo, Texas 79101
Telephone (303) 571-7511

 

75-0575400

   Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes /x/ No / /

   Northern States Power Company (a Minnesota corporation), Northern States Power Company (a Wisconsin corporation), Public Service Company of Colorado and Southwestern Public Service Company meet the conditions set forth in General Instruction I(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and are therefore filing this Form 10-K with the reduced disclosure format specified in General Instruction I (2) to such Form 10-K.

   Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. All outstanding common stock is owned beneficially and of record by Xcel Energy Inc., a Minnesota corporation. Shares outstanding at March 15, 2001:

Northern States Power Company (a Minnesota Corporation)   Common Stock, $0.01 par value   1,000,000 Shares
Northern States Power Company (a Wisconsin Corporation)   Common Stock, $100 par value   933,000 Shares
Public Service Company of Colorado   Common Stock, $0.01 par value   100 Shares
Southwestern Public Service Company   Common Stock, $1 par value   100 Shares



Index

 
PART I
Item 1—Business
  COMPANY OVERVIEW
  UTILITY REGULATION
    Ratemaking Principles
    Fuel, Purchased Gas and Resource Adjustment Clauses
    Regulatory Matters
  ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS
    Competition and Industry Restructuring
    Capacity and Demand
    Energy Sources
    Fuel Supply and Costs
    Nuclear Power—Operations and Waste Disposal
    Electric Operating Statistics
  GAS UTILITY OPERATIONS
    Competition and Industry Restructuring
    Capability and Demand
    Gas Supply and Costs
    Gas Operating Statistics
  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
  EMPLOYEES
Item 2—Properties
Item 3—Legal Proceedings
Item 4—Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
PART II
Item 5—Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 6—Selected Financial Data
Item 7—Management's Discussion and Analysis
Item 7A—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9—Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
PART III
Item 10—Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Item 11—Executive Compensation
Item 12—Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Item 13—Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
PART IV
Item 14—Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT (EXCERPT)
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Statement Pursuant to Private Securities Litigation Reform Act

    This combined Form 10-K is separately filed by Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation (NSP-Minnesota), Northern States Power Company, a Wisconsin corporation (NSP-Wisconsin), Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo) and Southwestern Public Service Company (SPS). NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS are all wholly owned subsidiaries of Xcel Energy Inc. Additional information on Xcel Energy is available on various filings with the SEC. Information in this report relating to any individual company is filed by such company on its own behalf. Each registrant makes representation only to itself and makes no representations as to information relating to the other registrants. This report should be read in its entirety.

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Item l—Business

COMPANY OVERVIEW

    On Aug. 18, 2000, New Century Energies, Inc. (NCE) and Northern States Power Co. (NSP) merged and formed Xcel Energy Inc. Xcel Energy, a Minnesota corporation, is a registered holding company under the Public Utility Holding Company Act (PUHCA). Each share of NCE common stock was exchanged for 1.55 shares of Xcel Energy common stock. NSP shares became Xcel Energy shares on a one-for-one basis. The merger was structured as a tax-free, stock-for-stock exchange for shareholders of both companies (except for fractional shares), and accounted for as a pooling-of-interests. As part of the merger, NSP transferred its existing utility operations that were being conducted directly by NSP at the parent company level to a newly formed subsidiary of Xcel Energy named Northern States Power Company.

    Xcel Energy directly owns six utility subsidiaries that serve electric and natural gas customers in 12 states. These six utility subsidiaries are Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation (NSP-Minnesota), Northern States Power Company, a Wisconsin corporation (NSP-Wisconsin), Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo), Southwestern Public Service Company (SPS), Black Mountain Gas Company (BMG) and Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company (Cheyenne). Their service territories include portions of Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Xcel Energy's regulated businesses also include Viking Gas Transmission Company and WestGas InterState Inc. (WGI), both interstate natural gas pipeline companies.

    Xcel Energy also owns or has an interest in a number of nonregulated businesses, the largest of which is NRG Energy, Inc., a publicly traded independent power producer. At Dec. 31, 2000, Xcel Energy indirectly owned 82 percent of NRG. Xcel Energy owned 100 percent of NRG until the second quarter 2000, when NRG completed its initial public offering. During March 2001, NRG issued an additional 18.4 million shares of common stock, which caused Xcel Energy's ownership interest in NRG to decline to approximately 75 percent.

    In addition to NRG, Xcel Energy's nonregulated subsidiaries include Seren Innovations, Inc. (broadband telecommunications services), e prime, inc. (natural gas marketing and trading), Planergy International Inc. (energy management, consulting and demand-side management services) and Eloigne Company (acquisition of rental housing projects that qualify for low-income housing tax credits). Xcel Energy also reports in its nonregulated activities its 50-percent stake in Yorkshire Power, a regional electricity company in the United Kingdom. Subsequent to year-end, Xcel Energy has agreed to sell a substantial portion of this investment.

    Xcel Energy owns the following additional direct subsidiaries, some of which are intermediate holding companies with additional subsidiaries: Xcel Energy Wholesale Group, Inc., Xcel Energy Markets Holdings Inc., Xcel Energy International Inc., Xcel Energy Ventures Inc., Xcel Energy Retail Holdings Inc., Xcel Energy Communications Group Inc., Xcel Energy WYCO Inc., Xcel Energy O&M Services Inc. and Xcel Energy Services Inc. Xcel Energy and its subsidiaries collectively are referred to as Xcel Energy.

    NSP-Minnesota

    NSP-Minnesota was incorporated in 2000 under the laws of Minnesota. NSP-Minnesota is an operating utility engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity and the transportation, storage and distribution of natural gas. NSP-Minnesota provides generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. NSP-Minnesota also purchases, distributes and sells natural gas to retail customers and transports customer-owned gas in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. NSP-Minnesota provides retail

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electric utility service to approximately 1.3 million customers and gas utility service to approximately 0.4 million customers.

    NSP-Minnesota owns the following direct subsidiaries: United Power and Land Co., which holds real estate; First Midwest Auto Park Inc., which owns and operates a parking ramp; NSP Nuclear Corp., which holds NSP-Minnesota's interest in the Nuclear Management Company; and NSP Financing I, a special purpose business trust.

    NSP-Wisconsin

    NSP-Wisconsin was incorporated in 1901 under the laws of Wisconsin. NSP-Wisconsin is an operating utility engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity to approximately 225,000 retail customers in northwestern Wisconsin and in the western portion of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. NSP-Wisconsin is also engaged in the distribution and sale of natural gas in the same service territory to approximately 85,000 customers in Wisconsin and Michigan.

    NSP-Wisconsin owns the following direct subsidiaries: Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company, which operates hydro reserves; Clearwater Investments Inc., which owns interests in affordable housing; and NSP Lands, Inc., which hold real estate.

    PSCo

    PSCo was incorporated in 1924 under the laws of Colorado. PSCo is an operating utility engaged principally in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and the purchase, transportation, distribution and sale of natural gas. PSCo serves approximately 1.2 million electric customers and approximately 1.1 million gas customers in Colorado.

    PSCo owns the following direct subsidiaries: 1480 Welton, Inc., which owns certain real estate interests of PSCo; P.S.R. Investments, Inc., which owns and manages permanent life insurance policies on certain employees; PS Colorado Credit Corporation, a finance company that finances certain of PSCo's current assets; and Green and Clear Lakes Company, which owns water rights. PSCo also holds a controlling interest in several other relatively small ditch and water companies whose capital requirements are not significant.

    SPS

    SPS was incorporated in 1921 under the laws of New Mexico. SPS is an operating utility engaged primarily in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity. SPS serves approximately 390,000 electric customers in portions of Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Kansas. The wholesale customers served by SPS comprise approximately 34 percent of the total kilowatt-hour sales.


UTILITY REGULATION

    Ratemaking Principles

    The utility subsidiaries of Xcel Energy are subject to the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under PUHCA. The rules and regulations under PUHCA generally limit the operations of a registered holding company to a single integrated public utility system, plus additional energy-related businesses. PUHCA rules require that transactions between affiliated companies in a registered holding company system be performed at cost, with limited exceptions.

    The FERC has jurisdiction over wholesale rates for electric transmission service and electric energy sold in interstate commerce, hydro facility licensing and certain other activities of Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries. Federal, state and local agencies also have jurisdiction over many of Xcel Energy's other activities.

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    The utility subsidiaries of Xcel Energy are unable to predict the impact on their operating results from the future regulatory activities of any of these agencies. The utility subsidiaries of Xcel Energy strive to comply with all rules and regulations issued by the various agencies.

    NSP-Minnesota

    Retail rates, services and other aspects of NSP-Minnesota's operations are subject to the jurisdiction of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC), the North Dakota Public Service Commission (NDPSC) and the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (SDPUC) within their respective states. The MPUC also possesses regulatory authority over aspects of NSP-Minnesota's financial activities, including security issuances, certain property transfers, mergers with other utilities and transactions between NSP-Minnesota and its affiliates. In addition, the MPUC reviews and approves NSP-Minnesota's electric resource plans and gas supply plans for meeting customers' future energy needs.

    The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (MEQB) is empowered to select and designate sites for new power plants with a capacity of 50 megawatts or more and wind energy conversion plants with a capacity of five megawatts or more. It also designates routes for electric transmission lines with a capacity of 200 kilovolts (kv) or more. No power plant or transmission line may be constructed in Minnesota except on a site or route designated by the MEQB.

    NSP-Wisconsin

    NSP-Wisconsin is subject to regulation of similar scope by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) and the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). In addition, each of the state commissions certifies the need for new generating plants and electric and retail gas transmission lines of designated capacities to be located within the respective states before the facilities may be sited and built.

    The PSCW has a biennial filing requirement. By June of each odd-numbered year, NSP-Wisconsin must submit rate filings for calendar years beginning the following January. The filing procedure and review generally allow the PSCW sufficient time to issue an order effective with the start of the test year.

    PSCo

    PSCo is subject to the jurisdiction of the Colorado Public Utility Commission (CPUC) with respect to its facilities, rates, accounts, services and issuance of securities. PSCo is subject to the jurisdiction of the FERC with respect to its wholesale electric operations and accounting practices and policies. PSCo has received authorization from the FERC to act as a power marketer. Also, PSCo holds a FERC certificate that allows it to transport natural gas in interstate commerce without PSCo becoming subject to full FERC jurisdiction.

    SPS

    The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) has jurisdiction over SPS' Texas operations as an electric utility and original and appellate jurisdiction over its retail rates and services. The New Mexico Public Regulatory Commission (NMPRC) has jurisdiction over the issuance of securities and accounting. The NMPRC, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and the Kansas Corporation Commission have jurisdiction with respect to retail rates and services in their respective states. The FERC has jurisdiction over SPS' rates for sales for resale and the transmission of electricity in interstate commerce.

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Fuel, Purchased Gas and Resource Adjustment Clauses

    NSP-Minnesota

    NSP-Minnesota's retail electric rate schedules provide for adjustments to billings and revenues for changes in the cost of fuel and purchased energy. NSP-Minnesota is permitted to recover option costs through a fuel clause adjustment, a mechanism that allows NSP-Minnesota to bill customers for the actual cost of fuel used to generate electricity at its plants and energy purchased from suppliers. Changes in capacity charges are not recovered through the fuel clause. NSP-Minnesota's electric wholesale customers do not have a fuel clause provision in their contracts. Instead, the contracts have an escalation factor.

    Gas rate schedules for NSP-Minnesota include a purchased gas adjustment (PGA) clause that provides for rate adjustments for changes in the current unit cost of purchased gas compared with the last costs included in rates. The PGA factors in Minnesota are calculated for the current month based on the estimated purchased gas costs for that month.

    By September of each year, NSP-Minnesota is required to submit to the MPUC an annual report of the PGA factors used to bill each customer class by month for the previous year commencing July 1 and ending June 30. The report verifies whether the utility is calculating the adjustments properly and implementing them in a timely manner. In addition, the MPUC reviews procurement policies, cost-minimizing efforts, rule variances, retail transportation gas volumes, independent auditors' reports and the impact of market forces on gas costs for the coming year. The MPUC has the authority to disallow certain costs if it finds the utility was not prudent in its gas procurement activities.

    NSP-Minnesota is required by Minnesota law to spend a minimum of 2 percent of Minnesota electric revenue and 0.5 percent of Minnesota gas revenue on conservation improvement programs (CIP). These costs are recovered through an annual recovery mechanism for electric and gas conservation and energy management program expenditures. NSP-Minnesota is required to request a new cost recovery level annually.

    NSP-Wisconsin

    NSP-Wisconsin does not have an automatic electric fuel adjustment clause for Wisconsin retail customers. Instead, it has a procedure that compares actual monthly and anticipated annual fuel costs with those costs that were included in the latest retail electric rates. If the comparison results in a difference outside a prescribed range, the PSCW may hold hearings limited to fuel costs and revise rates. Any revised rates would be effective until the next rate case. The adjustment approved is calculated on an annual basis, but applied prospectively. Most of NSP-Wisconsin's wholesale electric rate schedules provide for adjustments to billings and revenues for changes in the cost of fuel and purchased energy.

    During 1999, the PSCW approved a new gas cost recovery mechanism to replace the PGA. The financial impact of the gas cost recovery mechanism is substantially the same as with the former PGA.

    NSP-Wisconsin's gas and retail electric rate schedules for Michigan customers include gas cost recovery factors and power supply cost recovery factors, which are based on 12-month projections. After each 12-month period, a reconciliation is submitted whereby over-collections are refunded and any under-collections are collected from the customers.

    PSCo

    PSCo has five adjustment clauses: the incentive cost adjustment (ICA), the gas cost adjustment (GCA), the steam cost adjustment (SCA), the demand side management cost adjustment (DSMCA) and the qualifying facilities capacity cost adjustment (QFCCA). These adjustment clauses allow certain

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costs to be passed through to retail customers. PSCo is required to file applications with the CPUC for approval of adjustment mechanisms in advance of the proposed effective dates. The applications must be acted upon before becoming effective.

    The ICA allows for an equal sharing between customers and shareholders of certain fuel and energy cost increases. PSCo, through its GCA, is allowed to recover its actual costs of purchased gas. The GCA rate is revised annually in October, and otherwise as needed, to coincide with changes in purchased gas costs. Purchased gas costs and revenues received to recover such gas costs are compared on a monthly basis and differences are deferred. PSCo, through its SCA, is allowed to recover the difference between its actual cost of fuel and the amount of these costs recovered under its base rates. The SCA rate is revised annually in January, and otherwise as needed, to coincide with changes in fuel costs. The QFCCA provides for recovery of purchased capacity costs from certain QF projects not otherwise reflected in base electric rates.

    The DSMCA clause currently permits PSCo to recover DSM costs over five years while non-labor incremental expenses and carrying costs associated with deferred DSM costs are recovered on an annual basis. PSCo also has implemented a low-income energy assistance program. The costs of this energy conservation and weatherization program for low-income customers are recovered through the DSMCA.

    SPS

    Fuel and purchased power costs are recoverable in Texas through a fixed fuel factor, which is part of SPS' rates. If it appears that SPS will materially over-recover or under-recover these costs, the factor may be revised upon application by SPS or action by the PUCT. The rule requires refunding and surcharging under/over-recovery amounts, including interest, when they exceed 4 percent of the utility's annual fuel and purchased power costs, as allowed by the PUCT, if this condition is expected to continue. PUCT regulations require periodic examination of SPS fuel and purchased power costs, the efficiency of the use of such fuel and purchased power, fuel acquisition and management policies and purchase power commitments. Under the PUCT's regulations, SPS is required to file an application for the PUCT to retrospectively review at least every three years the operations of SPS' electric generation and fuel management activities.

    The NMPRC regulations provide for a fuel and purchased power cost adjustment clause and a fixed annual fuel factor for SPS' New Mexico retail jurisdiction. SPS files monthly and annual reports of its fuel and purchased power costs with the NMPRC, which include the current over/under fuel collection calculation, plus interest. In addition, SPS revises its fixed fuel factor annually to recover projected fuel and purchased power costs as well as any over/under cost balance for the current year. SPS is required to petition for a change in the fixed fuel factor if the over/under recovery balance reaches $5 million.


Regulatory Matters

    NSP-Minnesota

    Conservation Recovery—NSP-Minnesota had a 4.1 percent conservation rate surcharge in place since 1998, pending resolution of the conservation incentive recovery issue. On July 31, 2000, the MPUC approved NSP-Minnesota's request to prospectively reduce the surcharge level to 0.68 percent (consistent with current costs to be recovered) and to refund cumulative overcollections of approximately $24 million. The refund occurred during December 2000. Although cash flows were reduced, NSP-Minnesota did not have any earnings impact from these actions due to accruals previously recorded. For more information, see Management's Discussion and Analysis under Item 7.

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    Fuel Clause Adjustment—In June 2000, the MPUC approved a change under which bills received by NSP-Minnesota's electricity customers will more accurately reflect energy costs on a timely basis. Previously, the adjustment reflected prior period costs, and it would take approximately three months for customer bills to reflect higher, or lower, fuel costs incurred by NSP-Minnesota. Under the new method, NSP-Minnesota bases the customer billing adjustment on projected energy costs for the current month, and corrects, in a subsequent month, any differences between projected costs and actual costs incurred. This improved matching between costs and usage should encourage customers to take appropriate steps to reduce energy use during peak periods—when costs are at their highest—while giving appropriate price signals when costs are lower during off-peak periods. NSP-Minnesota implemented the revised fuel clause adjustment with July 2000 billings.

    Energy Cost Recovery—In April 2000, the Minnesota Office of Attorney General (OAG) filed a petition with the MPUC asking the MPUC to initiate an investigation of NSP-Minnesota's fuel and purchased energy cost recoveries under the FCA provisions of NSP's tariffs. The OAG alleged NSP-Minnesota could be improperly diverting low-cost NSP-Minnesota generation supplies to the wholesale market to increase profits, while recovering higher-cost energy purchases through the FCA. NSP-Minnesota contends that it has followed the appropriate FCA rules and regulations. In July 2000, the MPUC issued an order in which it indicated that the record before the MPUC did not reflect any specific allegations of wrongdoing. However, the MPUC instructed NSP-Minnesota and the OAG to resolve any concerns and file a report with the MPUC. The report in pending.

    North Dakota Rate Case—In October 2000, NSP-Minnesota filed a request with the NDPSC to increase natural gas rates by approximately 3.3 percent, or $1.4 million, annually. Evidentiary hearings are scheduled for April 2001 with an order likely during the second quarter of 2001.

    NSP-Wisconsin

    Temporary Fuel Cost Surcharge—In May 2000, the PSCW issued an order granting a fuel surcharge to increase electric rates to recover higher fuel costs. The increase was primarily the result of higher purchased power costs than were anticipated in base rates. The surcharge factor increased revenues by approximately $6.4 million in 2000 and represented an average increase for all customer classes of approximately 2 percent. The surcharge factor is expected to be effective through Dec. 31, 2001.

    PSCo

    Gas Rate Case—In July 2000, PSCo filed a retail rate case with the CPUC requesting an annual increase in its gas revenues of approximately $40 million. The request for a rate increase reflects revenues for additional plant investment, a 12.5-percent return on equity, new depreciation rates and recovery of the dismantlement costs associated with the Leyden Gas Storage facility. In February 2001, the CPUC granted an increase in gas revenues of $14.2 million and authorized an 11.25-percent return on equity. The CPUC did not grant the new depreciation rates proposed by PSCo, but rather granted new depreciation rates proposed by the CPUC staff. The CPUC denied recovery of the dismantlement costs associated with the Leyden Gas Storage facility in this case and recommended PSCo request recovery in a later case.

    SPS

    Fuel Recovery—At least every three years, SPS is required to file an application for the PUCT to retrospectively review the operations of a utility's electricity generation and fuel management activities. In June 2000, SPS filed an application for the PUCT to retrospectively review the operations of the utility's electricity generation and fuel management activities. In this application, SPS filed its reconciliation for generation and fuel management activities totaling approximately $419 million, for

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the period from January 1998 through December 1999. SPS expects to be granted recovery of these costs. Final approval is pending.

    SPS filed an application in July 2000 seeking to increase its fixed fuel factors as a result of recent increases in natural gas costs. In August 2000, SPS filed a second application seeking authority to surcharge approximately $26 million in fuel under-recoveries and related interest accrued through the June 2000 billing cycle over the eight months ending May 2001. In August 2000, the PUCT consolidated these two filings into one docket. SPS reached a unanimous stipulation with all parties to the case resolving all outstanding issues. This stipulation was approved by the PUCT in September 2000, which allowed the new fuel factors and surcharge factors to become effective in the October 2000 billing cycle.

    In October 2000, SPS filed an unopposed motion with the NMPRC, seeking to change the date for the implementation of its next fixed annual fuel factor. SPS was approximately $12.8 million under-collected in fuel and purchased power costs through August 2000 and projected that these under-collections would continue based on recent increases in natural gas costs. In October 2000, the NMPRC approved SPS' revised fixed annual fuel factor to be effective in the November 2000 billing cycle.

    In November 2000, SPS filed an application with the PUCT seeking authority to surcharge approximately $43 million in fuel under recoveries and related interest accrued during July 2000 through September 2000. SPS reached a unanimous stipulation with all parties to the case resolving all outstanding issues. In January 2001, the PUCT approved the surcharge and required amounts be applied to customers bills over an eleven-month period starting February 2001.

    For more information on regulatory matters, see Management's Discussion and Analysis under Item 7.


ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS

Competition and Industry Restructuring

    Retail competition and the unbundling of regulated energy service could have a significant financial impact on Xcel Energy and its subsidiaries, due to an impairment of assets, a loss of retail customers, lower profit margins and increased costs of capital. The total impacts of restructuring may have a significant financial impact on the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Xcel Energy. Xcel Energy and its utility subsidiaries cannot predict when they will be subject to changes in legislation or regulation, nor can they predict the impacts of such changes on their financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Xcel Energy believes that the prices its utility subsidiaries charge for electricity and the quality and reliability of their service currently place them in a position to compete effectively in the energy market.

    Retail Business Competition—The retail electric business faces increasing competition as industrial and large commercial customers have some ability to own or operate facilities to generate their own electric energy. In addition, customers may have the option of substituting other fuels, such as natural gas for heating, cooling and manufacturing purposes, or the option of relocating their facilities to a lower cost environment. While each of Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries face these challenges, these subsidiaries believe their rates are competitive with currently available alternatives. Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries are taking actions to lower operating costs and are working with their customers to analyze energy efficiency, load management and cogeneration in order to better position Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries to more effectively operate in a competitive environment.

    Wholesale Business Competition—The wholesale electric business faces increasing competition in the supply of bulk power, due to federal and state initiatives to provide open access to utility transmission systems. Under current FERC rules, utilities are required to provide wholesale open-access transmission services and to unbundle wholesale merchant and transmission operations. Xcel Energy's

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utility subsidiaries are operating under a joint tariff in compliance with these rules. To date, these provisions have not had a material impact on the operations of Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries.

    NSP-Minnesota

    Minnesota Restructuring—During the summer of 2000, the Commerce Commissioner, Attorney General, Senate Majority Leader and House Speaker all publicly identified the potential shortage in electric supply as a critical issue for the coming legislative session. Each of these leaders expressed hesitation about adopting a comprehensive restructuring proposal, but they acknowledged the need for reforms in our power supply regulatory system. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce still intends to push for a comprehensive restructuring bill. Based on the recommendations made by the Department of Commerce in their report "Keeping the Lights On," it is likely that reform of utility taxation and generation and transmission siting will be two of the issues debated by the 2001 Legislature.

    North Dakota Restructuring—In 1997, the North Dakota Legislature established an Electric Utility Committee charged with studying the impact of competition on the electric industry. The committee has six years to study the impact of competition on the electric energy industry in the state. During 2000, the committee began the study of the current tax structure on the industry. The committee was also given the responsibility for assessing the need for modifications to the Territorial Integrity Act, a law governing distribution service territories within the state. The final report presented to the legislative council made no recommendations to change the current tax structure at the present time. The committee will resume its work after the 2001 legislative session.

    In December 2000, the NDPSC approved Xcel Energy's "PLUS" Performance Based Regulation proposal, effective January 2001 for its electric operations in the state. The plan establishes performance standards for reliability, customer service, price and employee safety. The company's performance determines its allowed return on equity. The plan also includes revenue sharing and a price cap mechanism. The plan will remain in effect through 2005.

    NSP-Wisconsin

    Wisconsin Restructuring—During 1999, Wisconsin state lawmakers passed "Reliability 2000" legislation, which included steps necessary to further progress toward a restructured industry, eventually including allowing retail customers to choose their electric supplier. One of the provisions of the legislation establishes a public benefits fund, to be administered by the State of Wisconsin, which will use money collected from Wisconsin utilities' customers to pay for low-income assistance, conservation programs and renewable energy and environmental research programs. NSP-Wisconsin began collecting the public benefits surcharge from its Wisconsin customers in October 2000.

    In April 1998, Wisconsin state legislators enacted a law that includes provisions that require the PSCW to order a public utility that owns transmission facilities in Wisconsin to transfer control of its transmission facilities to an independent system operator (ISO) or divest its interest in its transmission facilities to an independent transmission company (ITC) by June 2000. NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin joined the Midwest ISO (MISO) in 1999 and filed for PSCW and FERC approval in March 2000. The MISO is not expected to be operational until November 2001. In June 2000, the PSCW issued an order that effectively waived the deadline for the state's five major utilities, including NSP-Wisconsin, to relinquish transmission system control. In October 2000, the PSCW issued an order authorizing NSP-Wisconsin's transfer of operating control of its transmission system to the MISO.

    Michigan Restructuring—In June 2000, Michigan's "Customer Choice and Electricity Reliability Act," became law. The passage of the Act means there will be customer choice for all customers in Michigan, including NSP-Wisconsin's customers in the Upper Peninsula, starting January 2002. Key elements of the law include developing distribution reliability and performance standards and environmental and fuel disclosure standards, codes of conduct, customer and employee education

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programs and an Upper Peninsula Market Power Study. The Act also contains a number of consumer protection provisions dealing with cramming, slamming and low-income energy assistance. NSP-Wisconsin filed its preliminary restructuring plan in October 2000 and revisions to the preliminary restructuring plan in February 2001. NSP-Wisconsin expects to file its unbundled rates by June 2001. The five-percent rate reduction and rate freeze ordered in the Act does not apply to NSP-Wisconsin or other utilities with less than 1 million customers in Michigan.

    PSCo

    Colorado Restructuring—During 1998, a bill was passed in Colorado that established an advisory panel to conduct an evaluation of electric industry restructuring and customer choice. During 1999, this panel concluded that Colorado would not significantly benefit from opening its markets to retail competition.

    SPS

    New Mexico Restructuring—In April 1999, New Mexico enacted the Electric Utility Restructuring Act of 1999, which provides for customer choice. The legislation provides for recovery of no less than 50 percent of stranded costs for all utilities. Transition costs must be approved by the NMPRC prior to being recovered through a non-bypassable wires charge, which must be included in transition plan filings. SPS must separate its utility operations into at least two entities: energy generation and competitive services, and transmission and distribution utility services, either by the creation of separate affiliates that may be owned by a common holding company or by the sale of assets to one or more third parties. A regulated company, in general, is prohibited from providing unregulated services. In May 2000, the NMPRC approved:

    customer choice for residential, small commercial and educational customers by January 2002;

    customer choice for commercial and industrial customers by July 2002; and

    completion of SPS corporate separation by August 2001.

    The NMPRC has reopened its electric restructuring rulemakings to consider the impacts on New Mexico electricity markets arising from the volatile California electricity market conditions. In addition, in February 2001, the New Mexico Senate approved a bill that would delay the implementation of restructuring and retail choice until 2007. The House has yet to act on the proposal to delay. We cannot predict the changes that may result from reconsideration of the restructuring legislation or the NMPRC's reconsideration of its regulations as a result of the continuing and significant conditions in the California markets.

    Texas Restructuring—In June 1999, an electric utility restructuring act (SB-7) was passed in Texas, which provides for the implementation of retail competition for most areas of the state, including SPS' service area, beginning January 2002. The PUCT can delay the date for full retail competition if a power region is unable to offer fair competition and reliable service during the 2001 pilot projects. The legislation requires:

    a rate freeze for all customers until January 2002;

    an annual earnings test through 2001;

    a 6-percent rate reduction for those residential and small commercial customers who choose not to switch suppliers at the start of retail competition;

    the unbundling of business activities, costs and rates relating to generation, transmission and distribution, and retail services;

    reductions in nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide emissions; and

11


    the recovery of stranded costs.

    SB-7 requires each utility to unbundle its business activities into three separate legal entities: a power generation company, a regulated transmission and distribution company, and a retail electric provider. SB-7 limits the market share that a single generation provider can control to 20 percent of the generating capacity within a qualified power region. The establishment of a qualified power region with multiple generation suppliers is required under SB-7 in order to implement full retail competition. SPS must return any excess earnings indicated in the annual earnings tests above its last allowed rate of return for 1999, 2000 and 2001 or alternatively may direct any excess earnings to improvements in transmission and distribution facilities, to capital expenditures to improve air quality or to accelerate the amortization of regulatory assets, subject to PUCT approval.

    The Texas Legislature is currently considering amendments to SB-7 that would delay the implementation of business separation and customer choice in SPS' market area for five years.

    For more information on restructuring in Texas and New Mexico, see Note 10 to the Financial Statements under Item 8.

    Kansas Restructuring—In 1999, the Kansas Corporation Commission investigated the adequacy of generation capacity of Kansas utilities. The Commission ordered the staff to continually monitor the generation capacity situation in Kansas, ensure the regular filing of information by utilities to meet their responsibility to provide electric service to retail customers and consider the opening of a new docket for conservation appeals.

    Oklahoma Restructuring—The Electric Restructuring Act of 1997 was enacted in Oklahoma during 1997. This legislation directs a series of studies, which will define the orderly transition to consumer choice of electric energy supplier by July 1, 2002. The Electric Restructuring Act was modified during 1998 to clarify terms used in the original bill, as well as advance timelines for studies of the Joint Electric Utility Task Force in order to meet the stated implementation date. In 1998, this task force began the formation of groups, which will examine numerous restructuring issues. A report was issued in 1999. The 2001 legislative session will consider the task force's findings as it considers issues related to implementing customer choice in 2002.

12



Capacity and Demand

    Assuming normal weather during 2001, system peak demand and the net dependable system capacity for Xcel Energy's electric utility subsidiaries are projected below. The electric production and transmission system of NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin are managed as an integrated system (referred to as the NSP System). The system peak demand for each of the last three years and the forecast for 2001 is listed below.

 
  System Peak Demand (Mw)

Operating company

  1998
  1999
  2000
  2001
NSP System   7,660   7,990   7,936   7,747
PSCo   4,771   4,854   5,406   5,519
SPS   3,933   3,937   3,870   3,583

    The peak demand for the NSP System, PSCo and SPS all typically occurs in the summer. The 2000 system peak demand for the NSP System occurred on Aug. 14, 2000. The 2000 system peak demand for PSCo occurred on Aug. 9, 2000. The 2000 system peak demand for SPS occurred on Aug. 3, 2000.


    Energy Sources

    Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries expect to use the following resources to meet their net dependable system capacity requirements: 1) Xcel Energy's electric generating stations, 2) purchases from other utilities, independent power producers and power marketers, 3) demand-side management options and 4) phased expansion of existing generation at select power plants.

Purchased Power

    Xcel Energy's electric utility subsidiaries have contractual arrangements to purchase power from other utilities and nonregulated energy suppliers. Capacity, typically measured in kilowatts or megawatts, is the measure of the rate at which a particular generating source produces electricity. Energy, typically measured in kilowatt-hours or megawatt-hours, is a measure of the amount of electricity produced from a particular generating source over a period of time. Purchase power contracts typically provide for a charge for the capacity from a particular generating source and a charge for the associated energy actually purchased from such generating source.

    The utility subsidiaries of Xcel Energy also make short-term and non-firm purchases to replace generation from company owned units that is unavailable due to maintenance and unplanned outages, to provide each utility's reserve obligation, to obtain energy at a lower cost than that which could be produced by other resource options, including company owned generation and/or long-term purchase power contracts, and for various other operating requirements.

    NSP System Resource Plan

    During 2000, NSP-Minnesota filed an electric resource plan for the NSP System with the MPUC for the period 2000 to 2015. The plan describes how Xcel Energy intends to meet the energy needs of the NSP System and includes an approximate schedule of the timing of resource solicitation to meet such needs. The plan contains conservation programs to reduce the NSP System's peak demand and conserve overall electricity use, an approximate schedule of power purchase solicitations to meet increasing demand and programs and plans to maintain the reliable operation of existing resources. In summary, the plan:

    forecasts 1.6-percent annual growth in the NSP System's energy and peak demand requirements;

    outlines NSP System's demand side management and conservation programs;

    shows new capacity needs of up to 600 megawatts by 2005 and 4,200 megawatts by 2015;

13


    describes the programs for achieving the mandated renewable energy sources of 425 megawatts of wind and 125 megawatts of biomass (NSP-Minnesota contracted for all 125 megawatts of biomass energy, but 80 megawatts of wind energy remains to be contracted); and

    updates the status of spent nuclear fuel at the Prairie Island plant and describes how it can continue to operate through the end of its license given different alternatives for storing spent nuclear fuel.

    The resource plan proposes to satisfy the NSP System resource needs through the following energy source options:

    continued use of existing generation facilities, including the repowering of Black Dog Units 1 and 2;

    demand reduction of an additional 910 megawatts by 2015 through conservation and load management;

    425 megawatts of wind energy and 125 megawatt of biomass energy under contract by 2002; and

    acquisition of competitively priced resources through competitive bidding.

    The MPUC is currently reviewing this resource plan. Key issues are the amount of demand side management investment, nuclear spent fuel storage and its impact on future resource needs and assumptions made regarding unaccounted for operating costs of wind. NSP-Minnesota expects the MPUC to issue an order about this resource plan in mid-2001.

    PSCo Resource Plan

    PSCo estimates it will purchase approximately 37 percent of its total electric system energy input for 2001. Approximately 36 percent of the total system capacity for the summer 2001 system peak demand for PSCo will be provided by purchased power.

    To meet the demand and energy needs of the rapidly growing economy in Colorado, PSCo recently completed a solicitation process that will add approximately 1,800 megawatts of resources to its system over the 2002-2005 time period. PSCo expects that purchased capacity will continue to meet a significant portion of system requirements at least through 2016.

    Purchased Transmission Services

    Xcel Energy's electric utility subsidiaries have contractual arrangements with regional transmission service providers to deliver power and energy to the subsidiaries' native load customers (retail and wholesale load obligations with terms of more than one year). Point-to-point transmission services typically include a charge for the specific amount of transmission capacity being reserved, although some agreements may base charges on the amount of metered energy delivered. Network transmission services include a charge for the metered demand at the delivery point at the time of the provider's monthly transmission system peak, usually calculated as a 12-month rolling average.


Fuel Supply and Costs

    The following tables present the delivered cost per million Btu of each category of fuel consumed by the system for electric generation during the years indicated, the percentage of total fuel

14


requirements represented by each category of fuel and the weighted average cost of all fuels during such years.

 
  Coal*
  Nuclear
   
 
  Average
Fuel Cost

NSP System generating plants:

  Cost
  Percent
  Cost
  Percent
2000   $ 1.11   60%   $ 0.45   36%   $ 0.91
1999     1.10   58%     0.48   38%     0.88
1998     1.00   60%     0.47   35%     0.85

*
Includes refuse-derived fuel and wood

 
  Coal
   
   
   
 
   
  Gas
Percent

  Average
Fuel Cost

PSCo generating plants:

  Cost
  Percent
  Cost
2000   $ 0.91   87%   $ 3.97   13%   $ 1.30
1999     0.90   92%     2.52   8%     1.04
1998     0.93   95%     2.46   5%     1.00
 
   
   
  Gas
   
 
   
  Coal
Percent

  Average
Fuel Cost

SPS generating plants:

  Cost
  Cost
  Percent
2000   $ 1.45   70%   $ 4.23   30%   $ 2.28
1999     1.41   70%     2.38   30%     1.70
1998     1.60   67%     2.19   33%     1.80

    NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin

    NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin normally maintain between 20 and 40 days of coal inventory at each plant site. NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin have long-term contracts providing for the delivery of up to 100 percent of 2001 coal requirements and up to 70 percent of their 2002 requirements. Coal delivery may be subject to short-term interruptions or reductions due to transportation problems, weather and availability of equipment.

    NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin expect that all of the coal they burn in 2001 will have a sulfur content of less than 1 percent. NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin have contracts for a maximum of 21.4 million tons of low-sulfur coal for the next two years. The contracts are with two Montana coal suppliers and four Wyoming suppliers. NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin could purchase approximately 5 percent of their coal requirements in the spot market in 2001 and 45 percent of coal requirements in 2002 if spot prices are more favorable than contracted prices.

    Estimated coal requirements at NSP-Minnesota's major coal-fired generating plants and the coal supply for such requirements are approximately 12 million tons per year, which is covered by contracts with expiration dates that vary between 2001 and 2003.

    NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin's current fuel oil inventory is adequate and they have access to additional spot purchase supplies to meet anticipated 2001 requirements. Additional oil may be obtained through spot purchases.

    To operate NSP-Minnesota's nuclear generating plants, NSP-Minnesota secures contracts for uranium concentrates, uranium conversion, uranium enrichment and fuel fabrication. The contract strategy involves a portfolio of spot purchases and medium- and long-term contracts for uranium, conversion and enrichment. Current contracts are flexible and cover 100 percent of uranium, conversion and enrichment requirements through the year 2001. These contracts expire at varying times between 2001 and 2005. The overlapping nature of contract commitments will allow NSP-Minnesota to maintain 50 percent to 100 percent coverage beyond 2001. NSP-Minnesota expects sufficient uranium,

15


conversion and enrichment to be available for the total fuel requirements of its nuclear generating plants. Fuel fabrication is 100 percent committed through 2004 and 30 percent committed through 2010.

    PSCo

    PSCo's primary fuel for its steam electric generating stations is low-sulfur western coal. PSCo's coal requirements are purchased primarily under seven long-term contracts with suppliers operating in Colorado and Wyoming. During 2000, PSCo's coal requirements for existing plants were approximately 9.9 million tons, a substantial portion of which was supplied pursuant to long-term supply contracts. Coal supply inventories at Dec. 31, 2000, were approximately 33 days usage, based on the average burn rate for all of PSCo's coal-fired plants.

    PSCo operates the Hayden Station, and has partial ownership in the Craig Station, in Colorado. All of Hayden Station's generating requirements are supplied under a long-term agreement. More than 75 percent of PSCo's Craig Station coal requirements are supplied under two long-term agreements. Any remaining Craig Station requirements for PSCo are supplied via spot coal purchases.

    PSCo has secured more than 75 percent of Cameo Station's coal requirements for 2001 and 2002. Any remaining requirements may be purchased from this contract or the spot market. PSCo has contracted for long-term coal supplies to supply approximately 40 percent of the Cherokee and Valmont Stations' projected requirements in 2001. In addition, PSCo has contracted for substantially all of Cherokee's and Valmont's remaining projected 2001 coal needs.

    PSCo has long-term coal supply agreements for the Pawnee and Comanche Stations' projected requirements. Under the long-term agreements, the supplier has dedicated specific coal reserves at the contractually defined mines to meet the contract quantity obligations. In addition, PSCo has a coal supply agreement to supply approximately 80 percent of Arapahoe Station's projected requirements for 2001. Any remaining Arapahoe Station requirements will be procured via spot purchases.

    PSCo uses both firm and interruptible natural gas and standby oil in combustion turbines and certain boilers. Natural gas supplies for PSCo's power plants are procured under short- and intermediate-term contracts on a competitive basis to provide an adequate supply of fuel.

    SPS

    SPS purchases all of its coal requirements for Harrington and Tolk electric generating stations from TUCO Inc., in the form of crushed, ready-to burn coal delivered to SPS' plant bunkers. For the Harrington station the coal supply contract expires in 2016 and the coal-handling agreement expires in 2004. For the Tolk station, the coal supply contract expires in 2017 and the coal-handling agreement expires in 2005. At Dec. 31, 2000, coal inventories at the Harrington and Tolk sites were approximately 30 and 32 days supply, respectively. TUCO has a long-term coal supply agreement to supply approximately 55 percent of Harrington's projected requirements in 2001. TUCO has long term contracts for supply of coal in sufficient quantities to meet the primary needs of the Tolk station.

    SPS has a number of short and intermediate contracts with natural gas suppliers operating in gas fields with long life expectancies in or near its service area. SPS also utilizes firm and interruptible transportation to minimize fuel costs during volatile market conditions and to provide reliability of supply. SPS maintains sufficient gas supplies under short- and intermediate-term contracts to meet all power plant requirements; however, due to flexible contract terms, approximately 55 percent of SPS' gas requirements during 2000 were purchased under spot agreements.

16



Nuclear Power Operations and Waste Disposal

    NSP-Minnesota owns two nuclear generating plants: the Monticello plant and the Prairie Island plant. Monticello began operation in 1971 and is licensed to operate until 2010. Prairie Island units 1 and 2 began operation in 1973 and 1974 and are licensed to operate until 2013 and 2014, respectively.

    Nuclear power plant operation produces gaseous, liquid and solid radioactive wastes. The discharge and handling of such wastes are controlled by federal regulation. High-level radioactive waste includes used nuclear fuel. Low-level radioactive waste consists primarily of demineralizer resins, paper, protective clothing, rags, tools and equipment that has become contaminated through use in the plant.

    Federal law places responsibility on each state for disposal of its low-level radioactive waste. Low-level radioactive waste from NSP-Minnesota's Monticello and Prairie Island nuclear plants is currently disposed of at the Barnwell facility, located in South Carolina (all classes of low-level waste), and the Clive facility, located in Utah (class A low-level waste only). Chem Nuclear is the owner and operator of the Barnwell facility, which has been given authorization by South Carolina to accept low-level radioactive waste from out of state. Envirocare, Inc. operates the Clive facility. NSP-Minnesota and Barnwell currently operate under an annual contract, while NSP-Minnesota uses the Envirocare facility through various low-level waste processors. NSP-Minnesota has low-level storage capacity available on-site at Prairie Island and Monticello that would allow both plants to continue to operate until the end of their licensed life, if off-site low-level disposal facilities were not available to NSP-Minnesota.

    The federal government has the responsibility to dispose of, or permanently store, domestic spent nuclear fuel and other high-level radioactive wastes. The Nuclear Waste Policy Act requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to implement a program for nuclear waste management. This includes the siting, licensing, construction and operation of a repository for domestically produced spent nuclear fuel from civilian nuclear power reactors and other high-level radioactive wastes at a permanent storage or disposal facility by 1998. None of NSP-Minnesota's spent nuclear fuel has yet been accepted by the DOE for disposal. See Item 3—Legal Proceedings and Note 13 to the Financial Statements under Item 8 for further discussion of this matter.

    NSP-Minnesota has on-site storage for spent nuclear fuel at its Monticello and Prairie Island nuclear plants. NSP-Minnesota has expanded the used nuclear fuel storage facilities at its Monticello plant by replacement of the racks in the storage pool and by shipping 1,058 used fuel assemblies to a General Electric storage facility. The Monticello plant is expected to have sufficient pool storage capacity to the end of its current operating license in 2010.

    The Prairie Island spent fuel pool has undergone two storage rack replacements. The on-site storage pool for spent nuclear fuel at Prairie Island was nearly filled and adequate space was no longer available. In 1994, a Minnesota law was enacted authorizing NSP-Minnesota to install 17 spent fuel casks for storage of spent nuclear fuel at Prairie Island. NSP-Minnesota has determined 17 casks will allow facility operation until 2007. As of Dec. 31, 2000, 12 storage casks were loaded and stored on the Prairie Island nuclear generating plant site. The Minnesota Legislature established several energy resource requirements and other commitments for NSP-Minnesota to obtain the Prairie Island temporary nuclear fuel storage facility approval. NSP-Minnesota has implemented programs to meet the legislative commitments.

    NSP-Minnesota is part of a consortium of private parties working to establish a private facility for interim storage of spent nuclear fuel. In 1997, Private Fuel Storage LLC (PFS) filed a license application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a national temporary storage site for spent nuclear fuel. The PFS will undertake the development, licensing, construction and operation of a storage facility on the Skull Valley Indian Reservation in Utah. The NRC license review process consists of formal evidentiary hearings and opportunity for public input. Storage cask certification

17


efforts are continuing, with one cask vendor on track to meet the project goals. The interim used fuel storage facility could be operational and able to accept the first shipment of spent nuclear fuel by 2004. However, due to uncertainty regarding regulatory and governmental approvals, it is possible that this interim storage may be delayed or not available at all.

    In March 2001, NSP-Minnesota signed a contract with Steam Generator Team Ltd. to perform engineering and construction services for the installation of replacement generators at the Prairie Island nuclear power plant. NSP-Minnesota is evaluating the economics of replacing two 25-year-old steam generators on unit 1 at the plant. NSP-Minnesota is taking steps to preserve the replacement option for as early as 2004. The total cost of replacing the steam generators is estimated to be approximately $132 million.

    The NRC has issued a number of regulations, bulletins and orders that require analyses, modification and additional equipment at commercial nuclear power plants. The NRC is engaged in various ongoing studies and rulemaking activities that may impose additional requirements upon commercial nuclear power plants. Management is unable to predict any new requirements or their impact on NSP-Minnesota's facilities and operations.

    Nuclear Management Company (NMC)

    During 1999, NSP-Minnesota, Wisconsin Electric Power Co., Wisconsin Public Service Corp. and Alliant Energy established the NMC. The four companies operate seven nuclear units at five sites, with a total generation capacity exceeding 3,650 megawatts.

    During the second quarter of 2000, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved requests by NMC's four affiliated utilities to transfer operating authority for their five nuclear plants to NMC. NRC action paves the way for NMC to assume management of operations and maintenance at the five plants. The NRC also is considering requests from three intervenors for hearings regarding NSP-Minnesota's application. NMC responsibilities will include oversight of on-site dry storage facilities for used nuclear fuel at the Point Beach and Prairie Island nuclear plants. Utility plant owners will continue to own the plants, control all energy produced by the plants and retain responsibility for nuclear liability insurance and decommissioning costs. The transfer of operating authority will formally establish NMC as an operating company, with a senior management team focused on sharing best practices. Existing personnel will continue to provide day-to-day plant operations, with the additional benefit of tapping into ideas from all NMC-operated plants for improved safety, reliability and operational performance.

    During the third quarter of 2000, NMC and Consumers Energy (CE) reached an agreement for the NMC to operate CE's 789-megawatt Palisades nuclear plant in Covert, Mich. The addition of Palisades gives NMC 4,500 megawatts of generation, making it the sixth largest operator of nuclear plants in the United States.

    For further discussion of nuclear issues, see Note 12 and Note 13 to the Financial Statements under Item 8.

18



Electric Operating Statistics (NSP-Minnesota)

 
  Year Ended Dec. 31,
 
  2000
  1999
  1998
Electric sales (millions of Kwh):                  
  Residential     8,995     8,642     8,420
  Commercial     5,610     5,163     5,060
  Industrial     17,925     17,555     17,385
  Public authorities and other     280     285     286
   
 
 
    Total retail     32,810     31,645     31,151
  Sales for resale     6,764     6,252     5,842
   
 
 
    Total energy sold     39,574     37,897     36,993
   
 
 

Number of customers at end of period:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Residential     1,137,649     1,115,974     1,099,103
  Commercial     126,321     131,154     126,500
  Industrial     7,895     8,989     8,746
  Public authorities and other     5,408     5,330     5,232
   
 
 
    Total retail     1,277,273     1,261,447     1,239,581
  Wholesale     80     72     68
   
 
 
    Total customers     1,277,353     1,261,519     1,239,649
   
 
 

Electric revenues (thousands of dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Residential   $ 705,502   $ 682,783   $ 653,625
  Commercial     368,964     344,245     330,526
  Industrial     876,303     868,700     829,282
  Public authorities and other     27,218     27,268     26,800
  Conservation accrual adjustment         (71,348 )  
   
 
 
    Total retail     1,977,987     1,851,648     1,840,233
  Wholesale     179,770     152,442     133,953
  Other electric revenues     254,126     263,123     269,587
   
 
 
    Total electric revenues   $ 2,411,883   $ 2,267,213   $ 2,243,773
   
 
 

Kwh sales per retail customer

 

 

25,688

 

 

25,087

 

 

25,130
Revenue per retail customer   $ 1,548.60   $ 1,467.88   $ 1,484.56
Residential revenue per Kwh     7.84¢     7.90¢     7.76¢
Commercial revenue per Kwh     6.58¢     6.67¢     6.53¢
Industrial revenue per Kwh     4.89¢     4.95¢     4.77¢
Wholesale revenue per Kwh     2.66¢     2.44¢     2.29¢

19



Electric Operating Statistics (NSP-Wisconsin)

 
  Year Ended Dec. 31,
 
  2000
  1999
  1998
Electric sales (millions of Kwh):                  
  Residential     1,774     1,731     1,706
  Commercial     1,027     954     939
  Industrial     2,759     2,709     2,694
  Public authorities and other     40     40     41
   
 
 
    Total retail     5,600     5,434     5,380
  Sales for resale     473     471     462
   
 
 
    Total energy sold     6,073     5,905     5,842
   
 
 

Number of customers at end of period:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Residential     191,287     190,926     187,977
  Commercial     31,588     29,775     29,036
  Industrial     1,487     1,471     1,491
  Public authorities and other     1,047     1,019     1,011
   
 
 
    Total retail     225,409     223,191     219,515
  Wholesale     10     10     10
   
 
 
    Total customers     225,419     223,201     219,525
   
 
 

Electric revenues (thousands of dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Residential   $ 131,201   $ 126,744   $ 121,178
  Commercial     65,992     61,375     59,218
  Industrial     129,306     125,129     120,665
  Public authorities and other     4,450     4,400     4,254
   
 
 
    Total retail     330,949     317,648     305,315
  Wholesale     16,936     17,292     16,769
  Sales to NSP-Minnesota     73,425     74,214     73,674
  Other electric revenues     3,167     2,378     2,739
   
 
 
    Total electric revenues   $ 424,477   $ 411,532   $ 398,497
   
 
 

Kwh sales per retail customer

 

 

24,843

 

 

24,463

 

 

24,509
Revenue per retail customer   $ 1,468.22   $ 1,423.21   $ 1,390.86
Residential revenue per Kwh     7.40¢     7.32¢     7.10¢
Commercial revenue per Kwh     6.43¢     6.43¢     6.30¢
Industrial revenue per Kwh     4.69¢     4.62¢     4.48¢
Wholesale revenue per Kwh     3.58¢     3.67¢     3.63¢

20


Electric Operating Statistics (PSCo)

 
  Year Ended Dec. 31,
 
  2000
  1999
  1998
Electric sales (millions of Kwh) (1):                  
  Residential     7,647     6,997     6,821
  Commercial     12,183     11,575     10,908
  Industrial     4,850     4,552     4,861
  Public authorities and other     252     233     219
   
 
 
    Total retail     24,932     23,357     22,809
  Sales for resale     9,148     5,413     8,309
   
 
 
    Total energy sold     34,080     28,770     31,118
   
 
 

Number of customers at end of period:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Residential     1,019,961     994,318     970,217
  Commercial     133,669     130,663     127,386
  Industrial     278     309     325
  Public authorities and other     86,364     84,675     82,764
   
 
 
    Total retail     1,240,272     1,209,965     1,180,692
  Wholesale     96     54     50
   
 
 
    Total customers     1,240,368     1,210,019     1,180,742
   
 
 

Electric revenues (thousands of dollars) (1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Residential   $ 558,153   $ 527,396   $ 516,475
  Commercial     646,818     617,620     595,092
  Industrial     197,693     194,805     208,478
  Public authorities and other     32,185     30,862     29,959
   
 
 
    Total retail     1,434,849     1,370,683     1,350,004
  Wholesale     576,404     175,688     268,705
  Other electric revenues     2,479     12,004     16,864
   
 
 
    Total electric utility revenues   $ 2,013,732   $ 1,558,375   $ 1,635,573
   
 
 

Kwh sales per retail customer

 

 

20,102

 

 

19,304

 

 

19,319
Revenue per retail customer   $ 1,156.88   $ 1,132.83   $ 1,143.40
Residential revenue per Kwh     7.30¢     7.54¢     7.57¢
Commercial revenue per Kwh     5.31¢     5.34¢     5.46¢
Industrial revenue per Kwh     4.08¢     4.28¢     4.29¢
Wholesale revenue per Kwh     6.30¢     3.25¢     3.23¢

(1)
Comparison of electric sales and revenues by customer class for the periods presented are impacted by a change in presentation from billing cycle to calendar cycle.

21


Electric Operating Statistics (SPS)

 
  Year Ended Dec. 31,
 
 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
Electric sales (millions of Kwh) (2):                    
  Residential     3,467     3,104     3,204  
  Commercial     5,424     3,469     3,086  
  Industrial     6,959     7,708     8,504  
  Public authorities and other     608     549     636  
   
 
 
 
    Total retail     16,458     14,830     15,430  
  Sales for resale     9,898     8,864     8,123  
   
 
 
 
    Total energy sold     26,356     23,694     23,553  
   
 
 
 

Number of customers at end of period (2):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Residential     311,660     308,162     312,539  
  Commercial     74,067     71,392     58,535  
  Industrial     276     185     12,622  
  Public authorities and other     5,705     4,834     824  
   
 
 
 
    Total retail     391,708     384,573     384,520  
  Wholesale     34     53     267  
   
 
 
 
    Total customers     391,742     384,626     384,787  
   
 
 
 

Electric revenues (thousands of Dollars) (2):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Residential   $ 198,123   $ 176,249   $ 192,881  
  Commercial     269,526     195,170     167,350  
  Industrial     189,193     223,686     304,132  
  Public authorities and other     30,275     28,392     32,958  
   
 
 
 
    Total retail     687,117     623,497     697,321  
  Wholesale     393,502     274,873     280,922  
  Other electric revenues (1)     (1,039 )   27,567     (27,056 )
   
 
 
 
    Total electric revenues   $ 1,079,580   $ 925,937   $ 951,187  
   
 
 
 

Kwh sales per retail customer

 

 

42,013

 

 

38,565

 

 

40,133

 
Revenue per retail customer   $ 1,754.16   $ 1,621.27   $ 1,813.48  
Residential revenue per Kwh     5.72¢     5.68¢     6.02¢  
Commercial revenue per Kwh     4.97¢     5.63¢     5.42¢  
Industrial revenue per Kwh     2.72¢     2.90¢     3.58¢  
Wholesale revenue per Kwh     3.98¢     3.10¢     3.46¢  

(1)
Other electric revenues is negative in 1998 primarily due to the recognition of lower deferred fuel revenues resulting from cost reductions for fuel used in generation.

(2)
Comparison of energy sales, customers and electric revenues by customer class for the periods presented are impacted by: 1) a change in criteria for counting customers resulting from SPS's implementation of a new customer information system during 1999, 2) effective August 1999, a reclassification to include only large commercial and industrial customers within the industrial category, to be consistent with PSCo and  recommended utility industry guidelines, and 3) a change in presentation from billing cycle to calendar cycle.

22



GAS UTILITY OPERATIONS

Competition and Industry Restructuring

    In the early 1990's, the FERC issued Order No. 636, which mandated unbundling interstate natural gas pipeline services—sales, transportation, storage and ancillary services. The implementation of Order No. 636 has resulted in additional competitive pressure on all local distribution companies (LDC) to keep gas supply and transmission prices for their large customers competitive. Customers have greater ability to buy gas directly from suppliers and arrange their own pipeline and LDC transportation service. Changes in regulatory policies and market forces have shifted the industry from traditional bundled gas sales service to an unbundled transportation and market based commodity service.

    The natural gas delivery or transportation business has remained competitive as industrial and large commercial customers have the ability to bypass the local gas utility through the construction of interconnections directly with, and the purchase of gas directly from, interstate pipelines, thereby avoiding the delivery charges added by the local gas utility. The gas utility subsidiaries of Xcel Energy have and will continue to aggressively pursue the retention of all customers on their systems.

    NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin provide unbundled transportation service to large customers. Transportation service does not have an adverse effect on earnings because NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin's sales and transportation rates have been designed to make NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin economically indifferent to whether gas has been sold and transported or merely transported. However, some transportation customers may have greater opportunities or incentives to physically bypass the LDC distribution system.

    PSCo provides unbundled transportation service to large customers. and has participated fully in state regulatory and legislative efforts to develop a framework for extending unbundling down to the residential and small commercial level. PSCo supported a gas unbundling bill, passed by the Colorado Legislature in 1999, that provides the CPUC the authority and responsibility to approve voluntary unbundling plans submitted by Colorado gas utilities in the future. PSCo has not filed a plan to open its natural gas supply business to competition and continues to evaluate its business opportunities for doing so.

    PSCo extends and operates its distribution systems primarily by virtue of non-exclusive franchises granted by the various cities and towns. The PCUC approves such franchise agreements. Because the franchises are non-exclusive, PSCo can be faced with the threat of intrusion into their gas territory by third parties. PSCo holds territorial certificates for a portion of their gas service territory, giving them the exclusive right to extend their distribution system and provide natural gas sales and transportation service. However, for the majority of their gas service territory, no such territorial certificates exist. PSCo has filed with the CPUC an application to certify its gas service territory along the front range of Colorado. PSCo is pursuing settlement negotiations and expects a resolution during 2001.


Capability and Demand

    NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin

    NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin categorizes its gas supply requirements as firm or interruptible (customers with an alternate energy supply). The maximum daily sendout (firm and interruptible) for the combined system of NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin was 730,026 mmBtu for 2000, which occurred on Dec. 11, 2000.

    NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin purchase gas from independent suppliers. The gas is delivered under gas transportation agreements with interstate pipelines. These agreements provide for firm deliverable pipeline capacity of approximately 630,000 mmBtu/day. In addition, NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin have contracted with providers of underground natural gas storage services. Using

23


storage reduces the need for firm pipeline capacity. These storage agreements provide storage for approximately 16 percent of annual and 23 percent of peak daily, firm requirements of NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin.

    NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin also own and operate two liquified natural gas (LNG) plants with a storage capacity of 2.5 bcf equivalent and four propane-air plants with a storage capacity of 1.4 bcf equivalent to help meet its peak requirements. These peak-shaving facilities have production capacity equivalent to 246,000 mcf of natural gas per day, or approximately 32 percent of peak day firm requirements. LNG and propane-air plants provide a cost-effective alternative to annual fixed pipeline transportation charges to meet the peaks caused by firm space heating demand on extremely cold winter days and can be used to minimize daily imbalance fees on interstate pipelines.

    Gas utilities in Minnesota are required to file for a change in gas supply contract levels to meet peak demand, to redistribute demand costs among classes, or exchange one form of demand for another. In July 2000, the MPUC approved NSP's 1999-2000 entitlement levels, which allow NSP-Minnesota to recover the demand entitlement costs associated with the increase in transportation and storage levels in its monthly PGA. NSP-Minnesota's filing for approval of its 2000-2001 entitlement levels is pending MPUC action.

    PSCo

    PSCo projects peak day gas supply requirements for firm sales and backup transportation (transportation customers contracting for firm supply backup) to be 1,596,640 mmBtu. In addition, firm transportation customers hold 379,720 mmBtu of capacity without supply backup. Total firm delivery obligations for PSCo is 1,976,360 mmBtu per day. The maximum daily delivery for 2000 (firm and interruptible services) was 1,540,519 mmBtu on Dec. 11, 2000.

    PSCo purchases gas from independent suppliers. The gas supplies are delivered to the respective delivery systems through a combination of transportation agreements with interstate pipelines and deliveries by suppliers directly to each company. These agreements provide for firm deliverable pipeline capacity of 1,153,208 mmBtu/day, which includes 716,614 mmBtu of supplies held under third-party storage agreements. In addition, PSCo operates three company-owned storage facilities, which provide about 147,980 mmBtu of gas supplies on a peak day. The balance of the quantities required to meet firm peak day sales obligations are primarily purchased at the companies' citygate meter stations and a small amount received directly from wellhead sources.

    PSCo has received approval to abandon one if its three storage facilities, Leyden Storage Field, beginning October 2001. The field's 110,000 mmBtu peak day capacity will be replaced in 2001 with additional third-party storage and transportation capacity.

    PSCo is required by CPUC regulations to file a gas purchase plan by June of each year projecting and describing the quantities of gas supplies, upstream services and the costs of those supplies and services for the period beginning July 1 through June 30 of the following year. PSCo is also required to file a gas purchase report by October of each year reporting actual quantities and costs incurred for gas supplies and upstream services for the 12-month period ending the previous June 30. PSCo has filed the required Plans with the CPUC, which is reviewing the gas purchase report for the period July 1, 1999, through June 30, 2000.


Gas Supply and Costs

    Xcel Energy's gas utilities actively seek gas supply, transportation and storage alternatives to yield a diversified portfolio that provides increased flexibility, decreased interruption and financial risk, and economical rates. This diversification involves numerous domestic and Canadian supply sources, with varied contract lengths.

24


    The following table summarizes the average cost per mmBtu of gas purchased for resale by Xcel Energy's regulated retail gas distribution business.

 
  NSP-Minnesota
  NSP-Wisconsin
  PSCo
2000   $ 4.56   $ 4.71   $ 4.48
1999   $ 2.97   $ 3.32   $ 2.85
1998   $ 2.83   $ 3.18   $ 2.64

    The cost of gas supply, transportation service and storage service is recovered through various cost recovery adjustment mechanisms.

    NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin

    NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin have firm gas transportation contracts with several pipelines, which expire in various years from 2001 through 2013. Approximately 80 percent of NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin's retail gas customers are served from the Northern Natural pipeline system.

    In addition to fixed transportation charge obligations, NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin have entered into firm gas supply agreements that provide for the payment of monthly or annual reservation charges irrespective of the volume of gas purchased. The total annual obligation is approximately $18 million. These agreements allow NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin to purchase natural gas at a high load factor at rates below the prevailing market price, reducing the total cost per mmBtu.

    NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin have certain gas supply and transportation agreements that include obligations for the purchase and/or delivery of specified volumes of gas or to make payments in lieu of delivery. At Dec. 31, 2000, NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin were committed to approximately $221 million in such obligations under these contracts, which range from the years 2001-2013. NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin have negotiated market out clauses in their new supply agreements, which reduce purchase obligations if NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin no longer provide merchant gas service.

    NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin purchase firm gas supply from approximately 30 domestic and Canadian suppliers under contracts with durations of one year to 10 years. NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin purchase no more than 20 percent of their total daily supply from any single supplier. This diversity of suppliers and contract lengths allows NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin to maintain competition from suppliers and minimize supply costs.

    NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin have completed substantially all of their obligations related to gas supply transportation and storage contracts that resulted from FERC Order 636.

    PSCo

    PSCo has attempted to maintain low-cost, reliable natural gas supplies by optimizing a balance of long-term and short-term gas purchases, firm transportation and gas storage contracts. During 2000, PSCo purchased natural gas from approximately 47 suppliers.

    PSCo has completed substantially all of their obligations related to gas supply transportation and storage contracts that resulted from FERC Order 636. PSCo has entered into new contracts for firm transportation and gas storage services. Adequate supplies of natural gas are currently available for delivery within the region. PSCo continually evaluates the natural gas markets and procure supplies, as needed, to meet current and anticipated customer demand.

25



Gas Operating Statistics (NSP-Minnesota)

 
  Year Ended Dec. 31,

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
Gas deliveries (thousands of Dth):            
  Residential   38,461   34,478   31,949
  Commercial and industrial   41,257   39,441   37,601
  Other   1,225   1,691   3,327
   
 
 
    Total retail   80,943   75,610   72,877
  Transportation and other   9,510   12,463   14,337
   
 
 
    Total deliveries   90,453   88,073   87,214
   
 
 
Number of customers at end of period:            
  Residential   371,894   368,468   351,459
  Commercial and industrial   35,381   40,383   33,891
   
 
 
    Total retail   407,275   408,851   385,350
  Transportation and other   51   51   49
   
 
 
    Total customers   407,326   408,902   385,399
   
 
 
Gas Revenues (thousands of dollars):            
  Residential   $285,868   $196,190   $187,736
  Commercial and industrial   227,414   150,570   144,679
  Other   1,569   1,495   4,721
   
 
 
    Total retail   514,851   348,255   337,136
  Transportation and other   21,849   17,580   23,432
   
 
 
    Total gas revenues   $536,700   $365,835   $360,568
   
 
 
Dth sales per retail customer   198.74   184.93   189.12
Revenue per retail customer   $1,264.14   $851.79   $874.88
Residential revenue per Dth   $7.43   $5.69   $5.88
Commercial and industrial revenue per Dth   $5.51   $3.82   $3.85
Transportation and other revenue per Dth   $2.30   $1.41   $1.63

26



Gas Operating Statistics (NSP-Wisconsin)

 
  Year Ended Dec. 31,
 
  2000
  1999
  1998
Gas deliveries (thousands of Dth):            
  Residential   6,281   5,744   5,168
  Commercial and industrial   11,544   10,678   9,808
  Other   868   1,263   1,704
   
 
 
    Total retail   18,693   17,685   16,680
  Transportation and other   1,353   1,310   1,272
   
 
 
    Total deliveries   20,046   18,995   17,952
   
 
 
Number of customers at end of period:            
  Residential   75,449   75,224   72,673
  Commercial and industrial   10,626   10,503   10,277
   
 
 
    Total retail   86,075   85,727   82,950
  Transportation and other     12   9
   
 
 
    Total customers   86,075   85,739   82,959
   
 
 
Gas revenues (thousands of dollars):            
  Residential   $49,156   $37,732   $35,034
  Commercial and industrial   58,249   41,562   39,049
  Other   1,946   2,891   4,571
   
 
 
    Total retail   109,351   82,185   78,654
  Transportation and other   672   190   191
   
 
 
    Total gas revenues   $110,023   $82,375   $78,845
   
 
 
Dth sales per retail customer   217.17   206.29   201.08
Revenue per retail customer   $1,270.42   $958.68   $948.21
Residential revenue per Dth   $7.83   $6.57   $6.78
Commercial and industrial revenue per Dth   $5.05   $3.89   $3.98
Transportation and other revenue per Dth   $0.50   $0.15   $0.15

27



Gas Operating Statistics (PSCo)

 
  Year Ended Dec. 31,
 
  2000
  1999
  1998
Gas deliveries (thousands of Dth):            
  Residential   90,270   82,594   81,666
  Commercial and industrial   41,165   38,419   39,376
   
 
 
    Total retail   131,435   121,013   121,042
  Transportation and other   117,992   89,286   90,746
   
 
 
    Total deliveries   249,427   210,299   211,788
   
 
 
Number of customers at end of period:            
  Residential   1,001,951   966,515   932,829
  Commercial and industrial   94,516   92,515   90,858
   
 
 
    Total retail   1,096,467   1,059,030   1,023,687
  Transportation and other   3,713   3,083   2,731
   
 
 
    Total customers   1,099,640   1,062,113   1,026,418
   
 
 
Gas revenues (thousands of dollars):            
  Residential   $526,409   $442,578   $423,875
  Commercial and industrial   208,589   174,671   175,291
   
 
 
    Total retail   734,998   617,249   599,166
  Transportation and other   52,112   40,573   40,898
   
 
 
    Total gas revenues   $787,110   $657,822   $640,064
   
 
 
Dth sales per retail customer   119.87   114.27   118.24
Revenue per retail customer   $67.03   $58.28   $58.53
Residential revenue per Dth   $5.83   $5.36   $5.19
Commercial and industrial revenue per Dth   $5.07   $4.55   $4.45
Transportation and other revenue per Dth   $0.44   $0.45   $0.45


ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

    Certain of Xcel Energy's subsidiary facilities are regulated by federal and state environmental agencies. These agencies have jurisdiction over air emissions, water quality, wastewater discharges, solid wastes and hazardous substances. Various company activities require registrations, permits, licenses, inspections and approvals from these agencies. Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries have received all necessary authorizations for the construction and continued operation of its generation, transmission and distribution systems. Company facilities have been designed and constructed to operate in compliance with applicable environmental standards.

    Xcel Energy and its subsidiaries strive to comply with all environmental regulations applicable to their operations. However, it is not possible at this time to determine when or to what extent additional facilities or modifications of existing or planned facilities will be required as a result of changes to environmental regulations, interpretations or enforcement policies or, generally, what effect future laws or regulations may have upon their operations. For more information on Environmental Matters, see Note 12 to the Financial Statements under Item 8 and Management's Discussion and Analysis under Item 7.

28



EMPLOYEES

    The number of Xcel Energy utility subsidiary employees at Dec. 31, 2000, is presented in the following table. Of the employees listed in the table, approximately 5,350, or 46 percent, are covered under collective bargaining agreements. Xcel Energy Service Co. employees provide service to Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries.



NSP-Minnesota   4,575
NSP-Wisconsin   949
PSCo   2,779
SPS   1,189
Xcel Energy Service Co.   2,219

29



Item 2—Properties

    Virtually all of the utility plant of NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin is subject to the lien of their first mortgage bond indentures.

    Electric utility generating stations:

NSP — Minnesota

Station and Unit

  Fuel
  Installed
  Summer 2000
Capability (Mw)

Sherburne            
  Unit 1   Coal   1976   712
  Unit 2   Coal   1977   706
  Unit 3   Coal   1987   522
Prairie Island            
  Unit 1   Nuclear   1973   525
  Unit 2   Nuclear   1974   524
Monticello   Nuclear   1971   572
King   Coal   1968   571
Black Dog            
  2 Units   Coal/Natural Gas   1955-1960   284
High Bridge            
  2 Units   Coal   1956-1959   269
Riverside            
  2 Units   Coal   1964-1987   384
Other   Various   Various   1,080
           
        Total   6,149
           

NSP-Minnesota's 59 percent of Sherco unit 3's total capability

NSP — Wisconsin

Station and Unit

  Fuel
  Installed
  Summer 2000 Capability (Mw)
Combustion Turbine:            
  Flambeau Station   Natural Gas/Oil   1969   14
  Wheaton            
    6 Units   Natural Gas/Oil   1973   345
  French Island            
    2 Units   Oil   1974   154
Steam:            
  Bay Front            
    3 Units   Coal/Wood/Natural Gas   1945-1960   74
  French Island            
    2 Units   Wood/RDF   1940-1948   29
Hydro:            
  19 Plants       Various   249
           
        Total   865
           
RDF is refuse derived fuel, made from municipal solid waste            

30


PSCo

Station and Unit

  Fuel
  Installed
  Summer 2000 Capability (Mw)
Steam:            
  Arapahoe            
    4 Units   Coal   1950-1955   246
  Cameo            
    2 Units   Coal   1957-1960   73
  Cherokee            
    4 Units   Coal   1957-1968   717
  Comanche            
    2 Units   Coal   1973-1975   660
  Craig            
    2 Units   Coal   1979-1980 (a) 83
  Hayden            
    2 Units   Coal   1965-1976 (b) 237
  Pawnee   Coal   1981   505
  Valmont   Coal   1964   186
  Zuni            
    3 Units   Natural Gas/Oil   1948-1954   86
Combustion Turbines:            
  Fort St. Vrain            
    4 Units   Natural Gas   1979-1998   465
  Various Locations            
    6 Units   Natural Gas   Various   159
Hydro:            
  Various Locations            
    14 Units(c)       Various   37
  Cabin Creek       1967   210
    Pumped Storage            
Diesel Generators:            
  Cherokee            
    2 Units       1967   6
           
        Total   3,670
           

(a)
Based on PSCo ownership interest of 9.72 percent

(b)
Based on PSCo ownership interest of 75.5 percent of unit 1 and 37.4 percent of unit 2

(c)
Includes one station (2 units) not owned by PSCo but operated under contract

31


SPS

Station and Unit

  Fuel
  Installed
  Summer 2000 Capability (Mw)
Steam:            
  Harrington            
    3 Units   Coal   1976-1980   1,066
  Tolk            
    2 Units   Coal   1982-1985   1,080
  Jones            
    2 Units   Natural Gas   1971-1974   486
  Plant X            
    4 Units   Natural Gas   1952-1964   442
  Nichols            
    3 Units   Natural Gas   1960-1968   457
  Cunningham            
    2 Units   Natural Gas   1957-1965   267
  Maddox   Natural Gas   1983   118
  CZ-2   Purchased Steam   1979   26
  Moore County   Natural Gas   1954   48
Gas Turbine:            
  Carlsbad   Natural Gas   1977   13
  CZ-1   Hot Nitrogen   1965   13
  Maddox   Natural Gas   1983   66
  Riverview   Natural Gas   1973   23
  Cunningham   Natural Gas   1998   220
           
        Total   4,325
           

    Electric utility overhead and underground transmission and distribution lines at Dec. 31, 2000:

Pole Miles

  NSP-Minnesota
  NSP-Wisconsin
  PSCo
  SPS
500 kilovolt (kv)   265   0   0   0
345 kv   568   166   112   319
230 kv   284   0   1,683   1,582
161 kv   59   280   0   0
138 kv   0   0   65   0
115 kv   1,206   449   772   2,459
Less than 115 kv   39,473   11,162   22,843   17,817

    Electric utility transmission and distribution substations at Dec. 31, 2000:

Quantity

  NSP-Minnesota
  NSP-Wisconsin
  PSCo
  SPS
    349   205   367   304

    Gas utility mains at Dec. 31, 2000:

Miles

  NSP-Minnesota
  NSP-Wisconsin
  PSCo
  SPS
Transmission   116   0   2,212   0
Distribution   8,384   1,870   16,253   0

32



Item 3—Legal Proceedings

    In the normal course of business, various lawsuits and claims have arisen against the utility subsidiaries of Xcel Energy. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, has recorded an estimate of the probable cost of settlement or other disposition for such matters.

    NSP-Minnesota

    On June 8, 1998, NSP-Minnesota filed a complaint in the Court of Federal Claims against the DOE requesting damages in excess of $1 billion for the DOE's partial breach of the Standard Contract. NSP-Minnesota requested damages consisting of the costs of storage of spent nuclear fuel at the Prairie Island nuclear generating plant, anticipated costs related to the Private Fuel Storage, LLC and costs relating to the 1994 state legislation limiting the number of casks that can be used to store spent nuclear fuel at Prairie Island. On April 6, 1999, the Court of Federal Claims dismissed NSP-Minnesota's complaint. On May 20, 1999, NSP-Minnesota appealed to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. On Aug. 31, 2000, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reversed and remanded to the Court of Federal Claims. On Dec. 26, 2000, NSP-Minnesota filed a motion with the Court of Federal Claims to amend its complaint and renew its motion for summary judgment on the DOE's liability. These motions are pending before the Court of Federal Claims. On Jan. 9, 2001, the DOE filed a motion with the Chief Judge for the Court of Federal Claims asking that all cases against the DOE arising out of alleged breaches of the Standard Contract be reassigned to one judge. The DOE also asked for the extraordinary remedy of binding parties not currently party to an action before the Court of Claims to a determination in the proposed consolidated action. This motion is pending before the Court of Federal Claims.

    In April 1997, a fire damaged several buildings in downtown Grand Forks, N. D., during a flood in the city. On July 23, 1998, the St. Paul Mercury Insurance Co. commenced a lawsuit against NSP-Minnesota for damages in excess of $15 million. The suit was filed in the District Court in Grand Forks County in North Dakota. The insurance company alleged the fire was electrical in origin and that NSP-Minnesota was legally responsible for the fire because it failed to shut off electrical power to downtown Grand Forks during the flood and prior to the fire. Seven additional lawsuits were filed against NSP-Minnesota by insurance companies that insured businesses damaged by the fire. One additional lawsuit was filed by a bank. The total of damages sought by all these lawsuits was in excess of $30 million. NSP-Minnesota denied any liability. On Sept. 8, 2000, the jury returned a defense verdict in favor of NSP-Minnesota. The plaintiffs did not appeal this verdict.

    NSP-Wisconsin

    In 1997, NSP-Wisconsin was served with a summons and complaint on behalf of the owners of Schachtner Farms located in Deer Park, Wis. The complaint alleged that stray voltage from NSP-Wisconsin's system harmed their dairy herd, resulting in lost milk production, injury to the dairy herd, lost profits and increased veterinary expenses. On Nov. 23, 1999, the jury returned a verdict finding NSP-Wisconsin negligent and awarding Schachtner Farms $850,000 for economic damages and $200,000 for inconvenience, annoyance and loss of use and enjoyment of their property plus costs and interest. The Court trebled the damages because the jury found that NSP-Wisconsin was willful, wanton or reckless in its failure to provide adequate service to the farm. NSP-Wisconsin has appealed the decision to the Court of Appeals, Third District, of the State of Wisconsin. The claim was resolved on Dec. 20, 2000, on a confidential basis. NSP-Wisconsin's contribution to the settlement was reduced by insurance coverage.

    For a discussion of other legal claims and environmental proceedings, see Note 14 to the Financial Statements under Item 8, incorporated by reference. For a discussion of proceedings involving utility

33


rates, see "Regulatory Matters" under Item 1, and Management's Discussion and Analysis under Item 7, all incorporated by reference.


Item 4—Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

    This is omitted per conditions set forth in general instructions I (1) (a) and (b) of Form 10-K for wholly owned subsidiaries (reduced disclosure format).


PART II

Item 5—Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

    This is not applicable as NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS are wholly owned subsidiaries.


Item 6—Selected Financial Data

    This is omitted per conditions set forth in general instructions I (1) (a) and (b) of Form 10-K for wholly owned subsidiaries (reduced disclosure format).


Item 7—Management's Discussion and Analysis

    Discussion of financial condition and liquidity for the utility subsidiaries of Xcel Energy are omitted per conditions set forth in general instructions I (1) (a) and (b) of Form 10-K for wholly owned subsidiaries. It is replaced with management's narrative analysis and the results of operations for the current year as set forth in general instructions I (2) (a) of Form 10-K for wholly owned subsidiaries (reduced disclosure format).

Forward Looking Information

    The following discussion and analysis by management focuses on those factors that had a material effect on the financial condition and results of operations of Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries during the periods presented, or are expected to have a material impact in the future. It should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes.

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

    general economic conditions, including their impact on capital expenditures

    business conditions in the energy industry

    competitive factors

    unusual weather

    changes in federal or state legislation

    regulation

    the other risk factors listed from time to time by the utility subsidiaries of Xcel Energy in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including Exhibit 99.01 to this Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2000.

34


NSP-Minnesota's Management's Discussion and Analysis

Results of Operations

    NSP-Minnesota's net income was approximately $111.2 million for 2000, compared with approximately $159.0 million for the 1999.

Special Charges

    During 2000, NSP-Minnesota expensed pretax special charges totaling approximately $72.1 million. The pretax charges included expenses related to one-time transaction-related costs incurred in connection with the merger of NSP and NCE and pretax charges pertaining to incremental costs of transition and integration activities associated with the merger. For more information, see Note 2 to the Financial Statements under Item 8.

Electric Utility Margins

    The following table details the change in electric revenue and margin. Electric production expenses tend to vary with changing retail and wholesale sales requirements and unit cost changes in fuel and purchased power. Due to fuel clause cost recovery mechanisms for retail customers in several states and the ability to vary wholesale prices with changing market conditions, most fluctuations in energy costs do not affect electric margin. However, the fuel clause cost recovery in the Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota jurisdictions does not allow for complete recovery of all variable production expenses and, therefore, higher costs in periods of extreme temperatures can result in an adverse earnings impact.

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
  (Millions of dollars)

Electric retail and firm wholesale revenue   $ 2,248   $ 2,136   $ 2,125
Short-term wholesale revenue     164     131     119
   
 
 
  Total electric utility revenue     2,412     2,267     2,244

Electric retail and firm wholesale fuel and purchase power

 

 

750

 

 

714

 

 

631
Short-term wholesale fuel and purchase power     119     97     95
   
 
 
  Total electric utility fuel and purchase power     869     811     726

Electric retail and firm wholesale margin

 

 

1,498

 

 

1,422

 

 

1,494
Short-term wholesale margin     45     34     24
   
 
 
  Total electric utility margin   $ 1,543   $ 1,456   $ 1,518
   
 
 

    Electric revenue increased by approximately $145 million, or 6.4 percent in 2000. Electric margin increased by approximately $87 million, or 6.0 percent in 2000. Weather normalized retail sales increased by 3.5 percent in 2000, increasing retail revenue by approximately $66 million and retail margin by approximately $52 million. In addition, 1999 electric retail revenue and margin were reduced by $32 million for the disallowance of 1998 conservation incentives by the MPUC (for more information, see Note 12 to the Financial Statements). Short-term wholesale revenue increased by $33 million and margin increased by $11 million due to the expansion of NSP-Minnesota's wholesale marketing operations and favorable market conditions.

Gas Utility Margins

    The following table details the change in gas revenue and margin. The cost of gas tends to vary with changing sales requirements and unit cost of gas purchases. However, due to purchased gas cost

35


recovery mechanisms for retail customers, fluctuations in the cost of gas have little effect on gas margin.

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
 
  (Millions of dollars)

 
Gas revenue   $ 537   $ 366   $ 361  
Cost of gas purchased and transported     (383 )   (230 )   (226 )
   
 
 
 
Gas margin   $ 154   $ 136   $ 135  
   
 
 
 

    Gas revenue increased by approximately $171 million, or 46.7 percent, in 2000, primarily due to increases in the cost of gas, which is recovered in Minnesota through the purchased gas adjustment clause and more favorable temperatures. Gas margin increased by approximately $18 million, or 13.2 percent, in 2000 due to firm gas sales growth, increased interruptible sales and higher transportation revenues.

Non-Fuel Operating Expense and Other Costs

    Other Operating and Maintenance Expense increased by approximately $44 million, or 6.3 percent, for 2000, compared with 1999. The increase is largely due to the timing of outages at the Prairie Island and Monticello nuclear plants and outages at the Sherco plant. The increase is also partly due to start up costs associated with the establishment of a Nuclear Management Company.

    Depreciation and Amortization Expense increased by approximately $14 million, or 4.4 percent, for 2000, compared with 1999, primarily due to increased capital additions to utility plant.

    Interest expense increased by approximately $22 million, or 20.5 percent, for 2000, compared with 1999, primarily due to higher interest rates.

    Other income (deductions) decreased by approximately $9 million in 2000 largely due to higher costs related to carrying charges on accrued conservation incentive refunds, and to regulatory expenses for interim fuel storage.

Derivatives, Risk Management and Market Risk

    NSP-Minnesota is exposed to market and credit risks in its generation, retail distribution and energy trading operations. To minimize the risk of market price and volume fluctuations, NSP-Minnesota enters into financial derivative instrument contracts to hedge purchase and sale commitments, fuel requirements and inventories of its natural gas, distillate fuel oil, electricity and coal business.

    NSP-Minnesota monitors its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and may execute swaps, forward exchange contracts or other financial derivative instruments to manage these exposures. NSP-Minnesota manages all of its market risks through various policies and procedures that allow for the use of various derivative instruments in the energy and financial markets.

Commodity Price Risk

    To manage exposure to price volatility in the natural gas and electricity markets, NSP-Minnesota uses a variety of energy contracts, both financial and physical. These contracts consist mainly of commodity forward contracts and options, index or fixed price swaps and basis swaps.

    NSP-Minnesota measures its open exposure to commodity price changes using the Value-at-Risk (VaR) methodology. VaR expresses the potential loss in fair value of all open forward contract and option positions over a particular period of time, with a given confidence interval under normal market conditions. NSP-Minnesota utilizes the variance/covariance approach in calculating VaR, which assumes

36


that all price returns/profitability are normally and independently distributed. The model employs a 95 percent confidence interval level based on historical price movement, normal price distribution and a holding period of 21 days.

    As of Dec. 31, 2000, the calculated VaR for NSP-Minnesota's regulated wholesale operations were (in millions of dollars):

Year Ended Dec. 31, 2000

  Average
  High
  Low
$1.40   $ 0.73   $ 4.70   $ 0.01

    NSP-Minnesota does not use VaR to measure the commodity risk inherent in its regulated generation and retail sales operations. NSP-Minnesota has limited exposure to commodity risk due to fuel-cost recovery adjustment mechanisms.

Interest Rate Risk

    NSP-Minnesota has both long-term and short-term debt instruments that subject NSP-Minnesota to the risk of loss associated with movements in market interest rates. This risk is limited for NSP-Minnesota, primarily due to cost-based rate regulation. In the future, management anticipates utilizing financial instruments to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates. These instruments may include interest rate swaps, caps, collars, exchange-traded futures contracts and put or call options on U.S. Treasury securities.

    At Dec. 31, 2000, a 100-basis point change in the benchmark rate on NSP-Minnesota's variable debt would impact net income by approximately $6.4 million.

Credit Risk

    In addition to the risks discussed previously, NSP-Minnesota is exposed to credit risk in its risk management activities. Credit risk relates to the risk of loss resulting from the nonperformance by a counterparty of its contractual obligations. NSP-Minnesota maintains credit policies intended to minimize overall credit risk and actively monitor these policies to reflect changes and scope of operations.

    NSP-Minnesota conducts standard credit reviews for all of its counterparties. NSP-Minnesota employs additional credit risk control mechanisms when appropriate, such as letters of credit, parental guarantees and standardized master netting agreements that allow for offsetting of positive and negative exposures. The credit exposure is monitored and, when necessary, the activity with a specific counterparty is limited until credit enhancement is provided.

37


NSP-Wisconsin's Management's Discussion and Analysis

Results of Operations

    NSP-Wisconsin's net income was $30.3 million for 2000, compared with $36.4 million for 1999.

Special Charges

    During 2000, NSP-Wisconsin expensed pretax special charges totaling approximately $12.8 million. The pretax charges included expenses related to one-time transaction-related costs incurred in connection with the merger of NSP and NCE and pretax charges pertaining to incremental costs of transition and integration activities associated with the merger. For more information, see Note 2 to the Financial Statements under Item 8.

Electric Utility Margins

    The following table details the change in electric revenue and margin. Electric production expenses tend to vary with changing retail and wholesale sales requirements and unit cost changes in fuel and purchased power. Wisconsin does not have an automatic retail electric fuel adjustment clause. Instead, it has a procedure which compares actual monthly and anticipated annual fuel costs with those costs that were included in the latest retail electric rates approved by the PSCW. If the comparison results in a difference outside a certain range, the PSCW may hold hearings limited to fuel costs and revise rates. Therefore, the fuel clause cost recovery in Wisconsin does not allow for complete recovery of all variable production expenses and higher costs, particularly in periods of extreme temperatures, and can result in an adverse earnings impact.

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
 
  (Millions of dollars)

 
Electric revenue   $ 424   $ 412   $ 398  
Electric fuel and purchased power     (210 )   (202 )   (201 )
   
 
 
 
Electric margin   $ 214   $ 210   $ 197  
   
 
 
 

    Electric revenue increased by approximately $12 million, or 2.9 percent, and electric margin increased by approximately $4 million, or 1.9 percent, in 2000, due largely to higher sales resulting from sales growth and more favorable temperatures. Weather normalized sales increased by 2.4 percent in 2000. These margin increases were partially offset by increased purchased and interchange power costs reducing margin by approximately $5 million.

Gas Utility Margins

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

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
 
  (Millions of dollars)

 
Gas revenue   $ 110   $ 82   $ 79  
Cost of gas purchased and transported     (82 )   (56 )   (53 )
   
 
 
 
Gas margin   $ 28   $ 26   $ 26  
   
 
 
 

    Gas revenue for 2000 increased by approximately $28 million, or 34.1 percent, in 2000 compared with 1999, largely due to higher cost of gas and higher sales resulting from sales growth and more

38


favorable temperatures. Gas margin for 2000 increased by approximately $2 million, or 7.7 percent, compared with 1999, largely due sales growth and more favorable temperatures.

Non-Fuel Operating Expense and Other Costs

    Other Operation and Maintenance Expense increased by approximately $5.4 million, or 5.4 percent, for 2000, compared with 1999. The increase is largely due to the write-off of software costs, increases in the reserve for uncollectible accounts, increased employee benefit costs and increased authorized demand side management partially offset by decreased expenses related to storm damage.

    Interest expense increased by approximately $0.7 million, or 3.9 percent, for 2000, compared with 1999, primarily due to higher short-term interest rates and interests on new long-term debt issued in 2000.

    Depreciation and Amortization Expense was $1.6 million, or 3.8 percent lower in 2000 compared with 1999. The reduction was primarily the result of changes in depreciation rates, changes in depreciation method to remaining life technique and some fully depreciated plant, all effective January 2000.

Market Risk

    NSP-Wisconsin does not enter into financial derivative instrument contracts or forward exchange contracts. NSP-Wisconsin has limited exposure to commodity risk due to regulatory based cost recovery.

    In addition, with the exception of short-term borrowings, NSP-Wisconsin does not have variable interest rates, therefore there is limited interest rate risk.

    NSP-Wisconsin maintains credit policies intended to minimize overall credit risk and actively monitor these policies to reflect changes and scope of operations.

39


PSCo's Management's Discussion and Analysis

Results of Operations

    PSCo's net income was $196.1 million for 2000, compared with $204.3 million for 1999.

Special Charges

    PSCo's earnings for 2000 were reduced by special charges related to the merger to form Xcel Energy. During 2000, PSCo expensed pretax special charges of $78.8 million. The pretax charges included expenses related to one-time transaction-related costs incurred in connection with the merger of NSP and NCE and pretax charges pertaining to incremental costs of transition and integration activities associated with the merger. For more information, see Note 2 to the Financial Statements under Item 8.

Electric Utility Margins

    The following table details the changes in electric utility revenue and margin. Electric production expenses tend to vary with changing retail and wholesale sales requirements and unit cost changes in fuel and purchased power. PSCo has adjustment clauses that allow certain costs to be passed through to retail customers. The ICA allows for an equal sharing among customers and shareholders of certain fuel and energy cost increases and decreases. The QFCCA provides for recovery of purchased capacity costs from certain qualifying facilities projects not otherwise reflected in base electric rates. Therefore, the fuel clause cost recovery does not allow for complete recovery of all variable production expenses and higher costs can result in an adverse earnings impact.

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
  (Millions of dollars)

Electric retail and firm wholesale revenue   $ 1,603   $ 1,506   $ 1,488
Short-term wholesale revenue     411     52     148
   
 
 
  Total electric utility revenue     2,014     1,558     1,636

Electric retail and firm wholesale fuel and purchase power

 

 

799

 

 

674

 

 

659
Short-term wholesale fuel and purchase power     330     32     143
   
 
 
  Total electric utility fuel and purchase power     1,129     706     802

Electric retail and firm wholesale margin

 

 

804

 

 

832

 

 

829
Short-term wholesale margin     81     20     5
   
 
 
  Total electric utility margin   $ 885   $ 852   $ 834
   
 
 

    Electric revenue increased by approximately $456 million, or 29.3 percent, in 2000. Electric margin increased by approximately $33 million, or 3.9 percent, in 2000. Weather normalized retail sales increased by 4.4 percent in 2000, increasing retail revenue by approximately $60 million and retail margin by approximately $29 million. More favorable temperatures during 2000 increased retail revenue by approximately $38 million and retail margin by approximately $18 million. These retail margin increases were partially offset by regulatory adjustment, relating to system reliability and availability in Colorado. Short-term wholesale revenue increased by $359 million and margin increased by $61 million due to the expansion of PSCo's wholesale marketing area and favorable market conditions.

Gas Utility Margins

    The following table details the changes in gas utility revenue and margin. The cost of gas tends to vary with changing sales requirements and the unit cost of gas purchases. PSCo has in place a Gas Cost Adjustment mechanism for natural gas sales, which recognizes the majority of the effects of changes in

40


the cost of gas purchases for resale and adjusts revenues to reflect such changes in costs on a timely basis. Therefore, fluctuations in the cost of gas have little effect on gas margins.

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
 
  (Millions of dollars)

 
Gas revenue   $ 787   $ 658   $ 640  
Cost of gas sold and transported     (487 )   (395 )   (381 )
   
 
 
 
Gas margin   $ 300   $ 263   $ 259  
   
 
 
 

    Gas revenue increased by approximately $129 million, or 19.6 percent, in 2000, primarily due to increases in the cost of natural gas, which are largely recovered through adjustment clauses. Gas margin increased by approximately $37 million, or 14.1 percent, in 2000. More favorable temperatures during 2000 increased gas revenue by $57 million and gas margins by $23 million.

Electric Trading Margins

    Trading revenues and costs of goods sold do not include the revenue and production costs associated with energy produced from generation assets. The following table details the changes in electric trading revenue and margin.

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
 
  (Millions of dollars)

 
Trading revenue   $ 813   $ 482   $ 0  
Trading cost of goods sold     (784 )   (479 )   (0 )
   
 
 
 
Trading margin   $ 29   $ 3   $ 0  
   
 
 
 

    Trading revenue increased by approximately $331 million and trading margin increased by approximately $26 million in 2000. The increase in trading revenue and margin is a result of the expansion of PSCo's electric trading.

Non-Fuel Operating Expense and Other Items

    Other Operating and Maintenance Expense for 2000 increased by approximately $8.8 million, or 2.3 percent, compared with 1999. The increase is largely due to bad debt reserves for the trading operations.

    Depreciation and Amortization Expense for 2000 increased $16.3 million, or 8.4 percent, compared with 1999, primarily due to increased additions to utility plant.

    Interest charges and financing costs increased $5.1 million, or 3.3 percent, in 2000. The increase is primarily attributable to the issuance of the $200 million of 6.875 percent Series A Notes in July 1999.

Derivatives, Risk Management and Market Risk

    PSCo is exposed to market and credit risks in its generation, retail distribution and energy trading operations. To minimize the risk of market price and volume fluctuations, PSCo enters into financial derivative instrument contracts to hedge purchase and sale commitments, fuel requirements and inventories of its natural gas, distillate fuel oil, electricity and coal business, and emission allowances. The primary objective of PSCo's trading operations is to maximize asset value, while minimizing the related exposure to changes in commodity prices and counterparty default. These operations include wholesale power marketing and trading activities.

    PSCo monitors its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and may execute swaps, forward exchange contracts or other financial derivative instruments to manage these exposures. PSCo manages

41


all of its market risks through various policies and procedures that allow for the use of various derivative instruments in the energy and financial markets.

Commodity Price Risk

    PSCo has continued to develop and expand its power marketing and trading activities and management expects to continue the growth of these activities during 2001. As a result, PSCo's exposure to changes in commodity prices may increase and earnings may experience volatility. To manage exposure to price volatility in the natural gas and electricity markets, PSCo uses a variety of energy contracts, both financial and physical. These contracts consist mainly of commodity forward contracts and options, index or fixed price swaps and basis swaps.

    PSCo measures its open exposure to commodity price changes using the Value-at-Risk (VaR) methodology. VaR expresses the potential loss in fair value of all open forward contract and option positions over a particular period of time, with a given confidence interval under normal market conditions. PSCo utilizes the variance/covariance approach in calculating VaR, which assumes that all price returns/profitability are normally and independently distributed. The model employs a 95 percent confidence interval level based on historical price movement, normal price distribution and a holding period of 21 days.

    As of Dec. 31, 2000, the calculated VaR for PSCo's regulated trading operations were (in millions of dollars):

Year Ended Dec. 31, 2000

  Average
  High
  Low
$4.62   $ 1.42   $ 7.23   $ 0.08

    PSCo does not use VaR to measure the commodity risk inherent in its regulated generation and retail sales operations. PSCo has limited exposure to commodity risk due to fuel-cost recovery adjustment mechanisms.

    In Colorado, a sharing mechanism between shareholders and customers exists which utilizes an established benchmark per unit cost for energy. Consequently, changes in any eligible costs collected under this benchmark approach, has a resultant market risk. The impact of eligible production and fuel cost volatility on Colorado jurisdiction retail business shows that as of Dec. 31, 2000, a 15-percent increase in eligible production and fuel costs would result in a loss in income from these contracts of approximately $18 million. Conversely, a 15-percent decrease in eligible production and fuel costs would result in a positive income gain from these contracts of approximately $39 million. This analysis assumes that there were no changes in energy consumption, customer growth, operations, energy dispatch, regulatory guidelines, or market conditions. This analysis is solely focused on the change in fuel eligible production and fuel costs and the resultant market risk due to the ICA mechanism in the state of Colorado. The market risk caused by change in eligible production and fuel costs, under the ICA mechanism, is affected by margins earned on certain trading activities. Generally, these margins serve to mitigate the impact of market risk on PSCo and the customer.

Interest Rate Risk

    PSCo has both long-term and short-term debt instruments that subject PSCo to the risk of loss associated with movements in market interest rates. This risk is limited primarily due to cost-based rate regulation. In the future, management anticipates utilizing financial instruments to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates. These instruments may include interest rate swaps, caps, collars, exchange-traded futures contracts and put or call options on U.S. Treasury securities.

    At Dec. 31, 2000, a 100-basis point change in the benchmark rate on PSCo's variable debt would impact net income by approximately $3.3 million.

42


Credit Risk

    In addition to the risks discussed previously, PSCo is exposed to credit risk in its risk management activities. Credit risk relates to the risk of loss resulting from the nonperformance by a counterparty of its contractual obligations. As PSCo continues to expand its power marketing and trading activities, its exposure to credit risk and counterparty default may increase. PSCo maintains credit policies intended to minimize overall credit risk and actively monitor these policies to reflect changes and scope of operations.

    PSCo conducts standard credit reviews for all of its counterparties. PSCo employs additional credit risk control mechanisms when appropriate, such as letters of credit, parental guarantees and standardized master netting agreements that allow for offsetting of positive and negative exposures. The credit exposure is monitored and, when necessary, the activity with a specific counterparty is limited until credit enhancement is provided.

SPS' Management's Discussion and Analysis

Results of Operations

    SPS' net income was $69.5 million for 2000, compared with $102.7 million for 1999.

Extraordinary Items

    SPS' earnings for 2000 were reduced by two extraordinary items related to the discontinuation of regulatory accounting for SPS' generation business. During the second quarter of 2000, SPS wrote off its generation-related regulatory assets and other deferred costs for an extraordinary charge of approximately $19 million before taxes, or $13.7 million after tax. During the third quarter of 2000, SPS recorded an additional extraordinary charge of $8.2 million before tax, or $5.3 million after tax, related to the tender offer/defeasance of approximately $295 million of First Mortgage bonds. For more information on SPS restructuring see Note 10 to the Financial Statements under Item 8.

Special Charges

    SPS' earnings for 2000 were reduced by special charges related to the merger to form Xcel Energy. During the third and fourth quarter of 2000, SPS expensed pretax special charges of $24.3 million. The pretax charges included expenses related to one-time transaction-related costs incurred in connection with the merger of NSP and NCE and pretax charges pertaining to incremental costs of transition and integration activities associated with the merger. For more information, see Note 2 to the Financial Statements under Item 8.

Electric Utility Margins

    The following table details the change in electric revenue and margin. Electric production expenses tend to vary with changing retail and wholesale sales requirements and unit cost changes in fuel and purchased power. Fuel and purchased power costs are recoverable in SPS' Texas jurisdiction through a fixed fuel factor, which is included in rates. In the New Mexico retail jurisdiction, fuel and purchased energy costs are adjusted through a fuel clause and a fixed annual factor. In all other jurisdictions, SPS currently recovers substantially all increases and refunds substantially all decreases in fuel and purchased power costs pursuant to monthly adjustment clauses. Due to these fuel clause cost recovery mechanisms for retail customers and the ability to vary wholesale prices with changing market conditions, most fluctuations in energy costs do not affect electric margin. However, the fuel clause cost

43


recovery does not allow for complete recovery of all variable production expenses and, therefore, higher costs can result in an adverse earnings impact.

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
  (Millions of dollars)

Electric retail and firm wholesale revenue   $ 981   $ 858   $ 872
Short-term wholesale revenue     99     68     79
   
 
 
  Total electric utility revenue     1,080     926     951

Electric retail and firm wholesale fuel and purchase power

 

 

480

 

 

384

 

 

381
Short-term wholesale fuel and purchase power     93     64     74
   
 
 
  Total electric utility fuel and purchase power     573     448     455

Electric retail and firm wholesale margin

 

 

501

 

 

474

 

 

491
Short-term wholesale margin     6     4     5
   
 
 
    Total electric utility margin   $ 507   $ 478   $ 496
   
 
 

    Electric revenue and margin for 2000 increased, compared with 1999, largely due to sales growth and the effects of warmer and drier summer and early fall weather. The year 2000 was warmer than the corresponding period in 1999, resulting in higher retail and wholesale sales. Weather normalized retail sales increased by 3.1 percent in 2000, increasing retail revenue by approximately $20 million and retail margin by approximately $10 million. More favorable temperatures during 2000 increased retail revenue by approximately $3 million and retail margin by approximately $2 million.

Non-Fuel Operating Expense and Other Costs

    Other Operation and Maintenance Expense increased by approximately $18.4 million, or 13.3 percent, for 2000, compared with 1999, primarily due to increases in steam generation expenses, transmission expenses, and customer expenses.

    Depreciation and Amortization Expense increased by approximately $2.6 million, or 3.4 percent, for 2000, compared with 1999, primarily due to increased capital additions to utility plant.

    Interest charges and financing costs increased by approximately $1.1 million, or 1.7 percent, for 2000, compared with 1999, primarily due to the increase in short-term debt associated with the tender offer/defeasance of SPS' First Mortgage bonds.

Market Risk

    SPS has both long-term and short-term debt instruments that subject SPS to the risk of loss associated with movements in market interest rates. This risk is limited for SPS, primarily due to cost-based rate regulation. In the future, management anticipates utilizing financial instruments to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates. These instruments may include interest rate swaps, caps, collars, exchange-traded futures contracts and put or call options on U.S. Treasury securities.

    At Dec. 31, 2000, a 100-basis point change in the benchmark rate on SPS's variable debt would impact net income by approximately $3.9 million.

    SPS does not enter into financial derivative instrument contracts or forward exchange contracts. SPS has limited exposure to commodity risk due to regulatory based cost recovery.

    SPS maintains credit policies intended to minimize overall credit risk and actively monitor these policies to reflect changes and scope of operations.

44



ITEM 7A—QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

    See Management's Discussion and Analysis under Item 7, incorporated by reference.


ITEM 8—FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

Report of Independent Public Accountants—NSP-Minnesota

To Northern States Power Company—Minnesota:

    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and statement of capitalization of Northern States Power Company—Minnesota (a Minnesota corporation) and subsidiaries as of Dec. 31, 2000, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholder's equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements and the schedule referred to below are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audit.

    We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Northern States Power Company—Minnesota and its subsidiaries as of Dec. 31, 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

    Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in the index of the consolidated financial statements is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not a required part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states, in all material respects, the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota,
  March 2, 2001

45


Report of Independent Public Accountants—NSP-Minnesota

To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of Northern States Power Company
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Xcel Energy Inc.):

    In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of capitalization and the related consolidated statements of income, of divisional equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Xcel Energy Inc.), and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
January 31, 2000, except as to Note 1,
which is as of August 18, 2000

46


Report of Independent Public Accountants—NSP-Wisconsin

To Northern States Power Company—Wisconsin:

    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and statement of capitalization of Northern States Power Company—Wisconsin (a Wisconsin corporation) and subsidiaries as of Dec. 31, 2000, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholder's equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements and the schedule referred to below are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audit.

    We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Northern States Power Company—Wisconsin and its subsidiaries as of Dec. 31, 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

    Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in the index of the consolidated financial statements is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not a required part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states, in all material respects, the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota,
  March 2, 2001

To The Shareholder of Northern States Power Company (Wisconsin):

    In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheets and the related statements of income and retained earnings and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Northern States Power Company (NSP-Wisconsin), a Wisconsin corporation, at Dec. 31, 1999 and 1998, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended Dec. 31, 1999 and 1998, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. These financial statements are the responsibility of NSP-Wisconsin's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jan. 31, 2000

47


Report of Independent Public Accountants—PSCo

To Public Service Company of Colorado:

    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of capitalization of Public Service Company of Colorado (a Colorado corporation) and subsidiaries as of Dec. 31, 2000 and 1999, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholder's equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended Dec. 31, 2000. These financial statements and the schedule referred to below are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

    We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Public Service Company of Colorado and its subsidiaries as of Dec. 31, 2000 and 1999, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended Dec. 31, 2000 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

    Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in the index of the consolidated financial statements is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not a required part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audits of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states, in all material respects, the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota,
  March 2, 2001

48


Report of Independent Public Accountants—SPS

To Southwestern Public Service Company:

    We have audited the accompanying balance sheets and statements of capitalization of Southwestern Public Service Company (a New Mexico corporation) as of Dec. 31, 2000 and 1999, and the related statements of income, stockholder's equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended Dec. 31, 2000. These financial statements and the schedule referred to below are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

    We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Southwestern Public Service Company as of Dec. 31, 2000 and 1999, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended Dec. 31, 2000 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

    Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in the index of the financial statements is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not a required part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audits of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states, in all material respects, the financial data required to be set forth there in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota,
  March 2, 2001

49


NSP-MINNESOTA
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Thousands of Dollars)
Year ended December 31

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
Operating revenues:                  
  Electric utility   $ 2,411,883   $ 2,267,213   $ 2,243,773
  Gas utility     536,700     365,835     360,568
   
 
 
    Total revenue     2,948,583     2,633,048     2,604,341
Operating expenses:                  
  Electric fuel and purchased power     869,421     811,460     726,328
  Cost of gas sold and transported     382,596     229,913     225,956
  Other operating and maintenance expenses     742,607     698,536     725,866
  Depreciation and amortization     323,935     310,129     296,059
  Taxes (other than income taxes)     202,245     204,755     203,562
  Special charges (see Note 2)     72,095     0     0
   
 
 
    Total operating expenses     2,592,899     2,254,793     2,177,771
   
 
 
Operating income     355,684     378,255     426,570
Other income (deductions) — net     (9,884 )   (1,070 )   14,721
Interest charges and financing costs:                  
  Interest charges — net of amount capitalized     126,635     105,024     90,622
  Distributions on redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trust     15,750     15,750     15,750
   
 
 
    Total interest charges and financing costs     142,385     120,774     106,372
   
 
 
Income before income taxes     203,415     256,411     334,919
Income taxes     92,191     97,431     124,713
   
 
 
Net income   $ 111,224   $ 158,980   $ 210,206
   
 
 

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Statements of Income.

50


NSP-Minnesota
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Thousands of Dollars)
Year ended December 31

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
Operating activities:                    
  Net income   $ 111,224   $ 158,980   $ 210,206  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                    
      Depreciation and amortization     340,868     327,415     313,485  
      Nuclear fuel amortization     44,591     50,056     43,816  
      Deferred income taxes     1,341     (9,729 )   (12,841 )
      Amortization of investment tax credits     (9,017 )   (8,324 )   (9,023 )
      Allowance for equity funds used during construction     4,176     300     (8,106 )
      Conservation incentive accrual adjustment — noncash     19,248     71,348     0  
      Change in accounts receivable     16,016     (18,109 )   (41,596 )
      Change in inventories     (2,447 )   (7,672 )   (3,547 )
      Change in other current assets     (64,324 )   (30,591 )   86  
      Change in accounts payable     123,059     (28,385 )   32,560  
      Change in other current liabilities     (30,407 )   12,367     22,720  
      Change in other assets and liabilities     (62,063 )   38,893     23,810  
   
 
 
 
        Net cash provided by operating activities     492,265     556,549     571,570  
Investing activities:                    
  Capital/construction expenditures     (391,727 )   (355,788 )   (335,673 )
  Allowance for equity funds used during construction     (4,176 )   (300 )   8,106  
  Investments in external decommissioning fund     (48,967 )   (39,183 )   (41,360 )
  Other investments — net     454     (6,002 )   (1,869 )
   
 
 
 
        Net cash used in investing activities     (444,416 )   (401,273 )   (370,796 )
Financing activities:                    
  Short-term borrowings — net     (61,005 )   305,920     (24,079 )
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt — net     76,127     264,829     251,032  
  Repayment of long-term debt, including reacquisition premiums     (180,730 )   (224,283 )   (109,669 )
  Capital contributions from affiliates     358,632     0     0  
  Cash distributions to parent     (240,291 )   (510,523 )   (318,909 )
   
 
 
 
        Net cash used in financing activities     (47,267 )   (164,057 )   (201,625 )
   
 
 
 
  Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     582     (8,781 )   (851 )
  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     11,344     20,125     20,976  
   
 
 
 
  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 11,926   $ 11,344   $ 20,125  
   
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information                    
  Cash paid for interest (net of amount capitalized)   $ 128,530   $ 100,145   $ 88,194  
  Cash paid for income taxes (net of refunds received)   $ 105,720   $ 85,243   $ 57,595  

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Statements of Cash Flow.

51


NSP-MINNESOTA
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Thousands of Dollars)

 
  Dec. 31
2000

  Dec. 31
1999

 
ASSETS              
Current assets:              
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 11,926   $ 11,344  
  Accounts receivable—net of allowance for bad debts of $4,952 and $5,503, respectively     281,611     236,456  
  Accounts receivable from affiliates     49,699     110,870  
  Accrued unbilled revenues     194,547     122,493  
  Materials and supplies inventories at average cost     103,863     101,678  
  Fuel and gas inventories at average cost     51,775     51,514  
  Prepayments and other     44,843     50,141  
   
 
 
    Total current assets     738,264     684,496  
   
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:              
  Electric utility     6,388,697     6,320,214  
  Gas utility     666,078     629,158  
  Other and construction work in progress     531,678     441,141  
   
 
 
    Total property, plant and equipment     7,586,453     7,390,513  
  Less: accumulated depreciation     (4,017,813 )   (3,855,225 )
  Nuclear fuel—net of accumulated amortization of $967,928 and $923,336, respectively     86,499     102,727  
   
 
 
    Net property, plant and equipment     3,655,139     3,638,015  
   
 
 
Other assets:              
  Nuclear decommissioning fund investments     563,812     517,129  
  Other investments     24,892     25,341  
  Regulatory assets     226,547     208,176  
  Deferred charges and other     151,334     94,549  
   
 
 
    Total other assets     966,585     845,195  
   
 
 
    Total Assets   $ 5,359,988   $ 5,167,706  
   
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY              
Current liabilities:              
  Current portion of long-term debt   $ 303,773   $ 255,718  
  Short-term debt     359,189     420,193  
  Accounts payable     303,053     203,684  
  Accounts payable to affiliates     30,965     7,268  
  Taxes accrued     130,870     162,748  
  Other     162,683     177,541  
   
 
 
    Total current liabilities     1,290,533     1,227,152  
   
 
 
Deferred credits and other liabilities:              
  Deferred income taxes     678,849     681,431  
  Deferred investment tax credits     91,088     100,105  
  Regulatory liabilities     496,313     439,717  
  Benefit obligations and other     146,541     146,620  
   
 
 
    Total deferred credits and other liabilities     1,412,791     1,367,873  
   
 
 
Long-term debt     1,048,995     1,186,586  
Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trust     200,000     200,000  
Common stock and paid-in capital     479,397     145,613  
Retained earnings     952,889     1,052,088  
Leveraged shares held by ESOP at cost     (24,617 )   (11,606 )
   
 
 
    Total common stockholder's equity     1,407,669     1,186,095  
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 12)              
   
 
 
    Total Liabilities and Equity   $ 5,359,988   $ 5,167,706  
   
 
 

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Balance Sheets.

52


NSP-MINNESOTA
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
(Thousands of Dollars)

 
  Common Stock
and Paid in
Capital

  Retained
Earnings

  Leveraged
ESOP

  Total Common
Stockholder's
Equity

 
Balance at Dec. 31, 1997   $ 599,599   $ 1,058,602   $ (10,533 ) $ 1,647,668  
   
 
 
 
 
Net income — comprehensive income           210,206           210,206  
Capital distributions to parent     (137,519 )   (181,413 )         (318,932 )
Loan to ESOP to purchase shares                 (15,000 )   (15,000 )
Repayment of ESOP loan                 7,030     7,030  
   
 
 
 
 
Balance at Dec. 31, 1998   $ 462,080   $ 1,087,395   $ (18,503 ) $ 1,530,972  
   
 
 
 
 
Net income — comprehensive income           158,980           158,980  
Capital distributions to parent     (316,467 )   (198,885 )         (515,352 )
Pooling of interests business combination           4,598           4,598  
Repayment of ESOP loan                 6,897     6,897  
   
 
 
 
 
Balance at Dec. 31, 1999   $ 145,613   $ 1,052,088   $ (11,606 ) $ 1,186,095  
   
 
 
 
 
Net income — comprehensive income           111,224           111,224  
Capital distributions to parent     (16,216 )   (210,423 )         (226,639 )
Capital contribution from parent     350,000                 350,000  
Loan to ESOP to purchase shares                 (20,000 )   (20,000 )
Repayment of ESOP loan                 6,989     6,989  
   
 
 
 
 
Balance at Dec. 31, 2000   $ 479,397   $ 952,889   $ (24,617 ) $ 1,407,669  
   
 
 
 
 

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Statements of Stockholder's Equity.

53


NSP-MINNESOTA
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION
(Thousands of Dollars)

 
  Dec. 31
 
 
  2000
  1999
 
Long-Term Debt
             
First Mortgage Bonds, Series due:              
  Dec. 1, 2000-2006, 3.50-4.10%   $ 13,230 (a) $ 15,170 (a)
  Dec. 1, 2000, 5.75%     0     100,000  
  Oct. 1, 2001, 7.875%     150,000     150,000  
  March 1, 2003, 5.875%     100,000     100,000  
  April 1, 2003, 6.375%     80,000     80,000  
  Dec. 1, 2005, 6.125%     70,000     70,000  
  April 1, 2007, 6.80%     0     60,000 (b)
  March 1, 2011, variable rate, 5.05% at Dec. 31, 2000 and 5.75% at Dec. 31, 1999     13,700 (b)   13,700 (b)
  March 1, 2019, variable rate, 4.25% at Dec. 31, 2000 and 3.7% at Dec. 31, 1999     27,900 (b)   27,900 (b)
  Sept. 1, 2019, variable rate 4.36% and 4.61% at Dec. 31, 2000 and 3.71% at Dec. 31, 1999     100,000 (b)   100,000 (b)
  July 1, 2025, 7.125%     250,000     250,000  
  March 1, 2028, 6.5%     150,000     150,000  
Guaranty Agreements, Series due: Feb. 1, 1999 — May 1, 2003, 5.375% — 7.40%     29,950 (b)   30,650 (b)
NSP-Minnesota Senior Notes Due Aug. 1, 2009, 6.875%     250,000     250,000  
City of Becker Pollution Control Revenue Bonds — Series due Dec. 1, 2005, 7.25%     0     9,000 (b)
City of Becker Pollution Control Revenue Bonds — Series due April 1, 2030, 5.1% at Dec. 31, 2000     69,000 (b)   0  
Anoka County Resource Recovery Bond — Series due Dec. 1, 2000—2008, 4.05% — 5.0%     17,990     19,615 (a)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan Bank Loans due 2000-2007, variable rate     24,617     11,606  
Other     11,894     11,267  
Unamortized discount-net     (5,513 )   (6,604 )
   
 
 
    Total     1,352,768     1,442,304  
Less redeemable bonds classified as current (See Note 4)     141,600     141,600  
Less current maturities     162,173     114,118  
   
 
 
    Total NSP-Minnesota long-term debt   $ 1,048,995   $ 1,186,586  
   
 
 
Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Securities of Subsidiary Trust
holding as its sole asset junior subordinated deferrable debentures of NSP-Minnesota, (see Note 6)
  $ 200,000   $ 200,000  
   
 
 
Common Stockholder's Equity              
  Common stock — authorized 5,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value; outstanding
1,000,000 shares
  $ 10   $ 10  
  Premium on common stock     479,387     145,603  
  Retained earnings     952,889     1,052,088  
  Leveraged ESOP     (24,617 )   (11,606 )
   
 
 
    Total common stockholder's equity   $ 1,407,669   $ 1,186,095  
   
 
 

(a) Resource recovery financing

(b) Pollution control financing

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Statements of Capitalization.

54


NSP-WISCONSIN
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Thousands of Dollars)
Year ended December 31

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
Operating revenues:                  
  Electric utility   $ 424,477   $ 411,532   $ 398,497
  Gas utility     110,023     82,375     78,845
   
 
 
    Total revenue     534,500     493,907     477,342
Operating expenses:                  
  Electric fuel and purchased power     210,088     202,482     201,374
  Cost of gas sold and transported     81,843     55,534     53,067
  Other operating and maintenance expenses     104,559     99,156     98,820
  Depreciation and amortization     40,502     42,117     39,135
  Taxes (other than income taxes)     15,350     14,725     14,507
  Special charges (see Note 2)     12,848     0     0
   
 
 
    Total operating expenses     465,190     414,014     406,903
   
 
 
Operating income     69,310     79,893     70,439
Other income (deductions) — net     931     305     903
Interest charges     19,255     18,530     18,679
   
 
 
Income before income taxes     50,986     61,668     52,663
Income taxes     20,690     25,302     20,468
   
 
 
Net income   $ 30,296   $ 36,366   $ 32,195
   
 
 

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Statements of Income.

55


NSP-Wisconsin
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Thousands of Dollars)
Year ended December 31

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
Operating activities:                    
  Net income   $ 30,296   $ 36,366   $ 32,195  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                    
      Depreciation and amortization     41,473     43,044     40,059  
      Deferred income taxes     1,868     3,695     5,405  
      Amortization of investment tax credits     (827 )   (838 )   (859 )
      Allowance for equity funds used during construction     (200 )   (271 )   (394 )
      Undistributed equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates     (411 )   (409 )   (3 )
      Change in accounts receivable     (16,127 )   (2,573 )   3,448  
      Change in inventories     (31 )   4,482     (1,243 )
      Change in other current assets     (10,235 )   (361 )   (5,949 )
      Change in accounts payable     24,265     6,144     596  
      Change in other current liabilities     4,621     (1,087 )   1,760  
      Change in other assets and liabilities     (3,599 )   (3,244 )   6,280  
   
 
 
 
        Net cash provided by operating activities     71,093     84,948     81,295  
Investing activities:                    
  Capital/construction expenditures     (88,624 )   (82,508 )   (66,109 )
  Allowance for equity funds used during construction     200     271     394  
  Other investments — net     (161 )   (614 )   347  
   
 
 
 
        Net cash used in investing activities     (88,585 )   (82,851 )   (65,368 )
Financing activities:                    
  Short-term borrowings — net     (64,900 )   24,900     10,400  
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt — net     79,399     0     (167 )
  Issuance of common stock to parent     29,977     0     65  
  Dividends paid to parent     (27,004 )   (26,997 )   (26,205 )
   
 
 
 
        Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     17,472     (2,097 )   (15,907 )
   
 
 
 
  Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     (20 )   0     20  
  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     51     51     31  
   
 
 
 
  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 31   $ 51   $ 51  
   
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information                    
  Cash paid for interest (net of amount capitalized)   $ 17,175   $ 17,565   $ 17,345  
  Cash paid for income taxes (net of refunds received)   $ 22,665   $ 24,838   $ 10,824  

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Statements of Cash Flow.

56


NSP-WISCONSIN
BALANCE SHEETS
(Thousands of Dollars)

 
  Dec. 31
2000

  Dec. 31
1999

 
ASSETS              
Current assets:              
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 31   $ 51  
  Accounts receivable — net of allowance for bad debts of $798 and $943, respectively     53,447     37,320  
  Accrued unbilled revenues     29,113     21,768  
  Materials and supplies inventories at average cost     6,544     7,068  
  Fuel and gas inventories at average cost     8,021     7,465  
  Prepayments and other     15,966     13,076  
   
 
 
    Total current assets     113,122     86,748  
   
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:              
  Electric utility     1,066,446     990,527  
  Gas utility     123,979     117,202  
  Other and construction work in progress     124,581     132,591  
   
 
 
    Total property, plant and equipment     1,315,006     1,240,320  
  Less: accumulated depreciation     (515,745 )   (487,549 )
   
 
 
    Net property, plant and equipment     799,261     752,771  
   
 
 
Other assets:              
  Other investments     9,867     9,295  
  Regulatory assets     38,536     39,252  
  Deferred charges and other     25,289     19,037  
   
 
 
    Total other assets     73,692     67,584  
   
 
 
    Total Assets   $ 986,075   $ 907,103  
   
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY              
Current liabilities:              
  Current portion of long-term debt   $ 34   $ 0  
  Short-term debt — notes payable to affiliate     15,900     80,800  
  Accounts payable     37,981     20,004  
  Accounts payable to affiliates     25,202     21,404  
  Taxes accrued     0     829  
  Other     19,951     14,502  
   
 
 
    Total current liabilities     99,068     137,539  
   
 
 
Deferred credits and other liabilities:              
  Deferred income taxes     115,682     111,772  
  Deferred investment tax credits     16,451     17,281  
  Regulatory liabilities     18,818     21,726  
  Benefit obligations and other     32,787     29,835  
   
 
 
    Total deferred credits and other liabilities     183,738     180,614  
   
 
 
Long-term debt     313,000     231,950  
Common stock and paid-in capital     126,718     96,741  
Retained earnings     263,551     260,259  
   
 
 
    Total common stockholder's equity     390,269     357,000  
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 12)              
   
 
 
    Total Liabilities and Equity   $ 986,075   $ 907,103  
   
 
 

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Balance Sheets.

57


NSP-WISCONSIN
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
(Thousands of Dollars)

 
  Par Value
  Premium
  Retained
Earnings

  Total
Stockholder's
Equity

 
Balance at Dec. 31, 1997   $ 86,200   $ 10,461   $ 244,171   $ 340,832  
   
 
 
 
 
Net income — comprehensive income                 32,195     32,195  
Dividends declared:                          
  Common stock to parent                 (26,205 )   (26,205 )
Business combination           80     729     809  
   
 
 
 
 
Balance at Dec. 31, 1998   $ 86,200   $ 10,541   $ 250,890   $ 347,631  
   
 
 
 
 
Net income — comprehensive income                 36,366     36,366  
Dividends declared:                          
  Common stock to parent                 (26,997 )   (26,997 )
   
 
 
 
 
Balance at Dec. 31, 1999   $ 86,200   $ 10,541   $ 260,259   $ 357,000  
   
 
 
 
 
Net income — comprehensive income                 30,296     30,296  
Dividends declared:                          
  Common stock to parent                 (27,004 )   (27,004 )
Issuance of common stock to parent     7,100     22,877           29,977  
   
 
 
 
 
Balance at Dec. 31, 2000   $ 93,300   $ 33,418   $ 263,551   $ 390,269  
   
 
 
 
 

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Statements of Stockholder's Equity.

58


NSP-WISCONSIN
STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION
(Thousands of Dollars)

 
  Dec. 31
 
 
  2000
  1999
 
Long-Term Debt              
First Mortgage Bonds Series due:              
  Oct. 1, 2003, 5.75%   $ 40,000   $ 40,000  
  March 1, 2023, 7.25%     110,000     110,000  
  Dec. 1, 2026, 7.375%     65,000     65,000  
City of La Crosse Resource Recovery Bond — Series
due Nov. 1, 2021, 6%
    18,600 (a)   18,600 (a)
Fort McCoy System Acquisition — due Oct. 31, 2030, 7%     996     0  
Senior Notes — due Oct. 1, 2008, 7.64%     80,000     0  
Unamortized discount     (1,562 )   (1,650 )
   
 
 
    Total     313,034     231,950  
Less current maturities     34     0  
   
 
 
    Total NSP-Wisconsin long-term debt   $ 313,000   $ 231,950  
   
 
 
Common Stockholder's Equity              
  Common stock — authorized 1,000,000 shares of $100 par value; outstanding shares: 2000, 933,000; 1999, 862,000   $ 93,300   $ 86,200  
  Premium on common stock     33,418     10,541  
  Retained earnings     263,551     260,259  
   
 
 
    Total common stockholder's equity   $ 390,269   $ 357,000  
   
 
 

(a) Resource recovery financing

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Statements of Capitalization.

59


PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Thousands of Dollars)
Year ended December 31

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
Operating revenues:                  
  Electric utility   $ 2,013,732   $ 1,558,375   $ 1,635,573
  Electric trading     813,449     482,008     0
  Gas utility     787,110     657,822     640,064
  Steam utility     10,845     8,045     8,348
   
 
 
    Total revenue     3,625,136     2,706,250     2,283,985
Operating expenses:                  
  Electric fuel and purchased power     1,128,693     706,476     801,821
  Electric trading costs     783,956     479,331     0
  Cost of gas sold and transported     486,800     394,678     380,554
  Steam costs     6,177     4,437     4,593
  Other operating and maintenance expenses     399,304     390,464     398,699
  Depreciation and amortization     210,704     194,365     180,913
  Taxes (other than income taxes)     77,885     84,456     83,994
  Special charges (see Note 2)     78,779     0     0
   
 
 
    Total operating expenses     3,172,298     2,254,207     1,850,574
   
 
 
Operating income     452,838     452,043     433,411
Other income (deductions) — net     7,351     4,970     6,500
Interest charges and financing costs:                  
  Interest charges — net of amount capitalized     146,091     140,974     128,603
  Distributions on redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trust     15,200     15,200     9,711
   
 
 
    Total interest charges and financing costs     161,291     156,174     138,314
   
 
 
Income before income taxes     298,898     300,839     301,597
Income taxes     102,770     96,574     101,494
   
 
 
Net income     196,128     204,265     200,103
Dividend requirements and redemption premiums on preferred stock     0     0     5,332
   
 
 
Earnings available for common shareholders   $ 196,128   $ 204,265   $ 194,771
   
 
 

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Statements of Income.

60


PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Thousands of Dollars)
Year ended December 31

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
Operating activities:                    
  Net income   $ 196,128   $ 204,265   $ 200,103  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                    
      Depreciation and amortization     216,212     202,634     186,620  
      Deferred income taxes     (35,234 )   15,817     7,092  
      Amortization of investment tax credits     (5,481 )   (5,173 )   (4,896 )
      Equity in earnings of Yorkshire Power     0     0     (3,446 )
      Change in accounts receivable     (29,653 )   (25,687 )   21,540  
      Change in inventories     36,480     (21,298 )   (6,553 )
      Change in other current assets     (238,217 )   (76,633 )   7,937  
      Change in accounts payable     285,630     109,870     9,148  
      Change in other current liabilities     (10,289 )   50,749     22,957  
      Change in other assets and liabilities     45,182     21,082     (19,284 )
   
 
 
 
        Net cash provided by operating activities     460,758     475,626     421,218  
Investing activities:                    
  Capital/construction expenditures     (373,566 )   (567,282 )   (504,727 )
  Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment     10,514     92,861     9,102  
  Payment received for notes receivable from affiliate     192,620     0     100,000  
  Other investments — net     1,521     10,746     2,756  
   
 
 
 
        Net cash used in investing activities     (168,911 )   (463,675 )   (392,869 )
Financing activities:                    
  Short-term borrowings — net     (200,992 )   (47,121 )   66,195  
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt — net     101,020     242,846     347,025  
  Repayment of long-term debt, including reacquisition premiums     (207,124 )   (99,928 )   (257,737 )
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock     160,000     0     0  
  Capital contribution from parent     0     109,372     0  
  Proceeds from sale of mandatorily redeemable preferred securities     0     0     187,700  
  Redemption of preferred stock     0     0     (181,824 )
  Dividends and redemption premium on preferred stock     0     0     (8,261 )
  Dividends paid to parent     (180,786 )   (185,315 )   (180,430 )
   
 
 
 
        Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities     (327,882 )   19,854     (27,332 )
   
 
 
 
  Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     (36,035 )   31,805     1,017  
  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     51,731     19,926     18,909  
   
 
 
 
  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 15,696   $ 51,731   $ 19,926  
   
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information                    
  Cash paid for interest (net of amount capitalized)   $ 162,823   $ 203,105   $ 188,251  
  Cash paid for income taxes (net of refunds received)   $ 104,349   $ 98,641   $ 114,340  

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Statements of Cash Flow.

61


PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Thousands of Dollars)

 
  Dec. 31
2000

  Dec. 31
1999

 
ASSETS              
Current assets:              
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 15,696   $ 51,731  
  Accounts receivable — net of allowance for bad debts of $11,352 and $2,533, respectively     228,957     189,855  
  Accounts receivable from affiliates     0     9,449  
  Accrued unbilled revenues     369,018     220,330  
  Recoverable purchased gas and electric energy costs     159,013     42,697  
  Materials and supplies inventories at average cost     41,106     53,984  
  Fuel and gas inventories at average cost     66,211     89,813  
  Prepayments and other     15,974     46,292  
   
 
 
    Total current assets     895,975     704,151  
   
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:              
  Electric utility     4,896,863     4,629,092  
  Gas utility     1,345,380     1,289,995  
  Other and construction work in progress     876,332     827,273  
   
 
 
    Total property, plant and equipment     7,118,575     6,746,360  
  Less: accumulated depreciation     (2,576,126 )   (2,373,824 )
   
 
 
    Net property, plant and equipment     4,542,449     4,372,536  
   
 
 
Other assets:              
  Note receivable from affiliate     0     192,620  
  Other investments     11,158     12,679  
  Regulatory assets     251,154     290,903  
  Deferred charges and other     73,577     70,705  
   
 
 
    Total other assets     335,889     566,907  
   
 
 
    Total assets   $ 5,774,313   $ 5,643,594  
   
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY              
Current liabilities:              
  Current portion of long-term debt   $ 142,043   $ 132,823  
  Short-term debt     155,200     356,192  
  Accounts payable     575,948     309,679  
  Accounts payable to affiliates     46,573     27,212  
  Taxes accrued     54,718     67,030  
  Dividends payable     57,615     44,575  
  Recovered electric energy costs     27,060     11,873  
  Other     146,309     159,471  
   
 
 
    Total current liabilities     1,205,466     1,108,855  
   
 
 
Deferred credits and other liabilities:              
  Deferred income taxes     543,715     555,829  
  Deferred investment tax credits     83,804     89,286  
  Regulatory liabilities     45,027     54,652  
  Other deferred credits     24,632     25,993  
  Customers' advances for construction     70,714     54,826  
  Benefit obligations and other     73,028     77,309  
   
 
 
    Total deferred credits and other liabilities     840,920     857,895  
   
 
 
Long-term debt     1,610,741     1,721,959  
Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trust     194,000     194,000  
Common stock and paid-in capital     1,574,835     1,414,835  
Retained earnings     348,351     346,050  
   
 
 
    Total common stockholder's equity     1,923,186     1,760,885  
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 12)              
   
 
 
    Total liabilities and equity   $ 5,774,313   $ 5,643,594  
   
 
 

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Balance Sheets.

62


PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Share Information)

 
  Common Stock,(1)
   
   
   
   
 
 
  Paid
in Capital

  Retained
Earnings

  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

   
 
 
  Shares
  Amount
  Total
 
Balance at Jan. 1, 1998   100   $     $ 1,302,119   $ 319,280   $ 4,142   $ 1,625,541  
Comprehensive income:                                    
  Net income                     200,103           200,103  
  Foreign currency translation adjustment                           5,260     5,260  
  Sale of subsidiary to affiliate                           (9,402 )   (9,402 )
                               
 
      Comprehensive income                                 195,961  
Dividends declared:                                    
  Common stock, to parent                     (188,845 )         (188,845 )
  Preferred stock, $100 par value                     (4,166 )         (4,166 )
  Preferred stock, $25 par value                     (1,166 )         (1,166 )
Other                     7           7  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at Dec. 31, 1998   100           1,302,119     325,213           1,627,332  
Comprehensive income:                                    
  Net income-Comprehensive income                     204,265           204,265  
  Dividends declared Common stock, to parent                     (183,428 )         (183,428 )
Contribution of capital by parent               109,372                 109,372  
Contribution of subsidiary's stock by parent (Note 1)               3,344                 3,344  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at Dec. 31, 1999   100           1,414,835     346,050           1,760,885  
Net income-Comprehensive income                     196,128           196,128  
Dividends declared Common stock, to parent                     (193,827 )         (193,827 )
Contribution of capital by parent               160,000                 160,000  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at Dec. 31, 2000   100   $     $ 1,574,835   $ 348,351   $     $ 1,923,186  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Authorized shares of common stock were 100 at Dec. 31, 2000 and 1999 and 1998.

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Statements of Stockholder's Equity.

63


PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION
(Thousands of Dollars)

 
  Dec. 31
 
 
  2000
  1999
 
Long-Term Debt              
First Mortgage Bonds, Series due:              
  Jan. 1, 2001, 6.00%   $ 102,667   $ 102,667  
  April 15, 2003, 6.00%     250,000     250,000  
  March 1, 2004, 8.125%     100,000     100,000  
  Nov. 1, 2005, 6.375%     134,500     134,500  
  June 1, 2006, 7.125%     125,000     125,000  
  April 1, 2008, 5.625%     18,000  (b)   18,000  (b)
  June 1, 2012, 5.5%     50,000  (b)   50,000  (b)
  April 1, 2014, 5.875%     61,500  (b)   61,500  (b)
  Jan. 1, 2019, 5.1%     48,750  (b)   48,750  (b)
  July 1, 2020, 9.875%     0     70,000  
  March 1, 2022, 8.75%     147,840     148,000  
  Jan. 1, 2024, 7.25%     110,000     110,000  
Unsecured Senior A Notes, due July 15, 2009, 6.875%     200,000     200,000  
Secured Medium-Term Notes, due Feb. 1, 2001 — March 5, 2007, 6.45% — 9.25%     226,500     256,500  
Other secured long-term debt 13.25%, due in installments through Oct. 1, 2016     29,777     30,298  
PSCCC Unsecured Medium-Term Notes due May 30, 2000, 5.86%     0     100,000  
PSCCC Unsecured Medium-Term Notes due May 30, 2002, variable rate 7.40% at Dec. 31, 2000     100,000     0  
Unamortized discount     (5,952 )   (6,998 )
Capital lease obligations, 11.2% due in installments through May 31, 2025     54,202     56,565  
   
 
 
      Total     1,752,784     1,854,782  
Less current maturities     142,043     132,823  
   
 
 
      Total PSCo long-term debt   $ 1,610,741   $ 1,721,959  
   
 
 

Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Securities of Subsidiary Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Holding as its sole asset junior subordinated deferrable debentures of PSCo (see Note 6)   $ 194,000   $ 194,000  
   
 
 
Common Stockholder's Equity              
  Common stock — authorized 100 shares of $1 par value; 100 shares outstanding in 2000 and 1999   $ 0   $ 0  
  Premium on common stock     1,574,835     1,414,835  
  Retained earnings     348,351     346,050  
   
 
 
      Total common stockholder's equity   $ 1,923,186   $ 1,760,885  
   
 
 

(a)
Resource recovery financing
(b)
Pollution control financing

The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Statements of Capitalization.

64


SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Thousands of Dollars)
Year ended December 31

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
Electric operating revenues   $ 1,079,580   $ 925,937   $ 951,187

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Electric fuel and purchased power     573,181     448,099     455,282
  Other operating and maintenance expenses     156,800     138,429     138,679
  Depreciation and amortization     78,526     75,946     78,592
  Taxes (other than income taxes)     47,407     49,290     47,259
  Special charges (see Note 2)     24,345     0     0
   
 
 
      Total operating expenses     880,259     711,764     719,812
   
 
 

Operating income

 

 

199,321

 

 

214,173

 

 

231,375

Other income (deductions) — net

 

 

10,400

 

 

9,370

 

 

7,611

Interest charges and financing costs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Interest charges — net of amount capitalized     54,643     53,585     50,453
  Distributions on redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trust     7,850     7,850     7,850
   
 
 
      Total interest charges and financing costs     62,493     61,435     58,303
   
 
 

Income before income taxes and extraordinary items

 

 

147,228

 

 

162,108

 

 

180,683

Income taxes

 

 

58,776

 

 

59,399

 

 

65,696
   
 
 

Income before extraordinary items

 

 

88,452

 

 

102,709

 

 

114,987
Extraordinary items, net of income taxes of $8,549 (see Note 10)     (18,960 )   0     0
   
 
 
Net income   $ 69,492   $ 102,709   $ 114,987
   
 
 

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Statements of Income.

65


SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Thousands of Dollars)
Year ended December 31

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
Operating activities:                    
  Net income   $ 69,492   $ 102,709   $ 114,987  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                    
      Depreciation and amortization     82,617     78,085     83,103  
      Deferred income taxes     45,871     15,922     (8,600 )
      Amortization of investment tax credits     (250 )   (250 )   (250 )
      Allowance for equity funds used during construction     11     (1,040 )   0  
      Extraordinary items (see Note 10)     18,960     0     0  
      Change in accounts receivable     5,049     (7,738 )   20,358  
      Change in inventories     5,766     (1,064 )   (625 )
      Change in other current assets     (146,925 )   (36,212 )   27,300  
      Change in accounts payable     33,832     12,285     (43,190 )
      Change in other current liabilities     22,123     (19,195 )   31,699  
      Change in other assets and liabilities     (49,378 )   (12,769 )   33,667  
   
 
 
 
          Net cash provided by operating activities     87,168     130,733     258,449  

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Capital/construction expenditures     (103,915 )   (118,834 )   (92,218 )
  Allowance for equity funds used during construction     (11 )   1,040     0  
  Cost of disposition of property, plant and equipment     (3,433 )   (2,396 )   (2,897 )
  Other investments — net     (6,349 )   (355 )   147  
   
 
 
 
          Net cash used in investing activities     (113,708 )   (120,545 )   (94,968 )

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Short-term borrowings — net     496,834     83,584     (85,242 )
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt — net     0     99,846     0  
  Repayment of long-term debt, including reacquisition premiums     (383,145 )   (114,846 )   (179 )
  Capital contribution by parent     0     4,697     0  
  Dividends paid to parent     (77,855 )   (83,287 )   (77,696 )
   
 
 
 
          Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     35,834     (10,006 )   (163,117 )
   
 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

9,294

 

 

182

 

 

364

 
  Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     1,532     1,350     986  
   
 
 
 
  Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 10,826   $ 1,532   $ 1,350  
   
 
 
 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Cash paid for interest (net of amount capitalized)   $ 70,857   $ 53,819   $ 55,739  
  Cash paid for income taxes (net of refunds received)   $ 17,490   $ 51,117   $ 69,111  

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Statements of Cash Flow.

66


SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
BALANCE SHEETS
(Thousands of Dollars)

 
  Dec. 31
2000

  Dec. 31
1999

 
ASSETS              
Current assets:              
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 10,826   $ 1,532  
  Accounts receivable — net of allowance for bad debts of $845 and $682, respectively     73,986     74,860  
  Accounts receivable from affiliates     4,893     9,068  
  Accrued unbilled revenues     87,484     44,631  
  Recoverable electric energy costs.     104,249     1,948  
  Materials and supplies inventories at average cost     13,500     18,035  
  Fuel and gas inventories at average cost     1,061     2,292  
  Prepayments and other     38     4,324  
   
 
 
    Total current assets     296,037     156,690  
   
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:              
  Electric utility     2,884,702     2,802,077  
  Other and construction work in progress     115,210     95,477  
   
 
 
    Total property, plant and equipment     2,999,912     2,897,554  
  Less: accumulated depreciation     (1,199,158 )   (1,123,739 )
   
 
 
    Net property, plant and equipment     1,800,754     1,773,815  
   
 
 
Other assets:              
  Notes receivable from affiliate     119,036     119,036  
  Other investments     12,295     5,946  
  Regulatory assets     74,359     104,203  
  Prepaid pension asset     61,359     40,087  
  Deferred charges and other     28,796     22,384  
   
 
 
    Total other assets     295,845     291,656  
   
 
 
    Total Assets   $ 2,392,636   $ 2,222,161  
   
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY              
Current liabilities:              
  Short-term debt   $ 674,579   $ 177,746  
  Accounts payable     97,285     62,574  
  Accounts payable to affiliates     13,107     13,986  
  Taxes accrued     19,141     23,486  
  Interest accrued     7,139     17,223  
  Dividends payable     22,354     20,963  
  Current portion of accumulated deferred income taxes     36,307     0  
  Other     57,122     32,690  
   
 
 
    Total current liabilities     927,034     348,668  
   
 
 
Deferred credits and other liabilities:              
  Deferred income taxes     362,206     376,245  
  Deferred investment tax credits     4,718     4,969  
  Regulatory liabilities     1,275     2,785  
  Benefit obligations and other     19,268     22,236  
   
 
 
    Total deferred credits and other liabilities     387,467     406,235  
   
 
 
Long-term debt     226,506     605,875  
Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trust     100,000     100,000  
Common stock and paid-in capital     353,099     353,099  
Retained earnings     398,530     408,284  
   
 
 
    Total common stockholder's equity     751,629     761,383  
   
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (see Notes 10 and 12)              
    Total Liabilities and Equity   $ 2,392,636   $ 2,222,161  
   
 
 

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Balance Sheets.

67


SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Share Information)

 
  Common Stock, $1 par value
   
   
   
 
 
  Paid in Capital
  Retained
Earnings

   
 
 
  Shares
  Amount
  Total
 
Balance at Jan. 1, 1998   100   $     $ 348,402   $ 349,988   $ 698,390  
Net income — comprehensive income                     114,987     114,987  
Dividends declared, common stock to parent                     (75,157 )   (75,157 )
   
 
 
 
 
 

Balance at Dec. 31, 1998

 

100

 

 

 

 

 

348,402

 

 

389,818

 

 

738,220

 
Net income — comprehensive income                     102,709     102,709  
Dividends declared, common stock to parent                     (84,243 )   (84,243 )
Contribution of capital by parent               4,697           4,697  
   
 
 
 
 
 

Balance at Dec. 31, 1999

 

100

 

 

 

 

 

353,099

 

 

408,284

 

 

761,383

 
Net income — comprehensive income                     69,492     69,492  
Dividends declared, common stock to parent                     (79,246 )   (79,246 )
   
 
 
 
 
 

Balance at Dec. 31, 2000

 

100

 

$

 

 

$

353,099

 

$

398,530

 

$

751,629

 
   
 
 
 
 
 

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Statements of Stockholder's Equity.

68


SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION
(Thousands of Dollars)

 
  Dec. 31
 
 
  2000
  1999
 
Long-Term Debt              
First Mortgage Bonds, Series due:              
  July 15, 2004, 7.25%   $ 0   $ 135,000  
  March 1, 2006, 6.5%     0     60,000  
  July 15, 2022, 8.25%     0     36,000  
  Dec. 1, 2022, 8.20%     0     89,000  
  Feb. 15, 2025, 8.50%     0     60,267  
Unsecured Senior A Notes, due March 1, 2009, 6.2%     100,000     100,000  
Pollution control obligations, securing pollution control revenue bonds,
Not collateralized by First Mortgage Bonds due:
             
  July 1, 2011, 5.20%     44,500     44,500  
  July 1, 2016, variable rate, 5.10% at Dec. 31, 2000 and 4.7% at Dec. 31, 1999     25,000     25,000  
  Sept. 1, 2016, 5.75% series     57,300     57,300  
  Less: funds held by Trustee     (168 )   (168 )
Unamortized discount     (126 )   (1,024 )
   
 
 
    Total SPS long-term debt   $ 226,506   $ 605,875  
   
 
 
Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Securities of Subsidiary Trust              
  Holding as its sole asset junior subordinated deferrable debentures of SPS (Note 6)   $ 100,000   $ 100,000  
   
 
 
Common Stockholder's Equity              
  Common stock — authorized 200 shares of $1 par value; 100 shares outstanding in 2000 and 1999   $ 0   $ 0  
  Premium on common stock     353,099     353,099  
  Retained earnings     398,530     408,284  
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)     0     0  
   
 
 
    Total common stockholder's equity   $ 751,629   $ 761,383  
   
 
 

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral
part of the Statements of Capitalization.

69


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS)

Merger and Basis of Presentation

    On Aug. 18, 2000, following receipt of all required regulatory approvals, NSP and NCE merged and formed Xcel Energy Inc. Each share of NCE common stock was exchanged for 1.55 shares of Xcel Energy common stock. NSP shares became Xcel Energy shares on a one-for-one basis. Cash was paid in lieu of any fractional shares of Xcel Energy common stock. The merger was structured as tax-free, stock-for-stock exchange for shareholders of both companies (except for fractional shares) and accounted for as a pooling-of-interests. At the time of the merger, Xcel Energy registered as a holding company under the PUHCA.

    Pursuant to the merger agreement, NCE was merged with and into NSP. NSP, as the surviving legal corporation, changed its name to Xcel Energy. Also, as part of the merger, NSP transferred its existing utility operations that were being conducted directly by NSP at the parent company level to a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of Xcel Energy, which was renamed NSP-Minnesota. The presentation of NSP-Minnesota in this report has been restated for all prior periods for consistency with the post-merger subsidiary.

    Consistent with pooling accounting requirements, results and disclosures for all periods prior to the merger have been restated for consistent reporting with post-merger organization and operations. All earnings per share amounts previously reported for NSP and NCE have been restated for presentation on an Xcel Energy share basis.

Business and System of Accounts

    This report reflects Xcel Energy's four largest domestic utility subsidiaries, NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS, which are engaged principally in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and in the purchase, transportation, distribution and sale of natural gas. Xcel Energy and its subsidiaries are subject to the regulatory provisions of the PUHCA. The utility subsidiaries are subject to regulation by the FERC and state utility commissions. All of the utility companies' accounting records conform to the FERC uniform system of accounts or to systems required by various state regulatory commissions, which are the same in all material aspects.

Principles of Consolidation

    NSP-Minnesota and PSCo each have a number of subsidiaries which have been consolidated. In the consolidation process, we eliminate all significant intercompany transactions and balances.

    NSP-Wisconsin has several subsidiaries for which it uses the equity method of accounting for its investments and records its portion of earnings from such investments after subtracting income taxes. PSCo had held an interest in an unconsolidated affiliate, which was sold in 1998.

Revenue Recognition

    Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries records utility revenues based on a calendar month, but read meters and bill customers according to a cycle that doesn't necessarily correspond with the calendar month's end. To compensate, we estimate and record unbilled revenues from the monthly meter-reading dates to the month's end.

    Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries have adjustment mechanisms in place that currently provide for the recovery of certain purchased natural gas and electric energy costs. These cost adjustment tariffs may increase or decrease the level of costs recovered through base rates and are revised periodically, as

70


prescribed by the appropriate regulatory agencies, for any difference between the total amount collected under the clauses and the recoverable costs incurred.

    PSCo's electric rates in Colorado are adjusted under the ICA, which takes into account changes in energy costs and certain trading gains and losses that are shared with the customer. SPS' rates in Texas and New Mexico have periodic fuel filing and reporting requirements, which can provide cost recovery. NSP-Wisconsin's rates include a cost-of-energy adjustment clause for purchased natural gas, but not for purchased electricity or electric fuel. In Wisconsin, we can request recovery of those electric costs prospectively through the rate review process, which normally occurs every two years, and an interim fuel cost hearing process.

    In Colorado, PSCo operates under an electric PBRP, which results in an annual earnings test with the sharing of excess earnings between customers and shareholders. The sharing threshold is earnings in excess of an 11-percent return on equity for 2001 and a 10.50-percent return on equity for 2002. In Texas, SPS operates under an earnings test, in which excess earnings above a certain level are returned to the customer.

    NSP-Minnesota and PSCo's rates include monthly adjustments for the recovery of conservation and energy management program costs, which are reviewed annually.

Trading Operations

    Effective with year-end 2000 reporting, PSCo changed its policy for the presentation of energy trading operating results. Previously, trading margins were recorded net of costs in electric and natural gas revenues. After the merger, Xcel Energy and PSCo elected to report trading revenues separately from trading costs. Prior years' results have been reclassified for consistency with 2000 reporting.

    PSCo's trading revenues and costs of goods sold do not include the revenue and production costs associated with energy produced from generation assets.

Property, Plant, Equipment and Depreciation

    Property, plant and equipment is stated at original cost. The cost of plant includes direct labor and materials, contracted work, overhead costs and applicable interest expense. The cost of plant retired, plus net removal cost, is charged to accumulated depreciation and amortization. Significant additions or improvements extending asset lives are capitalized, while repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Maintenance and replacement of items determined to be less than units of property are charged to operating expenses.

    Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries determine the depreciation of their plant by spreading the original cost equally over the plant's useful life. Depreciation expense for Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries, expressed as a percentage of average depreciable property, for the years ended Dec. 31, is listed in the following table.

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
NSP-Minnesota   3.7%   3.9%   3.8%
NSP-Wisconsin   3.3%   3.7%   3.6%
PSCo   2.8%   2.8%   2.8%
SPS   2.7%   2.7%   3.0%

    PSCo's property, plant and equipment includes approximately $18 million and $25 million, respectively, for costs associated with the engineering design of the future Pawnee 2 generating station and certain water rights located in southeastern Colorado, also obtained for a future generating station. PSCo is earning a return on these investments based on its weighted average cost of debt in accordance with a CPUC rate order.

71


Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFDC)

    AFDC, a noncash item, represents the cost of capital used to finance utility construction activity. AFDC is computed by applying a composite pretax rate to qualified construction work in progress. The amount of AFDC capitalized as a utility construction cost is credited to other income and expense (for equity capital) and interest charges (for debt capital). AFDC amounts capitalized are included in Xcel Energy's rate base for establishing utility service rates. In addition to construction-related amounts, AFDC also is recorded to reflect returns on capital used to finance conservation programs in Minnesota. Interest capitalized as AFDC for Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries is listed in the following table (in millions of dollars).

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
NSP-Minnesota   $ 3.8   $ 4.7   $ 6.8
NSP-Wisconsin   $ 2.3   $ 1.1   $ 0.5
PSCo   $ 9.4   $ 10.7   $ 12.3
SPS   $ 4.5   $ 2.7   $ 4.9

Decommissioning

    NSP-Minnesota accounts for the future cost of decommissioning its nuclear generating plants through annual depreciation accruals using an annuity approach designed to provide for full rate recovery of the future decommissioning costs. Our decommissioning calculation covers all expenses, including decontamination and removal of radioactive material, and extends over the estimated lives of the plants. The calculation assumes that NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin will recover those costs through rates. For more information on nuclear decommissioning, see Note 13 to the Financial Statements.

    PSCo also previously operated a nuclear generating plant, which has been decommissioned. PSCo's cost associated with decommissioning were deferred and are being amortized consistent with regulatory recovery.

Nuclear Fuel Expense

    Nuclear fuel expense, which is recorded as NSP-Minnesota's plants use fuel, includes the cost of nuclear fuel used and future spent nuclear fuel disposal, based on fees established by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and NSP-Minnesota's portion of the cost of decommissioning or shutting down the DOE's fuel enrichment facility.

Environmental Costs

    We record environmental costs when it is probable we are liable for the costs and we can reasonably estimate the liability. We may defer costs as a regulatory asset based on our expectation that we will recover these costs from customers in future rates. Otherwise, we expense the costs. If an environmental expense is related to facilities we currently use, such as pollution control equipment, we capitalize and depreciate the costs over the life of the plant, assuming the costs are recoverable in future rates or future cash flow.

    We record estimated remediation costs, excluding inflationary increases and possible reductions for insurance coverage and rate recovery. The estimates are based on our experience, our assessment of the current situation and the technology currently available for use in the remediation. We regularly adjust the recorded costs as we revise estimates and as remediation proceeds. If we are one of several designated responsible parties, we estimate and record only our share of the cost. We treat any future costs of restoring sites where operation may extend indefinitely as a capitalized cost of plant retirement.

72


The depreciation expense levels we can recover in rates include a provision for these estimated removal costs.

Income Taxes

    Xcel Energy and its utility subsidiaries file a consolidated federal and combined and separate state income tax returns. Income taxes for consolidated or combined subsidiaries are allocated to the subsidiaries based on separate company computations of taxable income or loss. Xcel Energy defers income taxes for all temporary differences between pretax financial and taxable income, and between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. We use the tax rates that are scheduled to be in effect when the temporary differences are expected to turn around, or reverse.

    Due to the effects of past regulatory practices, when deferred taxes were not required to be recorded, we account for the reversal of some temporary differences as current income tax expense. We defer investment tax credits and spread their benefits over the estimated lives of the related property. Utility rate regulation also has created certain regulatory assets and liabilities related to income taxes, which we summarize in Note 14 to the Financial Statements. For more information on income tax, see Note 8 to the Financial Statements.

Derivative Financial Instruments

    Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries utilize a variety of derivatives, including interest rate swaps and locks, foreign currency hedges and energy contracts. The energy contracts are both financial and commodity based, in the energy trading and energy non-trading operations, to reduce exposure to commodity price risk. These contracts consist mainly of commodity futures and options, index or fixed price swaps and basis swaps.

    Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries adopted Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 98-10, "Accounting for Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities," effective Jan. 1, 1999. EITF 98-10 requires gains or losses resulting from market value changes on energy trading contracts to be recorded in earnings. The initial adoption of EITF 98-10 had an immaterial impact on Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries net income.

    Energy contracts also are utilized by Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries in non-trading operations to reduce commodity price risk. Hedge accounting is applied only if the contract reduces the price risk of the underlying hedged item and is designated as a hedge at its inception. Gains and losses related to qualifying hedges of firm commitments or anticipated transactions are deferred and recognized as a component of purchased power or cost of gas sold when settlement occurs. If, subsequent to the inception of the hedge, the underlying transactions are no longer likely to occur, the related gains and losses are recognized currently in income.

    A final derivative instrument used by Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries is the interest rate swap. The cost or benefit of the interest rate swap agreements is recorded as a component of interest expense. None of these derivative financial instruments are reflected on Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries' balance sheet. For further discussion of risk management and derivative activities, see Note 11 to the Financial Statements.

Use of Estimates

    In recording transactions and balances resulting from business operations, Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries use estimates based on the best information available. We use estimates for such items as plant depreciable lives, tax provisions, uncollectible amounts, environmental costs, unbilled revenues and actuarially determined benefit costs. We revise the recorded estimates when we get better

73


information or when we can determine actual amounts. Those revisions can affect operating results. Each year we also review the depreciable lives of certain plant assets and revise them if appropriate.

Cash Equivalents

    Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries consider investments in certain debt instruments—with a remaining maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase—to be cash equivalents. Those debt instruments are primarily commercial paper and money market funds.

Inventory

    All inventory is recorded at average cost, with the exception of natural gas in underground storage at PSCo, which is recorded using last-in-first-out (LIFO) pricing.

Regulatory Accounting

    Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries account for certain income and expense items using SFAS No. 71—"Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation." As discussed in Note 10 to the Financial Statements, SPS' generation business no longer follows SFAS 71. Under SFAS 71:

    we defer certain costs, which would otherwise be charged to expense, as regulatory assets based on our expected ability to recover them in future rates; and

    we defer certain credits, which would otherwise be reflected as income, as regulatory liabilities based on our expectation they will be returned to customers in future rates.

    We base our estimates of recovering deferred costs and returning deferred credits on specific ratemaking decisions or precedent for each item. We amortize regulatory assets and liabilities consistent with the period of expected regulatory treatment.

Intangible Assets and Deferred Financing Costs

    Intangible and other assets included deferred financing costs which we are amortizing over the remaining maturity periods of the related debt. Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries' deferred financing costs, net of amortization at Dec. 31, 2000 is listed in the following table (in millions of dollars).

NSP-Minnesota   $ 13.4
NSP-Wisconsin   $ 2.1
PSCo   $ 16.6
SPS   $ 6.8

Reclassifications

    We reclassified certain items in the 1998 and 1999 income statements and the 1999 balance sheets to conform to the 2000 presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net income or earnings per share. Reported amounts for periods prior to the merger have been restated to reflect the merger as if it had occurred as of Jan. 1, 1998.

2. Merger Costs and Special Charges (NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS)

    Upon consummation of the merger in 2000, Xcel Energy expensed pretax special charges related to its regulated operations totaling $199 million. During 2000, an allocation of approximately $188 million of merger costs was made to Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries consistent with prior regulatory filings and is reported on the accompanying financial statements as special charges.

74


    Of the total pretax special charges recorded by Xcel Energy that related to its regulated operations, $159 million was recorded during the third quarter of 2000, and $40 million was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2000. See Note 16 to the Financial Statements for the quarterly impacts on Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries.

    The total pretax charges included $52 million related to one-time transaction-related costs incurred in connection with the merger of NSP and NCE. These transaction costs include investment banker fees, legal and regulatory approval costs, and expenses for support of and assistance with planning and completing the merger transaction.

    Also included in the total were $147 million of pretax charges pertaining to incremental costs of transition and integration activities associated with merging operations. These transition costs include approximately $77 million for severance and related expenses associated with staff reductions of 721 employees, 661 of whom were released through February 2001. The staff reductions were non-bargaining positions mainly in corporate and operations support areas. Other transition and integration costs include amounts incurred for facility consolidation, systems integration, regulatory transition, merger communications and operations integration assistance.

    The following table summarizes the total special charges expensed by Xcel Energy during 2000, in millions of dollars.

 
  Expensed
Without Accrual

  Expense Accrued
As Liability

  Payments Against Liability
   
 
  Dec. 31,
2000 *
Liability

 
  3rd Qtr
  4th Qtr
  3rd Qtr
  4th Qtr
  3rd Qtr
  4th Qtr
Employee separation and other related costs   $ 16   $ 3   $ 52   $ 6   $ 0   $ (10 ) $ 48
Regulatory transition costs     4     2     5     1     0     (1 )   5
Other transition and integration costs     33     23     0     2     0     0     2
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total merger transition and integration costs     53     28     57     9     0     (11 )   55
Transaction-related merger costs     49     3     0     0     0     0     0
   
 
 
 
                 
Total special charges — consolidated     102     31     57     9     0     (11 )   55
Intercompany cost allocations     27     2     (27 )   (2 )                
   
 
 
 
                 
Total special charges — subsidiaries   $ 129   $ 33   $ 30   $ 7                  
   
 
 
 
                 

Special charge activities for utility subsidiaries:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  NSP-Minnesota     38     13     21     0     0     (2 )   19
  NSP-Wisconsin     7     2     4     0     0     (1 )   3
  PSCo     61     13     2     1     0     (1 )   2
  SPS     19     4     1     0     0     (0 )   1
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

*
Reported on the balance sheet in other current liabilities.

75


3. Short-Term Borrowings (NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS)

    Information on short-term borrowings for 2000 and 1999 is (in thousands, except interest rates):

    NSP-Minnesota

    In July 2000, NSP-Minnesota closed on a $300 million, 364-day revolving credit facility. This facility provides short-term financing in the form of bank loans and letters of credit, but its primary purpose is support for commercial paper borrowings.

 
  2000
  1999
Commercial paper   $ 359,000   $ 420,000
Note payable to bank     189     193
   
 
  Total short term debt   $ 359,189   $ 420,193
   
 
Weighted average interest rate at year end     6.32%     5.90%

    NSP-Wisconsin

    NSP-Wisconsin has an intercompany borrowing arrangement with NSP-Minnesota, with interest charged at NSP-Minnesota's short-term borrowing rate. At Dec. 31, 2000 and 1999, NSP-Wisconsin had $15.9 million and $80.8 million, respectively, in short-term borrowings. The weighted average interest rate for NSP-Wisconsin was 6.89 percent at Dec. 31, 2000 and 5.99 percent at Dec. 31, 1999.

    PSCo

    In July 2000, PSCo and its subsidiary, Public Service of Colorado Credit Corporation (PSCCC), entered into a $600 million, 364-day revolving credit agreement that provides for direct borrowings, but whose primary purpose is to support the issuance of commercial paper by PSCo and PSCCC.

 
  2000
  1999
Commercial paper   $ 155,200   $ 355,631
Note payable to affiliate         561
   
 
  Total short term debt   $ 155,200   $ 356,192
   
 
Weighted average interest rate at year end     6.51%     6.09%

    SPS

    In July 2000, SPS entered into a $500 million credit agreement that matures January 2002. This credit facility was initially used as support for the issuance of commercial paper to fund open market purchases, tender and defeasance of SPS' outstanding first mortgage bonds and other related restructuring costs. SPS is the initial borrower under this credit agreement; however, at the time of separation of the generation assets, the obligations under this credit agreement will be assumed by a newly formed generation company. See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for more information on restructuring.

    In February 2001, SPS renewed a $300 million, 364-day revolving credit facility. This facility provides for direct borrowings, but its primary purpose is to support the issuance of commercial paper.

 
  2000
  1999
Commercial paper   $ 674,579   $ 177,746
Weighted average interest rate at year end     6.55%     5.89%

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4. Long-Term Debt (NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS)

    Except for SPS and other minor exclusions, all property of Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries is subject to the liens of its first mortgage indentures, which are contracts between the companies and their bond holders. In addition, certain SPS payments under its pollution control obligations are pledged to secure obligations of the Red River Authority of Texas.

    The annual sinking-fund requirements of Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries' first mortgage indentures are the amounts necessary to redeem 1 to 1.5 percent of the highest principal amount of each series of first mortgage bonds at any time outstanding, excluding series issued for pollution control and resource recovery financings and certain other series totaling $2 billion.

    NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin and PSCo expect to satisfy substantially all of their sinking fund obligations in accordance with the terms of their respective indentures through the application of property additions. SPS has no significant sinking fund requirements.

    NSP-Minnesota's 2011 and 2019 series first mortgage bonds have variable interest rates, which currently change at various periods up to 270 days, based on prevailing rates for certain commercial paper securities or similar issues. The 2011 series bonds are redeemable upon seven days notice at the option of the bondholder. NSP-Minnesota also is potentially liable for repayment of the 2019 series when the bonds are tendered, which occurs each time the variable interest rates change. The principal amount of all of these variable rate bonds outstanding represents potential short-term obligations and, therefore, is reported under current liabilities on the balance sheets.

    In addition, NSP-Minnesota's first mortgage indenture places certain restrictions on the amount of cash dividends it can pay to Xcel Energy, the holder of its common stock. Even with these restrictions, NSP-Minnesota could have paid more than $800 million in additional cash dividends on common stock at Dec. 31, 2000.

    Maturities and sinking fund requirements for long-term debt for Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries are listed in the following table (in millions of dollars):

 
  NSP-Minnesota
  NSP-Wisconsin
  PSCo
  SPS
2001   $ 304   $ 1   $ 142   $
2002   $ 12   $ 1   $ 119   $
2003   $ 223   $ 41   $ 284   $
2004   $ 8   $ 1   $ 149   $
2005   $ 82   $ 1   $ 139   $

5. Preferred Stock (PSCo and SPS)

    PSCo has 10 million shares of cumulative preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized. At Dec. 31, 2000 and 1999, PSCo had no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

    SPS has 10 million shares of cumulative preferred stock, $1 par value, authorized. At Dec. 31, 2000 and 1999, SPS had no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

6. Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Securities of Subsidiary Trusts (NSP-Minnesota, PSCo and SPS)

    In 1997, NSP Financing I, a wholly owned, special-purpose subsidiary trust of NSP-Minnesota, issued $200 million of 7.875 percent trust preferred securities that mature in 2037. Distributions paid by the subsidiary trust on the preferred securities are financed through interest payments on debentures issued by NSP-Minnesota and held by the subsidiary trust, which are eliminated in consolidation. The preferred securities are redeemable at $25 per share beginning in 2002. Distributions and redemption payments are guaranteed by NSP-Minnesota.

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    In 1998, PSCo Capital Trust I, a wholly owned, special-purpose subsidiary trust of PSCo, issued $194 million of 7.60 percent trust preferred securities that mature in 2038. Distributions paid by the subsidiary trust on the preferred securities are financed through interest payments on debentures issued by PSCo and held by the subsidiary trust, which are eliminated in consolidation. The securities are redeemable at the option of PSCo after May 2003, at 100 percent of the principal amount outstanding plus accrued interest. Distributions and redemption payments are guaranteed by PSCo.

    In 1996, SPS Capital I, a wholly owned, special-purpose subsidiary trust of SPS, issued $100 million of 7.85 percent trust preferred securities that mature in 2036. Distributions paid by the subsidiary trust on the preferred securities are financed through interest payments on debentures issued by SPS and held by the subsidiary trust, which are eliminated in consolidation. The securities are redeemable at the option of SPS after October 2001, at 100 percent of the principal amount plus accrued interest. Distributions and redemption payments are guaranteed by SPS.

    Distributions paid to preferred security holders are reflected as a financing cost in the accompanying Income Statements along with interest expense.

7. Joint Plant Ownership (NSP-Minnesota and PSCo)

    The investments by Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries in jointly owned plants as of Dec. 31, 2000 are (in thousands):

 
  Plant
in
Service

  Accumulated
Depreciation

  Construction
Work in
Progress

  Ownership %
NSP-Minnesota-Sherco Unit 3   $ 607,568   $ 252,096   $ 1,095   59.0
PSCo:                      
Hayden Unit 1     82,800     35,767     1,172   75.5
Hayden Unit 2     78,347     39,058     161   37.4
Hayden Common Facilities     27,145     2,071     258   53.1
Craig Units 1 & 2     57,710     29,248       9.7
Craig Common Facilities Units 1, 2 & 3     21,012     8,339     (21 ) 6.5–9.7
Transmission Facilities, including Substations     81,769     27,349     609   42.0–73.0
   
 
 
   
Total PSCo   $ 348,783   $ 141,832   $ 2,179    
   
 
 
   

    NSP-Minnesota is part owner of Sherco 3, an 860 megawatt coal-fired electric generating unit. NSP-Minnesota is the operating agent under the joint ownership agreement. The PSCo assets include approximately 320 Mw of generating capacity. Both NSP-Minnesota and PSCo are responsible for their proportionate share of operating expenses and construction expenditures for the jointly owned plants.

78


8. Income Taxes (NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS)

    NSP-Minnesota

    Total income tax expense from operations differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income tax expense. The reasons for the difference are:

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
Federal statutory rate     35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %
Increases (decreases) in tax from:                    
  State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit     7.2 %   5.9 %   5.4 %
  Life insurance policies     (0.3 )%   (0.2 )%   (0.1 )%
  Tax credits recognized     (4.5 )%   (3.5 )%   (2.7 )%
  Regulatory differences — utility plant items     3.8 %   2.2 %   0.7 %
  Non-deductibility of merger costs     4.5 %   0.0 %   0.0 %
  Other—net     (0.4 )%   (1.4 )%   (1.0 )%
   
 
 
 
Effective income tax rate     45.3 %   38.0 %   37.3 %
   
 
 
 

Income taxes comprise the following expense (benefit) items (in thousands of dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Current federal tax expense   $ 80,085   $ 87,480   $ 118,427  
  Current state tax expense     19,980     23,036     28,420  
  Current federal tax credits     (799 )   (765 )   (705 )
  Deferred federal tax (credits)     (1,206 )   (4,052 )   (12,328 )
  Deferred state tax expense (credits)     2,546     56     (783 )
  Deferred investment tax credits     (8,415 )   (8,324 )   (8,318 )
   
 
 
 
      Total income tax expense   $ 92,191   $ 97,431   $ 124,713  
   
 
 
 

    The components of net deferred tax liability (current and noncurrent portions) at December 31 were:

 
  2000
  1999
 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Deferred tax liabilities:            
  Differences between book and tax bases of property   $ 713,041   $ 723,953
  Regulatory assets     82,857     75,672
  Tax benefit transfer leases     18,775     23,349
  Other     17,366     19,802
   
 
      Total deferred tax liabilities   $ 832,039   $ 842,776
   
 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Regulatory liabilities   $ 61,937   $ 61,965
  Employee benefits     51,484     50,537
  Deferred investment tax credits     36,220     39,592
  Other     5,981     5,676
   
 
      Total deferred tax assets   $ 155,622   $ 157,770
   
 
  Net deferred tax liability   $ 676,417   $ 685,006
   
 

79


    NSP-Wisconsin

    Total income tax expense from operations differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income tax expense. The reasons for the difference are:

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
Federal statutory rate     35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %
Increases (decreases) in tax from:                    
  State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit     5.2 %   5.3 %   4.9 %
  Tax credits recognized     (1.6 )%   (1.3 )%   (1.6 )%
  Equity income from unconsolidated affiliates     (0.4 )%   (0.3 )%   (0.6 )%
  Regulatory differences — utility plant items     (1.0 )%   1.6 %   0.6 %
  Non-deductibility of merger costs     3.2 %   0.0 %   0.0 %
  Other — net     0.2 %   0.7 %   0.6 %
   
 
 
 
Effective income tax rate     40.6 %   41.0 %   38.9 %
   
 
 
 

Income taxes comprise the following expense (benefit) items (in thousands of dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Current federal tax expense   $ 14,924   $ 17,986   $ 13,016  
  Current state tax expense     3,500     4,459     2,906  
  Deferred federal tax expense     2,487     3,103     4,381  
  Deferred state tax expense     606     592     1,024  
  Deferred investment tax credits     (827 )   (838 )   (859 )
   
 
 
 
      Total income tax expense   $ 20,690   $ 25,302   $ 20,468  
   
 
 
 

    The components of net deferred tax liability (current and noncurrent portions) at December 31 were:

 
  2000
  1999
 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Deferred tax liabilities:            
  Differences between book and tax bases of property   $ 115,002   $ 112,461
  Regulatory assets     14,088     14,266
  Other     11,717     9,988
   
 
      Total deferred tax liabilities   $ 140,807   $ 136,715
   
 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Regulatory liabilities   $ 6,676   $ 7,286
  Deferred investment tax credits     6,611     6,927
  Employee benefits     8,434     3,941
  Other     766     4,383
   
 
      Total deferred tax assets   $ 22,487   $ 22,537
   
 
  Net deferred tax liability   $ 118,320   $ 114,178
   
 

80


    PSCo

    Total income tax expense from operations differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income tax expense. The reasons for the difference are:

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
Federal statutory rate     35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %
Increases (decreases) in tax from:                    
  State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit     1.9 %   1.4 %   2.0 %
  Life insurance policies     (6.8 )%   (5.4 )%   (4.8 )%
  Tax credits recognized     (3.1 )%   (1.7 )%   (1.6 )%
  Equity income from unconsolidated affiliates     0.0 %   0.0 %   (0.9 )%
  Regulatory differences — utility plant items     2.7 %   2.4 %   2.2 %
  Non-deductibility of merger costs     3.3 %   0.0 %   0.0 %
  Other — net     1.4 %   0.4 %   1.8 %
   
 
 
 
Effective income tax rate     34.4 %   32.1 %   33.7 %
   
 
 
 

Income taxes comprise the following expense (benefit) items (in thousands of dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Current federal tax expense   $ 91,281   $ 81,230   $ 91,122  
  Current state tax expense     7,037     4,700     8,176  
  Current federal tax credits     (3,699 )   0     0  
  Deferred federal tax expense     11,835     13,998     6,014  
  Deferred state tax expense     1,797     1,819     1,078  
  Deferred investment tax credits     (5,481 )   (5,173 )   (4,896 )
   
 
 
 
      Total income tax expense   $ 102,770   $ 96,574   $ 101,494  
   
 
 
 

    The components of net deferred tax liability (current and noncurrent portions) at December 31 were:

 
  2000
  1999
 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Deferred tax liabilities:            
  Differences between book and tax bases of property   $ 506,408   $ 543,370
  Employee benefits     45,553     39,277
  Regulatory assets     40,779     42,811
  Other     23,416     15,764
   
 
      Total deferred tax liabilities   $ 616,156   $ 641,222
   
 
Deferred tax assets:            
  Deferred investment tax credits   $ 31,750   $ 33,887
  Regulatory liabilities     19,471     20,848
  Other     17,128     34,190
   
 
      Total deferred tax assets   $ 68,349   $ 88,925
   
 
  Net deferred tax liability   $ 547,807   $ 552,297
   
 

81


    SPS

    Total income tax expense from operations differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income tax expense. The reasons for the difference are:

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
Federal statutory rate     35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %
Increases (decreases) in tax from:                    
  State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit     0.9 %   0.0 %   0.8 %
  Life insurance policies     (0.1 )%   (0.1 )%   0.0 %
  Tax credits recognized     (0.2 )%   (0.2 )%   (0.1 )%
  Regulatory differences — utility plant items     2.9 %   0.7 %   (0.1 )%
  Non-deductibility of merger costs     2.1 %   0.0 %   0.3 %
  Extraordinary item     5.8 %   0.0 %   0.0 %
  Other — net     (0.7 )%   1.2 %   0.5 %
   
 
 
 
Effective income tax rate including extraordinary items     45.7 %   36.6 %   36.4 %
  Extraordinary items     (5.8 )%   0.0 %   0.0 %
   
 
 
 
Effective income tax rate excluding extraordinary items     39.9 %   36.6 %   36.4 %
   
 
 
 

Income taxes comprise the following expense (benefit) items (in thousands of dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Current federal tax expense   $ 13,063   $ 44,072   $ 71,954  
  Current state tax expense     815     (345 )   2,592  
  Deferred federal tax expense     43,729     15,380     (8,266 )
  Deferred state tax expense     1,419     542     (334 )
  Deferred investment tax credits     (250 )   (250 )   (250 )
   
 
 
 
      Income tax expense excluding extraordinary items     58,776     59,399     65,696  
  Tax expense (benefit) on extraordinary items     (8,549 )   0     0  
   
 
 
 
      Total income tax expense   $ 50,227   $ 59,399   $ 65,696  
   
 
 
 

    The components of net deferred tax liability (current and noncurrent portions) at December 31 were:

 
  2000
  1999
 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Deferred tax liabilities:            
  Differences between book and tax bases of property   $ 310,554   $ 329,930
  Regulatory assets     29,985     29,734
  Other     73,839     35,080
   
 
      Total deferred tax liabilities   $ 414,378   $ 394,744
   
 
Deferred tax assets:            
  Deferred investment tax credits   $ 820   $ 1,795
  Regulatory liabilities     456     990
  Other     14,590     15,784
   
 
      Total deferred tax assets   $ 15,866   $ 18,569
   
 
  Net deferred tax liability   $ 398,512   $ 376,175
   
 

82


9. Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS)

    Xcel Energy offers various benefit plans to its benefit employees. Approximately 45 percent of benefit employees are represented by several local labor unions under several collective-bargaining agreements. At Dec. 31, 2000, NSP-Minnesota had 2,122 and NSP-Wisconsin had 476 union employees covered under a collective-bargaining agreement, which expires at the end of 2004. PSCo had 1,969 union employees covered under a collective-bargaining agreement, which expires in May 2003. SPS had 776 union employees covered under a collective-bargaining agreement, which expires in October 2002.

Pension Benefits

    Xcel Energy has several noncontributory, defined benefit pension plans that cover almost all utility employees. Benefits are based on a combination of years of service, the employee's average pay and Social Security benefits.

    Xcel Energy's policy is to fully fund into an external trust the actuarially determined pension costs recognized for ratemaking and financial reporting purposes, subject to the limitations of applicable employee benefit and tax laws. Plan assets principally consist of the common stock of public companies, corporate bonds and U.S. government securities.

83


    A comparison of the actuarially computed pension benefit obligation and plan assets at Dec. 31, 2000 and 1999 for all Xcel Energy plans on a combined basis is presented in the following table (in thousands).

 
  2000
  1999
 
Change in Benefit Obligation              
Obligation at January 1   $ 2,170,627   $ 2,157,255  
Service cost     59,066     63,674  
Interest cost     172,063     154,619  
Acquisitions     52,800      
Plan amendments     2,649     184,255  
Actuarial (gain) loss     1,327     (225,355 )
Benefit payments     (204,394 )   (163,821 )
   
 
 
Obligation at December 31   $ 2,254,138   $ 2,170,627  
   
 
 

Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Fair value of plan assets at January 1   $ 3,763,293   $ 3,460,740  
Actual return on plan assets     91,846     466,374  
Acquisitions     38,412      
Benefit payments     (204,394 )   (163,821 )
   
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at December 31   $ 3,689,157   $ 3,763,293  
   
 
 

Funded Status at December 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net asset   $ 1,435,019   $ 1,592,666  
Unrecognized transition (asset) obligation     (16,631 )   (23,945 )
Unrecognized prior-service cost     228,436     247,632  
Unrecognized (gain) loss     (1,421,690 )   (1,680,616 )
   
 
 
Xcel Energy prepaid pension asset recorded   $ 225,134   $ 135,737  
   
 
 

NSP-MN prepaid pension asset recorded

 

$

107,784

 

$

52,801

 
   
 
 
NSP-WI prepaid pension asset recorded   $ 18,561   $ 12,915  
   
 
 
PSCo prepaid pension asset recorded   $ 43,362   $ 26,786  
   
 
 
SPS prepaid pension asset recorded   $ 61,359   $ 40,087  
   
 
 
Significant assumptions

  2000
  1999
 
Discount rate (year-end)   7.75 % 7.5-8.0 %
Expected long-term increase in compensation level   4.50 % 4.0-4.5 %
Expected average long-term rate of return on assets   8.5-10.0 % 8.5-10.0 %

84


    The components of net periodic pension cost (credit) for all Xcel Energy plans are (in thousands):

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
Xcel Energy                    
Service cost   $ 59,066   $ 63,674   $ 55,545  
Interest cost     172,063     154,619     145,574  
Expected return on plan assets     (292,580 )   (259,074 )   (233,191 )
Amortization of transition asset     (7,314 )   (7,314 )   (7,314 )
Amortization of prior-service cost     19,197     17,855     6,209  
Amortization of net gain     (60,676 )   (40,217 )   (30,607 )
   
 
 
 
Net periodic pension cost (credit) under SFAS 87   $ (110,244 ) $ (70,457 ) $ (63,784 )
   
 
 
 

NSP-MN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net periodic pension cost (credit) under SFAS 87   $ (56,182 ) $ (36,469 ) $ (35,545 )
Credits not recognized due to effects of regulation     56,182     36,469     35,545  
   
 
 
 
Net benefit cost (credit) recognized for financial reporting   $   $   $  
   
 
 
 

NSP-WI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net SFAS 87 benefit cost (credit) recognized for reporting   $ (6,369 ) $ (3,360 ) $ (3,354 )
   
 
 
 

PSCo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net SFAS 87 benefit cost (credit) recognized for reporting   $ (16,825 ) $ (11,697 ) $ (5,093 )
   
 
 
 

SPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net SFAS 87 benefit cost (credit) recognized for reporting   $ (21,352 ) $ (15,476 ) $ (15,175 )
   
 
 
 

    Additionally, Xcel Energy maintains noncontributory defined benefit supplemental retirement income plans for certain qualifying executive personnel. Benefits for these unfunded plans are paid out of Xcel Energy's operating cash flows.

Defined Contribution Plans

    NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin participate in 401(K) and other defined contribution plans. Total contributions to these plans were approximately $12 million in 2000, $11 million in 1999 and $9 million in 1998. PSCo and SPS participate in 401(K) and other defined contribution plans. Total contributions to these plans were approximately $11 million in 2000, $10 million in 1999 and $12 million in 1998.

    Xcel Energy has a leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) that covers substantially all employees of NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin. NSP-Minnesota makes contributions to this noncontributory, defined contribution plan to the extent it realizes a tax savings from dividends paid on certain ESOP shares. ESOP contributions have no material effect on NSP-Minnesota or NSP-Wisconsin's earnings because the contributions are essentially offset by the tax savings provided by the dividends paid on ESOP shares. Leveraged ESOP shares are allocated to participants as ESOP loans are repaid with dividends on Xcel Energy stock held by the ESOP.

Postretirement Health Care Benefits

    Xcel Energy has contributory health and welfare benefit plans that provide health care and death benefits to most Xcel Energy retirees. The plan was terminated for nonbargaining employees retiring after 1998 and for bargaining employees of NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin after 1999.

85


    In conjunction with the 1993 adoption of SFAS No. 106—"Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension," Xcel Energy elected to amortize the unrecognized accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) on a straight-line basis over 20 years.

    Regulatory agencies for nearly all of Xcel Energy's retail and wholesale utility customers have allowed rate recovery of accrued benefit costs under SFAS 106. PSCo transitioned to full accrual accounting for SFAS 106 costs between 1993 and 1997, consistent with the accounting requirements for rate regulated enterprises. The Colorado jurisdictional SFAS 106 costs deferred during the transition period are being amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the 15-year period from 1998 to 2012. NSP-Minnesota also transitioned to full accrual accounting for SFAS 106 costs, with regulatory differences fully amortized prior to 1997.

    Additionally, certain state agencies, which regulate Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries, have issued guidelines related to the funding of SFAS 106 costs. SPS is required to fund SFAS 106 costs for Texas and New Mexico jurisdictional amounts collected in rates, and PSCo is required to fund SFAS 106 costs in irrevocable external trusts that are dedicated to the payment of these postretirement benefits. Minnesota and Wisconsin retail regulators require external funding of accrued SFAS 106 costs to the extent such funding is tax advantaged. Plan assets held in external funding trusts principally consist of investments in equity mutual funds, fixed-income securities and cash equivalents.

86


    A comparison of the actuarially computed benefit obligation and plan assets at Dec. 31, 2000 and 1999 for all Xcel Energy postretirement health care plans is presented in the following table (in thousands).

 
  2000
  1999
 
Change in Benefit Obligation:              
Obligation at January 1   $ 533,458   $ 616,957  
Service cost     5,679     4,680  
Interest cost     43,477     35,583  
Acquisitions     16,445      
Plan amendments         (80,840 )
Plan participants' contributions     4,358     3,818  
Actuarial (gain) loss     10,501     (5,581 )
Benefit payments     (37,191 )   (41,159 )
   
 
 
Obligation at December 31   $ 576,727   $ 533,458  
   
 
 

Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Fair value of plan assets at January 1   $ 201,767   $ 180,742  
Actual return on plan assets     10,069     11,981  
Plan participants' contributions     4,358     3,818  
Employer contributions     44,263     34,652  
Benefit payments     (37,191 )   (29,426 )
   
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at December 31   $ 223,266   $ 201,767  
   
 
 

Funded Status at December 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net obligation   $ 353,461   $ 331,691  
Unrecognized transition asset (obligation)     (202,871 )   (219,644 )
Unrecognized prior-service credit     13,789     14,999  
Unrecognized gain (loss)     (11,126 )   5,559  
   
 
 
Xcel Energy accrued benefit liability recorded   $ 153,253   $ 132,605  
   
 
 

NSP-MN accrued benefit liability recorded

 

$

64,115

 

$

67,374

 
   
 
 
NSP-WI accrued benefit liability recorded   $ 4,588   $ 4,167  
   
 
 
PSCo accrued benefit liability recorded   $ 53,940   $ 51,080  
   
 
 
SPS accrued benefit liability recorded   $ 6,657   $ 6,086  
   
 
 

Significant assumptions:


 

2000


 

1999


 
Discount rate (year-end)   7.75 % 7.5-8.0 %
Expected average long-term rate of return on assets   8.0-9.5 % 8.0-9.5 %

87


    The assumed health care cost trend rate for 2000 is approximately 7.5 percent, decreasing gradually to 5.5 percent in 2004 and remaining level thereafter. A 1 percent increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effects (in thousands):

 
  Xcel Energy
  NSP-MN
  NSP-WI
  PSCo
  SPS
 
Effect of changes in the assumed health care cost trend rate:                                
1% increase in APBO components at Dec. 31, 2000   $ 49,331   $ 11,057   $ 1,901   $ 27,466   $ 4,398  
1% decrease in APBO components at Dec. 31, 2000   $ (42,857 ) $ (9,641 ) $ (1,658 ) $ (23,948 ) $ (3,835 )
1% increase in service and interest components of the net periodic cost   $ 3,821   $ 747   $ 125   $ 2,131   $ 344  
1% decrease in service and interest components of the net periodic cost   $ (3,308 ) $ (652 ) $ (109 ) $ (1,860 ) $ (300 )

    The components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost of all Xcel Energy's plans are (in thousands):

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
Service cost   $ 5,679   $ 4,680   $ 8,164  
Interest cost     43,477     35,583     42,399  
Expected return on plan assets     (17,902 )   (15,003 )   (12,349 )
Amortization of transition obligation     16,773     17,461     23,411  
Amortization of prior-service cost (credit)     (1,211 )   (1,803 )   (932 )
Amortization of net loss (gain)     915     (5 )   (790 )
   
 
 
 
Net periodic postretirement benefit costs under SFAS 106     47,731     40,913     59,903  
Additional cost recognized due to effects of regulation     6,641     4,029     5,673  
   
 
 
 
Net cost recognized for financial reporting   $ 54,372   $ 44,942   $ 65,576  
   
 
 
 
NSP-MN                    
Net periodic postretirement benefit costs recognized — SFAS 106   $ 10,718   $ 8,265   $ 22,220  
   
 
 
 

NSP-WI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net periodic postretirement benefit costs recognized — SFAS 106   $ 852   $ 1,053   $ 3,335  
   
 
 
 

PSCo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net periodic postretirement benefit costs under SFAS 106   $ 28,323   $ 26,278   $ 26,044  
Additional cost recognized due to effects of regulation     3,890     3,891     5,534  
   
 
 
 
Net cost recognized for financial reporting   $ 32,213   $ 30,169   $ 31,578  
   
 
 
 

SPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Net periodic postretirement benefit costs under SFAS 106   $ 3,696   $ 3,745   $ 3,295  
Additional cost recognized due to effects of regulation     2,751     138     139  
   
 
 
 
Net cost recognized for financial reporting   $ 6,447   $ 3,883   $ 3,434  
   
 
 
 

88


10. Electric Utility Restructuring (SPS)

    Restructuring legislation has been enacted in Texas and New Mexico, as summarized below. SPS has made and continues to make filings with the PUCT and the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) to address critical issues related to SPS transition plans to implement retail competition.

    New Mexico Restructuring—In April 1999, New Mexico enacted the Electric Utility Restructuring Act of 1999, which provides for customer choice. The legislation provides for recovery of no less than 50 percent of stranded costs for all utilities. Transition costs must be approved by the NMPRC prior to being recovered through a non-bypassable wires charge, which must be included in transition plan filings. SPS must separate its utility operations into at least two entities: energy generation and competitive services, and transmission and distribution utility services, either by the creation of separate affiliates that may be owned by a common holding company or by the sale of assets to one or more third parties. A regulated company, in general, is prohibited from providing unregulated services. In May 2000, the NMPRC approved:

    customer choice for residential, small commercial and educational customers by January 2002;

    customer choice for commercial and industrial customers by July 2002; and

    completion of SPS corporate separation by August 2001.

    The NMPRC has reopened its electric restructuring rulemakings to consider the impacts on New Mexico electricity markets arising from the volatile California electricity market conditions. In addition, in February 2001, the New Mexico Senate approved a bill that would delay the implementation of restructuring and retail choice until 2007. The House has yet to act on the proposal to delay. We cannot predict the changes that may result from reconsideration of the restructuring legislation or the NMPRC's reconsideration of its regulations as a result of the continuing and significant conditions in the California markets.

    Texas Restructuring—In June 1999, an electric utility restructuring act (SB-7) was passed in Texas, which provides for the implementation of retail competition for most areas of the state, including SPS' service area, beginning January 2002. The PUCT can delay the date for full retail competition if a power region is unable to offer fair competition and reliable service during the 2001 pilot projects. The legislation requires:

    a rate freeze for all customers until January 2002;

    an annual earnings test through 2001;

    a 6 percent rate reduction for those residential and small commercial customers who choose not to switch suppliers at the start of retail competition;

    the unbundling of business activities, costs and rates relating to generation, transmission and distribution, and retail services;

    reductions in NOx and SO2 emissions; and

    the recovery of stranded costs.

    SB-7 requires each utility to unbundle its business activities into three separate legal entities: a power generation company, a regulated transmission and distribution company, and a retail electric provider. SB-7 limits the market share that a single generation provider can control to 20 percent of the generating capacity within a qualified power region. The establishment of a qualified power region with multiple generation suppliers is required under SB-7 in order to implement full retail competition. SPS must return any excess earnings indicated in the annual earnings tests above it last allowed rate of return for 1999, 2000 and 2001 or alternatively may direct any excess earnings to improvements in

89


transmission and distribution facilities, to capital expenditures to improve air quality or to accelerate the amortization of regulatory assets, subject to PUCT approval.

    The Texas legislature is currently considering amendments to SB-7 that would delay the implementation of business separation and customers choice in SPS's market area for 5 years.

    Implementation—SPS filed its business separation plan in Texas during the first quarter of 2000 for the unbundling of power generation, transmission, and distribution and retail electric provider services. In April 2000, the PUCT approved SPS' business separation plan. The plan provides for the separation of all competitive energy services, the establishment of an Xcel Energy customer care company, which will provide customer services for all of Xcel Energy's operating utilities, and a formal code of conduct and compliance manual for managing affiliate transactions.

    Subject to all required approvals and indebtedness restrictions, it is anticipated that all generation-related and certain other assets and liabilities will be transferred at net book value to newly formed affiliates in accordance with SPS' business separation plan. It is expected that SPS and its affiliates will be capitalized consistent with their respective business operations.

    In April 2000, SPS filed with the PUCT a stipulation agreement that specifically addresses SPS' implementation plans to meet the requirements of the Texas restructuring legislation. The stipulation provides for the implementation of full retail customer choice by SPS in its Texas service region, including the future divestiture of certain SPS generation assets. Subject to certain market conditions and confirmation by the SEC that the sale would not violate pooling accounting treatment, SPS agreed to divest at least 1,750 megawatts by January 2002, and specifically identified the plants that it would sell in connection with additional divestitures required to establish a qualified power region under SB-7. In subsequent discussions, the SEC has indicated the sale of generation assets prior to August 2002 would violate pooling accounting. For SPS to comply with this qualified power region requirement and to implement full customer choice in Texas, between 2,843 megawatts and 3,184 megawatts of existing power generation assets or capacity must be sold to third party non-affiliates. SPS has committed to complete these divestitures by January 2006. In May 2000, the PUCT issued an order approving the stipulation. SPS has committed to transfer functional control of its electric transmission system to a regional transmission organization that will operate the transmission systems of multiple owners in the central United States.

    SPS filed a rate case in March 2000 to set the rates for distribution services in Texas, which are to be unbundled and implemented in January 2002. SPS requested recovery of all jurisdictional costs associated with restructuring in Texas. Hearings and a final rate order are not expected before August 2001.

    In June 2000, SPS filed its transition plan with the NMPRC. SPS filed to establish rates for the transmission and distribution business in New Mexico, requesting approval of its corporate restructuring/separation and other associated matters. Hearings were held in October and November 2000. Final approval is not expected until mid-2001.

    Financial Impact—With the issuance of a final written order by the PUCT in May 2000, addressing the implementation of electric utility restructuring, SPS discontinued regulatory accounting under SFAS 71 for the generation portion of its business during the second quarter of 2000. Consistent with current accounting rules, this resulted in extraordinary charges in the second and third quarters of 2000. During the second quarter of 2000, SPS wrote off its generation-related regulatory assets and liabilities, totaling approximately $19.3 million before taxes. This resulted in an after-tax extraordinary charge of approximately $13.7 million against the earnings of Xcel Energy and SPS. During the third quarter of 2000, SPS recorded an extraordinary charge of $8.2 million before tax, or $5.3 million after tax, related to the tender offer and defeasance of approximately $295 million of first mortgage bonds. The first mortgage bonds were defeased to facilitate the eventual divestiture of generation assets.

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    SPS transmission and distribution business continues to meet the requirements of SFAS 71, as that business is expected to remain regulated.

    Additionally, there may be other significant financial implications of implementing SB-7 and electric restructuring in New Mexico. These implications include, but are not limited to investments in information technology, establishing an independent operation of the electric transmission systems, implementing the procedures to govern affiliate transactions, the pricing of unbundled energy services and the regulatory recovery of incurred costs related to these issues. These costs could be as much as $75 million. The total impacts of restructuring are unknown at this time and may have a significant financial impact on the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Xcel Energy and SPS.

11. Financial Instruments (NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS)

Fair Values

    For cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, the carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. The fair values of Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries' long-term investments, mainly debt securities in an external nuclear decommissioning fund, are estimated based on quoted market prices for those or similar investments. The fair value of Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries' long-term debt and the mandatorily redeemable preferred securities are estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues, or the current rates for debt of the same remaining maturities and credit quality.

    The fair value estimates presented are based on information available to management as of Dec. 31, 2000 and 1999. These fair value estimates have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since that date, and current estimates of fair values may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein. The estimated fair values of recorded financial instruments for the utility subsidiaries of Xcel Energy at December 31 are as follows.

    NSP-Minnesota

 
  2000
  1999
 
  Carrying
Amount

  Fair
Value

  Carrying
Amount

  Fair
Value

 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities   $ 200,000   $ 198,000   $ 200,000   $ 174,000
Long-term investments   $ 563,812   $ 563,812   $ 517,129   $ 517,129
Long-term debt, including current portion   $ 1,352,768   $ 1,322,163   $ 1,442,304   $ 1,379,606
   
 
 
 

    NSP-Wisconsin

 
  2000
  1999
 
  Carrying
Amount

  Fair
Value

  Carrying
Amount

  Fair
Value

 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Long-term debt, including current portion   $ 313,034   $ 308,415   $ 231,950   $ 216,458
   
 
 
 

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    PSCo

 
  2000
  1999
 
  Carrying
Amount

  Fair
Value

  Carrying
Amount

  Fair
Value

 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities   $ 194,000   $ 185,270   $ 194,000   $ 168,000
Long-term investments   $ 6,017   $ 5,904   $ 20,286   $ 17,976
Long-term debt, including current portion   $ 1,752,784   $ 1,763,074   $ 1,854,782   $ 1,778,534
   
 
 
 

    SPS

 
  2000
  1999
 
  Carrying
Amount

  Fair
Value

  Carrying
Amount

  Fair
Value

 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Mandatorily redeemable preferred securities   $ 100,000   $ 98,000   $ 100,000   $ 85,240
Long-term investments   $ 5,323   $ 4,808   $ 5,885   $ 3,820
Long-term debt, including current portion   $ 226,506   $ 226,958   $ 605,875   $ 592,350
   
 
 
 

Guarantees

    NSP-Minnesota

    NSP-Minnesota has sold a portion of its other receivables to a third party. The portion of the receivables sold consisted of customer loans to local and state government entities for energy efficiency improvements under various conservation programs offered by NSP-Minnesota. Under the sales agreements, NSP-Minnesota is required to guarantee repayment to the third party of the remaining loan balances. At Dec. 31, 2000, the outstanding balance of the loans was approximately $18.1 million. Based on prior collection experience of these loans, NSP-Minnesota believes that losses under the loan guarantees, if any, would have an immaterial impact on the results of operations.

    SPS

    In connection with an agreement for the sale of electric power, SPS guaranteed certain obligations of a customer totaling approximately $27.8 million at Dec. 31, 2000. These obligations related to the construction of certain utility property that, in the event of default by the customer, would revert to SPS.

    In June 2000, Xcel Energy entered into a guarantee on behalf of BNP Paribas in connection with a letter of credit provided by BNP Paribas at the request of SPS in the amount of $5 million, expiring March 2002. The letter of credit is required to indemnify former SPS board of directors.

Derivatives

    NSP-Minnesota and PSCo's regulated energy marketing operations use a combination of energy futures and forward contracts, along with physical supply to hedge market risks in the energy market. Management believes the risk of counterparty nonperformance with regards to any of the hedging transactions is not significant. The notional value of these contracts and realized net gain if the contracts were terminated at Dec. 31, 2000 are as follows (in millions of dollars):

 
  NSP-Minnesota
  PSCo
Notional value   $ 26.7   $ 63.7
Realized net gain if terminated     10.5     8.2

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    SPS has an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $25 million, converting variable rate debt to a fixed rate. The approximate termination cost of SPS's swaps was $4 million at Dec. 31, 2000.

Letters of Credit

    Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries use letters of credit, generally with terms of one year, to provide financial guarantees for certain operating obligations. The following table details the letter of credits outstanding for Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries at Dec. 31, 2000 (in millions of dollar). The contract amounts of these letters of credit approximate their fair value and are subject to fees determined in the marketplace.

NSP-Minnesota
  PSCo
  SPS
$29.4   $13.2   $11.2

12. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS)

Legislative Resource Commitments (NSP-Minnesota)

    In 1994, NSP-Minnesota received Minnesota legislative approval for additional on-site temporary spent fuel storage facilities at its Prairie Island nuclear power plant, provided NSP-Minnesota satisfies certain requirements. Seventeen dry cask containers were approved. As of Dec. 31, 2000, NSP-Minnesota had loaded twelve casks. The Minnesota Legislature established several energy resource and other commitments for NSP-Minnesota to obtain the Prairie Island temporary nuclear fuel storage facility approval. These commitments can be met by building, purchasing, or in the case of biomass, converting generation resources.

    The 1994 legislation requires NSP-Minnesota to have 425 megawatts of wind resources contracted by Dec. 31, 2002. Of this commitment, approximately 80 megawatts remain to be contracted. During 1999, the MPUC ordered an additional 400 Mw to be contracted by 2012, subject to least-cost determinations. The 1994 legislation also requires NSP-Minnesota to contract for 125 megawatts of biomass-fueled energy, which has essentially been fulfilled.

    Other commitments established by the Legislature include a discount for low-income electric customers, required conservation improvement expenditures and various study and reporting requirements to a legislative electric energy task force. NSP-Minnesota has implemented programs to meet the legislative commitments. NSP-Minnesota's capital commitments include the known effects of the Prairie Island legislation. The impact of the legislation on future power purchase commitments and other operating expenses is not yet determinable.

Tax Matters (PSCo)

    PSR Investments, Inc. (PSRI), a subsidiary of PSCo, owns and manages permanent life insurance policies on certain past and present employees. The IRS has issued a Notice of Proposed Adjustment proposing to disallow interest expense related to corporate owned life insurance (COLI) policy loans taken in tax years 1993-1997. The total disallowance of interest expense deductions for the five years as proposed by the IRS is approximately $175 million. A request for technical advice from the IRS National Office with respect to the proposed adjustment is pending. Interest expense deductions for the period 1998 through 2000 totals approximately $168 million.

    Management is vigorously contesting this issue. While the outcome of this matter cannot be predicted, management believes that PSRI's tax deduction of interest expense on life insurance policy loans was in full compliance with the tax law and believes that the resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse impact on Xcel Energy's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. For this reason, PSRI has not recorded any provision for income tax or interest expense related to this

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matter and has continued to take deductions for interest expense related to policy loans on its income tax returns for subsequent years.

Postemployment Benefits (PSCo)

    PSCo adopted accrual accounting for postemployment benefits under SFAS No. 112—"Employers Accounting for Postemployment Benefits" in 1994. The costs of these benefits were historically recorded on a pay-as-you go basis and, accordingly, PSCo recorded regulatory assets in anticipation of obtaining future rate recovery of these costs. PSCo recovered its FERC jurisdictional portion of these costs. PSCo requested approval to recover its Colorado natural retail gas jurisdictional portion in a 1996 retail rate case and its retail electric jurisdictional portion in the electric earnings test filing for 1997. In the 1996 rate case, the CPUC allowed recovery of postemployment benefit costs on an accrual basis, but denied PSCo's request to amortize the regulatory asset. PSCo appealed this decision to the Denver District Court. In 1998, the CPUC deferred the final determination of the regulatory treatment of the electric jurisdictional costs pending the outcome of PSCo's appeals on the natural gas rate case. On Dec. 16, 1999, the Denver District Court affirmed the decision by the CPUC. On Jan. 31, 2000, PSCo filed a Notice of Appeal with the Colorado Supreme Court and expects a final decision on this matter during 2001. PSCo continues to believe that it will ultimately be allowed to recover this regulatory asset. If PSCo is unsuccessful in its appeal, all unrecoverable amounts totaling approximately $23 million will be written off.

Conservation Incentive Recovery (NSP-Minnesota)

    In June 1999, the MPUC denied NSP-Minnesota recovery of 1998 lost margins, load management discounts and incentives associated with state-mandated programs for electric energy conservation. NSP-Minnesota recorded a $35 million charge in 1999 based on this action. NSP-Minnesota appealed the MPUC decision and in December 2000, the Minnesota Court of Appeals reversed the MPUC decision.

    In January 2001, the MPUC appealed the lower court decision to the Minnesota Supreme Court. On Feb. 23, 2001, the Minnesota Supreme Court declined to hear the MPUC's appeal. NSP-Minnesota is awaiting an order from the MPUC regarding the implementation of the appeals court decision before adjusting any liabilities recorded for this matter. As of Dec. 31, 2000, NSP-Minnesota had recorded a liability of $40 million, including carrying charges, for potential refunds to customers pending the final resolution of this matter.

Leases

    Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries lease various equipment and facilities used in the normal course of business, some of which are accounted for as capital leases. Expiration of the capital leases range from 2001 to 2029, respectively. Assets acquired under capital leases are recorded as property at the lower of fair-market value or the present value of future lease payments and are amortized over their actual contract term in accordance with practices allowed by regulators. The related obligation is classified as long-term debt. Executory costs are excluded from the minimum lease payments. The net book value of property under capital leases at PSCo at year-end was approximately $54.2 million for 2000 and approximately $56.5 million for 1999.

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    Rental expense for Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries is listed in the following table for 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively (in millions of dollars). Future commitments under these leases generally decline from current levels.

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
NSP-Minnesota   $ 34.3   $ 33.2   $ 29.6
NSP-Wisconsin   $ 3.4   $ 3.1   $ 3.1
PSCo   $ 9.6   $ 10.4   $ 12.2
SPS   $ 2.2   $ 2.3   $ 2.4

Nuclear Insurance (NSP-Minnesota)

    NSP-Minnesota's public liability for claims resulting from any nuclear incident is limited to $9.5 billion under the 1988 Price-Anderson amendment to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. NSP-Minnesota has secured $200 million of coverage for its public liability exposure with a pool of insurance companies. The remaining $9.3 billion of exposure is funded by the Secondary Financial Protection Program, available from assessments by the federal government in case of a nuclear accident. NSP-Minnesota is subject to assessments of up to $88 million for each of its three licensed reactors to be applied for public liability arising from a nuclear incident at any licensed nuclear facility in the United States. The maximum funding requirement is $10 million per reactor during any one year.

    NSP-Minnesota purchases insurance for property damage and site decontamination cleanup costs from Nuclear Electric Insurance Ltd. (NEIL). The coverage limits are $1.5 billion for each of NSP-Minnesota's two nuclear plant sites. NEIL also provides business interruption insurance coverage, including the cost of replacement power obtained during certain prolonged accidental outages of nuclear generating units. Premiums are expensed over the policy term. All companies insured with NEIL are subject to retroactive premium adjustments if losses exceed accumulated reserve funds. Capital has been accumulated in the reserve funds of NEIL to the extent that NSP-Minnesota would have no exposure for retroactive premium assessments in case of a single incident under the business interruption and the property damage insurance coverage. However, in each calendar year, NSP-Minnesota could be subject to maximum assessments of approximately $3 million for business interruption insurance and $11 million for property damage insurance if losses exceed accumulated reserve funds.

Fuel Contracts

    The utility subsidiaries of Xcel Energy have contracts providing for the purchase and delivery of a significant portion of their current coal, nuclear fuel and natural gas requirements. These contracts expire in various years between 2001 and 2017. In addition, the utility subsidiaries of Xcel Energy are required to pay additional amounts depending on actual quantities shipped under these agreements. The potential risk of loss for the utility subsidiaries of Xcel Energy, in the form of increased costs, from market price changes in fuel is mitigated through the cost-of-energy adjustment provision of the ratemaking process, which provides for recovery of most fuel costs.

    The minimum purchase for each utility subsidiary of Xcel Energy is as follows (in millions):

 
  Coal
  Nuclear Fuel
  Natural Gas
NSP   $ 399   $ 13   $ 235
PSCo   $ 822   $ 0   $ 471
SPS   $ 891   $ 0   $ 0

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Purchase Power Agreements

    The utility subsidiaries of Xcel Energy have entered into agreements with utilities and other energy suppliers for purchased power to meet system load and energy requirements, replace generation from company-owned units under maintenance and during outages, and meet operating reserve obligations. NSP-Minnesota, PSCo and SPS have various pay-for-performance contracts with expiration dates through the year 2033. In general, these contracts provide for capacity payments, subject to meeting certain contract obligations and energy payments based on actual power taken under the contracts. Most of the capacity and energy costs are recovered through base rates and other cost recovery mechanisms. Additionally, NSP-Minnesota, PSCo and SPS have long-term purchased power contracts with various regional utilities, expiring through 2025.

    NSP-Minnesota has a 500 Mw participation power purchase commitment with the Manitoba Hydro Electric Board, which expires in 2005. The cost of this agreement is based on 80 percent of the costs of owning and operating NSP-Minnesota's Sherco 3 generating plant, adjusted to 1993 dollars. In addition, NSP-Minnesota and Manitoba Hydro have seasonal diversity exchange agreements, and there are no capacity payments for the diversity exchanges. These commitments represent about 17 percent of Manitoba Hydro's system capacity and account for approximately 10 percent of NSP-Minnesota's 2000 electric system capability. The risk of loss from nonperformance by Manitoba Hydro is not considered significant, and the risk of loss from market price changes is mitigated through cost-of-energy rate adjustments.

    At Dec. 31, 2000, the estimated future payments for capacity that the utility subsidiaries of Xcel Energy are obligated to purchase, subject to availability, are as follows (in thousands):

 
  NSP-Minnesota*
  PSCo
  SPS
2001   $ 110,911   $ 329,927   $ 16,441
2002     109,408     340,266     16,715
2003     110,379     360,778     16,995
2004     111,392     348,361     17,339
2005 and thereafter     74,760     2,628,349     341,820
   
 
 
  Total   $ 516,850   $ 4,007,681   $ 409,310
   
 
 

*
Includes amounts allocated to NSP-Wisconsin through intercompany charges.

Environmental Contingencies

    We are subject to regulations covering air and water quality, the storage of natural gas and the storage and disposal of hazardous or toxic wastes. We continuously assess our compliance. Regulations, interpretations and enforcement policies can change, which may impact the construction and operation of, and cost of building and operating, our facilities.

Site Remediation

    We must pay all or a portion of the cost to remediate sites where past activities of our subsidiaries and some other parties have caused environmental contamination. At Dec. 31, 2000, there were three categories of sites:

    third party sites, such as landfills, to which we are alleged to be a potentially responsible party (PRP) that sent hazardous materials and wastes,

    the site of a former federal uranium enrichment facility, and

    sites of former manufactured gas plants (MGP's) operated by our subsidiaries or predecessors.

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    We record a liability when we have enough information to develop an estimate of the cost of remediating a site and revise the estimate as information is received. The estimated remediation cost may vary materially.

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

    We revise our estimates as facts become known, but at Dec. 31, 2000, our estimated liability for the cost of remediating sites is detailed in the following table (in millions of dollars).

 
  Total Liability
  Current Portion of Liability
NSP-Minnesota   $ 33   $ 6
NSP-Wisconsin   $ 12   $ 2
PSCo   $ 3   $ 1
SPS   $   $

    Some of the cost of remediation may be recovered from others through:

    insurance coverage;

    recovery from other parties that have contributed to the contamination; and

    recovery from customers.

    Neither the total remediation cost nor the final method of cost allocation among all PRPs of the unremediated sites has been determined. We have recorded estimates of our share of future costs for these sites. We are not aware of any other parties' inability to pay, nor do we know if responsibility for any of the sites is in dispute.

Federal Uranium Enrichment Facility

    Approximately $21 million of the long-term liability and $4 million of the current liability for NSP-Minnesota, and approximately $2 million of the long-term liability for PSCo, relate to a DOE assessment to for decommissioning a federal uranium enrichment facility. These environmental liabilities do not include accruals recorded and collected from customers in rates for future nuclear fuel disposal costs or decommissioning costs related to NSP-Minnesota's nuclear generating plants. See Note 13 to Financial Statements for further discussion of nuclear obligations.

MGP Sites

    NSP-Minnesota

    The MPUC allowed NSP-Minnesota to defer certain remediation costs of four active remediation sites in 1994. In September 1998, the MPUC allowed the recovery of these MGP site remediation costs in natural gas rates, with a portion assigned to NSP's electric operations for two sites formerly used by NSP generating facilities. Accordingly, NSP-Minnesota has recorded an environmental regulatory asset for these costs. NSP-Minnesota may request recovery of costs to remediate other activated sites following the completion of preliminary investigations.

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    NSP-Wisconsin

    NSP-Wisconsin was named as one of three PRPs for creosote and coal tar contamination at a site in Ashland, Wis. The Ashland site includes property owned by NSP-Wisconsin and two other properties: an adjacent city lakeshore park area and a small area of Lake Superior's Chequemegon Bay adjoining the park.

    The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and NSP-Wisconsin have each developed several estimates of the ultimate cost to remediate the Ashland site. The estimates vary significantly, between $4 million and $93 million, because different methods of remediation and different results are assumed in each. The EPA and WDNR are expected to select the method of remediation to use at the site during late 2001 or early 2002. Until the EPA and the WDNR select a remediation strategy for all operable units at the site and determine the level of responsibility of each PRP, we are not able to accurately estimate our share of the ultimate cost of remediating the Ashland site.

    In the interim, NSP-Wisconsin has recorded a liability for an estimate of its share of the cost of remediating the portion of the Ashland site that it owns, estimated using information available to date and using reasonably effective remedial methods. NSP-Wisconsin has deferred, as a regulatory asset, the remediation costs accrued for the Ashland site because we expect that the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) will continue to allow NSP-Wisconsin to recover payments for environmental remediation from its customers. The PSCW has consistently authorized recovery in NSP-Wisconsin rates of all remediation costs incurred at the Ashland site, and has authorized recovery of similar remediation costs for other Wisconsin utilities.

    We proposed, and the EPA and WDNR have approved, an interim action (a groundwater treatment system) for one operable unit at the site for which NSP-Wisconsin has accepted responsibility. The groundwater treatment system began operating in the fall of 2000. NSP-Wisconsin continues to work with the WDNR to access state and federal funds to apply to ultimate remediation cost of the entire site. It is probable that, even with outside funding, final remedial costs to be borne by NSP-Wisconsin will be material.

Other

    Some of Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries' facilities contain asbestos. Most asbestos will remain undisturbed until the facilities that contain it are demolished or renovated. Since we intend to operate most of these facilities indefinitely, we can not estimate the amount or timing of payments for its final removal. It may be necessary to remove some asbestos to perform maintenance or make improvements to other equipment. The cost of removing asbestos as part of other work is immaterial and is recorded as incurred as operating expenses for maintenance projects, capital expenditures for construction projects or removal costs for demolition projects.

    PSCo

    In January 1996, in a lawsuit by PSCo against its insurance providers, the Denver District Court entered final judgment in favor of PSCo in the amount of $5.6 million for certain cleanup costs at the Barter site in central Denver, Colo. In September 1999, the Colorado Supreme Court held that the trial court should have allocated the damages and self-insured retentions over the entire period the facilities were in operation. Although the Colorado Supreme Court remanded the judgement to the trial court for additional proceedings, it suggested that its ruling may reduce PSCo's available recovery to approximately $1.4 million. PSCo requested recovery of environmental costs of approximately $7.7 million related to Barter over four years in its proposed Performance Based Regulatory Plan for calendar years 1998-2001.

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Plant Emissions

    NSP-Wisconsin

    In October 2000, the EPA found that NSP-Wisconsin's French Island electric generating plant should be classified as a "large municipal waste combustor" under Section 129 of the Clean Air Act. This letter was contrary to a 1997 EPA letter in which it had found that French Island should be classified as a "small combustor." The large combustor emission limits became enforceable in December 2000. NSP-Wisconsin is attempting to work with EPA to resolve the dispute regarding the status of the French Island plant. If a resolution is finalized, it may require, among other things, the installation of additional emission controls on the plant.

    PSCo

    In 1996, a conservation organization filed a complaint in the U. S. District Court pursuant to provisions of the Clean Air Act against the joint owners of the Craig Steam Electric Generating Station, located in western Colorado. Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. is the operator of the Craig station and PSCo owns an undivided interest in each of two units at the station, totaling approximately 9.7 percent. In October 2000, the parties, the EPA and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) reached an agreement in principle resolving all air quality matters related to the facility. The final agreement was negotiated during the fourth quarter of 2000 and was filed with the court on Jan. 10, 2001. The final agreement requires the installation of additional emission control equipment at a cost of approximately $105 million (based on an estimate from Tri-State). The equipment will be installed over a period of several years. In addition, the settlement requires the defendants collectively to pay a civil penalty of $500,000 and to contribute $1.5 million to fund conservation activities. The contribution to conservation activities will be refunded if the plant achieves a specified level of emissions control. The agreement will become enforceable after a period for public comment and approval by the court.

Legal Claims

    In the normal course of business, Xcel Energy is a party to routine claims and litigation arising from prior and current operations. Xcel Energy is actively defending these matters and has recorded an estimate of the probable cost of settlement or other disposition.

    NSP-Minnesota

    On Dec. 11, 1998, a natural gas explosion in St. Cloud, Minn., killed four people, including two NSP-Minnesota employees, injured approximately 14 people and damaged several buildings. The accident occurred as a crew from Cable Constructors Inc. (CCI) was installing fiber optic cable for Seren. Seren, CCI and Sirti, an architecture/engineering firm retained by Seren, are named as defendants in 22 lawsuits relating to the explosion. NSP-Minnesota is a defendant in 19 of the lawsuits. NSP-Minnesota and Seren deny any liability for this accident. On July 11, 2000, the National Transportation Safety Board issued a report, which determined that CCI's inadequate installation procedures and delay in reporting the natural gas hit were the proximate cause of the accident. NSP-Minnesota has a self-insured retention deductible of $2 million with general liability coverage limits of $185 million. Seren's primary insurance coverage is $1 million and its secondary insurance coverage is $185 million. The ultimate cost to Xcel Energy, NSP-Minnesota and Seren, if any, is presently unknown.

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13. Nuclear Obligations (NSP-Minnesota)

Fuel Disposal

    NSP-Minnesota is responsible for temporarily storing used-or spent-nuclear fuel from its nuclear plants. The DOE is responsible for permanently storing spent fuel from NSP's nuclear plants as well as from other U.S. nuclear plants. NSP-Minnesota has funded its portion of the DOE's permanent disposal program since 1981. The fuel disposal fees are based on a charge of 0.1 cent per kilowatt-hour sold to customers from nuclear generation. Fuel expense includes DOE fuel disposal assessments of approximately $12 million in 2000, $12 million in 1999 and $11 million in 1998. In total, NSP-Minnesota had paid approximately $284 million to the DOE through Dec. 31, 2000. However, we cannot determine whether the amount and method of the DOE's assessments to all utilities will be sufficient to fully fund the DOE's permanent storage or disposal facility.

    The Nuclear Waste Policy Act required the DOE to begin accepting spent nuclear fuel no later than Jan. 31, 1998. In 1996, the DOE notified commercial spent fuel owners of an anticipated delay in accepting spent nuclear fuel by the required date and conceded that a permanent storage or disposal facility will not be available until at least 2010. NSP-Minnesota and other utilities have commenced lawsuits against the DOE to recover damages caused by the DOE's failure to meet its statutory and contractual obligations.

    NSP-Minnesota has its own temporary on-site storage facilities at its Monticello and Prairie Island nuclear plants. With the dry cask storage facilities approved in 1994, management believes it has adequate storage capacity to continue operation of its Prairie Island nuclear plant until at least 2007. The Monticello nuclear plant has storage capacity to continue operations until 2010. Storage availability to permit operation beyond these dates is not assured at this time. We are investigating all of its alternatives for spent fuel storage until a DOE facility is available, including pursuing the establishment of a private facility for interim storage of spent nuclear fuel as part of a consortium of electric utilities. If on-site temporary storage at Prairie Island reaches approved capacity, we could seek interim storage at this or another contracted private facility, if available.

    Nuclear fuel expense includes payments to the DOE for the decommissioning and decontamination of the DOE's uranium enrichment facilities. In 1993, NSP-Minnesota recorded the DOE's initial assessment of $46 million, which is payable in annual installments from 1993-2008. NSP-Minnesota is amortizing each installment to expense on a monthly basis. The most recent installment paid in 2000 was $4 million; future installments are subject to inflation adjustments under DOE rules. NSP-Minnesota is obtaining rate recovery of these DOE assessments through the cost-of-energy adjustment clause as the assessments are amortized. Accordingly, we deferred the unamortized assessment of $28 million at Dec. 31, 2000, as a regulatory asset.

Plant Decommissioning

    Decommissioning of NSP-Minnesota's nuclear facilities is planned for the years 2010-2022, using the prompt dismantlement method. We are currently following industry practice by ratably accruing the costs for decommissioning over the approved cost recovery period and including the accruals in Utility Plant—Accumulated Depreciation. Consequently, the total decommissioning cost obligation and corresponding assets currently are not recorded in Xcel Energy's financial statements.

    The FASB has proposed new accounting standards that, if approved, would require the full accrual of nuclear plant decommissioning and other site exit obligations no sooner than 2002. Using Dec. 31, 2000, estimates, adoption of the proposed accounting would result in the recording of the total discounted decommissioning obligation of $838 million as a liability, with the corresponding costs capitalized as plant and other assets and depreciated over the operating life of the plant. We have not yet determined the potential impact of the FASB's proposed changes in the accounting for site exit

100


obligations, such as costs of removal, other than nuclear decommissioning. However, the ultimate decommissioning and site exit costs to be accrued are expected to be similar to the current methodology. The effects of regulation are expected to minimize or eliminate any impact on operating expenses and results of operations from this future accounting change.

    Consistent with cost recovery in utility customer rates, we record annual decommissioning accruals based on periodic site-specific cost studies and a presumed level of dedicated funding. Cost studies quantify decommissioning costs in current dollars. Funding presumes that current costs will escalate in the future at a rate of 4.5 percent per year. The total estimated decommissioning costs that will ultimately be paid, net of income earned by external trust funds, is currently being accrued using an annuity approach over the approved plant recovery period. This annuity approach uses an assumed rate of return on funding, which is currently 5.5 percent, net of tax, for external funding and approximately 8 percent, net of tax, for internal funding.

    The MPUC last approved NSP-Minnesota's nuclear decommissioning study and related nuclear plant depreciation capital recovery request in April 2000, using 1999 cost data. Although we expect to operate Prairie Island through the end of each unit's licensed life, the approved capital recovery would allow for the plant to be fully depreciated, including the accrual and recovery of decommissioning costs, in 2007. This is about seven years earlier than each unit's licensed life. The approved recovery period for Prairie Island has been reduced because of the uncertainty regarding used fuel storage. We believe future decommissioning cost accruals will continue to be recovered in customer rates.

    The total obligation for decommissioning currently is expected to be funded 100 percent by external funds, as approved by the MPUC. Contributions to the external fund started in 1990 and are expected to continue until plant decommissioning begins. The assets held in trusts as of Dec. 31, 2000, primarily consisted of investments in fixed income securities, such as tax-exempt municipal bonds and U.S. government securities that mature in 1 to 20 years, and common stock of public companies. We plan to reinvest matured securities until decommissioning begins.

    At Dec. 31, 2000, NSP-Minnesota had recorded and recovered in rates cumulative decommissioning accruals of $583 million. The following table summarizes the funded status of NSP-Minnesota's decommissioning obligation at Dec. 31, 2000:

 
  2000
 
 
  (Thousands of dollars)

 
Estimated decommissioning cost obligation from most recently approved study (1999 dollars)   $ 958,266  
Effect of escalating costs to 2000 dollars (at 4.5 percent per year)     41,685  
   
 
Estimated decommissioning cost obligation in current dollars     999,951  
Effect of escalating costs to payment date (at 4.5 percent per year)     894,322  
   
 
Estimated future decommissioning costs (undiscounted)     1,894,273  
Effect of discounting obligation (using risk-free interest rate)     (1,056,360 )
   
 
Discounted decommissioning cost obligation     837,913  
Assets held in external decommissioning trust     563,812  
   
 
Discounted decommissioning obligation in excess of assets currently held in external trust   $ 274,101  
   
 

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    Decommissioning expenses recognized include the following components:

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
 
  (Thousands of dollars)

 
Annual decommissioning cost accrual reported as depreciation expense:                    
  Externally funded   $ 51,433   $ 33,178   $ 33,178  
  Internally funded (including interest costs)     (16,111 )   1,595     1,477  
Interest cost on externally funded decommissioning obligation     5,151     4,191     6,960  
Earnings from external trust funds     (5,151 )   (4,191 )   (6,960 )
   
 
 
 
Net decommissioning accruals recorded   $ 35,322   $ 34,773   $ 34,655  
   
 
 
 

    Decommissioning and interest accruals are included with the accumulated provision for depreciation on the balance sheet. Interest costs and trust earnings associated with externally funded obligations are reported in Other Income and Deductions on the income statement.

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14. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities (NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS)

    Our regulated businesses prepare their financial statements in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 71, as discussed in Note 1 to the Financial Statements. Under SFAS 71, regulatory assets and liabilities can be created for amounts that regulators may allow us to collect, or may require us to pay back to customers in future electric and natural gas rates.

    SFAS 71 accounting cannot be used by any portion of our business that is not rate regulated. Efforts to restructure and deregulate the utility industry have already ended our ability to apply SFAS 71 to the generation business of SPS and may further reduce or end our ability to apply SFAS 71 in the future. Write-offs and material changes to our balance sheet, income and cash flows may result.

    Restructuring legislation was enacted in the SPS jurisdictions of Texas and New Mexico. See Note 10 to the Financial Statements. When the final PUCT restructuring order was issued in May 2000, SPS discontinued using SFAS 71 accounting for its electric generation business. In the second quarter of 2000, SPS' generation-related regulatory assets and other deferred costs were written off. SPS' electric transmission and distribution businesses continue to meet the requirements of SFAS 71 and are expected to remain regulated.

    The components of unamortized regulatory assets and liabilities shown on the balance sheets of Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries at December 31 are:

    NSP-Minnesota

 
  Remaining
Amortization Period

  2000
  1999
 
   
  (Thousands of dollars)

AFDC recorded in plant(a)   Plant Lives   $ 96,466   $ 104,958
Conservation programs(a)   Up to 5 Years     12,948     0
Losses on reacquired debt   Term of Related Debt     39,629     41,450
Environmental costs   Primarily 9 Years     34,237     37,548
Unrecovered gas costs(b)   1-2 Years     24,213     14,956
Renewable resource costs   Undetermined     10,500     0
State commission accounting adjustments(a)   Plant Lives     4,977     5,247
Other   Various     3,577     4,017
       
 
  Total regulatory assets       $ 226,547   $ 208,176
       
 

Investment tax credit deferrals

 

 

 

$

61,111

 

$

66,698
Unrealized gains from decommissioning investments         171,736     177,578
Pension costs-regulatory differences         139,178     84,198
Conservation incentives         40,679     25,284
Deferred income tax adjustments         74,697     70,916
Fuel costs, refunds and other         8,912     15,043
       
 
  Total regulatory liabilities       $ 496,313   $ 439,717
       
 

(a)
Earns a return on investment in the ratemaking process.

(b)
Excludes current portion with expected rate recovery within 12 months of $13 million and $8 million for 2000 and 1999, respectively.

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    NSP-Wisconsin

 
  Remaining
Amortization Period

  2000
  1999
 
   
  (Thousands of dollars)

AFDC recorded in plant(c)   Plant Lives   $ 7,032   $ 7,333
Conservation programs(c)   Through 2003     3,321     5,254
Losses on reacquired debt   Term of Related Debt     10,608     11,248
Environmental costs   Undetermined     13,358     11,161
State commission accounting adjustments(c)   Plant Lives     2,637     2,393
Other   Various     1,580     1,863
       
 
  Total regulatory assets       $ 38,536   $ 39,252
       
 

Investment tax credit deferrals

 

 

 

$

11,050

 

$

11,583
Deferred income tax adjustments         5,572     6,390
Fuel costs, refunds and other         2,196     3,753
       
 
    Total regulatory liabilities       $ 18,818   $ 21,726
       
 

(c)
Earns a return on investment in the ratemaking process.

    PSCo

 
  Remaining
Amortization Period

  2000
  1999
 
   
  (Thousands of dollars)

AFDC recorded in plant(d)   Plant Lives   $ 40,779   $ 42,811
Conservation programs(d)   Up to 5 Years     20,728     24,211
Losses on reacquired debt   Term of Related Debt     16,242     14,284
Deferred income tax adjustments   Mainly Plant Lives     44,885     70,852
Nuclear decommissioning costs   5 Years     54,267     63,835
Employees' postretirement benefits other than pension   12 Years     46,680     50,570
Employees' postemployment benefits   Undetermined     23,018     23,018
Other   Various     4,555     1,322
       
 
  Total regulatory assets (e)       $ 251,154   $ 290,903
       
 

Investment tax credit deferrals

 

 

 

$

45,027

 

$

54,652
       
 
  Total regulatory liabilities       $ 45,027   $ 54,652
       
 

(d)
Earns a return on investment in the ratemaking process.

(e)
Excludes deferred energy charges expected to be recovered within the next 12 months of $159 million for 2000 and $43 million for 1999.

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    SPS

 
  Remaining
Amortization Period

  2000
  1999
 
   
  (Thousands of dollars)

AFDC recorded in plant(f)   Plant Lives   $ 15,027   $ 29,662
Conservation programs(f)   Up to 5 Years     15,446     11,403
Losses on reacquired debt   Term of Related Debt     18,697     16,671
Deferred income tax adjustments   Mainly Plant Lives     23,136     35,225
Employees' postretirement benefits other than pension         0     2,751
Other   Various     2,053     8,491
       
 
  Total regulatory assets (g)       $ 74,359   $ 104,203
       
 

Investment tax credit deferrals

 

 

 

$

1,275

 

$

2,785
       
 
  Total regulatory liabilities       $ 1,275   $ 2,785
       
 

(f)
Earns a return on investment in the ratemaking process.

(g)
Excludes deferred energy charges expected to be recovered within the next 12 months of $104 million for 2000 and $2 million for 1999.

15. Segment and Related Information (NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS)

    Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries have two reportable segments: Electric Utility and Gas Utility.

    Xcel Energy's Electric Utility generates, transmits and distributes electricity in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Wyoming, Kansas and Oklahoma. It also makes sales for resale and provides wholesale transmission service to various entities in the United States. Electric Utility also includes PSCo's electric trading operations.

    Xcel Energy's Gas Utility transmits, transports, stores and distributes natural gas and propane primarily in portions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Michigan, Arizona, Colorado and Wyoming.

    Revenues from operating segments not included above are below the necessary quantitative thresholds and are therefore included in the All Other category.

    To report net income for electric and natural gas utility segments, Xcel Energy must assign or allocate all costs and certain other income. In general, costs are:

    directly assigned wherever applicable

    allocated based on cost causation allocators wherever applicable

    allocated based on a general allocator for all other costs not assigned by the above two methods.

    The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Xcel Energy evaluates performance by each legal entity based on profit or loss.

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Business Segments

    NSP-Minnesota

2000

  Electric
Utility

  Gas
Utility

  All
Other

  Reconciling
Eliminations

  Consolidated
Total

 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Operating revenues from external customers   $ 2,411,197   $ 535,131           $ 2,946,328
Intersegment revenues     686     1,569             2,255
   
 
 
 
 
  Total revenues     2,411,883     536,700             2,948,583
Depreciation and Amortization     300,961     22,945     29         323,935
Financing costs, mainly interest exp.     129,298     12,918     169         142,385
Income tax expense     83,718     8,364     109         92,191
   
 
 
 
 
Segment net income   $ 90,363   $ 19,538   $ 1,323   $   $ 111,224
   
 
 
 
 
1999

  Electric
Utility

  Gas
Utility

  All
Other

  Reconciling
Eliminations

  Consolidated
Total

 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Operating revenues from external customers   $ 2,266,521   $ 364,340           $ 2,630,861
Intersegment revenues     692     1,495             2,187
   
 
 
 
 
  Total revenues     2,267,213     365,835             2,633,048
Depreciation and Amortization     286,894     23,235             310,129
Financing costs, mainly interest exp.     106,815     12,721     1,238         120,774
Income tax expense     93,866     2,285     1,280         97,431
   
 
 
 
 
Segment net income   $ 145,906   $ 11,200   $ 1,874   $   $ 158,980
   
 
 
 
 
1998

  Electric
Utility

  Gas
Utility

  All
Other

  Reconciling
Eliminations

  Consolidated
Total

 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Operating revenues from external customers   $ 2,243,125   $ 355,847           $ 2,598,972
Intersegment revenues     648     4,721             5,369
   
 
 
 
 
  Total revenues     2,243,773     360,568             2,604,341
Depreciation and Amortization     274,953     21,106             296,059
Financing costs, mainly interest exp.     93,878     11,071     1,423         106,372
Income tax expense     117,044     6,578     1,091         124,713
   
 
 
 
 
Segment net income   $ 196,258   $ 12,259   $ 1,689   $   $ 210,206
   
 
 
 
 

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    NSP-Wisconsin

2000

  Electric
Utility

  Gas
Utility

  All
Other

  Reconciling
Eliminations

  Consolidated
Total

 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Operating revenues from external customers   $ 424,312   $ 108,077           $ 532,389
Intersegment revenues     165     1,946             2,111
   
 
 
 
 
  Total revenues     424,477     110,023             534,500
Depreciation and Amortization     35,103     5,399             40,502
Financing costs, mainly interest exp.     17,019     2,236             19,255
Income tax expense     18,287     2,403             20,690
   
 
 
 
 
Segment net income   $ 26,723   $ 3,573   $   $   $ 30,296
   
 
 
 
 
1999

  Electric
Utility

  Gas
Utility

  All
Other

  Reconciling
Eliminations

  Consolidated
Total

 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Operating revenues from external customers   $ 411,391   $ 79,500           $ 490,891
Intersegment revenues     141     2,875             3,016
   
 
 
 
 
  Total revenues     411,532     82,375             493,907
Depreciation and Amortization     35,964     6,153             42,117
Financing costs, mainly interest exp.     16,904     1,626             18,530
Income tax expense     22,733     2,569             25,302
   
 
 
 
 
Segment net income   $ 32,959   $ 3,407   $   $   $ 36,366
   
 
 
 
 
1998

  Electric
Utility

  Gas
Utility

  All
Other

  Reconciling
Eliminations

  Consolidated
Total

 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Operating revenues from external customers   $ 398,330   $ 74,274           $ 472,604
Intersegment revenues     167     4,571             4,738
   
 
 
 
 
  Total revenues     398,497     78,845             477,342
Depreciation and Amortization     33,463     5,672             39,135
Financing costs, mainly interest exp.     17,089     1,590             18,679
Income tax expense     18,868     1,600             20,468
   
 
 
 
 
Segment net income   $ 30,094   $ 2,101   $   $   $ 32,195
   
 
 
 
 

107


    PSCo

2000

  Electric
Utility

  Gas
Utility

  All
Other

  Reconciling
Eliminations

  Consolidated
Total

 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Operating revenues from external customers   $ 2,827,181   $ 787,110   $ 10,845       $ 3,625,136
Intersegment revenues                    
   
 
 
 
 
  Total revenues     2,827,181     787,110     10,845         3,625,136
Depreciation and Amortization     156,896     51,636     2,172         210,704
Financing costs, mainly interest exp.     122,859     40,448     20,808     (22,824 )   161,291
Income tax expense (credit)     100,679     22,313     (20,222 )       102,770
   
 
 
 
 
Segment net income   $ 134,425   $ 28,795   $ 32,908   $   $ 196,128
   
 
 
 
 
1999

  Electric
Utility

  Gas
Utility

  All
Other

  Reconciling
Eliminations

  Consolidated
Total

 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Operating revenues from external customers   $ 2,040,383   $ 657,822   $ 8,045       $ 2,706,250
Intersegment revenues                    
   
 
 
 
 
  Total revenues     2,040,383     657,822     8,045         2,706,250
Depreciation and Amortization     145,945     46,401     2,019         194,365
Financing costs, mainly interest exp.     115,607     35,301     19,010     (13,744 )   156,174
Income tax expense (credit)     95,743     15,717     (14,886 )       96,574
   
 
 
 
 
Segment net income   $ 155,330   $ 29,289   $ 19,646   $   $ 204,265
   
 
 
 
 
1998

  Electric Utility
  Gas
Utility

  All
Other

  Reconciling
Eliminations

  Consolidated
Total

 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Operating revenues from external customers   $ 1,635,573   $ 640,064   $ 8,348       $ 2,283,985
Intersegment revenues                    
   
 
 
 
 
  Total revenues     1,635,573     640,064     8,348         2,283,985
Depreciation and Amortization     135,876     43,036     2,001         180,913
Financing costs, mainly interest exp.     89,544     26,489     14,442     7,839     138,314
Income tax expense (credit)     97,924     13,997     (10,427 )       101,494
   
 
 
 
 
Segment net income (loss)   $ 170,101   $ 30,463   $ 17,855   $ (18,316 ) $ 200,103
   
 
 
 
 

    SPS

    SPS operates in the regulated electric utility industry providing wholesale and retail electric service in the states of Texas, New Mexico, Kansas and Oklahoma. Revenues from external customers were $1,079.6 million, $925.9 million and $951.2 million for the years ended Dec. 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

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16. Summarized Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS)

    NSP-Minnesota

 
  Quarter Ended
 
  March 31, 2000
  June 30, 2000
  Sept. 30, 2000(a)
  Dec. 31, 2000(a)
 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Revenue   $ 713,517   $ 633,382   $ 761,031   $ 840,653
Operating income     80,757     79,443     94,724     100,760
Net income     30,237     26,871     25,163     28,953
 
  Quarter Ended
 
  March 31, 1999
  June 30, 1999(b)
  Sept. 30, 1999
  Dec. 31, 1999(b)
 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Revenue   $ 666,458   $ 584,084   $ 767,244   $ 615,262
Operating income     92,032     38,366     160,911     86,946
Net income     41,471     6,663     79,250     31,596

(a)
2000 results include special charges related to merger costs and strategic alignment as discussed in Note 2 to the Financial Statements. Third quarter results were reduced by approximately $59 million. Fourth quarter results were reduced by approximately $13 million.

(b)
1999 results include two adjustments related to regulatory recovery of conservation program incentives. Second quarter results were reduced by $35 million before taxes due to the disallowance of 1998 incentives. Fourth quarter results were reduced by $22 million before taxes due to the reversal of all income recorded through the third quarter for 1999 electric conservation program incentives.

    NSP-Wisconsin

 
  Quarter Ended
 
  March 31, 2000
  June 30, 2000
  Sept. 30, 2000(a)
  Dec. 31, 2000(a)
 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Revenue   $ 144,454   $ 113,501   $ 121,702   $ 154,843
Operating income     25,819     10,250     9,924     23,317
Net income     12,751     4,044     1,843     11,658
 
  Quarter Ended
 
  March 31, 1999
  June 30, 1999
  Sept. 30, 1999
  Dec. 31, 1999
 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Revenue   $ 137,576   $ 108,464   $ 117,978   $ 129,889
Operating income     27,781     10,556     16,050     25,506
Net income     13,727     3,777     6,864     11,998

(a)
2000 results include special charges related to merger costs and strategic alignment as discussed in Note 2 to the Financial Statements. Third quarter results were reduced by approximately $11 million. Fourth quarter results were reduced by approximately $2 million.

109


    PSCo

 
  Quarter Ended
 
  March 31, 2000
  June 30, 2000
  Sept. 30, 2000(a)
  Dec. 31, 2000(a)
 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Revenue(b)   $ 722,434   $ 676,061   $ 943,634   $ 1,283,007
Operating income     142,231     124,466     59,705     126,436
Net income     68,759     60,921     7,847     58,601
 
  Quarter Ended
 
  March 31, 1999
  June 30, 1999
  Sept. 30, 1999
  Dec. 31, 1999
 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Revenue(b)   $ 659,419   $ 558,457   $ 651,064   $ 837,310
Operating income     130,022     85,565     112,919     123,537
Net income     65,939     34,820     49,749     53,757

(a)
2000 results include special charges related to merger costs and strategic alignment as discussed in Note 2 to the Financial Statements. Third quarter results were reduced by approximately $63 million. Fourth quarter results were reduced by approximately $14 million.

(b)
Trading revenues have been reclassified to reflect presentation on a gross basis for all periods.

    SPS

 
  Quarter Ended
 
  March 31, 2000
  June 30, 2000
  Sept. 30, 2000(a)
  Dec. 31, 2000(a)
 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Revenue   $ 216,232   $ 256,643   $ 319,530   $ 287,175
Operating income     41,081     58,042     67,941     32,257
Income before extraordinary items     18,256     28,646     31,891     9,659
Extraordinary items         (13,658 )   (5,302 )  
Net income     18,256     14,988     26,589     9,659
 
  Quarter Ended
 
  March 31, 1999
  June 30, 1999
  Sept. 30, 1999
  Dec. 31, 1999
 
  (Thousands of dollars)

Revenue   $ 202,552   $ 224,114   $ 290,587   $ 208,684
Operating income     49,734     49,955     80,933     33,551
Net income     23,391     22,835     42,534     13,949

(a)
2000 results include special charges related to merger costs and strategic alignment as discussed in Note 2 to the Financial Statements. Third quarter results were reduced by approximately $20 million. Fourth quarter results were reduced by approximately $4 million.

17. Related Party Transactions (NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS)

    NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS receive various administrative, management, environmental and other support services from Xcel Services which began operations in August 2000. Prior to this, all of these support services resided in Former NSP for NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin and were allocated to the former NSP subsidiaries, as appropriate. New Century Services provided these support services to PSCo and SPS prior to the merger.

110


NSP-Minnesota

    One of Xcel's subsidiaries, Viking Gas Transmission Company (Viking), transports gas purchased by NSP-Minnesota from various suppliers. Under various contracts and agreements with Viking, which extend through 2008, NSP-Minnesota incurred transportation costs of $5.5 million in 2000, $3.8 million in 1999 and $3.4 million in 1998 for gas purchased through Viking, which is an affiliate company to NSP-Minnesota.

NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin

    The electric production and transmission costs of the entire NSP system are shared by NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin. A FERC approved agreement (Interchange Agreement) between the two companies provides for the sharing of all costs of generation and transmission facilities of the system, including capital costs. Billings under the Interchange Agreement which are included in the Statements of Income are as follows (in thousands of dollars).

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
NSP-Minnesota                  
Operating revenues:                  
  Electric                  
    Production related   $ 200,522   $ 192,069   $ 190,282
    Transmission     16,600     15,366     15,963
  Gas     220     192     213
Operating expenses:                  
  Purchased and interchange power     45,294     48,193     48,165
  Gas purchased for resale     608     0     45
  Other operations     28,131     26,021     25,529

 
  

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
NSP-Wisconsin                  
Operating revenues:                  
  Electric   $ 73,425   $ 74,214   $ 73,674
  Gas     0     0     45
Operating expenses (income):                  
  Purchased and interchange power     199,730     192,541     190,019
  Gas purchased for resale     220     192     213
  Other operations     (179 )   18,212     15,066

    NSP-Wisconsin obtains short-term borrowings from NSP-Minnesota at NSP-Minnesota's average daily interest rate, including the cost of NSP-Minnesota's compensating balance requirements. Interest charges on NSP-Wisconsin's statement of income and other income on NSP-Minnesota's statement of income include $3.4 million, $2.5 million and $2.0 million for 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively, related to this.

    NSP-Minnesota's receivables from affiliates includes amounts receivable from NSP-Wisconsin for the interchange agreement and short-term borrowings. NSP-Minnesota's payable to affiliates primarily represents amounts payable to Xcel Services for NSP-Minnesota's allocation of support services from Xcel Services.

    NSP-Wisconsin's payable to affiliates primarily represents amounts payable to NSP-Minnesota for the interchange agreement and short-term borrowings.

111


PSCo and SPS

    PSCo and SPS receive construction services from UE. In addition, PSCo and SPS pay interest expense on any short-term borrowings from Xcel Energy.

    PSCo sells firm and interruptible transportation services to e prime for gas delivered into the Denver/Pueblo operating area. PSCo purchases gas from e prime to service customers in the Denver/Pueblo operating area. PSCo also receives interest income from Xcel International on the note receivable related to the sale of New Century International effective March 31, 1998. SPS receives interest income from Xcel Energy Wholesale Energy Group Inc. on the note receivable related to the sale of Quixx and UE as part of the PSCo/SPS Merger. The table below contains the various significant affiliate transactions among the companies and related parties for the years ended Dec. 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 (in thousands).

 
  PSCo
  SPS
 
  2000
  1999
  1998
  2000
  1999
  1998
Gas revenues   $ 8,750   $ 7,416   $ 5,281   $   $   $
Cost of gas sold     49,383     2,102                
Operating expenses     500,954     166,619     197,862     210,174     68,866     63,108
Interest income     10,377     13,494     14,188     8,640     8,620     8,630
Interest expenses     3,952     4,146     1,714     850     790     1,390
Construction services     67,893     110,004     68,744     7,397     8,970     6,465

112



Item 9—Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure (NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS)

    During 2000, there were no disagreements with the independent public accountants for NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS on accounting procedures or accounting and financial disclosures.

    NSP-Minnesota

    On Aug. 18, 2000, New Century Energies, Inc. (NCE) and Northern States Power Co. (NSP) merged and formed Xcel Energy Inc. As part of the merger, NSP transferred its existing utility operations that were being conducted directly by NSP at the parent company level to a newly formed subsidiary of Xcel Energy named Northern States Power Company (NSP-Minnesota). Prior to the merger, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP served as the accountants for NSP. As discussed in Xcel Energy's Form 8-K filed on Aug. 21, 2000, in connection with the merger, Xcel Energy's management informed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP that the firm would no longer be engaged as principal independent accountants for Xcel Energy. On Aug. 18, 2000, the Audit Committee of Xcel Energy's Board of Directors recommended, and the Xcel Energy Board approved, the decision to engage Arthur Andersen LLP as its new principal independent accountants for Xcel Energy and its utility subsidiaries for 2000. As part of this decision, Arthur Andersen was engaged for 2000 as the principal independent accountants for the newly-formed NSP-Minnesota. However, because PricewaterhouseCoopers had served as NSP's accountants through 1999, and because NSP-Minnesota's assets following the merger consisted of the utility operations of NSP prior to the merger, PricewaterhouseCoopers was engaged for the limited purpose of auditing NSP-Minnesota's 1999 financial statements that were included in NSP-Minnesota's Form 10 filed with the SEC on Oct. 3, 2000. There were no disagreements with PricewaterhouseCoopers regarding their prior audits of NSP or their audit of NSP-Minnesota's 1999 financial statements.

    NSP-Wisconsin

    As discussed in NSP-Wisconsin's Form 8-K filed on Aug. 23, 2000, in connection with the merger, Xcel Energy's management informed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP that the firm would no longer be engaged as principal independent accountants for NSP-Wisconsin. As discussed in NSP-Wisconsin's Form 8-K filed on Aug, 31, 2000, on Aug. 28, 2000, the NSP-Wisconsin Board of Directors appointed Arthur Andersen LLP as its new principal independent accountants.


PART III

    Part III of Form 10-K has been omitted from this report for Xcel Energy's utility subsidiaries in accordance with conditions set forth in general instructions I (1) (a) and (b) of Form 10-K for wholly-owned subsidiaries.


Item 10—Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant (NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS)

Item 11—Executive Compensation (NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS)

Item 12—Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management (NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS)

Item 13—Certain Relationships and Related Transactions (NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS)

113



PART IV

Item 14—Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

(NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS)

    NSP-Minnesota

(a)

1.
  Financial Statements and Schedules

  Page

      Included in Part II of this report:    

 

 

 

Reports of Independent Accountants for the years ended Dec. 31, 2000, 1999,
and 1998. 

 

xx

 

 

 

Statements of Income for the three years ended Dec. 31, 2000. 

 

xx

 

 

 

Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended Dec. 31, 2000. 

 

xx

 

 

 

Balance Sheets, Dec. 31, 2000 and 1999. 

 

xx

 

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements. 

 

xx

 

2.

 

Exhibits

*
Indicates incorporation by reference.

 

 

 

2.01*

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 24, 1999, by and between Northern States Power Company and New Century Energies, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-12907) of New Century Energies, Inc. dated March 24, 1999.)

 

 

 

3.01*

 

Articles of Incorporation and Amendments of the Company.

 

 

 

3.02*

 

By-Laws of the Company.

 

 

 

4.01*

 

Trust Indenture, dated Feb. 1, 1937, from NSP to Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as Trustee. (Exhibit B-7 to File No. 2-5290.)

 

 

 

4.02*

 

Supplemental and Restated Trust Indenture, dated May 1, 1988, from NSP to Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as Trustee. (Exhibit 4.02 to Form 10-K of NSP for the year 1988, File No. 1-3034.)

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Indenture between NSP and said Trustee, supplemental to Exhibit 4.01, dated as follows:

 

 

 

4.03*

 

June 1, 1942 (Exhibit B-8 to File No. 2-97667).

 

 

 

4.04*

 

Feb. 1, 1944 (Exhibit B-9 to File No. 2-5290).

 

 

 

4.05*

 

Oct. 1, 1945 (Exhibit 7.09 to File No. 2-5924).

 

 

 

4.06*

 

July 1, 1948 (Exhibit 7.05 to File No. 2-7549).

 

 

 

4.07*

 

Aug. 1, 1949 (Exhibit 7.06 to File No. 2-8047).

 

 

 

4.08*

 

June 1, 1952 (Exhibit 4.08 to File No. 2-9631).

 

 

 

4.09*

 

Oct. 1, 1954 (Exhibit 4.10 to File No. 2-12216).

 

 

 

4.10*

 

Sept. 1, 1956 (Exhibit 2.09 to File No. 2-13463).

 

 

 

4.11*

 

Aug. 1, 1957 (Exhibit 2.10 to File No. 2-14156).


 

 

 

 

 

114



 

 

 

4.12*

 

July 1, 1958 (Exhibit 4.12 to File No. 2-15220).

 

 

 

4.13*

 

Dec. 1, 1960 (Exhibit 2.12 to File No. 2-18355).

 

 

 

4.14*

 

Aug. 1, 1961 (Exhibit 2.13 to File No. 2-20282).

 

 

 

4.15*

 

June 1, 1962 (Exhibit 2.14 to File No. 2-21601).

 

 

 

4.16*

 

Sept. 1, 1963 (Exhibit 4.16 to File No. 2-22476).

 

 

 

4.17*

 

Aug. 1, 1966 (Exhibit 2.16 to File No. 2-26338).

 

 

 

4.18*

 

June 1, 1967 (Exhibit 2.17 to File No. 2-27117).

 

 

 

4.19*

 

Oct. 1, 1967 (Exhibit 2.01R to File No. 2-28447).

 

 

 

4.20*

 

May 1, 1968 (Exhibit 2.01S to File No. 2-34250).

 

 

 

4.21*

 

Oct. 1, 1969 (Exhibit 2.01T to File No. 2-36693).

 

 

 

4.22*

 

Feb. 1, 1971 (Exhibit 2.01U to File No. 2-39144).

 

 

 

4.23*

 

May 1, 1971 (Exhibit 2.01V to File No. 2-39815).

 

 

 

4.24*

 

Feb. 1, 1972 (Exhibit 2.01W to File No. 2-42598).

 

 

 

4.25*

 

Jan. 1, 1973 (Exhibit 2.01X to File No. 2-46434).

 

 

 

4.26*

 

Jan. 1, 1974 (Exhibit 2.01Y to File No. 2-53235).

 

 

 

4.27*

 

Sept. 1, 1974 (Exhibit 2.01Z to File No. 2-53235).

 

 

 

4.28*

 

April 1, 1975 (Exhibit 4.01AA to File No. 2-71259).

 

 

 

4.29*

 

May 1, 1975 (Exhibit 4.01BB to File No. 2-71259).

 

 

 

4.30*

 

March 1, 1976 (Exhibit 4.01CC to File No. 2-71259).

 

 

 

4.31*

 

June 1, 1981 (Exhibit 4.01DD to File No. 2-71259).

 

 

 

4.32*

 

Dec. 1, 1981 (Exhibit 4.01EE to File No. 2-83364).

 

 

 

4.33*

 

May 1, 1983 (Exhibit 4.01FF to File No. 2-97667).

 

 

 

4.34*

 

Dec. 1, 1983 (Exhibit 4.01GG to File No. 2-97667).

 

 

 

4.35*

 

Sept. 1, 1984 (Exhibit 4.01HH to File No. 2-97667).

 

 

 

4.36*

 

Dec. 1, 1984 (Exhibit 4.01II to File No. 2-97667).

 

 

 

4.37*

 

May 1, 1985 (Exhibit 4.36 to Form 10-K for the year 1985, File No. 1-3034).

 

 

 

4.38*

 

Sept. 1, 1985 (Exhibit 4.37 to Form 10-K for the year 1985, File No. 1-3034).

 

 

 

4.39*

 

July 1, 1989 (Exhibit 4.01 to Form 8-K dated July 7, 1989, File No. 1-3034).

 

 

 

4.40*

 

June 1, 1990 (Exhibit 4.01 to Form 8-K dated June 1, 1990, File No. 1-3034).

 

 

 

4.41*

 

Oct. 1, 1992 (Exhibit 4.01 to Form 8-K dated Oct. 13, 1992, File No. 1-3034).

 

 

 

4.42*

 

April 1, 1993 (Exhibit 4.01 to Form 8-K dated March 30, 1993, File No. 1-3034).

 

 

 

4.43*

 

Dec. 1, 1993 (Exhibit 4.01 to Form 8-K dated Dec. 7, 1993, File No. 1-3034).

 

 

 

4.44*

 

Feb. 1, 1994 (Exhibit 4.01 to Form 8-K dated Feb. 10, 1994, File No. 1-3034).

 

 

 

4.45*

 

Oct. 1, 1994 (Exhibit 4.01 to Form 8-K dated Oct. 5, 1994, File No. 1-3034).

 

 

 

 

 

115



 

 

 

4.46*

 

June 1, 1995 (Exhibit 4.01 to Form 8-K dated June 28, 1995, File No. 1-3034).

 

 

 

4.47*

 

April 1, 1997 (Exhibit 4.47 to Form 10-K for the year 1997, File No. 1-3034).

 

 

 

4.48*

 

March 1, 1998 (Exhibit 4.01 to Form 8-K dated March 11, 1998, File No. 1-3034).

 

 

 

4.49*

 

May 1, 1999

 

 

 

4.50*

 

June 1, 2000

 

 

 

4.51*

 

Aug. 1, 2000 (Assignment and Assumption of Trust Indenture)

 

 

 

4.52*

 

Subordinated Debt Securities Indenture, dated as of Jan. 30, 1997, between Xcel Energy and Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association, as trustee. (Exhibit 4.02 to Form 8-K dated Jan. 28, 1997, File No. 001-03034.)

 

 

 

4.53*

 

Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement, dated as of Jan. 31, 1997, between Xcel Energy and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee. (Exhibit 4.05 to Form 8-K dated Jan. 28, 1997, File No. 001-03034.)

 

 

 

4.54*

 

Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement, dated as of Aug. 18, 2000, between Northern States Power Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee.

 

 

 

4.55*

 

Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of NSP Financing I, dated as of Jan. 31, 1997, including form of Preferred Security. (Exhibit 4.10 to Form 8-K dated Jan. 28, 1997, File No. 001-03034.)

 

 

 

4.56*

 

Supplemental Indenture, dated as of Jan. 31, 1997, between Xcel Energy and Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association, as trustee, including form of Junior Subordinated Debenture. (Exhibit 4.12 to Form 8-K dated Jan. 28, 1997, File No. 001-03034.)

 

 

 

4.57*

 

Supplemental Trust Indenture dated Aug. 18, 2000 between Xcel Energy, Northern States Power Company and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Trustee

 

 

 

4.58*

 

Common Securities Guarantee Agreement dated as of Jan. 31, 1997, between Xcel Energy and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee. (Exhibit 4.13 to Form 8-K dated Jan. 28, 1997, File No. 001-03034.)

 

 

 

4.59*

 

Common Securities Guarantee Agreement dated as of Aug. 18, 2000, between NSP and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee.

 

 

 

4.60*

 

Subscription Agreement, dated as of Jan. 28, 1997, between NSP Financing I and NSP. (Exhibit 4.14 to Form 8-K dated Jan. 28, 1997, File No. 001-03034.)

 

 

 

4.61*

 

Trust Indenture, dated July 1, 1999, between NSP and Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Trustee. (Exhibit 4.01 to Form 8-K dated July 21, 1999, File No. 1-03034.)

 

 

 

4.62*

 

Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated July 15, 1999, between NSP and Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Trustee. (Exhibit 4.02 to Form 8-K dated July 21, 1999, File No. 1-03034.)

 

 

 

4.63*

 

Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated Aug. 18, 2000, among Xcel Energy, Northern States Power Company and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Trustee.


 

 

 

 

 

116



 

 

 

10.01*

 

Facilities Agreement, dated July 21, 1976, between NSP and the Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board relating to the interconnection of the 500 kilovolt (kv) line. (Exhibit 5.06I to File No. 2-54310.)

 

 

 

10.02*

 

Transactions Agreement, dated July 21, 1976, between NSP and the Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board relating to the interconnection of the 500 kv line. (Exhibit 5.06J to File No. 2-54310.)

 

 

 

10.03*

 

Coordinating Agreement, dated July 21, 1976, between NSP and the Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board relating to the interconnection of the 500 kv line. (Exhibit 5.06K to File No. 2-54310.)

 

 

 

10.04*

 

Ownership and Operating Agreement, dated March 11, 1982, between NSP, Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency and United Minnesota Municipal Power Agency concerning Sherburne County Generating Unit No. 3. (Exhibit 10.01 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 1994, File No. 1-3034.)

 

 

 

10.05*

 

Transmission Agreement, dated April 27, 1982, and Supplement No. 1, dated July 20, 1982, between NSP and Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency. (Exhibit 10.02 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 1994, File No. 1-3034.)

 

 

 

10.06*

 

Power Agreement, dated June 14, 1984, between NSP and the Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board, extending the agreement scheduled to terminate on April 30, 1993, to April 30, 2005. (Exhibit 10.03 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 1994, File No. 1-3034.)

 

 

 

10.07*

 

Power Agreement, dated August 1988, between NSP and Minnkota Power Company. (Exhibit 10.08 to Form 10-K for the year 1988, File No. 1-3034.)

 

 

 

10.08*

 

Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated Aug. 18, 2000 between Northern States Power Company and Xcel Energy Inc.

 

 

 

12.01

 

Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

 

 

 

16.01*

 

Letter regarding change in accountant (Exhibit 16 to Xcel Energy Form 8-K dated Aug. 21, 2000, File No. 1-3034)

 

 

 

99.01

 

Statement pursuant to Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

(b)   Reports on Form 8-K — The following report on Form 8-K was filed either during the three months ended Dec. 31, 2000, or between Dec. 31, 2000 and the date of this report.

None

 

 

 

 

 

 

    NSP-Wisconsin

(a)

1.
  Financial Statements and Schedules

  Page
      Included in Part II of this report:    

 

 

 

Report of Independent Accountants for the years ended Dec. 31, 2000, 1999,
and 1998. 

 

xx

 

 

 

Statements of Income for the three years ended Dec. 31, 2000. 

 

xx

 

 

 

Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended Dec. 31, 2000. 

 

xx

 

 

 

Balance Sheets, Dec. 31, 2000 and 1999. 

 

xx

 

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements. 

 

xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

117



 

2.

 

Exhibits

*
indicates incorporation by reference.

 

 

 

3.01*

 

Restated Articles of Incorporation as of Dec. 23, 1987. (Filed as Exhibit 3.01 to Form 10-K Report 10-3140 for the year 1987)

 

 

 

3.02*

 

Copy of the By-Laws of NSP-Wisconsin as amended Feb. 2, 2000

 

 

 

4.01*

 

Copy of Trust Indenture, dated April 1, 1947, From NSP-Wisconsin to Firstar Trust Company (formerly First Wisconsin Trust Company). (Filed as Exhibit 7.01 to Registration Statement 2-6982)

 

 

 

4.02*

 

Copy of Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated March 1, 1949. (Filed as Exhibit 7.02 to Registration Statement 2-7825)

 

 

 

4.03*

 

Copy of Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated June 1, 1957. (Filed as Exhibit 2.13 to Registration Statement 2-13463)

 

 

 

4.04*

 

Copy of Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated Aug. 1, 1964. (Filed as Exhibit 4.20 to Registration Statement 2-23726)

 

 

 

4.05*

 

Copy of Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated Dec. 1, 1969. (Filed as Exhibit 2.03E to Registration Statement 2-36693)

 

 

 

4.06*

 

Copy of Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated Sept. 1, 1973. (Filed as Exhibit 2.03F to Registration Statement 2-49757)

 

 

 

4.07*

 

Copy of Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated Feb. 1, 1982. (Filed as Exhibit 4.01G to Registration Statement 2-76146)

 

 

 

4.08*

 

Copy of Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated March 1, 1982. (Filed as Exhibit 4.08 to form 10-K Report 10-3140 for the year 1982)

 

 

 

4.09*

 

Copy of Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated June 1, 1986. (Filed as Exhibit 4.09 to Form 10-K Report 10-3140 for the year 1986)

 

 

 

4.10*

 

Copy of Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated March 1, 1988. (Filed as Exhibit 4.10 to Form 10-K Report 10-3140 for the year 1988)

 

 

 

4.11*

 

Copy of Supplemental and Restated Trust Indenture, dated March 1, 1991. (Filed as Exhibit 4.01K to Registration Statement 33-39831)

 

 

 

4.12*

 

Copy of Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated April 1, 1991. (Filed as Exhibit 4.01 to Form 10-Q Report 10-3140 for the quarter ended March 31, 1991)

 

 

 

4.13*

 

Copy of Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated March 1, 1993. (Filed as Exhibit to Form 8-K Report dated March 3, 1993)

 

 

 

4.14*

 

Copy of Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated Oct. 1, 1993. (Filed as Exhibit 4.01 to Form 8-K Report dated Sept. 21, 1993)

 

 

 

4.15*

 

Copy of Supplemental Trust Indenture, dated Dec. 1, 1996. (Filed as Exhibit 4.01 to Form 8-K Report dated Dec. 12, 1996)

 

 

 

10.01*

 

Copy of Interchange Agreement dated Sept. 17, 1984, and Settlement Agreement dated May 31, 1985, between NSP-Wisconsin, the Minnesota Company and LSDP. (Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to Form 10-K Report 10-3140 for the year 1985)

 

 

 

12.01

 

Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges


 

 

 

 

 

118



 

 

 

16.01*

 

Letter regarding change in accountant (Exhibit 16 to NSP-Wisconsin Form 8-K dated August 23, 2000, File No. 1-3140)

 

 

 

99.01

 

Statement pursuant to Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

(b)   Reports on Form 8-K — The following report on Form 8-K was filed either during the three months ended Dec. 31, 2000, or between Dec. 31, 2000 and the date of this report.

None

 

 

 

 

 

 

    PSCo

(a)

1.
  Financial Statements and Schedules

  Page
      Included in Part II of this report:    

 

 

 

Report of Independent Accountants for the years ended Dec. 31, 2000, 1999,
and 1998. 

 

xx

 

 

 

Statements of Income for the three years ended Dec. 31, 2000. 

 

xx

 

 

 

Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended Dec. 31, 2000. 

 

xx

 

 

 

Balance Sheets, Dec. 31, 2000 and 1999.

 

xx

 

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements.

 

xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

 

Exhibits

*
indicates incorporation by reference.

 

 

 

2.01*

 

Merger Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated Aug. 22, 1995 (Form 8-K, dated Aug. 22, 1995, File No. 1-3280 — Exhibit 2).

 

 

 

3.01*

 

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation dated July 10, 1998 (Form 10-K, Dec. 31, 1998, Exhibit 3(a)(1)).

 

 

 

3.02*

 

By-laws dated Nov. 20, 1997 (Form 10-K, Dec. 31, 1997, Exhibit 3(b)(1)).

 

 

 

4.01*

 

Indenture, dated as of Dec. 1, 1939, providing for the issuance of First Mortgage Bonds (Form 10 for 1946- Exhibit (B-1)).


 

 

 

 

 

119




 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

 

4.02*

 

Indentures supplemental to Indenture dated as of Dec. 1, 1939:
Dated as of
  Previous Filing:
Form; Date or
File No.

  Exhibit
No.

Mar. 14, 1941   10, 1946   B-2
May 14, 1941   10, 1946   B-3
Apr. 28, 1942   10, 1946   B-4
Apr. 14, 1943   10, 1946   B-5
Apr. 27, 1944   10, 1946   B-6
Apr. 18, 1945   10, 1946   B-7
Apr. 23, 1946   10-K, 1946   B-8
Apr. 9, 1947   10-K, 1946   B-9
June 1, 1947   S-1, (2-7075)   7(b)
Apr. 1, 1948   S-1, (2-7671)   7(b)(1)
May 20, 1948   S-1, (2-7671)   7(b)(2)
Oct. 1, 1948   10-K, 1948   4
Apr. 20, 1949   10-K, 1949   1
Apr. 24, 1950   8-K, Apr. 1950   1
Apr. 18, 1951   8-K, Apr. 1951   1
Oct. 1, 1951   8-K, Nov. 1951   1
Apr. 21, 1952   8-K, Apr. 1952   1
Dec. 1, 1952   S-9, (2-11120)   2(b)(9)
Apr. 15, 1953   8-K, Apr. 1953   2
Apr. 19, 1954   8-K, Apr. 1954   1
Oct. 1, 1954   8-K, Oct. 1954   1
Apr. 18, 1955   8-K, Apr. 1955   1
Apr. 24, 1956   10-K, 1956   1
May 1, 1957   S-9, (2-13260)   2(b)(15)
Apr. 10, 1958   8-K, Apr. 1958   1
May 1, 1959   8-K, May 1959   2
Apr. 18, 1960   8-K, Apr. 1960   1
Apr. 19, 1961   8-K, Apr. 1961   1
Oct. 1, 1961   8-K, Oct. 1961   2
Mar. 1, 1962   8-K, Mar. 1962   3(a)
June 1, 1964   8-K, June 1964   1
May 1, 1966   8-K, May 1966   2
July 1, 1967   8-K, July 1967   2
July 1, 1968   8-K, July 1968   2
Apr. 25, 1969   8-K, Apr. 1969   1
Apr. 21, 1970   8-K, Apr. 1970   1

 

 

 

 

 
Sept. 1, 1970   8-K, Sept. 1970   2
Feb. 1, 1971   8-K, Feb. 1971   2
Aug. 1, 1972   8-K, Aug. 1972   2
June 1, 1973   8-K, June 1973   1
Mar. 1, 1974   8-K, Apr. 1974   2
Dec. 1, 1974   8-K, Dec. 1974   1
Oct. 1, 1975   S-7, (2-60082)   2(b)(3)
Apr. 28, 1976   S-7, (2-60082)   2(b)(4)
Apr. 28, 1977   S-7, (2-60082)   2(b)(5)
Nov. 1, 1977   S-7, (2-62415)   2(b)(3)
Apr. 28, 1978   S-7, (2-62415)   2(b)(4)
Oct. 1, 1978   10-K, 1978   D(1)
Oct. 1, 1979   S-7, (2-66484)   2(b)(3)
Mar. 1, 1980   10-K, 1980   4(c)
Apr. 28, 1981   S-16, (2-74923)   4(c)
Nov. 1, 1981   S-16, (2-74923)   4(d)
Dec. 1, 1981   10-K, 1981   4(c)
Apr. 29, 1982   10-K, 1982   4(c)
May 1, 1983   10-K, 1983   4(c)
Apr. 30, 1984   S-3, (2-95814)   4(c)
Mar. 1, 1985   10-K, 1985   4(c)
Nov. 1, 1986   10-K, 1986   4(c)
May 1, 1987   10-K, 1987   4(c)
July 1, 1990   S-3, (33-37431)   4(c)
Dec. 1, 1990   10-K, 1990   4(c)
Mar. 1, 1992   10-K, 1992   4(d)
Apr. 1, 1993   10-Q, June 30, 1993   4(a)
June 1, 1993   10-Q, June 30, 1993   4(b)
Nov. 1, 1993   S-3, (33-51167)   4(a)(3)
Jan. 1, 1994   10-K, 1993   4(a)(3)
Sept. 2, 1994   8-K, Sept. 1994   4(a)
May 1, 1996   10Q, June 30, 1996   4(a)
Nov. 1, 1996   10-K, 1996   4(a)(3)
Feb. 1, 1997   10-Q, Mar. 31, 1997   4(a)
April 1, 1998   10-Q, Mar. 31, 1998   4(a)

 

 

 

4.03*

 

Indenture, dated as of Oct. 1, 1993, providing for the issuance of First Collateral Trust Bonds (Form 10-Q, Sept. 30, 1993 — Exhibit 4(a)).

 

 

 

4.04*

 

Indentures supplemental to Indenture dated as of Oct. 1, 1993:
Dated as of
  Previous Filing:
Form; Date or
File No.

  Exhibit
No.

Nov. 1, 1993   S-3, (33-51167)   4(b)(2)
Jan. 1, 1994   10-K, 1993   4(b)(3)
Sept. 2, 1994   8-K, Sept. 1994   4(b)
May 1, 1996   10-Q, June 30, 1996   4(b)
Nov. 1, 1996   10-K, 1996   4(b)(3)
Feb. 1, 1997   10-Q, Mar. 31, 1997   4(b)
April 1, 1998   10-Q, Mar. 31, 1998   4(b)

120



 

 

 

4.05*

 

Indenture date May 1, 1998, between PSCo and The Bank of New York, providing for the issuance of Subordinated Debt Securities (Form 8-K, May 6, 1998 — Exhibit 4.2).

 

 

 

4.06*

 

Supplemental Indenture dated May 11, 1998, between PSCo and The Bank of New York, (Form 8-K, May 6, 1998 — Exhibit 4.3).

 

 

 

4.07*

 

Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement dated May 11, 1998, between PSCo and The Bank of New York, (Form 8-K, May 6, 1998 — Exhibit 4.4).

 

 

 

4.08*

 

Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of PSCo Capital and Trust I date May 11, 1998, (Form 8-K, May 6, 1998 — Exhibit 4.1).

 

 

 

4.09*

 

Indenture dated July 1, 1999, between PSCo and The Bank of New York, providing for the issuance of Senior Debt Securities (Form 8-K, July 13, 1999, Exhibit 4.1) and Supplemental Indenture dated July 15, 1999, between PSCo and The Bank of New York (Form 8-K, July 13, 1999, Exhibit 4.2).

 

 

 

10.01*

 

Amended and Restated Coal Supply Agreement entered into Oct. 1, 1984 but made effective as of Jan. 1, 1976 between the Registrant and Amax Inc. on behalf of its division, Amax Coal Company (Form 10-K, Dec. 31, 1984 — Exhibit 10(c)(1) ).

 

 

 

10.02*

 

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Coal Supply Agreement entered into May 27, 1988 but made effective Jan. 1, 1988 between the Registrant and Amax Coal Company (Form 10-K, Dec. 31, 1988-Exhibit 10(c)(2).

 

 

 

10.03*

 

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for Key Management Employees, as amended and restated March 26, 1991 (Form 10-K, Dec. 31, 1991 — Exhibit 10(e)(2)).

 

 

 

10.04*

 

Executive Savings Plan (Form 10-K, Dec. 31, 1991 — Exhibit 10(e)(5)).

 

 

 

10.05*

 

Form of Key Executive Severance Agreement, as amended on Aug. 22, and Nov. 27, 1995. (Form 10-K, Dec. 31, 1995 — Exhibit 10(3)(4)).

 

 

 

12.01

 

Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

 

 

 

23.01

 

Consent of Independent Accountants

 

 

 

99.01

 

Statement pursuant to Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

(b)   Reports on Form 8-K — The following report on Form 8-K was filed either during the three months ended Dec. 31, 2000, or between Dec. 31, 2000 and the date of this report.

None

 

 

 

 

 

 

121


    SPS

(a)

1.
  Financial Statements and Schedules

  Page


 

 

 

Included in Part II of this report:

 

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Accountants for the years ended Dec. 31, 2000, 1999,
and 1998. 

 

xx

 

 

 

Statements of Income for the three years ended Dec. 31, 2000. 

 

xx

 

 

 

Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended Dec. 31, 2000. 

 

xx

 

 

 

Balance Sheets, Dec. 31, 2000 and 1999. 

 

xx

 

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements. 

 

xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

 

Exhibits

*
indicates incorporation by reference

 

 

 

2.01*

 

Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated Aug. 22, 1995 (Form 8-K, Exhibit 2, dated Aug. 22, 1995).

 

 

 

3.01*

 

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation dated Sept. 30, 1997 (Form 10-K, Dec. 31, 1997, Exhibit 3(a)(2)).

 

 

 

3.02*

 

By-laws dated Sept. 29, 1997 (Form 10-K, Dec. 31, 1997, Exhibit 3(b)(2)).

 

 

 

4.01*

 

Indenture, dated as of Aug. 1, 1946, providing for the issuance of First Mortgage Bonds (Registration No. 2-6910, Exhibit 7-A).

 

 

 

4.02*

 

Indentures supplemental to Indenture dated as of Aug. 1, 1946:

 

 

 

 

 

 
Dated as of
  Previous Filing:
Form; Date or
File No.

  Exhibit No.
Feb. 1, 1967   2-25983   2-S
Oct. 1, 1970   2-38566   2-T
Feb. 9, 1977   2-58209   2-Y
March 1, 1979   2-64022   b(28)
April 1, 1983 (two)   10-Q, May 1983   4(a)
Feb. 1, 1985   10-K, Aug. 1985   4(c)
July 15, 1992 (two)   10-K, Aug. 1992   4(a)
Dec. 1, 1992 (two)   10-Q, Feb. 1993   4
Feb. 15, 1995   10-Q, May 1995   4
March 1, 1996   333-05199   4(c)

 

 

 

4.03*

 

Indenture dated Feb. 1, 1999 between SPS and The Chase Manhattan Bank (Form 8-K, Feb. 25, 1999, Exhibit B).

 

 

 

4.04*

 

Supplemental Indenture dated March 1, 1999, between SPS and The Chase Manhattan Bank (Form 8-K, Feb. 25, 1999, Exhibit C).

 

 

 

4.05*

 

Red River Authority for Texas Indenture of Trust dated July 1, 1991 (Form 10-K, Aug. 31, 1991 — Exhibit 4(b)).


 

 

 

 

 

122



 

 

 

4.06*

 

Indenture dated Oct. 21, 1996, between SPS and Wilmington Trust Company, (Form 10-Q, Nov. 30, 1996 — Exhibit 4(a)).

 

 

 

4.07*

 

Supplemental Indenture dated Oct. 21, 1996, between SPS and Wilmington Trust Company, (Form 10-Q, Nov. 30, 1996 — Exhibit 4(b)).

 

 

 

4.08*

 

Guarantee Agreement dated Oct. 21, 1996, between SPS and Wilmington Trust Company, (Form 10-Q, Nov. 30, 1996 — Exhibit 4(c)).

 

 

 

4.09*

 

Amended and Restated Trust Agreement dated Oct. 21, 1996, among SPS, David M. Wilks, as initial depositor, Wilmington Trust Company and the administrative trustees named therein (Form 10- Q, Nov. 30, 1996 — Exhibit 4(d)).

 

 

 

4.10*

 

Agreement as to Expenses dated Oct. 21, 1996, between SPS and Southwestern Public Service Capital I, (Form 10-K, Dec. 31, 1996 — Exhibit F).

 

 

 

10.01*

 

Coal Supply Agreement (Harrington Station) between SPS and TUCO, dated May 1, 1979 (Form 8-K, May 14, 1979 — Exhibit 3).

 

 

 

10.02*

 

Master Coal Service Agreement between Swindell-Dressler Energy Supply Company and TUCO, dated July 1, 1978 (Form 8-K, May 14, 1979 — Exhibit 5(A)).

 

 

 

10.03*

 

Guaranty of Master Coal Service Agreement between Swindell-Dressler Energy Supply Company and TUCO (Form 8-K, May 14, 1979 — Exhibit 5(B)).

 

 

 

10.04*

 

Coal Supply Agreement (Tolk Station) between SPS and TUCO dated April 30, 1979, as amended Nov. 1, 1979 and Dec. 30, 1981 (Form 10-Q, Feb. 28, 1982 — Exhibit 10(b)).

 

 

 

10.05*

 

Master Coal Service Agreement between Wheelabrator Coal Services Co. and TUCO dated Dec. 30, 1981, as amended Nov. 1, 1979 and Dec. 30, 1981 (Form 10-Q, Feb. 28, 1982 — Exhibit 10(c)).

 

 

 

10.06*

 

Incentive Compensation Plan (an Executive Management Plan) as amended July 23, 1996 (Form 10-K, Aug. 31, 1996 — Exhibit 10(a)).

 

 

 

10.07*

 

1989 Stock Incentive Plan as amended April 23, 1996 (Form 10-K, Aug. 31, 1996 — Exhibit 10(b)).

 

 

 

10.08*

 

Director's Deferred Compensation Plan as amended Jan. 10, 1990 (Form 10-K, Aug. 31, 1996 — Exhibit 10(c)).

 

 

 

10.09*

 

Supplemental Retirement Income Plan as amended July 23, 1991 (Form 10-K, Aug. 31, 1996 — Exhibit 10(e)).

 

 

 

10.10*

 

EPS Performance Unit Plan dated Oct. 27, 1992 (Form 10-K, Aug. 31, 1996 — Exhibit 10(a)).

 

 

 

12.01

 

Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

 

 

 

23.01

 

Consent of Independent Accountants

 

 

 

99.01

 

Statement pursuant to Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

(b)   Reports on Form 8-K — The following report on Form 8-K was filed either during the three months ended Dec. 31, 2000, or between Dec. 31, 2000 and the date of this report.

None

 

 

 

 

 

 

123


SCHEDULE II

UTILITY SUBSIDIARIES OF
XCEL ENERGY INC.

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

Years Ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998

 
   
  Additions
   
   
 
  Balance at
beginning
of period

  Charged
to
income

  Charged to
other
accounts

  Deductions
from
reserves(1)

  Balance
at end
of year

 
  (in thousands)

Reserve deducted from related assets:                              
  Provision for uncollectible accounts:                              
    2000   $ 5,503   $ 5,642   $ 3,929   $ 10,122   $ 4,952
   
 
 
 
 
    1999   $ 3,949   $ 8,546   $ 4,550   $ 11,542   $ 5,503
   
 
 
 
 
    1998   $ 7,256   $ 8,580   $ 4,419   $ 16,306   $ 3,949
   
 
 
 
 
NSP-Wisconsin                              
Reserve deducted from related assets:                              
  Provision for uncollectible accounts:                              
    2000   $ 943   $ 2,269   $ 1,006   $ 3,420   $ 798
   
 
 
 
 
    1999   $ 825   $ 1,200   $ 806   $ 1,888   $ 943
   
 
 
 
 
    1998   $ 656   $ 1,514   $ 722   $ 2,067   $ 825
   
 
 
 
 
PSCo                              
Reserve deducted from related assets:                              
  Provision for uncollectible accounts:                              
    2000   $ 2,533   $ 15,011   $ 37   $ 6,229   $ 11,352
   
 
 
 
 
    1999   $ 2,254   $ 6,225   $ 2   $ 5,948   $ 2,533
   
 
 
 
 
    1998   $ 2,272   $ 5,593   $ (32 ) $ 5,579   $ 2,254
   
 
 
 
 
SPS                              
Reserve deducted from related assets:                              
  Provision for uncollectible accounts:                              
    2000   $ 682   $ 1,475   $ 0   $ 1,312   $ 845
   
 
 
 
 
    1999   $ 1,695   $ (160 ) $ (2 ) $ 851   $ 682
   
 
 
 
 
    1998   $ 2,442   $ 400   $ (7 ) $ 1,140   $ 1,695
   
 
 
 
 

(1)
Uncollectible accounts written off or transferred to other parties.

124


NSP-Minnesota Signatures

    Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

  NSP-MINNESOTA

March 23, 2000

/s/ 
EDWARD J. MCINTYRE   
Edward J. McIntyre
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

/s/ WAYNE H. BRUNETTI   
Wayne H. Brunetti
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman (Principal Executive Officer)
  /s/ EDWARD J. MCINTYRE   
Edward J. McIntyre
Director

/s/ 
DAVID E. RIPKA   
David E. Ripka
Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

/s/ 
RICHARD C. KELLY   
Richard C. Kelly
Director

125


NSP-Wisconsin Signatures

    Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

  NSP-WISCONSIN

March 23, 2000

/s/ 
EDWARD J. MCINTYRE   
Edward J. McIntyre
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

/s/ JEROME L. LARSEN   
Jerome L. Larsen
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
  /s/ WAYNE H. BRUNETTI   
Wayne H. Brunetti
Chairman

/s/ 
DAVID E. RIPKA   
David E. Ripka
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

/s/ 
EDWARD J. MCINTYRE   
Edward J. McIntyre
Director

/s/ 
RICHARD C. KELLY   
Richard C. Kelly
Director

 

 

126


PSCo Signatures

    Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

  PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO

March 23, 2000

/s/ 
EDWARD J. MCINTYRE   
Edward J. McIntyre
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Finance Officer)

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

/s/ WAYNE H. BRUNETTI   
Wayne H. Brunetti
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
(Principal Executive Officer)
  /s/ EDWARD J. MCINTYRE   
Edward J. McIntyre
Director

/s/ 
DAVID E. RIPKA   
David E. Ripka
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

/s/ 
RICHARD C. KELLY   
Richard C. Kelly
Director

127


SPS Signatures

    Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

  SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE CO.

March 23, 2000

/s/ 
GARY L. GIBSON   
Gary L. Gibson
President and Chairman
(Principal Executive Officer)

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

/s/ GARY L. GIBSON   
Gary L. Gibson
Director
  /s/ DAVID HUDSON   
David Hudson
Secretary and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

128