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Financing
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]  
FINANCING
FINANCING
Long-Term Debt Payable to an Affiliated Trust
Alabama Power has formed a wholly-owned trust subsidiary for the purpose of issuing preferred securities. The proceeds of the related equity investments and preferred security sales were loaned back to Alabama Power through the issuance of junior subordinated notes totaling $206 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, which constitute substantially all of the assets of this trust and are reflected in the balance sheets as long-term debt payable. Alabama Power considers that the mechanisms and obligations relating to the preferred securities issued for its benefit, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by it of the trust's payment obligations with respect to these securities. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, trust preferred securities of $200 million were outstanding.
Securities Due Within One Year
A summary of scheduled maturities and redemptions of securities due within one year at December 31 was as follows:
 
2016
 
2015
 
(in millions)
Senior notes
$
1,995

 
$
1,810

Other long-term debt
485

 
829

Pollution control revenue bonds(*)
76

 
4

Capitalized leases
32

 
32

Unamortized debt issuance expense
(1
)
 
(1
)
Total
$
2,587

 
$
2,674


(*)
Includes $40 million of pollution control revenue bonds classified as short-term since they are variable rate demand obligations that are supported by short-term credit facilities; however, the final maturity date is in 2028.
Maturities through 2021 applicable to total long-term debt are as follows: $2.6 billion in 2017; $3.9 billion in 2018; $3.2 billion in 2019; $1.4 billion in 2020; and $3.1 billion in 2021.
Bank Term Loans
Southern Company and certain of its subsidiaries have entered into various bank term loan agreements. At December 31, 2016, Southern Company, Alabama Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, and Southern Power Company had outstanding bank term loans totaling $400 million, $45 million, $100 million, $1.2 billion, and $380 million, respectively, of which $2.0 billion are reflected in the statements of capitalization as long-term debt and $100 million are reflected in the balance sheet as notes payable. At December 31, 2015, Southern Company, Mississippi Power, and Southern Power Company had outstanding bank term loans totaling $400 million, $900 million, and $400 million, respectively.
In March 2016, Alabama Power entered into three bank term loan agreements with maturity dates of March 2021, in an aggregate principal amount of $45 million, one of which bears interest at 2.38% per annum and two of which bear interest based on three-month LIBOR.
In March 2016, Mississippi Power entered into an unsecured term loan agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions for an aggregate amount of $1.2 billion. Mississippi Power borrowed $900 million in March 2016 under the term loan agreement and the remaining $300 million in October 2016. Mississippi Power used the initial proceeds to repay $900 million in maturing bank loans in March 2016 and the remaining $300 million to repay at maturity Mississippi Power's Series 2011A 2.35% Senior Notes due October 15, 2016. This loan matures on April 1, 2018 and bears interest based on one-month LIBOR.
In May 2016, Gulf Power entered into an 11-month floating rate bank loan bearing interest based on one-month LIBOR. This short-term loan was for $100 million aggregate principal amount and the proceeds were used to repay existing indebtedness and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
In September 2016, Southern Power Company repaid $80 million of an outstanding $400 million floating rate bank loan and extended the maturity date of the remaining $320 million from September 2016 to September 2018. In addition, Southern Power Company entered into a $60 million aggregate principal amount floating rate bank loan bearing interest based on one-month LIBOR due September 2017. The proceeds were used to repay existing indebtedness and for other general corporate purposes.
The outstanding bank loans as of December 31, 2016 have covenants that limit debt levels to a percentage of total capitalization. The percentage is 70% for Southern Company and 65% for Alabama Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, and Southern Power Company, as defined in the agreements. For purposes of these definitions, debt excludes any long-term debt payable to affiliated trusts, other hybrid securities, and, for Southern Company and Mississippi Power, any securitized debt relating to the securitization of certain costs of the Kemper IGCC. Additionally, for Southern Company and Southern Power Company, for purposes of these definitions, debt excludes any project debt incurred by certain subsidiaries of Southern Power Company to the extent such debt is non-recourse to Southern Power Company and capitalization excludes the capital stock or other equity attributable to such subsidiary. At December 31, 2016, each of Southern Company, Alabama Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, and Southern Power Company was in compliance with its debt limits.
DOE Loan Guarantee Borrowings
Pursuant to the loan guarantee program established under Title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Title XVII Loan Guarantee Program), Georgia Power and the DOE entered into a loan guarantee agreement (Loan Guarantee Agreement) in February 2014, under which the DOE agreed to guarantee the obligations of Georgia Power under a note purchase agreement (FFB Note Purchase Agreement) among the DOE, Georgia Power, and the FFB and a related promissory note (FFB Promissory Note). The FFB Note Purchase Agreement and the FFB Promissory Note provide for a multi-advance term loan facility (FFB Credit Facility), under which Georgia Power may make term loan borrowings through the FFB.
Proceeds of advances made under the FFB Credit Facility are used to reimburse Georgia Power for a portion of certain costs of construction relating to Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 that are eligible for financing under the Title XVII Loan Guarantee Program (Eligible Project Costs). Aggregate borrowings under the FFB Credit Facility may not exceed the lesser of (i) 70% of Eligible Project Costs or (ii) approximately $3.46 billion.
All borrowings under the FFB Credit Facility are full recourse to Georgia Power, and Georgia Power is obligated to reimburse the DOE for any payments the DOE is required to make to the FFB under the guarantee. Georgia Power's reimbursement obligations to the DOE are full recourse and secured by a first priority lien on (i) Georgia Power's 45.7% undivided ownership interest in Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 (primarily the units under construction, the related real property, and any nuclear fuel loaded in the reactor core) and (ii) Georgia Power's rights and obligations under the principal contracts relating to Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. There are no restrictions on Georgia Power's ability to grant liens on other property.
Advances may be requested under the FFB Credit Facility on a quarterly basis through 2020. The final maturity date for each advance under the FFB Credit Facility is February 20, 2044. Interest is payable quarterly and principal payments will begin on February 20, 2020. Borrowings under the FFB Credit Facility will bear interest at the applicable U.S. Treasury rate plus a spread equal to 0.375%.
In connection with its entry into the agreements with the DOE and the FFB, Georgia Power incurred issuance costs of approximately $66 million, which are being amortized over the life of the borrowings under the FFB Credit Facility.
In June and December 2016, Georgia Power made borrowings under the FFB Credit Facility in an aggregate principal amount of $300 million and $125 million, respectively. The interest rate applicable to the $300 million principal amount is 2.571% and the interest rate applicable to the $125 million principal amount is 3.142%, both for an interest period that extends to the final maturity date of February 20, 2044.
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, Georgia Power had $2.6 billion and $2.2 billion of borrowings outstanding under the FFB Credit Facility, respectively. Future advances are subject to satisfaction of customary conditions, as well as certification of compliance with the requirements of the Title XVII Loan Guarantee Program, including accuracy of project-related representations and warranties, delivery of updated project-related information, and evidence of compliance with the prevailing wage requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act of 1931, as amended, and certification from the DOE's consulting engineer that proceeds of the advances are used to reimburse Eligible Project Costs.
Under the Loan Guarantee Agreement, Georgia Power is subject to customary borrower affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. In addition, Georgia Power is subject to project-related reporting requirements and other project-specific covenants and events of default.
In the event certain mandatory prepayment events occur, the FFB's commitment to make further advances under the FFB Credit Facility will terminate and Georgia Power will be required to prepay the outstanding principal amount of all borrowings under the FFB Credit Facility over a period of five years (with level principal amortization). Among other things, these mandatory prepayment events include (i) the termination of the Vogtle 3 and 4 Agreement; (ii) cancellation of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 by the Georgia PSC, or by Georgia Power if authorized by the Georgia PSC; and (iii) cost disallowances by the Georgia PSC that could have a material adverse effect on completion of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 or Georgia Power's ability to repay the outstanding borrowings under the FFB Credit Facility. Under certain circumstances, insurance proceeds and any proceeds from an event of taking must be applied to immediately prepay outstanding borrowings under the FFB Credit Facility. Georgia Power also may voluntarily prepay outstanding borrowings under the FFB Credit Facility. Under the FFB Promissory Note, any prepayment (whether mandatory or optional) will be made with a make-whole premium or discount, as applicable.
In connection with any cancellation of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 that results in a mandatory prepayment event, the DOE may elect to continue construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. In such an event, the DOE will have the right to assume Georgia Power's rights and obligations under the principal agreements relating to Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 and to acquire all or a portion of Georgia Power's ownership interest in Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4.
Senior Notes
Southern Company and its subsidiaries issued a total of $13.3 billion of senior notes in 2016. Southern Company issued $8.5 billion and its subsidiaries issued a total of $4.8 billion. These amounts include senior notes issued by Southern Company Gas subsequent to the Merger. The proceeds of Southern Company's issuances were used to fund a portion of the consideration for the Merger and related transaction costs and for general corporate purposes. Except as described below, the proceeds of Southern Company's subsidiaries' issuances were used to repay long-term indebtedness, to repay short-term indebtedness, and for other general corporate purposes, including the applicable subsidiaries' continuous construction programs, and, for Southern Power, its growth strategy. Certain of Georgia Power's and Southern Power's issuances were allocated to eligible renewable energy expenditures. The proceeds of Southern Company Gas' issuances were primarily used to repay a $360 million promissory note issued to Southern Company for the purpose of funding a portion of the purchase price for a 50% equity interest in Southern Natural Gas Company, L.L.C. (SNG), to fund the purchase of Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Inc.'s (Piedmont) interest in SouthStar Energy Services, LLC (SouthStar), and to make a voluntary contribution to Southern Company Gas' pension plan. See Note 12 under "Southern CompanyInvestment in Southern Natural Gas" and " – Acquisition of Remaining Interest in SouthStar" for additional information.
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, Southern Company and its subsidiaries had a total of $33.0 billion and $19.1 billion, respectively, of senior notes outstanding. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, Southern Company had a total of $10.3 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively, of senior notes outstanding. These amounts include senior notes due within one year.
Subsequent to December 31, 2016, Alabama Power repaid at maturity $200 million aggregate principal amount of its Series 2007A 5.55% Senior Notes due February 1, 2017.
Since Southern Company is a holding company, the right of Southern Company and, hence, the right of creditors of Southern Company (including holders of Southern Company senior notes) to participate in any distribution of the assets of any subsidiary of Southern Company, whether upon liquidation, reorganization or otherwise, is subject to prior claims of creditors and preferred and preference stockholders of such subsidiary.
Junior Subordinated Notes
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, Southern Company had a total of $2.4 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, of junior subordinated notes outstanding.
In September 2016, Southern Company issued $800 million aggregate principal amount of Series 2016A 5.25% Junior Subordinated Notes due October 1, 2076. The proceeds were used to repay short-term indebtedness that was incurred to repay at maturity $500 million aggregate principal amount of Southern Company's Series 2011A 1.95% Senior Notes due September 1, 2016 and for other general corporate purposes.
In December 2016, Southern Company issued $550 million aggregate principal amount of Series 2016B Junior Subordinated Notes due March 15, 2057, which bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.50% per year up to, but not including, March 15, 2022. From, and including, March 15, 2022, the Series 2016B Junior Subordinated Notes will bear interest at a floating rate based on three-month LIBOR. The proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.
Pollution Control Revenue Bonds
Pollution control revenue bond obligations represent loans to the traditional electric operating companies from public authorities of funds derived from sales by such authorities of revenue bonds issued to finance pollution control and solid waste disposal facilities. In some cases, the pollution control revenue bond obligations represent obligations under installment sales agreements with respect to facilities constructed with the proceeds of revenue bonds issued by public authorities. The traditional electric operating companies had $3.3 billion of outstanding pollution control revenue bond obligations at December 31, 2016 and 2015, which includes pollution control revenue bonds due within one year. The traditional electric operating companies are required to make payments sufficient for the authorities to meet principal and interest requirements of such bonds. Proceeds from certain issuances are restricted until qualifying expenditures are incurred.
Plant Daniel Revenue Bonds
In 2011, in connection with Mississippi Power's election under its operating lease of Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4 to purchase the assets, Mississippi Power assumed the obligations of the lessor related to $270 million aggregate principal amount of Mississippi Business Finance Corporation Taxable Revenue Bonds, 7.13% Series 1999A due October 20, 2021, issued for the benefit of the lessor. See "Assets Subject to Lien" herein for additional information.
Gas Facility Revenue Bonds
Pivotal Utility Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Southern Company Gas, is party to a series of loan agreements with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and Brevard County, Florida under which five series of gas facility revenue bonds have been issued with maturities ranging from 2022 to 2033. These revenue bonds are issued by state agencies or counties to investors, and proceeds from the issuance then are loaned to Southern Company Gas. The amount of gas facility revenue bonds outstanding at December 31, 2016 was $200 million.
Other Revenue Bonds
Other revenue bond obligations represent loans to Mississippi Power from a public authority of funds derived from the sale by such authority of revenue bonds issued to finance a portion of the costs of constructing the Kemper IGCC and related facilities.
Mississippi Power had $50 million of such obligations outstanding related to tax-exempt revenue bonds at December 31, 2016 and 2015. Such amounts are reflected in the statements of capitalization as long-term senior notes and debt.
First Mortgage Bonds
Nicor Gas, a subsidiary of Southern Company Gas, had $625 million of first mortgage bonds outstanding at December 31, 2016. These bonds have been issued with maturities ranging from 2019 to 2038. Substantially all of Nicor Gas' properties are subject to the lien of the indenture securing these first mortgage bonds. See "Assets Subject to Lien" herein for additional information.
Capital Leases
Assets acquired under capital leases are recorded in the balance sheets as property, plant, and equipment and the related obligations are classified as long-term debt.
In 2013, Mississippi Power entered into a nitrogen supply agreement for the air separation unit of the Kemper IGCC, which resulted in a capital lease obligation at December 31, 2016 and 2015 of approximately $74 million and $77 million, respectively, with an annual interest rate of 4.9% for both years. Amortization of the capital lease asset for the air separation unit will begin when the Kemper IGCC is placed in service. See Note 3 under "Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle" for additional information regarding the Kemper IGCC.
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the capitalized lease obligations for Georgia Power's corporate headquarters building were $28 million and $35 million, respectively, with an annual interest rate of 7.9% for both years.
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, Alabama Power had capitalized lease obligations of $4 million and $5 million, respectively, for a natural gas pipeline with an annual interest rate of 6.9%.
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, a subsidiary of Southern Company had capital lease obligations of approximately $29 million and $30 million, respectively, for certain computer equipment including desktops, laptops, servers, printers, and storage devices with annual interest rates that range from 1.4% to 3.4%.
Assets Subject to Lien
Each of Southern Company's subsidiaries is organized as a legal entity, separate and apart from Southern Company and its other subsidiaries. There are no agreements or other arrangements among the Southern Company system companies under which the assets of one company have been pledged or otherwise made available to satisfy obligations of Southern Company or any of its other subsidiaries.
Gulf Power has granted one or more liens on certain of its property in connection with the issuance of certain series of pollution control revenue bonds with an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $41 million as of December 31, 2016.
The revenue bonds assumed in conjunction with Mississippi Power's purchase of Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4 are secured by Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4 and certain related personal property. See "Plant Daniel Revenue Bonds" herein for additional information.
See "DOE Loan Guarantee Borrowings" above for information regarding certain borrowings of Georgia Power that are secured by a first priority lien on (i) Georgia Power's 45.7% undivided ownership interest in Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 (primarily the units under construction, the related real property, and any nuclear fuel loaded in the reactor core) and (ii) Georgia Power's rights and obligations under the principal contracts relating to Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4.
The first mortgage bonds issued by Nicor Gas are secured by substantially all of Nicor Gas' properties. See "First Mortgage Bonds" herein for additional information.
During 2016, in accordance with its overall growth strategy, Southern Power acquired the Mankato project. Under the terms of the remaining 10-year PPA and the 20-year expansion PPA, approximately $408 million of assets, primarily related to property, plant, and equipment, are subject to lien at December 31, 2016. See Note 12 under "Southern Power" for additional information.
Bank Credit Arrangements
At December 31, 2016, committed credit arrangements with banks were as follows:
 
Expires
 
 
 
Executable Term Loans
 
Expires Within
One Year
Company
2017
 
2018
 
2020
 
Total
 
Unused
 
One
Year
 
Two
Years
 
Term Out
 
No Term Out
 
(in millions)
 
(in millions)
 
(in millions)
 
(in millions)
Southern Company(a)
$

 
$
1,000

 
$
1,250

 
$
2,250

 
$
2,250

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Alabama Power
35

 
500

 
800

 
1,335

 
1,335

 

 

 

 
35

Georgia Power

 

 
1,750

 
1,750

 
1,732

 

 

 

 

Gulf Power
85

 
195

 

 
280

 
280

 
45

 

 
25

 
60

Mississippi Power
173

 

 

 
173

 
150

 

 
13

 
13

 
160

Southern Power Company(b)

 

 
600

 
600

 
522

 

 

 

 

Southern Company Gas(c)
75

 
1,925

 

 
2,000

 
1,949

 

 

 

 
75

Other
55

 

 

 
55

 
55

 
20

 

 
20

 
35

Southern Company Consolidated
$
423

 
$
3,620

 
$
4,400

 
$
8,443

 
$
8,273

 
$
65

 
$
13

 
$
58

 
$
365


(a)
Represents the Southern Company parent entity.
(b)
Excludes credit agreements (Project Credit Facilities) assumed with the acquisition of certain solar facilities, which were non-recourse to Southern Power Company, the proceeds of which were used to finance project costs related to such solar facilities. See Note 12 under "Southern Power" for additional information. Also excludes a $120 million continuing letter of credit facility entered into by Southern Power in December 2016 for standby letters of credit expiring in 2019. At December 31, 2016, the total amount available under the letter of credit facility was $82 million.
(c)
Southern Company Gas, as the parent entity, guarantees the obligations of Southern Company Gas Capital, which is the borrower of $1.3 billion of these arrangements. Southern Company Gas' committed credit arrangements also include $700 million for which Nicor Gas is the borrower and which is restricted for working capital needs of Nicor Gas.
Most of the bank credit arrangements require payment of commitment fees based on the unused portion of the commitments or the maintenance of compensating balances with the banks. Commitment fees average less than 1/4 of 1% for Southern Company, the traditional electric operating companies, Southern Power Company, Southern Company Gas, and Nicor Gas. Compensating balances are not legally restricted from withdrawal.
Subject to applicable market conditions, Southern Company and its subsidiaries expect to renew or replace their bank credit arrangements as needed, prior to expiration. In connection therewith, Southern Company and its subsidiaries may extend the maturity dates and/or increase or decrease the lending commitments thereunder.
Southern Company's, Southern Company Gas', and Nicor Gas' credit arrangements contain covenants that limit debt levels to 70% of total capitalization, as defined in the agreements, and most of these other bank credit arrangements contain covenants that limit debt levels to 65% of total capitalization, as defined in the agreements. For purposes of these definitions, debt excludes the long-term debt payable to affiliated trusts and, in certain arrangements, other hybrid securities, and, for Southern Company and Mississippi Power, any securitized debt relating to the securitization of certain costs of the Kemper IGCC. Additionally, for Southern Company and Southern Power Company, for purposes of these definitions, debt excludes any project debt incurred by certain subsidiaries of Southern Power Company to the extent such debt is non-recourse to Southern Power Company and capitalization excludes the capital stock or other equity attributable to such subsidiaries. At December 31, 2016, Southern Company, the traditional electric operating companies, Southern Power Company, Southern Company Gas, and Nicor Gas were each in compliance with their respective debt limit covenants.
A portion of the $8.3 billion unused credit with banks is allocated to provide liquidity support to the pollution control revenue bonds of the traditional electric operating companies and the commercial paper programs of Southern Company, the traditional electric operating companies, Southern Power Company, Southern Company Gas, and Nicor Gas. The amount of variable rate pollution control revenue bonds of the traditional electric operating companies outstanding requiring liquidity support as of December 31, 2016 was approximately $1.9 billion. In addition, at December 31, 2016, the traditional electric operating companies had approximately $0.4 billion of fixed rate pollution control revenue bonds outstanding that were required to be remarketed within the next 12 months.
Southern Company, the traditional electric operating companies, Southern Power Company, Southern Company Gas, and Nicor Gas make short-term borrowings primarily through commercial paper programs that have the liquidity support of the committed bank credit arrangements described above. Commercial paper and short-term bank term loans are included in notes payable in the balance sheets.
Details of short-term borrowings were as follows:
 
Short-term Debt at the End of the Period
 
Amount
Outstanding
 
Weighted Average
Interest Rate
 
(in millions)
 
 
December 31, 2016:
 
 
 
Commercial paper
$
1,909

 
1.1
%
Short-term bank debt
123

 
1.7
%
Total
$
2,032

 
1.1
%
December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
Commercial paper
$
740

 
0.7
%
Short-term bank debt
500

 
1.4
%
Total
$
1,240

 
0.9
%

In addition to the short-term borrowings in the table above, Southern Power's subsidiary Project Credit Facilities had total amounts outstanding of $209 million and $137 million at a weighted average interest rate of 2.1% and 2.0% as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The amounts outstanding as of December 31, 2016 under the Project Credit Facilities were fully repaid subsequent to December 31, 2016.
Redeemable Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries
Each of the traditional electric operating companies has issued preferred and/or preference stock. The preferred stock of Alabama Power and Mississippi Power contains a feature that allows the holders to elect a majority of such subsidiary's board of directors if preferred dividends are not paid for four consecutive quarters. Because such a potential redemption-triggering event is not solely within the control of Alabama Power and Mississippi Power, this preferred stock is presented as "Redeemable Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries" in a manner consistent with temporary equity under applicable accounting standards. The preferred and preference stock at Georgia Power and the preference stock at Alabama Power and Gulf Power do not contain such a provision. As a result, under applicable accounting standards, the preferred and preference stock at Georgia Power and the preference stock at Alabama Power and Gulf Power are presented as "Preferred and Preference Stock of Subsidiaries," a separate component of "Stockholders' Equity," on Southern Company's balance sheets, statements of capitalization, and statements of stockholders' equity.
The following table presents changes during the year in redeemable preferred stock of subsidiaries for Southern Company:
 
Redeemable Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries
 
(in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
375

Issued

Redeemed

Balance at December 31, 2014
375

Issued

Redeemed
(262
)
Other
5

Balance at December 31, 2015
118

Issued

Redeemed

Balance at December 31, 2016
$
118

Alabama Power [Member]  
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]  
FINANCING
FINANCING
Long-Term Debt Payable to an Affiliated Trust
The Company has formed a wholly-owned trust subsidiary for the purpose of issuing preferred securities. The proceeds of the related equity investments and preferred security sales were loaned back to the Company through the issuance of junior subordinated notes totaling $206 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, which constitute substantially all of the assets of this trust and are reflected in the balance sheets as long-term debt payable. The Company considers that the mechanisms and obligations relating to the preferred securities issued for its benefit, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by it of the trust's payment obligations with respect to these securities. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, trust preferred securities of $200 million were outstanding. See Note 1 under "Variable Interest Entities" for additional information on the accounting treatment for this trust and the related securities.
Securities Due Within One Year
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $561 million and $200 million, respectively, of senior notes and pollution control revenue bonds due within one year.
Maturities through 2021 applicable to total long-term debt are as follows: $561 million in 2017; $200 million in 2019; $250 million in 2020; and $310 million in 2021. There are no material scheduled maturities in 2018.
Bank Term Loans
In March 2016, the Company entered into three bank term loan agreements with maturity dates of March 2021, in an aggregate principal amount of $45 million, one of which bears interest at 2.38% per annum and two of which bear interest based on three-month LIBOR.
These bank loans have covenants that limit debt levels to 65% of total capitalization, as defined in the agreements. For purposes of calculating these covenants, any long-term notes payable to affiliated trusts are excluded from debt but included in capitalization. At December 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with its debt limits.
Pollution Control Revenue Bonds
Pollution control revenue bond obligations represent loans to the Company from public authorities of funds or installment purchases of pollution control and solid waste disposal facilities financed by funds derived from sales by public authorities of revenue bonds. The Company is required to make payments sufficient for the authorities to meet principal and interest requirements of such bonds. The Company incurred no obligations related to the issuance of pollution control revenue bonds in 2016.
The Company had $1.1 billion of tax-exempt pollution control revenue bond obligations outstanding at each of December 31, 2016 and 2015, including pollution control revenue bonds due within one year.
Senior Notes
In January 2016, the Company issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of Series 2016A 4.30% Senior Notes due January 2, 2046. The proceeds were used to repay at maturity $200 million aggregate principal amount of the Company's Series FF 5.20% Senior Notes due January 15, 2016 and for general corporate purposes, including the Company's continuous construction program.
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $5.8 billion and $5.6 billion of senior notes outstanding, respectively, including senior notes due within one year. As of December 31, 2016, the Company did not have any outstanding secured debt.
Subsequent to December 31, 2016, the Company repaid at maturity $200 million aggregate principal amount of its Series 2007A 5.55% Senior Notes due February 1, 2017.
Redeemable Preferred and Preference Stock
The Company currently has preferred stock, Class A preferred stock, preference stock, and common stock authorized and outstanding. The Company's preferred stock and Class A preferred stock, without preference between classes, rank senior to the Company's preference stock and common stock with respect to payment of dividends and voluntary and involuntary dissolution. The preferred stock and Class A preferred stock of the Company contain a feature that allows the holders to elect a majority of the Company's board of directors if preferred dividends are not paid for four consecutive quarters. Because such a potential redemption-triggering event is not solely within the control of the Company, the preferred stock and Class A preferred stock is presented as "Redeemable Preferred Stock" in a manner consistent with temporary equity under applicable accounting standards. The preference stock does not contain such a provision that would allow the holders to elect a majority of the Company's board. The Company's preference stock ranks senior to the common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and voluntary or involuntary dissolution.
The Company's preferred stock is subject to redemption at a price equal to the par value plus a premium. The Company's Class A preferred stock is subject to redemption at a price equal to the stated capital. The Company's outstanding preference stock is subject to redemption at a price equal to the stated capital plus a make-whole premium based on the present value of the liquidation amount and future dividends to the first stated capital redemption date. All series of the Company's preferred stock currently are subject to redemption at the option of the Company. Information for each outstanding series is in the table below:
Preferred/Preference Stock
Par Value/Stated Capital Per Share

Shares Outstanding

Redemption Price Per Share
4.92% Preferred Stock
$100

80,000


$103.23
4.72% Preferred Stock
$100

50,000


$102.18
4.64% Preferred Stock
$100

60,000


$103.14
4.60% Preferred Stock
$100

100,000


$104.20
4.52% Preferred Stock
$100

50,000


$102.93
4.20% Preferred Stock
$100

135,115


$105.00
5.83% Class A Preferred Stock
$25

1,520,000


Stated Capital
6.45% Preference Stock
$25

6,000,000


Stated Capital(*)
6.50% Preference Stock
$25

2,000,000


Stated Capital(*)

(*)
Also includes a make-whole premium prior to October 1, 2017
In May 2015, the Company redeemed 6.48 million shares ($162 million aggregate stated capital) of the Company's 5.20% Class A Preferred Stock at a redemption price of $25 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date and 4.0 million shares ($100 million aggregate stated capital) of the Company's 5.30% Class A Preferred Stock at a redemption price of $25 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date. Additionally, the $5 million of issuance costs were transferred from redeemable preferred stock to common stockholder's equity upon redemption. Also during May 2015, the Company redeemed 6.0 million shares ($150 million aggregate stated capital) of the Company's 5.625% Series Preference Stock at a redemption price of $25 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date. There were no changes for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2014 in redeemable preferred stock or preference stock of the Company.
Dividend Restrictions
The Company can only pay dividends to Southern Company out of retained earnings or paid-in-capital.
Bank Credit Arrangements
At December 31, 2016, committed credit arrangements with banks were as follows:
Expires
 
 
 
 
 
Expires Within One Year
2017
 
2018
 
2020
 
Total
 
Unused
 
Term Out
 
No Term Out
(in millions)
 
 (in millions)
 
(in millions)
$
35

 
$
500

 
$
800

 
$
1,335

 
$
1,335

 
$

 
$
35


Most of the bank credit arrangements require payment of a commitment fee based on the unused portion of the commitments or the maintenance of compensating balances with the banks. Commitment fees average less than 1/10 of 1% for the Company. Compensating balances are not legally restricted from withdrawal.
Subject to applicable market conditions, the Company expects to renew or replace its bank credit agreements as needed, prior to expiration. In connection therewith, the Company may extend the maturity date and/or increase or decrease the lending commitments thereunder.
Most of the Company's bank credit arrangements contain covenants that limit the Company's debt level to 65% of total capitalization, as defined in the arrangements. For purposes of calculating these covenants, any long-term notes payable to affiliated trusts are excluded from debt but included in capitalization. At December 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with the debt limit covenants.
A portion of the unused credit with banks is allocated to provide liquidity support to the Company's pollution control revenue bonds and commercial paper programs. The amount of variable rate pollution control revenue bonds outstanding requiring liquidity support was $890 million as of December 31, 2016. In addition, at December 31, 2016, the Company had $87 million of fixed rate pollution control revenue bonds outstanding that were required to be remarketed within the next 12 months.
The Company borrows through commercial paper programs that have the liquidity support of the committed bank credit arrangements described above. The Company may also make short-term borrowings through various other arrangements with banks. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, there was no short-term debt outstanding. At December 31, 2016, the Company had regulatory approval to have outstanding up to $2.1 billion of short-term borrowings.
Southern Company Gas [Member]  
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]  
FINANCING
FINANCING
Southern Company Gas' 100%-owned subsidiary, Southern Company Gas Capital, was established to provide for certain of Southern Company Gas' ongoing financing needs through a commercial paper program, the issuance of various debt, hybrid securities, and other financing arrangements. Southern Company Gas fully and unconditionally guarantees all debt issued by Southern Company Gas Capital and the gas facility revenue bonds issued by Pivotal Utility Holdings. Nicor Gas is not permitted by regulation to make loans to affiliates or utilize Southern Company Gas Capital for its financing needs.
Securities Due Within One Year
The current portion of long-term debt at December 31, 2016 is composed of the portion of its long-term debt due within the next 12 months. At December 31, 2016, the Company had $22 million of medium-term notes due within one year, consisting of medium-term notes of Atlanta Gas Light. At December 31, 2015, the Company had $545 million of first mortgage bonds and senior notes due within one year.
Certain of the Company's senior notes with a principal amount of $275 million were subject to change-in-control provisions that were triggered by the Merger. Under the applicable note purchase agreement, Southern Company Gas Capital was required to provide notice to the holders of these notes of the change in control and offer to prepay these notes in August 2016. None of the holders of these notes accepted the offer for prepayment. These senior notes remained on their original payment schedules and included $120 million aggregate principal amount of Series A Floating Rate notes that were repaid at maturity on October 27, 2016 and $155 million aggregate principal amount of 3.50% Senior Notes due October 27, 2018.
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt of the Company at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of Series A, Series B, and Series C medium-term notes of Atlanta Gas Light; senior notes of Southern Company Gas Capital; first mortgage bonds of Nicor Gas; and gas facility revenue bonds of Pivotal Utility Holdings. Southern Company Gas fully and unconditionally guarantees all of Southern Company Gas Capital's senior notes and Pivotal Utility Holdings' gas facility revenue bonds. Additionally, substantially all of Nicor Gas' properties are subject to the lien of the indenture securing its first mortgage bonds. The majority of the long-term debt matures after fiscal year 2021.
The amount of medium-term notes outstanding at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $159 million and $181 million, respectively.
Maturities through 2021 applicable to total long-term debt are as follows: $22 million in 2017; $155 million in 2018; $350 million in 2019; $330 million in 2021; and thereafter $3.9 billion. There are no material scheduled maturities in 2020.
First Mortgage Bonds
The first mortgage bonds of Nicor Gas have been issued with maturities ranging from 2019 to 2038.
In February and May 2016, $75 million and $50 million, respectively, of Nicor Gas' first mortgage bonds matured and were repaid using the proceeds from commercial paper borrowings.
In June 2016, Nicor Gas issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds with the following terms: $100 million at 2.66% due June 20, 2026, $100 million at 2.91% due June 20, 2031, and $50 million at 3.27% due June 20, 2036. The proceeds were used to repay short-term indebtedness incurred under the Nicor Gas commercial paper program and for other working capital needs. The amount of first mortgage bonds outstanding at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $625 million and $375 million, respectively.
Gas Facility Revenue Bonds
Pivotal Utility Holdings is party to a series of loan agreements with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and Brevard County, Florida under which five series of gas facility revenue bonds have been issued with maturities ranging from 2022 to 2033. These revenue bonds are issued by state agencies or counties to investors, and proceeds from each issuance then are loaned to Pivotal Utility Holdings. The amount of gas facility revenue bonds outstanding at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $200 million.
Senior Notes
In May 2016, Southern Company Gas Capital issued $350 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% Senior Notes due June 15, 2026, which are guaranteed by Southern Company Gas. The proceeds were used to repay at maturity $300 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375% Senior Notes due July 15, 2016 and for general corporate purposes.
In September 2016, Southern Company Gas Capital issued $350 million aggregate principal amount of 2.45% Senior Notes due October 1, 2023 and $550 million aggregate principal amount of 3.95% Senior Notes due October 1, 2046, both of which are guaranteed by Southern Company Gas. The proceeds were used to repay a $360 million promissory note issued to Southern Company for the purpose of funding a portion of the purchase price for a 50% equity interest in SNG, to fund the purchase of Piedmont's interest in SouthStar, to make a voluntary contribution to the pension plan, to repay at maturity $120 million aggregate principal amount of Series A Floating Rate Senior Notes due October 27, 2016, and for general corporate purposes. The amount of senior notes outstanding at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $3.7 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively.
Dividend Restrictions
By regulation, Nicor Gas is restricted, to the extent of its retained earnings balance, in the amount it can dividend or loan to affiliates and is not permitted to make money pool loans to affiliates. Elizabethtown Gas is restricted by its dividend policy as established by the New Jersey BPU in the amount it can dividend to its parent company to the extent of 70% of its quarterly net income. Additionally, as stipulated in the New Jersey BPU's order approving the Merger, Southern Company Gas is prohibited from paying dividends to its parent company, Southern Company, if Southern Company Gas' senior unsecured debt rating falls below investment grade. As of December 31, 2016, the amount of subsidiary retained earnings restricted for dividend payment totaled $688 million.
Bank Credit Arrangements
Credit Facilities
Bank credit arrangements under the Southern Company Gas Credit Facility and the Nicor Gas Credit Facility provide liquidity support to Southern Company Gas Capital's and Nicor Gas' commercial paper borrowings. The Nicor Gas Credit Facility is restricted for working capital needs of Nicor Gas. In October 2015, the Company entered into agreements to amend and extend the Southern Company Gas Credit Facility and the Nicor Gas Credit Facility. Under the terms of these agreements, the Company extended the maturity dates of the Southern Company Gas Credit Facility and the Nicor Gas Credit Facility to November 9, 2018 and December 14, 2018, respectively. One of the banks elected not to participate in this extension and its total commitment of $75 million will continue through the fourth quarter 2017. The Company also modified the credit facilities to provide for the limited consent by the lenders to the Merger with Southern Company. Additionally, the Company made similar changes to its Bank Rate Mode Covenants Agreement relating to the Pivotal Utility Holdings gas facility revenue bonds.
At December 31, 2016, committed credit arrangements with banks were as follows:
Successor
 
 
Expires
 
 
 
 
 
Expires Within One Year
Company
 
2017
 
2018
 
Total
 
Unused
 
Term Out
 
No Term Out
 
 
(in millions)
 
(in millions)
 
(in millions)
Southern Company Gas Capital
 
$
49

 
$
1,251

 
$
1,300

 
$
1,249

 
$

 
$
49

Nicor Gas
 
26

 
674

 
700

 
700

 

 
26

Total
 
$
75

 
$
1,925

 
$
2,000

 
$
1,949

 
$

 
$
75


The Southern Company Gas Credit Facility and the Nicor Gas Credit Facility included in the table above each contain a covenant that limits the ratio of debt to capitalization (as defined in each Facility) to a maximum of 70% and contain cross acceleration provisions to other indebtedness (including guarantee obligations) of the applicable company. At December 31, 2016, the Company and Nicor Gas were in compliance with their respective debt limit covenants.
Commercial Paper Programs
The Company maintains commercial paper programs at Southern Company Gas Capital and at Nicor Gas that consist of short-term, unsecured promissory notes. Nicor Gas' commercial paper program supports working capital needs at Nicor Gas as Nicor Gas is not permitted to make money pool loans to affiliates. All of the Company's other subsidiaries benefit from Southern Company Gas Capital's commercial paper program. Commercial paper is included in notes payable in the consolidated balance sheets.
Details of commercial paper borrowings outstanding were as follows:
 
Commercial Paper at the End of the Period
 
Amount
Outstanding
 
Weighted Average
Interest Rate
 
(in millions)
 
 
Successor – December 31, 2016:
 
 
 
Southern Company Gas Capital
$
733

 
1.09
%
Nicor Gas
524

 
0.95
%
Total
$
1,257

 
1.03
%
 
 
 
 
Predecessor – December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
Southern Company Gas Capital
$
471

 
0.71
%
Nicor Gas
539

 
0.52
%
Total
$
1,010

 
0.60
%
CAPITALIZATION
The capitalization for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
2016
 
 
2015
 
(in millions)
 
 
(in millions)
 
(percent of total)
 
 
(percent of total)
Long-Term Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term notes payable —
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.47% to 9.10% due 2016-2046(a)
$
3,887

 
 
$
3,181

 
 
 
 
 
Other long-term debt —
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First mortgage bonds —
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.66% to 6.58% due 2016-2038(b)
625

 
 
375

 
 
 
 
 
Gas facility revenue bonds —
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable rate (1.28% at 1/1/17) due 2022-2033
200

 
 
200

 
 
 
 
 
Total other long-term debt
825

 
 
575

 
 
 
 
 
Unamortized fair value adjustment of long-term debt
578

 
 
68

 
 
 
 
 
Unamortized debt discount
(9
)
 
 
(4
)
 
 
 
 
 
Total long-term debt (annual interest requirement — $207 million)
5,281

 
 
3,820

 
 
 
 
 
Less amount due within one year
22

 
 
545

 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt excluding amount due within one year
5,259

 
 
3,275

 
36.6
%
 
 
45.2
%
Common Stockholder's Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock — 2016: par value $0.01 per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    — 2015 par value $5 per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Authorized — 2016: 100 million shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
— 2015: 750 million shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding — 2016: 100 shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  — 2015: 120.4 million shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Treasury — 2016: no shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                       — 2015: 0.2 million shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Paid-in capital
9,095

 
 
2,702

 
 
 
 
 
Treasury, at cost

 
 
(8
)
 
 
 
 
 
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
(12
)
 
 
1,421

 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
26

 
 
(186
)
 
 
 
 
 
Total common stockholder's equity
9,109

 
 
3,929

 
63.4

 
 
54.2

Noncontrolling interest

 
 
46

 

 
 
0.6

Total stockholders' equity
9,109

 
 
3,975

 
 
 
 
 
Total Capitalization
$
14,368

 
 
$
7,250

 
100.0
%
 
 
100.0
%
(a)
Long-term notes payable maturities are as follows: $22 million in 2017 (7.20%); $155 million in 2018 (3.50%); $300 million in 2019 (5.25%); $330 million in 2021 (3.50% to 9.10%); and $3.1 billion in 2022-2046 (2.45% to 8.70%).
(b)
First mortgage bonds maturities are as follows: $50 million in 2019 (4.70%) and $575 million in 2023-2038 (2.66% t
Georgia Power [Member]  
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]  
FINANCING
FINANCING
Securities Due Within One Year
A summary of scheduled maturities of long-term debt due within one year at December 31 was as follows:
 
2016
 
2015
 
(in millions)
Senior notes
$
450

 
$
700

Pollution control revenue bonds

 
4

Capital leases
10

 
8

Total
$
460

 
$
712


Maturities through 2021 applicable to total long-term debt are as follows: $460 million in 2017; $762 million in 2018; $513 million in 2019; $57 million in 2020; and $376 million in 2021.
Senior Notes
In March 2016, the Company issued $325 million aggregate principal amount of Series 2016A 3.25% Senior Notes due April 1, 2026 and $325 million aggregate principal amount of Series 2016B 2.40% Senior Notes due April 1, 2021. An amount equal to the proceeds from the Series 2016A 3.25% Senior Notes due April 1, 2026 is being allocated to eligible green expenditures, including financing of or investments in solar generating facilities or electric vehicle charging infrastructure, or payments under PPAs served by solar or wind generating facilities. The proceeds from the Series 2016B 2.40% Senior Notes due April 1, 2021 were used to repay at maturity $250 million aggregate principal amount of the Company's Series 2013B Floating Rate Senior Notes due March 15, 2016, to repay a portion of the Company's short-term indebtedness, and for general corporate purposes, including the Company's continuous construction program.
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $6.2 billion and $6.3 billion of senior notes outstanding, respectively, which included senior notes due within one year. These senior notes are effectively subordinated to all secured debt of the Company, which aggregated $2.8 billion and $2.4 billion at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, the Company's secured debt included borrowings of $2.6 billion guaranteed by the DOE and capital lease obligations of $169 million. As of December 31, 2015, the Company's secured debt included borrowings of $2.2 billion guaranteed by the DOE and capital lease obligations of $183 million. See Note 7 and "DOE Loan Guarantee Borrowings" herein for additional information.
Pollution Control Revenue Bonds
Pollution control revenue bond obligations represent loans to the Company from public authorities of funds derived from sales by such authorities of revenue bonds issued to finance pollution control and solid waste disposal facilities. The Company is required to make payments sufficient for the authorities to meet principal and interest requirements of such bonds. The amount of tax-exempt pollution control revenue bond obligations outstanding at both December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $1.8 billion.
DOE Loan Guarantee Borrowings
Pursuant to the loan guarantee program established under Title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Title XVII Loan Guarantee Program), the Company and the DOE entered into a loan guarantee agreement (Loan Guarantee Agreement) in February 2014, under which the DOE agreed to guarantee the obligations of the Company under a note purchase agreement (FFB Note Purchase Agreement) among the DOE, the Company, and the FFB and a related promissory note (FFB Promissory Note). The FFB Note Purchase Agreement and the FFB Promissory Note provide for a multi-advance term loan facility (FFB Credit Facility), under which the Company may make term loan borrowings through the FFB.
Proceeds of advances made under the FFB Credit Facility are used to reimburse the Company for a portion of certain costs of construction relating to Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 that are eligible for financing under the Title XVII Loan Guarantee Program (Eligible Project Costs). Aggregate borrowings under the FFB Credit Facility may not exceed the lesser of (i) 70% of Eligible Project Costs or (ii) approximately $3.46 billion.
All borrowings under the FFB Credit Facility are full recourse to the Company, and the Company is obligated to reimburse the DOE for any payments the DOE is required to make to the FFB under the guarantee. The Company's reimbursement obligations to the DOE are full recourse and secured by a first priority lien on (i) the Company's 45.7% undivided ownership interest in Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 (primarily the units under construction, the related real property, and any nuclear fuel loaded in the reactor core) and (ii) the Company's rights and obligations under the principal contracts relating to Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. There are no restrictions on the Company's ability to grant liens on other property.
Advances may be requested under the FFB Credit Facility on a quarterly basis through 2020. The final maturity date for each advance under the FFB Credit Facility is February 20, 2044. Interest is payable quarterly and principal payments will begin on February 20, 2020. Borrowings under the FFB Credit Facility will bear interest at the applicable U.S. Treasury rate plus a spread equal to 0.375%.
In connection with its entry into the agreements with the DOE and the FFB, the Company incurred issuance costs of approximately $66 million, which are being amortized over the life of the borrowings under the FFB Credit Facility.
In June and December 2016, the Company made borrowings under the FFB Credit Facility in an aggregate principal amount of $300 million and $125 million, respectively. The interest rate applicable to the $300 million principal amount is 2.571% and the interest rate applicable to the $125 million principal amount is 3.142%, both for an interest period that extends to the final maturity date of February 20, 2044.
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $2.6 billion and $2.2 billion of borrowings outstanding under the FFB Credit Facility, respectively. Future advances are subject to satisfaction of customary conditions, as well as certification of compliance with the requirements of the Title XVII Loan Guarantee Program, including accuracy of project-related representations and warranties, delivery of updated project-related information, and evidence of compliance with the prevailing wage requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act of 1931, as amended, and certification from the DOE's consulting engineer that proceeds of the advances are used to reimburse Eligible Project Costs.
Under the Loan Guarantee Agreement, the Company is subject to customary borrower affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. In addition, the Company is subject to project-related reporting requirements and other project-specific covenants and events of default.
In the event certain mandatory prepayment events occur, the FFB's commitment to make further advances under the FFB Credit Facility will terminate and the Company will be required to prepay the outstanding principal amount of all borrowings under the FFB Credit Facility over a period of five years (with level principal amortization). Among other things, these mandatory prepayment events include (i) the termination of the Vogtle 3 and 4 Agreement; (ii) cancellation of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 by the Georgia PSC, or by the Company if authorized by the Georgia PSC; and (iii) cost disallowances by the Georgia PSC that could have a material adverse effect on completion of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 or the Company's ability to repay the outstanding borrowings under the FFB Credit Facility. Under certain circumstances, insurance proceeds and any proceeds from an event of taking must be applied to immediately prepay outstanding borrowings under the FFB Credit Facility. The Company also may voluntarily prepay outstanding borrowings under the FFB Credit Facility. Under the FFB Promissory Note, any prepayment (whether mandatory or optional) will be made with a make-whole premium or discount, as applicable.
In connection with any cancellation of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 that results in a mandatory prepayment event, the DOE may elect to continue construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. In such an event, the DOE will have the right to assume the Company's rights and obligations under the principal agreements relating to Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 and to acquire all or a portion of the Company's ownership interest in Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4.
Capital Leases
Assets acquired under capital leases are recorded in the balance sheets as utility plant in service, and the related obligations are classified as long-term debt. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had a capital lease asset for its corporate headquarters building of $61 million, with accumulated depreciation at December 31, 2016 and 2015 of $33 million and $26 million, respectively. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the capitalized lease obligation was $28 million and $35 million, respectively, with an annual interest rate of 7.9% for both years. For ratemaking purposes, the Georgia PSC has allowed the lease payments in cost of service with no return on the capital lease asset. The difference between the depreciation and the lease payments allowed for ratemaking purposes is recovered as operating expenses as ordered by the Georgia PSC. The annual operating expense incurred for this capital lease was not material for any year presented.
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had capital lease assets related to two PPAs with Southern Power of $149 million, with accumulated amortization at December 31, 2016 and 2015 of $19 million and $10 million, respectively. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the related capitalized lease obligations were $141 million and $148 million, respectively. The annual interest rates range from 10% to 11% for these two capital lease PPAs. For ratemaking purposes, the Georgia PSC has included the capital lease asset amortization in cost of service and the interest in the Company's cost of debt. See Note 1 under "Affiliate Transactions" and Note 7 under "Fuel and Purchased Power Agreements" for additional information.
Assets Subject to Lien
See "DOE Loan Guarantee Borrowings" above for information regarding certain borrowings of the Company that are secured by a first priority lien on (i) the Company's 45.7% undivided ownership interest in Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 (primarily the units under construction, the related real property, and any nuclear fuel loaded in the reactor core) and (ii) the Company's rights and obligations under the principal contracts relating to Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4.
See "Capital Leases" above for information regarding certain assets held under capital leases.
Outstanding Classes of Capital Stock
The Company currently has preferred stock, Class A preferred stock, preference stock, and common stock authorized. The Company has shares of its Class A preferred stock, preference stock, and common stock outstanding. The Company's Class A preferred stock ranks senior to the Company's preference stock and common stock with respect to payment of dividends and voluntary or involuntary dissolution. The Company's preference stock ranks senior to the common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and voluntary or involuntary dissolution. The outstanding series of the Class A preferred stock is subject to redemption at the option of the Company at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the par value. In addition, on or after October 1, 2017, the Company may redeem the outstanding series of the preference stock at a redemption price equal to 100% of the par value. With respect to any redemption of the preference stock prior to October 1, 2017, the redemption price includes a make-whole premium based on the present value of the liquidation amount and future dividends through the first par redemption date.
Dividend Restrictions
The Company can only pay dividends to Southern Company out of retained earnings or paid-in-capital.
Bank Credit Arrangements
At December 31, 2016, the Company had a $1.75 billion committed credit arrangement with banks, of which $1.73 billion was unused. This credit arrangement expires in 2020.
This bank credit arrangement requires payment of commitment fees based on the unused portion of the commitments. Commitment fees average less than 1/4 of 1% for the Company.
This bank credit arrangement contains a covenant that limits the Company's debt levels to 65% of total capitalization, as defined in the agreement. For purposes of this definition, debt excludes certain hybrid securities. At December 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with the debt limit covenant.
Subject to applicable market conditions, the Company expects to renew this bank credit arrangement, as needed, prior to expiration. In connection therewith, the Company may extend the maturity date and/or increase or decrease the lending commitments thereunder.
A portion of the $1.73 billion unused credit with banks is allocated to provide liquidity support to the Company's pollution control revenue bonds and its commercial paper program. The amount of variable rate pollution control revenue bonds outstanding requiring liquidity support as of December 31, 2016 was $868 million. In addition, at December 31, 2016, the Company had $250 million of fixed rate pollution control revenue bonds outstanding that were required to be remarketed within the next 12 months.
The Company makes short-term borrowings primarily through a commercial paper program that has the liquidity support of the Company's committed bank credit arrangement described above. Commercial paper is included in notes payable in the balance sheets.
Details of commercial paper borrowings outstanding were as follows:
 
Commercial Paper at the End of the Period
 
Amount
Outstanding
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate
 
(in millions)
 
 
December 31, 2016
$
392

 
1.1
%
December 31, 2015
$
158

 
0.6
%
Gulf Power [Member]  
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]  
FINANCING
FINANCING
Securities Due Within One Year
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $87 million and $110 million of long-term debt due within one year, respectively.
Maturities through 2021 applicable to total long-term debt include $87 million in 2017 and $175 million in 2020. There are no scheduled maturities in 2018, 2019, or 2021.
Bank Term Loans
In May 2016, the Company entered into an 11-month floating rate bank loan bearing interest based on one-month LIBOR. This short-term loan was for $100 million aggregate principal amount and the proceeds were used to repay existing indebtedness and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
This bank loan has a covenant that limits debt levels to 65% of total capitalization, as defined in the agreement. For purposes of this definition, debt excludes certain hybrid securities. At December 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with its debt limit.
Senior Notes
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had a total of $777 million and $1.01 billion of senior notes outstanding, respectively. These senior notes are effectively subordinate to all secured debt of the Company, which totaled approximately $41 million at both December 31, 2016 and 2015.
In May 2016, the Company redeemed $125 million aggregate principal amount of its Series 2011A 5.75% Senior Notes due June 1, 2051.
Pollution Control Revenue Bonds
Pollution control revenue bond obligations represent loans to the Company from public authorities of funds derived from sales by such authorities of revenue bonds issued to finance pollution control and solid waste disposal facilities. The Company is required to make payments sufficient for the authorities to meet principal and interest requirements of such bonds. The amount of tax-exempt pollution control revenue bond obligations outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $309 million.
Outstanding Classes of Capital Stock
The Company currently has preferred stock, Class A preferred stock, preference stock, and common stock authorized. The Company's preferred stock and Class A preferred stock, without preference between classes, rank senior to the Company's preference stock and common stock with respect to payment of dividends and voluntary or involuntary dissolution. No shares of preferred stock or Class A preferred stock were outstanding at December 31, 2016. The Company's preference stock ranks senior to the common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and voluntary or involuntary dissolution. Certain series of the preference stock are subject to redemption at the option of the Company on or after a specified date (typically five or 10 years after the date of issuance) at a redemption price equal to 100% of the liquidation amount of the preference stock. In addition, certain series of the preference stock may be redeemed earlier at a redemption price equal to 100% of the liquidation amount plus a make-whole premium based on the present value of the liquidation amount and future dividends.
In January 2015, the Company issued 200,000 shares of common stock to Southern Company and realized proceeds of $20 million. The proceeds were used to repay a portion of the Company's short-term debt and for other general corporate purposes, including the Company's continuous construction program.
Subsequent to December 31, 2016, the Company issued 1,750,000 shares of common stock to Southern Company and realized proceeds of $175 million. The proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including the Company's continuous construction program.
Dividend Restrictions
The Company can only pay dividends to Southern Company out of retained earnings or paid-in-capital.
Assets Subject to Lien
The Company has granted a lien on its property at Plant Daniel in connection with the issuance of two series of pollution control revenue bonds with an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $41 million as of December 31, 2016. There are no agreements or other arrangements among the Southern Company system companies under which the assets of one company have been pledged or otherwise made available to satisfy obligations of Southern Company or any of its subsidiaries.
Bank Credit Arrangements
At December 31, 2016, committed credit arrangements with banks were as follows:
Expires
 
 
 
 
 
Executable
Term Loans
 
Expires Within One Year
2017
2018
 
Total
 
Unused
 
One
Year
 
Two
Years
 
Term Out
 
No Term Out
(in millions)
 
(in millions)
 
(in millions)
 
(in millions)
$
85

$
195

 
$
280

 
$
280

 
$
45

 
$

 
$
25

 
$
60


Most of the bank credit arrangements require payment of commitment fees based on the unused portion of the commitments. Commitment fees average less than 1/4 of 1% for the Company.
Subject to applicable market conditions, the Company expects to renew or replace its bank credit arrangements as needed, prior to expiration. In connection therewith, the Company may extend the maturity dates and/or increase or decrease the lending commitments thereunder.
Most of these bank credit arrangements contain covenants that limit the Company's debt level to 65% of total capitalization, as defined in the arrangements. For purposes of these definitions, debt excludes certain hybrid securities. At December 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
Most of the $280 million of unused credit arrangements with banks provide liquidity support to the Company's pollution control revenue bonds and commercial paper program. The amount of variable rate pollution control revenue bonds outstanding requiring liquidity support as of December 31, 2016 was approximately $82 million. In addition, at December 31, 2016, the Company had $86 million of fixed rate pollution control revenue bonds outstanding that were required to be remarketed within the next 12 months.
For short-term cash needs, the Company borrows primarily through a commercial paper program that has the liquidity support of the Company's committed bank credit arrangements described above. The Company may also borrow through various other arrangements with banks. Commercial paper and short-term bank loans are included in notes payable in the balance sheets.
Details of short-term borrowings were as follows:
 
Short-term Debt at the
End of the Period
 
Amount Outstanding
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate
 
(in millions)
 
 
December 31, 2016:
 
 
 
  Commercial paper
$
168

 
1.1%
  Short-term bank debt
100

 
1.5%
Total
$
268

 
1.2%
December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
  Commercial paper
$
142

 
0.7%
Mississippi Power [Member]  
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]  
FINANCING
FINANCING
Going Concern
As of December 31, 2016, the Company's current liabilities exceeded current assets by approximately $371 million primarily due to $551 million in promissory notes to Southern Company which mature in December 2017, $35 million in senior notes which mature in November 2017, and $63 million in short-term debt. The Company expects the funds needed to satisfy the promissory notes to Southern Company will exceed amounts available from operating cash flows, lines of credit, and other external sources. Accordingly, the Company intends to satisfy these obligations through loans and/or equity contributions from Southern Company. Specifically, the Company has been informed by Southern Company that, in the event sufficient funds are not available from external sources, Southern Company intends to (i) extend the maturity of the $551 million in promissory notes and (ii) provide Mississippi Power with loans and/or equity contributions sufficient to fund the remaining indebtedness scheduled to mature and other cash needs over the next 12 months. Therefore, the Company's financial statement presentation contemplates continuation of the Company as a going concern as a result of Southern Company's anticipated ongoing financial support of the Company, consistent with the requirements of ASU 2014-15. See Note 1 under "Recently Issued Accounting Standards" for additional information regarding ASU 2014-15.
Parent Company Loans and Equity Contributions
On January 28, 2016, the Company issued a promissory note for up to $275 million to Southern Company, which matures in December 2017, bearing interest based on one-month LIBOR. During 2016, the Company borrowed $100 million under this promissory note and an additional $100 million under a separate promissory note issued to Southern Company in November 2015.
On June 27, 2016, the Company received a capital contribution from Southern Company of $225 million, the proceeds of which were used to repay to Southern Company a portion of the promissory note issued in November 2015. Also, on December 14, 2016, the Company received a capital contribution from Southern Company of $400 million, the proceeds of which were used for general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the amount of outstanding promissory notes to Southern Company totaled $551 million and $576 million, respectively.
Bank Term Loans
In March 2016, the Company entered into an unsecured term loan agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions for an aggregate amount of $1.2 billion. The Company borrowed $900 million in March 2016 under the term loan agreement and the remaining $300 million in October 2016. The Company used the initial proceeds to repay $900 million in maturing bank loans in March 2016 and the remaining $300 million to repay at maturity the Company's Series 2011A 2.35% Senior Notes due October 15, 2016. The term loan pursuant to this agreement matures on April 1, 2018 and bears interest based on one-month LIBOR.
This bank loan has a covenant that limits debt levels to 65% of total capitalization, as defined in the agreement. For purposes of this definition, debt excludes any long-term debt payable to affiliated trusts, other hybrid securities, and any securitized debt relating to the securitization of certain costs of the Kemper IGCC. At December 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with its debt limit.
At December 31, 2016, the Company had a total of $1.2 billion in bank loans outstanding. At December 31, 2015, the Company had a total of $900 million in bank loans outstanding, including $475 million classified as notes payable and $425 million classified as securities due within one year.
Senior Notes
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $790 million and $1.1 billion of senior notes outstanding, respectively, which included senior notes due within one year. These senior notes are effectively subordinated to the secured debt of the Company. See "Plant Daniel Revenue Bonds" below for additional information regarding the Company's secured indebtedness.
Plant Daniel Revenue Bonds
In 2011, in connection with the Company's election under its operating lease of Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4 to purchase the assets, the Company assumed the obligations of the lessor related to $270 million aggregate principal amount of Mississippi Business Finance Corporation Taxable Revenue Bonds, 7.13% Series 1999A due October 20, 2021, issued for the benefit of the lessor. These bonds are secured by Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4 and certain related personal property. The bonds were recorded at fair value as of the date of assumption, or $346 million, reflecting a premium of $76 million. See "Assets Subject to Lien" herein for additional information.
Securities Due Within One Year
A summary of scheduled maturities and redemptions of securities due within one year at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:
 
2016
 
2015
 
(in millions)
Parent company loans
$
551

 
$

Senior notes
35

 
300

Bank term loans

 
425

Pollution control revenue bonds(*)
40

 

Capitalized leases
3

 
3

Outstanding at December 31
$
629

 
$
728


(*)
Pollution control revenue bonds are classified as short term since they are variable rate demand obligations that are supported by short-term credit facilities; however, the final maturity date is in 2028.
Maturities through 2021 applicable to total long-term debt are as follows: $629 million in 2017, $1.2 billion in 2018, $128 million in 2019, $10 million in 2020, and $274 million in 2021.
Pollution Control Revenue Bonds
Pollution control obligations represent loans to the Company from public authorities of funds derived from sales by such authorities of pollution control revenue bonds issued to finance pollution control and solid waste disposal facilities. The Company is required to make payments sufficient for the authorities to meet principal and interest requirements of such bonds. The amount of tax-exempt pollution control revenue bonds outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $83 million.
Other Revenue Bonds
Other revenue bond obligations represent loans to the Company from a public authority of funds derived from the sale by such authority of revenue bonds issued to finance a portion of the costs of constructing the Kemper IGCC and related facilities.
The Company had $50 million of such obligations outstanding related to tax-exempt revenue bonds at December 31, 2016 and 2015. Such amounts are reflected in the statements of capitalization as long-term senior notes and debt.
Capital Leases
In 2013, the Company entered into an agreement to sell the air separation unit for the Kemper IGCC and also entered into a 20-year nitrogen supply agreement. The nitrogen supply agreement was determined to be a sale/leaseback agreement which resulted in a capital lease obligation at December 31, 2016 and 2015 of $74 million and $77 million, respectively, with an annual interest rate of 4.9% for both years. There are no contingent rentals in the contract and a portion of the monthly payment specified in the agreement is related to executory costs for the operation and maintenance of the air separation unit and excluded from the minimum lease payments. The minimum lease payments for 2016 were $7 million and will be $7 million each year thereafter. Amortization of the capital lease asset for the air separation unit will begin when the Kemper IGCC is placed in service. See Note 3 under "Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle" for additional information regarding the Kemper IGCC.
Assets Subject to Lien
The revenue bonds assumed in conjunction with the purchase of Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4 are secured by Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4 and certain related personal property. There are no agreements or other arrangements among the Southern Company system companies under which the assets of one company have been pledged or otherwise made available to satisfy the obligations of Southern Company or another of its other subsidiaries. See "Plant Daniel Revenue Bonds" herein for additional information.
Outstanding Classes of Capital Stock
The Company currently has preferred stock (including depositary shares which represent one-fourth of a share of preferred stock) and common stock authorized and outstanding. The preferred stock of the Company contains a feature that allows the holders to elect a majority of the Company's board of directors if preferred dividends are not paid for four consecutive quarters. Because such a potential redemption-triggering event is not solely within the control of the Company, this preferred stock is presented as "Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock" in a manner consistent with temporary equity under applicable accounting standards. The Company's preferred stock and depositary preferred stock, without preference between classes, rank senior to the Company's common stock with respect to payment of dividends and voluntary or involuntary dissolution. The preferred stock and depositary preferred stock is subject to redemption at the option of the Company at a redemption price equal to 100% of the liquidation amount of the stock. Information for each outstanding series is in the table below:
Preferred Stock
Par Value/Stated Capital Per Share
 
Shares Outstanding
 
Redemption Price Per Share
4.40% Preferred Stock
$
100

 
8,867

 
$
104.32

4.60% Preferred Stock
$
100

 
8,643

 
$
107.00

4.72% Preferred Stock
$
100

 
16,700

 
$
102.25

5.25% Preferred Stock(*)
$
100

 
300,000

 
$
100.00


(*)
There are 1,200,000 outstanding depositary shares, each representing one-fourth of a share of the 5.25% preferred stock.
Dividend Restrictions
The Company can only pay dividends to Southern Company out of retained earnings or paid-in-capital.
Bank Credit Arrangements
At December 31, 2016, committed credit arrangements with banks were as follows:
Expires
 
 
 
 
 
Executable
Term Loans
 
Expires Within One Year
2017
 
Total
 
Unused
 
One
Year
 
Two
Years
 
Term Out
 
No Term Out
(in millions)
 
(in millions)
 
(in millions)
 
(in millions)
$173
 
$173
 
$150
 
$—
 
$13
 
$13
 
$160

Subject to applicable market conditions, the Company expects to renew its bank credit arrangements, as needed, prior to expiration. In connection therewith, the Company may extend the maturity dates and/or increase or decrease the lending commitments thereunder.
Most of these bank credit arrangements require payment of commitment fees based on the unused portions of the commitments or to maintain compensating balances with the banks. Commitment fees average less than 1/4 of 1% for the Company. Compensating balances are not legally restricted from withdrawal.
Most of these bank credit arrangements contain covenants that limit the Company's debt levels to 65% of total capitalization, as defined in the agreements. For purposes of these definitions, debt excludes certain hybrid securities and any securitized debt relating to the securitization of certain costs of the Kemper IGCC.
A portion of the $150 million unused credit with banks is allocated to provide liquidity support to the Company's pollution control revenue bonds and its commercial paper borrowings. The amount of variable rate pollution control revenue bonds outstanding requiring liquidity support as of December 31, 2016 was $40 million.
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, there was no commercial paper debt outstanding.
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, there was $23 million and $500 million, respectively, of short-term debt outstanding.
Southern Power [Member]  
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]  
FINANCING
FINANCING
Southern Power Company's senior notes, bank term loans, commercial paper, and credit facility are unsecured senior indebtedness, which rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated debt of Southern Power Company. The Company's subsidiaries are not issuers, borrowers, or obligors, as applicable, under the senior notes, bank term loans, commercial paper, or the Facility (as defined herein). The senior notes, bank term loans, commercial paper, and the Facility are effectively subordinated to any future secured debt and any potential claims of creditors of the Company's subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had no secured debt other than indebtedness outstanding under the subsidiary project credit facilities discussed below.
Securities Due Within One Year
At December 31, 2016, the Company had a $60 million bank loan and $500 million of senior notes due within one year. At December 31, 2015, the Company had a $400 million bank loan due within one year. In addition, the Company classified as due within one year approximately $1 million and $3 million of long-term notes payable to TRE at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Maturities of long-term debt are as follows:
 
December 31, 2016
 
(in millions)
2017
$
561

2018
670

2019
600

2020
300

2021
300


Senior Notes
In June 2016, the Company issued €600 million aggregate principal amount of Series 2016A 1.00% Senior Notes due June 20, 2022 and €500 million aggregate principal amount of Series 2016B 1.85% Senior Notes due June 20, 2026. The net proceeds are being allocated to renewable energy generation projects. The Company's obligations under its euro-denominated fixed-rate notes were effectively converted to fixed-rate U.S. dollars at issuance through foreign currency swaps, mitigating foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with the interest and principal payments. See Note 9 under "Foreign Currency Derivatives" for additional information.
In September 2016, the Company issued $290 million aggregate principal amount of Series 2016C 2.75% Senior Notes due September 20, 2023. The proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including the Company's growth strategy and continuous construction program, as well as repayment of amounts outstanding under the subsidiary project credit facilities, discussed below.
In November 2016, the Company issued $600 million aggregate principal amount of Series 2016D 1.95% Senior Notes due December 15, 2019, $300 million aggregate principal amount of Series 2016E 2.50% Senior Notes due December 15, 2021, and $400 million aggregate principal amount of Series 2016F 4.95% Senior Notes due December 15, 2046. The net proceeds of the Series 2016D and the Series 2016E Senior Notes are being allocated to renewable energy generation projects. The proceeds of the Series 2016F Senior Notes were used to redeem, in December 2016, all of the $200 million aggregate principal amount of the Company's Series E 6.375% Senior Notes due November 15, 2036 and to repay outstanding short-term indebtedness.
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $5.3 billion and $2.7 billion of senior notes outstanding, respectively, which included senior notes due within one year.
Other Long-Term Notes
During 2016, the Company repaid $6 million and issued $5 million of long-term notes payable to TRE due 2035 through 2036 related to the financing of Calipatria, Morelos, and Rutherford. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $15 million and $13 million, respectively, of long-term notes payable to TRE.
In September 2016, the Company repaid $80 million of an outstanding $400 million floating rate bank term loan and extended the maturity date of the remaining $320 million from September 2016 to September 2018. In addition, the Company entered into a $60 million aggregate principal amount floating rate bank term loan bearing interest based on one-month LIBOR due September 2017, which is included in securities due within one year on the consolidated balance sheets. The proceeds were used to repay existing indebtedness and for other general corporate purposes.
Each of these bank term loan agreements has a covenant that limits debt levels to 65% of total capitalization, as defined by the agreements. For purposes of this definition, debt excludes any project debt incurred by certain subsidiaries of the Company to the extent such debt is non-recourse to the Company, and capitalization excludes the capital stock or other equity attributable to such subsidiary. At December 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with its debt limits.
Asset Subject to Lien
During 2016, in accordance with its overall growth strategy, the Company acquired the Mankato project. Under the terms of the remaining 10-year PPA and the 20-year expansion PPA, approximately $408 million of assets, primarily related to property, plant, and equipment, are subject to lien at December 31, 2016. See Note 2 for additional information.
Bank Credit Arrangements
Company Credit Facilities
At December 31, 2016, the Company had a committed credit facility (Facility) of $600 million expiring in 2020. Proceeds from the Facility may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes as well as liquidity support for the Company's commercial paper program. As of December 31, 2016, the total amount available under the Facility was $522 million. As of December 31, 2015, the total amount available under the Facility was $566 million. The amounts outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 reflect $78 million and $34 million in letters of credit, respectively. The Facility does not contain a material adverse change clause at the time of borrowing. Subject to applicable market conditions, the Company expects to renew or replace the Facility, as needed, prior to expiration. In connection therewith, the Company may extend the maturity date and/or increase or decrease the lending commitment thereunder.
The Company is required to pay a commitment fee on the unused balance of the Facility. This fee is less than 1/4 of 1%. The Facility contains a covenant that limits the ratio of debt to capitalization (each as defined in the Facility) to a maximum of 65%. For purposes of this definition, debt excludes any project debt incurred by certain subsidiaries of the Company to the extent such debt is non-recourse to the Company, and capitalization excludes the capital stock or other equity attributable to such subsidiary. At December 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with its debt limits.
In December 2016, the Company entered into an agreement for a $120 million continuing letter of credit facility for standby letters of credit expiring in 2019. At December 31, 2016, the total amount available under the facility was $82 million. The Company's subsidiaries are not parties to the facility.
Commercial Paper Program
The Company's commercial paper program is used to finance acquisition and construction costs related to electric generating facilities and for general corporate purposes. There was no commercial paper outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Subsidiary Project Credit Facilities
In connection with the construction of solar facilities by RE Tranquillity LLC, RE Roserock LLC, and RE Garland Holdings LLC, indirect subsidiaries of the Company, each subsidiary entered into separate credit agreements (Project Credit Facilities), which were non-recourse to the Company (other than the subsidiary party to the agreement). Each Project Credit Facility provided (a) a senior secured construction loan credit facility, (b) a senior secured bridge loan facility, and (c) a senior secured letter of credit facility that was secured by the membership interests of the respective project company, with proceeds directed to finance project costs related to the respective solar facilities. Each Project Credit Facility was secured by the assets of the applicable project subsidiary and membership interests of the applicable project subsidiary. The Tranquillity and Garland Project Credit Facilities were fully repaid on October 14, 2016 and December 29, 2016, respectively. The table below summarizes the Roserock Project Credit Facility as of December 31, 2016, which was extended to and fully repaid on January 31, 2017.
Project
 
 
Construction Loan Facility
 
Bridge Loan Facility
 
Total Loan Facility
 
Loan Facility Undrawn
 
Letter of Credit Facility
 
Letter of Credit Facility Undrawn
 
 
 
(in millions)
Roserock
 
 
$
63

 
$
180

 
$
243

 
$
34

 
$
23

 
$
16


The Project Credit Facilities had total amounts outstanding of $209 million and $137 million, at a weighted average interest rate of 2.1% and 2.0%, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Dividend Restrictions
The Company can only pay dividends to Southern Company out of retained earnings or paid-in-capital.