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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION(Release No. 35-27830; 70-10189)Exelon Corporation, et al.Order Authorizing Various Financing Transactions, Money PoolApril 1, 2004Exelon Corporation (“Exelon”), a registered holding company under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended (“Act”); Exelon’s registered holding company subsidiaries Exelon Generation Company, LLC (“Genco”), Kennet Square, PA, PECO Energy Company (“PECO”), Philadelphia, PA, Exelon Energy Delivery Company, LLC (“Delivery”) and Exelon Ventures Company, LLC (“Ventures”); Exelon’s public utility company subsidiaries Commonwealth Edison (“ComEd”), Susquehanna Power Company, Susquehanna Electric Company, PECO Energy Power Company (“PEPCO”), and Commonwealth Edison Company of Indiana (“ComEd Indiana”); and Exelon’s nonutility subsidiaries (“Nonutility Subsidiaries”)1 Exelon Business Services Company (“Exelon Business Services”), ECP Telecommunications Holdings, LLC (“ECP Telecommunications”), EEI Telecommunications Holding, LLC (“EEI Telecommunications”), Energy Trading Company; Exelon Capital Partners, Inc. (“Exelon Capital Partners”), Exelon Communications Company, LLC (Exelon Communications”), Exelon Communications Holdings, LLC (“Exelon Communications Holdings”), Exelon Energy Company, Exelon Enterprises Company, LLC (“Exelon Enterprises”), Exelon Enterprises Investments, Inc. (“Exelon Enterprises Investments”), Exelon Enterprises Management, Inc. (“Exelon Enterprises Management”), Exelon New Trust Company, Exelon Services, Inc., Exelon Thermal Development, Inc. (“Exelon Thermal Development”), Exelon Thermal Holding, Inc. (“Exelon Thermal Holding”), Exelon Thermal Technologies Inc. (“Exelon Thermal Technologies”), F&M Holdings Company, LLC (“F&M Holdings Company”), Unicom Power Holdings, LLC (“Unicom Power Holdings”), Unicom Power Marketing, Inc. (“Unicom Power Marketing”), Unicom Investments, Inc. (“UII”), and Adwin Equipment Company (“Adwin”) all except PECO and Genco located in Chicago, IL, have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) an application-declaration (“Application”) under sections 6(a), 7, 9(a), 10, 12(b), 12(c), 12(f), 13(b), 32, 33, and 34 of Act and rules 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 53, and 54 under the Act. The Commission issued a notice of the Application on March 5, 2004 (HCAR No. 27808). I. Background By order dated October 19, 2000 (HCAR No. 27256) ("Merger Order"), the Commission authorized Exelon to exchange its common stock for the common stock of PECO, followed by a merger of Unicom with and into Exelon ("Merger"). By orders dated November 2, 2000 (HCAR No. 27266) and December 8, 2000 (HCAR No. 27296) (together, “Prior Orders”), Applicants were authorized to engage in certain financing transactions through March 31, 2004. II. Description of the Parties to the Transaction A. Utility Subsidiaries Applicants state that as of March 22, 2004, Exelon has four operating public utility company subsidiaries (“Utility Subsidiaries”): 1. PECO, a public utility company engaged: (i) in the purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and (ii) in the purchase, distribution, and sale of natural gas in Pennsylvania; 2. ComEd, a public utility company engaged in the purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in Illinois; 3. Genco, a public utility company and a registered holding company engaged in the purchase, generation and sale of electricity in Pennsylvania, Illinois and elsewhere; and 4. ComEd of Indiana, a public utility company that has no retail customers. In addition, Applicants state that Exelon has the following subsidiaries (“Conowingo Companies”): 1. PEPCO, which is also a registered holding company and the parent company of Susquehanna Power Company, 2. Susquehanna Power Company, and 3. Susquehanna Electric Company Applicants state that each of the Conowingo Companies is exclusively engaged in owning and/or operating a hydroelectric generation project, the power of which is sold at wholesale. Applicants state that Exelon filed with the FERC to cause each of the Conowingo companies to become exempt wholesale generators (“EWGs”), as that term is defined in section 32 of the Act on March 22, 2004. B. Nonutility Subsidiaries: 1. Delivery is the intermediate registered holding company for ComEd and PECO; 2. Exelon Business Services Company (“Exelon Business Services”), is the service company for the Exelon System; 3. Ventures is a registered holding company and a first tier Subsidiary of Exelon which has as wholly owned subsidiaries, Genco and Exelon Enterprises Company, LLC (“Exelon Enterprises”); and 4. Exelon Enterprises the principal Subsidiary through which Exelon conducts its nonutility businesses. Applicants state that effective as of January 1, 2001, Exelon effectuated a corporate restructuring (“Restructuring”) contemplated in the Merger Order. The Restructuring consisted of the transfer of electric generating assets of ComEd and PECO to Genco and the transfer of nonutility subsidiaries of PECO and Unicom Enterprises, Inc. to be indirect subsidiaries of Ventures. Applicants state that since the date of the Restructuring, the Exelon system has included four registered holding companies in addition to Exelon: Ventures, which was required for tax purposes to serve as a holding company for Genco and Enterprises; Delivery, which serves to enhance the integration of Exelon's principal state regulated utilities ComEd and PECO; Genco, which controls all of the Exelon system's generating assets including the Conowingo Companies; and PEPCO. Applicants state that, with the conversion of the Conowingo Companies to EWGs, Genco and PEPCO will no longer own a public utility company subsidiary within the meaning of the Act. Consequently, Applicants request that Genco and PEPCO each receive authorization to de-register under section 5(d) of the Act. III. Overview of the Requests Applicants request authorization to engage in the following financing transactions during the period from the effective date of the order in this filing through April 15, 2007 (“Authorization Period”): i. external issuances by Exelon of common stock, preferred stock, preferred securities (“Preferred Securities”), as defined below, equity linked securities (“Equity Linked Securities”), as defined below, long-term debt, and short-term debt to increase Exelon’s capitalization by up to $8.0 billion over existing capitalization at the time of the order in this matter (“External Limit”); ii. external issuances by Exelon of common stock, preferred stock, Preferred Securities, Equity Linked Securities, long-term debt, and short-term debt to refund or replace existing securities without increasing capitalization; iii. external issuances of up to 21 million shares of Exelon common stock under Exelon’s dividend reinvestment plan, certain incentive compensation plans, and certain other employee benefit plans; iv. the entering into by Exelon of hedging transactions; v. issuances by Genco of membership interests (“Member Interests”),2 preferred equity interests, Preferred Securities, Equity Linked Securities, long-term debt, and short term debt to increase its capitalization, subject to the $8 billion limitation applicable to Exelon, or to refund or replace existing securities without increasing capitalization or to assume certain pollution control obligations currently outstanding for ComEd or PECO; vi. the formation of financing entities and the issuance by financing entities of securities otherwise authorized to be issued and sold through authority granted in this Application or applicable exemptions under the Act, including intra-system guarantees of securities; vii. the issuance of intra-system advances and guarantees, to the extent not exempt by rules 45(b) and 52, by Exelon to or on behalf of its Subsidiaries and others, by the Nonutility Subsidiaries to or on behalf of other Nonutility Subsidiaries and others and by the Utility Subsidiaries to or on behalf of the Utility Subsidiary’s direct or indirect subsidiaries and others; viii. issuances by the Utility Subsidiaries of short-term debt securities (including commercial paper) in an amount not to exceed $2.7 billion issued and outstanding at any time and external issuances of long-term debt or short-term debt to refund or replace existing securities without increasing capitalization, to the extent not exempt under rule 52; ix the entering into of hedging transactions by the Utility Subsidiaries; x. modifications to the Utility Money Pool and the Nonutility Money Pool; xi. intra-system financings through Ventures, Genco, and Delivery; xii. payment of dividends out of capital or unearned surplus by the Nonutility Subsidiaries; xiii. payment of dividends out of capital up to $500 million by Exelon and ComEd; xiv. use of up to $7.0 billion of financings for investments in EWGs and foreign utility companies (“FUCOs”), as that term is defined in section 33 of the Act; xv. payment of dividends out of capital by ComEd of Indiana; and xvi. authorization for Genco to become obligated for certain pollution control obligations of PECO and ComEd. IV. Parameters for Financing Authorization Applicants request authorization to engage in certain financing transactions during the Authorization Period for which the specific terms and conditions are not at this time known, and which may not be covered by rule 52, without further prior approval by the Commission. Applicants propose that the following general terms will be applicable where appropriate to the financing transactions requested (“Financing Parameters”): A. Effective Cost of Money on Financings The effective cost of money on long-term debt of any series will not exceed at the time of issuance the greater of: (i) 700 basis points over the yield to maturity of a U.S. treasury security (“Treasury Security”) having a remaining term approximately equal to the term of the series of long-term debt or (ii) a gross spread over a Treasury Security that is consistent with similar securities of comparable credit quality and maturities issued by other companies. The dividend or distribution rate on any series of preferred stock and other forms of Preferred Securities or Equity Linked Securities will not exceed at the time of issuance the greater of: (i) 700 basis points over the yield to maturity of a Treasury Security having a remaining term equal to the term of such series or (ii) a rate that is consistent with similar securities of comparable credit quality and maturities (or perpetual preferred stock) issued by other companies. The effective cost of money on short-term debt will not exceed the greater of (i) 700 basis points over the comparable term London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or (ii) a gross spread over LIBOR that is consistent with similar securities of comparable credit quality and maturities issued by other companies. B. Maturity Applicants state that the maturity of indebtedness will not exceed 50 years. Preferred stock, Preferred Securities and Equity Linked Securities (other than perpetual preferred stock) will be redeemed no later than 50 years after issuance, unless converted into common stock. C. Issuance Expenses. Applicants state that the underwriting fees, commissions or other similar remuneration paid in connection with the non-competitive issue, sale or distribution of securities under authority granted in this Application will not exceed 7% of the principal or total amount of the securities being issued. D. Use of Proceeds Applicants state that the proceeds from the issuance or sale of securities in external financing transactions will be used for general corporate purposes including: (i) the financing, in part, of the capital expenditures of the Exelon system; (ii) the financing of working capital requirements of the Exelon system; (iii) the acquisition, retirement, or redemption under rule 42 of securities previously issued by Exelon or its Subsidiaries or as otherwise authorized by the Commission; (iv) direct or indirect investment in companies authorized under the Act or by rule (including EWGs or FUCOs) or in a separate proceeding; (v) effecting a stock split of Exelon common stock; and (vi) other lawful purposes. Applicants represent that no financing proceeds will be used to acquire a new subsidiary unless the financing is consummated in accordance with an order of the Commission or an available exemption under the Act. E. Common Equity Ratio Applicants state that, at all times during the Authorization Period, Exelon, the Utility Subsidiaries (other than PECO), Ventures, and Delivery will each maintain common equity (as reflected in the most recent Form 10-K or Form 10-Q filed with the Commission adjusted to reflect changes in capitalization since the balance sheet date therein) of at least 30% of its consolidated capitalization (common equity, minority interests, preferred stock, short-term debt and long-term debt, referred to as “Total Capitalization”) (“30% Condition”); provided that Exelon will in any event be authorized to issue common stock (including through a dividend reinvestment or employee benefit plans or by way of stock split), to the extent otherwise authorized in this Application. Applicants state that the term “Consolidated Capitalization” means Total Capitalization excluding securitization obligations.3 Applicants state that although PECO has common equity of greater than 30% of Consolidated Capitalization, its common equity is less than 30% of Total Capitalization. Applicants note that the Commission in the Prior Orders found that PECO would work to continue to improve its equity ratio as securitization bonds are paid down. Applicants state that they continue to expect PECO’s common equity ratio will improve as the securitization bonds are paid down and as Exelon settles the Receivable Contribution (defined below) and that PECO will reach a level of common equity of at least 30% of capitalization by December 31, 2010 (at which time all securitization bonds are expected to be retired and therefore will not be a consideration in the calculation). Applicants state that all securitization bonds are rated “AAA” and have dedicated revenue streams approved by the applicable state commission ensuring that they will be timely paid. Applicants request that the Commission reserve jurisdiction over the issuance of securities in those circumstances where Exelon, ComEd, or Genco do not comply with the 30% Condition pending completion of the record. F. Investment Grade Ratings. Applicants further represent that apart from securities issued for the purpose of funding money pool operations, no guarantees, Member Interests, or other securities, other than common stock or Member Interests, may be issued in reliance upon the authorization to be granted by the Commission under this Application, unless: (i) the security to be issued, if rated, is rated investment grade; (ii) all outstanding securities of the issuer that are rated are rated investment grade; and (iii) all outstanding securities of all the registered holding companies, that are rated, are rated investment grade ("Investment Grade Condition"). For purposes of this Investment Grade Condition, a security will be deemed to be rated "investment grade" if it is rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization, as that term is used in paragraphs (c)(2)(vi)(E), (F) and (H) of rule 15c3-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Applicants request that the Commission reserve jurisdiction over the issuance at any time of securities that the Investment Grade Condition is not satisfied. V. Financial Condition Applicants state that the Exelon system’s ratings as of December 31, 2003 from Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch are as follows:
Applicants state that at December 31, 2003, Exelon’s consolidated common equity as a percentage of Consolidated Capitalization was 45.17% and of Total Capitalization was 34.92%. Applicants also state that PECO's common equity is 35.66% of Consolidated Capitalization and 14.39% of Total Capitalization; ComEd’s common equity is 57.04% of Consolidated Capitalization and 49.56% of Total Capitalization; and Genco’s common equity is 47.82% of Consolidated Capitalization.4 Applicants state that concurrent with the Restructuring, effective January 1, 2001, assets were transferred out of PECO as a reduction of “common stock” (i.e., paid in capital) and Exelon contributed to PECO a $2.0 billion receivable, payable by Exelon, for the purpose of funding future tax payments resulting from collection of competitive transition charges (“Receivable Contribution”). Applicants state that the Receivable Contribution was reflected as an increase to common stock on the PECO balance sheets. However, the offsetting entry was not recorded as an asset. The Receivable Contribution was recorded as a negative adjustment to shareholders’ equity identified as “Receivable from Parent” in the PECO balance sheets in accordance with the Commission’s Staff Accounting Bulletin 4.G. The amount of the increase in common stock was equal to the amount of the reduction in shareholder’s equity attributed to the Receivable from Parent. The combined effects of the three entries (reduction of common stock for transfer of assets, increase in common stock for the Receivable Contribution and decrease in common stock for the Receivable Contribution) is to reduce PECO’s common equity, as a percentage of total capitalization calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The effect of the Receivable Contribution is included, however, in the 35.66% ratio of Consolidated Capitalization. Applicants state that the Receivable Contribution at December 31, 2003 of $1,623 million is non-interest bearing.5 Applicants state that as Exelon makes future contributions to PECO in respect of the Receivable Contribution through 2010 in conjunction with the payment of the taxes resulting from the collection of competitive transition charges, and assuming that PECO achieves its projected levels of earnings and pays the projected level of dividends, the reduction in stockholders’ equity will reverse, resulting in increases in overall stockholders’ equity and increases in the proportion of common stock in total capitalization of PECO. Applicants state that excluding the effect of the Receivable Contribution and excluding securitization debt from PECO’s capitalization, the equity component of PECO capitalization (calculated in the same manner as Consolidated Capitalization) at December 31, 2003would be 60.36%. Applicants further state that excluding the effect of the Receivable Contribution and including securitization debt in capitalization, the equity component of PECO capitalization at December 31, 2003 would be 31.60%. Applicants state that PECO continues to expect that its common equity ratio calculated according to GAAP will improve as the securitization bonds are paid down and as Exelon settles the Receivable Contribution and that PECO will reach a level of common equity of at least 30% of capitalization by December 31, 2010 (at which time all securitization bonds are expected to be retired and therefore will not be a consideration in the calculation). VI. Description of Specific Types of Financing A. Exelon External Financing Exelon requests authorization to obtain funds externally through sales of common stock, preferred stock, Preferred Securities, Equity Linked Securities, long-term debt, and short-term debt securities not to exceed the $8.0 billion External Limit. Applicants state that this does not include the refunding or replacement of securities where capitalization is not increased from that in place at December 31, 2003 (i.e., $24.350 billion).6 Applicants state that any refunding or replacement of securities where capitalization is not increased from that in place at December 31, 2003 will be through the issuance of securities of the type authorized in this Application. With respect to common stock, Exelon also requests authority to issue common stock to third parties in consideration for the acquisition by Exelon or a Nonutility Subsidiary of equity or debt securities of a company being acquired under an exemption under the Act or specific authorization by another Commission order. In addition, Exelon seeks the flexibility to enter into certain hedging transactions to manage interest rate or price risk. B. Common Stock Exelon requests authority to sell common stock in any one of the following ways: (i) through underwriters or dealers; (ii) through agents; (iii) directly to a limited number of purchasers or a single purchaser; or (iv) directly to employees (or to trusts established for their benefit), shareholders and others. Applicants request that issuances of common stock under Exelon’s employee benefit plans and stock purchase and dividend reinvestment plans not count towards the External Limit. Applicants state that if underwriters are used in the sale of the securities, these securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates (which may be represented by a managing underwriter or underwriters designated by Exelon) or directly by one or more underwriters acting alone. Exelon also states that the securities may be sold directly by Exelon or through agents designated by Exelon from time to time. If dealers are utilized in the sale of any of the securities, Exelon will sell securities to the dealers as principals. Any dealer may then resell such securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale. If common stock is being sold in an underwritten offering, Exelon may grant the underwriters thereof a “green shoe” option permitting the purchase from Exelon at the same price of additional shares then being offered solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments. Public distributions may be pursuant to private negotiation with underwriters, dealers or agents as discussed above or effected through competitive bidding among underwriters. In addition, Exelon requests that sales may be made through private placements or other non-public offerings to one or more persons. All common stock sales will be with terms and conditions, at rates or prices and under conditions negotiated or based upon, or otherwise determined by, competitive capital markets. 1. Acquisitions Exelon requests authority to issue its common stock in exchange for the acquisition of the securities of companies engaged in “energy-related businesses” as described in rule 58, exempt telecommunications companies (“ETCs”), as defined in section 34 of the Act, EWGs, FUCOs, or companies whose acquisition is exempt under the Act or authorized in this Application or another filing. Exelon states that certain tax benefits arise out of using common stock for these purchases. The Exelon common stock to be exchanged may be purchased on the open market under rule 42, or may be original issue. Original issue stock may be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”), but at present Exelon expects that the common stock would not be registered and the common stock acquired by the third parties would be subject to resale restrictions under Rule 144 under the 1933 Act. Exelon states that the common stock would be valued at market value based upon the closing price on the day prior to the date of issuance (or, if appropriate, the date of a binding contract providing for the issuance of the common stock) or based upon average high and low prices for a period as negotiated by the parties. 2. Stock Split Applicants further request that Exelon issue its common stock to effect any stock split (which may include a stock split in the form of a stock dividend) approved by its board of directors. In a stock split, shareholders would receive additional shares of common stock in respect of their existing shares (for example, each holder may receive one additional share for each share held in a so called "2 for 1" stock split). Applicants state that the stock split will not increase the equity of the issuer, as no consideration is paid by shareholders, and does not affect any shareholder's proportionate interest in the issuer. Because an increased number of shares will be outstanding after a stock split, the stock's market price normally will reduce to reflect the split (for example in a 2 for 1 split, the price would be expected to fall to one-half the pre-split price). Applicant state that the stock split will be accomplished in accordance with Pennsylvania Business Corporation Act under which Exelon is organized. Applicants state that Exelon expects to amend its articles of incorporation to effect a stock split and/or increase the number of authorized shares of common stock that may be outstanding in order to accommodate planned and future stock splits. Pennsylvania law, under which Exelon is incorporated, allows a corporation to amend its charter without shareholder vote to effect a stock split and to increase the number of authorized shares to accommodate stock splits. Accordingly, Exelon states that it will not be soliciting shareholders in connection with such amendment to its articles or in connection with declaring or effectuating any stock split and therefore is not seeking any approval under section 12 of the Act or rules 60 through 62 for a solicitation. Exelon seeks authority to issue an indeterminate number of shares of common stock to effectuate any stock split (including a stock split in the form of a stock dividend), a reclassification of shares or other method permitted by law to effectuate the stock split. Because a stock split does not involve payment of consideration to the issuer or change the dollar value of an issuer's capitalization, Exelon proposes that any stock split will not count towards any limitation on the issuance of securities imposed in this Application. C. Preferred Stock, Preferred Securities, and Equity Linked Securities Exelon requests authority to issue preferred stock and to issue directly or indirectly through one or more Financing Subsidiaries (as defined below) preferred securities, including, specifically, trust preferred securities, or monthly income preferred securities (“Preferred Securities”) and to issue equity linked securities, including units consisting of a combination of incorporated options, warrants and/or forward equity purchase contracts with debt, preferred stock, or Preferred Securities (“Equity Linked Securities”). Equity Linked Securities will be exercisable or exchangeable for or convertible, either mandatorily or at the option of the holder, into common stock or indebtedness or allow the holder to surrender to the issuer or apply the value of a security issued by Exelon as approved by the Commission to such holder's obligation to make a payment on another security of Exelon issued as permitted by the Commission.7 Any convertible or Equity Linked Securities will be convertible into or linked to common stock, Preferred Securities or unsecured debt that Exelon is otherwise authorized to issue by Commission order directly, or indirectly through Financing Subsidiaries on behalf of Exelon. Applicants state that any refunding or replacement of securities where capitalization is not increased from that in place at December 31, 2003 will be through the issuance of securities of the type authorized in this Application. Applicants state that Exelon’s Preferred Securities may be issued in one or more series with such rights, preferences, and priorities as may be designated in the instrument creating each series. Applicants state that dividends or distributions on Preferred Securities will be made periodically and to the extent funds are legally available for that purpose, but may be made subject to terms that allow the issuer to defer dividend payments or distributions for specified periods. Any Preferred Securities may be convertible or exchangeable to common stock or unsecured debt that Exelon is otherwise authorized to issue by Commission order and may be issued in the form of shares or units. Applicants state that Exelon’s Preferred stock, Preferred Securities and Equity Linked Securities may be sold directly or indirectly through underwriters or dealers or in connection with an acquisition in the same manner as that described for common stock in item VI. B. 1. above. D. Long-Term Debt Exelon requests authority during the Authorization Period to issue unsecured, long-term debt securities in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time, when combined with issuances of common stock (other than for benefit plans or stock purchase and dividend reinvestment plans) preferred stock, Preferred Securities, Equity Linked Securities and short-term debt, and other than for refunding or replacement of securities where capitalization is not increased as a result thereof from that in place at December 31, 2003 (i.e., $24.350 billion) not to exceed the $8 billion External Limit. At December 31, 2003 Exelon had $15.847 billion of consolidated long-term debt obligations outstanding. Applicants state that any refunding or replacement of securities where capitalization is not increased will be through the issuance of securities authorized in this Application. Long-term debt securities may be comprised of unsecured bonds, notes, medium-term notes, or debentures or subordinated debentures under one or more indentures (“Exelon Indenture”) or long-term indebtedness under agreements with banks or other institutional lenders. Applicants state that any long-term debt security would have a designation, aggregate principal amount, maturity, interest rate(s) or methods of determining the same, terms of payment of interest, and other terms and conditions as Exelon may determine at the time of issuance. Any long-term debt (i) may be convertible into any other securities of Exelon; (ii) will have maturities ranging from one to 50 years; (iii) may be subject to optional and/or mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, at par or at various premiums above the principal amount thereof; (iv) may be entitled to mandatory or optional sinking fund provisions; (v) may provide for reset of the coupon pursuant to a remarketing arrangement; (vi) may be subject to tender to the issuer for repurchase or be subject to the obligation of the issuer to repurchase at the election of the holder or upon the occurrence of a specified event; (vii) may be called from existing investors by a third party; (viii) may be subject to subordination provisions; and (ix) may be entitled to the benefit of positive or negative financial or other covenants. Applicants state that the maturity dates, interest rates, redemption and sinking fund provisions, tender or repurchase and conversion features, if any, with respect to the long-term securities of a particular series, as well as any associated placement, underwriting or selling agent fees, commissions and discounts, if any, will be established by negotiation or competitive bidding. Borrowings from banks and other financial institutions will be pari passu with debt securities issued under the Exelon Indenture (other than subordinated debentures) and the short-term credit facilities (as described below). Applicants state that specific terms of any borrowings will continue to be determined by Exelon at the time of issuance and will comply in all regards with the Financing Parameters. E. Short-Term Debt Exelon requests authority to issue and have outstanding at any one time during the Authorization Period unsecured, short-term debt securities in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time, when combined with issuances of common stock (other than for benefit plans or stock purchase and dividend reinvestment plans and other than for refunding or replacement of securities where capitalization is not increased as a result thereof from that in place December 31, 2003 (i.e., $24.35 billion))8 under this Application and when combined with issuances of preferred stock, Preferred Securities and Equity Linked Securities and long-term debt, as described in this section not to exceed $8 billion. Short-term debt may include institutional borrowings, commercial paper or bid notes and short-term debt issued under the Exelon Indenture or otherwise. Exelon proposes to sell commercial paper, from time to time, in established domestic commercial paper markets. Commercial paper would be sold to dealers at the discount rate or the coupon rate per annum prevailing at the date of issuance for commercial paper of comparable quality and maturities sold to commercial paper dealers generally. Exelon states that it expects that the dealers acquiring commercial paper from Exelon will re-offer this paper at a discount to corporate and institutional investors. Institutional investors are expected to include commercial banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment trusts, foundations, colleges and universities, and finance companies. Exelon proposes, without counting against the limit set forth above, to maintain back-up lines of credit or credit facilities in connection with a commercial paper program in an aggregate amount not to exceed the amount of authorized commercial paper. Exelon proposes that credit lines or credit facilities may be set up for use by Exelon for general corporate purposes in addition to credit lines or credit facilities to support commercial paper as described in this subsection. Exelon will borrow and repay under the lines of credit or credit facilities, from time to time, as it is deemed appropriate or necessary. F. Financing Risk Management Devices 1. Interest Rate Risk Exelon requests authority to enter into, perform, purchase and sell financial instruments intended to reduce or manage the volatility of interest rates, including but not limited to interest rate swaps, caps, floors, collars and forward agreements. Hedges may also include issuance of structured notes (i.e., a debt instrument in which the principal and/or interest payments are indirectly linked to the value of an underlying asset or index), or transactions involving the purchase or sale, including short sales, of U.S. Treasury or U.S. governmental agency (e.g., Fannie Mae) obligations or LIBOR based swap instruments (collectively, “Hedge Instruments”). The transactions would be for fixed periods and stated notional amounts. Exelon would employ interest rate derivatives as a means of prudently managing the risk associated with any of its outstanding debt issued under this authorization or an applicable exemption by, in effect, synthetically (i) converting variable rate debt to fixed rate debt; (ii) converting fixed rate debt to variable rate debt and; (iii) limiting the impact of changes in interest rates resulting from variable rate debt. In no case will the notional principal amount of any interest rate swap exceed the face value of the underlying debt instrument and related interest rate exposure. Exelon states that because transactions will be entered into for a fixed or determinable period, that it will not engage in speculative transactions. Exelon states that it will only enter into agreements with counterparties (“Approved Counterparties”) whose senior debt ratings, as published by a national recognized rating agency, are greater than or equal to “BBB,” or an equivalent rating. 2. Anticipatory Hedges Exelon also requests authorization to enter into interest rate hedging transactions with respect to anticipated debt offerings (“Anticipatory Hedges”), subject to certain limitations and restrictions. Exelon states that Anticipatory Hedges would only be entered into with Approved Counterparties, and would be utilized to fix and/or limit the interest rate risk associated with any new issuance through (i) a forward sale of exchange-traded Hedge Instruments (“Forward Sale”); (ii) the purchase of put options on Hedge Instruments (”Put Options Purchase”); (iii) a Put Options Purchase in combination with the sale of call options Hedge Instruments (“Zero Cost Collar”); (iv) transactions involving the purchase or sale, including short sales, of Hedge Instruments; or (v) some combination of a Forward Sale, Put Options Purchase, Zero Cost Collar and/or other derivative or cash transactions, including, but not limited to, structured notes, caps and collars, appropriate for the Anticipatory Hedges. Exelon states that Anticipatory Hedges may be executed on-exchange (“On-Exchange Trades”) with brokers through the opening of futures and/or options positions traded on the Chicago Board of Trade (“CBOT”), the opening of over-the-counter positions with one or more counterparties (“Off-Exchange Trades”), or a combination of On-Exchange Trades and Off-Exchange Trades. Exelon or the appropriate Subsidiary will determine the optimal structure of each Anticipatory Hedge transaction at the time of execution. Exelon or the appropriate Subsidiary may decide to lock in interest rates and/or limit its exposure to interest rate increases. G. Accounting Standards Exelon states that it will comply with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 133 (“Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”), SFAS 138 (“Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities”) or other standards relating to accounting for derivative transactions as are adopted and implemented by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). Exelon states that Hedge Instruments and Anticipatory Hedges will qualify for hedge accounting treatment under the current FASB standards in effect and as determined at the date Hedge Instruments or Anticipatory Hedges are entered into. VII. Financing Subsidiaries Exelon and the Subsidiaries request authority to acquire, directly or indirectly, the equity securities of one or more corporations, trusts, partnerships or other entities (“Financing Subsidiaries”)9 created specifically for the purpose of facilitating the financing of authorized and exempt activities (including exempt and authorized acquisitions) of Exelon and the Subsidiaries. Applicants propose that the Financing Subsidiaries issue long-term debt, Preferred Securities, or Equity Linked Securities to third parties and transfer the proceeds of these financings to Exelon or a Subsidiary. Exelon or a Subsidiary requests authority, if required, to guarantee or enter into support, servicing, or expense agreements (“Expense Agreements”) with respect to the obligations of Financing Subsidiaries. Applicants state that under an Expense Agreement, Exelon or a Subsidiary would agree to provide financial support and pay necessary operating expenses of the Financing Subsidiary in order to facilitate the Financing Subsidiaries' agreements with third parties in connection with the Financing Subsidiaries' financing activities approved in this Application. Applicants request authority for the Financing Subsidiaries to pledge revenues or other assets or grant security interests solely to accommodate the intra-system mirror structure of the financings approved in this Application; provided the security will not consist of the assets (other than an income stream in support of the financing) or stock of any operating subsidiary of Exelon. Subsidiaries may also provide guarantees and enter into Expense Agreements, if required, on behalf of Financing Subsidiaries under rules 45(b)(7) and 52, as applicable. Exelon and the Subsidiaries also request authority to issue and sell to any Financing Subsidiary, from time to time in one or more series, unsecured debentures, unsecured promissory notes, or other unsecured debt instruments (“Notes”). Applicants further request authority for the Financing Subsidiaries to apply the proceeds of any external financing by a Financing Subsidiary plus the amount of any equity contribution made to it from time to time by its parent corporation and other funds that may be available to a Financing Subsidiary in accordance with the authority requested in this Application or obtained in an exempt financing transaction to purchase Notes. The terms (e.g., interest rate, maturity, amortization, prepayment terms, default provisions, etc.) of the Notes would be designed to parallel the terms of the securities issued by the Financing Subsidiary to which the Notes relate. Any amounts issued by Financing Subsidiaries to third parties will be included in the External Limit authorized for the immediate parent of the Financing Subsidiaries. However, Applicants request that the underlying intra-system mirror debt (including Notes) and parent guarantee shall not be so included so as to avoid double counting. In cases where it is necessary or desirable to ensure legal separation for purposes of isolating a Financing Subsidiary from its parent or another Subsidiary for bankruptcy purposes, the ratings agencies require that any Expense Agreement whereby the parent or Subsidiary provides services related to the financing to the Financing Subsidiary be at a market price so that a successor service provider could assume the duties of the parent or Subsidiary in the event of the bankruptcy of the parent or Subsidiary without interruption or an increase of fees. Therefore Applicants seek approval under section 13(b) of the Act and rules 87 and 90 to provide the services described in this paragraph at a market price but only for so long as the Expense Agreement established by the Financing Subsidiary is in place. VIII. Utility Subsidiary Financing A. ComEd and PECO Short-Term Debt Authority is requested for ComEd and PECO to each issue unsecured short-term debt, including commercial paper and borrowings under credit lines and credit in the aggregate amount of $2.7 billion to be outstanding at any one time during the Authorization Period (“Utility Short-Term Debt Limit”). Applicants state that the Utility Short-Term Debt Limit is not included in the aggregate amount of the External Limit. ComEd and PECO request authority to sell commercial paper, from time to time, in established domestic commercial paper markets. Commercial paper would be sold to dealers at the discount rate or the coupon rate per annum prevailing at the date of issuance for commercial paper of comparable quality and maturities sold to commercial paper dealers generally. It is expected that the dealers acquiring commercial paper from ComEd or PECO will re-offer such paper at a discount to corporate and institutional investors. Institutional investors are expected to include commercial banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment trusts, foundations, colleges and universities and finance companies. ComEd and PECO propose to maintain back up lines of credit in an aggregate amount not to exceed the amount of authorized commercial paper and request that these back up lines of credit or credit facilities not count against the Utility Short-Term Debt Limit. ComEd and PECO request authority to borrow and repay under lines of credit set up for general corporate purposes, from time to time, as it is deemed appropriate or necessary. Subject to the limitations described herein, ComEd and PECO may each engage in other types of short-term financings as it may deem appropriate in light of its needs and market conditions at the time of issuance. B. Genco Securities Applicants state that although Genco is an “electric utility company” under the Act, it is not subject to the jurisdiction of any state commission in connection with the issuance of securities and therefore, all securities issuances for Genco will require approval of the Commission. Applicants state that the aggregate amount of financing obtained by Genco during the Authorization Period, from issuance and sale of Member Interests, preferred equity interests, Preferred Securities, Equity Linked Securities, long-term debt and short-term debt, as described in this section, (other than for refunding or replacement of securities where capitalization is not increased as a result thereof from that in place at December 31, 2003 (i.e., $6.182 billion)),10 shall not exceed the $8 billion External Limit. Applicants state that any refunding or replacement of securities where capitalization is not increased from that in place at December 31, 2003 will be through the issuance of securities of the type authorized in this Application. Applicants state that Genco will not issue Member Interests to any party other than its parent corporations Ventures and Exelon. Any issuance of securities by Genco to unrelated third parties under this authorization will reduce, dollar for dollar, the remaining financing authority available to Exelon; provided that issuances to Genco’s parent companies reflecting intra-company transactions shall not reduce the authority available to Exelon except to the extent Exelon has issued securities to fund such transactions. Likewise, issuances by Genco related solely to intra-company transactions with its Subsidiaries will not count against Genco’s limits to the extent subject to and counted against another financing limit of this authorization. Applicants state that the manner of sale and other terms for issuances by Genco as authorized herein will be the same as the applicable terms for equivalent securities of Exelon as described in above. Applicants state that specific terms of any securities will be determined by Genco at the time of issuance and will comply in all regards with the Financing Parameters. Applicants state that preferred equity interests, Preferred Securities, and Equity Linked Securities may be issued in one or more series with rights, preferences, and priorities that may be designated in the instrument creating each the series, as determined in accordance with Genco’s governing documents. The securities will have terms allowed and be subject to the conditions imposed with respect to equivalent securities of Exelon described above (provided that securities issued by Genco will not be convertible into Genco Member Interests) and will comply in all regards with the Financing Parameters. Applicants state that any convertible or Equity Linked Securities will be convertible into or linked only to nonvoting preferred equity interests, Preferred Securities, or unsecured debt that Genco is otherwise authorized to issue by Commission order directly, or indirectly through Financing Subsidiaries on behalf of Genco. Genco proposes that long-term debt securities would be comprised of bonds, notes, medium-term notes or debentures under one or more indentures (“Genco Indenture”). Genco obligations may be secured by a mortgage or security interest in Genco’s assets. Borrowings from the banks and other financial institutions or other institutional lenders will be secured or unsecured and rank pari passu with debt securities issued under the Genco Indenture and the short-term credit facilities (as described below). Genco requests authority to issue commercial paper and establish unsecured credit lines or credit facilities. Applicants state that commercial paper would be sold to dealers at the discount rate or the coupon rate per annum prevailing at the date of issuance for commercial paper of comparable quality and maturities sold to commercial paper dealers generally. It is expected that the dealers acquiring commercial paper from Exelon will re-offer the paper at a discount to corporate and institutional investors. Institutional investors are expected to include commercial banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment trusts, foundations, colleges and universities, and finance companies. Genco proposes to set up credit lines or credit facilities used for general corporate purposes in addition to credit lines to support commercial paper as described in this subsection. Genco states that it will borrow and repay under such lines of credit or credit facilities, from time to time, as it is deemed appropriate or necessary. Subject to the Financing Parameters, Genco may engage in other types of unsecured short-term financings as it may deem appropriate in light of its needs and market conditions at the time of issuance. C. Financing Risk Management Devices To the extent not exempt under rule 52, ComEd, PECO, and Genco also request authority to enter into Hedge Instruments and Anticipatory Hedges of the same type and under the same conditions as are requested above by Exelon. IX. Guarantees and Intra-system Advances Applicants request authority for Exelon and Genco to enter into guarantees, obtain letters of credit, enter into Expense Agreements or otherwise provide credit support with respect to the obligations of their Subsidiaries and non-affiliated third parties in the ordinary course of business (“Guarantees”) in an amount, together with the Nonutility Guarantees and the Utility Guarantees (each defined below), in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $6.0 billion outstanding at any one time, excluding obligations exempt under rules 45 and 52, or Guarantees previously authorized under the Prior Orders (“Guarantee Limit”).11 Applicants state that the Guarantee Limit includes Guarantees and other credit support mechanisms by Exelon, Genco, or other Subsidiaries that were previously issued and were outstanding at September 30, 2003 in the amount of $1.913 billion. Exelon or Genco, as the case may be, proposes to charge each Subsidiary a fee for each Guarantee provided on its behalf that is not greater than the cost, if any, of obtaining the liquidity necessary to perform the Guarantee for the period of time the Guarantee remains outstanding (“Guarantee Fee”). Applicants request that any guarantees or other credit support arrangements outstanding at the end of the Authorization Period will continue until expiration or termination in accordance with their terms. Applicants request that this Guarantee authority include the ability to guarantee debt. Applicants state that the debt guaranteed will comply with the Financing Parameters or be exempt. Applicants further request authorization for the Nonutility Subsidiaries to enter into Guarantees with respect to other Nonutility Subsidiaries and non-affiliated third parties in the ordinary course of their business (“Nonutility Guarantees”), in addition to Guarantees that are exempt under rules 45(b) and 52. Applicants state that Nonutility Guarantees will count towards the Guarantee Limit. Applicants propose that the Nonutility Subsidiary providing any credit support may charge its associate company a Guarantee Fee. Applicants also request authorization for the Utility Subsidiaries to enter into Guarantees with respect to their direct and indirect Subsidiaries or Nonutility Subsidiaries and non-affiliated third parties (“Utility Guarantees”). Applicants state that Utility Guarantees will count against the aggregate Guarantee Limit. The Utility Subsidiary providing credit support may charge its associate company a Guarantee Fee. Applicants state that certain Guarantees may be in support of the obligations which are not capable of exact quantification. In such cases, Applicants state that they will determine the exposure under the Guarantee for purposes of measuring compliance with the applicable limitation by appropriate means including estimation of exposure based on loss experience or projected potential payment amounts. If appropriate, Applicants state that these estimates will be made in accordance with GAAP and this estimation will be reevaluated periodically. Applicants request authority to Guarantee the obligations of unrelated third parties ("Third Party Guarantees"). From time to time it is appropriate for Exelon or one of its Subsidiaries to guarantee, as part of their normal business activities, the obligations of a third party with whom Exelon or the Subsidiary has a business relationship. For example, in the case of a sale of a Subsidiary to a third party, the buyer may request that Exelon or a Subsidiary guarantee obligations of the sold Subsidiary to its lenders or other counterparties for an interim period. As another example, when Exelon's predecessor company Unicom was involved in the startup of the Midwest Independent System Operator ("MISO"), Unicom issued a Guarantee of certain interim, pre-startup debt of the MISO. Third Party Guarantees will be Guarantees only of long or short-term indebtedness or Guarantees of performance of contractual obligations of such third parties with whom Exelon has, or had, a business relationship. X. Dividend Reinvestment Plan and Employee Plans Exelon proposes, from time to time during the Authorization Period, to issue and/or acquire in open market transactions, or by some other method which complies with applicable law and Commission interpretations then in effect, up to 21 million shares of Exelon common stock under Exelon’s dividend reinvestment plan, employee stock ownership plan, certain incentive compensation plans and certain other employee benefit plans described below (“Plans”). Under the Prior Orders Exelon had authority to issue 21 million shares with respect to Plans through March 31, 2004. Through December 31, 2003, Exelon issued 9.147 million shares under this authority. XI. Authorization and Operation of the Money Pools Applicants request authority for Exelon to contribute surplus funds and to lend and extend credit to (i) the Utility Subsidiaries through the Utility Money Pool and (ii) the Nonutility Subsidiaries through the Nonutility Money Pool. Exelon will not be a borrower from either the Utility Money Pool or the Nonutility Money Pool. A. Utility Money Pool Exelon and the Utility Subsidiaries request authorization to conduct the Utility Money Pool as approved in the Prior Orders, and the Utility Subsidiaries, to the extent not exempted by rule 52, and Exelon Business Services also request authorization to make, from time to time, unsecured short-term borrowings from the Utility Money Pool, to contribute surplus funds to the Utility Money Pool, and to lend and extend credit to (and, if applicable, acquire promissory notes from) one another through the Utility Money Pool. In addition, Applicants request authority for Unicom Investments, Inc (“UII”) to participate in the Utility Money Pool as a lender to the Utility Money Pool, but not as a borrower from the Utility Money Pool. Applicants state that UII was established to invest the proceeds and facilitate a like-kind exchange in connection with ComEd’s 1999 sale of several fossil-generation plants. Applicants state that by order dated August 3, 1999 in Docket Nos. 99-0273 and 99-0282, the Illinois Commerce Commission approved that transaction, including UII’s role therein. To enable UII to transfer, for use in furthering the business interests of the Utility Subsidiaries, idle cash that might otherwise be trapped at UII, Applicants request that UII be authorized to participate in Exelon’s Utility Money Pool. Applicants state that UII would participate only as a lender to and not as a borrower from the Utility Money Pool. Applicants state that borrowings from the Utility Money Pool shall be subject to the following limitations during the Authorization Period:
Applicants state that under the terms of the Utility Money Pool, short-term funds are made available from the following sources for short-term loans to the Utility Subsidiaries from time to time: (i) surplus funds in the treasuries of Utility Money Pool participants other than Exelon; (ii) surplus funds in the treasury of Exelon (“Internal Funds”); and (iii) proceeds from bank borrowings or the sale of commercial paper by Exelon or the Utility Subsidiaries for loan to the Utility Money Pool (“External Funds”). Applicants state that funds would be made available from these sources in the order that Exelon Business Services, as administrator of the Utility Money Pool, determines to result in a lower cost of borrowing, consistent with the individual borrowing needs and financial standing of the companies providing funds to the pool. The determination of whether a Utility Money Pool participant at any time has surplus funds to lend to the Utility Money Pool or shall lend funds to the Utility Money Pool will be made by the participant’s chief financial officer or treasurer, or by a designee thereof, on the basis of cash flow projections and other relevant factors, in such participant’s sole discretion. Utility Money Pool participants propose to borrow pro rata from each company that lends, in the proportion that the total amount loaned by each such lending company bears to the total amount then loaned through the Utility Money Pool. On any day when more than one fund source, with different rates of interest, is used to fund loans through the Utility Money Pool, each borrower borrows pro rata from each fund source in the Utility Money Pool in the same proportion that the amount of funds provided by that fund source bears to the total amount of short-term funds available to the Utility Money Pool. Applicants state that borrowings from the Utility Money Pool require authorization by the borrower’s chief financial officer or treasurer, or by a designee thereof. No party is required to effect a borrowing through the Utility Money Pool if it is determined that it could (and has authority to) effect a borrowing at lower cost directly from banks or through the sale of its own commercial paper. Applicants state that no loans through the Utility Money Pool will be made to, and no borrowings through the Utility Money Pool will be made by, Exelon. Applicants state that the cost of compensating balances, if any, and fees paid to banks to maintain credit lines and accounts by Utility Money Pool participants lending External Funds to the Utility Money Pool are paid by the participant maintaining that credit line. Applicants state that a portion of the costs, or all of the costs in the event a Utility Money Pool participant establishes a line of credit solely for purposes of lending any External Funds obtained thereby into the Utility Money Pool, will be retroactively allocated every month to the companies borrowing these External Funds through the Utility Money Pool in proportion to their respective daily outstanding borrowings of these External Funds. Applicants state that if only Internal Funds make up the funds available in the Utility Money Pool, the interest rate applicable and payable to or by Subsidiaries for all loans of such Internal Funds is the higher of the rate for high-grade unsecured 30-day commercial paper sold through dealers by major corporations as quoted in The Wall Street Journal or the rate then available to the lending company from an eligible investment in readily marketable money market funds or the existing short-term investment accounts maintained by the lender during the period in question. Applicants propose that providing for these alternatives ensures that the lending company does not forego any investment return that it could have obtained by investing in money market funds or other permitted short-term investments instead of the Utility Money Pool. In the event neither rate is one that is permissible for a transaction because of constraints imposed by the state regulatory commission having jurisdiction over the utility participating in the transaction, then the rate shall be a rate that is permissible for the transaction determined under the requirements of that state regulatory commission. If only External Funds comprise the funds available in the Utility Money Pool, the interest rate applicable to loans of such External Funds will be equal to the lending company’s cost for such External Funds (or, if more than one Utility Money Pool participant makes available External Funds on such day, the applicable interest rate will be a composite rate equal to the weighted average of the cost incurred by the respective Utility Money Pool participants for External Funds). In cases where both Internal Funds and External Funds are concurrently borrowed through the Utility Money Pool, the rate applicable to all loans comprised of such “blended” funds is the composite rate equal to the weighted average of: (i) the cost of all Internal Funds contributed by Utility Money Pool participants (as determined under the second-preceding paragraph above) and (ii) the cost of all such External Funds. In circumstances where Internal Funds and External Funds are available for loans through the Utility Money Pool, loans may be made exclusively from Internal Funds or External Funds, rather than from a “blend” of funds, to the extent it is expected that such loans would result in a lower cost of borrowings. Funds not required by the Utility Money Pool to make loans (with the exception of funds required to satisfy the Utility Money Pool’s liquidity requirements) are ordinarily invested in one or more short-term investments, including: (i) interest-bearing accounts with banks; (ii) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government and/or its agencies and instrumentalities, including obligations under repurchase agreements; (iii) obligations issued or guaranteed by any state or political subdivision thereof, provided that such obligations are rated not less than “A” by a nationally recognized rating agency; (iv) commercial paper rated not less than “A-1” or “P-1” or their equivalent by a nationally recognized rating agency; (v) money market funds; (vi) bank certificates of deposit; (vii) Eurodollar funds; (viii) short-term debt securities rated AA or above by Standard & Poor’s, Aa or above by Moody’s Investors Service, or AA or above by Fitch Ratings; (ix) short-term debt securities issued or guaranteed by an entity rated AA or above by Standard & Poor’s, Aa or above by Moody’s Investors Service, or AA or above by Fitch Ratings; and (x) other investments as are permitted by section 9(c) of the Act and rule 40 thereunder. Applicants state that the interest income and investment income earned on loans and investments of surplus funds would be allocated among the participants in the Utility Money Pool in accordance with the proportion each participant’s contribution of funds bears to the total amount of funds in the Utility Money Pool and the cost of funds provided to the Utility Money Pool by each participant. Applicants state that each Applicant receiving a loan through the Utility Money Pool would be required to repay the principal amount of the loan, together with all interest accrued, on demand and in any event not later than one year after the date of the loan. All loans made through the Utility Money Pool may be prepaid by the borrower without premium or penalty. B. Nonutility Money Pool A separate Nonutility Money Pool among Exelon and certain Nonutility Subsidiary companies of Exelon was approved in the Prior Orders, however, Applicants state that Exelon has not established a Nonutility Money Pool. Applicants state that each Nonutility Subsidiary requests authority to participate in the Nonutility Money Pool. Applicants state that the Nonutility Money Pool will be operated on the same terms and conditions as set forth for the Utility Money Pool, except that Exelon funds made available to the Money Pools will be made available to the Utility Money Pool first to the extent it is operated and thereafter to the Nonutility Money Pool. No loans through the Nonutility Money Pool are made to, and no borrowings through the Nonutility Money Pool are made by, Exelon, Ventures, or Delivery. C. Other Contributions to Money Pool Applicants request that Nonutility Subsidiaries that are not currently participating in the Nonutility Money Pool and those that are acquired or formed in the future, ("Other Nonutility Subsidiaries") may lend funds to the Nonutility Money Pool without the need for additional authority from the Commission. Applicants request that the Commission reserve jurisdiction with respect to the formation of the Nonutility Money Pool and addition of additional participants pending completion of the record. D. Operation of the Money Pools and Administrative Matters Applicants propose that Exelon Business Services under the authority of the appropriate officers of the participating companies will continue to handle the operation of the Utility and Nonutility Money Pools, including record keeping and coordination of loans. Exelon Business Services administers the Utility Money Pool and will administer the Nonutility Money Pool on an “at cost” basis and maintains separate records for each money pool. Applicants state that surplus funds of the Utility Money Pool and the Nonutility Money Pool may be combined in common short-term investments, but separate records of these funds are maintained by Exelon Business Services as administrator of the pools, and interest is separately allocated, on a daily basis, to each Money Pool in accordance with the proportion that the amount of each money pool’s surplus funds bears to the total amount of surplus funds available for investment from both money pools. XII. Borrowings by Ventures and Delivery Applicants state that Ventures and Delivery are registered holding companies. Ventures is the parent of Enterprises, which holds Nonutility Subsidiaries, and is the parent of Genco. Delivery is the parent of Com Ed and PECO. Applicants state that Ventures and Delivery may have occasion to issue debt or equity securities to Exelon to acquire funds to purchase debt or equity securities of their respective subsidiaries to enable Exelon to add to the capitalization of those subsidiaries. Applicants state that no such issuance by Ventures or Delivery will increase the Exelon system’s securities held by third-parties. If Exelon obtains funds to purchase such securities from an external source, Exelon’s issuance of securities will be only as approved by the Commission’s order in this docket and subject to the limitations imposed in such order, including the overall financing limitation of $8 billion. All securities issuances by the subsidiaries (i.e., Genco and Enterprises, and PECO and ComEd) to Ventures and Delivery, respectively will be subject to limitations imposed on that company regarding securities issuances and will be within the dollar limitations imposed by the order in this docket, if any. Consequently, there is no need to impose a separate dollar limitation on these conduit securities issuances by Ventures and Delivery. Applicants state that the approval sought for Ventures and Delivery is merely to cover the technical requirement that all their securities issuances be approved even in the case where they are acting as a conduit to invest funds by Exelon in their subsidiaries. XIII. Payment of Dividends A. Payment of Dividends out of Capital by Exelon and ComEd In connection with the Merger, the Commission authorized each of Exelon and ComEd in the Prior Orders to pay dividends out of additional paid-in capital up to the amount of $500 million. Applicants state that, subsequent to the Merger, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 141, “Business Combinations” and SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” were issued in 2001. SFAS 142 eliminated the amortization of goodwill as was required previously and provides for an annual assessment to determine if goodwill amounts are impaired. Exelon and its Subsidiaries adopted these standards effective January 1, 2002, which resulted in a net write down of goodwill and a charge to income of $230 million net of taxes. If an analysis discloses an impairment, the company must take an impairment charge. Applicants state that Exelon has performed the analysis each year since 2002, which did not result in any further impairment charge to date. Exelon and ComEd now request authorization, notwithstanding the above stated accounting changes: (i) to continue to pay dividends out of additional paid-in capital up to the amount of $500 million and (ii) with respect to current earnings before any deductions resulting from any impairment of either goodwill or other intangibles recognized as a result of the Merger. Exelon and ComEd request that the Commission reserve jurisdiction with respect to the request of clause (ii), that is regarding the payment of dividends out of current earnings before any deductions resulting from impairment of goodwill or other intangibles recognized as a result of the Merger pending completion of the record. Applicants state that as of September 30, 2003, neither Exelon nor ComEd has paid any dividends out of additional paid-in capital. Applicants state that if all of the goodwill associated with the Merger were found to be impaired (i.e., $4.719 billion at December 31, 2003), the pro forma common equity ratio of Exelon and ComEd would be 26.8% and 25.3%, respectively.14 Applicants state that Exelon and ComEd believe that based on anticipated earnings and dividend levels, as well as estimated financings, that neither Exelon nor ComEd will have common equity ratios below 30% of Consolidated Capitalization as a result of any further impairment of goodwill. B. Payment of Dividends out of Capital or Unearned Surplus by Nonutility Subsidiaries Applicants state that there may be situations in which one or more of the Nonutility Subsidiaries will have unrestricted cash available for distribution in excess of current and retained earnings resulting from a disposition of assets, a restructuring or other accounting charge that eliminated retained earnings or its normal operations (excluding debt financing). Applicants seek authority for the Nonutility Subsidiaries to pay dividends with respect to their securities and/or acquire, retire or redeem any of their securities that are held by an associated company or affiliate, from time to time, through the Authorization Period, out of capital or unearned surplus, to the extent permitted under applicable corporate law provided that Nonutility Subsidiaries will not declare or pay any dividend out of capital or unearned surplus unless it: (i) has received excess cash as a result of the sale of its assets; (ii) has engaged in a restructuring or reorganization; and/or (iii) is returning capital to an associate company. Applicants request authorization for the current and future Nonutility Subsidiaries to pay dividends out of capital and unearned surplus, through the Authorization Period, provided, however, that, without further approval of the Commission, no Nonutility Subsidiary will declare or pay any dividend out of capital or unearned surplus if the Nonutility Subsidiary derives any material part of its revenues from the sale of goods, services or electricity to Utility Subsidiaries (“Non-exempt Subsidiary”). Exelon requests that the Commission reserve jurisdiction over dividends out of capital or unearned surplus paid by any Non-exempt Subsidiary. C. Payment of Dividends out of Capital by ComEd of Indiana As a result of “push down” accounting in the Merger, $11 million of the retained earnings of ComEd of Indiana were reclassified as paid in capital. Applicants state that ComEd of Indiana has not recorded any reductions to retained earnings because of operating losses or impairment charges. Applicants state that ComEd of Indiana has excess funds, including funds classified as paid in capital, and has lent funds to the Utility Money Pool so that these amounts might be used by the Utility Subsidiaries of Exelon rather than being trapped as idle cash at ComEd of Indiana. Applicants now request authority for ComEd of Indiana to pay dividends to its parent ComEd, from time to time through the Authorization Period, out of capital and unearned surplus to the extent permitted under state law up to $32 million provided that ComEd of Indiana's common equity ratio will not violate the 30% Condition. Applicants state that this authorization would allow the unneeded funds resulting from the events described in this paragraph at ComEd of Indiana to be permanently applied to ComEd’s needs. XIV. Changes of Capital Stock of Majority Owned Subsidiaries Applicants state that the portion of an individual Subsidiary’s aggregate financing to be effected through the sale of stock to Exelon or other immediate parent company during the Authorization Period under rule 52 and/or under an order issued under this filing cannot be ascertained at this time. Applicants state that it may happen that the proposed sale of capital securities (i.e., common stock or preferred stock) may in some cases exceed the then authorized capital stock of the Subsidiary. In addition, the Subsidiary may choose to use capital stock with no par value. As needed to accommodate such proposed transactions and to provide for future issues, Applicants request authority to change the terms of any 50% or more owned Subsidiary’s authorized capital stock capitalization or other equity interests by an amount deemed appropriate by Exelon or other intermediate parent company; provided that the consents of all other shareholders, if any, as required by law, have been obtained for the proposed change. This request for authorization is limited to Exelon’s 50% or more owned Subsidiaries and will not affect the aggregate limits or other conditions contained herein. Applicants propose that a Subsidiary would be able to change the par value, or change between par value and no-par stock, or change the form of equity from common stock to limited partnership or limited liability company interests or similar instruments, or from these instruments to common stock, without additional Commission approval. Any such action by a Utility Subsidiary would be subject to and would only be taken upon the receipt of any necessary approvals by the state commission in the state or states where the Utility Subsidiary is incorporated and doing business. Applicants state that Exelon will be subject to all applicable laws regarding the fiduciary duty of fairness of a majority shareholder to minority shareholders in any 50% or more owned Subsidiary and will undertake to ensure that any change implemented under this paragraph comports with these legal requirements.15 XV. Refinancing and/or Assumption of Pollution Control Obligations In the Prior Orders, the Commission approved, the assumption by Genco of up to $369 million of pollution control obligations incurred by PECO in connection with generation facilities that would be transferred to Genco. The generation assets were transferred to Genco effective January 1, 2001. Through December 31, 2003, $363 million of the originally approved $369 million has been assumed by Genco. Applicants now request that Genco assume all remaining outstanding pollution control obligations of PECO and ComEd. At December 31, 2003, PECO had a total of $311 million of outstanding pollution control obligations and ComEd had $609 million, for a total of $920 million. In addition, all existing generating assets of ComEd were also transferred to Genco as of that date. Applicants currently contemplate that only the remaining $6 million of the PECO obligations (of the originally approved $369 million) and none of the ComEd obligations will be transferred to or assumed by Genco. To maintain flexibility however, Exelon, PECO, ComEd and Genco seek authority for Genco to assume any, all or none of the obligations listed above. In any case where Genco legally assumes these obligations PECO or ComEd, as the case may be, will be released from liability. Whether or not the pollution control facilities constructed with the proceeds of these pollution control obligations are still in service or owned by Genco, the pollution control obligations are consistent with the businesses conducted by Genco. Whether or not the utility is released, any such transfer to or assumption by Genco will have no impact on Exelon’s consolidated capitalization. Any such assumption and release will, however, have the effect of decreasing the portion of long-term debt in the capital structure of the transferring utility and will commensurately improve the common equity ratio of ComEd or PECO, as the case may be. In appropriate circumstances the transfer of additional pollution control obligations from PECO will enhance the equity component of its capitalization which will help offset the effects of the Receivable Contribution discussed above. XVI. De-registration of Genco and PECO Applicants state that on March 22, 2004, the Conowingo Companies were converted into EWGs and are no longer public utility companies under the Act. As a result, Applicants state that Genco no longer has any public utility company subsidiaries. One of the Conowingo Companies, PEPCO, owns another of the Conowingo Companies Susquehanna Power Company, previously a public utility company but now an EWG since the March 22, 2004 filing. As a result, Applicants state that PEPCO no longer has any public utility company subsidiaries. Applicants request that Genco and PEPCO each be granted an order de-registering each company under section 5(d) of the Act. XVI. EWG/FUCO Investment Authority Increase Applicants state that under the Prior Orders, Exelon currently has authority to invest up to $4 billion in EWGs and FUCOs. Applicants state that at December 31, 2003, the consolidated amount of Exelon’s aggregate investment in EWGs and FUCOs as that term is defined in rule 53 was $2.545 billion. At December 31, 2003, the average consolidated retained earnings (calculated as required by rule 53) of Exelon was $2.315 billion. Applicants state that the resulting permitted aggregate investment under rule 53 currently allowed is insufficient to meet Exelon’s current investment level and business plans. Exelon has commitments of $377 million in connection with an additional EWG investment for AmerGen, which commitment was made on October 3, 2003. Accordingly, Applicants request that Exelon be allowed to invest up to $7.0 billion in EWGs and FUCOs. Exelon requests that the Commission reserve jurisdiction over aggregate investments in EWGs and FUCOs by Exelon in excess of $4 billion pending completion of the record. XVII. Rule 24 Certificates Applicants propose that, with respect to Exelon, the reporting systems of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”) and the 1933 Act be integrated with the reporting system under the Act consistent with the authority granted in the Prior Orders. This will continue to eliminate duplication of filings with the Commission that cover essentially the same subject matters, resulting in a reduction of expense for both the Commission and Exelon. The portion of the 1933 Act and 1934 Act reports containing or reflecting disclosures of transactions occurring pursuant to the authorizations granted in this proceeding will be incorporated by reference into this proceeding through rule 24 certificates of notification. The certificates will also contain all other information required by rule 24, including the certification that each transaction being reported on had been carried out in accordance with the terms and conditions of and for the purposes represented in this Application. Such certificates of notification will be filed within 60 days after the end of each of the first three calendar quarters and within 90 days after the end of the fourth calendar quarter, in which transactions occur. Applicants will file rule 24 certificates containing the following information:
Applicants state that the fees, commissions and expenses paid or incurred or to be incurred in connection with this Application are estimated at $75,000. Applicants state that Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has jurisdiction over issuances of securities by PECO, other than securities payable within one year of the date of issuance or upon demand of the holder. Applicants state that the Illinois Commerce Commission has jurisdiction over issuances of securities by ComEd, other than securities payable within one year of the date of issuance or the renewal of short-term obligations for a two-year or shorter period. Applicants state that except as stated above, no state or federal regulatory agency other than the Commission under the Act has jurisdiction over the proposed transactions. Due notice of the filing of this Application, as amended, has been given in the manner prescribed in rule 23 under the Act, and no hearing has been requested of, or ordered by, the Commission. On the basis of the facts in the record, it is found that, except as to those matters over which jurisdiction has been reserved, the applicable standards of the Act and rules under the Act are satisfied, and that no adverse findings are necessary. IT IS ORDERED, under the applicable provisions of the Act and rules under the Act, that, except as to those matters over which jurisdiction has been reserved, the Application, as amended, be granted and permitted to become effective immediately, subject to the terms and conditions prescribed in rule 24 under the Act. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that jurisdiction be reserved over (i) the issuance of any guarantee or other securities in reliance upon the authorization granted by the Commission under this Application at any time that Investment Grade Condition is not satisfied; (ii) the issuance of securities in those circumstances where Exelon, ComEd, or Genco do not comply with the common equity criteria of the 30% Condition; (iii) the formation of a Nonutility Money Pool; (iv) the payment of dividends out of current earnings before any deductions resulting from impairment of goodwill or other intangibles recognized as a result of the Merger by Exelon and ComEd; (v) the payment of dividends out of capital or unearned surplus by any Non-exempt Subsidiary; and (vi) the aggregate investments in EWGs and FUCOs by Exelon in excess of $4 billion. For the Commission, by the Division of Investment Management, under delegated authority. Margaret H. McFarland Endnotes:
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