Item 1. Business.
MGE Energy operates in the following business segments:
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Electric utility operations-generating, purchasing, and distributing electricity through MGE.
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Gas utility operations-purchasing and distributing natural gas through MGE.
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Nonregulated energy operations-constructing, owning, and leasing new electric generating capacity through its wholly owned subsidiaries MGE Power, MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus.
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Transmission Investments- investing in companies engaged in the business of providing electric transmission services, such as ATC. In the fourth quarter of 2005, the investment in ATC was transferred from MGE to MGE Transco.
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All Other-investing in companies and property which relate to the regulated operations, financing the regulated operations, or providing construction services to the other subsidiaries through its wholly owned subsidiaries MGE Construct, MAGAEL and CWDC, and Corporate functions.
MGE's utility operations represent a substantial portion of the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and operations of MGE Energy. MGE Energy's nonregulated energy operations currently include a undivided interest in the assets of the West Campus Cogeneration Facility. Namely, pursuant to the WCCF Joint Ownership Agreement, MGE Power West Campus owns 55% of the facility, which represents its interest in the electric generating assets and the UW owns 45% of the facility, which represents their interest in the steam and chilled water assets. Nonregulated energy operations also include an undivided 8.33% ownership interest in each of two 615 MW generating units being constructed in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.
As a public utility, MGE is subject to regulation by the PSCW and the FERC. The PSCW has authority to regulate most aspects of MGE's business including rates, accounts, issuance of securities, and plant and transmission line siting. The PSCW also has authority over certain aspects of MGE Energy as a holding company of a public utility. FERC has jurisdiction, under the Federal Power Act, over certain accounting practices and certain other aspects of MGE's business.
MGE Energy's subsidiaries are also subject to regulation under local, state, and federal laws regarding air and water quality and solid waste disposal. See "Environmental" below.
MGE Energy was organized as a Wisconsin corporation in 2001. MGE was organized as a Wisconsin corporation in 1896. Their principal offices are located at 133 South Blair Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53703.
Electric Utility Operations
MGE generates and distributes electricity in a service area covering a 315-square-mile area of Dane County, Wisconsin. Its service area includes the city of Madison, Wisconsin.
At December 31, 2006, MGE supplied electric service to nearly 135,000 customers, with approximately 89% located in the cities of Fitchburg, Madison, Middleton, and Monona and 11% in adjacent areas. Of the total number of customers, approximately 87% were residential and 13% were commercial or industrial. Electric revenues for 2006, 2005, and 2004 were comprised of the following:
Electric operations accounted for approximately 63.3%, 60.8%, and 59.3% of MGE's total 2006, 2005, and 2004 regulated revenues, respectively.
See Item 2, Properties, for a description of MGE's electric utility plant.
MGE was a member of MAIN, a regional reliability group. As of December 31, 2005, the MAIN reliability council no longer exists. MGE has chosen to join the MRO as its regional reliability council. The essential purposes of the MRO are: (1) the development and implementation of regional and NERC reliability standards, and (2) determining compliance with those standards, including enforcement mechanisms. The MRO also provides other services consistent with its reliability charter.
Transmission
Reliability 2000 legislation enacted in Wisconsin mandated, among other things, the creation of a statewide transmission company to own the investor-owned utilities' transmission assets. Pursuant to these provisions, effective January 1, 2001, MGE transferred all of its electric utility transmission assets to ATC in exchange for an ownership interest in ATC. At December 31, 2006, MGE Transco held a 3.9% ownership interest in ATC as a result of the aforementioned assets transferred and subsequent additional capital contributions made.
ATC is owned and governed by the utilities that contributed facilities or capital in accordance with Wisconsin law. ATC's purpose is to provide reliable, economic transmission service to all customers in a fair and equitable manner. ATC plans, constructs, operates, maintains, and expands transmission facilities that it owns to provide adequate and reliable transmission of power. ATC is regulated by FERC for all rate terms and conditions of service and is a transmission-owning member of the Midwest ISO. MGE is a non-transmission owning member of the Midwest ISO.
Regional Transmission Organizations
On February 1, 2002, MGE started taking network transmission service from the Midwest ISO. Midwest ISO is a nonprofit RTO approved by FERC. The Midwest ISO is responsible for monitoring the electric transmission system that delivers power from generating plants to wholesale power transmitters. Its role is to ensure equal access to the transmission system and to maintain or improve electric system reliability in the Midwest.
As a FERC approved RTO, Midwest ISO is required to provide a real-time market-based mechanism for congestion management. On April 1, 2005, Midwest ISO implemented its bid-based energy market. At that time, MGE began offering substantially all of its generation on the Midwest ISO market and purchasing much of its load requirement from the Midwest ISO market in accordance with the Midwest ISO Tariff.
Additionally, on May 1, 2004, MGE became a member of PJM. PJM is also an RTO. PJM is a neutral and independent party that coordinates and directs the operation of the region's transmission grid, administers a competitive wholesale electricity market, and plans regional transmission expansion improvements to maintain grid reliability and relieve congestion. MGE has three purchase power agreements, for a total of 115 MW, that are impacted by this market.
Fuel supply and generation
MGE satisfies its customers' electric demand with purchased power and internal generation. During the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, MGE's electric energy delivery requirements were satisfied by the following sources:
Sources used depend on market prices, generating unit availability, weather, and customer demand.
Coal
MGE and two other utilities jointly own Columbia, a coal-fired generating facility, which accounts for 30% (225 MW) of MGE's net generating capability. Power from this facility is shared in proportion to each owner's ownership interest. MGE has a 22% ownership interest in Columbia. The other owners are Alliant, which operates Columbia, and WPSC. The Columbia units burn low-sulfur coal obtained (pursuant to long-term contracts) from the Powder River Basin coal fields located in Wyoming and Montana.
MGE's share of the coal inventory supply for the units decreased from 44 days on December 31, 2005, to 31 days on December 31, 2006. The co-owners' current goal is to maintain approximately a 35-day inventory.
MGE also owns the Blount Generating Facility located in Madison, Wisconsin, which is fueled by coal and gas. On January 19, 2006, MGE announced a plan, subject to certain conditions, that includes discontinuing coal use at the end of 2011 at Blount. The plant will continue to run on natural gas but will be reduced from its current approximate 190 MW capacity to 100 MW when coal burning is discontinued.
Natural gas and oil
MGE owns gas fired combustion turbines. These turbines are primarily located in Madison and Marinette, Wisconsin and have a total of 174 MW of generating capacity.
See discussion above for discussion of the Blount Generating Facility and see below discussion under Nonregulated Operations for MGE's interest in a natural gas-fired cogeneration facility on the UW campus.
Renewable generation sources
On September 29, 2006, MGE formalized plans to acquire 29.7 MW or 18 turbines in a wind-powered electric generating facility to be constructed in Worth County, Iowa. MGE's share will represent 26.5% of a larger wind generation facility known as the Top of Iowa Phase II Wind Power Project. MGE currently estimates that its costs to complete this project will be approximately $59 million and that a majority of these capital expenditures will be made in 2007. At December 31, 2006, MGE had incurred $10.7 million of costs on the project, which is reflected in the construction work in progress balance on MGE and MGE Energy's consolidated balance sheets. Construction of this facility is expected to be completed by December 31, 2007. MGE expects regulatory recovery of these costs. If approval is granted by the PSCW, MGE expects recovery to begin in 2008.
Purchased power
As mentioned under the discussion on "Regional Transmission Organizations" above, at the time Midwest ISO implemented its bid based energy market, MGE began offering substantially all of its generation on the Midwest ISO market and purchasing much of its load requirement from the Midwest ISO market in accordance with the Midwest ISO Tariff. Accordingly, the Midwest ISO market is the source of MGE's purchased power needs.
MGE also has purchase power contracts with three companies residing in the PJM market. These contracts provide a means for MGE to participate in the PJM market via the receipt of FTRs. Under these agreements MGE has the contractual right to 115 MW of power.
On July 16, 2004, MGE signed a 20-year power purchase agreement for 40 MW of wind energy to be located near Waupun, Wisconsin. At December 31, 2006, construction on this project had not begun, and discussions related to its viability were on-going. At December 31, 2006, no final decisions or financial commitments had been made. However, on February 21, 2007, MGE signed an amendment to this agreement. This amendment reduces the available MW under this agreement from 40 MW to 15 MW.
Gas Utility Operations
MGE transports and distributes natural gas in a service area covering 1,625 square miles in seven south-central Wisconsin counties. Its service area includes the city of Madison, Wisconsin.
On December 31, 2006, MGE supplied natural gas service to more than 138,000 customers in the cities of Elroy, Fitchburg, Lodi, Madison, Middleton, Monona, Prairie du Chien, Verona, and Viroqua; 24 villages; and all or parts of 45 townships. Of the total number of customers, approximately 89% were residential and 11% were commercial or industrial. Gas revenues for 2006, 2005, and 2004 were comprised of the following:
Gas operations accounted for approximately 36.7%, 39.2%, and 40.7% of MGE's total 2006, 2005, and 2004 regulated revenues, respectively.
MGE can curtail gas deliveries to its interruptible customers. Approximately 6% of gas sold in 2006 and 5% of gas sold in 2005 was to interruptible customers.
Gas supply
MGE has physical interconnections with ANR and NNG. MGE's primary service territory, which includes Madison and the surrounding area, receives deliveries at one NNG and four ANR gate stations. MGE also receives deliveries at NNG gate stations located in Elroy, Prairie du Chien, Viroqua, and Crawford County. Interconnections with two major pipelines provide competition in interstate pipeline service and a more reliable and economical gas supply mix, which includes gas from Canada and from the mid-continent and Gulf/offshore regions in the United States.
During the winter months, when customer demand is high, MGE is primarily concerned with meeting its obligation to firm customers. MGE meets customer demand by using firm supplies under contracts finalized before the heating season, supplies in storage (injected during the summer), and other firm supplies purchased during the winter period.
By contract, a total of 4,935,272 Dth can be injected into ANR's storage fields in Michigan from April 1 through October 31. These gas supplies are then available for withdrawal during the subsequent heating season, November 1 through March 31. Using storage allows MGE to buy gas supplies during the summer season, when prices are normally lower, and withdraw these supplies during the winter season, when prices are typically higher. Storage also gives MGE more flexibility in meeting daily load fluctuations.
MGE's contracts for firm transportation service include winter maximum daily quantities of:
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161,150 Dth (including 86,078 Dth of storage withdrawals) on ANR.
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59,608 Dth on NNG.
Nonregulated Energy Operations
MGE Energy, through its subsidiaries, seeks to develop generation sources that will assist MGE in meeting the electricity needs of its customers. Decisions on the type of energy source and its size, timing, ownership, and financing depend upon a number of factors including the growth of customer demand in MGE's service area and surrounding areas, the effectiveness of customer demand management efforts, the costs and availability of alternative power sources, the availability of transmission capacity, issues associated with siting power generation sources, available financing and ownership structures, regulatory treatment and recovery, construction lead times and risks, and other factors. The decisions tend to involve long-time horizons due to the lead time involved in siting and constructing new generation sources and the associated transmission infrastructure.
WCCF
MGE Energy, through MGE Power, MGE Power West Campus, and MGE Construct, has constructed a natural gas-fired cogeneration facility on the UW campus. As of December 31, 2006, MGE Power West Campus had incurred $103.3 million (excluding capitalized interest) of costs on the project, which is reflected in Property, Plant, and Equipment on MGE and MGE Energy's consolidated balance sheets.
The facility has the capacity to produce 20,000 tons of chilled water, 500,000 pounds per hour of steam, and approximately 150 MW of electricity. The UW and MGE Power West Campus jointly own the facility and each have an undivided interest. The UW owns 45% of the facility, which represents its interest in the chilled-water and steam assets. These assets are used to meet the UW's growing need for air-conditioning and steam-heat capacity. MGE Power West Campus owns 55% of the facility, which represents its interest in the electric generating assets. These assets are used to provide electricity to MGE's customers. The UW's share of the plant and portion of the earnings from the WCCF are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements of MGE or MGE Energy.
MGE leases the electric generating assets owned by MGE Power West Campus and is responsible for operating the entire facility. On April 26, 2005, the facility lease between MGE and MGE Power West Campus commenced. The financial terms of the facility lease include a capital structure of 53% equity and 47% long-term debt, return on equity of 12.1%, and a lease term of 30 years. At the end of the lease term in 2035, MGE may, at its option, renew the facility lease for an additional term, purchase the generating facility at fair market value or allow the lease contract to end. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 13, Accounting for Leases, MGE, as the lessee, accounts for the aforementioned lease arrangement as a capital lease and MGE Power West Campus, as the lessor, accounts for the lease as a direct financing leasing arrangement. Upon consolidation, certain accounts associated with the leasing transaction are eliminated.
MGE received approval from the PSCW to collect approximately $12.1 million in carrying costs incurred by MGE Power West Campus during construction of the facility. MGE is collecting these costs in rates over a period of ten years. Of these costs, $4.1 million relate to the capitalized interest and the debt portion of the facility. These costs are recognized over the period in which the facility is being depreciated (40 years). The remaining amount of $8.0 million represents the equity portion and is being recognized over the ten-year period for recovery in rates. Additionally, MGE Power West Campus records nonregulated revenues related to management, demolition, and removal fees.
Elm Road
On November 4, 2005, MGE Power Elm Road closed on the exercise of an option to acquire an undivided 8.33% ownership interest in each of two 615 MW advanced technology, coal-fired generating units being constructed by We Energies in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. MGE Power Elm Road's estimated share of capital costs for its 8.33% ownership interest in both units is approximately $171 million which it intends to finance primarily through funds received from MGE Energy. MGE Energy expects that these funds will be raised through the sale of common stock (via the Stock Plan), short-term debt, and normal operations. At December 31, 2006, MGE Power Elm Road had incurred $53.5 million (excluding capitalized interest) of costs on the project, which is reflected in the Construction Work In Progress balance on MGE and MGE Energy's consolidated balance sheets. Of this amount, $3.3 million has not yet been paid.
On the date of acquisition, MGE Energy and its subsidiaries entered into various agreements, including a facility lease agreement. This facility lease agreement is between MGE Power Elm Road (a nonregulated subsidiary of MGE Energy) and MGE. The financial terms of the facility lease include a capital structure of 55% equity and 45% long-term debt, and return on equity of 12.7%, a lease term of 30 years, and a 5% rent reduction in the first five years.
On November 1, 2005, MGE received approval from the PSCW to defer payments made to MGE Power Elm Road for carrying costs during construction of the facility, management fees, and community impact mitigation costs. MGE began collecting the carrying costs in rates in 2006. MGE estimates total carrying costs to be approximately $54.3 million. Of these costs, $21.7 million is estimated to relate to the capitalized interest and the debt portion of the facility. These costs will be recognized over the period in which the facility will be depreciated. The remaining $32.6 million is estimated to represent the equity portion and is being recognized over the period recovered in rates.
Environmental
MGE is subject to local, state, and federal regulations concerning air quality, water quality, and solid waste disposal. The EPA administers certain federal statutes relating to such matters. The DNR administers certain state statutes as to such matters and has primary jurisdiction over standards relating to air and water quality and solid and hazardous waste. Those regulations affect the manner in which MGE conducts its operations, the costs of those operations, as well as some capital and operating expenditures. It can also affect the siting, timing, and cost of new projects or other significant actions affecting the environment. MGE is not able to predict the direction of future regulations or if compliance with any such regulations will involve additional expenditures for pollution control equipment, plant modifications, or curtailment of operations. Such actions could reduce capacity or efficiency at existing plants or delay the construction and operation of future generating facilities.
Air quality
Air quality regulations promulgated by the EPA and DNR in accordance with the Federal Clean Air Act and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 impose restrictions on emission of particulates, sulfur dioxide (SO2) nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other pollutants and require permits for operation of emission sources. These permits have been obtained by MGE and must be renewed periodically. Various initiatives, including the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR), maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards and Regional Haze Regulations, as well as existing and proposed state mercury emissions limits, may result in additional operating and capital expenditure costs.
The CAIR requires NOx and SO2 emission reductions in two phases and includes a regional cap-and-trade system. The first phase begins in 2009 for NOx and 2010 for SO2, and contemplates reductions of 55% and 40%, respectively, increasing in the second phase by 2015 to 65% and 70%, respectively; in each case over 2003 levels. In 2009 CAMR seeks to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants through a system of monitoring and several compliance options to reduce mercury emissions, including equipment installations and allowance trading options through a cap-and-trade system. Blount and Columbia Stations would be affected by both CAIR and CAMR, and West Marinette and Fitchburg substations would be affected by CAIR. The actual costs to MGE of such compliance are difficult to estimate but are expected to be recoverable in rates, subject to PSCW approval.
The Clean Air Act also requires the EPA to develop standards to control major sources of hazardous air pollutants to levels consistent with the lowest-emitting facilities in similar source categories (i.e., MACT standards). The EPA has adopted final MACT standards for industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers, which apply to MGE in 2007. Compliance with the MACT standards may affect capital expenditures and operating and maintenance expenses at Blount and Columbia Stations.
Preliminary DNR air modeling indicates that emissions from Columbia may impair visibility at certain Class I Scenic Areas and may therefore be subject to Regional Haze and Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) regulations. DNR expects to submit rules on BART to EPA by 2008. BART becomes effective in 2013. The actual costs of any compliance that may be required are difficult to estimate at this time but are expected to be recovered in rates.
In 1998, the EPA issued a rule that imposed a NOx emission budget for emission sources in Wisconsin. In 2000, the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia invalidated a portion of the rule as applied to Wisconsin; however, the Court stayed that portion of the challenge concerning Wisconsin's alleged impacts on downwind, eight-hour ozone nonattainment areas. EPA has also stayed that portion of the rule concerning Wisconsin alleged impacts on downwind eight-hour ozone nonattainment areas. If that portion of the rule concerning eight-hour ozone nonattainment areas is upheld, the resulting NOx emission budget for Wisconsin could potentially affect the level of permissible NOx emissions from Blount, Columbia, and WCCF. The new NOx limits could increase capital expenditures and operating and maintenance expenses at those facilities but are expected to be recoverable in rates.
The EPA recently lowered the acceptable 24-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter, i.e., particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter and is requiring states to monitor and collect data on fine particulate levels in order to establish attainment and nonattainment areas for the new standard. States (including Wisconsin) determine designation by county and/or area based on whether the county/area meets the NAAQS (designated as attainment) or the county does not meet the NAAQS (designated as nonattainment), as measured by air monitors placed in that county/area. Preliminary designations of attainment and nonattainment areas/counties are due to the EPA in December 2007 with final designation in 2009 and implementation to begin after 2010. Results from air monitors during the 2006 calendar year and beyond will play a role in designation status (attainment or nonattainment). Designations of nonattainment could affect capital, operational and maintenance expenses at generating facilities. However, it is unknown at this time whether any of MGE's generating facilities would be impacted and to what extent.
Water quality
MGE is subject to water quality regulations issued by the DNR. These regulations include categorical-effluent discharge standards, which require the use of effluent-treatment processes equivalent to categorical "best practicable" or "best available" technologies under compliance schedules established under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The DNR has published categorical regulations for chemical and thermal discharges from electric-steam generating plants. The regulations limit discharges from MGE's plants into Lake Monona and other Wisconsin waters. The State has also proposed rules regarding thermal discharge which are subject to comment and further modification. Depending on the terms of the final rules, MGE may be required to make significant additional capital expenditures but are expected to be recoverable in rates.
In 2004, the EPA promulgated final rules under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act addressing cooling water intake structures for existing large power plants. A challenge to these rules was upheld in a January 2007 court decision and significant parts of the rule were remanded to the EPA for further consideration. Absent an appeal, EPA will need to modify and/or reissue significant portions of the rule to comply with the court's ruling. The ruling, and EPA's actions in response, which may change the compliance requirements, may affect the timing and costs associated with MGE's WPDES permit for Blount and possibly the WPDES permit for the Oak Creek/Elm Road facility. At this time, MGE is unable to determine the timing or amount of that impact.
Solid waste
MGE is listed as a potentially responsible party for a site the EPA has placed on the national priorities Superfund list. The Lenz Oil site in Lemont, Illinois, was used for storing and processing waste oil for several years. This site requires clean up under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. A group of companies, including MGE, is currently working on cleaning up the site. Management believes that its share of the final cleanup costs for the Lenz Oil site will not result in any materially adverse effects on MGE's operations, cash flows, or financial position. Insurance may cover a portion of the cleanup costs. Management believes that the cleanup costs not covered by insurance will be recovered in current and future rates. As of December 31, 2006, a $0.1 million liability was accrued for this matter.
Global climate change
The United States is currently not a party to the United Nations' Kyoto Protocol that became effective for signatories on February 16, 2005. The Protocol process generally requires developed countries to cap greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at certain levels during the 2008 to 2012 time period. Although GHG are not currently regulated, MGE recognizes that these gases-particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), which is released in the burning of fossil fuels-may face future legislative or regulatory restrictions. Several bills to limit GHGs have been proposed in the U.S. Congress, and several states, including Wisconsin, have proposed actions. These restrictions could result in significant costs to reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fuel-fired generation sources such as coal. MGE does not yet know the amounts of these expenditures or the period of time over which they may be required. Nonetheless, MGE is taking steps to lower its CO2 emission rates, including replacing coal operations at its Blount Station with new, cleaner coal generation, increased use of renewable energy (primarily wind), and heightened customer conservation programs.
Employees
As of December 31, 2006, MGE had 740 employees. MGE employs 254 employees who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with Local Union 2304 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and 106 employees who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with Local Union No. 39 of the Office and Professional Employees International Union. Both of these collective bargaining agreements expire on April 30, 2009. There are also 5 employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement with Local Union No. 2-111 of the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial, and Service Workers International Union. This collective bargaining agreement expires on November 1, 2009.
Financial Information About Segments
See Footnote 25 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for financial information relating to MGE Energy's and MGE's business segments.
Executive Officers of the Registrants
Executive
Title
Effective
Date
Service
Years as
an Officer
Gary J. Wolter(a)
Age: 52
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
President and Chief Executive Officer
02/01/2002
02/01/2000
Lynn K. Hobbie(b)
Age: 48
Senior Vice President
02/01/2000
Mark T. Maranger(b,c)
Age: 58
Senior Vice President, MGE
04/09/2001
James G. Bidlingmaier(b)
Age: 60
Vice President - Admin. and Chief Information Officer
02/01/2000
Kristine A. Euclide(b)
Age: 54
Vice President and General Counsel, MGE
11/15/2001
Terry A. Hanson(a)
Age: 55
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
10/01/2001
Scott A. Neitzel(b)
Age: 46
Vice President - Energy Supply
Vice President- Energy Supply Policy
Vice President - Business Development and Fuels
09/01/2006
07/01/2002
09/22/2000
Jeffrey C. Newman(a)
Age: 44
Vice President and Treasurer
01/01/2001
Peter J. Waldron(b)
Age: 49
Vice President and Operations Officer
Vice President - Energy Supply Operations
Vice President - Power Supply
09/01/2006
07/01/2002
04/24/1998
Note: Ages, years of service, and positions as of December 31, 2006.
(a)
Executive officer of MGE Energy and MGE
(b)
Executive officer of MGE
(c)
Retired as of January 1, 2007
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
MGE Energy and its subsidiaries, including MGE, operate in a market environment that involves significant risks, many of which are beyond their control. The following risk factors may adversely affect their results of operations, cash flows and market price for their publicly traded securities. While MGE Energy and MGE believe they have identified and discussed below the key risk factors affecting their business, there may be additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known or that are not currently believed to be significant that may adversely affect their performance or financial condition in the future.
Regulatory Risk
We are subject to extensive government regulation in our business, which affects our costs and responsiveness to changing events and circumstances.
Our business is subject to regulation at the State and Federal levels. We are subject to regulation as a holding company by the PSCW. MGE is regulated by the PSCW as to its rates, terms and conditions of service; various business practices and transactions; financing; and transactions between it and its affiliates, including MGE Energy. MGE is also subject to regulation by the FERC, which regulates certain aspects of its business. The regulations adopted by the State and Federal agencies affect the manner in which we do business, our ability to undertake specified actions since pre-approval or authorization may be required, the costs of operations, and the level of rates charged to recover such costs. Our ability to attract capital is also dependent in part, upon our ability to obtain a fair return from the PSCW.
We face risk for the recovery of fuel and purchased power costs when they exceed the base rate established in MGE's current rate structure.
MGE burns natural gas in several of its peak electric generation facilities, and in many cases, the cost of purchased power is tied to the cost of natural gas. MGE bears significant regulatory risk for the recovery from customers of such fuel and purchased power costs when they are higher than the base rate established in its current rate structure.
We are subject to environmental laws and regulations which affects our costs and business plans.
Our subsidiaries are subject to environmental laws and regulations that may increase our cost of operations, impact or limit our business plans, or expose us to environmental liabilities.
Numerous environmental regulations govern many aspects of our present and future operations, including air emissions, water quality, wastewater discharges, solid waste, and hazardous waste. These laws and regulations can result in increased capital, operating, and other costs, particularly with regard to enforcement efforts focused on power plant emissions obligations. These laws and regulations generally require us to obtain and comply with a wide variety of environmental licenses, permits, inspections, and other approvals. Both public officials and private individuals may seek to enforce applicable environmental laws and regulations. We cannot predict the financial or operational outcome of any related litigation that may arise.
In addition, we may be a responsible party for environmental clean up at sites identified by a regulatory body. We cannot predict with certainty the amount and timing of all future expenditures related to environmental matters because of the difficulty of estimating clean up costs. There is also uncertainty in quantifying liabilities under environmental laws that impose joint and several liability on all potentially responsible parties.
We cannot assure that existing environmental regulations will not be revised or that new regulations seeking to protect the environment will not be adopted or become applicable to us. Revised or additional regulations which result in increased compliance costs or additional operating restrictions, particularly if those costs are not fully recoverable from our customers, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and on our ability to pay dividends on our common stock.
Our business may be negatively affected by the restructuring of the energy industry.
MGE is a member of the Midwest ISO, a FERC-approved RTO. Effective April 1, 2005, Midwest ISO implemented its bid-based energy market. MGE cannot predict the impact the new market may ultimately have on its electric operations. Also, the ability of Midwest ISO to maintain its members is an important factor in the success of its operations.
Operating Risk
We are affected by weather, which affects customer demand and can affect the operation of our facilities.
The demand for electricity and gas is affected by weather. Very warm and very cold temperatures, especially for prolonged periods, can dramatically increase the demand for electricity for cooling and heating, respectively, as opposed to the softening effect of more moderate temperatures. Our electric revenues are sensitive to the summer cooling season and, to a lesser extent, the winter heating season. Similarly, very cold temperatures can dramatically increase the demand for gas for heating. A significant portion of our gas system demand is driven by heating. Extreme summer conditions or storms may stress electric transmission and distribution systems, resulting in increased maintenance costs and limiting the ability to meet peak customer demand.
We are affected by economic activity within our service area.
Higher levels of development and business activity generally increase the numbers of customers and their use of electricity and gas. Likewise, periods of recessionary economic conditions generally adversely affect our results of operations.
Our ability to manage our purchased power costs is influenced by a number of uncontrollable factors.
We are exposed to additional purchased power costs to the extent that our power needs cannot be fully covered by the supplies available from our existing facilities and contractual arrangements. Those needs, and our costs, could be affected by:
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Increased demand due to, for example, weather, customer growth, or customer obligations,
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The inability to transmit our contracted power from its generation source to our customers due to transmission line constraints, outages, or equipment failures,
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Reductions in the availability of power from our owned or contracted generation sources due to equipment failures, shortages of fuel or environmental limitations on operations, and
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Failure to perform on the part of any party from which we purchase capacity or energy.
An unexpected change in demand or the availability of generation or transmission facilities can expose us to increased costs of sourcing electricity in the short-term market where pricing may be more volatile.
Our financial performance depends on the equipment and facilities in our distribution system being operational.
Weather conditions, accidents, catastrophic events, and failures of equipment or facilities can disrupt or limit our ability to deliver electricity and gas. Efforts to repair or replace equipment and facilities may not be successful, or we may be unable to make the necessary improvements to our distribution system, causing service interruptions. The resulting interruption of services could result in lost revenues and additional costs.
We face construction risk in connection with the completion of several generating units.
We have assumed risks under the agreements related to our 8.33% ownership interest in two 615 MW coal-fired generating units being constructed in Oak Creek, Wisconsin and our ownership interest in a 29.7 MW wind-powered generating facility being constructed in Worth County, Iowa. The completion of these projects is subject to construction risks over which we will have limited or no control and which might adversely affect project costs and completion time. These risks include shortages of, the inability to obtain, or the cost of, labor or materials; the inability of the general contractor or subcontractors to perform under their contracts; strikes; adverse weather conditions; the inability to obtain necessary permits in a timely manner and changes in applicable laws or regulations; governmental actions; and events in the global economy. In addition, in the case of the units being constructed in Oak Creek, if the units' final construction costs exceed the fixed costs allowed in the PSCW order, this excess will not be recoverable from MGE or its customers unless specifically allowed by the PSCW. Any Oak Creek project costs above the authorized amount, but below a 5% cap, will be subject to a prudence determination made by the PSCW.
The start of construction was delayed by litigation related to environmental matters. Thus, We Energies estimates that project costs will increase. MGE Power Elm Road's estimated share of the increase is approximately $4.0 million. This represents an increase of approximately 2.4% in the total cost of the project. We Energies believes these costs are ultimately recoverable under the terms of the lease agreements, however, recovery is subject to final calculation of costs and also to review and approval by the PSCW.
In addition, although We Energies obtained the reissuance of a WPDES permit that is required for operation of the Oak Creek/Elm Road water intake and discharge system, litigation has continued regarding the applicable standard and the resulting reissuance. An adverse decision in those proceedings could further increase construction costs and delay operation.
Financial Risk
We are exposed to commodity price risk relating to our purchases of natural gas, electricity, coal and oil.
We face commodity price risk exposure with respect to our purchases of natural gas, electricity, coal and oil, SO2 allowances and risk through our use of derivatives, such as futures, forwards and swaps, to manage that commodity price risk. We could experience increased costs as a result of volatility in the market values of those commodities. We could also experience losses on our derivative contracts as a result of that market value volatility or if a counterparty fails to perform under a contract. In the absence of actively quoted market prices and pricing information from external sources, the valuation of these derivative contracts involves our exercise of judgment and use of estimates. As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions or use of alternative valuation methods could affect the reported fair value of these contracts.
We are exposed to interest rate risk.
We are exposed to interest rate risk on our variable rate financing. MGE Energy had $57 million of variable-rate debt outstanding at December 31, 2006, including $29.5 million for MGE. Borrowing levels under commercial paper arrangements vary from period to period depending upon capital investments and other factors. Such interest rate risk means that we are exposed to increased financing costs and associated cash payment as a result of changes in the short-term interest rates.
Market performance affects our employee benefit plan asset values.
The performance of the capital markets affects the values of the assets that are held in trust to satisfy the future obligations under our pension and postretirement benefit plans. We have significant obligations in these areas and hold significant assets in these trusts. A decline in the market value of those assets may increase our current and longer-term funding requirements for these obligations.
We are exposed to credit risk primarily through our regulated energy business.
Credit risk is the loss that may result from counterparty nonperformance. We face credit risk primarily through MGE's regulated energy business. Failure of contractual counterparties to perform their obligations under power purchase agreements, commodity supply arrangements or other agreements may result in increased expenses for MGE as a result of being forced to cover the shortfall in the spot or short-term market, where prices may be more volatile.
As a holding company, we are dependent on upstream cash flows from our subsidiaries for the payment of dividends on our common stock.
As a holding company, we have no operations of our own, our ability to pay dividends on our common stock is dependent on the earnings and cash flows of our operating subsidiaries and their ability to pay upstream dividends or to repay funds to us. Prior to funding us, our subsidiaries have financial obligations that must be satisfied, including among others, debt service and obligations to trade creditors, and are subject to contractual and regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
MGE Energy and MGE
None.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties.
Electric Generation
Net generating capability in service at December 31, 2006, was as follows:
(1)
Baseload generation.
(2)
MGE's 22% share of two 512-MW units. The other owners are Alliant, which operates Columbia, and WPSC.
(3)
On January 19, 2006, MGE announced that it would cease coal-fired generation at Blount in 2011, subject to certain conditions, including regulatory approvals.
(4)
Facility is jointly owned. MGE Power West Campus owns a controlling interest in the electric generation plant and the UW owns a controlling interest in the chilled-water and steam plants. MGE leases the electric generating assets owned by MGE Power West Campus and is responsible for operating the facility. Amounts shown represent MGE's share of the net capability.
(5)
Based on the terms of the joint plant agreement between MGE and the UW, the UW has the ability to reduce net capability of these units by approximately 27 MW in the winter and approximately 17 MW in the summer.
Electric and Gas Distribution Facilities
Major electric distribution lines and substations in service at December 31, 2006, which are owned by MGE, are as follows:
Gas facilities include 2,373 miles of distribution mains, which are owned by MGE.
A significant portion of the electric and gas distribution facilities is located over or under highways, streets, other public places or property owned by others, for which permits, grants, easements or licenses, deemed satisfactory by MGE but without examination of underlying land titles, have been obtained.
Transmission Facilities
As required by Wisconsin law, MGE and other Wisconsin electric utilities transferred their electric transmission assets to ATC on January 1, 2001. MGE received an ownership interest in ATC in exchange for its transmission plant and related deferred taxes and deferred investment tax credits. MGE receives a return on its investment in ATC that is approximately equal to the return it would have earned by retaining its transmission facilities. A small portion of the 69 kV lines and substations has been classified as distribution assets.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
MGE Energy and MGE
MGE Energy and its subsidiaries, including MGE, from time to time are involved in various legal proceedings that are handled and defended in the ordinary course of business. While MGE Energy and MGE are unable to predict the outcome of these matters, management does not believe, based upon currently available facts, that the ultimate resolution of any of such proceedings would have a material adverse effect on their overall financial condition or results of operations.
Also see "Environmental" under Item 1, Business, for a description of several environmental proceedings involving MGE.
Item 4.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
MGE Energy and MGE
None.
PART II.
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrants' Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market for Common Equity
MGE Energy
MGE Energy common stock is traded on Nasdaq under the symbol MGEE. On February 1, 2007, there were approximately 18,877 registered shareholders of record. The following table shows high and low sale prices for the common stock on Nasdaq for each quarter over the past two years.
MGE
As of February 1, 2007, there were 17,347,889 outstanding shares of common stock, all of which were held by MGE Energy. There is no public trading market for shares of common stock of MGE.
Dividends
MGE Energy and MGE
The following table sets forth MGE Energy's and MGE's quarterly cash dividends declared during 2006 and 2005:
See "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Financing Activities" under Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, for a description of restrictions applicable to dividend payments by MGE.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
MGE Energy and MGE.
None.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
MGE Energy
(In thousands, except per-share amounts)
*Includes current maturities.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations.
General
MGE Energy is a holding company operating through subsidiaries in five business segments: electric utility operations, gas utility operations, nonregulated energy operations, transmission investments, and all other. Our principal subsidiary is MGE, which conducts our electric utility and gas utility operations and represents a substantial portion of our assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. MGE generates and distributes electricity to nearly 135,000 customers in Dane County, Wisconsin, including the city of Madison, and purchases and distributes natural gas to more than 138,000 customers in the Wisconsin counties of Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Iowa, Juneau, Monroe, and Vernon.
Our nonregulated energy operations have been formed to lease and own new electric generating capacity. Our nonregulated energy operations relate principally to the leasing of the cogeneration project on the UW-Madison campus. The WCCF facility began producing electricity on April 26, 2005. Our nonregulated energy operations also include an undivided 8.33% ownership interest in each of two 615 MW generating units being constructed in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Both of these operations are included in MGE's consolidated financial statements as a result of the accounting requirements of FIN 46R.
The transmission investment segment consists of our investment in ATC and the related equity earnings.
Our all other segment includes corporate operations and services, as well as certain construction services.
Our primary focus today and for the foreseeable future is our core utility customers at MGE. MGE continues to face the challenge of providing its customers with reliable power at competitive prices. MGE plans to meet this challenge by building more efficient generation projects and continuing its efforts to control its operational costs. We believe it is critical to continue maintaining a strong credit standing and financial strength in MGE as well as the parent company in order to accomplish these goals.
Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2006, Versus the Year Ended December 31, 2005
Executive Summary
In 2006, our earnings were $42.4 million or $2.06 per share compared to $32.1 million or $1.57 per share in the prior year. Results for 2005 were adversely impacted by the natural disasters in the Gulf of Mexico. These disasters and the related damage to the energy infrastructure, resulted in abnormally high fuel and purchased power costs that were not entirely recovered from our customers, and ultimately, lower 2005 earnings.
During 2006, utility operations experienced an increase in electric revenues of $7.9 million or 2.5%. This increase is attributable to an increase in rates, offset by decreases in retail volumes, sales for resale, and other electric revenues.
On December 12, 2005, the PSCW authorized MGE to increase 2006 electric revenues by $35.9 million. This increase was implemented to cover forecasted increases in fuel costs and the cost of additional facilities such as MGE Power West Campus and MGE Power Elm Road. During 2006, this authorized increase was partially offset by an interim credit issued by the PSCW.
For the year ended December 31, 2006, actual electric fuel costs were lower than those included in the aforementioned rate order. In 2006, fuel used for generation decreased $15.8 million or 24.3% compared to 2005. Additionally, purchased power expense decreased $4.5 million or 5.5% compared to 2005. As a result of lower actual fuel costs during 2006, the PSCW approved an interim credit and electric rates during this period were subject to refund. In response, MGE recorded a $19.1 decrease to other electric revenues to reflect the refund and credit due to customers. This amount includes $0.4 million in carrying costs incurred. As of December 31, 2006, $16.8 million of this amount had been credited on customers bills. The remaining $2.3 million is expected to be refunded to customers in March 2007.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, gas revenues decreased $15.3 million or 7.6%. This decrease is attributable to a 7.3% decrease in the cost per therm of gas and a decrease in gas deliveries.
Operation and maintenance expenses increased $8.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2006. This increase is primarily due to higher general and administrative expenses.
Electric Utility Operations
Electric sales and revenues
The following table compares MGE's electric retail revenues and electric kWh sales by customer class during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005:
Electric operating revenues were up 2.5% in 2006 due to the following:
(In millions)
Rate changes
$28.8
Volume
(2.3)
Sales for resale
(11.9)
Other revenues
(6.7)
Total
$7.9
•
Rates. On December 12, 2005, the PSCW authorized MGE to increase 2006 electric revenues by $35.9 million to cover rising fuel and purchased power costs and the cost of additional facilities needed to meet the rising electric needs of MGE's customers.
On March 9, 2006, the PSCW approved an interim fuel credit to reduce electric rates by $0.00069 per kWh as a result of lower January fuel costs than those in the aforementioned rate order. This credit was applied to rates as of March 9, 2006. Per the terms of the order issued on March 9, 2006, MGE's rates were also subject to refund. On May 25, 2006, the PSCW approved a stipulation filed by MGE. Under this stipulation, the interim credit was increased by $0.00454 per kWh. The aforementioned orders resulted in a $16.8 million reduction to customer bills for the year ended December 31, 2006.
On December 21, 2004, the PSCW authorized MGE to increase 2005 electric revenues by $27.4 million. Due to the natural disasters in the Gulf of Mexico and the abnormally high fuel costs that resulted, on November 11, 2005, the PSCW approved an interim fuel surcharge. During 2005, MGE recorded $1.7 million in additional electric revenues under this interim order.
•
Sales for resale. During 2006, sales for resale decreased $11.9 million. Sales for resale include transactions conducted on the PJM and Midwest ISO markets reflecting our involvement in the PJM and Midwest ISO markets since their establishment on May 1, 2004, and April 1, 2005, respectively. MGE has recorded transactions on the PJM and Midwest ISO markets in which we are buying and selling power within the same period to meet our electric energy delivery requirements on a net basis. This treatment resulted in a $154.4 million and $122.2 million reduction to sales for resale and purchased power expense for the years ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, respectively. The decrease in sales for resale for the year ended December 31, 2006, when compared to the same period in the prior year is largely attributable to a change in the relationship between the cost of purchased power and the cost of internal generation. Namely, during 2006 the cost to purchase power in certain periods was less than the cost to internally generate. Accordingly, MGE was purchasing more power from the market than they were selling power into the market for the year ended December 31, 2006, when compared to the same period in 2005.
•
Volume. During 2006, there was a 0.7% decrease in total retail sales volumes. This decrease is primarily attributable to cooler temperatures during the summer months. Cooling degree days for the year ended December 31, 2006, decreased 24.8% from 847 for the year ended December 31, 2005, to 637 for the year ended December 31, 2006.
•
Other Revenues. Other electric revenues decreased $6.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, compared to the same period in the prior year. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, MGE recorded a net $2.3 million reduction to other electric revenues to account for the effects of the interim orders described above under "Rates."
During the year ended December 31, 2006, MGE recovered in electric rates carrying costs on WCCF and Elm Road. MGE recorded a $5.2 million adjustment to other electric revenues to eliminate the recognition of revenue related to these costs in the electric segment as revenue related to these carrying costs is recorded by MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus (see discussion of these revenues in the "nonregulated operations revenue" section).
For the year ended December 31, 2005, MGE recorded a $0.8 million adjustment to other electric revenues to eliminate the recognition of revenues related to carrying costs on MGE Power West Campus.
Electric fuel and purchased power
In 2006, fuel used for electric generation decreased $15.8 million, or 24.3%, compared to 2005. The per-unit cost of internal generation decreased 11.3% for the year ended December 31, 2006, when compared to the same period in the prior year, reflecting the decreased cost of natural gas. Recall that fuel costs in 2005 were abnormally high due to the natural disasters that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico and the reduction in natural gas supplies that resulted.
The volume of internal generation also decreased during this period reflecting a shift between internal generation and purchased power. Namely, MGE found that during certain time periods it was more cost effective to satisfy demand through purchased power, rather than internal generation.
Despite a 14.5% increase in the volume of purchased power for the year ended December 31, 2006, purchased power expense decreased by $4.5 million, or 5.5%. This decrease reflects a 17.5% decrease in the per-unit-cost partially offset by the aforementioned increase in volume.
MGE has recorded transactions on the PJM and Midwest ISO markets in which we are buying and selling power within the same period to meet our electric energy delivery requirements on a net basis. This treatment resulted in a $154.4 million and $122.2 million reduction to purchased power expense for the years ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, respectively.
Electric operating expenses
Electric operating expense increased $7.9 million in 2006. The following changes contributed to the net change in electric operating expenses for 2006:
(In millions)
Increased rent expense (a)
$4.9
Increased other general and administrative expenses
2.7
Increased transmission costs
0.1
Decreased production costs
(0.8)
Increased distribution costs
0.4
Increased customer services, promotions, and account costs
0.6
Total
$7.9
(a)
This increase relates to the commencement of the leasing arrangement between MGE and MGE Power West Campus on April 26, 2005. In accordance with the terms of this leasing arrangement, the electric segment recorded $15.0 million and $10.1 million in rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, respectively. Upon consolidation, this amount is eliminated.
Electric maintenance expense
In 2006, electric maintenance expense increased $1.1 million, or 8.4%, due to a increase in the maintenance of distribution assets ($1.0 million) and the maintenance of general and administrative facilities ($0.1 million).
Electric depreciation
Electric depreciation expense increased $0.8 million in 2006. This increase is attributable to additions to electric production assets at the Columbia and Blount facilities.
Gas Utility Operations
Gas deliveries and revenues
The following table compares MGE's gas retail revenues and gas delivered by customer class during each of the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005:
Gas revenues decreased 7.6% in 2006 due to the following:
(In millions)
Gas costs/rates
$ (6.5)
Gas deliveries
(8.5)
Gas transportation
(0.2)
Other effects
(0.1)
Total
$(15.3)
Average rate per therm of retail customers
$1.08
•
Gas costs/rates. Gas costs decreased significantly for the year ended December 31, 2006, from those costs experienced for the year ended December 31, 2005. MGE's natural gas rates are subject to a fuel adjustment clause designed to recover or refund the difference between the actual cost of purchased gas and the amount included in rates. Differences between the amounts billed to customers and the actual costs recoverable are deferred and recovered or refunded in future periods by means of prospective monthly adjustments to rates. As a result of a decrease in gas prices, MGE's average rate per therm for retail customers in 2006 decreased 3.3%.
•
Retail gas deliveries. In 2006, retail gas deliveries decreased 4.5%. This decrease is primarily attributable to warmer temperatures. Heating degree days for the year ended December 31, 2006, were 6,520 compared to 6,840 for the same period in the prior year.
•
Transportation and other gas revenues. In 2006, there was a $0.3 million decrease in transportation and other gas revenues. This decrease represents a $0.2 million decrease in transportation revenues and a $0.1 million decrease in revenues earned under the GCIM and other miscellaneous gas revenues. Under MGE's GCIM, if actual gas commodity costs are above or below a benchmark set by the PSCW, then MGE's gas sales service customers and shareholders share equally in any increased costs or savings. The PSCW allows MGE to resell gas pipeline capacity reserved to meet peak demands but not needed every day to serve customers. Revenues from capacity release that exceed or fall short of PSCW-targeted levels are shared equally. In 2006 and 2005, MGE shareholders received the benefit of $2.5 million and $2.7 million from capacity release revenues and commodity savings under the GCIM, respectively.
Natural gas purchased
In 2006, natural gas purchased decreased $16.8 million, or 11.5%. This decrease is primarily due to lower average wellhead prices. Natural gas prices (cost per therm) decreased 7.3% in 2006. As mentioned, in 2005 natural gas prices were atypically high due to the natural disasters that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the amount of natural gas purchased also decreased from those levels experienced for the same period in the prior year. Due primarily to lower retail sales volumes, the volume of natural gas purchased decreased 4.6% for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Gas operating expenses
Gas operating expense increased $4.1 million, or 15.3%, in 2006. The following changes contributed to the net change in gas operating expense for the year:
(In millions)
Increased production costs
$0.4
Increased other administrative and general expenses
2.0
Increased distribution costs
0.2
Increased customer services, promotions, account costs
1.5
Total
$4.1
Gas maintenance expenses
Gas maintenance expense for the year ended December 31, 2006, did not change from the $2.3 million experienced for the same period in the prior year. This expense primarily relates to maintenance work performed on distribution assets.
Gas depreciation
Gas depreciation expense increased $0.4 million in 2006 as a result of additional gas plant assets. For example, during the year ended December 31, 2006, additional mains, services, and meters were placed in service.
Other Income (Expense)
Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2006, for the electric and gas segments was $1.0 million, compared to other income of $0.1 million for the same period in the prior year. During 2006, the gas and electric segments recognized a total of $2.2 million in charitable contributions. This expense was partially offset by $0.6 million in AFUDC-equity and $0.6 million in other miscellaneous income. The other miscellaneous income includes a $0.6 million gain on our heating degree day instrument.
For the year ended December 31, 2005, the gas and electric segments recognized a total of $0.4 million in AFUDC-equity funds and a $0.1 million gain on the sale of assets. This income was offset by $0.2 million in charitable contributions recorded in the electric and gas segments and $0.2 million in miscellaneous expense, net.
Interest Expense
For the year-ended December 31, 2006, total interest expense for the electric and gas segments increased $1.2 million when compared to the same period in the prior year. For the year ended December 31, 2006, there was a $1.3 million increase in interest expense on short-term debt at the electric and gas segments as a result of increased interest rates and higher levels of short-term debt for much of the year. These increases were offset by a $0.1 million increase in AFUDC-debt income at the electric and gas segments.
Nonregulated Energy Operations
Nonregulated Energy operating revenues
Operating revenues from nonregulated energy operations were $18.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. This amount includes $15.0 million in interdepartmental revenues. The interdepartmental revenues relate to the leasing arrangement between MGE and MGE Power West Campus which commenced on April 26, 2005. In accordance with the provisions of this leasing arrangement, the Nonregulated Energy Operations, via MGE Power West Campus, recorded $15.0 million and $10.1 million in lease revenue for the years ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, respectively. Upon consolidation, this interdepartmental amount is eliminated.
Also included in operating revenues is the recognition of revenues related to carrying costs for MGE Power West Campus and MGE Power Elm Road (2006 only). MGE received approval from the PSCW to collect approximately $12.1 million in carrying costs incurred by MGE Power West Campus during construction of the WCCF facility. MGE is collecting these costs in rates over a period of ten years. Of these costs, $4.1 million relates to the capitalized interest and the debt portion of the facility. These costs are recognized over the period in which the facility is being depreciated (40 years). The remaining amount of $8.0 million represents the equity portion and is recognized over the ten-year period for recovery in rates. For the years ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, MGE Power West Campus recognized $1.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively, related to carrying costs on WCCF, management, demolition, and removal fees.
MGE also received approval from the PSCW to collect carrying costs expected to be incurred by MGE Power Elm Road during construction of the Elm Road project. Current forecasts estimate the total carrying costs to be incurred to be $54.3 million. A portion of this amount is being recognized over the period allowed for recovery in rates ($32.6 million) and a portion is being deferred and will be recognized over the period in which the facility is depreciated ($21.7 million). For the year ended December 31, 2006, MGE Power Elm Road recognized $2.3 million related to carrying costs on the Elm Road project.
Nonregulated energy operations and maintenance expense
For the years ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, other operations and maintenance expense remained consistent. These expenses primarily relate to administrative and general expenses at MGE Power West Campus and MGE Power Elm Road.
Nonregulated energy depreciation expense
Depreciation expense began when the WCCF commenced operations on April 26, 2005. Depreciation expense for the year ended December 31, 2006, was $2.7 million compared to $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, reflecting a partial year of depreciation in 2005.
Nonregulated energy interest expense, net
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, interest expense, net at the nonregulated energy operations segment increased $1.1 million compared to the same period in the prior year. Interest expense at the nonregulated energy segment for the year ended December 31, 2006, represents interest expense on the long-term borrowings held by MGE Power West Campus. On September 30, 2003, MGE Power West Campus issued $30.0 million of 5.68% senior secured notes maturing September 25, 2033 and on October 27, 2005, issued $20.0 million of 5.19% senior secured notes also due September 25, 2033. Interest expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, related to these borrowings was $2.8 million and $1.9 million, respectively.
Also included in the nonregulated interest expense is interdepartmental interest expense at MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, MGE Power Elm Road was charged $1.9 million and $0.2 million, respectively, in interest expense by Corporate on funds borrowed for the Elm Road Project. This expense is eliminated upon consolidation. During the year ended December 31, 2005, MGE Power West Campus recorded $0.4 million in interdepartmental interest expense. This expense is also eliminated upon consolidation.
The interest expense at MGE Power Elm Road is offset by $1.9 million and $0.2 million in capitalized interest during the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, respectively. Under the provision of SFAS 34, MGE Power Elm Road is capitalizing interest on the Elm Road Project. During construction of the WCCF, MGE Power West Campus also recorded capitalized interest in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 34. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2005, $0.7 million in capitalized interest was recognized as an offset to interest expense. On April 26, 2005, when the electric generation facilities of WCCF began generating electricity, MGE Power West Campus discontinued the capitalization of interest, as the project was deemed to be substantially complete.
For the year ended December 31, 2006, MGE Power Elm Road recorded $0.1 million in interest income on the cash advanced to Elm Road Services, LLC for construction of transmission equipment and work done by ATC related to Elm Road.
Transmission Investment Operations
Transmission investment other income (loss)
For the year ended December 31, 2006, other income at the transmission investment segment was $5.3 million, compared to $4.9 million for the same period in the prior year. The transmission investment segment holds our interest in ATC, and its income reflects our equity earnings in ATC.
All Other Operations
All other revenues
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, the All Other segment did not record any revenues. However, MGE Construct received service fees of $1.3 million from the State in 2005. The service fees earned relate to MGE Construct's role as EPC contractor for WCCF. This amount is classified as nonregulated revenue within MGE Energy's financial statements. The total fee of $5.0 million had been recognized at December 31, 2005. This amount was recognized as services were rendered and was collected over a 22-month period.
All other operations and maintenance expense
All other operations and maintenance expense for the year ended December 31, 2006, increased $0.2 million when compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase is related to a increase in general and administrative expense at corporate. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the all other segment recorded a $0.2 million gain as a result of the settlement of disputed legal fees.
All other interest income (expense)
All other interest income for the year ended December 31, 2006, was $0.8 million compared to $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. Interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, includes $1.9 million and $0.2 million in interdepartmental income from MGE Power Elm Road. Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2005, this balance includes $0.4 million in interdepartmental income from MGE Power West Campus. This interest income is eliminated upon consolidation. This interest income for the year ended December 31, 2006, is offset in part by $1.1 million in interest expense on short-term debt. Interest expense on these borrowings was $0.5 million for the same period in the prior year.
Consolidated Other General Taxes
MGE Energy and MGE's other general taxes increased 16.1% in 2006 primarily because MGE's license fee tax increased. The annual license fee tax expense is based on adjusted operating revenues of the prior year. Tax rates have not increased.
Consolidated Income Taxes
MGE Energy's effective income tax rate is 37.9% for 2006 compared to 38.2% in 2005. The lower effective tax rate is chiefly due to the recognition, in 2006, of tax benefits from the domestic manufacturing deduction, as provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, over time periods related to PSCW rate action.
Minority Interest, Net of Tax
For the year ended December 31, 2006, MGE Energy (through its wholly owned subsidiary MGE Power) earned $7.8 million and $1.4 million for its interest in MGE Power West Campus and MGE Power Elm Road. Additionally, MGE Energy earned $0.4 million, net of tax for its interest in MGE Transco.
For the year ended December 31, 2005, MGE Energy earned $5.4 million, net of tax , for its interest in MGE Power West Campus and less than $0.1 million for its interest in MGE Transco and MGE Power Elm Road. These amounts are recorded as minority interest expense, net of tax, on MGE's Consolidated Statement of Income.
Year Ended December 31, 2005, Versus the Year Ended December 31, 2004
Executive Summary
In 2005, our earnings were $32.1 million or $1.57 per share compared to $33.8 million or $1.77 per share in the prior year. This decrease is primarily a result of the natural disasters that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico during 2005 and the resulting impact on fuel costs. In 2005, fuel used for electric generation increased $22.0 million, or 51.1%, compared to 2004. Additionally, purchased power expense increased by $29.7 million. These increases in costs were partially offset by a $60.6 million increase in electric revenues. This increase is attributable to an increase in rates that became effective in January 2005, an increase in sales for resale, and warmer temperatures, which increased demand for the summer months. For the year ended December 31, 2005, purchased natural gas expense increased $31.5 million or 27.4%, largely due to higher natural gas prices. This increase was partially offset by a $28.8 million increase in gas revenues.
Operation and maintenance expenses increased due to higher electric transmission expenses. These increases were partially offset by lower distribution expenses and general and administrative costs.
Electric Utility Operations
Electric sales and revenues
The following table compares MGE's electric retail revenues and electric kWh sales by customer class during the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004:
Electric operating revenues were up 24.2% in 2005 due to the following:
(In millions)
Rate changes
$34.3
Sales for resale
16.6
Volume
13.6
Other effects
(3.9)
Total
$60.6
•
Rates. On December 21, 2004, the PSCW authorized MGE to increase 2005 electric revenues by $27.4 million to cover rising fuel costs, commercial operation of WCCF, and increased transmission expenses.
On November 11, 2005, the PSCW approved MGE's request for an interim fuel surcharge to increase electric rates in 2005 due to a significant increase in fuel costs. MGE recorded $1.7 million in additional electric revenues during 2005 under this interim order.
The PSCW also authorized increases in MGE's electric rates effective January 14, 2004, to cover rising fuel costs and increased system demands. In 2004, MGE recorded a reduction to electric revenues of $3.4 million, to reflect a fuel credit refund due to customers as a result of a PSCW proceeding initiated on August 10, 2004. Of this amount, $1.8 million was included in customers' 2004 bills, resulting in a reduction to 2004 rates. Additionally, during 2003 a fuel credit in the amount of $4.0 million was recognized. Of this amount, $3.2 million was refunded to customers in the first quarter of 2004. This also resulted in a reduction to 2004 electric rates, and contributed to the aforementioned change.
•
Sales for resale. During 2005, sales for resale increased $16.6 million. Sales for resale include transactions conducted on the PJM and Midwest ISO markets reflecting our involvement in the PJM and Midwest ISO markets since their establishment on May 1, 2004, and April 1, 2005, respectively. This increase is attributable to MGE's involvement in these markets.
MGE has recorded transactions on the PJM and Midwest ISO markets in which we are buying and selling power within the same period to meet our electric energy delivery requirements on a net basis. This treatment resulted in a $122.2 million and $3.2 million reduction to sales for resale and purchased power expense for the years ended December 31, 2005, and December 31, 2004, respectively.
•
Volume. During 2005, there was a 4.9% increase in total retail sales volumes. This increase is primarily attributable to warmer temperatures. Cooling degree days for the year ended December 31, 2005, increased 88.2% from 450 for the year ended December 31, 2004, to 847 for the year ended December 31, 2005.
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Other Revenues. Other electric revenues decreased $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to the prior year. During 2005, MGE began recovering in electric rates the payments to MGE Power West Campus for carrying costs on construction expenditures for the WCCF. The electric revenues were offset by a reduction to other electric revenues, as these amounts are recorded by MGE Power West Campus. For the year ended December 31, 2005, a total reduction of $0.8 million was recorded to other electric revenues.
Additionally, during the first quarter of 2004, MGE reversed the 2003 fuel credit liability, which was refunded to customers during the first quarter of 2004. The actual fuel refund decreased retail revenues and was offset by an increase in other electric revenues. The fuel credit liability was previously recorded from August 2003 to January 2004 as a reduction in other electric revenues.
Electric fuel and purchased power
In 2005, fuel used for electric generation increased $22.0 million, or 51.1%, compared to 2004. This increase is due to an increase in the costs of internal generation and an increase in internally generated power. The per-unit cost of internal generation increased 45.6% for the year ended December 31, 2005, when compared to the same period in the prior year, reflecting the increased cost of natural gas. That increase is largely due to the natural disasters that have occurred in the Gulf of Mexico and the reduced availability to natural gas supplies. The volume of internal generation increased 3.8% for the year ended December 31, 2005, when compared to the same period in the prior year.
Purchased power expense increased by $29.7 million, or 57.1%, for 2005, compared to 2004. This increase reflects a 33.4% increase in the per-unit-cost and a 17.7% increase in the volume of purchased power.
MGE has recorded transactions on the PJM and Midwest ISO markets in which we are buying and selling power within the same period to meet our electric energy delivery requirements on a net basis. This treatment resulted in a $122.2 million and $3.2 million reduction to purchased power expense for the years ended December 31, 2005, and December 31, 2004, respectively.
.
Electric operating expenses
Electric operating expense increased $13.9 million in 2005. The following changes contributed to the net change in electric operating expenses for 2005:
(In millions)
Increased rent expense (a)
$10.1
Increased transmission costs (b)
3.7
Increased production costs
1.5
Decreased distribution costs
(0.4)
Decreased other general and administrative expenses
(1.8)
Increased customer services, promotions, and account costs
0.8
Total
$13.9
(a)
This increase relates to the commencement of the leasing arrangement between MGE and MGE Power West Campus in 2005. In accordance with the terms of this leasing arrangement, the electric segment recorded $10.1 million in rent expense for the year ended December 31, 2005. Upon consolidation, this amount is eliminated.
(b)
The increase in transmission costs reflects a rate increase, which became effective on January 1, 2005, and an increase in the volume of transmitted electricity over 2004.
Electric maintenance expense
In 2005, electric maintenance expense decreased $0.2 million, or 1.5%, due to a decrease in the maintenance of distribution assets ($0.7 million), partially offset by an increase in the maintenance of production assets, including turbine and generator overhauls ($0.5 million).
Electric depreciation
Electric depreciation expense increased $1.9 million in 2005. This increase is attributable to higher levels of electric plant assets.
Gas Utility Operations
Gas deliveries and revenues
The following table compares MGE's gas retail revenues and gas delivered by customer class during each of the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004:
Gas revenues increased 16.7% in 2005 due to the following:
(In millions)
Gas costs/rates
$25.9
Gas deliveries
1.9
Gas transportation
(0.4)
Other effects
1.4
Total
$28.8
Average rate per therm of residential customers
$1.21
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Gas costs/rates. Gas costs increased significantly in 2005. The average rate per therm for residential customers in 2005 increased 13.1%. See Footnote 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on gas base rates.
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Retail gas deliveries. In 2005, retail gas deliveries increased 1.0%. This increase is primarily attributable to additional commercial and industrial use.
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Gas transportation. In 2005, there was a 6.9% decrease in deliveries. This decrease represents customers switching from gas to other fuel options, due to the higher price of gas.
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Other revenues. Other revenues increased $1.4 million in 2005. This increase relates to increases in miscellaneous gas income under MGE's GCIM.
Under MGE's GCIM, if actual gas commodity costs are above or below a benchmark set by the PSCW, then MGE's gas sales service customers and shareholders share equally in any increased costs or savings. The PSCW allows MGE to resell gas pipeline capacity reserved to meet peak demands but not needed every day to serve customers. Revenues from capacity release that exceed or fall short of PSCW-targeted levels are shared equally. In 2005 and 2004, MGE shareholders received the benefit of $2.7 and $1.4 million from capacity release revenues and commodity savings under the GCIM, respectively.
Natural gas purchased
In 2005, natural gas purchased increased $31.5 million, or 27.4%. This increase is primarily due to higher average wellhead prices. Natural gas prices (cost per therm) increased 27.5% in 2005. A PGA clause allows MGE to pass along to customers the cost of gas, subject to certain limited incentives. The PGA is authorized by the PSCW. This increase was slightly offset by a decrease in the volume of natural gas purchased (0.1%) for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Gas operating expenses
Gas operating expense decreased $1.5 million, or 5.3%, in 2005. The following changes contributed to the net change in gas operating expense for the year:
(In millions)
Increased production costs
$ 0.1
Decreased distribution costs
(0.2)
Decreased customer services, promotions, account costs
(0.6)
Decreased other administrative and general expenses
(0.8)
Total
$(1.5)
Gas maintenance expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to the same period in the prior year, gas maintenance expense increased $0.1 million or 3.8%. This increase is attributable to an increase in the maintenance of distribution assets.
Gas depreciation
Gas depreciation expense increased $0.5 million in 2005 as a result of additional gas plant assets.
Other Income (Loss)
Other income for the year ended December 31, 2005, for the electric and gas segments was $0.1 million, compared to other expense of $0.9 million for the same period in the prior year. During 2005, the gas and electric segments recognized a total of $0.4 million in AFUDC-equity and a $0.1 million gain on the sale of assets. This income was offset by $0.2 million in charitable contributions and $0.2 million in miscellaneous expense, net.
For the year ended December 31, 2004, the gas and electric segments recognized a total of $0.5 million in AFUDC-equity funds and $0.8 million in miscellaneous income. This income was offset by $2.2 million in charitable contributions recorded in the electric and gas segments.
Interest Expense
For the year-ended December 31, 2005, total interest expense for the electric and gas segments increased $0.7 million when compared to the same period in the prior year. For the year ended December 31, 2005, there was a $0.9 million increase in interest expense on short-term debt at the electric and gas segments as a result of increased levels of short-term debt. These increases were offset by a $0.2 million decrease in interest expense on long-term debt at the electric and gas segments.
Nonregulated Energy Operations
Nonregulated energy operating revenues
Operating revenues from nonregulated energy operations were $10.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. This amount includes $10.1 million in interdepartmental revenues. The interdepartmental revenues relate to the leasing arrangement between MGE and MGE Power West Campus which commenced on April 26, 2005. In accordance with the provisions of this leasing arrangement, the Nonregulated energy operations, via MGE Power West Campus, recorded $10.1 million in lease revenue for the year ended December 31, 2005. Upon consolidation, this interdepartmental amount is eliminated.
Also included in operating revenues is the recognition of $0.6 million in revenues related to carrying costs. MGE received approval from the PSCW to collect approximately $12.1 million in carrying costs incurred by MGE Power West Campus during construction of the WCCF facility. MGE is collecting these costs in rates over a period of ten years. Of these costs, $4.1 million relate to the capitalized interest and the debt portion of the facility. These costs are recognized over the period in which the facility is being depreciated (40 years). The remaining amount of $8.0 million represents the equity portion and is recognized over the ten-year period for recovery in rates. On April 26, 2005, the WCCF facility lease between MGE and MGE Power West Campus commenced and MGE Power West Campus began recognizing revenue related to these carrying costs.
Nonregulated energy operations and maintenance expense
For the year ended December 31, 2005, other operations and maintenance expense decreased $0.1 million, when compared to the same period in the prior year. This is primarily related to lower administrative and general expenses at MGE Power West Campus due to the completion of construction.
Nonregulated energy depreciation expense
Depreciation expense began when the WCCF commenced generation on April 26, 2005, and was $1.9 million for 2005.
Nonregulated energy interest expense, net
For the year ended December 31, 2005, interest expense, net at the nonregulated energy operations segment increased $1.5 million or 100%, compared to the same period in the prior year. During construction of the WCCF, MGE Power West Campus recorded capitalized interest in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 34. As such, during 2004, $2.1 million in capitalized interest was recognized as an offset to interest expense. On April 26, 2005, when the electric generation facilities of WCCF began generating electricity, MGE Power West Campus discontinued the capitalization of interest, as the project was deemed to be substantially complete. As such, during the year ended 2005, only $0.7 million of capitalized interest was recorded.
Additionally, interest expense increased as a result of a new long-term debt issue. On October 27, 2005, MGE Power West Campus issued $20.0 million of 5.19% senior secured notes due September 25, 2033. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2005, related to this facility was $0.2 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2005, MGE Power West Campus recorded $0.4 million in interdepartmental interest expense. This expense is eliminated upon consolidation.
Transmission Investment Operations
Transmission investment other income (loss)
For the year ended December 31, 2005, other income at the transmission investment segment was $4.9 million, compared to $4.2 million for the same period in the prior year. The transmission investment segment holds our interest in ATC, and its income reflects our equity in the earnings of ATC.
All Other Operations
All other revenues
MGE Construct received service fees of $1.3 million and $2.7 million from the State in 2005 and 2004, respectively. The service fees earned relate to MGE Construct's role as EPC contractor for WCCF. This amount is classified as nonregulated revenue within MGE Energy's financial statements. The total fee of $5.0 million had been recognized at December 31, 2005. This amount was recognized as services were rendered and was collected over a 22-month period.
All other operations and maintenance expense
All other operations and maintenance expense for the year ended December 31, 2005, decreased $0.2 million when compared to the same period in the prior year. This decrease is related to a decrease in general and administrative expense at corporate.
All other, other income (expense)
Other income (expense) decreased $0.6 million or 100% for the year ended December 31, 2005, when compared to the same period in the prior year. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the all other segment recorded a $0.6 million gain from the sale of assets. This relates to the gain on the sale of land held by Magael.
All other interest income (expense)
All other interest income for the year ended December 31, 2005, was $0.1 million, compared to interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2004, of $0.1 million. This increase is largely due to interest earned on outstanding interdepartmental receivables. This amount is eliminated upon consolidation.
Consolidated Other General Taxes
MGE Energy and MGE's other general taxes increased 4.4% in 2005 primarily because MGE's license fee tax increased. The annual license fee tax expense is based on adjusted operating revenues of the prior year. Tax rates have not increased.
Consolidated Income Taxes
MGE Energy's effective income tax rate is 38.2% for 2005 compared to 37.9% in 2004. The higher income tax rate is primarily due to a higher state tax rate as a result of a tax settlement in 2005 for the Wisconsin 1990 to 1996 exam cycle.
Minority Interest, Net of Tax
For the year ended December 31, 2005, MGE Energy (through its wholly owned subsidiary MGE Power) earned $5.4 million and less than $0.1 million, net of tax, for its interest in MGE Power West Campus and MGE Power Elm Road. Additionally, MGE Energy had earned less than $0.1 million, net of tax for its interest in MGE Transco. These amounts are recorded as minority interest expense, net of tax, on MGE's Consolidated Statement of Income.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
The following summarizes cash flows for MGE Energy and MGE during 2006, 2005, and 2004:
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
MGE Energy
MGE Energy's consolidated net cash provided by operating activities is derived mainly from the electric and gas operations of its principal subsidiary, MGE.
2006 vs. 2005
Cash provided by operating activities increased $47.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, when compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in net income and decreases in accounts receivable, inventories, and unbilled revenues. Namely, MGE Energy's net income increased $10.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, when compared to the same period in the prior year. MGE Energy's working capital accounts contributed to $8.7 million in cash provided by operating activities, compared to a use of cash of $23.8 million for the same period in the prior year.
As a result of the natural disasters that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico, fuel costs were atypically high in the latter portion of 2005. The high fuel costs had several impacts on the financial statements of MGE Energy for the year ended December 31, 2005. For instance, high fuel costs ultimately resulted in an increase to both electric and gas rates. The increase in rates for both the electric and gas segment resulted in higher billed and unbilled receivables at December 31, 2005. Additionally, the increase in fuel costs above those forecasted in MGE's rate order, was a source of the lower net income that was experienced for the year ended December 31, 2005, and caused the cost of inventories, such as gas in storage to be atypically high. The offsetting impact on cash flows of these disasters in 2005 is a reduction in accounts payable. Because of the high costs of gas, accounts payable levels at December 31, 2005, were higher than normal levels.
During 2006 and 2005, MGE Construct collected $2.4 million and $2.5 of the retainage receivable from the State under the EPC agreement related to the construction of the WCCF, respectively. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2006, MGE billed $2.3 million (net of $16.8 million returned to customers between March 9, 2006, and December 31, 2006) in electric rates which, pursuant to an interim order issued by the PSCW, is required to be refunded to customers. This credit was recorded as a reduction to other electric revenues in the consolidated income statement of MGE Energy for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, and is shown as a noncash adjustment to net income on the consolidated statement of cash flows of MGE Energy.
Other non-current items, net contributed $4.4 million to cash flows from operations for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to $0.7 million in cash used for operations for the year ended December 31, 2005. Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, MGE Energy made $5.8 million and $5.5 million in voluntary cash contributions to the pension and other postretirement plans, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, MGE recorded a $3.2 million provision for doubtful accounts. This represents a $1.2 million increase from the amount recorded during the same period in the prior year. In 2006 MGE experienced a deterioration in the composition of the aging of its accounts receivable largely attributable to the increase in gas and electric rates that was experienced in the latter portion of 2005. MGE recorded $10.2 million in employee benefit expenses compared to $9.7 million for the prior year. See Footnote 14 for further discussion of MGE Energy's Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits.
For the year ended December 31, 2006, MGE Energy recorded $5.3 million in equity earnings from ATC and $4.0 million in cash dividends received from ATC. For the same period in the prior year, MGE Energy recorded $4.9 million in equity earnings from ATC and $3.6 million in cash dividends from ATC.
There was a $5.7 million decrease in deferred tax expense between 2006 and 2005. This decrease is largely attributable to the expiration, on December 31, 2005, of federal law permitting bonus tax depreciation. This law allowed taxpayers to claim additional bonus depreciation equal to 50% of the qualifying basis of certain property placed in service prior to January 1, 2006. For the year ended December 31, 2005, bonus tax depreciation resulted in approximately $11.2 million in deferred tax expense, due to the placement in service of WCCF.
2005 vs. 2004
Cash provided by operating activities decreased $9.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, when compared to the same period in the prior year. This decrease is attributable to a slight decrease in net income and increased amounts of inventories, receivables, unbilled revenues, and payables. For the year ended December 31, 2005, unbilled revenues increased $5.6 million compared to $3.2 million in the prior year and trade and other receivables increased $18.9 million compared to $8.2 million in the prior year. This increase is primarily attributable to increased revenues period over period as a result of higher rates and increased volumes. During 2005, there was a $6.2 million increase in materials and supplies and a $6.3 million increase in natural gas held in storage. The increase in the materials and supplies account is attributable to a significant increase in the cost of SO2 emission allowances. These allowances are classified within inventory at the lower of market or average cost on the consolidated balance sheet. The increase in stored natural gas and accounts payable is largely attributable to the increase in the price of natural gas. These increases were slightly offset by a decrease in prepaid taxes and the collection of a $2.5 million retainage receivable. During 2005, MGE Construct collected $2.5 million of the retainage receivable from the State under the EPC agreement related to the construction of the WCCF. Additionally, there was a $2.1 million increase in deferred tax expense and a $4.4 million increase in depreciation expense between 2005 and 2004, primarily provided by the WCCF.
Other non-current items, net resulted in cash outflows of $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to $2.4 million in 2004. Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 2005, and December 31, 2004, MGE Energy made $5.5 million and $2.3 million in voluntary cash contributions to the pension and other postretirement plans, respectively.
MGE
2006 vs. 2005
Cash provided by operating activities increased $64.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, when compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in net income and decreases in accounts receivable, inventories, and unbilled revenues. Namely, MGE's net income increased $6.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, when compared to the same period in the prior year. MGE's working capital accounts contributed to $5.5 million in cash provided by operating activities, compared to a use of cash of $43.8 million for the same period in the prior year.
As a result of the natural disasters that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico, fuel costs were atypically high in the latter portion of 2005. The high fuel costs had several impacts on the financial statements of MGE for the year ended December 31, 2005. For instance, high fuel costs ultimately resulted in an increase to both electric and gas rates. The increase in rates for both the electric and gas segment resulted in higher billed and unbilled receivables at December 31, 2005. Additionally, the increase in fuel costs above those forecasted in MGE's rate order, was a source of the lower net income that was experienced for the year ended December 31, 2005, and caused the cost of inventories, such as gas in storage to be atypically high. The offsetting impact on cash flows of these disasters in 2005 is a reduction in accounts payable. Because of the high costs of gas, accounts payable levels at December 31, 2005, were higher than normal levels.
Other non-current items, net resulted in $4.4 million in cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to $0.6 million in cash used by operating activities for the same period in the prior year. Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, MGE made $5.8 million and $5.5 million in voluntary cash contributions to the pension and other postretirement plans.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, MGE billed $2.3 million (net of $16.8 million returned to customers between March 9, 2006, and December 31, 2006) in electric rates which, pursuant to an interim order issued by the PSCW, is required to be refunded to customers. This credit was recorded as a reduction to other electric revenues in the consolidated income statement of MGE for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, and is shown as a noncash adjustment to net income on the consolidated statement of cash flows of MGE.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, MGE recorded a $3.2 million provision for doubtful accounts. This represents a $1.2 million increase from the amount recorded during the same period in the prior year. In 2006, MGE experienced a deterioration in the composition of the aging of its accounts receivable largely attributable to the increase in gas and electric rates that was experienced in the latter portion of 2005. MGE recorded $10.2 million in employee benefit expenses compared to $9.7 million for the prior year. See Footnote 14 for further discussion of MGE's Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits.
For the year ended December 31, 2006, MGE recorded $5.3 million in equity earnings from ATC and $4.0 million in cash dividends received from ATC. For the same period in the prior year, MGE recorded $4.9 million in equity earnings from ATC and $3.6 million in cash dividends from ATC.
There was a $6.1 million decrease in deferred tax expense between 2006 and 2005. This decrease is largely attributable to the expiration, on December 31, 2005, of federal law permitting bonus tax depreciation. This law allowed taxpayers to claim additional bonus depreciation equal to 50% of the qualifying basis of certain property placed in service prior to January 1, 2006. For the year ended December 31, 2005, bonus tax depreciation resulted in approximately $11.2 million in deferred tax expense, due to the placement in service of WCCF.
For the year ended December 31, 2006, MGE recorded $9.6 million in minority interest, net of tax, compared to $5.4 million for the same period in the prior year. This amount relates to net income earned by MGE Energy from its interest in MGE Power West Campus, MGE Power Elm Road, and MGE Transco.
2005 vs. 2004
Cash provided by operating activities was $32.8 million for 2005 compared to $60.8 million for 2004. This decrease is attributable to a slight decrease in net income and increased amounts of inventories, receivables, unbilled revenues, and payables. The decrease in net income is largely due to increased fuel costs in 2005. The increases in unbilled revenues and accounts receivable is primarily attributable to increased revenues period over period as a result of higher rates and increased volumes. The increase in the materials and supplies account is related to a significant increase in the cost of SO2 emission allowances. These allowances are classified within inventory at the lower of market or average cost on the consolidated balance sheet. The increase in stored natural gas is a result of the increase in the price of natural gas.
These increases were offset by a decrease in prepaid taxes and an increase in accrued taxes and interest. Additionally, there was a $4.4 million increase in depreciation expense between 2005 and 2004, primarily provided by the WCCF, a $2.1 million increase in deferred tax expense, and $5.4 million in minority interest expense, net of tax. This amount relates to net income earned by MGE Energy from its interest in MGE Power West Campus and MGE Transco.
Other non-current items, net resulted in cash outflows of $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to $2.5 million in 2004. Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 2005, and December 31, 2004, MGE made $5.5 million and $2.3 million in voluntary cash contributions to the pension and other postretirement plans, respectively.
Capital Requirements and Investing Activities
MGE Energy
2006 vs. 2005
In 2006, MGE Energy's cash used for investing activities increased $18.7 million. Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2006, were $92.6 million. This amount represents a $6.8 million increase from those made in the prior year. This increase is related to the construction activity for the Elm Road project ($5.1 million) and the Top of Iowa 3 wind project ($10.7 million). These increases are partially offset by a $8.5 million decrease in capital expenditures related to WCCF, reflecting the substantial completion of that project in April 2005 and a $0.5 million decrease in other MGE utility plant additions. During 2006 and 2005, MGE Energy made a $1.9 million and a $1.4 million capital contribution to ATC, respectively. Additionally, during 2006 and 2005, MGE Energy made $0.1 million and $0.3 million in capital contribution to other investments.
In the first quarter 2005, MGE collected $13.0 million in funds previously advanced to ATC in conjunction with the WCCF project. No additional funds were advanced to ATC directly during 2005 or 2006. Although MGE Energy did not advance any funds to ATC directly during the aforementioned periods, funds were indirectly advanced to ATC. Namely, in 2006 and 2005 in connection with the Elm Road project, MGE Power Elm Road advanced $0.8 million and $1.6 million in funds to the WEPCO, who in turn provided these funds to ATC, respectively. These funds will be used by ATC for transmission system upgrades related to the Elm Road project. These funds are expected to be repaid in full.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, MGE Energy's cash provided by other cash investing activities was $0.9 million compared to $0.4 million in the prior year.
2005 vs. 2004
In 2005, MGE Energy's cash used for investing activities decreased $24.8 million. Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2005, were $85.8 million. This amount represents a $10.0 million decrease from those made in the prior year. Capital expenditures related to WCCF decreased $36.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to the same period in the prior year. This decrease was slightly offset by additional MGE utility plant additions ($1.9 million) and additions made for Elm Road ($24.6 million). During 2005, MGE Energy made a $1.4 million capital contribution to ATC and $0.3 million in additional capital contributions to other investments. In 2004, total capital contributions to ATC and other investments were $3.7 million. In the first quarter 2005, MGE collected $13.0 million in funds previously advanced to ATC in conjunction with the WCCF project. No additional funds were advanced to ATC directly during 2005. During 2004, MGE advanced $2.3 million to ATC related to WCCF. Although MGE Energy did not advance any funds to ATC directly in 2005, funds were indirectly advanced to ATC. Namely, in 2005 in connection with the Elm Road project MGE Power Elm Road advanced $1.6 million in funds to the WEPCO, who in turn provided these funds to ATC. These funds will be used by ATC for transmission system upgrades related to the Elm Road project. These funds are expected to be repaid in full. During 2004, MGE Energy also recorded $1.6 million in proceeds from the sale of property.
MGE
2006 vs. 2005
Cash used for investing activities was $94.4 million for 2006, compared to $75.5 million in the prior year. Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2006, were $92.6 million. This amount represents a $6.8 million increase from those made in the prior year. This increase is related to the construction activity for the Elm Road project ($5.1 million) and the Top of Iowa 3 wind project ($10.7 million). These increases are partially offset by a $0.5 decrease in other MGE utility plant additions and a $8.5 million decrease in capital expenditures related to WCCF, reflecting the substantial completion of that project in April 2005. During 2006 and 2005, MGE Transco made capital contributions to ATC totaling $1.9 million and $1.4 million, respectively. In the first quarter of 2005, MGE collected $13.0 million in funds previously advanced to ATC in conjunction with the WCCF project. No additional funds were advanced to ATC directly during 2005 or 2006. Although MGE did not advance any funds to ATC directly in 2005 or 2006, funds were indirectly advanced to ATC. Namely, in 2006 and 2005 in connection with the Elm Road project, MGE Power Elm Road advanced $0.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively in funds to WEPCO, who in turn provided these funds to ATC. These funds will be used by ATC for transmission system upgrades related to the Elm Road project. These funds are expected to be repaid in full.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, cash provided by other investing activities was $1.2 million compared to $0.5 million for the same period in the prior year.
2005 vs. 2004
Cash used for investing activities was $75.5 million for 2005, compared to $101.2 million in the prior year. Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2005, decreased $10.0 million decrease from those experienced in the prior year. Capital expenditures related to WCCF decreased $36.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to the same period in the prior year. This decrease was slightly offset by additional MGE utility plant additions ($1.9 million) and additions made for Elm Road ($24.6 million). During 2005, MGE Transco made capital contributions to ATC totaling $1.4 million and MGE made $0.1 million in other capital contributions. In the first quarter of 2005, MGE collected $13.0 million in funds previously advanced to ATC in conjunction with the WCCF project. No additional funds were advanced to ATC directly during 2005. During 2004, MGE advanced $2.3 million to ATC related to WCCF.
Although MGE did not advance any funds to ATC directly in 2005, funds were indirectly advanced to ATC. Namely, in 2005 in connection with the Elm Road project, MGE Power Elm Road advanced $1.6 million in funds to WEPCO, who in turn provided these funds to ATC. These funds will be used by ATC for transmission system upgrades related to the Elm Road project. These funds are expected to be repaid in full.
Capital expenditures
The following table shows MGE Energy's estimated capital expenditures for 2007, actual for 2006, and the three-year average for 2004 to 2006:
MGE Energy's and MGE's liquidity is primarily affected by their construction requirements. We allocate common plant for the financial statements and footnotes based on a prescribed formula (60% (electric) and 40% (gas)). MGE Energy's major 2006 capital projects include Elm Road and the Top of Iowa 3 wind project. During 2006, $29.7 million in capital expenditures were incurred for the construction of Elm Road. Additionally, this project resulted in the addition of $1.9 million of interest capitalized in accordance with the provisions set forth in SFAS No. 34, Capitalization of Interest Cost. During 2006, MGE expended $10.7 million on capital additions for the construction of the Top of Iowa 3 wind project and recorded $0.2 million in AFUDC.
As of December 31, 2006, MGE Power Elm Road's remaining capital commitments for the Elm Road project are estimated to be $121 million. Included in this amount is $3.3 million, which has been accrued and recorded as construction work in progress at December 31, 2006. Based on current forecasts, capital expenditures for this project are expected to be $54.8 million in 2007, $42.2 million in 2008, $20.5 million in 2009, and $3.6 million in 2010. These amounts may change as a result of modifications to the project cost estimate or timing differences. Capital commitments for the Top of Iowa 3 wind generating electric facility (including commitments entered into subsequent to December 31, 2006) are expected to be $38.0 million in 2007 and $0.7 million in 2008. Of this amount, $2.0 million is to be paid by another party. However, pursuant to the related agreements, MGE is jointly and severally liable in the event the other party defaults on their payment. In addition to the capital commitments for this project, MGE has $0.1 million in future operating commitments.
MGE Energy used funds received as dividend payments from MGE and MGE Power West Campus as well as short- and long-term external financing to meet its 2006 capital requirements and cash obligations, including dividend payments. External financing included short-term financing under existing lines of credit and the issuance of $30 million in 5.25% medium term notes.
During 2005, ATC solicited its investors for 2005 and 2006 voluntary capital contributions. In response to this request, MGE Transco made $1.9 million and $1.4 million in voluntary capital contribution in 2006 and 2005, respectively. No additional voluntary contributions have been requested for 2007 as of December 31, 2006.
Financing Activities
MGE Energy
2006 vs. 2005
Cash used by MGE Energy's financing activities was $6.9 million for 2006, compared to cash provided by financing activities of $22.2 million for 2005. For the year ended December 31, 2006, net short term debt repayments were $25.5 million compared to net short-term debt borrowings of $29.2 million for the same period in the prior year. As a result of atypically high fuel costs in the latter portion of 2005, short term debt borrowings were above normal levels at December 31, 2005. Namely, to fund the purchase of the related inventory (natural gas, purchased power, etc.), MGE Energy was required to rely more heavily on short-term financing. Conversely, during 2006, although short term debt levels were up for most of the year, there was a large decrease in these levels in December 2006. Namely, in December 2006 MGE used most of the net proceeds from a medium-term note issuance to repay short term debt obligations. See discussion of financing activities under MGE for further discussion of this issuance. Cash dividends paid on common stock during the year ended December 31, 2006, were $28.5 million compared to $28.1 for the same period in the prior year. This increase is a result of a higher dividend per share ($1.39 vs. $1.37) and an increase in the number of shares outstanding.
The aforementioned increases in uses of cash, were offset by additional proceeds from stock issued. Proceeds under the Stock Plan were $9.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. This represents a $7.4 million increase from that received in the prior year. This increase is attributable to a change from using open market purchases during the most of 2005 to satisfy Stock Plan requirements to using newly issued shares starting June 1, 2006. Additionally, on November 9, 2006, MGE Energy entered into a Distribution Agreement with JP Morgan in which MGE Energy may offer and sell up to 1,500,000 shares of its common stock. During 2006, MGE Energy received $7.4 million in net proceeds from shares issued under the Distribution Agreement. These sales are made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement MGE Energy filed with the SEC in March 2003.
2005 vs. 2004
Cash provided by MGE Energy's financing activities was $22.2 million for 2005, compared to $39.5 million for 2004. On October 27, 2005, MGE Energy, through its wholly-owned subsidiary MGE Power West Campus, issued $20.0 million of 5.19% senior secured notes due September 25, 2033. For the year ended December 31, 2005, net short term debt borrowings were $29.2 million. Proceeds from stock issued under the Stock Plan were $2.3 million. These cash in flows were offset by cash dividends paid of $28.1 million. The cash dividends for 2005 were higher than those paid in 2004 as result of higher dividend per share ($1.37 vs. $1.36) and an increase in the number of shares outstanding. Additionally, as of March 2005, shares to satisfy the Stock Plan were purchased on the open market, rather than through the issuance of new shares. The aforementioned change resulted in $0.1 million balance for the purchase of treasury stock. During 2004, proceeds from the issuance of common stock were $63.2 million. This cash inflow is largely attributable to the equity issuance completed September 15, 2004. Proceeds received under this issuance were primarily utilized to repay short-term debt obligations. Additional equity was issued under a Distribution Agreement with BOCM and through the Stock Plan. During 2004, MGE Energy made $20.0 million in repayments on pre-existing long-term debt. No additional long-term debt was issued during 2004. However, there was $21.6 million in net short term debt borrowings. Cash dividends for 2004 were $25.9 million and cash provided by other financing activities was $0.7 million.
No major equity issuances were completed in 2005. Shares issued though the Stock Plan for the year ended December 31, 2005, resulted in net proceeds of $2.3 million. As mentioned, in March 2005, MGE switched from issuing new shares of common stock for the Stock Plan to purchasing shares on the open market. As such, during 2005, equity issuances were not a major source of capital.
MGE
2006 vs. 2005
During 2006, cash used for MGE's financing activities was $2.4 million compared to cash provided by financing activities of $42.6 million. During 2006, MGE had net short-term repayments of $36.5 million compared to net short-term debt borrowings of $25.7 million for the same period in the prior year. As a result of atypically high fuel costs in the latter portion of 2005, short term debt borrowings were above normal levels at December 31, 2005. Namely, to fund the purchase of the related inventory (natural gas, purchased power, etc.), MGE was required to rely more heavily on short-term financing. Conversely, during 2006 although short term debt levels were up for most of the year, there was a large decrease in these levels in December 2006. Namely, in December 2006 MGE used most of the net proceeds from a medium-term note issuance to repay short term debt obligations. See below for further discussion of this issuance.
During 2006, equity and affiliate financing received from MGE Energy by MGE Power West Campus, MGE Transco, and MGE Power Elm Road was $27.3 million compared to $33.9 million for the same period in the prior year. This decrease reflects the substantial completion of the WCCF project in April 2005 and the resulting decrease in capital needs for this project. These equity contributions received by the aforementioned subsidiaries from MGE Energy are included in minority interest on the MGE consolidated balance sheet.
These decreases in cash from financing activities were offset by decreases in the cash dividends and an increase in long term debt issued. Cash proceeds from long term debt issuances were $30 million in 2006 compared to $20 million in 2005. Namely, on December 29, 2006, MGE issued $30 million in 5.25% medium-term notes due January 15, 2017. On October 27, 2005, MGE Energy through its wholly-owned subsidiary MGE Power West Campus issued $20.0 million of 5.19% senior secured notes due September 25, 2033.
For the year ended December 31, 2006, cash dividends made by MGE, MGE Transco, and MGE Power West Campus were $23.1 million compared to $36.3 million for the same period in the prior year.
Dividend payments by MGE to MGE Energy are subject to restrictions arising under a PSCW rate order and, to a lesser degree, MGE's First Mortgage Bonds. The PSCW order limits the amount of dividends that MGE may pay MGE Energy when its common equity ratio, calculated in the manner used in the rate proceeding, is less than 55%. Under those circumstances, MGE may not pay dividends in excess of $26.1 million plus dividends on shares issued in excess of the shares issued in the rate proceeding forecast if the proceeds are invested in MGE. MGE's common equity ratio at December 31, 2006, is estimated to be 53.1% as determined under the calculation used in the rate proceeding. The rate proceeding calculation includes as indebtedness imputed amounts for MGE's outstanding purchase power capacity payments and other PSCW adjustments, but does not include the indebtedness associated with MGE Power West Campus, which is consolidated in accordance with FIN 46(R) into MGE's financial statements.
In addition, MGE has covenanted with the holders of its First Mortgage Bonds not to declare or pay any dividend or make any other distribution on or purchase any shares of its common stock unless, after giving effect thereto, the aggregate amount of all such dividends and distributions and all amounts applied to such purchases, after December 31, 1945, shall not exceed the earned surplus (retained earnings) accumulated subsequent to December 31, 1945. As of December 31, 2006, approximately $167.5 million was available for the payment of dividends under this covenant.
2005 vs. 2004
During 2005, cash provided by MGE's financing activities was $42.6 million compared to cash provided by financing activities of $41.0 million in 2004. On October 27, 2005, MGE Energy, through its wholly-owned subsidiary MGE Power West Campus, issued $20.0 million of 5.19% senior secured notes due September 25, 2033. For the year ended December 31, 2005, net short term debt borrowings were $25.7 million. During 2005, $7.1 million in equity contributions were received by MGE Power West Campus from MGE Energy. These amounts are included in minority interest on the MGE consolidated balance sheet. Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2005, $25.4 million in affiliate financing was received by MGE Power Elm Road. These funds were used to finance the Elm Road project. The aforementioned cash inflows were offset by cash dividends paid from MGE to MGE Energy of $25.8 million and cash dividends paid by MGE Power West Campus to MGE Energy of $10.5 million. During 2005, there were also other financing cash uses of $0.7 million.
See discussion above for a description of dividend payment restrictions applicable to MGE under a PSCW rate order and its mortgage bond indenture. MGE's common equity ratio at December 31, 2005, was approximately 55.7% as determined under the calculation used in the PSCW rate proceeding. As of December 31, 2005, approximately $148.2 million was available for the payment of dividends under the covenant in MGE's mortgage bond indenture.
MGE Energy's capitalization ratios were as follows:
Below is a table of MGE's current credit ratings. MGE Energy is not rated because it has not issued any debt securities.
Standard & Poor's
Moody's
First Mortgage Bonds
AA
Aa2
Unsecured debt
AA-
Aa3
Commercial paper
A1+
P1
A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency. MGE's access to the capital markets, including the commercial paper market, and its financing costs in those markets are dependent on its securities' ratings. None of MGE's borrowing is subject to default or prepayment due to downgrading of securities' ratings, although such a down grading could increase fees and interest charges under MGE's and MGE Energy's credit facilities.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments for MGE Energy and MGE
MGE Energy's and MGE's contractual obligations as of December 31, 2006, representing cash obligations that are considered to be firm commitments, are as follows:
For additional information about:
(a)
Long-term debt consisting of secured First Mortgage Bonds issued by MGE, unsecured medium-term notes issued by MGE, and debt issued by MGE Power West Campus. See Footnote 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(b)
Short-term debt consisting of commercial paper for MGE and borrowings under MGE Energy lines of credit, see Footnote 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(c)
Amount represents interest expense on long-term facilities. See Footnote 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the long term debt outstanding at December 31, 2006.
(d)
Operating leases. See Footnote 18 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(e)
Purchase obligations for MGE consist of the purchase of electricity and natural gas, electric transmission, natural gas storage capacity, natural gas pipeline transportation, and the purchase and transport of coal. The Waupun wind power purchase agreement is not reflected in these figures as MGE is not currently able to estimate the related commitment as the site has not yet been constructed. See Footnotes 18 and 28 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion.
(f)
Other obligations are related to capital commitments and charitable donations.
(g)
Purchase obligations for MGE and MGE Energy related to contracts for equipment and services related to the construction of the Top of Iowa 3 wind project. See Footnote 28 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional commitments made related to this project subsequent to December 31, 2006. Included in these capital commitments is $1.5 million related to the substation transformer. Of this amount, $1.1 million is to be paid by another party. However, pursuant to the related agreement, MGE is jointly and severally liable in the event the other party defaults on their payment.
(h)
Purchase obligations for MGE and MGE Energy related to contracts for equipment and services related to the construction of Elm Road. See Footnotes 18 and 22 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(i)
Short-term debt consisting of commercial paper. See Footnote 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(j)
Contractual commitments for certain services and capital at the jointly owned Columbia plant that will be acquired to ensure compliance with certain environmental initiatives.
The above amounts do not include any contributions that may be made for MGE's pension and postretirement plans. Due to uncertainties in the future economic performance of plan assets, discount rates, and other key assumptions, management is unable to estimate these amounts at this time. During 2006 MGE made $5.8 million in employer contributions related to the 2005 and 2006 plan year. Additionally, in 2007 MGE made a $4.6 million contribution to the pension and other postretirement plans related to the 2006 plan year. These payments were made strictly at MGE's discretion as there were no contributions required related to the 2006 or 2005 plan year.
MGE Energy's and MGE's commercial commitments as of December 31, 2006, representing commitments triggered by future events and including financing arrangements to secure obligations of MGE Energy and MGE, and guarantees by MGE, are as follows:
(a)
Amount includes those facilities discussed in (c) plus an additional line of credit. Namely, MGE Energy has available at any time a $80 million committed revolving credit agreement, expiring in December 2010. At December 31, 2006, MGE Energy had borrowed $27.5 million under this credit facility. Accordingly, MGE Energy's available credit under this credit facility was $52.5 million at December 31, 2006.
(b)
Amounts include those guarantees described in (d) as well as guarantees held by MGE Energy. Namely, MGE Energy has guaranteed debt service payments on a development project.
(c)
Amounts include a five-year, $55 million committed revolving credit agreement expiring in December 2010, and an additional $20 million line of credit that matures on March 31, 2007. Each credit facility is used to support commercial paper issuances. At December 31, 2006, there were no borrowings under either credit facility. At December 31, 2006, there was $29.5 million of commercial paper outstanding.
(d)
MGE has guaranteed repayment of certain receivables it sold to a financial institution under a chattel paper agreement. See Footnote 18 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other Factors
Due to the performance of the United States debt and equity markets, the value of assets held in trusts to satisfy the obligations of pension and postretirement benefit plans may vary.
Critical Accounting Policies - MGE Energy and MGE
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to unbilled revenues, pension obligations, income taxes, derivatives, and regulatory assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Unbilled Revenues
Revenues from the sale of electricity and gas to customers are recorded when electricity/gas is delivered to those customers. The quantity of those sales is measured by customers' meters. Due to the large volume of those meters, it is impractical to read all of them at month end. Meters are read on a systematic basis throughout the month based on established meter-reading schedules. Consequently, at the end of any month, there exists a quantity of electricity and gas that has been delivered to customers but has not been captured by the meter readings. As a result, management must estimate revenue related to electricity and gas delivered to customers between their meter-read dates and the end of the period. These estimates include:
•
The amount of electricity expected to be lost in the process of its transmission and distribution to customers (line loss) and the amount of electricity actually delivered to customers.
•
The amount of gas expected to be lost in the process of its distribution to customers and the amount of gas actually delivered to customers.
•
The mix of sales between customer rate classes, which is based upon historical utilization assumptions.
MGE monitors the reasonableness of the unbilled revenue estimate through the review of ratios such as unbilled electric receivables to billed electric sales. MGE expects that this ratio will be in the range of 40% to 60%.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
MGE maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. It determines the allowance based on historical write-off experience, regional economic data, and review of the accounts receivable aging. The Company reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts monthly. Although management believes that the allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company's best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses, if the financial condition of the Company's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.
Pension Plans and Postretirement
MGE provides employees with certain retirement (pension) and postretirement (health care and life insurance) benefits. In order to measure the expense and obligations associated with these benefits, management must make a variety of estimates, including discount rates used to value certain liabilities, the expected return on plan assets set aside to fund these costs, the rate of compensation increase, employee turnover rates, retirement rates, health care trends, mortality rates, and other factors. These accounting estimates bear the risk of change due to the uncertainty attached to the estimate as well as the fact that these estimates are difficult to measure. Different estimates used by us could result in recognizing different amounts of expense over different periods of time.
We use third-party specialists to assist us in evaluating our assumptions as well as appropriately measure the costs and obligations associated with these retirement benefits. The discount rate and expected return on plan assets are based primarily on investment yields available and the historical performance of our plan assets. They are critical accounting estimates because they are subject to management's judgment and can materially affect net income.
•
Assumed return on assets. This assumption represents the rate of return on plan assets reflecting the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested (or to be invested) to provide for the benefits included in the projected benefit obligation. For 2006, MGE used a 9.0% assumed return on assets. One of the approaches MGE used in determining its assumed return on assets is based on historical returns. As of December 31, 2006, the ten-year historical return was 11.5%. Holding other assumptions constant, for every 1% reduction in the expected rate of return on plan assets, annual pension and other postretirement cost would increase by approximately $1.3 million, before taxes.
•
Discount rate. The discount rate represents the rate at which pension obligations could effectively be settled on a present-value basis. MGE uses high-grade bond yields as a benchmark for determining the appropriate discount rate.
•
Medical trend assumptions. The health care cost trend rate is the assumed rate of increase in per-capita health care charges. The health trend assumption for 2004 was reset from 12% to 10% as a result of an expanded relationship with a managed care health provider with a greater emphasis on preventive care, provider discounts and better utilization management, which is expected to assist in controlling costs.
Income Tax Provision
MGE Energy's and MGE's income tax provisions, including both current and deferred components, are based on estimates, assumptions, calculations, and interpretation of tax statutes for the current and future years. Determination of current-year federal and state income tax will not be settled for years.
Management regularly makes assessments of tax return outcomes relative to financial statement tax provisions and adjusts the tax provisions in the period when facts become final.
Additionally, in determining our current income tax provision we assess temporary differences resulting from differing treatments of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are recorded in our balance sheets. When we maintain deferred tax assets, we must assess the likelihood that these assets will be recovered through adjustments to future taxable income. To the extent we believe recovery is more likely than not, we establish a valuation allowance. We record an allowance reducing the asset to a value we believe will be recoverable based on our expectation of future taxable income. We believe the accounting estimate related to the valuation allowance is a critical accounting estimate because it is highly susceptible to change from period to period as it requires management to make assumptions about our future income over the lives of the deferred tax assets, and the impact of increasing or decreasing the valuation allowance is potentially material to our results of operations.
Accounting for Derivative Instruments
MGE accounts for derivative financial instruments under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivatives and Hedging Activities, and SFAS No. 149, Amendment of SFAS No. 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 133, all derivatives except those qualifying for the normal purchase normal sale exception are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair value. Fair value is determined using current quoted market prices.
In the third quarter of 2002, MGE received approval from the PSCW to establish a regulatory asset or liability for the deferral of the effects of mark-to-market accounting as required by SFAS No. 133 on certain contracts related to MGE's regulated operations.
Regulatory Assets/Liabilities
Regulatory assets represent costs that have been deferred to future periods when it is probable that the regulator will allow future recovery of those costs through rates. MGE bases its assessment of recovery by precedents established by the regulatory body. Regulatory liabilities represent previous collections from customers that are expected to be refunded to customers in future periods. Regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities typically include deferral of energy costs, the normalization of income taxes, and the deferral of certain operating expenses. The accounting for these regulatory assets and liabilities is in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 71.
MGE continually assesses whether the regulatory assets meet the criteria for probability of future recovery. This assessment considers factors such as changes in the regulatory environment, recent rate orders to other regulated entities under the same jurisdiction, and the status of any pending or potential deregulation legislation. If future recovery of costs becomes no longer probable, the assets and liabilities would be recognized as current-period revenues or expenses.
Amortization of regulatory assets is provided over the recovery period as allowed in the related regulatory agreement.
Conditional ARO
As of December 31, 2005, MGE adopted FASB Interpretation No. 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations" (FIN 47). FIN 47 clarified that a legal obligation associated with the retirement of a long-lived asset whose timing and/or method of settlement are conditional on a future event is within the scope of SFAS No. 143. Under FIN 47, MGE is required to record a conditional ARO at its estimated fair value if that fair value can be reasonably estimated.
The adoption of FIN 47 required MGE to update an existing inventory of AROs, originally created for the adoption of SFAS No. 143, and to determine which, if any, of the conditional AROs could be reasonably estimated. The ability to reasonably estimate a conditional ARO was a matter of management judgment, based upon management's ability to estimate a settlement date or range of settlement dates and a method or potential method of settlement of its conditional AROs. In determining whether our conditional AROs could be reasonably estimated, management considered past practices, industry practices, management's intent, and the estimated economic life of the assets. The fair value of the conditional AROs was then estimated using an expected present value technique. Changes in management's assumptions regarding settlement dates, settlement methods, or assigned probabilities could have a material effect on the liability recorded at December 31, 2006. The liabilities associated with conditional AROs will be adjusted on an ongoing basis due to the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimates of undiscounted cash flows. These adjustments could have a significant impact on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For more information regarding the adoption and ongoing application of FIN 47, see Footnote 20 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Adoption of Accounting Principles and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements - MGE Energy and MGE
FSP 109-1
In December 2004, the FASB issued FSP 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, 'Application for Income Taxes,' to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004" (FSP FAS 109-1). The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (Act), signed into law on October 22, 2004, provided, generally, for a tax deduction, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2004, for domestic manufacturing activities of up to nine percent (when fully phased-in) of the lesser of "qualified production activities income," as defined in the Act, or taxable income. FSP 109-1 clarified that the tax deduction for domestic manufacturing activities under the Act should be accounted for as a special deduction in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" (SFAS No. 109). MGE Energy and MGE estimate the 2006 tax deduction at $1.0 million, the benefit of which is recognized in the 2006 tax provision. The benefit of the 2005 (first effected year) deduction was completely deferred by rate action of the PSCW, and is spread ratably over 2006 and 2007. The balance sheets reflect regulatory liabilities as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
FIN 47
In March 2005, the FASB issued FIN 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143. This Interpretation clarifies that an entity is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation when incurred if the liability's fair value can be reasonably estimated. Additionally, this Interpretation clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. As of December 31, 2005, MGE adopted FIN 47. Under FIN 47, MGE is required to record a conditional ARO at its estimated fair value if that fair value can be reasonably estimated. As of December 31, 2005, MGE had a liability of $9.2 million associated with its conditional AROs. The cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle related to FIN 47 had no impact on the utility company's Consolidated Statements of Income due to the application of SFAS No. 71, which resulted in the creation of an offsetting regulatory asset. On December 12, 2005, MGE received notice from the PSCW permitting recognition of a regulatory asset or liability associated with the adoption of FIN 47, and the differences in ongoing expense recognition under FIN 47 for conditional ARO costs.
SFAS No. 154
In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, Accounting for Changes and Error Corrections, a replacement of APB (Accounting Principles Board) Opinion No. 20 and SFAS No. 3. Previously, APB Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes, and SFAS No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements, required the inclusion of the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle in net income of the period of the change. SFAS No. 154 requires companies to recognize a change in accounting principle, including a change required by a new accounting pronouncement when the pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions, retrospectively to prior periods' financial statements.
FSP No. FIN 46(R)-6
In April 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FIN 46(R)-6, Determining the Variability to Be Considered in Applying FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), (FSP No. 46(R)-6). This pronouncement provides guidance on how a reporting enterprise should determine the variability to be considered in applying FASB interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which could impact the assessment of whether certain variable interest entities are consolidated. FSP No. 46(R)-6 became effective for MGE and MGE Energy on July 1, 2006. The provisions of FSP No. 46(R)-6 are applied prospectively. The impact on MGE and MGE Energy in periods subsequent to the effective date is dependent on transactions that could occur in future periods, and therefore cannot be determined until the transaction occurs. See Footnote 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding FIN 46(R).
SFAS 156
In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets, an amendment of SFAS 140. SFAS 156 simplifies the accounting for servicing rights and reduces the volatility that results from the use of different measurement attributes for servicing rights and the related financial instruments used to economically hedge risks associated with those servicing rights. SFAS 156 also clarifies when to separately account for servicing rights, requires these rights to be initially measured at fair value, and provides the option to subsequently account for those servicing right (by class) at either fair value or under the amortization method previously required under SFAS 140. SFAS 156 is effective for the fiscal year beginning after September 15, 2006. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of the entity's fiscal year. MGE did not early adopt this statement and this statement did not have a material impact on MGE Energy or MGE's consolidated financial statements.
SFAS 157
In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Statement 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Under SFAS 157, fair value refers to the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts. The standard clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. SFAS 157 will be effective as of January 1, 2008. MGE and MGE Energy are currently assessing the impact that SFAS 157 may have on their financial statements.
SFAS 158
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 158, Employers' Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Plans. As of December 31, 2006, MGE and MGE Energy adopted SFAS 158. Under SFAS 158, MGE is required to recognize the funded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement pension plans as a net liability or asset on the balance sheet with an offset to other comprehensive income. Additionally, upon adoption, any previously disclosed, but unrecognized gains/losses, prior service costs, and transition assets or obligations are to be recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. At December 31, 2006, the aforementioned entries have been reflected in the consolidated financial statements of MGE and MGE Energy. However, MGE has recorded such adjustment as an adjustment to regulatory assets rather than as an adjustment to other comprehensive income as prescribed by the pronouncement. See note (a) below for discussion of this treatment.
SFAS 158 also prohibits the use of a measurement date (to measure plans assets and obligations) that is prior to the year-end balance sheet date. This change is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008 and will have no impact on MGE and MGE Energy, as MGE and MGE Energy have consistently used a December 31 date to measure plan assets and obligations.
The adoption of SFAS 158 had the following impacts on the consolidated financial statements of MGE and MGE Energy as of December 31, 2006.
(In thousands)
Before Application of SFAS 158 (d)
Adjustment for SFAS 158 - Pension Plans (c)
Adjustment for SFAS 158 - Other Postretirement Plans (c)
After Application of SFAS 158
Pension and other postretirement liability, net
$42,912
$24,925
$8,213
$76,050
Pension liability-current
-
-
Regulatory asset (a)
2,840
27,032
8,213
38,085
Regulatory liability (b)
-
-
3,668
3,668
Intangible asset
1,493
(1,493)
-
-
Deferred tax asset (b)
-
-
3,668
3,668
(a)
On December 21, 2004, the PSCW issued a final order which stated that minimum pension liabilities related to regulated operations should be classified within the financials statements as regulatory assets, rather than within other comprehensive income as prescribed by SFAS 87. Because the debit to other comprehensive income for the additional minimum pension liability represents future expenses that are expected to be recovered in rates, the PSCW concluded that a regulatory asset should be recorded in lieu of an adjustment to other comprehensive income. Under SFAS 158, the adjustment to other comprehensive income also represents future expenses that will be recoverable in rates. In accordance with the December 21, 2004, PSCW final order, MGE has classified any adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive income required under the provisions of SFAS 158, as regulatory assets.
(b)
Amount relates to the difference in treatment of the Medicare Part D subsidy for tax and book purposes. For SFAS 109 purposes the benefit of this subsidy was excluded from the computation of the unfunded liability. However, for financial statement purposes the unfunded liability includes (or is reduced by) the benefit of the subsidy. There are no additional impacts of SFAS 158 on MGE's deferred tax asset balance as the deferred tax liability related to the SFAS 158 regulatory asset is equal and offsetting to the deferred tax asset that is required on the pension and other postretirement liability.
(c)
Amount includes both qualified and nonqualified plans.
(d)
Represents balances at December 31, 2006, under the provisions of SFAS 87.
Pension Protection Act
During the third quarter of 2006, President Bush signed into law the Pension Protection Act of 2006, which will affect the manner in which companies, including MGE and MGE Energy, administer their pension plans. This legislation will require companies to, amongst other things, increase the amount by which they fund their pension plans, pay higher premiums to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation if they sponsor defined benefit plans, amend plan documents and provide additional plan disclosures in regulatory filings and to plan participants. This legislation will be effective as of January 1, 2008. MGE and MGE Energy do not anticipate that the Act will have a material effect on their liquidity and capital resources. Absent changes in plan design as a result of the Act, the act is not expected to materially impact MGE and MGE Energy's results of operations. MGE and MGE Energy are currently assessing the impact the Act may have on their plan design, if any.
EITF 06-03
At its June 28, 2006, meeting, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the Task Force on EITF Issue 06-03, How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross Versus Net Presentation). The scope of this Issue includes taxes that are externally imposed on a revenue producing transaction between a seller and a customer. The Task Force concluded that a company should disclose its accounting policy (i.e., gross or net presentation) regarding presentation of such taxes. If taxes included in gross revenues are significant, a company should disclose the amount of such taxes for each period for which an income statement is presented. This issue is effective for the first annual or interim reporting period beginning after December 15, 2006. MGE and MGE Energy record such taxes on a net basis. MGE and MGE Energy do not expect this statement to have any impact on their consolidated financial statements.
FIN 48
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48). FIN 48 prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. Under the interpretation, the financial statements will reflect expected future tax consequences of such positions presuming the tax authorities' full knowledge of the position and relevant facts, but without considering time values. This interpretation is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2006. Accordingly, MGE Energy and MGE adopted FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. Based on facts and circumstances known at December 31, 2006, MGE Energy and MGE estimate that the adoption of this pronouncement will result in reclassification of between $0.3 million and $0.5 million of various income tax related liabilities to a uncertain tax liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and an insignificant adjustment, if any, to the balance of retained earnings. Prior periods will not be restated as a result of this required accounting change.
SAB No. 108
In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (SAB No. 108) regarding the quantification of financial statement misstatements. SAB No. 108 requires a "dual approach" for quantifications of errors using both a method that focuses on the income statement impact, including the cumulative effect of prior years' misstatements, and a method that focuses on the period-end balance sheet. SAB No. 108 will be effective as of January 1, 2007. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on MGE or MGE Energy.
Inflation
The current financial statements report operating results in terms of historical cost, but they do not evaluate the impact of inflation. Because utilities can depreciate only the historical cost of utility plant, there may not be adequate cash flows from existing plant to replace this investment. Under PSCW rate treatment, projected operating costs, including the impacts of inflation, are recovered in revenues.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE Energy and MGE are potentially exposed to market risk associated with interest rates, commodity prices, weather, and equity returns. MGE currently has no exposure to foreign currency risk. MGE manages some risk exposure through risk management policies and the use of derivative instruments. MGE's risk management policy prohibits speculative trading transactions.
Weather Risk
MGE's sales forecasts, used to establish rates, are set by the PSCW based upon estimated temperatures, which approximate 20-year averages. MGE's electric revenues are sensitive to the summer cooling season and, to some extent, to the winter heating season. A significant portion of MGE's gas system demand is driven by heating. MGE's gas margin (revenues less gas purchased) is collected under a combination of fixed and volumetric rates set by the PSCW based on "normal weather." As a result of weather-sensitive demand and volumetric rates, a portion of MGE's gas margin is at risk for warmer-than-normal weather. MGE may use weather derivatives, pursuant to its risk management program, to reduce the impact of weather volatility on its gas margin.
On November 1, 2006, MGE entered into a nonexchange traded weather derivative. This agreement extends from January 2007 until March 2007. This agreement has a premium of $0.3 million. Under this agreement, MGE is subject to a floor and a ceiling based on forecasted heating degree days during the indicated period. If heating degree days are below the floor, MGE is entitled to receive payment, and if actual heating degree days exceed the ceiling, MGE is obligated to make a payment. Any payment or receipt is limited to $1.4 million. MGE accounts for HDD Collars using the intrinsic value method pursuant to the requirements of EITF No. 99-2, Accounting for Weather Derivatives.
MGE may also be impacted by extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes or tornados. Such conditions may damage critical operating assets or may negatively impact the price of commodity and other costs.
A summary of actual weather information in the utility segment's service territory during 2006, 2005, and 2004, as measured by degree days, may be found in Results of Operations.
Commodity Price Risk
MGE has commodity price risk exposure with respect to the price of natural gas, electricity, coal, emission credits, and oil. MGE employs established policies and procedures to reduce the market risks associated with changing commodity prices. MGE's commodity risks are somewhat mitigated by the current ratemaking process in place for recovering electric fuel cost, purchased energy costs, and the cost of natural gas. MGE's electric fuel costs are subject to fuel rules established by the PSCW. Under the electric fuel rules, MGE may be required to refund to customers if the fuel rules costs fall outside the lower end of the range and would be allowed to request a surcharge if the fuel rules costs exceeded the upper end of the range. The range is defined by the PSCW and has been modified throughout the years based on market conditions and other relevant factors. Pursuant to the PSCW order issued on December 22, 2006, MGE's will be subject to a plus or minus 2% range. MGE's gas segment is governed by the purchased gas adjustment clause (PGA). Under the PGA, MGE is able to pass through to customers the cost of gas , subject to certain limited incentives. Under both the electric fuel rules and PGA clause, MGE may include in the cost of fuel (natural gas or power) the costs and benefits of fuel price risk management tools implemented under the risk management plan approved by the PSCW.
MGE also reduces price risk caused by market fluctuations via physical contracts and derivative contracts, including futures, swaps, options, and forwards. The maximum length of time over which cash flows related to energy commodities are currently being cash-flow hedged is one year. MGE's energy contracts are accounted for under SFAS 133. Many of the contracts qualify for the normal purchase and sales exemption to SFAS 133. Those that do not qualify for this exemption are recorded as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are recorded in current earnings or deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether a derivative is designated as, and is effective as, a hedge and depending on the type of hedge transaction.
If the derivative qualifies for regulatory deferral subject to the provisions of SFAS No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation, the derivatives are marked to fair value pursuant to SFAS No. 133 and are offset with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability.
At December 31, 2006, MGE has financial gas and electric commodity contracts to hedge commodity price risk in the gas and electric segments. These contracts are primarily comprised of exchange-traded option and future contracts to manage the cost of gas and over-the-counter financial floating-to-fixed price swaps and calls for the "Winter Set-Price Firm Gas Sales Service" pilot program. MGE also holds FTRs which are used to hedge the risk of increased congestion charges. At December 31, 2006, the cost basis of these instruments exceeded their fair value by $3.1 million. Under the PGA clause and electric fuel rules, MGE may include in the costs of fuel (natural gas or power) the costs and benefits of the aforementioned fuel price risk management tools. Because these costs and benefits are recoverable, the related unrealized gain has been deferred on the balance sheet as a regulatory asset.
During 2006, MGE has also entered into futures and basis swaps to take advantage of physical and financial arbitrage opportunities between supply basins and pricing spreads between future months' gas supply. Under the incentive mechanism within the PGA Clause, MGE shareholders have the ability to receive 50% of the benefits or loss from these deals if certain thresholds are achieved. At December 31, 2006, these positions were in an unrealized gain position of $0.5 million. Of this amount, 50% is reflected in other comprehensive income and 50% is reflected as a regulatory asset pursuant to a rate order issued by the PSCW.
MGE's energy contracts are valued using readily available NYMEX pricing data.
Interest Rate Risk
Both MGE and MGE Energy have short term borrowings at varying interest rates. MGE issues commercial paper for its short-term borrowings, while MGE Energy draws from its current credit facility to meet its short term borrowing needs (see Footnote 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). Borrowing levels vary from period to period depending upon capital investments and other factors. Future short-term interest expense and payments will reflect both future short-term interest rates and borrowing levels. MGE Energy and MGE manage interest rate risk by limiting their variable rate exposure and continually monitoring the effects of market changes on interest rates. MGE is not exposed to changes in interest rates on a substantial portion of its long-term debt until that debt matures and is refinanced at market rates. Assuming the current level of variable rate borrowings and assuming a 1% change in the 2006 average interest rate under these borrowings, it is estimated that our 2006 interest expense and net income would have changed by $0.3 million for MGE and $0.6 million for MGE Energy.
Equity Price Risk - Pension-Related Assets
MGE currently funds its liabilities related to employee benefits through trust funds. These funds, which include investments in debt and equity securities, are managed by various investment managers. Changes in market value of these investments can have an impact on the future expenses related to these liabilities. Holding other assumptions constant, for every 1% reduction in the expected rate of return on plan assets, annual pension and other postretirement cost would increase by approximately $1.3 million, before taxes. MGE's risk of expense and annuity payments, as a result of changes in the market value of the trust funds, is mitigated in part through future rate actions by the PSCW.
Regulatory Recovery Risk
MGE's electric operations burn natural gas in several of its peak power plants or as a supplemental fuel at several coal-fired plants and, in many cases, the cost of purchased power is tied to the cost of natural gas. MGE bears significant regulatory risk for the recovery of such fuel and purchased power costs when they are higher than the base rate established in its current rate structure.
As noted above in Commodity Price Risk, the electric operations of MGE operate under a "fuel rules" adjustment clause for fuel and purchased power costs associated with the generation and delivery of electricity. This clause establishes a base rate for fuel and purchased power. Pursuant to a PSCW rate order issued on December 22, 2006, effective January 1, 2007, the PSCW modified MGE's fuel rules bandwidth to a range of -2% to +2%. MGE may be required to refund to customers if the fuel rules costs fall outside the lower end of the range (-2%), and would be allowed to request a surcharge if the fuel rules costs exceeded the upper end of the range (+2%). MGE assumes the risks and benefits of variances that are within the 2% bandwidth. For 2007, fuel and purchased power costs included in MGE's base fuel rates are $110.0 million. For the year ended December 31, 2006, fuel and purchased power costs included in MGE's base fuel rates were originally $132.2 million. These costs were subsequently revised to $115.7 million on May 26, 2006, as a result of significantly lower fuel costs than those expected in the aforementioned rate order.
Credit Risk - Counterparty
Credit risk is the loss that may result from counterparty nonperformance. MGE is exposed to credit risk primarily through its merchant energy business. MGE uses credit policies to manage its credit risk, which includes utilizing an established credit approval process, monitoring counterparty limits, employing credit mitigation measures such as collateral or prepayment arrangements, and using netting agreements.
Due to the possibility of extreme volatility in the prices of energy commodities and derivatives, the market value of contractual positions with individual counterparties could exceed established credit limits or collateral provided by those counterparties. If such a counterparty were then to fail to perform its obligations under its contract (for example, fail to deliver the electricity MGE originally contracted for), MGE could sustain a loss that could have a material impact on its financial results.
Additionally, if a counterparty were to default and MGE were to liquidate all contracts with that entity, MGE's credit loss would include the loss in value of mark-to-market contracts; the amount owed for settled transactions; and additional payments, if any, to settle unrealized losses on accrual contracts.
MGE is obligated to provide service to all electric and gas customers within its respective franchised territories. MGE's franchised electric territory includes a 315 square-mile area in Dane County, Wisconsin, and MGE's franchised gas territory includes a service area covering 1,625 square miles in Wisconsin. For the year ended December 31, 2006, no one customer constituted more than 7% of total operating revenues for MGE and MGE Energy. Credit risk for electric and gas is managed by MGE's credit and collection policies, which are consistent with state regulatory requirements.
Cash, cash equivalents, and customer accounts receivable are the financial instruments that potentially subject MGE Energy and MGE to concentrations of credit risk. MGE Energy and MGE place their cash and cash equivalents with high credit-quality financial institutions. MGE has limited concentrations of credit risk from customer accounts receivable because of the large number of customers and strong economy in its service territory.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
MGE Energy
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15f. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control- Integrated Framework issued by the Committee Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our assessment under the framework in Internal Control- Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2006.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management's assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of MGE Energy, Inc.:
We have completed integrated audits of MGE Energy's consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.
Consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MGE Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As discussed in Footnote 24 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for its defined benefit pension and postretirement plans as of December 31, 2006.
Internal control over financial reporting
Also, in our opinion, management's assessment, included in Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 8, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management's assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 26, 2007
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholder of Madison Gas and Electric Company:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Madison Gas and Electric Company and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As discussed in Footnote 24 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for its defined benefit pension and postretirement plans as of December 31, 2006.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 26, 2007
MGE Energy, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per-share amounts)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above consolidated financial statements.
MGE Energy, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above consolidated financial statements.
MGE Energy, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above consolidated financial statements.
MGE Energy, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Capitalization
(In thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above consolidated financial statements.
MGE Energy, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Common Equity and Comprehensive Income
(In thousands, except per-share amounts)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above consolidated financial statements.
Madison Gas and Electric Company
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above consolidated financial statements.
Madison Gas and Electric Company
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above consolidated financial statements.
Madison Gas and Electric Company
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above consolidated financial statements.
Madison Gas and Electric Company
Consolidated Capitalization Statement
(In thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above consolidated financial statements.
Madison Gas and Electric Company
Consolidated Statements of Common Equity and Comprehensive Income
(In thousands, except per-share amounts)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above consolidated financial statements.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004
This report is a combined report of MGE Energy and MGE. The notes to the consolidated financial statements that follow include consolidated MGE Energy footnotes and certain footnotes related to MGE as signified appropriately below.
1.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
a.
Regulation and System of Accounts-MGE Energy and MGE.
Accounting policies for regulated operations are in accordance with those policies prescribed by the regulatory authorities having jurisdiction, principally the PSCW and FERC. MGE's accounting records conform to the FERC uniform system of accounts.
b.
Principles of Consolidation - MGE Energy and MGE.
On August 12, 2002, MGE Energy became the holding company for MGE as the result of completing an exchange of shares of MGE Energy common stock for shares of MGE common stock. Consequently, MGE constitutes a substantial portion of the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of MGE Energy and is expected to continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
MGE, a wholly owned subsidiary of MGE Energy, is a regulated electric and gas utility headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. MGE is the majority owner of MGE Transco. MGE Transco is a nonregulated entity formed to manage the Company's investment in ATC.
Wholly owned subsidiaries of MGE Energy include CWDC, MAGAEL, MGE Construct, and MGE Power. MGE Power owns 100% of MGE Power West Campus and MGE Power Elm Road. MGE Power and its subsidiaries are part of our nonregulated energy operations, which were formed to own and lease new electric generation projects.
In 2003, MGE began consolidating the financial statements of subsidiaries in which it has a controlling financial interest, pursuant to the requirements of FIN 46R. In accordance with these provisions, MGE has consolidated MGE Power West Campus and MGE Power Elm Road. See Footnotes 2, 21, and 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more discussion of these entities.
The consolidated financial statements reflect the application of certain accounting policies described in this note. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
c.
Use of Estimates - MGE Energy and MGE.
In order to prepare consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, management must make estimates and assumptions. These estimates could affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from management's estimates.
d.
Reclassifications - MGE Energy and MGE.
Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified for comparative purposes. These reclassifications did not affect consolidated net income or shareholders' equity for the years presented.
e.
Cash Equivalents - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE Energy and MGE consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
f.
Restricted Cash- MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE has certain cash accounts that are restricted to uses other than current operations and designated for a specific purpose. MGE's restricted cash accounts include amounts held as margin for certain financial transactions and cash held by trustees for certain employee benefits.
g.
Trade Receivables, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, and Concentration Risk - MGE Energy and MGE.
Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. However, a 1% late payment charge is recorded on all receivables unpaid after the due date. The allowance for doubtful accounts associated with these receivables represents our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We determine our allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical write-off experience, regional economic data, and review of the accounts receivable aging.
MGE is obligated to provide service to all electric and gas customers within its franchised territories. MGE's franchised electric territory includes a 315 square-mile area in Dane County, Wisconsin, and MGE's franchised gas territory includes a service area covering 1,625 square miles in Wisconsin. MGE manages this concentration and the related credit risk through its credit and collection policies, which are consistent with state regulatory requirements.
h.
Other Receivables - MGE Energy and MGE.
Other receivables represent receivables generated from nonregulated operations or from activities that are outside of the core business. A majority of these receivables relate to the WCCF and Elm Road project.
i.
Inventories - MGE Energy and MGE.
Inventories consist of natural gas in storage, fossil fuels, materials and supplies and SO2 allowances. MGE values natural gas in storage, coal at the Columbia facility, and materials and supplies using average cost. MGE values coal at Blount using last-in-first out pricing (LIFO).
At December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, $2.2 million and $1.2 million respectively, of MGE's fossil fuel inventory was valued using LIFO. This inventory at current cost exceeds the LIFO stated value by $0.4 million and $0.3 million at December 31, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Additionally, during 2006 and 2005, liquidation of LIFO layers, carried at costs that were lower than current purchases, resulted in a decrease to costs of goods sold of less than $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
SO2 emission allowances are included in inventory and are recorded at the lower of weighted average cost or market. These allowances are charged to fuel expense as they are used in operations. MGE's emission allowance balances as of December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, were $2.9 million and $3.8 million, respectively.
j.
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities - MGE Energy and MGE.
Pursuant to SFAS No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation, MGE capitalizes as regulatory assets incurred costs that are expected to be recovered in future electric and natural gas rates. MGE also records as regulatory liabilities obligations to customers to refund previously collected revenue or to spend revenue collected from customers on future costs.
k.
Debt Issuance Costs - MGE Energy and MGE.
Premiums, discounts, and expenses incurred with the issuance of outstanding long-term debt are amortized over the life of the debt issue. Any call premiums or unamortized expenses associated with refinancing higher-cost debt obligations used to finance utility-regulated assets and operations are amortized consistent with regulatory treatment of those items.
l.
Property, Plant, and Equipment - MGE Energy and MGE.
Utility property, plant, and equipment is recorded at cost. Cost includes indirect costs consisting of payroll taxes, pensions, postretirement benefits, other fringe benefits, administrative and general costs, and AFUDC. Additions for significant replacements of property are charged to property, plant, and equipment at cost; minor items are charged to maintenance expense. The cost of depreciable utility property less salvage value is charged to accumulated depreciation when property is retired. Depreciation rates are approved by the PSCW and are based on the estimated economic lives of property.
Provisions at composite straight-line depreciation rates approximate the following percentages for the cost of depreciable property:
Electric
3.1%
3.1%
3.0%
Gas
3.3%
3.4%
3.4%
m.
Repairs and Maintenance Expense- MGE Energy and MGE.
In accordance with the provisions set forth in FSP AUG AIR-1, Accounting for Planned Major Maintenance Activities, MGE utilizes the direct expensing method for any such projects. Under this method, MGE expenses all costs associated with major planned maintenance activities as incurred.
n.
Purchased Gas Adjustment Clause - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE's natural gas rates are subject to a fuel adjustment clause designed to recover or refund the difference between the actual cost of purchased gas and the amount included in rates. Differences between the amounts billed to customers and the actual costs recoverable are deferred and recovered or refunded in future periods by means of prospective monthly adjustments to rates. At December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, MGE had over collected $1.9 million and $5.3 million, respectively. These amounts were recorded in other current liabilities on MGE's Consolidated Balance Sheet.
o.
Revenue Recognition- MGE Energy and MGE.
Operating revenues are recorded as service is rendered or energy is delivered to customers. At the end of the month, MGE accrues an estimate for the unbilled amount of energy delivered to customers. See Footnote 1y for further discussion of unbilled revenues.
MGE records an adjustment to revenues for a fuel credit at the time MGE's actual fuel costs fall below the bandwidth prescribed by the PSCW and MGE concludes that it is probable that the credit will be approved by the PSCW staff. MGE records an adjustment to revenues for a fuel refund at the time actual fuel costs fall below the bandwidth prescribed by the PSCW and the "subject to refund" provision is instituted by the PSCW. See Footnote 17 for further discussion of the fuel rules.
p.
Capitalized Interest - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE Energy, through its subsidiaries MGE Power West Campus and MGE Power Elm Road, calculates capitalized interest in accordance with SFAS No. 34, Capitalization of Interest Cost, on construction projects for periods where financing is provided by MGE Energy through interim debt.
For the years ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, $1.9 million and $0.2 million in interest costs related to the Elm Road project were capitalized, respectively. The aforementioned amounts were capitalized as part of the cost of the asset in accordance with the provisions set forth in SFAS No. 34. These costs will be amortized over the asset's estimated useful life.
For the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, $0.7 million and $2.1 million in interest costs related to the WCCF project were capitalized, respectively. The total interest capitalized in conjunction with the WCCF project is $4.1 million. On April 26, 2005, when the electric generation facilities of WCCF began generating electricity, MGE Power West Campus discontinued the capitalization of interest, as the project was deemed to be substantially complete.
q.
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction - MGE Energy and MGE.
Allowance for funds used during construction is included in utility plant accounts and represents the cost of borrowed funds used during plant construction and a return on shareholders' capital used for construction purposes. In the Consolidated Income Statements, the cost of borrowed funds (AFUDC-debt) is presented as an offset to interest expense and the return on shareholders' capital (AFUDC- equity funds) is shown as an item within other income. As approved by the PSCW, MGE capitalized AFUDC-debt and equity on 50% of applicable average construction work in progress during 2006 at 9.12%. Although the allowance does not represent current cash income, it is recovered under the ratemaking process over the service lives of the related properties.
r.
Investments - MGE Energy and MGE.
Investments in the common stock of companies in which MGE or MGE Energy's ownership interest is 50% or less and in which MGE or MGE Energy exercises significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method. All other investments are carried at fair value or at cost, as appropriate.
s.
Capitalized Software Costs- MGE Energy and MGE.
Property, plant and equipment includes the capitalized costs of internal use software totaling $6.9 million at December 31, 2006, and $7.0 million at December 31, 2005. During 2006 and 2005, MGE recorded $1.0 million and $0.9 million of amortization expense related to these costs, respectively. These costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. For internal use software, the useful lives range from five to ten years.
t.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE reviews plant and equipment and other property for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. MGE's policy for determining when long-lived assets are impaired is to recognize an impairment loss if the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) from an asset are less than the carrying amount of that asset. If an impairment loss is recognized, the amount that will be recorded will be measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. MGE believes there is no impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 144 at December 31, 2006.
u.
Income Taxes and Excise Taxes - MGE Energy and MGE.
Income taxes
Under the liability method prescribed by SFAS No. 109, income taxes are deferred for all temporary differences between pretax financial and taxable income and between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities using the tax rates scheduled by law to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not. A valuation allowance is recorded for those benefits that do not meet this criterion.
Regulation and SFAS No. 109 have resulted in a regulatory liability related to income taxes. Excess deferred income taxes result from past taxes provided at rates higher than current rates. The SFAS No. 109 regulatory liability and deferred investment tax credit reflect the revenue requirement associated with the return of these tax benefits to customers.
Investment tax credits from regulated operations are amortized over related property service lives.
The 2006 and 2005 tax credits for the generation of electricity from wind are based on kWh produced and sold during the years at the statutory tax credit rate of 1.9 cents per kWh, or $0.4 million each year. For 2004, the statutory tax credit rate was 1.8 cents per kWh, or $0.4 million for the year.
Excise taxes
MGE Energy, through its utility operations, pays a state license fee tax in lieu of property taxes on property used in utility operations. License fee tax is calculated as a percentage of adjusted operating revenues of the prior year. The electric tax rate is 3.19% for retail sales and 1.59% for sales of electricity for resale by the purchaser. The tax rate on sales of natural gas is 0.97%. The tax is required to be estimated and prepaid in the year prior to its computation and expensing. License fee tax expense, included in other general taxes, was $11.6 million, $9.7 million, and $9.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.
Operating income taxes, including tax credits, and license fee tax are included in rates for utility related items.
v.
Share-based Compensation.
The MGE Energy Board approved a Performance Unit Plan (the "Plan") on December 15, 2006. Under the Plan, eligible participants may receive performance units that entitle the holder to receive a cash payment equal to the value of a designated number of shares of MGE Energy's common stock, plus dividend equivalent payments thereon, at the end of the set performance period. Per the Plan's provisions, these awards are subject to a prescribed vesting schedule and must be settled in cash. Accordingly, no new shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the Plan. MGE and MGE Energy have adopted the provisions of SFAS 123R, Share Based Payment. This guidance establishes standards for the accounting of transactions in which an entity exchanges equity instruments for goods and services. Additionally, this standard addresses the accounting for transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entity's equity instruments.
Based on the provisions of SFAS 123R, MGE Energy and MGE will initially measure the cost of the employee services received in exchange for the award based on current market value of MGE Energy common stock. The fair value of the award will be subsequently re-measured at each reporting date through the settlement date. Changes in fair value during the requisite period will be recognized as compensation cost over that period. At December 31, 2006, MGE Energy had not granted any such awards. On January 1, 2007, 22,479 units were granted based on the MGE Energy December 31, 2006, closing stock price.
w.
Treasury Stock - MGE Energy.
Treasury shares are recorded at cost. Any shares of common stock repurchased are held as treasury shares unless cancelled or reissued.
x.
Comprehensive Income - MGE Energy and MGE.
The reporting of other comprehensive income is required under the provisions of SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income. Total Comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by and distributions to shareholders. Comprehensive income is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Common Equity and Comprehensive Income.
y.
Unbilled Revenues - MGE Energy and MGE.
Revenues from the sale of electricity and gas to customers are recorded when electricity/gas is delivered to those customers. The quantity of those sales is measured by customers' meters, and customers' bills are based on readings of those meters. However, due to the large number of those meters, it is impractical to read all of the meters at month-end. Meters are therefore read on a systematic basis throughout the month based on established meter-reading schedules. At the end of any month, there exists a quantity of electric and gas service that has been delivered but not metered or billed. Management must estimate this usage and related revenue. This estimate represents electricity and gas delivered to customers between their meter-read date and the end of the period.
In order to estimate unbilled revenues as of the end of a particular period, MGE performs a series of calculations based upon actual and estimated numbers and assumptions. MGE begins by calculating the amount of electricity and gas available for sale within its system during that period based upon known inputs (i.e., electricity and gas purchases from third parties, gas from storage, and MGE-generated electricity). These amounts are then adjusted to deduct the amounts actually included in customers' bills for that period.
In the case of electricity, the amount is further reduced by estimating the quantity of electricity lost in the process of transmitting and distributing it to customers. The resulting available-for-sale quantities are then allocated to various customer classes based upon historical utilization patterns for those customers. MGE applies published tariffs to determine the associated revenues. Utilization patterns are based upon assumptions regarding weather, economic conditions, and consistency of use over the period in question. Actual use can be affected by variations in those items. The resulting estimate is then compared to other available statistics, including billed sales for the particular period, in order to confirm its reasonableness. Namely, MGE monitors the reasonableness of the unbilled revenue estimate through the review of ratios such as unbilled electric receivables to billed electric sales. MGE expects that this ratio will be in the range of 40% to 60%.
z.
Derivative and Hedging Instruments - MGE Energy and MGE.
As part of regular operations, MGE enters into contracts including options, swaps, futures, forwards, and other contractual commitments to manage its exposure to interest rates, commodity prices, and gas margin. MGE evaluates its derivative contracts in accordance with SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended and interpreted. SFAS No. 133 requires the Company to recognize all derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value, with changes in the fair value of derivative instruments to be recorded in current earnings or deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether a derivative is designated as, and is effective as, a hedge and on the type of hedge transaction. Derivative activities are in accordance with the company's risk management policy.
If the derivative qualifies for regulatory deferral subject to the provisions of SFAS No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation, the derivatives are marked to fair value pursuant to SFAS No. 133 and any resulting loss or gain is offset with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability.
2.
Variable Interest Entities - MGE Energy and MGE.
In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities-An Interpretation of ARB No. 51. In December 2003, the FASB issued the updated and final interpretation FIN 46R. FIN 46 was applicable immediately to VIEs created or obtained after January 31, 2003. FIN 46R was effective on December 31, 2003, for interests in entities that were previously considered special-purpose entities under then existing authoritative guidance.
a.
MGE Power West Campus.
MGE Power West Campus is not a subsidiary of MGE; however, it has been consolidated in the financial statements of MGE as of December 31, 2003, and subsequent periods due to the adoption of FIN 46R. MGE Power West Campus was created for the purpose of owning new generating assets. MGE Power West Campus' sole principal asset is the WCCF, which it leases to MGE pursuant to a long-term lease. MGE has also contracted to operate the WCCF during the term of the lease. Based on the nature and terms of these contractual relationships, MGE absorbs a majority of the expected losses, residual value, or both, associated with the ownership and operation of the WCCF. MGE is also the party most closely associated with MGE Power West Campus. As a result, MGE is the primary beneficiary and MGE Power West Campus is a VIE under FIN 46R.
b.
MGE Power Elm Road.
MGE Power Elm Road is not a subsidiary of MGE; however, it has been consolidated in the financial statements of MGE due to the adoption of FIN 46R. MGE Power Elm Road was created for the purpose of owning new generating assets. MGE Power Elm Road's sole principal assets are an 8.33% undivided ownership interest in two 615 MW coal-fired generating plants being constructed in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, which will be leased to MGE for the benefit of its customers. Based on the nature and terms of this contractual relationship, MGE is expected to absorb a majority of the expected losses, residual value, or both, associated with MGE Power Elm Road's ownership interest in these plants. MGE is also the party most closely associated with MGE Power Elm Road. As a result, MGE is the primary beneficiary and MGE Power Elm Road is a VIE under FIN 46R.
c.
Shared Savings Program.
FIN 46R also requires MGE to assess whether the participants within its Shared Savings program constitute VIEs in which MGE might be considered to be the consolidating entity. MGE has reviewed 87.5% of the total current Shared Savings program balance and has determined that the provisions of FIN 46R are not applicable via the "business scope exception." For the remaining 12.5% of the total current Shared Savings program balance, these entities are not legally obligated to provide the financial information to MGE that is necessary to determine whether MGE must consolidate these entities. MGE will continue to attempt to obtain information from these customers in order to determine whether they should be consolidated by MGE.
3.
Property, Plant, and Equipment - MGE Energy and MGE.
Property, plant, and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
MGE's utility plant is subject to the lien of its Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust. As of December 31, 2006, there was $1.2 million of bonds outstanding under that indenture. See Footnote 10 for further discussion of the mortgage indenture.
4.
Investments - MGE Energy and MGE.
a.
Equity Method Investments and Available for Sale Securities.
MGE and MGE Energy's available for sale securities represent publicly traded securities and private equity investments in common stock of companies in various industries.
Of the $2.2 million and $0.8 million in available for sale securities held by MGE Energy and MGE at December 31, 2006, $1.3 million and $0.7 million, were not evaluated for impairment because a) the Company did not estimate the fair value of those investments in accordance with paragraphs 14 and 15 of SFAS 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, and b) the Company did not identify any events or changes in circumstances that may have had a significant adverse effect on the fair value of those investments.
For the years ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2004, MGE and MGE Energy recorded $0.1 million in investment impairment charges. These charges represent an other-than-temporary decline in the value of its investment portfolio. No such charges were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2005.
b.
ATC.
ATC owns and operates electric transmission facilities in Wisconsin. MGE received an interest in ATC when it, like other Wisconsin electric utilities, contributed its electric transmission facilities to ATC.
The interest in ATC is presently held by MGE Transco, which is jointly owned by MGE and MGE Energy. MGE Transco is a majority owned nonregulated subsidiary of MGE. On October 28, 2005, MGE transferred its investment in ATC to MGE Transco. Since this date, MGE Energy has contributed a total of $3.3 million to MGE Transco. In exchange for the funds contributed by MGE Energy to MGE Transco, MGE Energy received an ownership interest in MGE Transco. MGE Energy's share of the equity and net income of MGE Transco are reflected as minority interest within MGE's Consolidated Financial Statements. At December 31, 2006, MGE Transco held a 3.9% ownership interest in ATC as a result of the aforementioned assets transferred and subsequent additional capital contributions made. The difference between the amount of MGE Transco's investment balance and the amount of the underlying equity in the net assets of ATC is due to the allocation of certain tax impacts related to the initial asset transfer.
MGE Transco accounts for the investment in ATC under the equity method of accounting. MGE Transco, through MGE, has a seat on the Board of Directors of ATC and has a 20% ownership interest in ATC Management, Inc. Due to MGE Transco's ability to exercise significant control over management activities, MGE Transco has accounted for this investment under the equity method of accounting. Equity earnings from the investment in ATC were $5.3 million (pretax) in 2006, $4.9 million (pretax) in 2005, and $4.2 million (pretax) in 2004. In 2006, 2005, and 2004, MGE and MGE Transco made $1.9 million, $1.4 million, and $3.5 million in additional capital contributions to ATC, respectively.
On July 27, 2006, a contractual arrangement was consummated between MGE and ATC. Per the terms of this agreement, MGE agrees to transfer the title of certain transmission assets to ATC. In exchange, for the assets transferred, MGE will receive 50% in cash consideration and 50% in an investment in ATC. See Footnote 28 for an update on the status of this arrangement.
Dividend income received from ATC was $4.0 million in 2006, $3.6 million in 2005, and $3.1 million in 2004. See Footnote 27 for discussion of additional transactions between MGE and MGE Energy and ATC.
ATC's summarized financial data for 2006, 2005, and 2004 is as follows:
(In thousands)
Income statement data for the years ended December 31,
Unaudited
Operating revenues
$340,745
$296,014
$262,563
Operating expenses
(179,406)
(166,568)
(157,730)
Other income
1,971
3,527
3,058
Interest expense, net
(41,395)
(36,581)
(29,945)
Net Income
$121,915
$ 96,392
$ 77,946
MGE and MGE Energy's equity earnings in ATC
$5,317
$4,871
$4,236
Balance sheet data as of December 31,
Current assets
$ 33,487
$ 29,179
$ 30,192
Non-current assets
1,853,674
1,516,094
1,228,588
Total assets
$1,887,161
$1,545,273
$1,258,780
Current liabilities
$ 305,287
$ 140,538
$ 192,292
Long-term debt
648,919
648,656
448,483
Other non-current liabilities
125,645
105,253
81,231
Shareholder's equity
807,310
650,826
536,774
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$1,887,161
$1,545,273
$1,258,780
5.
Joint Plant Ownership - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE and two other utilities jointly own Columbia, a coal-fired generating facility, which accounts for 30% (225 MW) of MGE's net generating capability. Power from this facility is shared in proportion to each company's ownership interest. MGE has a 22% ownership interest in Columbia. The other owners are Alliant, which operates Columbia, and WPSC. MGE's share of fuel, operating, and maintenance expenses for Columbia were $29.7 million, $28.5 million, and $27.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.
Each owner provides its own financing and reflects its respective portion of facilities and operating costs in its financial statements. MGE's interest in Columbia, included in its gross utility plant in service, and the related accumulated depreciation reserves at December 31 were as follows:
(In thousands)
Utility plant
$112,407
$107,030
Accumulated depreciation
(69,522)
(65,882)
Net plant
$ 42,885
$ 41,148
See Footnotes 21 and 22 for a discussion of MGE Energy's other joint plant ownership interests.
6.
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities - MGE Energy and MGE.
The following regulatory assets and liabilities are reflected in MGE's consolidated balance sheet as of December 31:
(In thousands)
Regulatory Assets
Decommissioning and decontamination
$ -
$ 300
Environmental costs
1,386
1,914
Deferred charges related to ATC
-
Deferred charges related to interest - 2027A Series
Regulatory asset - SFAS No. 133
2,849
Tax recovery related to AFUDC equity
3,087
2,930
Asset retirement obligation - SFAS No. 143 and FIN 47
4,039
4,152
Minimum pension liability
-
17,788
Unfunded pension and other postretirement liability
38,085
-
Debt issuance costs on extinguished debt
2,427
2,572
Regulatory assets - Elm Road
1,427
Tax recovery for prior flow through
-
Conservation costs
-
Blount restructuring costs
-
Other
Total regulatory assets
$55,111
$34,024
Regulatory Liabilities
Regulatory liability - SFAS No. 109
$ 6,689
$ 7,867
Regulatory liability - SFAS 158 medicare subsidy
3,668
-
Non-SFAS No. 143 removal cost
12,963
12,716
Vendor settlements
Regulatory liability - customer fuel credit
2,312
-
Deferred charges related to ATC
-
Conservation costs
-
Other
Total regulatory liabilities
$27,150
$21,748
MGE expects to recover its regulatory assets and return its regulatory liabilities through rates charged to customers based on PSCW decisions made during the ratemaking process or based on PSCW long-standing policies and guidelines. The adjustments to rates for these regulatory assets and liabilities will occur over the periods either specified by the PSCW or over the corresponding period related to the asset or liability. We believe it is probable that MGE will continue to recover from customers the regulatory assets described above based on prior and current ratemaking treatment for such costs. MGE is earning a return on all regulatory assets net of any related liabilities, except for amounts expended for environmental costs.
Decommissioning and Decontamination
The 1992 National Energy Policy Act requires all utilities that have used federal enrichment facilities to pay a special assessment for decontaminating and decommissioning these facilities. This special assessment is based on past enrichment. As a result, the Kewaunee co-owners are required to pay a surcharge on uranium enrichment services purchased from the federal government prior to October 23, 1992. MGE was a co-owner until it sold its ownership interest in September 2001. MGE has deferred in its deferred charges balance an estimated $0.3 million for its portion of the special assessment at December 31, 2005. MGE believes any additional costs will be recovered in future rates.
Environmental Costs
MGE has received regulatory treatment on environmental costs including clean up of two landfill sites and a substation site. The regulators have only allowed MGE to recover actual environmental expenditures incurred excluding any carrying cost. As of December 31, 2006, MGE has recorded $1.4 million in regulatory assets for environmental costs, including $0.1 million for accrual for estimated future site remediation and $1.3 million of deferrals for actual remediation costs incurred. These costs are being recovered over a four year period.
Deferred Charges Related to ATC
The PSCW has allowed MGE to use escrow accounting for certain transmission costs. The escrow accounting allows the utility to true-up its actual costs incurred and reflect the amount of the true-up in its next rate case filing and amortize the amount over that rate case period. A carrying cost component is calculated on the escrow balance. Escrow accounting for these costs was permitted through December 31, 2006.
Deferred Charges Related to Interest - 2027A Series
Deferred charges on the interest expense of the 2027A Series relates to the incremental difference in the interest that MGE earned on its construction bond fund and the actual interest that MGE paid out. That incremental difference between interest earned and interest expensed is currently being amortized over the remaining life of the bonds as part of the rate recovery allowed by the PSCW.
Regulatory Asset (liability) - SFAS No. 133
MGE has physical and financial contracts that are defined as derivatives under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The derivative amounts recorded as a result of these contracts is offset with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability because these transactions are part of the PGA or fuel rules clause authorized by the PSCW. These transactions are not subject to any sharing mechanism.
As of December 31, 2006, MGE recorded a regulatory asset of $2.8 million for the cumulative, net mark-to-market value of its commodity based contracts. These amounts will be included in costs under the PGA or fuel rules during 2007. As of December 31, 2005, MGE recorded a regulatory asset of $0.4 million for the cumulative, net mark-to-market value of its gas and electric supply contracts outstanding at that date.
Tax Recovery Related to AFUDC Equity
AFUDC equity represents the after-tax equity cost associated with utility plant construction and results in a temporary difference between the book and tax basis of such plant. Deferred income taxes are provided on this temporary difference in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. It is probable under PSCW regulation that MGE will recover in future rates the future increase in taxes payable represented by the deferred income tax liability. The amounts will be recovered in rates over the depreciable life of the asset for which AFUDC was applied. Tax recovery related to AFUDC equity represents the revenue requirement related to recovery of these future taxes payable, calculated at current statutory tax rates.
Asset Retirement Obligation - SFAS No. 143 and FIN 47
See Footnote 20 for further discussion.
Minimum Pension Liability
On December 21, 2004, the PSCW issued a final order concluding that the other comprehensive income portion of the entry for minimum pension liabilities related to regulated operations should be classified as regulatory assets within the consolidated balance sheet. As such, the minimum pension liability required for MGE's pension plan was recorded as a regulatory asset at December 31, 2005 and 2004, rather than within other comprehensive income as prescribed by SFAS No. 87. The additional minimum pension liability represents future expenses that will be recorded under SFAS No. 87 provisions over time assuming all of the assumptions remain the same in those future periods.
Unfunded Pension and Other Postretirement Liability
As of December 31, 2006, MGE and MGE Energy adopted SFAS 158. Under SFAS 158, MGE is required to recognize the funded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement pension plans as a net liability or asset on the balance sheet with an offset to other comprehensive income. According to the PSCW final order issued on December 21, 2004, the other comprehensive income portion of the entry under SFAS 87 for minimum pension liabilities related to regulated operations should be classified as regulatory assets within the consolidated balance sheet, rather than within other comprehensive income because the debit to other comprehensive income for the additional minimum pension liability represents future expenses that are expected to be recovered in rates. Under SFAS 158, the adjustments to other comprehensive income also represent future expenses that will be recoverable in rates. Accordingly, MGE has recorded such adjustments under regulatory assets. See Footnote 14 for further discussion of SFAS 158.
Debt Issuance Costs on Extinguished Debt
The PSCW has allowed rate recovery on unamortized issuance costs for extinguished debt facilities. When the facility replacing the old facility is deemed by the PSCW to be more favorable for the ratepayers, the PSCW will allow rate recovery of any unamortized issuance costs related to the old facility. These amounts are recovered over the term of the new facility and are classified as regulatory assets within the consolidated financial statements.
Regulatory Assets - Elm Road
On November 1, 2005, MGE received approval from the PSCW to defer payments made to MGE Power Elm Road for carrying costs during construction of the facility, management fees, and community impact mitigation costs. At December 31, 2006, $1.3 million of the regulatory asset balance related to Elm Road represents deferred management fees and community impact costs and $0.1 million represents carrying costs on the carrying costs. Pursuant to the rate order issued December 22, 2006, during 2007 MGE will collect $6.8 million in electric rates for carrying costs and $1.8 million for management fees and community impact mitigation costs. Based on the provisions of this order, 100% of the regulatory asset balance outstanding at December 31, 2006, related to Elm Road management fees and community impact costs, will be recovered in 2007.
Tax Recovery for Prior Flow Through
The PSCW has allowed rate recovery of deferred taxes on all temporary differences since June 1991 when the FERC Uniform System of Accounts was adopted. Unrecovered deferred taxes in existence at the time of adoption were authorized for rate recovery over 15 years through December 31, 2006, at which time the recovery is complete.
Tax recovery for prior flow through represents the revenue requirement, including current taxes payable, associated with the remaining recovery.
Conservation Costs
MGE has received regulatory treatment for certain conservation expenditures. The expenditures are used for demand-side management programs to promote energy efficiency on the customer's premises. Costs for demand-side management programs are estimated in MGE's rates utilizing escrow accounting. The escrow accounting allows the utility to true-up its actual costs incurred and reflect the amount of the true-up in its next rate case filing and amortize the amount over the rate case period.
Regulatory Liability - SFAS No. 109
Regulation and SFAS No. 109 have resulted in a regulatory liability related to income taxes. Excess deferred income taxes result from past taxes provided at rates higher than current rates. The SFAS No. 109 regulatory liability and deferred investment tax credit reflects the revenue requirement associated with the return of these tax benefits to customers.
Also included within this regulatory liability is $0.1 million related to the PSCW's rate deferral for the 2005 domestic manufacturing deduction.
Regulatory Liability- SFAS 158 Medicare Subsidy
This amount relates to the difference in treatment of the Medicare Part D Subsidy for tax and book purposes under the provisions of SFAS 158. For SFAS 109 purposes, the benefit of this subsidy is excluded from the computation of the unfunded liability. However, for financial statement purposes the unfunded liability includes (or is reduced by) the benefit of the Medicare Part D Subsidy. Such tax benefits will be returned to customers in rates in future periods.
Non-SFAS No. 143 Removal Costs
In connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 143, companies are required to reclassify cumulative collections for non-ARO removal costs as a regulatory liability, with an offsetting entry to accumulated depreciation. Under the current rate structure, these removal costs are being recovered as a component of depreciation expense.
Regulatory Liability - Customer Fuel Credit
See Footnote 17 for further discussion.
Vendor Settlements
MGE has a settlement agreement with a certain vendor in which it has received various payments since 1999. All settlements received from this vendor are returned to customers generally over a two-year period beginning in the rate case period following the actual receipt.
Blount Restructuring Costs
On January 19, 2006, MGE announced a plan, subject to certain conditions, that includes discontinuing coal use at the end of 2011 at Blount. The plant will continue to run on natural gas but will be reduced from its current approximate 190 MW capacity to 100 MW when coal burning is discontinued. MGE has determined that 11 nonunion and 49 union positions will be eliminated in 2011 as a result of this exit plan. Accordingly, this plan has resulted in certain involuntary and voluntary severance benefits. Additionally, this exit plan resulted in a curtailment under SFAS 88 and retention bonus payments. MGE expects recovery of these amounts beginning in 2008 and continuing through 2011.
7.
Common Equity.
a.
Common Stock - MGE Energy.
On November 9, 2006, MGE Energy entered into a Distribution Agreement with JP Morgan in which MGE Energy may offer and sell up to 1,500,000 shares of its common stock. During 2006, MGE Energy issued 221,500 shares of its common stock for $7.4 million in net proceeds under this agreement. These sales are made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement MGE Energy filed with the SEC in March 2003.
Similarly, on August 15, 2003, MGE Energy entered into an agreement with BOCM. Under the terms of that agreement, MGE Energy could offer and sell up to 1,600,000 shares of its common stock from time to time through BOCM as its sales agent or to BOCM as principal. These sales were also made pursuant to the shelf registration statement MGE Energy filed with the SEC in March 2003. MGE Energy did not sell any shares under the Agreement during 2005 or 2006 as the agreement expired on April 15, 2005. Under the agreement, MGE Energy sold 124,000 shares of its common stock during 2004 resulting in net proceeds of $3.8 million. The proceeds from the issuance of common stock were used to pay for capital expenditures related to WCCF and for other general corporate purposes.
MGE Energy also sells shares of its common stock through its Stock Plan. Those shares may be newly-issued shares or shares that MGE Energy has purchased in the open market for resale to participants in the Stock Plan. All sales are covered by a shelf registration statement that MGE Energy filed with the SEC. During the period from March 2005 to May 2006, MGE Energy generally purchased shares in the open market for Stock Plan participants. In June 2006, MGE Energy switched from purchasing shares on the open market to issuing new shares of its common stock for the Stock Plan.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, MGE Energy issued 299,396 and 64,877 new shares of common stock under the Stock Plan for net proceeds of $9.7 and $2.3 million.
At December 31, 2005, MGE Energy held $0.1 million of treasury stock that had been purchased on the open market. The cost basis of these shares was shown at December 31, 2005, as a reduction to stockholders' equity on the MGE Energy consolidated financial statements. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, these shares were distributed to participants of the Stock Plan and the aforementioned $0.1 million reduction to stockholders' equity was reversed. No treasury stock was held by MGE Energy as of December 31, 2006.
b.
Preferred Stock - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE has 1,175,000 shares of $25 par value redeemable preferred stock (cumulative) that is authorized but unissued at December 31, 2006 and 2005.
c.
Dilutive Shares Calculation - MGE Energy.
MGE Energy does not hold any dilutive securities.
8.
Comprehensive Income - MGE Energy and MGE.
The reporting of other comprehensive income is required under the provisions of SFAS 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income. Total comprehensive income represents the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from nonowner sources. MGE Energy and MGE's total comprehensive income is:
9.
Minority Interest - MGE.
a.
MGE Power West Campus.
MGE Power West Campus is not a subsidiary of MGE; however, it has been consolidated in the consolidated financial statements of MGE, due to the adoption of FIN 46(R) (see Footnote 2). MGE Power West Campus is 100% owned by MGE Power and MGE Power is 100% owned by MGE Energy. MGE Energy's proportionate share of the equity and net income (through its wholly owned subsidiary MGE Power) of MGE Power West Campus is classified within the MGE financial statements as minority interest. As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, MGE Power had invested (net of dividends) $28.0 million and $36.9 million in MGE Power West Campus, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, MGE Power had earned $7.8 million and $5.4 million, net of tax, from its interest in MGE Power West Campus. This amount is recorded as minority interest expense, net of tax, on MGE's consolidated statement of income.
b.
MGE Transco.
On October 28, 2005, MGE Transco was formed. On this date, MGE transferred its investment in ATC to MGE Transco. In exchange for this transfer, MGE received an ownership interest in MGE Transco. During 2005 and 2006, MGE Energy contributed a total of $3.3 million to MGE Transco. In exchange for the funds contributed by MGE Energy, MGE Energy received an ownership interest in MGE Transco. At December 31, 2006, MGE is the majority owner and MGE Energy is the minority owner of this entity. MGE Energy's proportionate share of the equity and net income of MGE Transco is classified within the MGE financial statements as minority interest. As of December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, MGE Energy had invested (net of dividends) $2.9 million and $1.4 million in MGE Transco. For the years ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, MGE Energy had earned $0.4 million and less than $0.1 million, net of tax, from its interest in MGE Transco. These amounts are recorded as minority interest expense, net of tax, on MGE's consolidated statement of income.
c.
MGE Power Elm Road.
Similar to MGE Power West Campus, MGE Power Elm Road is not a subsidiary of MGE; however, it has been consolidated in the consolidated financial statements of MGE, due to the adoption of FIN 46(R) (see Footnote 2). MGE Power Elm Road is 100% owned by MGE Power and MGE Power is 100% owned by MGE Energy. MGE Energy's proportionate share of the equity and net income (through its wholly owned subsidiary MGE Power) of MGE Power Elm Road is classified within the MGE financial statements as minority interest. As of December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, MGE Power had invested $50.1 million and less than $0.1 million in MGE Elm Road. For the years ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, MGE Power had earned $1.4 million and less than $0.1 million, net of tax, from its interest in MGE Power Elm Road. These amounts are recorded as minority interest expense, net of tax, on MGE's consolidated statement of income.
10.
Long-Term Debt.
a.
5.25% Medium Term Notes - MGE and MGE Energy.
On December 29, 2006, MGE issued $30 million in 5.25% medium-term notes due January 15, 2017. The notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture dated as of September 1, 1998, between MGE and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., (as successor to Bank One, N.A.), as Trustee. The notes are unsecured. MGE used the net proceeds from the sale of the Notes to repay short-term indebtedness, namely, commercial paper.
The notes carry an interest rate of 5.25% per annum, which is payable semiannually on January 15 and July 15 of each year, commencing on July 15, 2007. The notes are redeemable at any time at MGE's option at a redemption price equal to or greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued interest to the redemption date, or (ii) the discounted present value of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes to be redeemed (as provided in the notes), plus accrued interest to the redemption date.
b.
5.68% Senior Secured Notes - MGE and MGE Energy.
On September 30, 2003, MGE Energy, through MGE Power West Campus, issued $30.0 million of 5.68% senior secured notes maturing September 25, 2033, in a private placement offering. Interest only will be paid monthly for the first ten years and then principal and interest payments will be paid monthly for the remaining life of the debt. The proceeds from these notes were used to pay off a portion of MGE Energy's bank loans, which provided temporary financing of capital expenditures for the WCCF.
The debt is subject to a collateral assignment of lease payments that MGE will be making to MGE Power West Campus for use of the cogeneration facility. Until the facility was operational, MGE Energy guaranteed the debt.
c.
5.19% Senior Secured Notes-MGE Energy and MGE.
On October 27, 2005, MGE Energy, through its wholly-owned subsidiary MGE Power West Campus, issued $20.0 million of 5.19% senior secured notes due September 25, 2033. The proceeds of the note issuance were used to repay affiliate payables incurred by MGE Power West Campus in connection with the construction of the WCCF. The 5.19% senior secured notes provide for payments of interest only during the first eight years, followed by monthly payments of principal and interest until maturity. The issuance of those notes was effected pursuant to the existing note purchase agreement and related indenture for the 5.68% senior secured notes.
The 5.19% senior secured notes require that MGE Power West Campus maintain a projected debt service coverage ratio of not less than 1.25 to 1.00, and debt to total capitalization ratio of not more than .65 to 1.00.
The debt is subject to a collateral assignment of lease payments that MGE will be making to MGE Power West Campus for use of the cogeneration facility.
d.
First Mortgage Bonds- MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE's utility plant is subject to the lien of its Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust, under which its First Mortgage Bonds are issued.
MGE's outstanding First Mortgage Bonds contain certain debt covenant restrictions with respect to dividends. The covenant restricts the payment of dividends or any other distribution or purchase of shares to the existing earned surplus (retained earnings) on MGE common stock. MGE's earned surplus exceeded all such payments for all years covered under this report.
e.
Other Long-Term Debt- MGE Energy and MGE.
On September 9, 2003, MGE issued $20 million in unsecured 6.12% medium-term notes maturing on September 1, 2028. Interest on these notes is paid semiannually on March 1 and September 1 of each year. The proceeds from this issue were used to redeem $20 million, 7.70%, 2028 Series, First Mortgage Bonds, on September 30, 2003. The call premium for the redeemed bonds was $0.9 million and is recoverable through rates.
MGE also has $30 million of 6.02% medium-term notes due in 2008, $15 million of 7.49% medium-term notes due in 2007, $15 million of 6.58% medium-term notes due in 2012, and $25 million of 7.12% medium-term notes due in 2032.
The indenture under which the medium-term notes were issued provides that they will be entitled to be equally and ratably secured in the event that MGE issues any additional First Mortgage Bonds.
At December 31, 2006, MGE had issued $67.3 million in other unsecured notes with interest rates between 4.9% and 5.9%.
Below is MGE Energy's and MGE's aggregate maturities for all long-term debt for years following the December 31, 2006, balance sheet.
(In thousands)
Amount
$15,000
30,000
-
-
-
Future years
208,500
Total*
$253,500
*Includes $30 million and $20 million maturity for MGE Power West Campus, which is consolidated with MGE's debt in accordance with FIN 46R (see Footnote 2).
11.
Notes Payable to Banks, Commercial Paper, and Lines of Credit - MGE Energy and MGE.
For short-term borrowings, MGE generally issues commercial paper (issued at the prevailing discount rate at the time of issuance), which is supported by unused bank lines of credit. On December 21, 2005, MGE entered into an amended and restated unsecured revolving credit facility under which it may borrow up to $55 million from a group of lenders. This credit facility amends and replaces the revolving facility dated July 14, 2004, in the amount of $45 million. The credit facility is available for the issuance of letters of credit. The credit facility matures December 21, 2010. Interest rates on borrowings under the credit facility are based on either prime or LIBOR plus an adder based on the senior unsecured credit rating of MGE. Interest is payable monthly. The credit agreement requires MGE to maintain a ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated total capitalization not to exceed a maximum of 65%.
On September 29, 2006, MGE entered into a uncommitted, unsecured $20 million line of credit note with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. that extends until March 31, 2007.
On December 21, 2005, MGE Energy entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility under which it may borrow up to $80 million from a group of lenders. MGE Energy has the right to request an increase in the aggregate commitment amount up to a maximum amount of $20 million so long as no default or unmatured default exists. Interest rates on borrowings under the credit facility are based on either prime or LIBOR plus an adder based on the senior unsecured credit rating of MGE. Interest is payable monthly. Amounts borrowed may be repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity. The credit agreement requires MGE Energy to maintain a ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated total capitalization not to exceed a maximum of 65%. The ratio calculation excludes assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses included in MGE's financial statements as a result of the application of FIN 46(R).
During 2004, MGE entered into a $45 million bank line of credit with a group of banks. MGE also added an additional $10.0 million credit facility which matured on March 29, 2005. These agreements were used principally to support MGE's commercial paper program. MGE also had a letter of credit with a commercial bank (established as collateral for equipment purchases) that ATC used to provide necessary upgrades for the WCCF.
During 2004, MGE Energy renewed its $60 million line of credit note. The term of the line of credit note extended until September 30, 2005. The maximum principal amount available under this note from September 29, 2004, through December 31, 2004, was $30 million. The maximum principal amount available under this note was $45 million on January 1, 2005, through March 31, 2005, and $60 million on April 1, 2005, through September 30, 2005. At any time, MGE Energy had the ability to amend the note and increase the "Commitment Amount" then available to an amount not to exceed $60 million. The line of credit was used for temporary financing of the capital commitments for the WCCF and general corporate purposes.
Information concerning short-term borrowings for the past three years is shown below:
12.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments - MGE Energy and MGE.
At December 31, 2006, and 2005, the carrying amount of cash, cash equivalents, and outstanding commercial paper approximates fair market value due to the short maturity of those investments and obligations. The estimated fair market value of MGE's long-term debt is based on quoted market prices at December 31. The estimated fair market value of MGE Energy's and MGE's financial instruments are as follows:
*Includes long-term debt due within one year.
13.
Income Taxes.
a.
MGE Energy Income Taxes.
MGE Energy files a consolidated federal income tax return that includes the operations of all subsidiary companies. The consolidated income tax provision consists of the following provision (benefit) components for the years ended December 31:
(In thousands)
Current payable:
Federal
$16,169
$ 6,025
$ 8,946
State
4,921
3,406
3,380
Net-deferred:
Federal
4,565
9,795
7,486
State
1,105
1,346
Amortized investment tax credits
(432)
(460)
(502)
Total income tax provision
$25,899
$19,871
$20,656
For the year ended December 31, 2006, MGE Energy's deferred tax expense decreased, while the current taxes increased when compared to the same period in the prior year. This shift is largely attributable to the placement in service of the WCCF. The WCCF generated approximately $44 million of tax depreciation (including bonus depreciation) at the time it went into service. The large tax depreciation deduction that occurred in 2005, resulted in small 2005 current tax expense and a large deferred tax provision. As a result of several consecutive prior years of bonus tax depreciation, the difference between the 2006 tax and book depreciation is much lower than in the prior year. This change, along with higher net income, resulted in higher current tax expense and lower deferred tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2006, when compared to the same period in the prior year.
MGE Energy's consolidated income tax provision differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes, as follows:
Statutory federal income tax rate
35.0%
35.0%
35.0%
Amortized investment tax credits
(0.6)%
(0.9)%
(0.9)%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
5.0%
5.3%
5.1%
Credit for electricity from wind energy
(0.5)%
(0.7)%
(0.7)%
Medicare subsidy
(0.5)%
(0.4)%
(0.4)%
Domestic manufacturing deduction
(0.5)%
-
-
Other, individually insignificant
-
(0.1)%
(0.2)%
Effective income tax rate
37.9%
38.2%
37.9%
The significant components of deferred tax liabilities (assets) that appear on MGE Energy's consolidated balance sheets as of December 31 are as follows:
(In thousands)
Property-related
$102,146
$ 94,863
Investment in ATC
14,798
14,661
Bond transactions
2,416
2,558
Pension expense
1,033
Additional minimum pension obligation
-
8,756
Unfunded pension and other postretirement liability
15,286
-
Tax deductible prepayments
6,288
5,170
Other
5,671
4,468
Gross deferred income tax liabilities
147,446
131,509
Accrued expenses
(9,702)
(7,444)
Retirement benefits, other than pension
(7,102)
(5,813)
Deferred tax regulatory account
(4,043)
(4,663)
Additional minimum pension obligation
-
(8,756)
Unfunded pension and other postretirement liability
(18,954)
-
Other
(2,394)
(1,810)
Gross deferred income tax assets
(42,195)
(28,486)
Less valuation allowance
Net deferred income tax assets
(41,829)
(28,119)
Deferred income taxes
$105,617
$ 103,390
The valuation allowance reduces MGE Energy's deferred tax assets for state carryforward losses to estimated realizable value due to the uncertainty of future income estimates in various state tax jurisdictions.
For tax purposes, as of December 31, 2006, MGE Energy had approximately $7.5 million of state tax net operating loss deductions that expire between 2011 to 2019 if unused.
b.
MGE Income Taxes.
On a separate company basis, the components of MGE's income tax provision are as follows for the years ended December 31:
(In thousands)
Current payable:
Federal
$16,468
$ 5,669
$ 8,046
State
4,910
3,314
3,146
Net-deferred:
Federal
4,241
9,791
7,484
State
1,104
1,347
Amortized investment tax credits
(432)
(460)
(502)
Total income tax provision
$25,785
$19,418
$19,521
For the year ended December 31, 2006, MGE's deferred tax expense decreased, while the current taxes increased when compared to the same period in the prior year. This shift is largely attributable to the placement in service of the WCCF. The WCCF generated approximately $44 million of tax depreciation (including bonus depreciation) at the time it went into service. The large tax depreciation deduction that occurred in 2005, resulted in small 2005 current tax expense and a large deferred tax provision. As a result of several consecutive prior years of bonus tax depreciation, the difference between the 2006 tax and book depreciation is much lower than in the prior year. This change, along with higher net income, resulted in higher current tax expense and lower deferred tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2006, when compared to the same period in the prior year.
MGE's income tax provision on a separate company basis differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before minority interest and income tax provision as follows:
Statutory federal income tax rate
35.0%
35.0%
35.0%
Amortized investment tax credits
(0.6)%
(0.9)%
(1.0)%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
5.0%
5.3%
5.1%
Credit for electricity from wind energy
(0.5)%
(0.7)%
(0.8)%
Medicare subsidy
(0.5)%
(0.4)%
(0.4)%
Domestic manufacturing deduction
(0.5)%
-
-
Other, individually insignificant
-
(0.2)%
(0.1)%
Effective income tax rate
37.9%
38.1%
37.8%
The significant components of deferred tax liabilities (assets) that appear on MGE's consolidated balance sheets as of December 31 are as follows:
(In thousands)
Property-related
$102,146
$ 94,863
Investment in ATC
14,798
14,661
Bond transactions
2,416
2,558
Pension expense
1,033
Additional minimum pension obligation
-
8,756
Unfunded pension and other postretirement liability
15,286
-
Tax deductible prepayments
6,288
5,170
Other
5,451
4,323
Gross deferred income tax liabilities
147,226
131,364
Accrued expenses
(9,679)
(6,975)
Retirement benefits, other than pension
(7,102)
(5,813)
Deferred tax regulatory account
(4,043)
(4,663)
Additional minimum pension obligation
-
(8,756)
Unfunded pension and other postretirement liability
(18,954)
-
Other
(2,394)
(1,810)
Gross deferred income tax assets
(42,172)
(28,017)
Less valuation allowance
Net deferred income tax assets
(41,806)
(27,650)
Deferred income taxes
$105,420
$103,714
The valuation allowance reduces MGE's deferred tax assets for state carryforward losses to estimated realizable value due to the uncertainty of future income estimates in various state tax jurisdictions.
For tax purposes, as of December 31, 2006, MGE had approximately $7.5 million of state tax net operating loss deductions that expire between 2011 to 2019 if unused.
See Footnote 24 for discussion of the estimated impacts of FIN 48.
c.
FSP 109-1
In December 2004, the FASB issued FSP 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, 'Application for Income Taxes,' to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004" (FSP FAS 109-1). The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (Act), signed into law on October 22, 2004, provided, generally, for a tax deduction, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2004, for domestic manufacturing activities of up to nine percent (when fully phased-in) of the lesser of "qualified production activities income," as defined in the Act, or taxable income. FSP 109-1 clarified that the tax deduction for domestic manufacturing activities under the Act should be accounted for as a special deduction in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" (SFAS No. 109). MGE estimates its tax deduction for 2006 to be $1.0 million. The benefit of the 2005 deduction was deferred by the PSCW resulting in a regulatory liability in the amount of $0.1 million as of December 31, 2006, on the balance sheets of both MGE Energy and MGE.
14.
Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE maintains qualified and nonqualified pension plans, health care and life insurance benefits, and two defined contribution 401(k) benefit plans for its employees and retirees. MGE's costs for the 401(k) plans were $1.0 million in 2006, $0.9 million in 2005, and $0.8 million in 2004. A measurement date of December 31 is utilized for all pension and postretirement benefit plans.
MGE employs 254 individuals who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with Local Union No. 2304 of the IBEW and 106 employees who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with Local Union No. 39 of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) and five employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement with USW Local Union Unit No. 2-0111 (USW). On May 12, 2006, the OPEIU employees ratified a new three-year labor agreement; on September 21, 2006, the IBEW employees ratified a new three-year labor agreement; and on October 11, 2006, the USW also ratified a new three-year labor agreement. Pursuant to these agreements, the OPEIU, IBEW, and USW have agreed to defined contribution pension plans for employees hired after December 31, 2006.
All new nonunion employees hired after December 31, 2006, will also be enrolled in a defined contribution pension plan, rather than the defined benefit pension plan currently in place for existing nonunion employees.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 158, Employers' Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Plans. This pronouncement requires the recognition of the funded status of defined benefit and postretirement benefit plans on the balance sheet. Additionally, this statement requires that certain previously disclosed but unrecognized costs be recognized on the balance sheet. See Footnote 24 for further discussion of this statement. The provisions of this statement have been adopted by MGE as of December 31, 2006, and are reflected in the following disclosure.
a.
Benefit Obligations.
The accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plan at the end of 2006 and 2005 was $150.4 million and $147.7 million, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation for the other postretirement benefits at the end of 2006 and 2005, was $50.0 million and $58.5 million, respectively.
The following table shows assumed health care cost trend rates at December 31:
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year
8%
9%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)
5%
5%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
The assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. The health trend assumption for 2004 was reset from 12% to 10% as a result of an expanded relationship with a managed care health provider with a greater emphasis on preventive care, provider discounts, and better utilization management.
The following table shows how an assumed 1% increase or 1% decrease in health care cost trends could impact postretirement benefits in 2006 dollars:
(In thousands)
1% Increase
1% Decrease
Effect on other postretirement benefit obligation
$7,674
$(6,473)
On December 8, 2003, the "Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003" (the Act) was signed into law authorizing Medicare to provide prescription drug benefits to retirees. The Act introduced a prescription drug benefit under Medicare as well as a Federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Management believes the prescription drug benefit provided under MGE's postretirement benefit plans is at least actuarially equivalent to the Medicare prescription drug benefit. In response to the enactment of the Act, on May 19, 2003, FSP 106-2, Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, was issued.
During the third quarter of 2004, MGE adopted the provisions of FSP 106-2, resulting in a remeasurement of its postretirement benefits and a remeasurement of its postretirement plans' assets and APBO as of January 1, 2004. The effect of the subsidy on benefits attributable to past service was accounted for as an actuarial experience gain, resulting in a decrease in the APBO of $4.3 million. Previously reported financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2004, and June 30, 2004, have been adjusted to reflect a reduction in net periodic postretirement benefit cost as if FSP 106-2 was adopted as of January 1, 2004. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the subsidy due to MGE was $0.1 million.
b.
Plan Assets.
The fair value of plan assets for the pension plans is $134.4 million and $116.7 million at the end of 2006 and 2005, respectively. The expected long-term rate of return on these plan assets was 9.0% in 2006 and 2005.
c.
Explanation of Long-Term Rate of Return.
MGE employs a building-block approach in determining the expected long-term rate of return for asset classes. Historical markets are studied and long-term historical relationships among asset classes are analyzed, consistent with the widely accepted capital market principle that assets with higher volatility generate a greater return over the long run. Current market factors such as interest rates and dividend yields are evaluated before long-term capital market assumptions are determined.
The expected long-term nominal rate of return for plan assets is primarily a function of expected long-term real rates of return for component asset classes and the plan's target asset allocation in conjunction with an inflation assumption. Consideration is also given to diversification, rebalancing, and active portfolio management. Peer data and historical returns are reviewed to check for appropriateness.
The asset allocation for MGE's pension plans at the end of 2006 and 2005, and the target allocation for 2007, by asset category, follows:
d.
Investment Strategy.
MGE employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equities, fixed income, and real estate investments are used to maximize the expected long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan-funded status, and corporate financial condition. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity, fixed income, and real estate investments. Target asset allocations are as follows: 50% United States equity, 25% non-United States equity, 15% fixed income, and 10% real estate. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through periodic investment portfolio reviews and liability measurements.
e.
Other Postretirement Benefits.
The fair value of plan assets for these postretirement benefit plans is $15.3 million and $12.6 million at the end of 2006 and 2005, respectively. The expected long-term rate of return on these plan assets was 7.78% and 7.61% in 2006 and 2005.
Of the above amounts, $12.3 million and $9.8 million at the end of 2006 and 2005, respectively, were held in the master pension trust and are allocable to postretirement health expenses. The target asset allocation and investment strategy for the portion of assets held in the master pension trust are the same as that explained for MGE's pension plans.
The remainder of postretirement benefit assets are held either in an insurance continuance fund for the payment of retiree life benefits or a health benefit trust for payment of retiree health claims. There is no formal target asset allocation for these assets, but the intent is to seek interest income and maintain stability of principal.
f.
Funded Status.
The funded status at the end of the year, and the related amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet are as follows:
The adoption of SFAS 158 had the following impacts on the consolidated financial statements of MGE and MGE Energy as of December 31, 2006.
(In thousands)
Before Application of SFAS 158 (d)
Adjustment for SFAS 158 - Pension Plans (c)
Adjustment for SFAS 158- Other Postretirement Plans
After Application of SFAS 158
Pension and other postretirement liability, net
$42,912
$24,925
$8,213
$76,050
Pension liability - current
-
-
Regulatory asset (a)
2,840
27,032
8,213
38,085
Regulatory liability (b)
-
-
3,668
3,668
Intangible asset
1,493
(1,493)
-
-
Deferred tax asset (b)
-
-
3,668
3,668
(a)
See Footnote 6 to the financial statements for discussion of the treatment of this adjustment as a regulatory asset.
(b)
Amount relates to the difference in treatment of the Medicare Part D subsidy for tax and book purposes. For SFAS 109 purposes the benefit of this subsidy was excluded from the computation of the unfunded liability. However, for financial statement purposes the unfunded liability includes (or is reduced by) the benefit of the subsidy. There are no additional impacts of SFAS 158 on MGE's deferred tax asset balance as the deferred tax liability related to the SFAS 158 regulatory asset is equal and offsetting to the deferred tax asset that is required on the pension and other postretirement liability.
(c)
Amount includes both qualified and nonqualified plans.
(d)
Represents balances at December 31, 2006, under the provisions of SFAS 87.
(In thousands)
Pension Benefits
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
Net actuarial loss
$25,806
$4,923
Prior service cost
3,637
Transition obligation
2,599
$29,872
$8,213
The qualified pension plans are 84% funded at December 31, 2006 (computed as a percent of projected benefit obligation).
The projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, were as follows:
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, were as follows:
g.
Expected Cash Flows.
There are no required contributions for the 2006 plan year, but MGE may elect discretionary deductible contributions depending upon its valuation results and cash flow from operations. In 2006, MGE made $5.8 million in employer contributions to its pension and postretirement plans related to the 2005 and 2006 plan years. MGE also expects to make a $4.6 million contribution in 2007 related to the 2006 plan year. These payments are made strictly at MGE's discretion as there are no contributions required for the 2006 plan year.
h.
Benefit Payments.
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid as follows:
i.
Net Periodic Cost.
MGE has elected to recognize the cost of its transition obligation (the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of January 1, 1993) by amortizing it on a straight-line basis over 20 years.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, a plan curtailment for MGE's bargaining pension and postretirement plans as defined in SFAS 88, Employers' Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits had occurred. This resulted in a $0.1 million curtailment loss for the bargaining pension plan and a $0.2 million curtailment gain for the bargaining other postretirement plan. The net impact of the curtailment was recorded as a decrease to the regulatory asset established for the exit plan.
Additionally, on September 21, 2006, certain voluntary termination benefits were awarded to International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) who may be impacted by the discontinuance of coal use at Blount. Namely, these employees were offered certain supplemental early retirement benefits. In order to receive these benefits, the affected employees must declare their intent to retire early by no later than December 21, 2006 (for employees age 60 or older) or December 31, 2007 (for employees age less than 60). In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 88, MGE will recognize the related liability at the time the employees accept the offer and the amount can be reasonably estimated. As of December 31, 2006, one of the union employees declared their intent to retire early. The liability associated with these special termination benefits has been reflected in the table above.
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A 1% change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have had the following effect:
(In thousands)
1% Increase
1% Decrease
Effect on total service and interest cost components
$931
$(788)
15.
Regional Transmission Organizations - MGE Energy and MGE.
On April 1, 2005, the Midwest ISO implemented its bid-based energy market. Midwest ISO is a FERC approved RTO that is required to provide real-time energy services and a market based mechanism for congestion management. MGE is a participant in this market. On April 1, 2005, MGE began offering substantially all of its generation on the Midwest ISO market and purchasing much of its load requirement from the Midwest ISO market in accordance with the Midwest ISO Tariff.
Additionally, on May 1, 2004, MGE became a member of PJM. PJM is also an RTO. PJM is a neutral and independent party that coordinates and directs the operation of the region's transmission grid, administers a competitive wholesale electricity market, and plans regional transmission expansion improvements to maintain grid reliability and relieve congestion. MGE has three purchase power agreements, for a total of 115 MW, that are impacted by this market.
MGE reports on a net basis transactions on the Midwest ISO and PJM markets in which it buys and sells power within the same period to meet electric energy delivery requirements. This treatment resulted in a $154.4 million and $122.2 million reduction to sales for resale and purchased power expense for the year ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
16.
Derivative and Hedging Instruments - MGE Energy and MGE.
As part of our regular operations, MGE enters into contracts, including options, swaps, futures, forwards, and other contractual commitments, to manage its exposure to interest rates, commodity prices, and gas margin. MGE evaluates its derivative contracts in accordance with SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended and interpreted. To the extent that these contracts are derivatives, MGE assesses whether or not the normal purchases or normal sales exclusion applies. For contracts in which this exclusion can not be applied, SFAS No. 133 requires MGE Energy and MGE to recognize all derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value, with changes in the fair value of derivative instruments to be recorded in current earnings or deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether a derivative is designated as, and is effective as, a hedge and depending on the type of hedge transaction. MGE's derivative activities are conducted in accordance with its electric and gas risk management program.
If the derivative qualifies for regulatory deferral subject to the provisions of SFAS No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation, the derivatives are marked to fair value pursuant to SFAS No. 133 and are offset with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability.
During 2006 and 2005, MGE purchased and sold exchange traded and over the counter options, swaps, and future contracts. Additionally, as a result of the firm transmission agreements that MGE holds on transmission paths in the Midwest ISO and PJM markets, at December 31, 2006, MGE holds 2007 FTRs. An FTR is a financial instrument that entitles the holder to a stream of revenues or charges based on the differences in hourly day ahead energy prices between two points on the transmission grid. The aforementioned arrangements are primarily entered into to help stabilize the price risk associated with gas or power purchases. These transactions are employed by both MGE's gas and electric segments. During 2005 and 2006, MGE also purchased over-the-counter financial floating to fixed price swaps and calls to fix the price of gas for the "Winter Set-Price Firm Gas Sales Service" pilot program.
At December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the cost basis of these instruments exceeded their fair value by $3.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Under the PGA clause and electric fuel rules, MGE may include in the costs of fuel (natural gas or power) the costs and benefits of the aforementioned fuel price risk management tools. Because these costs and benefits are recoverable, the related unrealized loss has been deferred on the balance sheet as a regulatory asset. These financial instruments will expire throughout 2007. Accordingly, the fair value of these instruments is reflected as a current regulatory asset and current deferred liability. Depending on the nature of the instrument, the gain or loss associated with these transactions will be reflected in natural gas purchased, fuel used for electric generation, or purchased power expense within the consolidated financial statements in the delivery month applicable to the instrument.
During 2006, MGE has also entered into futures and basis swaps to take advantage of physical and financial arbitrage opportunities between supply basins and pricing spreads between future months' gas supply. Under the incentive mechanism within the PGA clause, MGE shareholders have the ability to receive 50% of the benefits or loss from these deals if certain thresholds are achieved. At December 31, 2006, these positions were in an unrealized gain position of $0.5 million. Of this amount, 50% is reflected in other comprehensive income and 50% is reflected as a regulatory asset pursuant to a rate order issued by the PSCW. These instruments all expire in 2007. Accordingly, the value of these instruments is included within the current section of the MGE and MGE Energy balance sheets. Upon settlement, the gain or loss from these instruments will be reflected in the natural gas purchased expense.
On November 1, 2006, MGE entered into a nonexchange traded weather derivative. This agreement extends from January 2007 until March 2007. This agreement has a premium of $0.3 million. Under this agreement, MGE is subject to a floor and a ceiling based on forecasted heating degree days during the indicated period. If heating degree days are below the floor, MGE is entitled to receive payment, and if actual heating degree days exceed the ceiling, MGE is obligated to make a payment. Any payment or receipt is limited to $1.4 million. MGE is accounting for the HDD agreement using the intrinsic value method pursuant to the requirements of EITF No. 99-2, Accounting for Weather Derivatives.
In October 2005, MGE also entered into two non-exchange traded weather derivatives. The first agreement extended from November 2005 until December 2005. This agreement had a premium of $0.1 million. Additionally, any payment or receipt under this agreement was limited to $0.4 million. The second agreement extended from January 2006 until March 2006. This agreement also had a premium of $0.1 million. Additionally, any payment or receipt under this agreement was limited to $0.6 million. Under these agreements, MGE was subject to a floor and a ceiling based on forecasted heating degree days. If actual heating degree days exceeded the ceiling, MGE was obligated to make a payment and if heating degree days are below the floor, MGE would receive payment. Through December 31, 2005, actual HDD were 2,201, resulting in less than a $0.1 million loss for MGE. During 2006, MGE recorded a $0.6 million gain on the January - March 2006 HDD agreement.
In October 2004, MGE entered into a non-exchange-traded weather derivative. The payment or receipt under this agreement was not permitted to exceed $1.0 million (excluding premium). The term of this agreement extended from November 1, 2004, until March 31, 2005, and the premium for this weather hedge was $0.1 million. Through December 31, 2004, actual HDD were 1,954, resulting in a $0.3 million gain for MGE. For 2005, this instrument resulted in less than a $0.1 million loss for MGE.
Nonperformance of counterparties to the nonexchange traded derivatives could expose MGE to credit loss. However, MGE enters into transactions only with companies that meet or exceed strict credit guidelines.
17.
Rate Matters - MGE Energy and MGE.
a.
Rate proceedings.
On December 22, 2006, the PSCW approved a limited scope rate case reopener related to MGE's current electric rates. This order approved an update to MGE's electric fuel costs monitored under the fuel rules, an updated estimate of the 2007 Elm Road carrying costs, and a request for recovery of increased ATC-related transmission costs through December 31, 2007. This order will result in a net 0.15% decrease, on average, in retail electric rates for 2007. The PSCW also approved the recovery of 100% AFUDC on the Top of Iowa 3 wind project beginning in November 2006 and continuing until construction on the project ceases.
Pursuant to the provisions of this rate order, the fuel rules bandwidth effective January 1, 2007 will be plus or minus 2%. See description of fuel rules below.
On December 12, 2005, the PSCW authorized MGE to increase 2006 electric revenues by $35.9 million and to increase gas revenues by $3.8 million. The increase to electric revenues is intended to cover increased fuel and purchased power costs and the costs of additional facilities needed to meet the rising electric and gas needs of our customers. Approximately $3.8 million of the increase in electric revenues relates to the recovery of the carrying costs for Elm Road.
On December 21, 2004, the PSCW authorized MGE to increase 2005 electric revenues by $27.4 million and to decrease 2005 gas revenues by $4.2 million. The increase to electric revenues is intended to cover rising fuel costs, commercial operation of WCCF, and increased transmission expenses.
On January 14, 2004, the PSCW authorized MGE to increase revenues by $12.8 million. The increase is intended to cover rising fuel costs for electric generation and to address increased system demands for both gas and electric.
b.
Fuel rules.
Actual electric fuel costs are subject to reconciliation to the amount approved by the PSCW in MGE's rate order covering the applicable period. Known as "fuel rules," the process can produce a fuel surcharge for MGE or require MGE to make a refund in the form of a credit, to the extent that the actual fuel costs are outside a range higher or lower than the level authorized by the PSCW in that rate order.
Under fuel rules effective January 1, 2006, MGE could apply for a fuel surcharge if its actual electric fuel costs exceeded 102% of the electric fuel costs allowed in its latest rate order. Conversely, MGE could have been required to provide a fuel credit to its customers if actual electric fuel costs were less than 99.5% of the electric fuel costs allowed in that order.
Based on the results for the month ended January 31, 2006, on March 9, 2006, the PSCW issued an interim order for a fuel credit of $0.00069 per kilowatt-hour. In the March 9, 2006, interim order the PSCW also stated that MGE's electric rates set in the final order are subject to refund, together with interest at 11%, pending a full review of MGE's 2006 actual electric fuel costs. On May 25, 2006, the PSCW amended its interim order approving the stipulation entered into on April 21, 2006, by MGE, the Citizens Utility Board, and the Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group. This amended interim order provided for a $0.00454 per kWh credit based on an average cost of fuel.
As a result of a decrease in electric fuel costs during the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, as compared to those in its latest rate order, MGE recorded a $19.1 million reduction to other electric revenues reflecting its estimated obligation under the refund provision and interim credit. During the year ended December 31, 2006, $16.8 million had been credited to electric customers. Of this amount $7.1 million was credited on customers' December bills. This credit was based on actual results from January through October and estimated results for November and December.
The difference between the refund estimated for November and December and the refund computed based on actual sales volumes was $2.3 million and is reflected at December 31, 2006, as a short-term regulatory liability in the consolidated balance sheet of MGE and MGE Energy. This amount is expected to be refunded on customers' bills in March 2007.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2005, MGE was subject to a 3% bandwidth under the fuel rules. As a result of the natural disasters that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico and the related damage to the energy infrastructure, natural gas prices in 2005 rose to abnormally high levels. These increased prices caused MGE's fuel costs during the fourth quarter of 2005 to exceed the upper bandwidth limit. On November 11, 2005, the PSCW approved an interim rate order granting MGE's request for a fuel surcharge on its electric rates to cover increased fuel and purchased power costs. Between November 11, 2005, and December 31, 2005, MGE recorded $1.7 million in revenue under this interim order.
On August 10, 2004, the PSCW reopened MGE's current rate docket for the limited purpose of determining whether a fuel credit was due for 2004 under the fuel rules. On September 30, 2004, MGE filed an application to decrease electric rates for 2004 by $0.0025 per kWh, reflecting its view of the credit due customers under the fuel rules. This amount was subsequently revised to $0.00275 per kWh. Based upon these filings, MGE recorded a reduction to electric revenues to reflect the fuel credit refund in the amount of $3.4 million for 2004. $1.8 million of this amount was credited on customers' bills during 2004, and $1.6 million of this amount was refunded in January 2005.
During 2003, MGE submitted an application for a fuel cost credit. On August 14, 2003, the PSCW approved an interim fuel credit of $0.00099 per kWh and also required a full review of the actual and forecasted costs for 2003, with MGE's fuel rates subject to refund. The fuel credit began on August 14, 2003, and ended on January 13, 2004. The fuel credit totaled $4.4 million, of which $1.2 million represented the interim fuel credit and $3.2 million was the additional fuel credit, that resulted from PSCW review and was credited to customers in the first quarter of 2004. Of the $3.2 million in additional fuel credit, $0.4 million was from January 1 through January 13, 2004.
18.
Commitments.
a.
Coal Contracts - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE has coal supply contracts related to the Blount plant. As of December 31, 2006, total coal commitments related to the Blount plant are estimated to be $4.4 million for 2007. Fuel procurement for MGE's jointly owned Columbia plant is handled by Alliant, the operating company. If any minimum purchase obligations must be paid under these contracts, management believes these obligations would be considered costs of service and recoverable in rates. As of December 31, 2006, MGE's share of the total coal commitments for the Columbia plant are estimated to be $11.2 million in 2007, $9.6 million in 2008, $7.5 million in 2009, $5.0 million in 2010, and $5.0 million in 2011.
MGE's Blount plant also utilized paper-derived fuel. MGE has a fixed commitment with a supplier of this alternative fuel. Commitments under this arrangement are $0.3 million in 2007 and $0.3 million in 2008.
b.
Purchased Power Contracts - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE has several purchased power contracts to help meet future electric supply requirements. As of December 31, 2006, MGE's total commitments for energy and purchased power contracts for capacity are estimated to be $10.5 million in 2007, $9.1 million in both 2008 and 2009, $9.2 million in 2010, and $9.3 million in 2011. Management expects to recover these costs in future customer rates.
On July 16, 2004, MGE signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with a developer for 40 MW of wind energy to be located near Waupun, Wisconsin. The developer has experienced problems with obtaining site-related permits, and construction has not yet begun. In late March 2006, the developer claimed force majeure as a result of issues associated with obtaining required approvals. As a result, the obligations associated with the power purchase agreement are presently indeterminate. Accordingly, this agreement is not reflected in the purchased power commitments figures. See Footnote 28 for an update on the status of this arrangement.
c.
Wind-Powered Generation Contracts- MGE Energy and MGE.
During 2006, MGE entered into contractual arrangements for the required wind turbines, substation, and land related to the construction of the Top of Iowa 3 wind-powered electric generating facility. Based on current forecasts, MGE expects that $35.8 million of these commitments will be expended in 2007 and $0.7 million will be expended in 2008. Included in the 2007 capital commitment is $1.5 million related to the purchase of a transformer. Of this amount, $1.1 million is to be paid by another party. However, pursuant to the related agreement, MGE is jointly and severally liable in the event the other party defaults on their payment. MGE also has $0.1 million in future operating commitments related to the Top of Iowa 3 wind project. This amount is expected to be expended ratably between 2008 and 2009.
In conjunction with the wind turbine supply agreement, on September 29, 2006, MGE Energy entered into a parent guaranty. Under this agreement, MGE Energy guarantees MGE's payment and performance.
d.
Natural Gas Transportation and Storage Contracts - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE's natural gas transportation and storage contracts require fixed monthly payments for firm supply pipeline transportation and storage capacity. The pricing components of the fixed monthly payments for the transportation and storage contracts are established by FERC but may be subject to change. As of December 31, 2006, these payments are estimated to be $14.9 million in 2007, $14.5 million in 2008, $14.1 million in 2009, $13.8 million in 2010, and $9.0 million in 2011. MGE also has natural gas supply commitments. These commitments include market-based pricing. As of December 31, 2006, total natural gas supply commitments for 2007 are estimated to be $30.6 million. Management expects to recover these costs in future customer rates.
e.
Environmental - MGE Energy and MGE.
As a result of the Blount 69-kV transmission substation expansion, coal tar-contaminated soil and debris within the excavation zone are being removed and disposed of in accordance with a DNR approved "Removal Action Work Plan." MGE has paid $1.5 million in expenses to complete this cleanup and based on past practices of the Commission expects to recover cleanup costs in future gas rates. Carrying costs associated with the cleanup expenditures will not be recoverable. On June 23, 2005, the DNR issued a case closure letter related to the Blount 69-kV substation cleanup.
MGE is listed as a potentially responsible party for a site the EPA has placed on the national priorities Superfund list. The Lenz Oil site in Lemont, Illinois, was used for storing and processing waste oil for several years. This site requires clean up under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. A group of companies, including MGE, is currently working on cleaning up the site. Management believes that its share of the final cleanup costs will not result in any materially adverse effects on MGE's operations, cash flows, or financial position. Insurance may cover a portion of the cleanup costs. Management believes that the cleanup costs not covered by insurance will be recovered in current and future rates. At December 31, 2006, MGE accrued a $0.1 million gross liability for this matter. The expected range of loss for this item is estimated to be between $0.1 million and $0.2 million.
Effective March 31, 2006, Wisconsin adopted the Energy Efficiency and Renewables Act that focuses on three areas: increasing the use of renewable energy in Wisconsin, promoting the development of renewable energy technologies, and strengthening the state's energy efficiency programs. This new legislation requires that by 2015, 10% of the state's electricity be generated from renewable resources. As part of this initiative, MGE plans to add additional renewable energy resources, such as wind farms. See Footnote 23 for discussion of agreements relating to the development of wind generation resources.
Air quality regulations promulgated by the EPA and DNR in accordance with the Federal Clean Air Act and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 impose restrictions on emission of particulates, sulfur dioxide (SO2) nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other pollutants and require permits for operation of emission sources. These permits have been obtained by MGE and must be renewed periodically. Various initiatives, including the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR), maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards and existing and proposed state mercury emissions limits, may result in additional operating and capital expenditure costs at Blount and Columbia. During the year ended December 31, 2006, Columbia entered into contractual commitments with various vendors in response to the aforementioned regulations. MGE is indirectly a party to these agreements as a result of its joint ownership of Columbia and is also contractually obligated with respect to any commitments made. MGE's share of these commitments will be $0.7 million in 2007. These costs are expected to be capitalized and included in the consolidated balance sheet of MGE.
On May 12, 2005, the EPA promulgated the CAIR to mitigate the transport of fine particulate matter and ozone pollution by imposing emission reduction requirements on SO2 and NOx in 29 eastern states and the District of Columbia, including Wisconsin. These reductions would be implemented in two phases and may include a cap-and-trade system. Regional SO2 emissions would be reduced in 2010 by approximately 40% below 2003 levels and by approximately 70% below 2003 levels by 2015. Regional emissions of NOx would be cut in 2009 by approximately 55% below 2003 levels and in 2015 by approximately 65% below 2003 levels.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is in the process of developing state-specific modifications to the federal CAIR NOx rule which defines how Wisconsin allowances will be allocated to utilities in the state.
f.
Chattel Paper Agreement and Other Guarantees - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE makes available to qualifying customers a financing program for the purchase and installation of energy-related equipment that will provide more efficient use of utility service at the customer's property. MGE is party to a chattel paper purchase agreement with a financial institution under which it can sell or finance an undivided interest with recourse, in up to $10.0 million of the financing program receivables, until August 31, 2007. At December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively, MGE had sold a $4.8 million, $5.1 million, and $6.0 million interest in these receivables, which MGE accounted for as a sale under SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities - a Replacement of FASB Statement No. 125. MGE retains the servicing responsibility for these receivables.
MGE maintains responsibility for collecting and remitting loan payments from customers to the financial institution and does not retain any interest in the assets sold to the financial institution. As of December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, MGE has recorded a servicing asset of $0.1 million, $0.2 million, and $0.2 million, respectively. MGE recognized gains of less than $0.1 million in 2006 and 2005 and $0.1 million in 2004, in connection with the sale of loan assets. The servicing asset recognized and the amount amortized in 2006 was $0.1 million. The loan assets are sold to the financial institution at cost, which approximates fair value in view of their market rates of interest. During 2006, 2005, and 2004, MGE received approximately $0.7 million, $0.5 million, and $1.2 million, respectively, from the financial institution for the sale of loan assets. During those same years, payments of $1.2 million, $1.7 million, and $1.9 million, respectively, were made by MGE to the financial institution.
MGE would be required to perform under the guarantee if the customer defaulted on its loan. The energy-related equipment installed at the customer sites is used to secure the customer loans. The loan balances outstanding at December 31, 2006, approximate the fair value of the energy-related equipment acting as collateral. The length of the MGE guarantee to the financial institution varies from one to ten years depending on the term of the customer loan. Principal payments for the next five years on the loans are $0.8 million in 2007, $1.0 million in 2008, $0.7 million in 2009, $0.9 million in 2010, and $0.8 million in 2011.
MGE Energy also has guaranteed debt service payments on a development project. This guarantee is a three year commitment ending in 2009 with a maximum financial exposure of $0.4 million for the term of the guarantee.
g.
Elm Road Purchase Commitments - MGE and MGE Energy.
MGE Power Elm Road's estimated share of capital costs for its 8.33% ownership interest in the generating units being constructed in Oak Creek, Wisconsin is approximately $171 million. Based on current forecasts, the remaining capital costs for this project will be $54.8 million in 2007, $42.2 million in 2008, $20.5 million in 2009, and $3.6 million in 2010. These amounts may change as a result of modifications to the project estimate or timing differences.
h.
Leases - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE has noncancelable operating leases, primarily for combustion turbines, railcars, and computer equipment. The operating leases generally contain renewal options for periods ranging from one to ten years and require MGE to pay all executory costs such as maintenance and insurance.
Future minimum rental payments at December 31, 2006, under agreements classified as operating leases with noncancellable terms in excess of one year are as follows:
(In thousands)
$ 2,670
2,341
1,861
1,516
1,438
Thereafter
13,617
Total minimum future lease payments
$23,443
Rental expense under operating leases totaled $3.1 million for 2006, $2.7 million for 2005, and $2.6 million for 2004.
i.
Other Legal Matters.
MGE is involved in various other legal matters that are being defended and handled in the normal course of business. MGE maintains accruals for such costs that are probable of being incurred and subject to reasonable estimation. As of December 31, 2006, MGE has a total of $0.5 million accrued in the financial statements for such matters. The ultimate outcome of such matters are uncertain and may have an adverse effect on MGE's results of operations or cash flows.
j.
Other Commitments.
MGE holds an equity investment in various non-public entities. See Footnote 4 for further discussion. From time to time these entities require additional capital infusions from their investors. MGE has committed to contribute $1.1 million in capital for such infusions. The timing of these infusions is dependent on the needs of the investee and is therefore uncertain at this time.
MGE has also made a $1.6 million commitment to the City of Madison for certain "green energy" projects. These funds will primarily be used to construct or purchase assets that will be owned by MGE and will be included in the property, plant and equipment balance on the MGE and MGE Energy's financial statements once the costs are incurred. The timing of the capital expenditures is dependent on the feasibility of the individual projects. MGE currently expects that $0.5 million will be expended in 2007, $0.3 million in 2008, $0.2 million in 2009, $0.2 million in 2010, $0.2 million in 2011, and $0.2 million in 2012.
19.
Restructuring Activities - MGE Energy and MGE.
On January 19, 2006, MGE announced a plan, subject to certain conditions, that includes discontinuing coal use at the end of 2011 at Blount. The plant will continue to run on natural gas but will be reduced from its current approximate 190 MW capacity to 100 MW when coal burning is discontinued. MGE has determined that 11 nonunion and 49 union positions will be eliminated in 2011 as a result of this exit plan.
On January 19, 2006, MGE entered into severance agreements providing severance benefits to the nonunion employees affected by the exit plan. Additionally, on September 21, 2006, MGE ratified a labor agreement with the IBEW providing those union employees impacted by the exit plan with involuntary and voluntary severance benefits. At December 31, 2006, MGE estimates that 29 union employees will receive the involuntary severance benefits. These benefits are expected to be paid to the union employees as a lump sum payment in December 2011. MGE has accounted for the involuntary union and non-union severance benefits in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. These benefits were recognized initially at the respective communication dates based on the fair value of the liability as of the termination date and are being recognized ratably over the future service period of the employees. Per the terms of these agreements, $0.1 million will be paid out in 2008, $0.1 million in 2010, and $1.0 million in 2011.
In lieu of the aforementioned involuntary severance benefits, the affected IBEW employees may elect to retire early and receive supplemental retirement benefits. These benefits are deemed to be voluntary termination benefits and have been excluded from the table below. See Footnote 14 for further discussion of these benefits and the related accounting. As of December 31, 2006, MGE estimates that 11 employees will elect to receive the early retirement benefits.
MGE anticipates that it will be allowed to recover in rates the costs associated with the discontinuance of coal at Blount. As such, the severance charges for the nonunion employees have been deferred and recognized on the consolidated balance sheet of MGE Energy and MGE as a regulatory asset.
The following table presents the activity in the restructuring accrual from December 31, 2005, through December 31, 2006:
(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2005
$ -
Additional expense during the period*
Cash payments during the period
-
Balance at December 31, 2006
$202
*Amounts are reflected as regulatory assets in the financial statements of MGE Energy and MGE.
The aforementioned exit plan has also resulted in a plan curtailment for MGE's bargaining pension and postretirement plans as defined in SFAS 88, Employers' Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits. See Footnote 14 for discussion of the accounting implications.
20.
Asset Retirement Obligations - MGE Energy and MGE.
FIN 47 and SFAS 143
As of December 31, 2005, MGE adopted FIN 47. The adoption of FIN 47 required MGE to update an existing inventory of AROs, originally created for the adoption of SFAS 143, and to determine which, if any, of the conditional AROs could be reasonably estimated. The significant conditional AROs identified by MGE included the costs of abandoning in place gas services and mains, the abatement and disposal of equipment and buildings contaminated with asbestos and polychlorinated biphenyls, and the proper disposal and removal of tanks.
A conditional ARO of $9.2 million was recorded as of December 31, 2005, by MGE and MGE Energy. Approximately $5.4 million of the conditional ARO liability recorded by MGE had previously been recorded as costs of removal within its regulatory liability balance and, as a result was reclassified from regulatory liabilities to an ARO liability as of December 31, 2005. Changes in management's assumptions regarding settlement dates, settlement methods, or assigned probabilities could have had a material effect on the liabilities recorded by MGE at December 31, 2006, as well as the regulatory asset recorded. Had FIN 47 been applied during the years 2004 and 2003, a liability of $8.7 million and $8.3 million would have been recorded, respectively.
The following table presents the line items within the Consolidated Balance Sheets of MGE and MGE Energy that were affected by the adoption of FIN 47:
(In thousands)
Increase in regulatory assets
$ 3,066
(Decrease) in regulatory liabilities
(5,363)
Increase in ARO liability
9,227
Increase in asset retirement cost-gross
2,233
Increase in asset retirement costs-accumulated amortization
1,435
MGE also may have asset retirement obligations relating to the removal of various assets, such as certain electric and gas distribution facilities. These facilities are generally located on property owned by third parties, on which MGE is permitted to operate by lease, permit, easement, license, or service agreement. The asset retirement obligations associated with these facilities cannot be reasonably determined due to the indeterminate life of the related agreements.
Effective January 1, 2003, MGE recorded an obligation for the fair value of its legal liability for asset retirement obligations associated with removing an electric substation, a combustion turbine generating unit, wind generating facilities, and photovoltaic generating facilities, all of which are located on property not owned by MGE and would be removed upon the ultimate end of the lease.
In April 2005, MGE Power West Campus recorded an obligation for the fair value of its legal liability for asset retirement obligations associated with the demolition and removal of the electric generation facilities of the WCCF. Provisions for these demolition and removal costs are included in the facility lease agreement.
The following table shows costs as of December 31, 2004 and 2005, and changes to the asset retirement obligations and accumulated depreciation through December 31, 2006. Amounts include conditional AROs per FIN 47.
(In thousands)
(a)
Original Asset
Retirement
Obligation
(b)
Accumulated
Accretion
(c)
(a + b)
Asset
Retirement
Obligation
(d)
Accumulated
Depreciation-
Related Asset
Balance, Dec. 31, 2004
$ 713
$ 761
$ 1,474
$ 204
Changes through Dec. 31, 2005
3,221
7,121
10,342
1,481
Balance, Dec. 31, 2005
$3,934
$7,882
$11,816
$1,685
Changes through Dec. 31, 2006
-
Balance, Dec. 31, 2006
$3,934
$8,545
$12,479
$1,790
Non-SFAS 143 Costs
Accumulated costs of removal that are non-SFAS No. 143 obligations are classified within the financial statements as regulatory liabilities. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, there were $13.0 million and $12.7 million of these costs recorded as regulatory liabilities within the financial statements, respectively.
As mentioned above, upon adoption of FIN 47, $5.4 million of non-SFAS 143 costs were reclassified from regulatory liabilities (recorded as non-SFAS 143 costs) to offset the accumulated accretion, classified as a regulatory asset, for obligations recorded under the provisions of FIN 47.
21.
WCCF - MGE Energy and MGE.
a.
Construction of the facility.
MGE Energy, through MGE Power, MGE Power West Campus, and MGE Construct, has constructed a natural gas-fired cogeneration facility on the UW campus. The facility has a capacity to produce 20,000 tons of chilled water, 500,000 pounds per hour of steam, and approximately 150 MW of electricity. The UW and MGE Power West Campus jointly own the facility. The UW owns a controlling interest in the chilled-water and steam plants, which are used to meet the growing needs for air-conditioning and steam-heat capacity for the UW campus. MGE Power West Campus owns a controlling interest in the electric generation plant, which is used to provide electricity to MGE's customers. As of December 31, 2006, MGE Power West Campus had incurred $103.3 million in capital costs for this project.
During the years ended December 31, 2005, and December 31, 2004, MGE Construct received service fees of $1.3 million and $2.7 million (pretax), respectively, from the State in relation to its role as EPC contractor for WCCF. The total fee of $5.0 million was recognized as services were rendered and was collected over a 22-month period. As of December 31, 2005, MGE Construct had recognized the entire $5.0 million service fee.
A $5.0 million retainage receivable was recorded by MGE Construct over the construction period of the co-generation facility, reflecting the retainage authorized under the EPC agreement. MGE Construct collected $2.5 million of this receivable on August 18, 2005, and $2.4 million on January 5, 2006. The remaining $0.1 million is expected to be collected during the first quarter of 2007.
b.
Lease Accounting.
MGE leases the electric generating assets owned by MGE Power West Campus and is responsible for operating the entire facility. On April 26, 2005, the facility lease between MGE and MGE Power West Campus commenced. The financial terms of the facility lease include a capital structure of 53% equity and 47% long-term debt, return on equity of 12.1%, and a lease term of 30 years. At the end of the lease term in 2035, MGE may, at its option, renew the facility lease for an additional term, purchase the generating facility at fair market value or allow the lease contract to end. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 13, Accounting for Leases, MGE, as the lessee, accounts for the aforementioned lease arrangement as a capital lease and MGE Power West Campus, as the lessor, accounts for the lease as a direct financing leasing arrangement. Upon consolidation, certain accounts associated with the leasing transaction are eliminated.
MGE received approval from the PSCW to collect approximately $12.1 million in carrying costs incurred by MGE Power West campus during construction of the facility. MGE is collecting these costs in rates over a period of 10 years. Of these costs, $4.1 million relates to the capitalized interest and the debt portion of the facility. These costs are recognized over the period in which the facility is being depreciated (40 years). The remaining amount of $8.0 million represents the equity portion and is recognized over the ten-year period for recovery in rates. As of December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, $1.1 million and $0.6 million had been recognized as revenue, respectively. These amounts are included in other nonregulated revenues on MGE Energy's and MGE's consolidated statement of income. The difference between MGE's amortization of the costs for rate-making purposes over the ten-year recovery period and the recognition to revenue for the debt portion over 40 years is recorded as a liability on the consolidated balance sheets.
c.
Operating Arrangement.
On April 10, 2005, acceptance testing for the steam and chilled water portion of the facility began. On this date, MGE began allocating charges to the UW based on the operating agreement. Under the provisions of this arrangement, the UW is required to reimburse MGE for their allocated portion of fuel and operating expenses. These allocations are based on formulas outlined in the operating agreement. For the years ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, the State was allocated $2.6 million and $0.9 million in fuel and operating costs.
22.
Elm Road-MGE Energy and MGE.
On November 4, 2005, MGE Power Elm Road acquired a 8.33% ownership interest in each of two 615 MW generating units being constructed in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. MGE Power Elm Road's estimated share of capital costs for both units is approximately $171 million. At December 31, 2006, MGE Power Elm Road had incurred $53.5 million (excluding capitalized interest) of costs on the project, which is reflected in the Construction Work In Progress balance on MGE and MGE Energy's consolidated balance sheets. Of this amount, $3.3 million has not yet been paid and is accrued for at December 31, 2006.
MGE Power Elm Road calculates capitalized interest in accordance with SFAS 34, Capitalization of Interest Cost, on the Elm Road project. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, MGE Power Elm Road recorded $1.9 million and $0.2 million in capitalized interest related to the Elm Road project.
On the date of acquisition, MGE Energy and its subsidiaries entered into various agreements, including a facility lease agreement. This facility lease agreement is between MGE Power Elm Road (a nonregulated subsidiary of MGE Energy) and MGE. The financial terms of the facility lease include a capital structure of 55% equity and 45% long-term debt, and return on equity of 12.7%, a lease term of 30 years, and a 5% lease payment reduction in the first five years.
On November 1, 2005, MGE received approval from the PSCW to defer payments made to MGE Power Elm Road for carrying costs during construction of the facility, management fees, and community impact mitigation costs. MGE estimates that the total carrying costs on the Elm Road project will be $54.3 million. This estimate is subject to change based on changes in interest rates, timing of capital expenditures, and the total project cost.
MGE began collecting the carrying costs in rates in 2006. These amounts are being collected over multiple years. Of these costs, MGE estimates $21.7 million relates to the capitalized interest and the debt portion of the facility. These costs will be recognized over the period in which the facility will be depreciated. The remaining $32.6 million represents the equity portion and is being recognized over the period allowed for recovery in rates. For the year ended December 31, 2006, $3.8 million related to the carrying costs were recovered in rates. Of this amount, $1.5 million relates to the debt portion of the facility and was deferred on the consolidated financial statements of MGE and MGE Energy. The remaining $2.3 million represents the equity portion and was recognized as nonregulated revenues in the consolidated financial statements of MGE and MGE Energy. Per the provisions of the rate order issued by the PSCW on December 22, 2006, during 2007 MGE is permitted to recover $8.6 million in electric rates for its investment in MGE Power Elm Road. Of this amount, $6.8 million relates to the aforementioned carrying costs and $1.8 million relates to management fees and community impact mitigation costs.
23.
Top of Iowa 3 Wind Project - MGE Energy and MGE.
On September 29, 2006, MGE formalized plans to acquire 29.7 MW or 18 turbines in a wind-powered electric generating facility that will be constructed in Worth County, Iowa. MGE's share will represent 26.5% of a larger wind generation facility known as the Top of Iowa Phase II Wind Power Project. MGE currently estimates that its costs to complete this project will be approximately $59 million and that a majority of these capital expenditures will be made in 2007. At December 31, 2006, MGE had incurred $10.7 million of costs on the project, which is reflected in the construction work in progress balance on MGE and MGE Energy's consolidated balance sheets. Construction of this facility is expected to be completed by December 31, 2007. MGE expects regulatory recovery of these costs. If approval is granted, MGE will incorporate the costs of this project in rates beginning in 2008.
See Footnote 18 for discussion of the contractual arrangements related to this project.
24.
Adoption of Accounting Principles and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements - MGE Energy and MGE.
a.
FSP No. FIN 46(R)-6.
In April 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FIN 46(R)-6, Determining the Variability to Be Considered in Applying FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), (FSP No. 46(R)-6). This pronouncement provides guidance on how a reporting enterprise should determine the variability to be considered in applying FASB interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which could impact the assessment of whether certain variable interest entities are consolidated. FSP No. 46(R)-6 became effective for MGE and MGE Energy on July 1, 2006. The provisions of FSP No. 46(R)-6 are applied prospectively. The impact on MGE and MGE Energy in periods subsequent to the effective date is dependent on transactions that could occur in future periods, and therefore cannot be determined until the transaction occurs. See Footnote 2 for information regarding FIN 46(R).
b.
SFAS 156.
In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets, an amendment of SFAS 140. SFAS 156 simplifies the accounting for servicing rights and reduces the volatility that results from the use of different measurement attributes for servicing rights and the related financial instruments used to economically hedge risks associated with those servicing rights. SFAS 156 also clarifies when to separately account for servicing rights, requires these rights to be initially measured at fair value, and provides the option to subsequently account for those servicing right (by class) at either fair value or under the amortization method previously required under SFAS 140. SFAS 156 is effective for the fiscal year beginning after September 15, 2006. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of the entity's fiscal year. MGE will not early adopt this statement and does not expect this statement to have a material impact on MGE Energy or MGE's consolidated financial statements.
c.
SFAS 157.
In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Statement 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Under SFAS 157, fair value refers to the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts. The standard clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. SFAS 157 will be effective as of January 1, 2008. MGE and MGE Energy are currently assessing the impact that SFAS 157 may have on their financial statements.
d.
SFAS 158.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 158, Employers' Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Plans. As of December 31, 2006, MGE and MGE Energy adopted SFAS 158. Under SFAS 158, MGE is required to recognize the funded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement pension plans as a net liability or asset on the balance sheet with an offset to other comprehensive income. Additionally, upon adoption, any previously disclosed, but unrecognized gains/losses, prior service costs, and transition assets or obligations are to be recognized as a component of other comprehensive income. At December 31, 2006, the aforementioned entries have been reflected in the consolidated financial statements of MGE and MGE Energy. However, MGE has recorded such adjustment as an adjustment to regulatory assets rather than as an adjustment to other comprehensive income as prescribed by the pronouncement. See Footnote 6 for discussion of this treatment.
SFAS 158 also prohibits the use of a measurement date (to measure plans assets and obligations) that is prior to the year-end balance sheet date. This change is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008 and will have no impact on MGE and MGE Energy, as MGE and MGE Energy have consistently used a December 31 date to measure plan assets and obligations.
See Footnote 14 for the impacts of SFAS 158 on the consolidated financial statements of MGE and MGE Energy as of December 31, 2006.
e.
Pension Protection Act.
During the third quarter of 2006, President Bush signed into law the Pension Protection Act of 2006, which will affect the manner in which companies, including MGE and MGE Energy, administer their pension plans. This legislation will require companies to, amongst other things, increase the amount by which they fund their pension plans, pay higher premiums to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation if they sponsor defined benefit plans, amend plan documents and provide additional plan disclosures in regulatory filings and to plan participants. This legislation will be effective as of January 1, 2008. MGE and MGE Energy do not anticipate that the Act will have a material effect on their liquidity and capital resources. Absent changes in plan design as a result of the Act, the act is not expected to materially impact MGE and MGE Energy's results of operations. MGE and MGE Energy are currently assessing the impact the Act may have on their plan design, if any.
f.
EITF 06-03.
At its June 28, 2006, meeting, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the Task Force on EITF Issue 06-03, How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross Versus Net Presentation). The scope of this Issue includes taxes that are externally imposed on a revenue producing transaction between a seller and a customer. The Task Force concluded that a company should disclose its accounting policy (i.e., gross or net presentation) regarding presentation of such taxes. If taxes included in gross revenues are significant, a company should disclose the amount of such taxes for each period for which an income statement is presented. This issue is effective for the first annual or interim reporting period beginning after December 15, 2006. MGE and MGE Energy record such taxes on a net basis. MGE and MGE Energy do not expect this statement to have any impact on their consolidated financial statements.
g.
FIN 48.
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48). FIN 48 prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. Under the interpretation, the financial statements will reflect expected future tax consequences of such positions presuming the tax authorities' full knowledge of the position and relevant facts, but without considering time values. This interpretation is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2006. Accordingly, MGE Energy and MGE expect to adopt FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. Based on facts and circumstances known at December 31, 2006, MGE Energy and MGE estimate that the adoption of this pronouncement will result in reclassification of between $0.3 million and $0.5 million of various income tax related liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and an insignificant adjustment, if any, to the balance of retained earnings. Prior periods will not be restated as a result of this required accounting change.
h.
SAB No. 108.
In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (SAB No. 108) regarding the quantification of financial statement misstatements. SAB No. 108 requires a "dual approach" for quantifications of errors using both a method that focuses on the income statement impact, including the cumulative effect of prior years' misstatements, and a method that focuses on the period-end balance sheet. SAB No. 108 will be effective as of January 1, 2007. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on MGE or MGE Energy.
25.
Segment Information - MGE Energy and MGE.
Prior to 2005, MGE Energy operated in three business segments: electric utility operations, gas utility operations, and nonregulated. As of December 31, 2005, MGE Energy added segments for nonregulated energy operations, transmission investments, and all other operations. All prior year segment data has been re-presented to conform with the current year presentation and segment break out.
The electric utility business purchases, generates and distributes electricity, and contracts for transmission service. The gas utility business purchases and distributes natural gas and contracts for the transportation of natural gas. Both the electric and gas segments operate through MGE Energy's principal subsidiary, MGE.
The nonregulated energy operations are conducted through MGE Energy's subsidiaries: MGE Power, MGE Power West Campus, and MGE Power Elm Road. These subsidiaries have been formed to construct, own and lease new electric generating capacity. MGE Power West Campus owns a controlling interest in the electric generation plant of the natural gas-fired cogeneration facility on the UW campus, which is leased to MGE, and MGE Power Elm Road has an undivided 8.33% ownership interest in each of two 615 MW generating units being constructed in Oak Creek, Wisconsin . When these units are completed, MGE Power Elm Road's portion will also be leased to MGE.
The transmission investment segment invests, through MGE Transco, in ATC, a company that provides electric transmission services primarily in Wisconsin. See Footnote 4 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of MGE Transco and the investment in ATC.
The "All other" segment includes: corporate, CWDC, MAGAEL, and MGE Construct. These entities' operations consist of investing in companies and property which relate to the regulated operations, financing the regulated operations, or providing construction services to the other subsidiaries.
General corporate expenses include the cost of executive management, corporate accounting and finance, information technology, risk management, human resources and legal functions, and employee benefits that are allocated to electric and gas segments based on formulas prescribed by the PSCW. Identifiable assets are those used in MGE's operations in each segment. Assets not allocated consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, investments, other accounts receivable, and prepaid assets.
Sales between our electric and gas segments are based on PSCW approved tariffed rates. Additionally, intersegment operations related to the leasing arrangement between our electric segment and MGE Power West Campus/ MGE Power Elm Road are based on terms previously approved by the PSCW. Consistent with internal reporting and in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 131, management has presented the direct financing capital lease between MGE and MGE Power West Campus as an operating lease for purposes of segment reporting. Lease payments made by MGE to MGE Power West Campus are shown as operating expenses. The lease payments received by MGE Power West Campus from MGE are shown as lease income in interdepartmental revenues. The depreciation expense associated with the WCCF is reflected in the nonregulated energy segment.
The following table shows segment information for MGE Energy's and MGE's operations:
MGE Energy (In thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2006
Electric
Gas
Non-
Regulated
Energy
Transmission
Investment
All
Others
Consolidation/
Elimination
Entries
Consolidated
Total
Operating revenues
$318,912
$185,226
$ 3,408
$ -
$ -
$ -
$507,546
Interdepartmental revenues
19,135
15,019
-
-
(34,654)
-
Total operating revenues
319,412
204,361
18,427
-
-
(34,654)
507,546
Depreciation and amortization
(20,260)
(8,339)
(2,743)
-
-
-
(31,342)
Other operating expenses
(247,662)
(183,534)
(143)
(8)
(517)
34,654
(397,210)
Operating income
51,490
12,488
15,541
(8)
(517)
-
78,994
Other income (loss)
(1,238)
-
5,317
-
4,329
Interest income (expense), net
(10,281)
(2,900)
(2,654)
-
-
(15,001)
Income before taxes
39,971
9,835
12,887
5,309
-
68,322
Income tax provision
(14,865)
(3,654)
(5,109)
(2,134)
(137)
-
(25,899)
Net income
$ 25,106
$ 6,181
$ 7,778
$3,175
$183
$ -
$ 42,423
Year ended December 31, 2005
Operating revenues
$310,984
$200,533
$ 603
$ -
$1,250
$ -
$513,370
Interdepartmental revenues
25,764
10,106
-
-
(36,323)
-
Total operating revenues
311,437
226,297
10,709
-
1,250
(36,323)
513,370
Depreciation and amortization
(19,472)
(7,937)
(1,866)
-
-
-
(29,275)
Other operating expenses
(256,987)
(202,429)
(124)
-
(278)
36,195
(423,623)
Operating income
34,978
15,931
8,719
-
(128)
60,472
Other income
-
4,871
-
4,938
Interest income (expense), net
(9,345)
(2,636)
(1,549)
-
-
(13,448)
Income before taxes
25,684
13,308
7,170
4,871
1,057
(128)
51,962
Income tax provision
(9,642)
(5,013)
(2,874)
(1,956)
(430)
(19,871)
Net income
$ 16,042
$ 8,295
$ 4,296
$ 2,915
$ 627
$ (84)
$ 32,091
Year ended December 31, 2004
Operating revenues
$250,386
$171,763
$ -
$ -
$2,732
$ -
$424,881
Interdepartmental revenues
7,580
-
-
-
(8,028)
-
Total operating revenues
250,834
179,343
-
-
2,732
(8,028)
424,881
Depreciation and amortization
(17,526)
(7,391)
-
-
-
-
(24,917)
Other operating expenses
(189,500)
(155,894)
(199)
-
(446)
8,028
(338,011)
Operating income (loss)
43,808
16,058
(199)
-
2,286
-
61,953
Other income (loss)
(698)
(198)
-
4,236
(28)
3,927
Interest expense, net
(8,816)
(2,486)
-
-
(82)
-
(11,384)
Income (loss) before taxes
34,294
13,374
(199)
4,236
2,819
(28)
54,496
Income taxes benefit (provision)
(12,862)
(5,039)
(1,700)
(1,135)
-
(20,656)
Net income (loss)
$ 21,432
$ 8,335
$(119)
$2,536
$1,684
$ (28)
$ 33,840
MGE (In thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2006
Electric
Gas
Non-
Regulated
Energy
Transmission
Investment
All
Others
Consolidation/
Elimination
Entries
Consolidated
Total
Operating revenues
$318,912
$185,226
$ 3,408
$ -
$ -
$ -
$507,546
Interdepartmental revenues
19,135
15,019
-
-
(34,654)
-
Total operating revenues
319,412
204,361
18,427
-
-
(34,654)
507,546
Depreciation and amortization
(20,260)
(8,339)
(2,743)
-
-
-
(31,342)
Other operating expenses*
(263,057)
(187,096)
(5,252)
(8)
-
34,653
(420,760)
Operating income (loss)*
36,095
8,926
10,432
(8)
-
(1)
55,444
Other income (loss)
(708)
-
3,183
-
(23)
2,607
Interest expense, net
(10,281)
(2,900)
(2,654)
-
-
-
(15,835)
Income before minority interest
25,106
6,181
7,778
3,175
-
(24)
42,216
Minority interest, net of tax
-
-
-
-
-
(9,610)
(9,610)
Net income
$ 25,106
$ 6,181
$ 7,778
$3,175
$ -
$ (9,634)
$ 32,606
Year ended December 31, 2005
Operating revenues
$310,984
$200,533
$ 603
$ -
$ -
$ -
$512,120
Interdepartmental revenues
25,764
10,106
-
-
(36,323)
-
Total operating revenues
311,437
226,297
10,709
-
-
(36,323)
512,120
Depreciation and amortization
(19,472)
(7,937)
(1,866)
-
-
-
(29,275)
Other operating expenses*
(266,903)
(207,519)
(2,998)
-
-
37,154
(440,266)
Operating income
25,062
10,841
5,845
-
-
42,579
Other income*
-
2,915
-
(890)
2,440
Interest expense, net
(9,345)
(2,636)
(1,549)
-
-
-
(13,530)
Income before minority interest
16,042
8,295
4,296
2,915
-
(59)
31,489
Minority interest, net of tax
-
-
-
-
-
(5,438)
(5,438)
Net income
$ 16,042
$ 8,295
$ 4,296
$2,915
$ -
$ (5,497)
$ 26,051
Year ended December 31, 2004
Operating revenues
$250,386
$171,763
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$422,149
Interdepartmental revenues
7,580
-
-
-
(8,028)
-
Total operating revenues
250,834
179,343
-
-
-
(8,028)
422,149
Depreciation and amortization
(17,526)
(7,391)
-
-
-
-
(24,917)
Other operating expenses*
(203,012)
(161,117)
(119)
-
-
8,028
(356,220)
Operating income (loss)
30,296
10,835
(119)
-
-
-
41,012
Other income (loss)*
(48)
(14)
-
2,536
-
-
2,474
Interest expense, net
(8,816)
(2,486)
-
-
-
-
(11,302)
Income (loss) before minority interest
21,432
8,335
(119)
2,536
-
-
32,184
Minority interest, net of tax
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Net income (loss)
$ 21,432
$ 8,335
$(119)
$2,536
$ -
$ -
$ 32,184
*Amounts are shown net of the related tax expense, consistent with the presentation on the consolidated MGE Income Statement.
The following table shows segment information for MGE Energy's and MGE's assets and capital expenditures:
MGE Energy asset consolidation/elimination entries at December 31, 2006, include the following:
(In thousands)
Parent's investment in affiliate subsidiaries
$280,291
Netting of tax positions
6,511
Affiliate receivables related to WCCF
18,673
Affiliate receivables related to Elm Road
Elimination of deferred charges related to WCCF
10,057
Elimination of deferred charges related to Elm Road
1,543
Misc. affiliate receivables and other
2,143
Total MGE Energy asset consolidation/elimination entries
$319,792
MGE asset consolidation/elimination entries at December 31, 2006, include the following:
(In thousands)
Netting of tax positions
$ 354
Elimination of deferred charges related to WCCF
10,057
Elimination of deferred charges related to Elm Road
1,543
Affiliate receivables related to Elm Road
Misc. affiliate receivables and other
Total MGE asset consolidation/elimination entries
$12,983
26.
Quarterly Summary of Operations - MGE Energy (unaudited).
Notes:
•
The quarterly results of operations within a year may not be comparable because of seasonal and other factors.
•
The sum of earnings per share of common stock for any four quarters may vary slightly from the earnings per share of common stock for the equivalent twelve-month period due to rounding.
•
MGE Energy's operations are based primarily on its utility subsidiary MGE.
27.
Related Party Transactions - MGE Energy and MGE.
ATC
On November 21, 2002, MGE and ATC entered into an interconnection agreement related to transmission system upgrades for WCCF. MGE issued to ATC a "Notice to Proceed for the Procurement of the Equipment" for the system upgrades. MGE advanced funds for construction of transmission equipment and work done by ATC related to WCCF. Total funds advanced to ATC, including interest incurred, for this project at December 31, 2005, were $13.0 million. During 2004 funds were advanced in the amount of $2.3 million. During the first quarter of 2005, MGE received $13.0 million from ATC as full reimbursement of its costs incurred to complete the upgrade.
During 2006, 2005, and 2004, MGE recorded $16.3 million, $14.9 million, and $12.7 million, respectively for transmission services received from ATC. MGE also provides a variety of operational, maintenance, and project management work for ATC, which is reimbursed by ATC. At December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, MGE had a receivable due from ATC of $0.1 million, $0.1 million, and $10.6 million, respectively (including funds advanced to ATC related to WCCF). No payable balance to ATC was outstanding at December 31, 2006.
WEPCO and ATC entered into an interconnection agreement related to transmission system upgrades for the Elm Road project, in which MGE Power Elm Road has an undivided 8.33% ownership interest. At December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, MGE Power Elm Road advanced Elm Road Services, LLC $0.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively, in funds for construction of transmission equipment and work done by ATC related to the Elm Road project. MGE will be reimbursed for all previously advanced funds upon completion of the project.
For additional discussion on MGE's relationship with ATC, see Footnote 4.
28.
Subsequent Events- MGE Energy and MGE.
a.
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Payment.
On January 12, 2007, MGE made a cash payment of $4.6 million to the pension and postretirement plans. This contribution was made at MGE's discretion.
b.
ATC Asset Transfer.
On January 19, 2007, the PSCW issued an order approving the transfer of certain transmission assets to ATC. See Footnote 4 for further discussion. Additionally, on February 15, 2007, the closing agreement between MGE and ATC was finalized. At this time, $1.4 million in transmission assets were transferred to ATC. In exchange for these assets, MGE Transco was awarded an additional $0.7 million investment in ATC and $0.7 million in cash proceeds.
c.
Top of Iowa 3 Contracts.
In January 2007, MGE entered into additional contracts related to the Top of Iowa 3 wind project. See Footnote 23 for further discussion of this project. These additional agreements resulted in $2.2 million in additional capital commitments. Included in these capital commitments is $1.0 million which is expected to be paid by another party, but for which MGE is jointly and severally liable in the event the other party defaults on their payment.
d.
WPDES Permit.
As mentioned in Footnote 22, on November 4, 2005, MGE Power Elm Road acquired a 8.33% ownership interest in each of two 615 MW generating units being constructed in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. At December 31, 2006, MGE Power Elm Road's estimated share of capital costs for its 8.33% ownership interest in both units is approximately $171 million.
In March 2005, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ("WDNR") determined that the water intake and discharge system for the planned Oak Creek expansion and existing Oak Creek generating units met regulatory requirements and reissued a Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ("WPDES") permit with specific limitations and conditions. The WPDES permit was issued under state law, with concurrence of the EPA. The reissuance of the WPDES permit is being contested in Dane County circuit court. On January 25, 2007, the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals issued a decision which remands parts of the EPA rules pertaining to cooling water intake systems for existing large power plants and requires further review and possible modification and or reissuance by the EPA. A decision in the Dane County case is anticipated in 2007.
In the event that the WPDES permit was to be invalidated, MGE Power Elm Road may incur significant additional costs relating to the Oak Creek/Elm Road cooling water system. If the units' final construction costs exceed the fixed costs allowed in the PSCW order, this excess will not be recoverable from MGE or its customers unless specifically allowed by the PSCW. Any Oak Creek project costs above the authorized amount, but below a 5% cap, will be subject to a prudence determination made by the PSCW.
e.
Wind Purchased Power Agreement.
On February 21, 2007, MGE and Invenergy signed an amendment to an existing purchase power agreement. This agreement was signed on July 16, 2004, and gave MGE the ability to purchase 40 MW of wind power. Pursuant to the terms of the amendment, this capacity was reduced from 40 MW to 15 MW.
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
MGE Energy and MGE
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
MGE Energy and MGE
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
During the fourth quarter of 2006, each registrant's management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated its disclosure controls and procedures related to the recording, processing, summarization, and reporting of information in its periodic reports that it files with the SEC. These disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to ensure that material information relating to that registrant, including its subsidiaries, is accumulated and made known to that registrant's management, including its principal executive officer and its principal executive financial officer, by other employees of that registrant and its subsidiaries as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and that this information is recorded, processed, summarized, evaluated, and reported, as applicable, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Due to the inherent limitations of control systems, not all misstatements may be detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty and breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. Also, the registrants do not control or manage certain of their unconsolidated entities, and thus, their access and ability to apply their procedures to those entities is more limited than is the case for their consolidated subsidiaries.
As of December 31, 2006, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of each registrant concluded that such registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) were effective to accomplish their objectives. Each registrant intends to continually strive to improve its disclosure controls and procedures to enhance the quality of its financial reporting.
During the quarter ended December 31, 2006, there were no changes in MGE Energy or MGE's internal controls over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, MGE Energy or MGE's internal control over financial reporting.
MGE Energy
Since MGE Energy is an accelerated filer, its management is required to assess and report on the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006. As a result of that assessment, management determined that there were no material weaknesses as of December 31, 2006 and, therefore, concluded that MGE Energy's internal control over financial reporting was effective. Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is included in Item 8. - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information.
MGE Energy
None.
PART III.
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
MGE Energy
The information required by Item 10 relating to directors and nominees for election as directors at MGE Energy's annual meeting of shareholders is incorporated herein by reference to the information under the heading "ELECTION OF DIRECTORS" in MGE Energy's definitive proxy statement (2006 Proxy Statement) to be filed with the SEC on or before April 16, 2007. Information relating to compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is incorporated herein by reference to the information under the heading "BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP - Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the 2006 Proxy Statement.
The information required by Item 10 relating to executive officers is set forth above in Item 1. Business - Executive Officers of the Registrants.
Code of Ethics
MGE Energy has adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to its directors and all of its employees, including its chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and principal accounting officer. The Code of Ethics is available on MGE Energy's web site at www.mgeenergy.com.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
See Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
MGE Energy
The required information for Items 11 and 12 is included in the 2007 Proxy Statement under the section "EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION," not including "Compensation Committee Report," and "Company Performance," and under the section "BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP," which is incorporated herein by reference.
MGE Energy does not have or maintain any equity compensation plans.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
MGE Energy
None.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
MGE Energy
The information required by Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to the information under the heading "RATIFICATION OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM" in the 2007 Proxy Statement.
MGE
MGE is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGE Energy and does not have a separate audit committee. Instead, that function is fulfilled for MGE by the MGE Energy Audit Committee. The Audit Committee approves each engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm to render any audit or non-audit services before the firm is engaged to render those services. The Chair of the Audit Committee or other designated Audit Committee member may represent the entire Audit Committee for purposes of this approval. Any services approved by the Chair or other designated Audit Committee member are reported to the full Audit Committee at the next scheduled Audit Committee meeting. No de minimis exceptions to this approval process are allowed under the Audit Committee Charter; and thus, none of the services described in the preceding table were approved pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X.
PART IV.
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)
1.
Financial Statements.
MGE Energy
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Income
for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2006 and 2005
Consolidated Statements of Capitalization as of December 31, 2006 and 2005
Consolidated Statements of Common Equity and Comprehensive Income
as of December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
MGE
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Income
for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2006 and 2005
Consolidated Capitalization Statement as of December 31, 2006 and 2005
Consolidated Statements of Common Equity and Comprehensive Income
as of December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2.
Financial Statement Schedule.
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for MGE Energy, Inc. and Madison Gas and Electric Company.
All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or not required, or because the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
3.
All Exhibits Including Those Incorporated by Reference.
Exhibits. Certain of the following exhibits are incorporated herein by reference under Rule 12b-32 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as indicated by the parenthetical reference. Certain other instruments which would otherwise be required to be listed below have not been so listed because such instruments do not authorize securities in an amount which exceeds 10% of the total assets of the applicable registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis and the relevant registrant agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Commission upon request. An asterisk (*) indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of MGE Energy. (Exhibit 3.1 to MGE Energy's Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-72694.)
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of MGE Energy. (Exhibit 3.2 to MGE Energy's Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-72694.)
3.3
Restated Articles of Incorporation of MGE as in effect at May 6, 1996. (Exhibit 3.(i) to Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1996, File No. 0-1125.)
3.4
Amended Bylaws of MGE as in effect at August 16, 2002. (Exhibit 3.4 to Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2002, File No. 0-1125.)
4.1
Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust between MGE and Firstar Trust Company, as Trustee, dated as of January 1, 1946. (Exhibit 7-D to SEC File No. 0-1125.)
4.2
Supplemental Indenture to aforementioned Mortgage and Deed of Trust.
Supplemental Indenture
Dated as of
Exhibit No.
SEC File No.
Seventeenth
February 1, 1993
4F
Form 10-K for year ended
December 31, 1992,
File No. 0-1125
4.3
Indenture between MGE and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to Bank One, N.A.), as Trustee, dated as of September 1, 1998. (Exhibit 4B to Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1999, File No. 0-1125.)
10.1
Credit Agreement dated as of December 21, 2005, among MGE Energy, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. (Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.2
First Amendment dated as of April 25, 2006, to Credit Agreement dated as of December 21, 2005, among MGE Energy, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. (Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, File No. 0-469965.)
10.3
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 21, 2005, among Madison Gas and Electric Company, the Lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. (Exhibit 10.6 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.4
Line of Credit Note, dated as September 29, 2006, among Madison Gas and Electric Company, as Borrower, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Lender. (Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, File No. 0-1125.)
10.5
Distribution Agreement, dated as of November 9, 2006, by and between MGE Energy, Inc. And J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. (Exhibit 1.1 to Form 8-K dated November 9, 2006, File No. 0-49965.)
10.6
Copy of Joint Power Supply Agreement with Wisconsin Power and Light Company and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation dated February 2, 1967. (Exhibit 4.09 to Registration Statement, Registration No. 2-27308.)
10.7
Copy of Joint Power Supply Agreement (Exclusive of Exhibits) with Wisconsin Power and Light Company and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation dated July 26, 1973, amending Exhibit 5.04. (Exhibit 5.04A to Registration Statement, Registration No. 2-48781.)
10.8
Copy of revised Agreement for Construction and Operation of Columbia Generating Plant with Wisconsin Power and Light Company and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation dated July 26, 1973. (Exhibit 5.07 to Registration Statement, Registration No. 2-48781.)
10.9
Copy of Amended and Restated Agreement for Construction and Operation of Columbia Generating Plant dated January 17, 2007.
10.10
West Campus Cogeneration Facility Engineering, Procurement and Construction Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2003, among MGE Construct LLC, as General Contractor, and the State of Wisconsin, and MGE Power West Campus, LLC, as Joint Owners. (Exhibit 10.18 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.11
West Campus Cogeneration Facility Joint Ownership Agreement, dated as of October 13, 2003, among MGE Power West Campus, LLC, The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, and the State of Wisconsin, as Joint Owners. (Exhibit 10.19 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.12
West Campus Cogeneration Facility Operation and Maintenance Agreement, dated as of October 13, 2003, among Madison Gas and Electric Company, as Operator, and the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, as Joint Owner. (Exhibit 10.20 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.13
West Campus Cogeneration Facility Lease Agreement, dated as of March 18, 2004, among MGE Power West Campus, LLC, as Lessor, and Madison Gas and Electric Company, as Lessee. (Exhibit 10.21 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.14
West Campus Cogeneration Facility Ground Lease, dated as of July 15, 2002, among MGE Power LLC, as Lessee, and the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, as Lessor. (Exhibit 10.22 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.15
West Campus Cogeneration Facility Amendment of Ground Lease, dated as of March 18, 2004, among MGE Power West Campus, LLC as Lessee, and the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, as Lessor. (Exhibit 10.23 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.16
West Campus Cogeneration Facility MGE Ground Sublease, dated as of March 18, 2004, among MGE Power West Campus, LLC as Lessee, and Madison Gas and Electric Company, as Lessor. (Exhibit 10.24 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.17
Elm Road Generating Station Common Facilities Operating and Maintenance Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2004, among Madison Gas and Electric Company, Wisconsin Electric Power Company, and Wisconsin Public Power Inc., as Lessee/Owner Parties, and Wisconsin Electric Power Company, as Operating Agent. (Exhibit 10.7 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.18
Elm Road Generating Station New Common Facilities Ownership Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2004, among MGE Power Elm Road, LLC, Elm Road Generating Station Supercritical, LLC, and Wisconsin Public Power Inc., as Joint Owners. (Exhibit 10.8 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.19
Elm Road Generating Station I Ownership Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2004, among MGE Power Elm Road, LLC, Elm Road Generating Station Supercritical, LLC, and Wisconsin Public Power Inc., as Joint Owners, Elm Road Services, LLC, as Project Manager, and W.E. Power LLC. (Exhibit 10.9 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.20
Elm Road Generating Station I Facility Lease Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2005, among MGE Power Elm Road, LLC, as Lessor, and Madison Gas and Electric Company, as Lessee. (Exhibit 10.10 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.21
Elm Road Generating Station I Operating and Maintenance Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2004, among Madison Gas and Electric Company, Wisconsin Electric Power Company, and Wisconsin Public Power Inc., as Lessee/ Owners, and Wisconsin Electric Power Company, as Operating Agent. (Exhibit 10.11 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.22
Elm Road Generating Station I Easement and Indemnification Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2004, among MGE Power Elm Road, LLC and Wisconsin Public Power Inc., as Grantees, and Wisconsin Electric Power Company, as Grantor. (Exhibit 10.12 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.23
Elm Road Generating Station I Easement and Indemnification Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2004, among MGE Power Elm Road, LLC and Madison Gas and Electric Company. (Exhibit 10.16 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.24
Elm Road Generating Station II Ownership Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2004, among MGE Power Elm Road, LLC, Elm Road Generating Station Supercritical, LLC, and Wisconsin Public Power Inc., as Joint Owners, Elm Road Services, LLC, as Project Manager, and W.E. Power LLC. (Exhibit 10.13 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.25
Elm Road Generating Station II Facility Lease Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2005, among MGE Power Elm Road, LLC, as Lessor, and Madison Gas and Electric Company, as Lessee. (Exhibit 10.14 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.26
Elm Road Generating Station II Operating and Maintenance Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2004, among Madison Gas and Electric Company, Wisconsin Electric Power Company, and Wisconsin Public Power Inc., as Lessee/ Owners, and Wisconsin Electric Power Company, as Operating Agent. (Exhibit 10.15 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.27
Elm Road Generating Station II Easement and Indemnification Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2004, among MGE Power Elm Road, LLC and Wisconsin Public Power Inc., as Grantees, and Wisconsin Electric Power Company, as Grantor. (Exhibit 10.16 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.28
Operating Agreement, dated as of October 28, 2005, among MGE Energy LLC, Madison Gas and Electric Company, and MGE Transco Investment LLC. (Exhibit 10.17 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, File No. 0-1125.)
10.29
Wind Turbine Supply Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, among Madison Gas and Electric Company as Buyer and Vestas-American Wind Technology , Inc. As Supplier. (Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, File No. 0-1125.)
10.30
Warranty Agreement to the Wind Turbine Supply Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, among Madison Gas and Electric Company as Buyer and Vestas-American Wind Technology, Inc. As Supplier. (Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, File No. 0-1125.)
10.31
Service and Maintenance Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, among Madison Gas and Electric Company as Buyer and Vestas-American Wind Technology, Inc. As Supplier. (Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, File No. 0-1125.)
10.32
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, among Madison Gas and Electric Company as Buyer and Northern Iowa Windpower II LLC and Northern Iowa Windpower III LLC as Seller. (Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, File No. 0-1125.)
10.33
Substation and Transformer Shared Use Agreement and Easement Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2006, among Madison Gas and Electric Company and Northern Iowa Windpower II LLC as Joint Owners. (Exhibit 10.6 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, File No. 0-1125.)
10.34
Management and Administration Agreement, dated as of October 13, 2006, among Madison Gas and Electric Company as Owner and Midwest Renewable Energy Resources, LLC as Manager. (Exhibit 10.7 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, File No. 0-1125.)
10.35*
Form of Severance Agreement. (Exhibit 10F to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, File No. 0-1125.)
10.36*
MGE Energy, Inc. 2006 Performance Unit Plan.
Statements regarding computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges:
12.1 MGE Energy, Inc.
12.2 Madison Gas and Electric Company
Subsidiaries of MGE Energy, Inc.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
23.1
MGE Energy, Inc.
23.2
Madison Gas and Electric Company.
Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed by the following officers for the following companies:
31.1 Filed by Gary J. Wolter for MGE Energy, Inc.
31.2 Filed by Terry A. Hanson for MGE Energy, Inc.
31.3 Filed by Gary J. Wolter for Madison Gas and Electric Company
31.4 Filed by Terry A. Hanson for Madison Gas and Electric Company
Certifications Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 United States Code (Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) as to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed by the following officers for the following companies:
32.1 Filed by Gary J. Wolter for MGE Energy, Inc.
32.2 Filed by Terry A. Hanson for MGE Energy, Inc.
32.3 Filed by Gary J. Wolter for Madison Gas and Electric Company
32.4 Filed by Terry A. Hanson for Madison Gas and Electric Company
Schedule II
MGE Energy, Inc. and Madison Gas and Electric Company
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Signatures - MGE Energy, Inc.
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
MGE Energy, Inc.
(Registrant)
Date: February 26, 2007
/s/ Gary J. Wolter
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 26, 2007.
/s/ Gary J. Wolter
Gary J. Wolter
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Terry A. Hanson
Terry A. Hanson
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ Richard E. Blaney
Richard E. Blaney, Director
/s/ F. Curtis Hastings
F. Curtis Hastings, Director
Regina M. Millner, Director
/s/ Frederic E. Mohs
Frederic E. Mohs, Director
/s/ John R. Nevin
John R. Nevin, Director
/s/ Donna K. Sollenberger
Donna K. Sollenberger, Director
/s/ H. Lee Swanson
H. Lee Swanson, Director
Signatures - Madison Gas and Electric Company
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
Madison Gas and Electric Company
(Registrant)
Date: February 26, 2007
/s/ Gary J. Wolter
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 26, 2007.
/s/ Gary J. Wolter
Gary J. Wolter
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Terry A. Hanson
Terry A. Hanson
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ Richard E. Blaney
Richard E. Blaney, Director
/s/ F. Curtis Hastings
F. Curtis Hastings, Director
Regina M. Millner, Director
/s/ Frederic E. Mohs
Frederic E. Mohs, Director
/s/ John R. Nevin
John R. Nevin, Director
/s/ Donna K. Sollenberger
Donna K. Sollenberger, Director
/s/ H. Lee Swanson
H. Lee Swanson, Director