ITEM 1. - BUSINESS
OVERVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED BUSINESS
UNS Energy is a utility services holding company engaged, through its subsidiaries, in the electric generation and energy delivery business. Each of UNS Energy’s subsidiaries is a separate legal entity with its own assets and liabilities. UNS Energy owns 100% of TEP, UniSource Energy Services, Inc. (UES), Millennium Energy Holdings, Inc. (Millennium), and UniSource Energy Development Company (UED).
TEP is a regulated utility and UNS Energy’s largest operating subsidiary, representing approximately 83% of UNS Energy’s total assets at December 31, 2013. TEP generates, transmits and distributes electricity to approximately 413,000 retail electric customers in a 1,155 square mile area in southeastern Arizona. TEP also sells electricity to other utilities and power marketing entities, located primarily in the western United States. In addition, TEP operates Springerville Generating Station (Springerville) Unit 3 on behalf of Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (Tri-State) and Springerville Unit 4 on behalf of Salt River Project Agriculture Improvement and Power District (SRP).
UES holds the common stock of two regulated utilities, UNS Electric, Inc. (UNS Electric) and UNS Gas, Inc. (UNS Gas). UNS Electric is a regulated utility, which generates, transmits and distributes electricity to approximately 93,000 retail customers in Mohave and Santa Cruz counties in Arizona. UNS Gas is a regulated gas distribution company, which services approximately 150,000 retail customers in Mohave, Yavapai, Coconino, Navajo, and Santa Cruz counties in Arizona.
UED and Millennium’s investments in unregulated businesses represent less than 1% of UNS Energy’s assets as of December 31, 2013.
References in this report to “we” and “our” are to UNS Energy and its subsidiaries, collectively.
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
In December 2013, UNS Energy entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement) with FortisUS Inc., a Delaware corporation (Fortis), Color Acquisition Sub Inc., an Arizona corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis (Merger Sub), and, solely for the purposes of Sections 5.5(c) and 8.15 of the Merger Agreement, Fortis Inc., a corporation incorporated under the Corporations Act of Newfoundland and Labrador and the parent company of Fortis (Fortis Parent).
The Merger Agreement provides for a business combination whereby Merger Sub will merge with and into UNS Energy (the Merger). As a result of the Merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub will cease and UNS Energy will continue as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis. The Boards of Directors of each of UNS Energy and Fortis Parent have approved the Merger.
Under the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding share of UNS Energy common stock (other than shares owned by UNS Energy, Fortis Parent, Fortis or Merger Sub or their subsidiaries) will be converted into the right to receive $60.25 in cash (the Merger Consideration). At the effective time and as a result of the Merger, each outstanding option to acquire UNS Energy common stock issued by UNS Energy will be converted into the right to receive the difference between
K-1
the Merger Consideration and the exercise price of the option, on a per-share basis, and each outstanding share of restricted stock, restricted stock unit, performance share and other equity-based awards will vest and be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration.
The Merger is subject to the approval of stockholders holding a majority of the outstanding shares of UNS Energy and other customary closing conditions, including, among other things:
•
the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended;
•
approvals of the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC);
•
confirmation of review, without unresolved concerns, from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States; and
•
the absence of any injunction, order or other law prohibiting the Merger.
The obligations of each party to close the Merger are also subject to the accuracy of representations and warranties of, and compliance with covenants by, the other parties as set forth in the Merger Agreement, and, in the case of Fortis, the absence of any material adverse effect on UNS Energy.
The Merger Agreement provides that Fortis and UNS Energy may mutually agree to terminate the Merger Agreement before completing the Merger. In addition, either Fortis or UNS Energy may decide to terminate the Merger Agreement if, among other things:
•
the Merger is not consummated by December 11, 2014, subject to extension to June 11, 2015 if regulatory approvals have not been obtained (or further if approvals have been obtained but have not yet become final orders), but other closing conditions have been satisfied or waived;
•
UNS Energy stockholders fail to adopt the Merger Agreement;
•
a court or other governmental entity issues a final and nonappealable order prohibiting the Merger; or
•
the other party breaches the Merger Agreement in a way that would entitle the party seeking to terminate the Merger Agreement not to consummate the Merger, subject to the right of the breaching party to cure the breach.
UNS Energy may also terminate the Merger Agreement prior to receiving stockholder approval, after complying with certain procedures set forth in the Merger Agreement, in order to accept a superior takeover proposal upon payment of a termination fee of approximately $64 million (Termination Fee). Fortis may terminate the Merger Agreement and require payment of the Termination Fee if UNS Energy enters into an agreement with respect to a superior takeover proposal, or if the Board of Directors of UNS Energy recommends or proposes to approve or recommend any alternative takeover proposal with a third party, or withdraws, modifies or proposes publicly to withdraw or modify its approval or recommendation with respect to the Merger Agreement. The Merger Agreement further provides that, upon termination under certain other circumstances, UNS Energy may be obligated to reimburse up to $12.5 million of Fortis’ expenses with respect to the transaction and, if another takeover proposal is agreed or consummated, pay Fortis the Termination Fee (net of any expense reimbursement previously paid).
Fortis has agreed to maintain UNS Energy’s community involvement efforts and charitable donations for five years following the closing and to keep UNS Energy’s headquarters in Tucson, Arizona. Fortis has also agreed to retain four of UNS Energy’s current directors on the board of UNS Energy following the closing.
UNS Energy and Fortis have agreed to customary representations, warranties and covenants in the Merger Agreement, including, among others, covenants (i) with respect to the conduct of its business during the interim period between the execution of the Merger Agreement and consummation of the Merger, (ii) not to solicit proposals regarding alternative business combination transactions and (iii) not to engage in certain kinds of transactions during such period. UNS Energy and Fortis have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to obtain required governmental approvals to effect the transaction.
On February 18, 2014, we filed definitive proxy materials with the SEC. We expect UNS Energy's shareholders to formally consider a proposal to approve the Merger Agreement at a meeting on March 26, 2014.
In January 2014, UNS Energy and Fortis Parent filed an application and supporting testimony with the ACC requesting approval of the Merger. The ACC administrative law judge (ALJ) assigned to this matter issued a procedural order that provides for settlement discussions to commence on April 28, 2014, and a hearing before the ALJ to commence on June 16, 2014. In February 2014, we filed an application with FERC requesting approval of the Merger. The Merger is expected to close by the end of 2014.
K-2
BUSINESS SEGMENT CONTRIBUTIONS
The table below shows the contributions to our consolidated after-tax earnings by our three business segments.
(1)
Includes: UNS Energy parent company expenses, Millennium, UED, and intercompany eliminations.
See Note 4 for additional financial information regarding our business segments.
Rates and Regulation of TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas
The ACC regulates portions of TEP's, UNS Electric's, and UNS Gas' utility accounting practices and energy rates. The ACC has authority over rates charged to retail customers, the issuance of securities, and transactions with affiliated parties. Our regulated utility rates for retail electric and natural gas service are determined on a “cost of service” basis. Retail Rates are designed to provide, after recovery of allowable operating expenses, an opportunity for our utility businesses to earn a reasonable return on rate base. Rate base is generally determined by reference to the original cost (net of depreciation) of utility plant in service to the extent deemed used and useful, and to various adjustments for deferred taxes and other items, plus a working capital component. Over time, additions to utility plant in service increase rate base while depreciation of utility plant reduces rate base.
The rates charged to retail customers also include pass-through mechanisms that allow each utility to recover the prudently incurred actual costs of its fuel, transmission, and energy purchases.
The FERC regulates the terms and prices of transmission services and wholesale electricity sales, wholesale transport and purchases of natural gas, and portions of our accounting practices. TEP and UNS Electric have FERC tariffs to sell power at market-based rates.
TEP
TEP was incorporated in the State of Arizona in 1963. TEP is the principal operating subsidiary of UNS Energy. In 2013, TEP’s electric utility operations contributed 81% of UNS Energy’s operating revenues and comprised 83% of its assets at year end.
SERVICE AREA AND CUSTOMERS
TEP is a vertically integrated utility that provides regulated electric service to approximately 413,000 retail customers in southeastern Arizona. TEP’s service territory covers 1,155 square miles and includes a population of approximately one million people in the greater Tucson metropolitan area in Pima County, as well as parts of Cochise County. TEP also sells electricity to other entities in the western United States.
Retail Customers
TEP provides electric utility service to a diverse group of residential, commercial, industrial, and public sector customers. Major industries served include copper mining, cement manufacturing, defense, health care, education, military bases, and other governmental entities. TEP’s retail sales are influenced by several factors, including economic conditions, seasonal weather patterns, demand side management (DSM) initiatives and the increasing use of energy efficient products, and opportunities for customers to generate their own electricity.
K-3
Customer Base
The table below shows the percentage distribution of TEP’s energy sales by major customer class over the last three years. In 2014, the retail energy consumption by customer class is expected to be similar to the historical distribution.
Local, regional, and national economic factors can impact the growth in the number of customers in TEP’s service territory. In 2013, 2012, and 2011, TEP’s average number of retail customers increased by less than 1% in each year.
We expect the number of TEP’s retail customers to increase at a rate of approximately 1% in 2014 and 2015.
Two of TEP’s largest retail customers are in the copper mining industry. TEP’s kilowatt-hour (kWh) sales to mining customers depend on a variety of factors including the market price of copper, the electricity rate paid by mining customers, and the mines’ potential development of their own electric generation resources. TEP’s kWh sales to mining customers decreased by 1.2% in 2013 due in part to a higher occurrence of planned and unplanned maintenance at the mines that reduced the mines' demand for electricity.
See Part II, Item. 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Tucson Electric Power, Factors Affecting Results of Operations, Sales to Mining Customers.
Retail Sales Volumes
During the past three years, economic conditions and state requirements for energy efficiency and distributed generation have negatively affected retail electricity sales. TEP’s retail sales volumes in 2013 were approximately 9,279 Gigawatt-hours (GWh). These volumes were 0.1% below 2010 levels.
Wholesale Sales
TEP’s electric utility operations include the wholesale marketing of electricity to other utilities and power marketers. Wholesale sales transactions are made on both a firm and interruptible basis. A firm contract requires TEP to supply power on demand (except under limited emergency circumstances), while an interruptible contract allows TEP to stop supplying power under defined conditions. See Generating and Other Resources, Purchases and Interconnections, below.
Generally, TEP commits to future sales based on expected excess generating capability, forward prices, and generation costs, using a diversified portfolio approach to provide a balance between long-term, mid-term, and spot energy sales. TEP’s wholesale sales consist primarily of two types of sales:
Long-Term Sales
Long-term wholesale sales contracts cover periods of more than one year. TEP typically uses its own generation to serve the requirements of its long-term wholesale customers. TEP’s two primary long-term contracts are with Salt River Project Agriculture Improvement and Power District (SRP) and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA). See Item 7. - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Tucson Electric Power Company, Factors Affecting Results of Operations, Long-Term Wholesale Sales.
Short-Term Sales
Forward contracts commit TEP to sell a specified amount of capacity or energy at a specified price over a given period of time, typically for one-month, three-month, or one-year periods. TEP also engages in short-term sales by selling energy in the daily or hourly markets at fluctuating spot market prices and making other non-firm energy sales. All revenues from short-term wholesale sales offset fuel and purchased power costs and are passed through to TEP’s retail customers. TEP uses short-term wholesale sales as part of its hedging strategy to reduce customer exposure to fluctuating power prices. See Rates and Regulation, below.
K-4
GENERATING AND OTHER RESOURCES
At December 31, 2013, TEP owned or leased 2,240 MW of generating capacity, as set forth in the following table:
(1)
Leased asset as of December 31, 2013.
(2)
Excludes 683 MW of additional resources, which consist of certain capacity purchases and interruptible retail load. At December 31, 2013, total owned capacity was 1,853 MW and leased capacity was 387 MW.
Springerville Generating Station
TEP leases Unit 1 of the Springerville Generating Station and an undivided one-half interest in certain Springerville Common Facilities (collectively Springerville Unit 1) under seven separate lease agreements (Springerville Unit 1 Leases) that are accounted for as capital leases. The leases expire in January 2015 and include fair market value renewal and purchase options. TEP owns a 14.1% undivided ownership interest in Springerville Unit 1, representing approximately 55 megawatts (MW) of capacity.
Unit 2 of the Springerville Generating Station (Springerville Unit 2) is owned by San Carlos Resources, Inc. (San Carlos), a wholly-owned subsidiary of TEP. TEP’s other interests in the Springerville Generating Station (Springerville) include leasehold interests in the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities and in a one-half interest in certain other facilities at Springerville used in common by all four Springerville units (Springerville Common Facilities).
Springerville Unit 1 Leases
TEP leases Unit 1 of the Springerville Generating Station and an undivided one-half interest in certain Springerville Common Facilities (collectively Springerville Unit 1) under seven separate lease agreements (Springerville Unit 1 Leases) that are accounted for as capital leases. The leases expire in January 2015 and include fair market value renewal and purchase options. In 2006, TEP purchased a 14.1% undivided ownership interest in Springerville Unit 1, representing approximately 55 MW of capacity.
K-5
During 2013, TEP agreed to purchase leased interests of 35.4% or 137 MW of Springerville Unit 1, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $65 million. TEP expects to complete the purchases in December 2014 and in January 2015. See Item 7. - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Tucson Electric Power Company, Factors Affecting Results of Operations, Springerville Unit 1.
Springerville Common Facilities Leases
The leveraged lease arrangements relating to an undivided one-half interest in certain Springerville Common Facilities (Springerville Common Facilities Leases), which expire in 2017 and 2021, have fair market value renewal options as well as a fixed-price purchase provision. The fixed prices to acquire the leased interests in the Springerville Common Facilities are $38 million in 2017 and $68 million in 2021.
Springerville Coal Handling Facilities Lease
In 1984, TEP sold and leased back the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities. Since entering the lease, TEP purchased a 13% ownership interest in the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities. The terms of the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities Leases expire in April 2015 but have fixed-rate renewal options if certain conditions are satisfied as well as a fixed-price purchase provision of $120 million.
See Note 6 and Item 7. - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Tucson Electric Power Company, Liquidity and Capital Resources, Contractual Obligations.
Sundt Generating Station
The H. Wilson Sundt Generating Station (Sundt) and the internal combustion turbines located in Tucson are designated as “must-run generation” facilities. Must-run generation units are required to run in certain circumstances to maintain distribution system reliability and to meet local load requirements.
Future Generating Resources
Gila River Generating Station Unit 3
In December 2013, TEP and UNS Electric entered into an agreement (the Purchase Agreement) with a subsidiary of Entegra Power Group LLC (Entegra) to purchase Unit 3 of the Gila River Generating Station (Gila River Unit 3). The purchase price of $219 million is subject to adjustments to prorate certain fees and expenses through the closing and in respect of certain operational matters. Gila River Unit 3 is a gas-fired combined cycle unit with a capacity rating of 550 MW, located in Gila Bend, Arizona.
It is anticipated that TEP will purchase a 75% undivided interest in Gila River Unit 3 (413 MW) for approximately $164 million and UNS Electric will purchase the remaining 25% undivided interest (137 MW) for approximately $55 million, although TEP and UNS Electric may modify the percentage ownership allocation between them. We expect the transaction to close in December 2014. See TEP, Factors Affecting Results of Operations, Gila River Generating Station Unit 3 and UNS Electric, Factors Affecting Results of Operations, Gila River Generating Station Unit 3. See also Note 8.
The purchase of Gila River Unit 3, which would replace the expiring coal-fired leased capacity from Springerville Unit 1 and the expected reduction of coal-fired generating capacity from San Juan Unit 2, is consistent with TEP's strategy to diversify its generation fuel mix. For more information on San Juan Unit 2, see Environmental Matters, Regional Haze Rules, San Juan, below.
Renewable Energy Resources
Owned Resources
As of December 31, 2013, TEP owned 18 MW of photovoltaic (PV) solar generating capacity. The Springerville solar system, which is located near the Springerville Generating Station, has a total capacity of 6 MW. TEP’s remaining 12 MW of PV solar generating capacity is located in the Tucson area.
In 2014, TEP expects to complete solar projects providing capacity of 20 MW at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona and 10 MW in Springerville, Arizona.
K-6
Power Purchase Agreements
In order to meet the ACC’s renewable energy requirements, TEP has power purchase agreements (PPAs) for 124 MW of capacity from solar resources, 102 MW of capacity from wind resources and 4 MW of capacity from a landfill gas generation plant. At December 31, 2013, approximately 88 MW of contracted solar resources and 51 MW of contracted wind resources were operational. The remaining resources are expected to be developed over the next several years. The solar PPAs contain options that allow TEP to purchase all or part of the related project at a future period. See Rates and Regulation, Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff, below.
Purchases and Interconnections
TEP purchases power from other utilities and power marketers. TEP may enter into contracts: (a) to purchase energy under long-term contracts to serve retail load and long-term wholesale contracts, (b) to purchase capacity or energy during periods of planned outages or for peak summer load conditions, and (c) to purchase energy for resale to certain wholesale customers under load and resource management agreements.
TEP typically uses generation from its gas-fired units, supplemented by power purchases, to meet the summer peak demands of its retail customers. Some of these power purchases are price-indexed to natural gas. Due to its increasing seasonal gas and purchased power usage, TEP hedges a portion of its total natural gas exposure with fixed price contracts for a maximum of three years. TEP also purchases energy in the daily and hourly markets to meet higher than anticipated demands, to cover unplanned generation outages, or when doing so is more economical than generating its own energy.
TEP is a member of a regional reserve-sharing organization and has reliability and power sharing relationships with other utilities. These relationships allow TEP to call upon other utilities during emergencies, such as plant outages and system disturbances, and reduce the amount of reserves TEP is required to carry.
As a result of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, owners and operators of bulk power transmission systems, including TEP, are subject to mandatory reliability standards that are developed and enforced by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and subject to the oversight of the FERC. TEP periodically reviews its operating policies and procedures to ensure continued compliance with these standards.
Springerville Units 3 and 4
Springerville Units 3 and 4 are each approximately 400 MW coal-fired generating facilities that are operated, but not owned by TEP. These facilities are located at the same site as Springerville Units 1 and 2. The owners of Springerville Units 3 and 4 compensate TEP for operating the facilities and pay an allocated portion of the fixed costs related to the Springerville Common Facilities and Coal Handling Facilities. See Item 7. - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Tucson Electric Power Company, Factors Affecting Results of Operations, Springerville Units 3 and 4.
Peak Demand and Resources
(1)
Other Resources include firm power purchases and interruptible retail and wholesale loads.
Peak demand occurs during the summer months due to the cooling requirements of TEP’s retail customers. Retail peak demand varies from year-to-year due to weather, economic conditions, and other factors. TEP’s retail peak demand declined over the period of 2009 to 2013 due primarily to weak economic conditions and the implementation of energy efficiency programs.
The chart above shows the relationship over a five-year period between TEP’s peak demand and its energy resources. TEP’s total margin is the difference between total energy resources and coincident peak demand, and the reserve margin is the ratio of
K-7
margin to coincident peak demand. TEP’s reserve margin in 2013 was in compliance with reliability criteria set forth by the Western Electricity Coordinating Council, a regional council of NERC.
Forecasted retail peak demand for 2014 is 2,253 MW compared with actual peak demand of 2,230 MW in 2013. TEP’s 2014 estimated retail peak demand is based on weather patterns observed over a 10-year period. TEP believes existing generation capacity and power purchase agreements are sufficient to meet expected demand in 2014.
FUEL SUPPLY
Fuel and Purchased Power Summary
Resource information is provided below:
Coal
TEP’s principal fuel for electric generation is low-sulfur, bituminous or sub-bituminous coal from mines in Arizona and New Mexico. More than 90% of TEP’s coal supply is purchased under long-term contracts, which results in more predictable prices. The average cost per ton of coal, including transportation, was $48.51 in 2013, $45.84 in 2012, and $46.64 in 2011.
(1)
Substantially all of the suppliers’ mining leases extend at least as long as coal is being mined in economic quantities.
(2)
Beginning in July 2016 through June 2031, the coal for Four Corners will be purchased from the Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC). NTEC purchased the mine located near Four Corners from BPH Billiton and will begin operating the mine in 2016.
TEP Operated Generating Facilities
The coal supplies for Springerville Units 1 and 2 are transported approximately 200 miles by railroad from northwestern New Mexico. TEP expects coal reserves to be sufficient to supply the estimated requirements for Springerville Units 1 and 2 for their presently estimated remaining lives.
Prior to 2010, Sundt Unit 4 was predominantly fueled by coal; however, the generating station also can be operated with natural gas. Both fuels are combined with methane, a renewable energy resource, delivered from a nearby landfill. Since 2010, TEP has fueled Sundt Unit 4 with both coal and natural gas depending on which resource is most economic. In 2014, TEP expects to fuel Sundt Unit 4 primarily with existing coal supplies at the site. See Note 7.
Generating Facilities Operated by Others
TEP also participates in jointly-owned coal-fired generating facilities at the Four Corners Generating Station (Four Corners), the Navajo Generating Station (Navajo), and the San Juan Generating Station (San Juan). Four Corners, which is operated by Arizona Public Service (APS), and San Juan, which is operated by Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), are mine-mouth generating stations located adjacent to the coal reserves. Navajo, which is operated by SRP, obtains its coal supply from a nearby coal mine and a dedicated rail delivery system. The coal supplies are under long-term contracts administered by the
K-8
operating agents. TEP expects the available coal reserves of the suppliers to these three jointly-owned generating facilities to be sufficient for the remaining estimated lives of the stations.
Natural Gas Supply
TEP typically uses generation from its facilities fueled by natural gas, in addition to energy from its coal-fired facilities and purchased power, to meet the summer peak demands of its retail customers and local reliability needs. TEP purchases gas from Southwest Gas Corporation under a retail tariff for North Loop’s 95 MW of internal combustion turbines and receives distribution service under a transportation agreement for DeMoss Petrie, a 75 MW internal combustion turbine. TEP purchases capacity from El Paso Natural Gas (EPNG) for transportation from the San Juan and Permian Basins to its Sundt plant under firm transportation agreements and buys gas from third-party suppliers for Sundt and DeMoss Petrie.
TEP also purchases gas transportation for Luna Generating Station (Luna) from EPNG from the San Juan and Permian Basins, utilizing firm transportation agreements with EPNG.
TRANSMISSION ACCESS
TEP has transmission access and power transaction arrangements with over 140 electric systems or suppliers. TEP also has various ongoing projects that are designed to increase access to the regional wholesale energy market and improve the reliability, capacity and efficiency of its existing transmission and distribution systems.
TEP is participating in the continuation of the 500 kV transmission line from the Pinal West substation to the Pinal Central substation. This project is expected to be in service in 2014. TEP is also finalizing the engineering design for a 40-mile 500-kV transmission line from the Pinal Central substation to TEP’s Tortolita substation northwest of Tucson to further enhance its ability to access the region’s energy resources. TEP expects the Pinal Central to Tortolita line to be in service in 2016. As a result of these transmission additions, TEP expects that its ability to import energy into its service territory would increase by at least 250 MW.
Discontinued Transmission Project
TEP and UNS Electric are parties to a transmission line project initiated in response to an order by the ACC to UNS Electric to improve the reliability of electric service in Nogales, Arizona. TEP had previously capitalized $11 million related to the project, including $2 million to secure land and land rights. UNS Electric had previously capitalized $0.4 million related to the project.
TEP and UNS Electric will not proceed with the project based on the estimated cost of the proposed line, the difficulty in reaching agreement with the Forest Service on a path for the line, and concurrence by the ACC of transmission plans filed by TEP and UNS Electric supporting the elimination of this project. In 2012, TEP and UNS Electric wrote off a portion of the capitalized costs believed not probable of recovery and recorded a regulatory asset for the balance deemed probable of recovery. TEP and UNS Electric believe it is probable that we will recover at least $5 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of costs incurred through 2013. See Note 7.
RATES AND REGULATION
2013 TEP Rate Order
In June 2013, the ACC issued an order (2013 TEP Rate Order) that resolved the rate case filed by TEP in July 2012, which was based on a test year ended December 31, 2011. The 2013 TEP Rate Order approved new rates effective July 1, 2013. See Item 7. - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Tucson Electric Power, Factors Affecting Results of Operations, 2013 TEP Rate Order.
Purchased Power and Fuel Adjustment Clause
The Purchased Power and Fuel Adjustment Clause (PPFAC) allows TEP to recover its fuel, transmission, and purchased power costs, including demand charges, and the prudent costs of contracts for hedging fuel and purchased power costs for its retail customers. The PPFAC consists of a forward component and a true-up component.
The true-up component will reconcile any over/under collected amounts from the preceding 12-month period and will be credited to or recovered from customers in the subsequent year.
TEP’s PPFAC also includes the recovery of the following costs and/or credits: lime costs used to control SO2 emissions, net of sulfur credits received from TEP’s coal suppliers; broker fees; 100% of short-term wholesale revenues and all of the proceeds from the sale of SO2 allowances.
K-9
The 2013 TEP Rate Order approved a new PPFAC rate, effective July 1, 2013, which is a credit to retail customers of 0.14 cents per kWh. This PPFAC rate will be in effect until the rate is reset by the ACC in the second quarter of 2014.
TEP’s current PPFAC rate includes:
•
a reduction in the PPFAC bank balance, recorded in June 2013 as an increase to fuel expense, of $3 million related to prior sulfur credits; and
•
a transfer of $10 million, recorded in June 2013, from the PPFAC bank balance to a new regulatory asset to defer coal costs related to the San Juan mine fire. These costs will be eligible for recovery through the PPFAC upon final insurance settlement.
Beginning on July 1, 2013, net lime expense is recovered through the PPFAC; these expenses were previously recorded in O&M expense.
At December 31, 2013, TEP had under-collected fuel and purchased power costs on a billed-to-customer basis of $14 million.
In February 2014, TEP filed a request with the ACC to reset the PPFAC in order to collect the under-collected balance from customers.
Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff
The ACC’s Renewable Energy Standard (RES) requires TEP, UNS Electric, and other affected utilities to increase their use of renewable energy each year until it represents at least 15% of their total annual retail energy requirements in 2025. Affected utilities must file annual RES implementation plans for review and approval by the ACC. The approved cost of carrying out those plans is recovered from retail customers through the RES surcharge. In 2010, the ACC approved a funding mechanism that allows TEP to recover operating costs, depreciation, property taxes, and a return on investments in company-owned solar projects through RES funds until such costs are reflected in TEP’s Base Rates.
In October 2013, the ACC approved TEP's 2014 RES implementation plan. Under the plan, TEP expects to collect approximately $34 million from retail customers during 2014 to fund the following: the above market cost of renewable energy purchases; performance based incentives for customer installed distributed generation; a return on and of TEP's investments in company-owned solar projects; and various other program costs. The plan includes approval for a TEP investment of $28 million in 2014 for company-owned solar projects and an additional $12 million in 2015. TEP met the 2013 RES renewable energy target of 4.0% of retail kWh sales and expects to meet the 2014 target of 4.5%.
Electric Energy Efficiency Standards
In 2010, the ACC approved new Electric EE Standards designed to require electric utilities to implement cost-effective programs to reduce customers' energy consumption. The Electric EE Standards require increasing annual targeted retail kWh savings equal to 22% by 2020. Since the implementation of the Electric EE Standards, TEP’s cumulative annual energy savings is approximately 4.4% of retail kWh sales.
DSM programs approved by the ACC, direct load control programs, and energy efficient building codes are acceptable means to meet the Electric EE Standards as set forth by the ACC.
The 2013 TEP Rate Order approved (i) a Lost Fixed Cost Recovery (LFCR) mechanism that will allow TEP to recover certain non-fuel costs that would otherwise go unrecovered due to reduced kWh sales attributed to energy efficiency programs and distributed generation, and (ii) an energy efficiency provision that included a 2013 calendar year budget to fund programs that support the ACC's Electric EE Standards as well as a new performance incentive. See Item. 7-Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Result of Operations, Tucson Electric Power, Factors Affecting Results of Operations, 2013 TEP Rate Order.
Competition
Retail Electric Competition Rules
In 1999, the ACC approved the Retail Electric Competition Rules (Rules) that provided a framework for the introduction of retail electric competition in Arizona. Certain portions of the Rules that enabled Electric Service Providers (ESPs) to compete in the retail market were invalidated by an Arizona Court of Appeals decision in 2004. During 2012 and 2013, several companies filed applications for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CC&N) with the ACC to provide competitive
K-10
retail electric services in TEP's service territory as an ESP. Unless and until the ACC clarifies the Rules and/or grants a CC&N to an ESP, it is not possible for TEP's retail customers to use an alternative ESP.
In May 2013, the ACC considered the possibility of opening Arizona to retail electric competition. After receiving comments from various parties, the ACC voted to close the docket in September 2013 and did not take any steps to implement retail electric competition. See Item. 7-Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Result of Operations, Tucson Electric Power, Factors Affecting Results of Operations, Competition, Retail Electric Competition Rules.
Technological Developments and Energy Efficiency
New technological developments and the implementation of the Electric EE Standards have reduced energy consumption by TEP's retail customers. TEP's customers also have the ability to install renewable energy technologies and conventional generation units that could reduce their reliance on TEP's services.
K-11
TEP’S UTILITY OPERATING STATISTICS
K-12
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Environmental Regulation
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits the amount of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter, mercury and other emissions released into the atmosphere by power plants. TEP may incur added costs to comply with future changes in federal and state environmental laws, regulations, and permit requirements at its power plants. Complying with these changes may reduce operating efficiency. TEP expects to recover the cost of environmental compliance from its customers.
Hazardous Air Pollutant Requirements
The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to develop emission limit standards for hazardous air pollutants that reflect the maximum achievable control technology. In February 2012, the EPA issued final rules to set the standards for the control of mercury emissions and other hazardous air pollutants from power plants.
Navajo
Based on the EPA’s standards, Navajo may require mercury and particulate matter emission control equipment by 2015. TEP’s share of the estimated capital cost of this equipment is less than $1 million for mercury control and about $43 million if the installation of baghouses to control particulates is necessary. The operator of Navajo is currently analyzing the need for baghouses under various regulatory scenarios, which will be affected by final Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) rules when issued. TEP expects its share of the annual operating costs for mercury control and baghouses to be less than $1 million each.
San Juan
TEP expects San Juan’s current emission controls to be adequate to comply with the EPA’s final standards.
Four Corners
Based on the EPA’s final standards, Four Corners may require mercury emission control equipment by 2015. TEP's share of the estimated capital cost of this equipment is less than $1 million. TEP expects its share of the annual operating cost of the mercury emission control equipment to be less than $1 million.
Springerville Generating Station
Based on the EPA’s final standards, Springerville Generating Station (Springerville) may require mercury emission control equipment by 2015. The estimated capital cost of this equipment for Springerville Units 1 and 2 is about $5 million. TEP expects the annual operating cost of the mercury emission control equipment to be about $3 million. TEP will own 49.5% of Springerville Unit 1 upon close of the lease option purchases by early 2015; after the completion of such purchases, 50.5% of environmental costs attributed to Springerville Unit 1 will be reimbursed by third party owners.
Sundt Generating Station
TEP expects the final EPA standards will have little effect on capital expenditures at Sundt Generating Station (Sundt).
Regional Haze Rules
The EPA's Regional Haze Rules require emission controls known as BART for certain industrial facilities emitting air pollutants that reduce visibility in national parks and wilderness areas. The rules call for all states to establish goals and emission reduction strategies for improving visibility. States must submit these goals and strategies to the EPA for approval. BART applies to plants built between August 1962 and August 1977. Because Navajo and Four Corners are located on the Navajo Indian Reservation, they are not subject to state oversight; the EPA oversees regional haze planning for these power plants.
Complying with the EPA’s BART findings, and with other future environmental rules, may make it economically impractical to continue operating the Navajo, San Juan, and Four Corners power plants or for individual owners to continue to participate in these power plants. TEP cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters.
K-13
Navajo
In January 2013, the EPA proposed a BART determination that would require the installation of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology on all three units at Navajo by 2023. In July 2013, SRP, along with other stakeholders including impacted government agencies, environmental organizations, and tribal representatives, submitted an agreement to the EPA that would achieve greater NOx emission reductions than the EPA's proposed BART rule. In September 2013, the EPA issued a supplemental proposal incorporating the provisions of the agreement as a better-than-BART alternative.
Among other things, the agreement calls for the shut-down of one unit or an equivalent reduction in emissions by 2020. The shutdown of one unit will not impact the total amount of energy delivered to TEP from Navajo. Additionally, the remaining Navajo participants would be required to install SCR or an equivalent technology on the remaining two units by 2030. As part of the agreement, the current owners have committed to cease their operation of conventional coal-fired generation at Navajo no later than December 2044. The Navajo Nation can continue operation after 2044 at its election. If SCR technology is ultimately implemented at Navajo, TEP estimates its share of the capital cost will be $42 million. Also, the installation of SCR technology at Navajo could increase the power plant's particulate emissions which may require that baghouses be installed. TEP estimates that its share of the capital expenditure for baghouses would be about $43 million. TEP's share of annual operating costs for SCR and baghouses is estimated at less than $1 million each. The EPA could issue their decision as early as mid-2014.
San Juan
In August 2011, the EPA issued a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) establishing new emission limits for air pollutants at San Juan. These requirements are more stringent than those proposed by the State of New Mexico. The FIP requires the installation of SCR technology with sorbent injection on all four units to reduce NOx and control sulfuric acid emissions by September 2016. TEP estimates its share of the cost to install SCR technology with sorbent injection to be between $180 million and $200 million. TEP expects its share of the annual operating costs for SCR technology to be approximately $6 million.
In 2011, Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) filed a petition for review of, and a motion to stay, the FIP with the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit (Tenth Circuit). In addition, the operator filed a request for reconsideration of the rule with the EPA and a request to stay the effectiveness of the rule pending the EPA's reconsideration and review by the Tenth Circuit. The State of New Mexico filed similar motions with the Tenth Circuit and the EPA. Several environmental groups were granted permission to join in opposition to PNM's petition to review in the Tenth Circuit. In addition, WildEarth Guardians filed a separate appeal against the EPA challenging the FIP's five-year implementation schedule. PNM was granted permission to join in opposition to that appeal. In March 2012, the Tenth Circuit denied PNM's and the State of New Mexico's motion for stay. Oral argument on the appeal was heard in October 2012.
In February 2013, the State of New Mexico, the EPA, and PNM signed a non-binding agreement (Settlement Agreement) that outlines an alternative to the FIP. The terms of the Settlement Agreement include: the retirement of San Juan Units 2 and 3 by December 31, 2017; the replacement by PNM of those units with non-coal generation sources; and the installation of Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction technology (SNCR) on San Juan Units 1 and 4 by January 2016 or later depending on the timing of EPA approvals. The New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED) prepared a revision to the regional haze State Implementation Plan (SIP) incorporating the provisions of the Settlement Agreement, and in September 2013, the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board approved the SIP revision. The SIP revision now awaits final EPA approval. The EPA is expected to issue a final BART determination in the second or third quarter of 2014. TEP estimates its share of the cost to install SNCR technology on San Juan Unit 1 would be approximately $35 million. TEP's share of incremental annual operating costs for SNCR is estimated at $1 million. TEP owns 340 MW, or 50%, of San Juan Units 1 and 2. If San Juan Unit 2 is retired, TEP's coal-fired generating capacity would be reduced by 170 MW.
In connection with the implementation of the SIP revision and the retirement of San Juan Units 2 and 3, some of the San Juan owner participants (Participants) have expressed a desire to exit their ownership in the plant. As a result, the Participants are attempting to negotiate a restructuring of the ownership in San Juan, as well as addressing the obligations of the exiting Participants for plant decommissioning, mine reclamation, environmental matters, and certain ongoing operating costs, among other items. The Participants have engaged a mediator to assist in facilitating the resolution of these matters among the owners. The owners of the affected units also may seek approvals of their utility commissions or governing boards. We are unable to predict the outcome of the negotiations and mediation.
On October 17, 2013, the Tenth Circuit ruled on a motion filed by PNM for abatement of the pending petitions for review and seeking deferral of briefing on a simultaneously-filed motion to stay the FIP. The Tenth Circuit placed the pending petitions for
K-14
review in abeyance and set a schedule for the parties to file status reports. The court ruled that, if at any time the Settlement Agreement is not implemented as contemplated, any party to the litigation may file a motion seeking to lift the abatement.
At December 31, 2013, the book value of TEP's share of San Juan Unit 2 was $113 million. If Unit 2 is retired early, we expect to request ACC approval to recover, over a reasonable time period, all costs associated with the early closure of the unit. TEP cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this matter.
Four Corners
In 2012, the EPA finalized the regional haze FIP for Four Corners. The final FIP requires SCR technology to be installed on all five units by 2017. In December 2013, APS (the operator) decided to shut down Units 1-3 and install SCRs on Units 4 and 5. Under this scenario, the installation of SCR technology can be delayed until July 2018. TEP's estimated share of the capital costs to install SCR technology on Units 4 and 5 is approximately $35 million. TEP's share of incremental annual operating costs for SCR is estimated at $2 million.
Springerville
The BART provisions of the Regional Haze Rules requiring emission control upgrades do not apply to Springerville Units 1 and 2 since they were constructed in the 1980s which is after the time frame as designated by the rules. Other provisions of the Regional Haze Rule requiring further emission reduction are not likely to impact Springerville operations until after 2018.
Sundt
In July 2013, the EPA rejected the Arizona state implementation plan determination that Sundt Unit 4 is not subject to the BART provisions of the Regional Haze Rule and developed a timeline to issue a federal implementation plan for emissions sources including Sundt Unit 4. While TEP does not agree that Sundt Unit 4 is subject to BART, it submitted a better-than-BART proposal in November 2013 which called for the elimination of coal as a fuel source at Sundt by 2017. In January 2014, the EPA issued a BART proposal that would require TEP to either (i) install, by mid-2017, SNCR and other equipment if Sundt Unit 4 continues to use coal as a fuel source, or (ii) permanently eliminate coal as a fuel source as a better-than-BART alternative by the end of 2017. TEP estimates that the cost to install SNCR and other necessary equipment would be approximately $12 million, and the incremental annual operating costs would be $5 million to $6 million. Under the proposal, TEP would be required to notify the EPA of its decision by July 31, 2015. The EPA is expected to issue a final BART determination by July 2014. At December 31, 2013, the net book value of the Sundt coal handling facilities was $27 million. If the coal handling facilities are retired early, we expect to request ACC approval to recover, over a reasonable time period, all the remaining costs of the coal handling facilities.
Greenhouse Gas Regulation
In June 2013, President Obama directed the EPA to move forward with carbon emission regulations for both new and existing fossil-fueled power plants.
In January 2014, the EPA published a re-proposed rule for new power plants. UNS Energy does not anticipate that a final rule related to new fossil-fueled power plant sources will have a significant impact on operations.
For existing power plants, the President ordered the EPA to:
•
propose carbon emission standards by June 1, 2014;
•
finalize those standards by June 1, 2015; and
•
require states to submit their implementation plans to meet the standards by June 30, 2016.
UNS Energy will continue to work with federal and state regulatory agencies to promote compliance flexibility in the rules impacting existing fossil-fuel fired power plants. We cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters.
K-15
The table below provides a summary of the estimated impact of pending environmental regulations on TEP's annual O&M expense and capital expenditures.
(1)
TEP will own 49.5% of Springerville Unit 1 upon close of the lease option purchases by early 2015; after the completion of such purchases, 50.5% of environmental costs attributed to Springerville Unit 1 will be reimbursed by third party owners.
Certain environmental costs and investments can be recovered by TEP through a retail rate mechanism, called the Environmental Cost Adjustor, that was approved in the 2013 TEP Rate Order. See Item 7. - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, TEP, Factors Affecting Results of Operations, 2013 TEP Rate Order.
Coal Combustion Residuals
In 2010, the EPA proposed a rule to regulate the handling and disposal of coal ash and other Coal Combustion Residuals (CCRs). The EPA has proposed regulating CCRs as either non-hazardous solid waste or hazardous waste. The hazardous waste alternative would require additional capital investments and operational costs for both storage and handling at plants and transportation to disposal locations. Both the hazardous waste and non-hazardous solid waste alternatives would require liners for new ash landfills or expansions to existing ash landfills. The rules will apply to CCRs produced by all of TEP’s coal-fired generating assets. San Juan may also be subject to separate regulations being drafted by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement because it disposes of CCRs in surface mine pits.
The EPA has not yet indicated a preference for regulating CCRs. Each option would allow CCRs to be beneficially reused or recycled as components of other products. We expect the EPA to issue a final rule in late 2014. TEP cannot predict the outcome of this matter.
UNS ELECTRIC
SERVICE TERRITORY AND CUSTOMERS
UNS Electric is a vertically integrated electric utility company serving approximately 93,000 retail customers in Mohave and Santa Cruz counties. These counties have a combined population of approximately 250,000. UNS Electric’s annual retail customer growth rate was less than 1% from 2010 through 2013. We estimate that UNS Electric’s retail customer base will increase by less than 1% in 2014. UNS Electric’s customer base is primarily residential, with some commercial and industrial customers. Peak demand for 2013 was 423 MW.
POWER SUPPLY AND TRANSMISSION
Purchased Energy
UNS Electric relies on a portfolio of long, intermediate, and short-term power purchases to meet customer load requirements.
Generating Resources
UNS Electric owns and operates Black Mountain Generating Station (BMGS), a 90 MW gas-fired facility located near Kingman, Arizona. In July 2011, UNS Electric purchased BMGS from UED. UNS Gas purchases and transports natural gas to BMGS for UNS Electric under long-term natural gas transportation and sales agreements.
K-16
UNS Electric also owns and operates the Valencia Power Plant (Valencia), located in Nogales, Arizona. Valencia consists of four gas and diesel-fueled combustion turbine units and provides approximately 62 MW of peaking resources. The facility is directly interconnected with the distribution system serving the city of Nogales and the surrounding areas.
Renewable Energy Resources
UNS Electric agreed to purchase the output of a combined wind farm and solar generating facility located near Kingman. The above-market cost of energy purchased through the 20-year PPA will be recovered through the RES surcharge. For more information see Rates and Regulation, Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff below.
Future Generating Resources
Gila River Generating Station Unit 3
In December 2013, UNS Electric entered into an agreement to purchase 25% of Gila River Unit 3 (137 MW) for approximately $55 million, with TEP purchasing the remaining 75% interest (413 MW). The purchase price is subject to adjustments to prorate certain fees and expenses through the closing and in respect of certain operational matters. TEP and UNS Electric may also modify the percentage ownership allocation between them. We expect the transaction to close in December 2014.
The purchase of a 25% interest of Gila River Unit 3 would be consistent with UNS Electric's strategy to reduce its reliance on wholesale market purchases to meet retail customer demand.
See TEP, Generating and Other Resources, Future Generating Resources, Gila River Generating Station Unit 3, above, and Note 8.
Renewable Energy Resources
UNS Electric expects to invest approximately $7 million in 2014 in company-owned solar PV capacity. See Note 3.
Transmission
UNS Electric imports the power generated at BMGS into its Mohave County service territory over Western Area Power Administration’s (WAPA) transmission lines. UNS Electric has transmission service agreements with WAPA for its transmission capacity that expire in June 2016.
UNS Electric imports the power generated at Valencia into its Santa Cruz County service territory over its own transmission lines.
Tucson to Nogales 138kV Transmission Line
UNS Electric completed construction of a 138kV transmission line from Tucson to Nogales at the end of 2013. This project replaces a 115kV transmission line that previously linked UNS Electric's load to the WAPA system. The new transmission line now connects UNS Electric's load in Nogales directly to TEP’s high voltage transmission system. The connection to TEP’s system eliminates a requirement to run local generation in Nogales that was required due to limitations on the WAPA system.
RATES AND REGULATION
2013 UNS Electric Rate Order
In December 2013, the ACC issued an order (2013 UNSE Rate Order) that resolved the rate case filed by UNSE in December 2012, which was based on a test year ended June 30, 2012. The 2013 UNSE Rate Order approved a $3 million non-fuel base rate increase and a new rate structure effective January 1, 2014. See Item 7. - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, UNS Electric, Factors Affecting Results of Operations, 2013 UNS Electric Rate Order.
Purchased Power and Fuel Adjustment Clause
The PPFAC, which is reset monthly, allows UNS Electric to recover its fuel, transmission, and purchased power costs, including demand charges, broker fees, and the prudent costs of contracts for hedging fuel and purchased power costs for its retail customers.
If the PPFAC bank balance becomes over collected by more than $10 million, UNS Electric must file for a PPFAC rate adjustment or justify why an adjustment is not necessary at this time. UNS Electric can request a surcharge to recover costs if
K-17
the PPFAC bank balance is under-collected. At December 31, 2013, the PPFAC bank balance was over-collected by $14 million on a billed-to-customer basis. See Note 3.
Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff
As part of a rate order issued in 2010, the ACC authorized UNS Electric to recover operating costs, depreciation, property taxes, and a return on its investment in company-owned solar projects through RES funds until these costs are reflected in its Base Rates.
In October 2013, the ACC approved UNS Electric's 2014 RES implementation plan. Under the plan, UNS Electric will collect approximately $6 million from customers during 2014 to fund the following: the above market cost of renewable energy purchases; incentives for customer installed distributed generation; a return on and of UNS Electric's investments in company-owned solar projects; and various other program costs. The plan includes approval for a UNS Electric investment of $7 million in 2014 for company-owned solar projects.
Energy Efficiency Standards
Since the implementation of the Electric EE Standards in 2010, UNS Electric saved cumulative annual energy equal to approximately 4.7% of retail kWh sales. See TEP, Rates and Regulation, Electric Energy Efficiency Standards, above.
The 2013 UNS Electric Rate Order approved a LFCR mechanism that will allow UNS Electric to recover certain non-fuel costs that would otherwise go unrecovered due to reduced kWh sales attributed to energy efficiency programs and distributed generation. See Item. 7-Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, UNS Electric, Factors Affecting Results of Operations, 2013 UNS Electric Rate Order.
In December 2013, the ACC approved UNS Electric’s 2013-2014 Energy Efficiency implementation plan that included a 2014 calendar year budget to fund programs that support the ACC’s Electric EE Standards as well as a new performance incentive.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
UNS Electric is subject to environmental regulation of air and water quality, resource extraction, waste disposal, and land use by federal, state, and local authorities. UNS Electric believes that its facilities are in substantial compliance with all existing regulations and will be in compliance with expected environmental regulations. See Note 7.
UNS GAS
SERVICE TERRITORY AND CUSTOMERS
UNS Gas is a gas distribution company serving approximately 150,000 retail customers in Mohave, Yavapai, Coconino, Navajo, and Santa Cruz counties in Arizona. These counties comprise approximately 50% of the territory in the state of Arizona, with a population of approximately 700,000. UNS Gas’ customer base is primarily residential. Sales to residential customers provided approximately 61% of total revenues in 2013.
UNS Gas’ annual retail customer growth rate was less than 1% from 2010 through 2013. In 2014, we expect UNS Gas’ retail customer base to increase by less than 1%.
GAS SUPPLY AND TRANSPORTATION
UNS Gas directly manages its gas supply and transportation contracts. The market price for gas varies based upon the period during which the commodity is purchased and is affected by weather, production issues, the economy, and other factors. UNS Gas hedges its gas supply prices by entering into physical fixed price forward agreements and financial contracts in order to provide more stable prices to its customers. These purchases are made up to three years in advance with the goal of hedging at least 60% of the price of expected monthly gas consumption. UNS Gas hedged approximately 65% of its expected monthly consumption for the 2013/2014 winter season (November through March). Additionally, UNS Gas has approximately 60% of its expected gas consumption hedged for April through October 2014, and 40% hedged for the 2014/2015 winter season.
UNS Gas buys most of the gas it distributes from the San Juan Basin. The gas is delivered on the El Paso Natural Gas (EPNG) and Transwestern Pipeline Company (Transwestern) interstate pipeline systems under firm transportation agreements with combined capacity sufficient to meet UNS Gas’ customers’ demands.
K-18
UNS Gas has average capacity rights of approximately 655,000 therms per day on the EPNG pipeline system, with an average of 1,095,000 therms per day in the winter season (November through March) to serve its service territories. UNS Gas has average capacity rights of 230,000 therms per day on the San Juan Lateral and Mainline of the Transwestern pipeline. The Transwestern pipeline principally delivers gas to the portion of UNS Gas’ distribution system serving customers in Flagstaff and Kingman.
UNS Gas has a separate agreement with Transwestern for transportation capacity rights on the Phoenix Lateral Extension Line that expires in 2024. UNS Gas’ average daily capacity right is 126,000 therms per day, with an average of 222,000 therms per day in the winter season.
See Item 7. - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, UNS Gas, Liquidity and Capital Resources, Contractual Obligations.
RATES AND REGULATION
2012 UNS Gas Rate Order
In April 2012, the ACC approved a Base Rate increase of $2.7 million as well as a partial decoupling mechanism to recover lost fixed cost revenues as a result of implementing the Gas Energy Efficiency Standards (Gas EE Standards). See Item 7. - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, UNS Gas, Factors Affecting Results of Operations, 2012 UNS Gas Rate Order.
Purchased Gas Adjustor
The PGA mechanism is intended to address the volatility of natural gas prices and allow UNS Gas to recover its actual commodity costs, including transportation, through a price adjustor. The difference between UNS Gas’ actual monthly gas and transportation costs and the rolling 12-month average cost of gas and transportation is deferred and recovered or returned to customers through the PGA mechanism.
At any time UNS Gas’ PGA balancing account, called the PGA bank balance, is under-recovered, UNS Gas may request a PGA surcharge with the goal of collecting the amount deferred from customers over a period deemed appropriate by the ACC. When the PGA bank balance reaches an over-collected balance of $10 million on a billed-to-customer basis, UNS Gas is required to make a filing with the ACC to determine how the over-collected balance should be returned to customers.
In October 2013, the ACC approved an increase to the existing customer PGA credit from 4.5 cents per therm to 10 cents per therm in order to reduce the over-collected PGA bank balance. The PGA credit will be effective for the period November 1, 2013 through April 30, 2014. At December 31, 2013, the PGA bank balance was over-collected by $10 million on a billed-to-customer basis.
Gas Energy Efficiency Standards and Decoupling
In 2010, the ACC approved Gas EE Standards which are designed to require UNS Gas and other affected utilities to implement cost-effective DSM programs. The Gas EE standards require increasing annual targeted retail therm savings equal to 6% by 2020. Since the implementation of the Gas EE Standards in 2010, UNS Gas’ customers have saved cumulative energy equal to approximately 0.5% of total retail therm sales.
New and existing DSM programs, renewable energy technology that displaces gas, and certain energy efficient building codes are acceptable means to meet the Gas EE Standards. The Gas EE Standards provide for the recovery of costs incurred to implement DSM programs. UNS Gas’ DSM programs and rates charged to retail customers for these programs are subject to ACC approval.
In June 2013, the ACC approved the UNS Gas 2011-2012 Gas Energy Efficiency implementation plan with modifications and amendments. The approval included an annual energy efficiency budget of approximately $2 million and a waiver of the Gas EE Standards through 2013.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
UNS Gas is subject to environmental regulation of air and water quality, resource extraction, waste disposal, and land use by federal, state, and local authorities. UNS Gas’ facilities are in substantial compliance with existing regulations.
K-19
EMPLOYEES (At December 31, 2013)
TEP had 1,398 employees, of which approximately 678 were represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local No. 1116. A new collective bargaining agreement between the IBEW and TEP was entered into in January 2013 and expires in January 2016.
UNS Electric had 143 employees, of which 27 employees were represented by the IBEW Local No. 387 and 87 employees were represented by the IBEW Local No. 769. The existing agreements with the IBEW Local No. 387 and No. 769 expire in February 2017 and June 2016, respectively.
UNS Gas had 188 employees, of which 109 employees were represented by IBEW Local No. 1116 and 5 employees were represented by IBEW Local No. 387. The agreements with the IBEW Local No. 1116 and No. 387 expire in June 2015 and February 2017, respectively.
SES had 248 employees, of which 216 are represented by IBEW Local No. 1116 and 19 by IBEW Local No. 570. These agreements expire in December 2014 and May 2016, respectively.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANTS
Executive Officers - UNS Energy and TEP
Executive Officers of UNS Energy and TEP, who are elected annually by UNS Energy’s Board of Directors and TEP’s Board of Directors, are as follows:
(1)
Mr. Larson is also Treasurer at UNS Energy.
(2)
Mr. Grant is also Treasurer at TEP.
K-20
Paul J. Bonavia
Mr. Bonavia has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UNS Energy and TEP since January 2009. He also served as President from January 2009 to December 2011. Prior to joining UNS Energy, Mr. Bonavia served as President of the Utilities Group of Xcel Energy. Mr. Bonavia previously served as President of Xcel Energy’s Commercial Enterprises business unit and President of the company’s Energy Markets unit.
David G. Hutchens
Mr. Hutchens has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of UNS Energy and TEP since August 2013. In December 2011 Mr. Hutchens was named President of UNS Energy and TEP. In March 2011, Mr. Hutchens was named Executive Vice President of UNS Energy and TEP. In May 2009, Mr. Hutchens was named Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Resource Planning. In January 2007, Mr. Hutchens was elected Vice President of Wholesale Energy at UNS Energy and TEP. Mr. Hutchens joined TEP in 1995.
Kevin P. Larson
Mr. Larson has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of UNS Energy and TEP since September 2005. Mr. Larson is also Treasurer of UNS Energy. Mr. Larson joined TEP in 1985 and thereafter held various positions in its finance department and investment subsidiaries. He was elected Treasurer in August 1994 and Vice President in March 1997. In October 2000, he was elected Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Philip J. Dion III
Mr. Dion has served as Senior Vice President, Public Policy and Customer Solutions of UNS Energy and TEP since August 2013. Mr. Dion was named Vice President, Public Policy in April 2010. Mr. Dion joined UNS Energy in February 2008 as Vice President of Legal and Environmental Services. Prior to joining UNS Energy, Mr. Dion was chief of staff and chief legal advisor to Commissioner Marc Spitzer of the FERC. Mr. Dion previously worked in various roles at the ACC, including as an administrative law judge and as an advisor to Mr. Spitzer, prior to his appointment to the FERC.
Kentton C. Grant
Mr. Grant has served as Vice President of Finance and Rates of UNS Energy and TEP since January 2007. Mr. Grant also serves as Treasurer of TEP. Mr. Grant joined TEP in 1995.
Todd C. Hixon
Mr. Hixon has served as Vice President and General Counsel of UNS Energy and TEP since May 2011. Mr. Hixon joined TEP’s legal department in 1998 and served in a variety of capacities, most recently serving as Associate General Counsel.
Karen G. Kissinger
Ms. Kissinger has served as Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of UNS Energy and TEP since August 2013. Ms. Kissinger served as Vice President, Controller, and Chief Compliance Officer from 2001 to 2013. Ms. Kissinger joined TEP as Vice President and Controller in January 1991.
Mark C. Mansfield
Mr. Mansfield has served as Vice President, Energy Resources since 2012. He joined the company in 2008, most recently serving as Senior Director of Generation. Prior to joining TEP, Mr. Mansfield held various leadership positions at PacifiCorp Energy from 1992-2008.
Frank P. Marino
Mr. Marino has served as Vice President and Controller of UNS Energy and TEP since August 2013. Mr. Marino joined UNS Energy as Assistant Controller in January 2013. Prior to joining UNS Energy, he served various roles at the AES Corporation, a global power company. In 2012 he served as AES' Vice President for Business Demand and Outsourcing Management, and from 2007-2011 he served as Chief Financial Officer for two different business units.
Thomas A. McKenna
Mr. McKenna has served as Vice President, Energy Delivery since August 2013. Mr. McKenna was named Vice President, Engineering in January 2007. Mr. McKenna joined Nations Energy Corporation (a then wholly-owned subsidiary of Millennium) in 1998.
Catherine E. Ries
Ms. Ries has served as Vice President, Human Resources and Information Technology, since May 2013. Ms. Ries joined UNS Energy and TEP as Vice President of Human Resources in June 2007. Prior to joining UNS Energy, Ms. Ries worked for Clopay Building Products, a division of Griffon Corporation, from 2000 to 2007, and held the position of Vice President of Human Resources.
Herlinda H. Kennedy
Ms. Kennedy has served as Corporate Secretary of UNS Energy and TEP since September 2006. Ms. Kennedy joined TEP in 1980 and was named assistant Corporate Secretary in 1999.
SEC REPORTS AVAILABLE ON UNS ENERGY’S WEBSITE
UNS Energy and TEP make available their annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practical after they electronically file them with, or furnish them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These reports are available free of charge through UNS Energy’s website address: http://www.uns.com. A link from UNS Energy’s website to these SEC reports is accessible as follows: At the UNS Energy main page, select Investors from the menu shown at the top of the page; next select SEC filings from the menu shown on the Investor Relations page. UNS Energy’s code of ethics, which applies to the Board of Directors and all officers and employees of UNS Energy and its subsidiaries, and any amendments or any waivers made to the code of ethics, is also available on UNS Energy’s website.
K-21
UNS Energy and TEP are providing the address of UNS Energy’s website solely for the information of investors and do not intend the address to be an active link. Information contained at UNS Energy’s website is not part of any report filed with the SEC by UNS Energy or TEP.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. - RISK FACTORS
The business and financial results of UNS Energy and TEP are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those set forth below and in other documents we file with the SEC. These risks and uncertainties fall primarily into six major categories: the proposed Merger, revenues, regulatory, environmental, financial, and operational.
RISKS RELATED TO THE PROPOSED MERGER WITH FORTIS
The Proposed Merger with Fortis May Not Be Completed.
The proposed Merger with Fortis requires approval by UNS Energy shareholders, the FERC, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, and the ACC. Such approvals may not be obtained. For example, the ACC may not approve the Merger or may seek to impose conditions on the completion of the transaction, which could cause the conditions to the Merger to not be satisfied or which could delay or increase the cost of the transaction. In addition, the occurrence of a material adverse effect or the failure to satisfy other closing conditions could result in a termination of the Merger Agreement by Fortis.
Termination Fee
UNS Energy will be obligated to reimburse up to $12.5 million of Fortis' expenses if (i) Fortis or UNS Energy terminates the Merger Agreement because the acquisition has not been completed by December 11, 2014 (which may be extended under certain circumstances) or Fortis terminates the Merger Agreement based on a breach of the Merger Agreement by UNS Energy, and (ii) a competing proposal has been made or publicly disclosed and not withdrawn prior to the termination of the Merger Agreement or applicable breach. In addition, if within twelve months after such termination, a definitive agreement providing for an acquisition transaction is entered into, or an acquisition transaction is consummated by UNS Energy with, the person who made the acquisition proposal prior to such termination or applicable breach or with any other third party making an acquisition proposal within three months following such termination, UNS Energy will be obligated to pay Fortis a termination fee of approximately $64 million (less any expense reimbursement previously paid). In no event will more than one termination fee be payable.
Access to Capital and Market Value of UNS Energy Common Stock
Failure to complete the Merger could: (i) affect the value of UNS Energy’s common stock, including by reducing it to a level at or below the trading range preceding the announcement of the Fortis transaction; and (ii) negatively affect our access to and cost of both equity and debt financing.
REVENUES
National and local economic conditions can negatively affect on the results of operations, net income, and cash flows at TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas.
Economic conditions have contributed significantly to a reduction in TEP’s retail customer growth and lower energy usage by the company’s residential, commercial, and industrial customers. As a result of weak economic conditions, TEP’s average retail customer base grew by less than 1% in each year from 2009 through 2013 compared with average increases of approximately 2% in each year from 2004 to 2008. In 2013, total retail kWh sales were 0.2% above 2012 levels. TEP estimates that a 1% change in annual retail sales could impact pre-tax net income and pre-tax cash flows by approximately $6 million.
Similar impacts were felt at UNS Electric and UNS Gas. Annual average increases in the number of retail customers at both companies remained below 1% in 2009 through 2013 compared with average annual growth rates of 3% from 2004 to 2008. We estimate that a 1% change in annual retail sales at UNS Electric and UNS Gas could impact pre-tax net income and pre-tax cash flows by approximately $1 million.
New technological developments and the implementation of new Energy Efficiency Standards will continue to have a significant impact on retail sales, which could negatively impact UNS Energy’s results of operations, net income, and cash flows.
Research and development activities are ongoing for new technologies that produce power or reduce power consumption. These technologies include renewable energy, customer-owned generation, and appliances and equipment. TEP and UNS
K-22
Electric also are promoting DSM programs designed to help customers reduce their energy use, and these efforts will increase significantly under energy efficiency rules approved in 2010 by the ACC. Further development and use of these technologies and implementation of these rules would negatively impact the results of operations, net income, and cash flows of TEP and UNS Electric.
The revenues, results of operations, and cash flows of TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas are seasonal, and are subject to weather conditions and customer usage patterns, which are beyond the companies’ control.
TEP typically earns the majority of its operating revenue and net income in the third quarter because retail customers increase their air conditioning usage during the summer. Conversely, TEP’s first quarter net income is typically limited by relatively mild winter weather in its retail service territory. UNS Electric’s earnings follow a similar pattern, while UNS Gas’ sales peak in the winter during home heating season. Cool summers or warm winters may reduce customer usage at all three companies, adversely affecting operating revenues, cash flows, and net income by reducing sales.
TEP and UNS Electric are dependent on a small segment of large customers for future revenues. A reduction in the electricity sales to these customers would negatively affect our results of operations, net income, and cash flows.
TEP and UNS Electric sell electricity to mines, military installations, and other large industrial customers. In 2013, 35% of TEP’s retail kWh sales, and 14% of UNS Electric’s retail kWh sales, were to industrial and mining customers. Retail sales volumes and revenues from these customer classes could decline as a result of, among other things: economic conditions; decisions by the federal government to close military bases; the effects of energy efficiency and distributed generation; or the decision by customers to self-generate all or a portion of the energy needs. A reduction in retail kWh sales to TEP’s and UNS Electric’s large customers would negatively affect our results of operations, net income, and cash flows.
REGULATORY
TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas are subject to regulation by the ACC, which sets the companies’ Retail Rates and oversees many aspects of their business in ways that could negatively affect the companies’ results of operations, net income, and cash flows.
The ACC is a constitutionally created body composed of five elected commissioners. Commissioners are elected state-wide for staggered four-year terms and are limited to serving a total of two terms. As a result, the composition of the commission, and therefore its policies, are subject to change every two years.
The ACC is charged with setting retail electric and gas rates that provide utility companies with an opportunity to recover their costs of service and earn a reasonable rate of return. As part of the ACC’s process of establishing the retail electric and gas rates charged by TEP, UNS Electric and UNS Gas, the ACC could disallow the recovery of certain costs, such as: (i) the write-down of assets due to changes in federal regulations or due to applicable accounting rules; or (ii) any other expenses the ACC determines were not prudently incurred. The decisions made by the ACC on such matters impact the net income and cash flows of TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas.
Changes in federal energy regulation may negatively affect the results of operations, net income, and cash flows of TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas.
TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas are subject to the impact of comprehensive and changing governmental regulation at the federal level that continues to change the structure of the electric and gas utility industries and the ways in which these industries are regulated. UNS Energy’s electric utility subsidiaries are subject to regulation by the FERC. The FERC has jurisdiction over rates for electric transmission in interstate commerce and rates for wholesale sales of electric power, including terms and prices of transmission services and sales of electricity at wholesale prices.
As a result of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, owners and operators of bulk power transmission systems, including TEP, are subject to mandatory transmission standards developed and enforced by NERC and subject to the oversight of FERC. Compliance with modified or new transmission standards may subject TEP to higher operating costs and increased capital costs. Failure to comply with the mandatory transmission standards could subject TEP to sanctions, including substantial monetary penalties.
ENVIRONMENTAL
UNS Energy’s utility subsidiaries are subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations that may increase their cost of operations or expose them to environmentally-related litigation and liabilities. Many of these regulations could have a significant impact on TEP due to its reliance on coal as its primary fuel for energy generation.
K-23
Numerous federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations affect present and future operations. Those laws and regulations include rules regarding air emissions, water use, wastewater discharges, solid waste, hazardous waste, and management of coal combustion residuals.
These laws and regulations can contribute to higher capital, operating, and other costs, particularly with regard to enforcement efforts focused on existing power plants and new compliance standards related to new and existing power plants. These laws and regulations generally require us to obtain and comply with a wide variety of environmental licenses, permits, authorizations, and other approvals. Both public officials and private individuals may seek to enforce applicable environmental laws and regulations. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in litigation, and the imposition of fines, penalties, and a requirement for costly equipment upgrades by regulatory authorities.
We cannot provide assurance that existing environmental laws and regulations will not be revised or that new environmental laws and regulations will not be adopted or become applicable to our facilities. Increased compliance costs or additional operating restrictions from revised or additional regulation could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, particularly if those costs are not fully recoverable from our customers. TEP’s obligation to comply with the EPA’s BART determinations as a participant in the San Juan, Four Corners, and Navajo plants, coupled with the financial impact of future climate change legislation, other environmental regulations and other business considerations, could jeopardize the economic viability of these plants or the ability of individual participants to meet their obligations and continue their participation in these plants. TEP cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters.
TEP also is contractually obligated to pay a portion of the environmental reclamation costs incurred at generating stations in which it has a minority interest and is obligated to pay similar costs at the mines that supply these generating stations. While TEP has recorded the portion of its costs that can be determined at this time, the total costs for final reclamation at these sites are unknown and could be substantial.
New federal regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions could increase TEP’s cost of operations and result in a change in the composition of TEP’s coal-dominated generating fleet.
Based on the finding by the EPA in December 2009 that emissions of greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare, the agency is in the process of regulating greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, there are proposals and ongoing studies at the state, federal, and international levels to address global climate change that could also result in the regulation of CO2 and other greenhouse gases. Any future regulatory actions taken to address global climate change represent a business risk to our operations. In 2013, 80% of TEP’s total energy resources came from its coal-fueled generating facilities.
Reductions in CO2 emissions to the levels specified by some proposals could be materially adverse to our financial position or results of operations if associated costs of control or limitation cannot be recovered from customers. Any future legislation or regulation addressing climate change could produce a number of other results including costly modifications to, or reexamination of the economic viability of, our existing coal plants; changes in the overall fuel mix of our generating fleet; or additional costs to fund energy efficiency activities. The impact of legislation or regulation to address global climate change would depend on the specific terms of those measures and cannot be determined at this time.
FINANCIAL
Volatility or disruptions in the financial markets, or unanticipated financing needs, could: increase our financing costs; limit our access to the credit markets; affect our ability to comply with financial covenants in our debt agreements; and increase our pension funding obligations. Such outcomes may adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to carry out our financial strategy.
We rely on access to the bank markets and capital markets as a significant source of liquidity and for capital requirements not satisfied by the cash flow from our operations. Market disruptions such as those experienced in 2008 and 2009 in the United States and abroad may increase our cost of borrowing or adversely affect our ability to access sources of liquidity needed to finance our operations and satisfy our obligations as they become due. These disruptions may include turmoil in the financial services industry, including substantial uncertainty surrounding particular lending institutions and counterparties we do business with, unprecedented volatility in the markets where our outstanding securities trade, and general economic downturns in our utility service territories. If we are unable to access credit at competitive rates, or if our borrowing costs dramatically increase, our ability to finance our operations, meet our short-term obligations, and execute our financial strategy could be adversely affected.
Changing market conditions could negatively affect the market value of assets held in our pension and other retiree plans and may increase the amount and accelerate the timing of required future funding contributions.
K-24
UNS Energy’s net income and cash flows can be adversely affected by rising interest rates.
At December 31, 2013, TEP had $215 million of tax-exempt variable rate debt obligations, $50 million of which was hedged with a fixed-for-floating interest rate swap through September 2014. The interest rates are set weekly or monthly. The average interest rates ranged from 0.06% to 0.48% in 2013. A 100 basis point increase in the average interest rates on this debt over a twelve-month period would increase TEP’s interest expense by approximately $2 million.
UNS Energy, TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas also are subject to risk resulting from changes in the interest rate on their borrowings under revolving credit facilities. Revolving credit borrowings may be made on a spread over London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR) or an Alternate Base Rate. Each of these agreements is a committed facility and expires in November 2016.
If capital market conditions result in rising interest rates, the resulting increase in the cost of variable rate borrowings would negatively impact our results of operations, net income, and cash flows.
The expected purchase of Gila River and certain of TEP’s leased assets, as well as the cost of significant investments in TEP’s transmission system could require significant outlays of cash, which could be difficult to finance.
During 2013, TEP notified certain owner participants and their lessors that TEP elected to purchase their undivided ownership interests in Springerville Unit 1 upon the expiration of the lease term in January 2015. In total, TEP elected to purchase leased interests comprising 35.4% of Springerville Unit 1, representing 137 MW of capacity. In December 2014 and January 2015, TEP will be required to fund the purchase price of $65 million.
The Springerville Coal Handling Facilities can be purchased in April 2015 for a fixed price of $120 million. TEP also leases a 50% undivided interest in Springerville Common Facilities with primary lease terms ending in 2017 and 2021. Upon expiration of the Springerville Coal Handling and Common Facilities Leases (whether at the end of the initial term or any renewal term), TEP has the obligation under agreements with the owners of Springerville Units 3 and 4 to purchase such facilities. Upon acquisition by TEP, the owner of Springerville Unit 3 has the option and the owner of Springerville Unit 4 has the obligation to purchase from TEP a 14% interest in the Common Facilities and a 17% interest in the Coal Handling Facilities.
In December 2013, TEP and UNS Electric entered into a purchase agreement to acquire Unit 3 of the Gila River Generating Station (Gila River Unit 3). Gila River Unit 3 is a gas-fired combined cycle unit with a capacity rating of 550 MW. The transaction is expected to close in late 2014, upon which TEP and UNS Electric will be required to fund the purchase amount of $219 million.
In 2014 and 2015, TEP’s capital expenditures related to investments in its high voltage transmission system are expected to be $147 million.
Debt levels, liquidity, regulatory rules, and other restrictions could limit the ability of TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas to make distributions to UNS Energy.
As a holding company, UNS Energy has no operations of its own and derives all of its revenues and cash flow from its subsidiaries. TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas could experience reduced levels of liquidity, or face other restrictions, which could adversely impact their ability to pay dividends to UNS Energy.
The debt levels at TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas:
•
require UNS Energy's subsidiaries to dedicate a substantial portion of their cash flow to pay principal and interest on their debt, which could reduce the funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, and other general corporate purposes; and
•
could limit their ability to borrow additional amounts for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividends, debt service requirements, execution of their business strategy, or other purposes.
TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas may be required to post margin under their power and fuel supply agreements which could negatively impact their liquidity. The agreements under which we contract for power and fuel include requirements to post credit enhancement in the form of cash or letters of credit (LOCs) under certain circumstances, including changes in market prices which affect contract values, or a change in creditworthiness of the respective companies. In order to post such credit enhancement, TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas would have to use available cash, draw under their revolving credit agreements, or issue LOCs under their revolving credit agreements.
K-25
Regulatory rules and other restrictions include:
•
TEP's, UNS Electric's, and UNS Gas' inability to lend to affiliates without ACC approval; and
•
TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas must be in compliance with their respective debt agreements to make dividend payments to UNS Energy.
OPERATIONAL
The operation of electric generating stations, and transmission and distribution systems, involves risks that could result in reduced generating capability or unplanned outages that could adversely affect TEP’s or UNS Electric’s results of operations, net income, and cash flows.
The operation of electric generating stations, and transmission and distribution systems, involves certain risks, including equipment breakdown or failure, fires and other hazards, interruption of fuel supply, and lower than expected levels of efficiency or operational performance. Unplanned outages, including extensions of planned outages due to equipment failure or other complications, occur from time to time and are an inherent risk of our business. If TEP’s or UNS Electric’s generating stations and transmission and distribution systems operate below expectations, TEP or UNS Electric’s operating results could be adversely affected.
The lack of access to sufficient supplies of water could have a material adverse impact on TEP’s business and results of operations.
Natural gas and coal-fired generating plants require continuous water supply for their operation. The region in which our power plants are located is prone to drought conditions, which could potentially affect the plants’ water supplies. Any material reduction in the water supply for such facilities would limit the ability of TEP and UNS Electric to produce and market electricity from such facilities and could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. Further, any change in regulations or the level of regulation with regard to use, treatment and discharge of water, or the licensing of water rights in the jurisdictions where TEP and UNS Electric operate, could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.
TEP receives power from certain generating facilities that are jointly owned and operated by third parties. Therefore, TEP may not have the ability to affect the management or operations at such facilities which could adversely affect TEP’s results of operations, net income, and cash flows.
Certain of the generating stations from which TEP receives power are jointly owned with, or are operated by, third parties. TEP may not have the sole discretion or any ability to affect the management or operations at such facilities. As a result of this reliance on other operators, TEP may not be able to ensure the proper management of the operations and maintenance of the plants. Further, TEP may have no ability or a limited ability to make determinations on how best to manage the changing regulations which may affect such facilities. In addition, TEP will not have sole discretion as to how to proceed in the face of requirements relating to environmental compliance which could require significant capital expenditures or the closure of such generating stations. A divergence in the interests of TEP and the co-owners or operators, as applicable, of such generating facilities could negatively impact the business and operations of TEP.
The nature of our gas operations presents inherent risks of loss that could adversely affect our results of operations.
The operation of UNS Gas’ transmission and distribution systems involves certain risks, including gas leaks, fires, natural disasters, catastrophic accidents, explosions, pipeline ruptures, and other hazards and risks that may cause unforeseen interruptions, personal injury, or property damage. Any such incident could have an adverse effect on UNS Gas.
We may be subject to physical and/or cyber attacks.
As operators of critical energy infrastructure, we may face a heightened risk of physical and/or cyber attacks. Our electric generation, transmission, and distribution systems may be vulnerable to disability or failures as a result of physical or cyber acts of war or terrorism, vandalism or other causes.
Our corporate and information technology systems may be vulnerable to unauthorized access due to hacking, viruses, acts of war or terrorism, and other causes. In addition, our utility business requires access to sensitive customer data, including personal and credit information, in the ordinary course of business.
If, despite our security measures, a significant physical attack or cyber breach occurred, we could have our operations disrupted, property damaged, and customer information stolen; experience substantial loss of revenues, response costs, and
K-26
other financial loss; and be subject to increased regulation, litigation, and damage to our reputation, any of which could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.
TEP or UNS Electric might not be able to secure adequate right-of-way to construct transmission lines and distribution-related facilities, and could be required to find alternate ways to provide adequate sources of energy and maintain reliable service for their customers.
TEP and UNS Electric rely on federal, state, and local governmental agencies to secure right-of-way and siting permits to construct transmission lines and distribution-related facilities. If adequate right-of-way and siting permits to build new transmission lines cannot be secured, TEP and UNS Electric may need to rely on more costly alternatives to provide energy to their customers, may not be able to maintain reliability in their service areas, or their ability to provide electric service to new customers may be negatively impacted.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. - UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. - PROPERTIES
TEP PROPERTIES
Transmission facilities owned by TEP and by third parties, are located in Arizona and New Mexico and transmit the output from TEP’s remote electric generating stations at Four Corners, Navajo, San Juan, Springerville, and Luna to the Tucson area for use by TEP’s retail customers. The transmission system is interconnected at various points in Arizona and New Mexico with other regional utilities. TEP has arrangements with approximately 140 companies to interchange generation capacity and transmission of energy. See Item 1. Business, TEP, Generating and Other Resources.
At December 31, 2013, TEP owned or participated in an overhead electric transmission and distribution system consisting of:
•
564 circuit-miles of 500-kV lines;
•
1,088 circuit-miles of 345-kV lines;
•
413 circuit-miles of 138-kV lines;
•
481 circuit-miles of 46-kV lines; and
•
2,605 circuit-miles of lower voltage primary lines.
TEP’s underground electric distribution system includes 4,442 cable-miles of lines. TEP owns approximately 77% of the poles on which its lower voltage lines are located. Electric substation capacity consists of 104 substations with a total installed transformer capacity of 14,879,950 kilovolt amperes.
The electric generating stations (except as noted below), administrative headquarters, warehouse and service center are located on land owned by TEP. The electric distribution and transmission facilities owned by TEP are located:
•
on property owned by TEP;
•
under or over streets, alleys, highways, and other places in the public domain, as well as in national forests and state lands, under franchises, easements, or other rights which are generally subject to termination;
•
under or over private property as a result of easements obtained primarily from the record holder of title; or
•
over American Indian reservations under grant of easement by the Secretary of Interior or lease by American Indian tribes.
It is possible that some of the easements, and the property over which the easements were granted, may have title defects or liens existing at the time the easements were acquired.
Springerville is located on property held by TEP under a long-term surface ownership agreement with the State of Arizona.
Four Corners and Navajo are located on properties held under easements from the United States and under leases from the Navajo Nation. TEP, individually and in conjunction with PNM in connection with San Juan, has acquired land rights,
K-27
easements and leases for the plant, transmission lines and a water diversion facility located on land owned by the Navajo Nation. TEP also has acquired easements for transmission facilities related to San Juan, Four Corners, and Navajo across the Zuni, Navajo, and Tohono O’dham American Indian Reservations. TEP, in conjunction with PNM and Freeport McMoRan, holds an undivided ownership interest in the property on which Luna is located.
TEP’s rights under these various easements and leases may be subject to defects such as:
•
possible conflicting grants or encumbrances due to the absence of, or inadequacies in, the recording laws or record systems of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the American Indian tribes;
•
possible inability of TEP to legally enforce its rights against adverse claimants and the American Indian tribes without Congressional consent; or
•
failure or inability of the American Indian tribes to protect TEP’s interests in the easements and leases from disruption by the U.S. Congress, Secretary of the Interior, or other adverse claimants.
These possible defects have not interfered, and are not expected to materially interfere, with TEP’s interest in and operation of its facilities.
TEP, under separate sale and leaseback arrangements, leases the following generation facilities (which do not include land):
•
Springerville Coal Handling Facilities;
•
a 50% undivided interest in the Springerville Common Facilities; and
•
Springerville Unit 1 and the remaining 50% undivided interest in the Springerville Common Facilities.
See Item 7. - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Tucson Electric Power Company, Factors Affecting Results of Operations, Springerville Unit 1 and Note 6.
UES PROPERTIES
At December 31, 2013, UNS Electric’s transmission and distribution system consisted of approximately 60 circuit-miles of 138-kV transmission lines, 274 circuit-miles of 69-kV transmission lines, and 3,651 circuit-miles of underground and overhead distribution lines. UNS Electric also owns the 62 MW Valencia plant, the 90 MW BMGS, as well as 40 substations having a total installed capacity of 1,549,000 kilovolt amperes.
At December 31, 2013, UNS Gas’ transmission and distribution system consisted of approximately 31 miles of steel transmission mains, 4,238 miles of steel and plastic distribution piping, and 138,951 customer service lines.
The gas and electric distribution and transmission facilities owned by UNS Electric and UNS Gas are located:
•
on property owned by UNS Electric or UNS Gas;
•
under or over streets, alleys, highways, and other places in the public domain, as well as national forests and state lands, under franchises, easements, or other rights which are generally subject to termination; or
•
under or over private property as a result of easements obtained primarily from the record holder of title.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Shareholder Lawsuits
Five putative shareholder class action lawsuits challenging the merger have been filed, four in the Superior Court of Pima County, Arizona: (i) Phillip Malenovshy v. UNS Energy Corporation, et al. (Case No. C20136942); (ii) Paul Parshall v. UNS Energy Corporation, et al. (Case No. C20136943); (iii) Hillary Kramer v. Paul J. Bonavia, et al. (Case No. C2014-0026); and (iv) Vandermeer Trust U/A DTD 03/11/1997 v. UNS Energy Corporation, et al. (Case No. C2014-0107); and one in federal court in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona: Milton Pfeiffer v. Paul J. Bonavia, et al. (Case No. 4:13-CV-02619-JGZ).
The lawsuits generally allege, among other things, that the directors of UNS Energy breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders of UNS Energy purportedly by agreeing to a transaction pursuant to an inadequate process and for failing to
K-28
obtain the highest value for UNS Energy shareholders. The lawsuits allege that the Fortis entities also aided and abetted the directors of UNS Energy in the alleged breach of their fiduciary duties.
The lawsuits seek, in general, and among other things, (i) injunctive relief enjoining the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, (ii) rescission or an award of rescissory damages in the event a merger is consummated, (iii) an award of plaintiffs’ costs including reasonable attorneys’ and experts’ fees, (iv) an accounting by the defendants to plaintiffs for all damages caused by the defendants, and (v) such further relief as the court deems just and proper.
These lawsuits are at a preliminary stage. UNS Energy, its directors and the other defendants believe that these lawsuits are without merit and intend to defend against them vigorously.
Right of Way Matters
TEP previously reported it was a defendant in a class action filed in February 2009 in the United States District Court in Albuquerque, New Mexico by members of the Navajo Nation. The plaintiffs alleged, among other things, that the rights of way for defendants’ transmission lines on Navajo lands were improperly granted and that the compensation paid for such rights of way was inadequate. The plaintiffs were requesting, among other things, that the transmission lines on these lands be removed. In March 2010, the court entered a final judgment dismissing the case. The plaintiffs filed a Notice of Appeal with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in May 2010, appealing the BIA’s decision to grant the rights of way that were the subject of the now-dismissed complaint. In June 2010, the BIA found that the Notice of Appeal failed to meet the minimum filing requirements. In September 2010, the plaintiffs filed new Notices of Appeal concerning the same rights of way. In August 2013, the Interior Board of Indian Appeals dismissed the plaintiffs’ appeal for failure to meet procedural requirements. TEP cannot predict if the plaintiffs will again attempt to appeal the BIA’s decision to grant the rights of way.
In addition, see legal proceedings discussed in Note 7.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. - MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
K-29
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. - MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF COMMON EQUITY
Stock Trading
UNS Energy’s Common Stock is traded under the ticker symbol UNS and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. On February 14, 2014, the closing price was $60.21 with 7,392 shareholders of record.
TEP’s common stock is wholly-owned by UNS Energy and is not listed for trading on any stock exchange.
Dividends
UNS Energy
UNS Energy’s Board of Directors expects to continue to authorize the payment of regular quarterly cash dividends on our Common Stock; however, such dividends are subject to the Board’s evaluation of our financial condition, earnings, cash flows, and dividend policy.
The merger agreement with Fortis allows UNS Energy's Board of Directors to authorize quarterly dividends of up to $0.48 per share until the merger is completed, including a pro rata dividend determined by the number of days from the last declared record date to the date the merger is completed. See Item. 1- Business, Overview of Consolidated Businesses, Agreement and Plan of Merger.
On February 24, 2014, UNS Energy declared a first quarter cash dividend of $0.48 per share of Common Stock. The first quarter dividend, totaling approximately $20 million, will be paid March 25, 2014 to shareholders of record at the close of business March 13, 2014. The table below summarizes UNS Energy’s dividends paid in 2011 through 2013.
UNS Energy relies on dividends from its subsidiaries, primarily TEP, to declare and pay dividends to its shareholders.
TEP
TEP paid dividends to UNS Energy of $40 million in 2013 and $30 million in 2012. TEP did not pay any dividends to UNS Energy in 2011.
TEP can pay dividends if it maintains compliance with the TEP Credit Agreement and certain financial covenants. At December 31, 2013, TEP was in compliance with the terms of the TEP Credit Agreement.
UNS Electric
UNS Electric paid dividends to UNS Energy of $10 million in 2013 and 2012. UNS Electric did not pay any dividends to UNS Energy in 2011. UNS Electric’s ability to pay future dividends will depend on the cash needs for capital expenditures and various other factors.
The note purchase agreement for UNS Electric contains restrictions on dividends. UNS Electric may pay dividends so long as (a) no default or event of default exists and (b) it could incur additional debt under the debt incurrence test. At December 31, 2013, UNS Electric was in compliance with the terms of its note purchase agreement.
UNS Gas
UNS Gas paid dividends to UNS Energy of $10 million in 2013, $20 million in 2012, and $10 million in 2011. UNS Gas’ ability to pay future dividends will depend on the cash needs for capital expenditures and various other factors.
The note purchase agreement for UNS Gas contains restrictions on dividends. UNS Gas may pay dividends so long as (a) no default or event of default exists and (b) it could incur additional debt under the debt incurrence test. At December 31, 2013, UNS Gas was in compliance with the terms of its note purchase agreement.
K-30
Other Non-Reportable Segments
Millennium paid dividends to UNS Energy of $1 million in 2013, $14 million in 2012 and $3 million in 2011.
UED did not pay any dividends to UNS Energy in 2013 or 2012. UED paid dividends to UNS Energy of $39 million in 2011, of which $28 million represented a return of capital.
See Item 7. - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, UNS Energy Consolidated, Liquidity and Capital Resources, Dividends on Common Stock.
Common Stock Dividends and Price Ranges
(1)
UNS Energy’s Common Stock price as reported by the New York Stock Exchange.
Convertible Senior Notes
See Note 6.
Issuer Purchases of Common Equity
UNS Energy did not purchase any shares of Common Stock during 2013, 2012, or 2011.
K-31
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. - SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
UNS Energy
K-32
TEP
(1)
For purposes of this computation, earnings are defined as pre-tax earnings from continuing operations before minority interest, or income/loss from equity method investments, plus interest expense and amortization of debt discount and expense related to indebtedness. Fixed charges are interest expense, including amortization of debt discount, interest on operating lease payments, and expense on indebtedness.
See Item 7.
ITEM 7. - MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’s Discussion and Analysis explains the results of operations, the general financial condition, and the outlook for UNS Energy and its three primary business segments. It includes the following:
•
outlook and strategies;
•
operating results during 2013 compared with 2012, and 2012 compared with 2011;
•
factors affecting our results and outlook;
•
liquidity, capital needs, capital resources, and contractual obligations;
•
dividends; and
•
critical accounting estimates.
UNS ENERGY CORPORATION
UNS Energy is a utility services holding company engaged, through its primary subsidiaries, in the electric generation and energy delivery business. Each of UNS Energy’s subsidiaries is a separate legal entity with its own assets and liabilities. UNS Energy owns 100% of TEP and UES.
References to “we” and “our” are to UNS Energy and its subsidiaries, collectively.
OUTLOOK AND STRATEGIES
Agreement and Plan of Merger
In December 2013, UNS Energy entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Fortis Parent, Fortis and Merger Sub. The Boards of Directors of each of UNS Energy and Fortis Parent have approved the Merger. At the completion of the Merger, each outstanding share of UNS Energy common stock will be converted into the right to receive $60.25 in cash and UNS Energy will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fortis.
The Merger is subject to the approval of stockholders holding a majority of the outstanding shares of UNS Energy and other customary closing conditions, including, among other things:
•
the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended;
•
approvals of the Arizona Corporation Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission;
•
confirmation of review, without unresolved concerns, from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States; and
•
the absence of any injunction, order or other law prohibiting the Merger.
On February 18, 2014, we filed definitive proxy materials with the SEC. We expect UNS Energy's shareholders to formally consider a proposal to approve the Merger Agreement at a meeting on March 26, 2014.
In January 2014, UNS Energy and Fortis Parent filed an application and supporting testimony with the ACC requesting approval of the Merger. The ACC administrative law judge (ALJ) assigned to this matter issued a procedural order that calls for settlement discussions to commence on April 28, 2014, and a hearing before the ALJ to commence on June 16, 2014. In February 2014, we filed an application with FERC requesting approval of the Merger. The Merger is expected to close by the end of 2014. If the Merger is completed, UNS Energy expects to record approximately $22 million of expenses related to the Merger in 2014.
Operating Plans and Strategies
Our financial prospects and outlook are affected by many factors including: national, regional, and local economic conditions; volatility in the financial markets; environmental laws and regulations; and other regulatory factors. Our plans and strategies include the following:
•
Completing the proposed Merger with Fortis including obtaining all necessary approvals;
K-34
•
Completing the purchases of Gila River Unit 3 and additional interests in Springerville Unit 1, which are both key components of our long-term diversification strategy for our generating portfolio. The focus of our resource strategy is to provide long-term rate stability for our customers, mitigate environmental impacts, comply with regulatory requirements, and leverage our existing utility infrastructure.
•
Strengthening the underlying financial condition of our utility subsidiaries by achieving constructive regulatory outcomes, improving our capital structure and our credit ratings, and promoting economic development in our service territories.
•
Developing strategic responses to new environmental regulations and potential new legislation, including potential limits on greenhouse gas emissions. We are evaluating TEP's existing mix of generation resources and defining steps to achieve environmental objectives that protect the financial stability of our utility businesses.
•
Focusing on our core utility businesses through operational excellence, investing in utility rate base, emphasizing customer service, and maintaining a strong community presence.
•
Expanding TEP's and UNS Electric's portfolio of renewable energy resources and programs to meet Arizona's Renewable Energy Standard (RES) while creating ownership opportunities for renewable energy projects that benefit customers, shareholders, and the communities we serve.
•
Developing strategic responses to Arizona's Energy Efficiency Standards that protect the financial stability of our utility businesses and provide benefits to our customers.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Contribution by Business Segment
The table below shows the contributions to our consolidated net income by business segment:
(1)
Includes: UNS Energy parent company expenses; Millennium; UED; and inter-company eliminations.
Executive Overview
2013 Compared with 2012
TEP
TEP reported net income of $101 million in 2013 compared with net income of $65 million in 2012. The increase in net income is due in part to: a $41 million increase in retail margin revenues related to a non-fuel base rate increase that was effective on July 1, 2013 and higher retail kWh sales resulting from favorable weather conditions; a $2 million increase in the margin on long-term wholesale sales due to higher market prices for wholesale power; and a $9 million decrease in interest expense due in part to a reduction in capital lease obligation balances; partially offset by a $12 million increase in Base O&M due in part to planned and unplanned maintenance on TEP's generating facilities, as well as merger-related expenses of $6 million recorded in December 2013; and a $3 million increase in taxes other than income taxes due in part to an increase in property tax rates and higher asset balances.
Additionally, TEP's net income in 2013 includes an income tax benefit of $11 million. In June 2013, we recorded a regulatory asset and corresponding reduction of income tax expense of $11 million to recover previously recorded income tax expense through future rates as a result of the 2013 TEP Rate Order. The regulatory asset will be amortized as income tax expense as the qualifying assets are depreciated. See Note 9. TEP's 2013 results also include additional fuel expense of $3 million related to a one-time credit to customers resulting from the 2013 TEP Rate Order. TEP's results in 2012 reflect a $3 million reduction
K-35
to pre-tax income due to an unplanned outage at Springerville Unit 3 and a $5 million write-off of transmission related assets. See Tucson Electric Power Company, Results of Operations.
UNS Electric
UNS Electric reported net income of $12 million in 2013 compared with net income of $17 million in 2012. The decrease in net income was due in part to lower mining kWh sales during 2013 and the loss of an industrial customer in the second half of 2012. See UNS Electric, Results of Operations.
UNS Gas
UNS Gas reported net income of $11 million in 2013 compared with net income of $9 million in 2012. The increase in net income is due primarily to: higher sales volumes resulting from cold weather, which contributed to an improvement in retail margin revenues; and a non-fuel base rate increase that was effective in May 2012. See UNS Gas, Results of Operations.
2012 Compared with 2011
TEP
TEP reported net income of $65 million in 2012 compared with $85 million in 2011. The decrease in net income was due primarily to: a $7 million decline in retail margin revenues resulting from lower retail kWh sales due to milder summer weather than 2011, as well as the effects of the ACC’s energy efficiency and distributed generation requirements; an $8 million decline in long-term wholesale margin revenues resulting primarily from a change in the pricing of energy sold under the SRP wholesale contract that was effective on June 1, 2011; an $11 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense as a result of an increase in utility plant-in-service; and a $5 million decrease in pre-tax income related to the partial write-off of transmission-related assets. These factors were partially offset by a decrease in TEP’s Base O&M, resulting primarily from fewer planned generating plant outages. Net income in 2011 included the recognition of a $7 million pre-tax gain related to the settlement of a dispute with El Paso Electric. See Tucson Electric Power, Results of Operations.
UNS Electric and UNS Gas
UNS Electric reported net income of $17 million in 2012 compared with net income of $18 million in 2011. See UNS Electric, Results of Operations.
UNS Gas reported net income of $9 million in 2012 compared with net income of $10 million in 2011. See UNS Gas, Results of Operations.
Operations and Maintenance Expense
The table below summarizes the items included in UNS Energy’s Operations and Maintenance (O&M) expense. In 2013, Base O&M includes merger-related expenses of $7 million.
(1)
Base O&M, a non-GAAP financial measure, should not be considered as an alternative to O&M, which is determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). We believe Base O&M provides useful information to investors because it represents the fundamental level of operating and maintenance expense related to our core business. Base O&M excludes expenses that are directly offset by revenues collected from customers and other third parties.
(2)
Represents expenses related to customer-funded renewable energy and DSM programs; these expenses are being collected from customers and the corresponding amounts are recorded in retail revenue.
K-36
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
UNS Energy Consolidated Liquidity
Cash flows may vary during the year, with cash flow from operations typically the lowest in the first quarter and highest in the third quarter due to TEP’s summer peaking load. As a result of the varied seasonal cash flow, UNS Energy will use, as needed, its revolving credit facility to assist in funding its business activities. The table below provides a summary of the liquidity position of UNS Energy and each of its segments:
(1)
Includes Letters of Credit (LOCs) issued under revolving credit facilities.
(2)
Either UNS Gas or UNS Electric may borrow up to a maximum of $70 million; the total combined amount borrowed by both companies cannot exceed $100 million.
(3)
Includes cash and cash equivalents at Millennium and UED.
In March 2014, TEP expects to issue a $15 million LOC to a subsidiary of Entegra to satisfy a condition of the Gila River Unit 3 purchase agreement. TEP's borrowing capacity under the TEP Credit Agreement will be reduced by $15 million until the Gila River transaction closes and the LOC is terminated.
Dividends from UNS Energy’s subsidiaries represent the parent company’s main source of liquidity.
Dividends from Subsidiaries
UNS Energy received $40 million in dividends from TEP and $10 million in dividends from each of UNS Electric and UNS Gas in 2013, and $1 million from Millennium. In 2012, UNS Energy received dividends of $30 million from TEP, $20 million from UNS Gas, $14 million from Millennium, and $10 million from UNS Electric.
Short-term Investments
UNS Energy’s short-term investment policy governs the investment of excess cash balances. We regularly review and update this policy in response to market conditions. At December 31, 2013, UNS Energy’s short-term investments included highly-rated and liquid money market funds and certificates of deposit.
Access to Revolving Credit Facilities
We have access to working capital through revolving credit agreements with lenders. Each of these agreements is a committed facility that expires in November 2016. The TEP Revolving Credit Facility and UNS Electric/UNS Gas Revolver may be used for revolving borrowings as well as to issue LOCs. TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas each issue LOCs from time to time to provide credit enhancement to counterparties for their energy procurement and hedging activities. The UNS Credit Agreement also may be used to issue LOCs for general corporate purposes.
We believe that we have sufficient liquidity under our revolving credit facilities to meet short-term working capital needs and to provide credit enhancement as necessary under energy procurement and hedging agreements. However, TEP will need to issue long-term debt or enter into additional short-term credit facilities by June 2014 to meet capital expenditure requirements and scheduled mid-year capital lease payments. See Item 7A
ITEM 7A. - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risks
We are exposed to various forms of market risk. Changes in interest rates, returns on marketable securities, and changes in commodity prices may affect our future financial results.
See Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements.
Risk Management Committee
We have a Risk Management Committee responsible for the oversight of commodity price risk and credit risk related to the wholesale energy marketing activities of TEP and the fuel and power procurement activities at TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas. Our Risk Management Committee, which meets on a quarterly basis and as needed, consists of officers from the finance, accounting, legal, wholesale marketing, transmission and distribution operations, and generation operations departments of UNS Energy. To limit TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas’s exposure to commodity price risk, the Risk Management Committee sets trading and hedging policies and limits, which are reviewed frequently to respond to constantly changing market conditions. To limit TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas’s exposure to credit risk, the Risk Management Committee reviews counterparty credit exposure as well as credit policies and limits.
K-67
Interest Rate Risk
Long-Term Debt
TEP is exposed to interest rate risk resulting from changes in interest rates on certain of its variable rate debt obligations. TEP had $215 million at December 31, 2013 in tax-exempt variable rate debt outstanding. The interest rates on TEP’s tax-exempt variable rate debt are reset weekly or monthly. The average rate on TEP's weekly variable rate debt (excluding letter of credit fees) was 0.12% in 2013 and 0.17% in 2012. The average weekly interest rate ranged from 0.06% to 0.48% in 2013 and 0.06% to 0.26% during 2012. Although short-term interest rates have been relatively low and stable in 2013 and 2012, TEP may still be subject to volatility in its tax-exempt variable rate debt. A 100 basis point increase in average interest rates on this debt, over a twelve month period, would result in a decrease in TEP’s pre-tax net income of approximately $2 million.
TEP manages its exposure to variable interest rate risk by entering into interest rate swaps and financing transactions to rebalance its mix of variable rate and fixed rate long-term debt.
TEP has fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps in place to hedge floating rate interest rate risk associated with $55 million of Springerville Common Facilities lease debt and $50 million of its variable rate IDBs.
In 2011, UNS Electric entered into a fixed-for-floating interest rate swap in which UNS Electric will pay a fixed rate of 0.97% and receive a three-month LIBOR rate on a $30 million notional amount through August 2015 to hedge the interest rate risk associated with its $30 million credit agreement.
Interest Rate Swaps
To adjust the value of TEP’s interest rate swaps, classified as cash flow hedges, to fair value in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), TEP recorded the following net unrealized gains (losses):
Revolving Credit Facilities
UNS Energy, TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas are also subject to interest rate risk resulting from changes in interest rates on their borrowings under revolving credit facilities. Revolving credit borrowings may be made on the basis of a spread over LIBOR or an Alternate Base Rate. As a result, UNS Energy, TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas may experience significant volatility in the rates paid on LIBOR borrowings under their revolving credit facilities.
Marketable Securities Risk
UNS Energy has a short-term investment policy which governs the investment of excess cash balances by UNS Energy and its subsidiaries. We review this policy periodically in response to market conditions to adjust, if necessary, the maturities and concentrations by investment type and issuer in the investment portfolio. At December 31, 2013, UNS Energy’s short-term investments consisted of liquid, highly-rated money market funds and certificates of deposit. These short-term investments are classified as Cash and Cash Equivalents on the balance sheet.
TEP had marketable securities comprised of investments in lease equity with an estimated fair value of $25 million at December 31, 2013, and $32 million of lease debt and equity at December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2013, the carrying value exceeded fair value by $11 million. No impairment was recorded as TEP expects to recover the full carrying value of its lease equity investment in future rates charged to retail customers. At December 31, 2012, the carrying value exceeded the fair value by $13 million. These securities represent TEP’s investments in lease debt and equity underlying certain of TEP’s capital lease obligations. Changes in the fair value of such debt securities do not present a material risk to TEP, as TEP intends to hold these investments to maturity.
Commodity Price Risk
TEP
TEP is exposed to commodity price risk primarily relating to changes in the market price of electricity, natural gas, and coal. This risk is mitigated through hedging practices and a PPFAC mechanism which fully recovers the actual retail fuel and purchased power costs incurred on a timely basis from TEP’s retail customers. The PPFAC mechanism has a forward component and a true-up component. The forward component of the PPFAC rate is based on forecasted fuel and purchased
K-68
power costs. The true-up component reconciles actual fuel and purchased power costs with the amounts collected in the prior year and any amounts under/over-collected will be collected from/credited to customers. If the actual price of power is higher than the forecasted PPFAC rate, TEP's operating cash flows are reduced by the price difference until the subsequent 12-month period when the true-up component is adjusted to allow the recovery of this difference.
Purchases and Sales of Energy
To manage its exposure to energy price risk, TEP enters into forward contracts to buy or sell energy at a specified price and future delivery period. Generally, TEP commits to future sales based on expected excess generating capability, forward prices and generation costs, using a diversified market approach to provide a balance between long-term, mid-term, and spot energy sales. TEP generally enters into forward purchases during its summer peaking period to ensure it can meet its load and reserve requirements, and account for other contracts and resource contingencies. TEP also enters into limited forward purchases and sales to optimize its resource portfolio and take advantage of geographical differences in price. These positions are managed on both a volumetric and dollar basis and are closely monitored using risk management policies and procedures overseen by the Risk Management Committee. For example, the risk management policies provide that TEP should not take a short physical position in the third quarter and must have owned generation backing up all physical forward sales positions at the time the sale is made. TEP’s risk management policies also place limits on the duration of transactions in both gas and power.
TEP enters into some forward contracts considered to be normal purchases and sales of electric energy and are therefore not accounted for as derivatives. TEP records revenues on its “normal sales” and expenses on its “normal purchases” in the period in which the energy is delivered. TEP also enters into forward contracts that are not considered to be “normal purchases and sales” and therefore are accounted for as derivatives. When TEP has derivative forward contracts, it marks them to market using actively quoted prices obtained from brokers for power traded over-the-counter at Palo Verde and at other Southwestern U.S. trading hubs. TEP believes that these broker quotations used to calculate the mark-to-market values represent accurate measures of the fair values of TEP’s positions because of the short-term nature of TEP’s positions, as limited by risk management policies, and the liquidity in the short-term market.
Long-Term Wholesale Sales
Through the end of the contract in May 2016, SRP is required to purchase 500,000 MWh of on-peak energy per year from TEP. TEP does not receive a demand charge and the price of energy is based on a discount to the price of on-peak power on the Palo Verde Market Index. As of February 14, 2014, the average forward price of on-peak power on the Palo Verde Market Index for the calendar year 2014 was $46 per MWh.
Each $5 change in the per MWh market price of on-peak power can affect annual pre-tax income by approximately $3 million.
Natural Gas
TEP is also subject to commodity price risk from changes in the price of natural gas. In addition to energy from its coal-fired facilities, TEP typically uses power purchases, supplemented by generation from its gas-fired units to meet the summer peak demands of its retail customers and to meet local reliability needs. Some of these purchased power contracts are indexed to natural gas prices. Short-term and spot power purchase prices are also closely correlated to natural gas prices. Due to its increasing gas and purchased power usage, TEP hedges a portion of its total natural gas exposure from plant fuel, gas-indexed power purchases, and spot market purchases with various instruments up to 3 years in advance. TEP purchases its remaining gas fuel and power needs in the spot and short-term markets.
As required by fair value accounting rules, for the year ended December 31, 2013, TEP considered the impact of non-performance risk in the measurement of fair value of its derivative assets and derivative liabilities net of collateral posted.
To adjust the value of its commodity derivatives to fair value in regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities, TEP recorded the following net unrealized gains (losses):
K-69
The chart below displays the valuation methodologies and maturities of TEP’s power and gas derivative contracts.
Sensitivity Analysis of Derivatives
TEP uses sensitivity analysis to measure the impact of favorable and unfavorable changes in market prices on the fair value of its derivative forward contracts. TEP records unrealized gains and losses as either a regulatory asset or regulatory liability. As contracts settle, the unrealized gains and losses are reversed and realized gains or losses are recorded to the PPFAC. For TEP's non-cash flow power hedges, a 10% change in the market price of power would affect unrealized net losses reported as a regulatory asset by approximately $1 million; for gas swaps and collars contracts, a 10% change in the market price of energy would affect unrealized net gains reported as a regulatory liability by approximately $3 million.
Coal
TEP is subject to commodity price risk from changes in the price of coal used to fuel its coal-fired generating plants. This risk is mitigated through a PPFAC mechanism which allows for the recovery of costs from retail customers.
TEP's coal supply contract for Springerville Units 1 and 2 expires in 2020. TEP expects coal reserves to be sufficient to supply the estimated requirements for Units 1 and 2 for their presently estimated remaining lives. The coal price is determined by the cost of Powder River Basin coal delivered to Springerville Unit 3 subject to a floor and ceiling.
TEP does not have a long-term coal supply contract for Sundt Unit 4. TEP purchases coal for Sundt Unit 4 on the spot market and can supply that unit with natural gas when the price is competitive with coal. Coal burned at Sundt Unit 4 represents less than 10% of TEP’s total coal consumption.
TEP also participates in jointly-owned generating facilities at Four Corners, Navajo, and San Juan, where coal supplies are under long-term contracts administered by the operating agents. TEP expects coal reserves available to these three jointly-owned generating facilities to be sufficient for the remaining lives of the stations.
The contracts to purchase coal for use at the jointly-owned facilities require TEP to purchase minimum amounts of coal at an estimated average annual cost of $21 million for the next five years. See Item 7. - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, UNS Energy Consolidated, Liquidity and Capital Resources, Contractual Obligations and Note 7.
UNS Electric
UNS Electric is exposed to commodity price risk from changes in the price for electricity and natural gas. This risk is mitigated through hedging practices, and UNS Electric has a PPFAC mechanism which allows for the recovery of purchased power and fuel costs from retail customers.
The PPFAC allows UNS Electric to recover its fuel, transmission, and purchased power costs, including demand charges, broker fees, and the prudent costs of contracts for hedging fuel and purchased power costs for its retail customers.
As a result of the 2013 UNS Electric Rate Order, UNS Electric's PPFAC rate reflects a weighted, 12-month rolling average of actual fuel and purchased power costs incurred by UNS Electric. The PPFAC rate adjusts monthly, but the change in the PPFAC rate is banded, so the new monthly PPFAC rate cannot increase or decrease the total average retail purchased power and fuel rate by more than 0.83 percent from the preceding month’s rate. UNS Electric is required to file for a PPFAC rate adjustment if the PPFAC bank balance is over-collected by more than $10 million on a billed-to-customer basis. At December 31, 2013, the PPFAC bank balance was over-collected by $14 million on a billed-to-customer basis. The new PPFAC rate effective on January 1, 2014 is designed to address any over- or under-collected balances. See Note 3.
UNS Electric enters into various power supply agreements for periods of one to five years. Certain of these contracts are at a fixed price per MW and others are indexed to natural gas prices. Because of the new 12-month rolling average structure of the current PPFAC, costs are expected to be recovered on a more timely basis.
K-70
For UNS Electric’s forward power contracts, a 10% change in market prices would affect unrealized net losses reported as a regulatory asset by approximately $3 million.
UNS Electric hedges a portion of its natural gas exposure from gas-indexed purchased power agreements with fixed price contracts. In addition, UNS Electric hedges a portion of its anticipated natural gas exposure from plant fuel. UNS Electric will satisfy its remaining gas and purchased power needs through a combination of purchases in the short-term and spot markets.
As required by fair value accounting rules, for the year ended December 31, 2013, UNS Electric considered the impact of non-performance risk in the measurement of fair value of its derivative assets and derivative liabilities net of collateral posted.
To adjust the value of its commodity derivatives to fair value in regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities, UNS Electric recorded the following net unrealized gains (losses):
For UNS Electric’s forward gas contracts, a 10% increase in market prices would result in an increase in unrealized net gains reported as a regulatory liability by approximately $5 million. A 10% decrease in market prices would result in a decrease in unrealized net gains reported as a regulatory liability by approximately $4 million.
UNS Gas
UNS Gas is subject to commodity price risk, primarily from the changes in the price of natural gas purchased for its customers. This risk is mitigated through the PGA mechanism which provides an adjustment to UNS Gas’ Retail Rates to recover the prudently incurred actual costs of gas and transportation. UNS Gas further reduces this risk by purchasing forward fixed price contracts or entering into financial gas swaps for a portion of its projected gas needs under its Price Stabilization Plan.
As required by fair value accounting rules, for the year ended December 31, 2013, UNS Gas considered the impact of non-performance risk in the measurement of fair value of its derivative assets and derivative liabilities net of collateral posted.
To adjust the value of its commodity derivatives to fair value in regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities, UNS Gas recorded the following net unrealized gains:
For UNS Gas’ forward gas contracts, a 10% change in market prices would affect unrealized net gains reported as a regulatory liability by approximately $2 million.
Credit Risk
UNS Energy is exposed to credit risk in its energy-related marketing activities related to potential non-performance by counterparties. We manage the risk of counterparty default by performing financial credit reviews, setting limits, monitoring exposures, requiring collateral when needed, and using standard agreements which allow for the netting of current period exposures to and from a single counterparty. We calculate counterparty credit exposure by adding any outstanding receivable (net of amounts payable if a netting agreement exists) to the mark-to-market value of any forward contracts. A positive value means that we are exposed to the creditworthiness of our counterparties. If exposure exceeds credit limits or contractual collateral thresholds, we may request that a counterparty provide credit enhancement in the form of cash collateral or a letter of credit. Conversely, a negative value means that a counterparty is exposed to the creditworthiness of TEP, UNS Gas, or UNS Electric. If such exposure exceeds credit limits or collateral thresholds, we may be required to post collateral in the form of cash or LOCs.
TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas each have entered into short-term and long-term transactions with several financial institution counterparties with terms of one month through five years. As of December 31, 2013, the combined credit exposure to TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas from financial institution counterparties was approximately $3 million.
As of December 31, 2013, TEP’s total credit exposure related to its wholesale marketing and gas hedging activities was approximately $15 million. TEP had one non-investment grade counterparty with exposure of greater than 10% of its total credit exposure, totaling approximately $3 million. TEP’s total exposure to non-investment grade counterparties was $3 million.
K-71
At December 31, 2013, TEP posted no cash collateral and less than $1 million in LOCs as credit enhancements with its counterparties, and did not hold any collateral from its counterparties.
UNS Gas is subject to credit risk from non-performance by its supply and hedging counterparties to the extent that these contracts have a mark-to-market value in favor of UNS Gas. As of December 31, 2013, UNS Gas had purchased under fixed price contracts approximately 30% of its expected consumption for the 2014/2015 winter season. At December 31, 2013, UNS Gas had no mark-to-market credit exposure under its supply and hedging contracts. As of December 31, 2013 UNS Gas had posted no cash collateral and no LOCs as credit enhancements with its counterparties, and did not hold any collateral from counterparties.
UNS Electric enters into energy purchase agreements as well as gas hedging contracts to hedge the risk in its gas-indexed power purchase agreements. To the extent that such contracts have a positive mark-to-market value, UNS Electric is exposed to credit risk under those contracts. At December 31, 2013, UNS Electric had less than $1 million in credit exposure under such contracts. As of December 31, 2013, UNS Electric had posted less than $1 million in LOCs and no cash collateral as credit enhancements with its counterparties, and had not collected any collateral margin from its counterparties.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. - CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
UNS Energy-Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
UNS Energy’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. 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 assessed the effectiveness of UNS Energy’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the 1992 Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) Internal Control - Integrated Framework.
Based on management’s assessment using those criteria management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2013, UNS Energy’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.
The effectiveness of UNS Energy’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Tucson Electric Power Company-Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
TEP’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. 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 assessed the effectiveness of TEP’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the 1992 COSO Internal Control - Integrated Framework.
Based on management’s assessment using those criteria, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2013, TEP’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.
K-72
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
UNS Energy Corporation:
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 UNS Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 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. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included 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. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide 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.
K-73
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholder of
Tucson Electric Power Company:
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 Tucson Electric Power Company and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 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.
K-74
UNS ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
UNS ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
K-76
UNS ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
See Note 14 for supplemental cash flow information.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
K-77
UNS ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(Continued)
K-78
UNS ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(Concluded)
K-79
UNS ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
K-80
UNS ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
We describe limitations on our ability to pay dividends in Note 13.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
K-81
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
K-82
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
K-83
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
See Note 14 for supplemental cash flow information.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
K-84
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(Continued)
K-85
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(Concluded)
K-86
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
K-87
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
We describe limitations on our ability to pay dividends in Note 13.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
K-88
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
UNS Energy Corporation (UNS Energy) is a utility services holding company engaged, through its subsidiaries, in the electric generation and energy delivery business. Each of UNS Energy’s subsidiaries is a separate legal entity with its own assets and liabilities. UNS Energy owns 100% of Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP), UniSource Energy Services, Inc. (UES), Millennium Energy Holdings, Inc. (Millennium), and UniSource Energy Development Company (UED).
TEP is a regulated utility and UNS Energy’s largest operating subsidiary, representing approximately 83% of UNS Energy’s total assets as of December 31, 2013. TEP generates, transmits and distributes electricity to approximately 413,000 retail electric customers in a 1,155 square mile area in southeastern Arizona. TEP also sells electricity to other utilities and power marketing entities, located primarily in the western United States. In addition, TEP operates Springerville Generating Station (Springerville) Unit 3 on behalf of Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (Tri-State) and Springerville Unit 4 on behalf of Salt River Project Agriculture Improvement and Power District (SRP).
UES wholly-owns two regulated utilities: UNS Electric, Inc. (UNS Electric) and UNS Gas, Inc. (UNS Gas). UNS Electric is a regulated utility, which generates, transmits and distributes electricity to approximately 93,000 retail customers in Mohave and Santa Cruz counties in Arizona. UNS Gas is a regulated gas distribution company, which services approximately 150,000 retail customers in Mohave, Yavapai, Coconino, Navajo, and Santa Cruz counties in Arizona.
UED and Millennium’s investments in unregulated businesses represent less than 1% of UNS Energy’s assets as of December 31, 2013.
Our business is comprised of three reporting segments - TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas.
References to “we” and “our” are to UNS Energy and its subsidiaries, collectively.
See Note 2 for information regarding a pending merger with Fortis, Inc.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
UNS Energy's consolidated financial statements and disclosures are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States which includes specific accounting guidance for regulated operations. See Note 3. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of UNS Energy and all of its subsidiaries. In the consolidation process, accounts of the parent and subsidiaries are combined, and intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. Intercompany profits on transactions between regulated entities are not eliminated if recovery from ratepayers is probable. See Note 4. TEP jointly owns several generating stations and transmission facilities with non-affiliated entities. TEP's proportionate share of jointly owned facilities is recorded as Utility Plant on the consolidated balance sheets, and our proportionate share of the operating costs associated with these facilities is included in the consolidated statements of income. See Note 5.
USE OF ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Management uses estimates and assumptions when preparing financial statements under GAAP. These estimates and assumptions affect:
•
Assets and liabilities on our balance sheets at the dates of the financial statements;
•
Our disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements; and
•
Our revenues and expenses in our income statements during the periods presented.
Because these estimates involve judgments based upon our evaluation of relevant facts and circumstances, actual results may differ from the estimates.
ACCOUNTING FOR REGULATED OPERATIONS
We apply accounting standards that recognize the economic effects of rate regulation. As a result, we capitalize certain costs that would be recorded as expense or in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) by unregulated companies.
K-89
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Regulatory assets represent incurred costs that have been deferred because they are probable of future recovery in the rates charged to retail customers or to wholesale customers through FERC-approved transmission tariffs. Regulatory liabilities generally represent expected future costs that have already been collected from customers or items that are expected to be returned to customers through future billing reductions.
Estimates of recovering deferred costs and returning deferred credits are based on specific ratemaking decisions or precedent for each item. Regulatory assets and liabilities are amortized consistent with the treatment in the rate setting process. We evaluate regulatory assets each period and believe recovery is probable. If future recovery of costs ceases to be probable, the assets would be written off as a charge to current period earnings or AOCI. See Note 3.
TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas apply regulatory accounting as the following conditions exist:
•
An independent regulator sets rates;
•
The regulator sets the rates to recover the specific enterprise’s costs of providing service; and
•
Rates are set at levels that will recover the entity’s costs and can be charged to and collected from customers.
RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In 2013, we adopted authoritative guidance that:
•
Requires disclosure related to offsetting derivative assets and derivative liabilities in accordance with GAAP. See Note 15.
•
Requires additional disclosures for amounts reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) by component. See Note 16.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
We consider all highly liquid investments with a remaining maturity of three months or less at acquisition to be cash equivalents.
RESTRICTED CASH
Cash balances that are restricted regarding withdrawal or usage based on contractual or regulatory considerations are reported in Investments and Other Property-Other on the balance sheets. Restricted cash was $2 million at December 31, 2013 and $7 million at December 31, 2012.
UTILITY PLANT
Utility Plant includes the business property and equipment that supports electric and gas services, consisting primarily of generation, transmission, and distribution facilities. We report utility plant at original cost. Original cost includes materials and labor, contractor services, construction overhead (when applicable), and an Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC), less contributions in aid of construction.
We record the cost of repairs and maintenance, including planned major overhauls, to Operations and Maintenance (O&M) expense in the income statements as costs are incurred.
When a unit of regulated property is retired, we reduce accumulated depreciation by the original cost plus removal costs less any salvage value. There is no income statement impact.
AFUDC and Capitalized Interest
AFUDC reflects the cost of debt and equity funds used to finance construction and is capitalized as part of the cost of regulated utility plant. AFUDC amounts are capitalized and amortized through depreciation expense as a recoverable cost in Retail Rates. For operations that do not apply regulatory accounting, we capitalize interest related only to debt as a cost of construction. The capitalized interest that relates to debt is recorded as a reduction in Interest Expense in the income statements. The capitalized cost for equity funds is recorded as Other Income in the income statements.
K-90
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The average AFUDC rates on regulated construction expenditures are included in the table below:
UNS Energy did not capitalize interest related to non-regulated construction activity in 2013 or 2012. UNS Energy capitalized interest on non-regulated construction activity at a rate of 3.30% for 2011.
Depreciation
We compute depreciation for owned utility plant on a group method straight-line basis at depreciation rates based on the economic lives of the assets. See Note 3 and Note 5. The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) approves depreciation rates for all generation and distribution assets. Transmission assets are subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Depreciation rates are based on average useful lives and include estimates for salvage value and removal costs. Below are the summarized average annual depreciation rates for all utility plant:
TEP Utility Plant Under Capital Leases
TEP financed the following generation assets with capital leases: Springerville Unit 1; facilities at Springerville used in common with Springerville Unit 1 and Unit 2 (Springerville Common Facilities); and the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities. The capital lease expense incurred consists of Amortization Expense (see Note 5) and Interest Expense-Capital Leases. The lease terms are described in Note 6.
Computer Software Costs
We capitalize costs incurred to purchase and develop internal use computer software and amortize those costs over the estimated economic life of the product. If the software is no longer useful, we immediately charge capitalized computer software costs to expense.
INVESTMENTS IN LEASE DEBT AND EQUITY
TEP held an investment in lease debt relating to Springerville Unit 1 through its maturity date in January 2013 and recorded this investment at amortized cost and recognized interest income. TEP holds a 14% equity interest in Springerville Unit 1 and a 7% interest in certain Springerville Common Facilities (Springerville Unit 1 Leases). The fair value of these investments is described in Note 15. These investments do not reduce the capital lease obligations reflected on the balance sheet because there is no legal right of offset. TEP makes lease payments to a trustee who then distributes the payments to the equity holders.
TEP accounts for its equity interest in the Springerville Unit 1 Lease trust using the equity method.
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
TEP and UNS Electric have identified legal Asset Retirement Obligations (AROs) related to the retirement of certain generation assets. Additionally, TEP and UNS Electric incurred AROs related to their photovoltaic assets as a result of entering into various ground leases. We record a liability for a legal ARO in the period in which it is incurred if it can be reasonably estimated. When a new obligation is recorded, we capitalize the cost of the liability by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. We record the increase in the liability due to the passage of time by recognizing accretion expense in O&M expense, and depreciate the capitalized cost over the useful life of the related asset or when applicable, the terms of the lease subject to ARO requirements. Beginning July 1, 2013, TEP began deferring costs associated with the majority of its legal AROs as regulatory assets because new depreciation rates approved in the 2013 TEP Rate Order include these costs.
K-91
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Depreciation rates for all of our utilities also include a component for estimated future removal costs that have not been identified as legal obligations. We recover those amounts in the rates charged to retail customers and have recorded an obligation for estimated costs of removal as regulatory liabilities.
EVALUATION OF ASSETS FOR IMPAIRMENT
We evaluate long-lived assets and investments for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may be impaired. If expected future cash flows (without discounting) are less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized if the impairment is other-than-temporary and the loss is not recoverable through rates.
DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS
We defer the costs to issue debt and amortize such costs to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the life of the debt as this approximates the effective interest method. These costs include underwriters’ commissions, discounts or premiums, and other costs such as legal, accounting, regulatory fees, and printing costs.
We defer and amortize the gains and losses on reacquired debt associated with regulated operations to interest expense over the remaining life of the original debt.
OPERATING REVENUES
We recognize revenues related to the sale of energy when services or commodities are delivered to customers. The billing of electricity and gas sales to retail customers is based on the reading of their meters, which occurs on a systematic basis throughout the month. Operating revenues include an estimate for unbilled revenues from service that has been provided but not billed by the end of an accounting period. At the end of the month, amounts of energy delivered since the last meter reading are estimated and the corresponding unbilled revenue is calculated using average customer Retail Rates.
For purchased power and wholesale sales contracts that are not settled with energy, TEP and UNS Electric net the sales contracts with the purchase power contracts and reflect the net amount as Electric Wholesale Sales. The corresponding cash receipts are recorded in the statement of cash flows as Cash Receipts from Electric Wholesale Sales, while cash payments are recorded as Purchased Energy/Power Costs Paid.
TEP recognizes monthly management fees in Other Revenues as the operator of Springerville Unit 3 on behalf of Tri-State and Springerville Unit 4 on behalf of SRP. Additionally, Other Revenues include reimbursements from Tri-State and SRP for various operating expenses at Springerville and for the use of the Springerville Common Facilities and the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities. The offsetting expenses are recorded in the respective line items of the income statements based on the nature of services provided. As the operating agent for Tri-State and SRP, TEP may earn performance incentives based on unit availability which are recognized in Other Revenues in the period earned.
The ACC has authorized mechanisms for Lost Fixed Cost Recovery (LFCR) associated with energy sales that no longer occur due to EE Standards and distributed generation. We recognize revenues in the period that verifiable energy savings occur. Revenue recognition related to the LFCR creates a regulatory asset until such time as the revenue is collected.
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
We record an Allowance for Doubtful Accounts to reduce accounts receivable for amounts estimated to be uncollectible. The allowance is determined based on historical bad debt patterns, retail sales, and economic conditions.
INVENTORY
We value materials, supplies and fuel inventory at the lower of weighted average cost or market, unless evidence indicates that the weighted average cost (even if in excess of market) will be recovered in retail rates. We capitalize handling and procurement costs (such as labor, overhead costs, and transportation costs) as part of the cost of the inventory. Materials and Supplies consist of generation, transmission, and distribution construction and repair materials.
FUEL AND PURCHASED ENERGY COST RECOVERY MECHANISMS
TEP and UNS Electric Purchased Power and Fuel Adjustment Clause
TEP and UNS Electric recover actual fuel, purchased power and transmission costs incurred to provide electric service to retail customers through base fuel rates and a Purchased Power and Fuel Adjustment Clause (PPFAC); the ACC periodically adjusts
K-92
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
the PPFAC rate at which TEP and UNS Electric recover these costs. The difference between costs recovered through rates and actual fuel, purchased power and transmission costs prudently incurred to provide retail electric service is deferred. Cost over-recoveries are deferred as regulatory liabilities and cost under-recoveries are deferred as regulatory assets. See Note 3.
UNS Gas Purchased Gas Adjustor
UNS Gas recovers actual gas costs incurred through a Purchased Gas Adjustor (PGA) mechanism that adjusts monthly. Gas cost over-recoveries are deferred as regulatory liabilities and under-recoveries are deferred as regulatory assets. See Note 3.
RENEWABLE ENERGY and ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS
The ACC’s Renewable Energy Standard (RES) requires TEP and UNS Electric to increase their use of renewable energy each year until it represents at least 15% of their total annual retail energy requirements in 2025. The utilities must file annual RES implementation plans for review and approval by the ACC. The approved cost of carrying out those plans is recovered from retail customers through the RES surcharge. The ACC has also approved recovery of operating costs, depreciation, property taxes, and a return on investments in company-owned solar projects through the RES tariff until such costs are reflected in retail customer rates.
TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas are required to implement cost-effective Demand-Side Management (DSM) programs to comply with the ACC’s Energy Efficiency (EE) Standards. The EE Standards provide for a DSM surcharge to recover, from retail customers, the costs to implement DSM programs. The Electric EE Standards require increasing annual targeted retail kWh savings equal to22% by 2020. The Gas EE Standards require increasing annual targeted retail therm sales equal to 6% by 2020.
Any RES or DSM surcharge collections above or below the costs incurred to implement the plans are deferred and reflected in the financial statements as a regulatory asset or liability. TEP and UNS Electric recognize RES and DSM surcharge revenue in Electric Retail Sales in amounts necessary to offset recognized qualifying expenditures. Similarly, UNS Gas recognizes DSM surcharge revenue in Gas Retail Sales.
RENEWABLE ENERGY CREDITS
The ACC measures compliance with the RES requirements through Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). A REC represents one kWh generated from renewable resources. When TEP or UNS Electric purchases renewable energy, the premium paid above the market cost of conventional power equals the REC cost recoverable through the RES surcharge. As described above, the market cost of conventional power is recoverable through the PPFAC.
When RECs are purchased, TEP and UNS Electric record the cost of the RECs (an indefinite-lived intangible asset) as Other Assets, and a corresponding regulatory liability, to reflect the obligation to use the RECs for future RES compliance. When RECs are reported to the ACC for compliance with RES requirements, TEP and UNS Electric recognize Purchased Power expense and Other Revenues in an equal amount. See Note 3.
INCOME TAXES
Due to the difference between GAAP and income tax laws, many transactions are treated differently for income tax purposes than for financial statement presentation purposes. Temporary differences are accounted for by recording deferred income tax assets and liabilities on our balance sheets. These assets and liabilities are recorded using income tax rates expected to be in effect when the deferred tax assets and liabilities are realized or settled. We reduce deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or the entire deferred income tax asset will not be realized.
Tax benefits are recognized when it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit recorded is the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority, assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. Interest expense accruals relating to income tax obligations are recorded in Other Interest Expense.
Prior to 1990, TEP flowed through to ratepayers certain accelerated tax benefits related to utility plant as the benefits were recognized on tax returns. Regulatory Assets - Noncurrent includes income taxes recoverable through future rates, which reflects the future revenues due us from ratepayers as these tax benefits reverse. See Note 3.
We account for federal energy credits generated prior to 2012 using the grant accounting model. The credit is treated as deferred revenue, which is recognized over the depreciable life of the underlying asset. The deferred tax benefit of the credit is treated as a reduction to income tax expense in the year the credit arises. Federal energy credits generated since 2012 are
K-93
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
deferred as Regulatory Liabilities - Noncurrent and amortized as a reduction in Income Tax Expense over the tax life of the underlying asset. Income Tax Expense attributable to the reduction in tax basis is accounted for in the year the federal energy credit is generated and are deferred as regulatory assets effective July 1, 2013 due to the 2013 TEP Rate Order. All other federal and state income tax credits are treated as a reduction to Income Tax Expense in the year the credit arises.
Consolidated income tax liabilities are allocated to subsidiaries based on their taxable income as reported in the consolidated tax return.
TAXES OTHER THAN INCOME TAXES
We act as conduits or collection agents for sales taxes, utility taxes, franchise fees, and regulatory assessments. As we bill customers for these taxes and assessments, we record trade receivables. At the same time, we record liabilities payable to governmental agencies on the balance sheet for these taxes and assessments. These amounts are not reflected in the income statements.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
We use various physical and financial derivative instruments, including forward contracts, financial swaps and call and put options, to meet forecasted load and reserve requirements, to reduce our exposure to energy commodity price volatility and to hedge our interest rate risk exposure. For all derivative instruments that do not meet the normal purchase or normal sale scope exception, we recognize derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and measure those instruments at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation.
Cash Flow Hedges
TEP hedges the cash flow risk associated with unfavorable changes in the variable interest rates related to the leveraged lease arrangements for the Springerville Common Lease and variable rate industrial development revenue or pollution control revenue bonds (IDBs). In addition, TEP hedges the cash flow risk associated with a long-term wholesale power supply agreement that does not qualify for regulatory recovery using a six-year power purchase swap agreement. UNS Electric uses a cash flow hedge to effectively convert the interest rate on the UNS Electric term loan from a variable rate to a fixed rate. TEP and UNS Electric account for cash flow hedges as follows:
•
The effective portion of the change in the fair value is recorded in AOCI and the ineffective portion, if any, is recognized in earnings; and
•
When TEP and UNS Electric determine a contract is no longer effective in offsetting the changes in cash flow of a hedged item, TEP and UNS Electric recognize the change in fair value in earnings. The unrealized gains and losses at that time remain in AOCI and are reclassified into earnings as the underlying hedged transaction occurs.
We formally assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives have been and are expected to remain highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of hedged items.
Energy Contracts - Regulatory Recovery
TEP, UNS Electric and UNS Gas are authorized to recover the prudent costs of hedging activities entered into to mitigate energy price risk for retail customers. We record unrealized gains and losses on these energy derivatives as either a regulatory asset or regulatory liability to the extent they qualify for recovery through the PPFAC or PGA mechanism.
Master Netting Agreements
We have elected gross presentation for our derivative contracts under master netting agreements and collateral positions. We separate all derivatives into current and long-term portions on the balance sheet.
Normal Purchases and Normal Sales
We enter into forward energy purchase and sales contracts, including call options, with counterparties that have generating capacity to support our current load forecasts or counterparties that have load serving requirements. We have elected the normal purchase or normal sales exception for these contracts which are not required to be measured at fair value and are accounted for on an accrual basis.
K-94
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Commodity Trading
We did not engage in trading of derivative financial instruments.
PENSION AND OTHER RETIREE BENEFITS
We sponsor noncontributory, defined benefit pension plans for substantially all employees and certain affiliate employees. Benefits are based on years of service and average compensation. We also provide limited health care and life insurance benefits for retirees.
We recognize the underfunded status of our defined benefit pension plans as a liability on our balance sheets. The underfunded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of the pension plans’ assets and the projected benefit obligation for the pension plans. We recognize a regulatory asset to the extent these future costs are probable of recovery in the rates charged to retail customers and expect to recover these costs over the estimated service lives of employees.
Additionally, we maintain a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) for senior management. Changes in SERP benefit obligations are recognized as a component of AOCI.
Pension and other retiree benefit expenses are determined by actuarial valuations based on assumptions that we evaluate annually. See Note 10.
NOTE 2. PENDING MERGER WITH FORTIS
On December 11, 2013, UNS Energy announced that it had entered into an agreement and plan of merger, subject to shareholder and required regulatory approvals, to be acquired by Fortis for $60.25 per share of Common Stock in cash. Following the merger, UNS Energy will continue as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis. The Board of Directors of each of UNS Energy and Fortis Parent have approved the merger.
NOTE 3. REGULATORY MATTERS
The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) each regulate portions of the utility accounting practices and rates of TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas. The ACC regulates rates charged to retail customers, the siting of generation and transmission facilities, the issuance of securities, transactions with affiliated parties, and the pending merger. The FERC regulates terms and prices of transmission services and wholesale electricity sales, and the pending merger.
2013 TEP RATE ORDER
In June 2013, the ACC issued the 2013 TEP Rate Order that resolved the rate case filed by TEP in July 2012 which was based on a test year ended December 31, 2011. The 2013 TEP Rate Order approved new rates effective July 1, 2013.
The provisions of the 2013 TEP Rate Order include, but are not limited to:
•
an increase in non-fuel retail Base Rates of approximately $76 million over adjusted test year revenues;
•
an Original Cost Rate Base (OCRB) of approximately $1.5 billion and a Fair Value Rate Base (FVRB) of approximately $2.3 billion;
•
a return on equity of 10.0%, a long-term cost of debt of 5.18%, and a short-term cost of debt of 1.42%, resulting in a weighted average cost of capital of 7.26%;
•
a capital structure of approximately 43.5% equity, 56.0% long-term debt, and 0.5% short-term debt;
•
a 0.68% return on the fair value increment of rate base (the fair value increment of rate base represents the difference between OCRB and FVRB of approximately $800 million);
K-95
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
•
a revision in depreciation rates from an average rate of 3.32% to 3.0% for generation and distribution plant, primarily due to revised estimates of asset removal costs, which will have the effect of reducing depreciation expense by approximately $11 million annually; and
•
an agreement by TEP to seek recovery of costs related to the discontinued Nogales transmission project from the FERC before seeking rate recovery from the ACC.
The 2013 TEP Rate Order also includes the following cost recovery mechanisms:
•
a new Purchased Power and Fuel Adjustment Clause (PPFAC) credit of 0.1388 cents per kWh effective July 1, 2013. The credit reflects the following:
◦
a reduction in the PPFAC bank balance, recorded in June 2013, as an increase to fuel expense, of $3 million related to prior sulfur credits; and
◦
a transfer of $10 million, recorded in June 2013, from the PPFAC bank balance to a new regulatory asset to defer coal costs related to the San Juan mine fire. These costs will be eligible for recovery through the PPFAC upon final settlement with the San Juan operator related to insurance proceeds.
•
a modification of the PPFAC mechanism to include recovery of generation-related lime costs offset by sulfur credits.
•
a Lost Fixed Cost Recovery mechanism (LFCR) to recover certain non-fuel costs related to kWh sales lost due to energy efficiency programs and distributed generation. In the fourth quarter of 2013, TEP recorded revenues of $2 million related to unrecovered non-fuel costs incurred during 2013.
•
an Environmental Compliance Adjustor (ECA) mechanism to recover certain capital carrying costs to comply with government-mandated environmental regulations between rate cases. The ECA rate is capped at 0.025 cents per kWh, which approximates 0.25% of TEP's total retail revenues, and will be charged to customers beginning in May 2014 for any qualifying costs incurred between August 2013 and December 2013.
•
an energy efficiency provision which includes a 2013 calendar year budget of approximately $21 million to fund programs that support the ACC's Electric Energy Efficiency Standards, as well as a $2 million performance incentive.
2013 UNS ELECTRIC RATE ORDER
In December 2013, the ACC issued the 2013 UNS Electric Rate Order that resolved the rate case filed by UNS Electric in December 2012 which was based on a test year ended June 30, 2012. The 2013 UNS Electric Rate Order approved new rates effective January 1, 2014.
The provisions of the 2013 UNS Electric Rate Order include, but are not limited to:
•
an increase in non-fuel retail Base Rates of approximately $3 million;
•
an OCRB of approximately $213 million and a FVRB of approximately $283 million;
•
a return on equity of 9.50% and a long-term cost of debt of 5.97% resulting in a weighted average cost of capital of 7.83%;
•
a 0.50% return on the fair value increment of rate base (the fair value increment of rate base represents the difference between OCRB and FVRB of approximately $70 million); and
•
a capital structure of 52.6% equity and 47.4% long-term debt.
The 2013 UNS Electric Rate Order also includes the following cost recovery mechanisms:
•
a LFCR mechanism to recover certain non-fuel costs related to kWh sales lost due to energy efficiency programs and distributed generation; and
•
a Transmission Cost Adjustor (TCA), which will allow more timely recovery of transmission costs associated with serving retail customers.
K-96
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2012 UNS GAS RATE ORDER
In April 2012, the ACC approved a Base Rate increase of $2.7 million, or 1.8%, and an LFCR mechanism to enable UNS Gas to recover lost fixed cost revenues as a result of implementing the ACC’s Gas Energy Efficiency Standards (Gas EE Standards).
The ACC approved an authorized rate of return of 8.3% on an OCRB of $183 million, and a 1.0% return on the fair value increment of rate base (the fair value increment of rate base represents the difference between OCRB and FVRB of approximately $70 million). The new rates became effective in May 2012.
COST RECOVERY MECHANISMS
TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas have received regulatory decisions that allow for more timely recovery of certain costs through the recovery mechanisms described below.
Purchased Power and Fuel Adjustment Clause
TEP's PPFAC rate is adjusted annually each April 1st (unless otherwise approved by the ACC) and goes into effect for the subsequent 12-month period unless suspended by the ACC.
TEP's PPFAC rate includes: 1) a forward component, under which TEP recovers or refunds differences between a) forecasted fuel, transmission, and purchased power costs for the upcoming calendar year and b) those embedded in the fuel rate and the current PPFAC rates; and 2) a true-up component, which reconciles differences between prudently incurred actual fuel, transmission, and purchased power costs and those recovered through the combination of the fuel rate and the forward component for the preceding 12-month period.
Prior to the 2013 UNS Electric Rate Order, UNS Electric’s PPFAC rate was adjusted annually each June 1st, effective for the subsequent 12-month period. As a result of the 2013 UNS Electric Rate Order, effective January 1, 2014, UNS Electric's PPFAC rate reflects a weighted 12-month rolling average of actual fuel and purchased power costs incurred by UNS Electric. The PPFAC rate adjusts monthly, but it is restricted from changing by more than 0.83 percent from the preceding month's rate. If the PPFAC deferral balance reflects an over-collection of $10 million or more on a billed-to-customer basis, UNS Electric must file for a PPFAC rate adjustment. At December 31, 2013, the PPFAC bank balance was over-collected by $14 million on a billed-to-customer basis.
The tables below summarize TEP’s and UNS Electric’s PPFAC rates:
(1)
TEP's PPFAC became effective January 1, 2009. However, TEP was initially required to refund amounts to customers through the PPFAC mechanism that were over collected under the Competition Transition Charge (CTC) in place from 1999 through 2008. As a result, the authorized net PPFAC charge was set at zero until all over collected CTC revenue was fully refunded to customers (November 2011). TEP then continued deferring PPFAC eligible costs but was not authorized to bill customers until a new PPFAC rate was approved by the ACC in April 2012.
UNS Gas Purchased Gas Adjustor
The PGA mechanism allows UNS Gas to adjust Retail Rates to recover fluctuations in natural gas costs. UNS Gas records deferrals for recovery or refund to the extent actual natural gas costs vary from the PGA rate. The PGA rate reflects a weighted,
K-97
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
rolling average of the gas costs incurred by UNS Gas over the preceding 12 months. The PGA rate automatically adjusts monthly, but it is restricted from rising or falling more than 15 cents per therm in a twelve-month period. UNS Gas is required to request an additional surcredit if deferral balances reflect $10 million or more on a billed-to-customer basis.
In October 2013, the ACC approved an increase to the existing PGA credit from 4.5 cents per therm to 10 cents per therm in order to reduce the over-collected PGA bank balance. The new PGA credit will be effective for the period November 1, 2013 through April 30, 2014. At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the PGA bank balance was over-collected by $10 million on a billed-to-customer basis.
The PGA rate ranged from 0.4504 to 0.5280 cents per therm in 2013, and ranged from 0.5202 to 0.6501 cents per therm in 2012.
Renewable Energy Standards
TEP and UNS Electric are required to expand their use of renewable energy in order to meet the ACC’s RES. TEP and UNS Electric, through a customer surcharge, recover costs associated with meeting the RES. These costs include the purchases of RECs through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Performance Based Incentives (PBIs), as well as costs associated with utility-scale ownership of solar assets until the projects can be incorporated in Base Rates.
In October 2013, the ACC approved TEP's 2014 RES plan and authorized a total 2014 RES budget of $40 million with $34 million to be collected through the 2014 RES funding mechanism. TEP earned returns on solar investments of $2 million in each of 2013 and 2012 and $1 million in 2011.
In October 2013, the ACC approved UNS Electric's 2014 RES plan and authorized a total 2014 RES budget of $7 million with $6 million to be collected through the 2014 RES funding mechanism. UNS Electric earned returns on solar investments of less than $0.5 million in 2013 and 2012. No return was earned in 2011.
Energy Efficiency Standards
TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas are required to implement cost-effective DSM programs to comply with the ACC’s EE Standards. The EE Standards provide for a DSM surcharge to recover, from retail customers, the costs to implement DSM programs.
In December 2013, the ACC approved UNS Electric’s 2013-2014 energy efficiency implementation plan that included a 2014 calendar year budget of approximately $5 million to fund programs that support the ACC’s Electric EE Standards as well as a performance incentive.
In June 2013, the ACC approved the UNS Gas 2011-2012 energy efficiency implementation plan with certain modifications. The approval included an annual energy efficiency budget of approximately $2 million and a waiver of the Gas EE Standards through 2013.
Lost Fixed Cost Recovery Mechanism
The LFCR is a mechanism to recover certain non-fuel costs that would go unrecovered due to lost sales as a result of implementing ACC approved EE Standards and distributed generation targets.
In April 2012, the ACC authorized a LFCR mechanism that enables UNS Gas to recover non-purchased energy related costs that would go unrecovered due to lost therm sales as a result of implementing the Gas EE Standards.
In June 2013, the ACC authorized a LFCR mechanism for TEP subject to a year-over-year cap of 1% of TEP's total retail revenues. TEP expects the LFCR rate which will recover 2013 costs, to be effective on July 1, 2014, upon review by the ACC of verified lost kWh sales.
In December 2013, as part of the 2013 UNS Electric Rate Order, the ACC authorized a LFCR for UNS Electric, to be effective on July 1, 2014.
K-98
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
REGULATORY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
The following tables summarize regulatory assets and liabilities:
K-99
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Regulatory assets are either being collected in Retail Rates or are expected to be collected through Retail Rates in a future period. We describe regulatory assets below. With the exception of interest earned on under-recovered PPFAC costs, we do not earn a return on regulatory assets.
(1)
Property Tax is recovered over approximately a six-month period as costs are paid, rather than as costs are accrued.
(2)
See Cost Recovery Mechanisms discussion above.
(3)
TEP’s other regulatory assets include unamortized loss on reacquired debt (recovery through 2032), coal contract amendment (recovery through 2017), rate case costs (recovery over three years), environmental compliance costs, Springerville Unit 1 lease deferrals and other assets (recovery through 2014).
(4)
Income Taxes Recoverable through Future Revenues are amortized over the life of the assets.
(5)
Final Mine Reclamation and Retiree Health Care Costs stem from TEP’s jointly-owned facilities at the San Juan Generating Station, the Four Corners Generating Station, and the Navajo Generating Station. TEP is required to recognize the present value of its liability associated with final mine reclamation and retiree health care obligations over the life of the coal supply agreements. TEP recorded a regulatory asset because TEP is permitted to fully recover these costs through the PPFAC when the costs are invoiced by the miners. TEP expects to recover these costs over the remaining life of the mines, which is estimated to be between 14 and 20 years.
(6)
TEP and UNS Electric will request recovery from FERC for the prudent costs incurred to develop a high-voltage transmission line from Tucson to Nogales. TEP and UNS Electric are not going to proceed with the project. See Note 7.
K-100
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Regulatory liabilities represent items that we either expect to pay to customers through billing reductions in future periods or plan to use for the purpose for which they were collected from customers, as described below:
(7)
Net Cost of Removal for Interim Retirements represents amounts recovered through depreciation rates associated with asset retirement costs expected to be incurred in the future.
(8)
The Deferred Investment Tax Credit relates to federal energy credits generated in 2012 and is amortized over the tax life of the underlying asset.
IMPACTS OF REGULATORY ACCOUNTING
If we determine that we no longer meet the criteria for continued application of regulatory accounting, we would be required to write off our regulatory assets and liabilities related to those operations not meeting the regulatory accounting requirements. Discontinuation of regulatory accounting could have a material impact on our financial statements.
NOTE 4. BUSINESS SEGMENTS
We have three reportable segments regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision makers to evaluate performance and make operating decisions.
(1)
TEP, a regulated electric utility and our largest subsidiary
(2)
UNS Electric, a regulated electric utility
(3)
UNS Gas, a regulated gas distribution utility
We disclose selected financial data for our reportable segments in the following tables:
K-101
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(1)
Operating Revenues - Intersegment includes common costs (system, facilities, etc.) allocated to affiliates on a cost-causative basis and recorded as revenue by TEP, sales of power between TEP and UNS Electric at third-party market prices, control area services provided by TEP to UNS Electric based on a FERC-approved tariff, sales of gas by UNS Gas at third-party market prices for use in UNS Electric's generating facilities, and supplemental workforce charges charges (primarily meter reading services) provided to the utilities by an unregulated affiliate.
(2)
Other includes the UNS Energy and UES holding companies, Millennium, and UED.
K-102
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 5. UTILITY PLANT AND JOINTLY-OWNED FACILITIES
UTILITY PLANT
The following table shows Utility Plant in Service by major class:
(1)
Unamortized computer software costs were $40 million for UNS Energy and $39 million for TEP as of December 31, 2013, and $36 million for UNS Energy and $35 million for TEP as of December 31, 2012.
(2)
The amortization of computer software costs in UNS Energy’s and TEP's income statements was $14 million in 2013, $13 million in 2012, and $10 million in 2011.
(3)
In 2013, TEP entered into agreements to purchase certain Springerville Unit 1 leased interests. See Note 6.
TEP Utility Plant under Capital Leases
All TEP utility plant under capital leases is used in TEP’s generation operations and amortized over the primary lease term. See Note 6. At December 31, 2013, the utility plant under capital leases includes: 1) Springerville Unit 1; 2) Springerville Common Facilities; and 3) Springerville Coal Handling Facilities. The following table shows the amount of lease expense incurred for TEP’s generation-related capital leases:
Utility plant depreciation rates and approximate average remaining service lives based on the most recent depreciation studies available at December 31, 2013, were as follows:
K-103
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(1)
In June 2013, the ACC issued the 2013 TEP Rate Order that approved a change in depreciation rates which reflects changes in the remaining average useful lives for our generation, distribution, and general plant assets. See Note 3.
(2)
The majority of TEP's investment in intangible plant represents computer software, which is being amortized over its expected useful life based on either the average lives of 3 to 5 years for smaller application software or remaining lives ranging from 5 to 19 years for large enterprise software.
(3)
UNS Electric's intangible plant primarily represents capitalized interconnection costs, which are amortized based on either an average life of 23 years or a remaining life of 35 years.
(4)
UNS Gas' intangible plant consists of miscellaneous intangible assets, which are amortized over an average life of either 15 or 25 years.
(5)
The depreciation rates represent a composite of the depreciation rates of assets within each major class of utility plant.
K-104
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
JOINTLY-OWNED FACILITIES
At December 31, 2013, TEP’s interests in jointly-owned generating stations and transmission systems were as follows:
TEP is responsible for its share of operating costs for the above facilities as well as providing financing. TEP accounts for its share of operating expenses and utility plant costs related to these facilities using proportionate consolidation.
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
The accrual of AROs is primarily related to generation and photovoltaic assets and is included in Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities on the balance sheets. The following table reconciles the beginning and ending aggregate carrying amounts of ARO accruals on the balance sheets:
(1)
Primarily related to changes in expected retirement dates of generating facilities.
The table above primarily reflects TEP's ARO obligations. UNS Electric's ARO obligations were less than $1 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012.
NOTE 6. DEBT, CREDIT FACILITIES, AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Long-term debt matures more than one year from the date of the financial statements. We summarize UNS Energy’s and TEP’s long-term debt in the statements of capitalization.
UNS ENERGY CONVERTIBLE SENIOR NOTES
In 2005, UNS Energy issued $150 million of 4.50% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2035. In 2012, UNS Energy converted approximately $147 million of the Convertible Senior Notes into approximately 4.3 million shares of Common Stock and redeemed $3 million for cash.
TEP DEBT ISSUANCES AND REDEMPTIONS
Unsecured Tax-Exempt Variable Rate Bonds
In November 2013, the Industrial Development Authority of Apache County, Arizona issued $100 million of tax-exempt, variable rate Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (IDRBs), due April 2032. The lender resets the interest rate monthly based on a percentage of an index rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus a bank margin rate; the rate at December 31, 2013 was
K-105
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
0.948% per annum. These bonds are multi-modal bonds, and the initial term is set at five years through November 2018, at which time the bonds will be subject to mandatory tender for purchase. Proceeds were deposited with a trustee to redeem $100 million variable rate bonds in December 2013.
Secured Tax-Exempt Variable Rate Bonds and Interest Rate Swap
Certain of TEP's tax-exempt, variable rate bonds are secured by Letter of Credits (LOCs) issued under the TEP Credit Agreement and TEP Reimbursement Agreement, see below.
The following table shows interest rates on TEP’s weekly variable rate bonds, which are reset weekly by its remarketing agents:
In August 2009, TEP entered into an interest rate swap that had the effect of converting $50 million of variable rate bonds to a fixed rate of 2.4% from September 2009 to September 2014.
Unsecured Tax-Exempt Fixed Rate Bonds
In March 2013, TEP issued approximately $91 million aggregate principal amount of Pima County, Arizona, unsecured tax-exempt Industrial Development Bonds (IDBs). The bonds bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.0%, mature in September 2029, and may be redeemed at par on or after March 1, 2023. The proceeds from the sale of the bonds were deposited with a trustee to retire approximately $91 million of 6.375% unsecured tax-exempt bonds in April 2013.
In June 2012, TEP issued approximately $16 million of Pima County, Arizona, unsecured tax-exempt IDBs. The bonds bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.5%, mature in June 2030, and may be redeemed at par on or after June 1, 2022. The proceeds from the sale of the bonds were deposited with a trustee to retire approximately $16 million of unsecured, tax-exempt bonds with interest rates of 5.85% and 5.875%, and maturity dates ranging from 2026 to 2033.
In March 2012, TEP issued $177 million of Apache County, Arizona, unsecured, tax-exempt pollution control bonds. The bonds bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.5%, mature in March 2030, and may be redeemed at par on or after March 1, 2022. The proceeds from the sale of the bonds, together with $7 million of principal and $1 million for accrued interest provided by TEP, were deposited with a trustee to retire $184 million of unsecured tax-exempt bonds with interest rates of 5.85% and 5.875% and maturity dates ranging from 2026 to 2033.
Unsecured Fixed Rate Notes
In September 2012, TEP issued $150 million of 3.85% unsecured notes due March 2023. TEP may call the debt prior to December 15, 2022, with a make-whole premium plus accrued interest. After December 15, 2022, TEP may call the debt at par plus accrued interest. The unsecured notes contain a limitation on the amount of secured debt that TEP may have outstanding. TEP used the net proceeds to repay approximately $72 million outstanding on the revolving credit facility, with the remaining proceeds used for general corporate purposes.
TEP MORTGAGE INDENTURE
Prior to November 2013, the TEP Credit Agreement and the 2010 TEP Reimbursement Agreement were secured by $423 million in mortgage bonds issued under the 1992 Mortgage. As a result of TEP's credit rating upgrade, in October 2013, TEP canceled $423 million in mortgage bonds and discharged the 1992 Mortgage, which had created a lien on and security interest in substantially all of TEP’s utility plant assets. TEP’s obligations under the TEP Credit Agreement and the 2010 TEP Reimbursement Agreement are now unsecured.
UNS ENERGY CREDIT AGREEMENT
The UNS Energy Credit Agreement consists of a $125 million revolving credit facility and revolving LOC facility and expires in November 2016. UNS Energy’s obligations under the agreement are secured by a pledge of the capital stock of Millennium, UES, and UED.
UNS Energy had $54 million of outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2013 and $45 million of outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2012, under its revolving credit facility. The weighted average interest rate on the revolver was 1.66% at
K-106
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 31, 2013 and 1.96% at December 31, 2012. We report the revolver borrowings in Long-Term Debt on the balance sheet as UNS Energy has the ability and the intent to have outstanding borrowings for the next twelve months. As of February 14, 2014, outstanding borrowings under the UNS Energy Credit Agreement totaled $52 million.
Interest rates and fees under the UNS Energy Credit Agreement are based on a pricing grid tied to UNS Energy’s credit ratings. The interest rate currently in effect on borrowings is LIBOR plus 1.25% for Eurodollar loans or Alternate Base Rate plus 0.25% for Alternate Base Rate loans.
TEP CREDIT AGREEMENT
The TEP Credit Agreement consists of a $200 million revolving credit, revolving LOC facility, and a $82 million LOC facility to support tax-exempt bonds, and expires in November 2016. In December 2013, TEP reduced its letter of credit facility from $186 million to $82 million, following the refinancing of $100 million of variable rate bonds and the cancellation of $104 million of LOCs supporting those bonds.
Interest rates and fees under the TEP Credit Agreement are based on a pricing grid tied to TEP’s credit ratings. The interest rate currently in effect on borrowings is LIBOR plus 1.125% for Eurodollar loans or Alternate Base Rate plus 0.125% for Alternate Base Rate loans. The margin rate currently in effect on the $82 million LOC facility is 1.125%.
TEP had no borrowings and $1 million outstanding in LOCs issued under its revolving credit facility at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The revolving loan balance was included in Current Liabilities on UNS Energy’s and TEP’s balance sheets. The outstanding LOCs are off-balance sheet obligations of TEP. As of February 14, 2014, TEP had $90 million in borrowings and $1 million outstanding in LOCs under its revolving credit facility.
2010 TEP REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT
A $37 million LOC was issued pursuant to the 2010 TEP Reimbursement Agreement. The LOC supports $37 million aggregate principal amount of variable rate tax-exempt bonds that were issued on behalf of TEP in December 2010. In February 2014, TEP amended the agreement to extend the LOC expiration date from 2014 to 2019. Fees are payable on the aggregate outstanding amount of the LOC at a rate of 1.00% per annum.
UNS ELECTRIC/UNS GAS CREDIT AGREEMENT
The UNS Electric/UNS Gas Credit Agreement consists of a $100 million revolving credit and revolving LOC facility, and expires in November 2016. The maximum borrowings outstanding at any one time for UNS Gas or UNS Electric under the agreement may not exceed $70 million. UNS Electric and UNS Gas each are liable for only their own individual borrowings under the UNS Electric/UNS Gas Credit Agreement. UES guarantees the obligations of both UNS Electric and UNS Gas. The UNS Electric/UNS Gas Credit Agreement may be used to issue LOCs, as well as for revolver borrowings. UNS Electric and UNS Gas issue LOCs, which are off-balance sheet obligations, to support power and gas purchases and hedges.
Interest rates and fees under the UNS Electric/UNS Gas Credit Agreement are based on a pricing grid tied to their credit ratings. The interest rate currently in effect on borrowings is LIBOR plus 1.125% for Eurodollar loans or Alternate Base Rate plus 0.125% for Alternate Base Rate loans.
UNS Electric had $22 million in borrowings and less than $0.5 million in outstanding LOCs under the UNS Electric/UNS Gas Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2013. The revolving loan balance was included in Current Liabilities on UNS Energy’s balance sheet. UNS Electric had no borrowings outstanding and less than $0.5 million LOCs under UNS Electric/UNS Gas Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2012. The oustanding LOCs balances are not shown on the balance sheet. As of February 14, 2014, UNS Electric had $25 million in borrowings and less than $0.5 million in outstanding LOCs under the UNS Electric/UNS Gas Credit Agreement.
UNS ELECTRIC TERM LOAN CREDIT AGREEMENT AND INTEREST RATE SWAP
In August 2011, UNS Electric entered into a four-year $30 million variable rate term loan credit agreement. The interest rate currently in effect is three-month LIBOR plus 1.125%. At the same time, UNS Electric entered into a fixed-for-floating interest rate swap in which UNS Electric will pay a fixed rate of 0.97% and receive a three-month LIBOR rate on a $30 million notional amount over a four years period ending August 2015. The UNS Electric term loan credit agreement, included in Long-Term Debt on the balance sheet, is guaranteed by UES.
K-107
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
COVENANT COMPLIANCE
Our credit agreements, the 2010 TEP Reimbursement Agreement, and certain of our long-term debt agreements contain restrictive covenants, including restrictions on additional indebtedness, liens to secure indebtedness, mergers, sales of assets, transactions with affiliates, and restricted payments. The UNS Energy Credit Agreement also requires UNS Energy to meet a minimum cash flow to interest coverage ratio, and each of our credit agreements stipulate a maximum leverage ratio. UNS Energy and its subsidiaries may pay dividends so long as we maintain compliance with our credit agreements.
At December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with the terms of our long-term debt, credit agreements, and the 2010 TEP Reimbursement Agreement. No amounts of net income were subject to dividend restrictions.
TEP CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS
In January 2014, through scheduled lease payments, TEP reduced its capital lease obligations by $80 million.
Springerville Unit 1 Capital Lease Purchase Commitments
The Springerville Unit 1 Leases have an initial term to January 2015, and include a fair market value purchase option at the end of the initial lease term. In 2011, TEP and the owner participants of Springerville Unit 1 completed a formal appraisal procedure to determine the fair market value purchase price of Springerville Unit 1 in accordance with the Springerville Unit 1 Leases. The purchase price was determined to be $478 per kW of capacity based on a capacity rating of 387 MW.
In August 2013, TEP elected to purchase leased interests comprising 24.8% of Springerville Unit 1, representing 96 MW of capacity, for an aggregate purchase price of $46 million, the appraised value, upon the expiration of the lease term in January 2015.
In October 2013, TEP elected to purchase an additional 10.6% leased interest in Springerville Unit 1, representing 41 MW of capacity, for $20 million, the appraised value, with the purchase scheduled to occur in December 2014.
Upon close of these lease option purchases, TEP will own 49.5% of Springerville Unit 1, or 192 MW of capacity. Due to TEP's purchase commitments, TEP and UNS Energy recorded an increase of approximately $55 million to both Utility Plant Under Capital Leases and Capital Lease Obligations on their balance sheets.
Springerville Coal Handling and Common Facilities Leases
The Springerville Coal Handling Facilities Leases have an initial term to April 2015 and provide for fixed-rate lease renewal options if certain conditions are satisfied as well as a fixed-price purchase provision of $120 million. The leases provide for one renewal period of six years beginning in April 2015, with additional renewal periods of five or more years through 2035.
The Springerville Common Facilities Leases have an initial term to December 2017 for one lease and January 2021 for the other two leases, subject to optional renewal periods of two or more years through 2025. Instead of extending the leases, TEP may exercise a fixed-price purchase provision. The fixed prices for the acquisition of the common facilities are $38 million in 2017 and $68 million in 2021.
TEP agreed with Tri-State, the owner of Springerville Unit 3, and SRP, the owner of Springerville Unit 4, that if the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities and Common Facilities Leases are not renewed, TEP will exercise the purchase options under these contracts. SRP will then be obligated to buy a portion of these facilities and Tri-State will then be obligated to either: buy a portion of these facilities; or continue making payments to TEP for the use of these facilities.
Lease Debt and Equity
Investments in Springerville Lease Debt and Equity
In January 2013, TEP received the final maturity payment of $9 million on the investment in Springerville Unit 1 lease debt. TEP also held an undivided equity ownership interest in the Springerville Unit 1 Leases totaling $36 million at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
K-108
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Interest Rate Swaps-Springerville Common Facilities Lease Debt
TEP’s interest rate swaps hedge the floating interest rate risk associated with the Springerville Common Facilities lease debt. Interest on the lease debt is payable at six-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a spread. The applicable spread was 1.75% at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
The swaps have the effect of fixing the interest rates on the amortizing principal balances as follows:
TEP recorded these interest rate swaps as a cash flow hedge for financial reporting purposes. See Note 15.
DEBT MATURITIES
Long-term debt, including term loan payments, revolving credit facilities classified as long-term, and capital lease obligations mature on the following dates:
(1)
$115 million of TEP’s variable rate bonds are backed by LOCs issued pursuant to TEP’s Credit Agreement, which expires in November 2016, and TEP’s Reimbursement Agreement, which expires in December 2019. Although the variable rate bonds mature between 2022 and 2032, the above table reflects a redemption or repurchase of such bonds in 2016 and 2019 as though the LOCs terminate without replacement upon expiration of the TEP Credit Agreement. TEP's 2013 tax-exempt variable rate IDBs, which mature in 2032, are subject to mandatory tender for purchase after the current five-year term and are therefore reflected as maturing in 2018. The repayment of TEP Unsecured Notes is not reduced by the approximately $1 million discount.
K-109
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 7. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
COMMITMENTS
At December 31, 2013, UNS Energy and TEP had the following firm, non-cancelable, minimum purchase obligations and operating leases. UNS Energy's commitments represent the obligations of TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas:
At December 31, 2013, TEP had the following firm, non-cancelable, minimum purchase obligations and operating leases:
Fuel
TEP has long-term contracts for the purchase and delivery of coal with various expiration dates through 2031. Amounts paid under these contracts depend on actual quantities purchased and delivered. Some of these contracts include a price adjustment clause that will affect the future cost. TEP expects to spend more than the minimum purchase obligations to meet its fuel requirements. TEP's fuel costs are recoverable from customers through the PPFAC.
UNS Gas purchases gas from various supplies at market prices. However, UNS Gas' risk of loss due to increased costs is mitigated through the use of the PGA, which provides for the pass-through of actual commodity costs to customers. UNS Gas' forward gas purchase agreements expire through 2016. Certain of these contracts are at a fixed price per Million British Thermal Units (MMbtu) and others are indexed to natural gas prices. The commitment amounts included in the table are based on projected marked prices as of December 31, 2013. UNS Gas has firm transportation agreements with capacity sufficient to meet its load requirements. These contracts expire in various years between 2016 and 2023.
Purchased Power and Transmission
TEP and UNS Electric have agreements with utilities and other energy suppliers for purchased power to meet system load and energy requirements, replace generation from company-owned units under maintenance and during outages, and meet operating reserve obligations. In general, these contracts provide for capacity payments and energy payments based on actual power taken under the contracts. These contracts expire in 2014 and 2015. Certain of these contracts are at a fixed price per MW and others are indexed to natural gas prices. The commitment amounts included in the table are based on projected market prices as of December 31, 2013.
K-110
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
TEP has agreements with other utilities to provide transmission services. These contracts expire in various years between 2018 and 2028. UNS Electric imports the power it purchases over the Western Area Power Administration's (WAPA) transmission lines. UNS Electric's transmission capacity agreements with WAPA provide for annual rate adjustments and expire in 2016.
TEP's and UNS Electric's purchased power and transmission costs are recoverable from customers through their respective PPFAC mechanisms.
Renewable Power Purchase Agreements and RES Performance-Based Incentives
TEP and UNS Electric have entered into 20 year Renewable Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) which require TEP and UNS Electric to purchase 100% of the output of certain renewable energy generation facilities that have achieved commercial operation. TEP has entered into additional long-term renewable PPAs to comply with RES requirements; however, TEP’s obligation to purchase power under these agreements does not begin until the facilities are operational. A portion of the cost of renewable energy is recoverable through the PPFAC, with the balance of costs recoverable through the RES tariff. See Note 3.
TEP and UNS Electric have entered into REC purchase agreements to purchase the environmental attributes from retail customers with solar installations. Payments for the RECs are termed Performance-Based Incentives (PBIs) and are paid in contractually agreed-upon intervals (usually quarterly) based on metered renewable energy production. PBIs are recoverable through the RES tariff. See Note 3.
Operating Leases
Our operating lease expense is primarily for rail cars, office facilities, land easements, and rights of way with varying terms, provisions, and expiration dates. UNS Energy's operating lease expense totaled $3 million in each of 2013, 2012, and 2011, and TEP's operating lease expense totaled $2 million in each of 2013, 2012, and 2011.
TEP CONTINGENCIES
Potential Purchase of Gas-Fired Generation Facility
In 2013, TEP and UNS Electric entered into an agreement to purchase a gas-fired generation facility; see Note 8.
Claim Related to San Juan Generating Station
San Juan Coal Company (SJCC) operates an underground coal mine in an area where certain gas producers have oil and gas leases with the federal government, the State of New Mexico, and private parties. These gas producers allege that SJCC’s underground coal mine interferes with their operations, reducing the amount of natural gas they can recover. SJCC compensated certain gas producers for any remaining production from wells deemed close enough to the mine to warrant plugging and abandoning them. These settlements, however, do not resolve all potential claims by gas producers in the area. TEP owns 50% of Units 1 and 2 at San Juan Generating Station (San Juan), which represents approximately 20% of the total generation capacity at San Juan, and is responsible for its share of any settlements. TEP cannot estimate the impact of any future claims by these gas producers on the cost of coal at San Juan.
In August 2013, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed regulations that, among other things, redefine the term “underground mine” to exclude high-wall mining operations and impose a higher surface mine coal royalty on high-wall mining. SJCC utilized high-wall mining techniques at its surface mines prior to beginning underground mining operations in January 2003. If the proposed regulations become effective, SJCC may be subject to additional royalties on coal delivered to San Juan between August 2000 and January 2003 totaling approximately $5 million of which TEP’s proportionate share would approximate $1 million. TEP cannot predict the final outcome of the BLM’s proposed regulations.
Claims Related to Four Corners Generating Station
In October 2011, EarthJustice, on behalf of several environmental organizations, filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico against Arizona Public Service Company (APS) and the other Four Corners Generating Station (Four Corners) participants alleging violations of the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) provisions of the Clean Air Act at Four Corners. In January 2012, EarthJustice amended their complaint alleging violations of New Source Performance Standards resulting from equipment replacements at Four Corners. Among other things, the plaintiffs seek to have the court issue an order to cease operations at Four Corners until any required PSD permits are issued and order the payment of civil penalties, including a beneficial mitigation project. In April 2012, APS filed motions to dismiss with the court for all claims asserted by EarthJustice in the amended complaint. The joint participants have applied to have the matter stayed until March 17, 2014 in furtherance of settlement talks.
K-111
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
TEP owns 7% of Four Corners Units 4 and 5 and is liable for its share of any resulting liabilities. TEP cannot predict the final outcome of the claims relating to Four Corners, and, due to the general and non-specific nature of the claims and the indeterminate scope and nature of the injunctive relief sought for this claim, TEP cannot determine estimates of the range of loss at this time. TEP accrued estimated losses of less than $1 million in 2011 for this claim based on its share of a settlement offer to resolve the claim.
In May 2013, the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department issued a notice of assessment for coal severance tax, penalties, and interest totaling $30 million to the coal supplier at Four Corners. The coal supplier and Four Corners’ operating agent intend to contest the validity of the assessment on behalf of the participants in Four Corners, who will be liable for their share of any resulting liabilities. TEP’s share of the assessment based on its ownership of Four Corners is approximately $1 million. TEP cannot predict the outcome or timing of resolution of this claim.
Mine Closure Reclamation at Generating Stations Not Operated by TEP
TEP pays ongoing reclamation costs related to coal mines that supply generating stations in which TEP has an ownership interest but does not operate. TEP is liable for a portion of final reclamation costs upon closure of the mines servicing Navajo, San Juan, and Four Corners. TEP’s share of reclamation costs at all three mines is expected to be $44 million upon expiration of the coal supply agreements, which expire between 2017 and 2031. The reclamation liability (present value of future liability) recorded was $18 million at December 31, 2013 and $16 million at December 31, 2012.
Amounts recorded for final reclamation are subject to various assumptions, such as estimations of reclamation costs, the dates when final reclamation will occur, and the credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate to be used to discount future liabilities. As these assumptions change, TEP will prospectively adjust the expense amounts for final reclamation over the remaining coal supply agreements’ terms. TEP does not believe that recognition of its final reclamation obligations will be material to TEP in any single year because recognition will occur over the remaining terms of its coal supply agreements.
TEP’s PPFAC allows us to pass through most fuel costs, including final reclamation costs, to customers. Therefore, TEP classifies these costs as a regulatory asset by increasing the regulatory asset and the reclamation liability over the remaining life of the coal supply agreements and recovers the regulatory asset through the PPFAC as final mine reclamation costs are paid to the coal suppliers.
Discontinued Transmission Project
TEP and UNS Electric had initiated a project to jointly construct a 60-mile transmission line from Tucson, Arizona to Nogales, Arizona in response to an order by the ACC to UNS Electric to improve the reliability of electric service in Nogales. TEP and UNS Electric will not proceed with the project based on the cost of the proposed 345-kV line, the difficulty in reaching agreement with the Forest Service on a path for the line, and concurrence by the ACC of recent transmission plans filed by TEP and UNS Electric supporting elimination of this project. As part of the 2013 TEP Rate Order, TEP agreed to seek recovery of the project costs from FERC before seeking rate recovery from the ACC. See Note 3. In 2012, TEP wrote off $5 million of the capitalized costs believed not probable of recovery and recorded a regulatory asset of $5 million for the balance deemed probable of recovery.
Performance Guarantees
The participants in each of the remote generating stations in which TEP participates, including TEP, have guaranteed certain performance obligations of the other participants. Specifically, in the event of payment default of a participant, the non-defaulting participants have agreed to bear a proportionate share of expenses otherwise payable by the defaulting participant. In exchange, the non-defaulting participants are entitled to receive their proportionate share of the generating capacity of the defaulting participants. TEP's joint participation agreements expire in 2016 through 2046.
UNS ELECTRIC CONTINGENCIES
Potential Purchase of Gas-Fired Generation Facility
In 2013, TEP and UNS Electric entered into an agreement to purchase a gas-fired generation facility. See Note 8.
K-112
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Environmental Regulation
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits the amount of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter, mercury and other emissions released into the atmosphere by power plants. TEP capitalized $5 million in 2013, $2 million in 2012, and $8 million in 2011 in construction costs to comply with environmental requirements. TEP expects to capitalize environmental compliance costs of $12 million in 2014 and $36 million in 2015. In addition, TEP recorded O&M expenses of $8 million in 2013, $15 million in 2012, and $12 million in 2011. TEP expects environmental O&M expenses to be $5 million in each of 2014 and 2015.
TEP may incur added costs to comply with future changes in federal and state environmental laws, regulations, and permit requirements at its power plants. Complying with these changes may reduce operating efficiency. TEP expects to recover the cost of environmental compliance from its ratepayers.
Hazardous Air Pollutant Requirements
In February 2012, the EPA issued final rules for the control of mercury emissions and other hazardous air pollutants from power plants. Based on the EPA's final Mercury and Air Toxics (MATs) rule, additional emission control equipment will be required by 2015. The estimated costs include:
TEP expects Sundt and San Juan's current emission controls to be adequate to comply with the EPA's final standards.
Regional Haze Rules
The EPA's Regional Haze Rules require emission controls known as BART for certain industrial facilities emitting air pollutants that reduce visibility in national parks and wilderness areas. The rules call for all states to establish goals and emission reduction strategies for improving visibility. States must submit these goals and strategies to the EPA for approval. Because Navajo and Four Corners are located on the Navajo Indian Reservation, they are not subject to state oversight; the EPA oversees regional haze planning for these power plants.
In the western U.S., Regional Haze BART determinations have focused on controls for NOx, often resulting in a requirement to install SCRs. Complying with the EPA’s BART rules, and with other future environmental rules, may make it economically impractical to continue operating the Navajo, San Juan, and Four Corners power plants or for individual owners to continue to participate in these power plants. TEP cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters.
TEP's estimated potential costs involved in meeting these rules are:
(1)
The EPA is considering a better-than-BART plan wherein: one unit at Navajo will be shut down by 2020; SCR installation (or the equivalent) will be installed on the remaining two units by 2030; and conventional coal-fired generation will cease by December 2044. TEP expects the EPA to reach a decision in 2014. In addition, the installation of SCR technology could increase particulates which may require that baghouses be installed. The additional capital cost of baghouses approximates $43 million with O&M on the baghouses expected to be less than $1 million per year.
K-113
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(2)
The Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) requires SCR; as part of a proposal for an alternative, PNM, the State of New Mexico, and the EPA signed a non-binding agreement in which PNM agreed to close Units 2 & 3 by December 31, 2017 and install SNCRs on Units 1 & 4 by January 2016 or later. The State of New Mexico has submitted this plan to the EPA for approval. TEP expects the EPA will reach a decision in 2014. TEP owns 50% of San Juan Unit 2. At December 31, 2013, the net book value of TEP's share in San Juan Unit 2 was $113 million. If Unit 2 is retired early, we expect to request ACC approval to recover, over a reasonable time period, all costs associated with the early closure of the unit.
(3)
On December 30, 2013, APS, on behalf of the co-owners of Four Corners, notified the EPA that they have chosen the alternative BART compliance strategy; APS closed Units 1, 2, and 3 in December 2013 and has agreed to the installation of SCR on Units 4 & 5 by July 31, 2018. TEP owns 7% of Four Corners Units 4 and 5.
(4) In January 2014, the EPA issued a proposal that would require TEP to either (i) install SNCR by mid-2017 or (ii) eliminate the use of coal by the end of 2017 as a better-than-BART alternative. Under the proposal, TEP would be required to notify the EPA of its decision by July 31, 2015. The EPA is expected to issue a final BART determination by July 2014. At December 31, 2013, the net book value of the Sundt coal handling facilities was $27 million. If the coal handling facilities are retired early, we expect to request ACC approval to recover, over a reasonable time period, all the remaining costs of the coal handling facilities.
BART provisions of Regional Haze Rules requiring emission control upgrades do not apply to Springerville because the plant was built after the BART-applicable dates.
NOTE 8. POTENTIAL PURCHASE OF GAS-FIRED GENERATION FACILITY
On December 23, 2013, TEP and UNS Electric entered into a purchase agreement with a subsidiary of Entegra to purchase Gila River Generating Station Unit 3 for $219 million, subject to certain closing adjustments. Gila River Unit 3, a gas-fired combined cycle unit with a nominal capacity rating of 550 MW, is located in Gila Bend, Arizona. TEP expects to purchase a 75% undivided interest in Gila River Unit 3 (413 MW) for approximately $164 million, and UNS Electric expects to purchase the remaining 25% undivided interest (137 MW) for approximately $55 million. TEP and UNS Electric expect the transaction to close in December 2014, subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. In December 2013, UNS Electric filed an application for an accounting order with the ACC requesting authorization for UNS Electric to defer for future recovery specific non-fuel operating costs associated with Gila River Unit 3.
TEP expects to provide a letter of credit in March 2014 for $15 million to satisfy a condition of the purchase agreement. The seller of Gila River Unit 3 would be entitled to draw upon the letter of credit and apply such amount as liquidated damages if it has validly terminated the Purchase Agreement as a result of misrepresentations by TEP and UNS Electric or the failure of TEP and UNS Electric to close the transaction when the closing conditions have been satisfied. Upon the close of the transaction, the letter of credit would be canceled.
K-114
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 9. INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the United States statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to pre-tax income due to the following:
Investment Tax Credit Basis Adjustment - Creation of Regulatory Asset
Renewable energy assets are eligible for investment tax credits. We reduce the income tax basis of those qualifying assets by half of the related investment tax credit. Historically, the difference between the income tax basis of the asset and the book basis under GAAP was recorded as a deferred tax liability with an offsetting charge to income tax expense in the year the qualifying asset was placed in service. In June 2013, we recorded a regulatory asset and corresponding reduction of income tax expense of $11 million to recover previously recorded income tax expense through future rates as a result of the 2013 TEP Rate Order. The regulatory asset will be amortized as income tax expense as the qualifying assets are depreciated.
Income tax expense included in the income statements consists of the following:
K-115
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities consist of the following:
The net deferred income tax liability on the balance sheet is as follows:
The unregulated investment loss deferred tax asset includes $7 million of capital loss at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The deferred tax asset can only be used if the company has capital gains to offset the losses. Management believes that it is more likely than not that the company will not be able to generate future capital gains. As a result, UNS Energy recorded a $7 million valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012. Management believes that based on its historical pattern of taxable income, UNS Energy will produce sufficient income in the future to realize all other deferred income tax assets. TEP has recorded a $2 million valuation allowance against state tax credit carryforward deferred tax assets at December 31, 2013. Management believes TEP will not produce sufficient taxable income to use all state tax credits before they expire.
K-116
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Income Tax Position
As of December 31, 2013, UNS Energy and TEP had the following carryforward amounts:
If the pending Merger is approved there would be an annual limitation on the amount of carryforwards that can be utilized.
Excess Tax Benefit Realized from Share-Based Compensation Plans
UNS Energy records excess tax benefits as an increase to Common Stock when tax deductions for share-based compensation exceed the expense recorded in the financial statements and they result in a reduction to income taxes payable. As of December 31, 2013, UNS Energy had $4 million of excess tax benefits that were not recorded in Common Stock. The excess benefits will be recorded in Common Stock when the Federal net operating loss carryforwards of $266 million are used.
Uncertain Tax Positions
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of unrecognized tax benefits follows:
Unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would not reduce income tax expense at December 31, 2013. Unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would reduce income tax expense by $1 million at December 31, 2012 for both UNS Energy and TEP.
UNS Energy and TEP recognized a $1 million reduction to interest expense in 2013 and no reduction in 2012. UNS Energy and TEP had no interest payable balance at December 31, 2013 and $1 million at December 31, 2012. We have no penalties accrued in the years presented.
In February 2013, we received a favorable ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allowing us to deduct up-front incentive payments to customers who install renewable energy resources. These customers transfer environmental attributes or RECs associated with their renewable installations to us over the expected life of the contract for an up-front incentive payment based on the generating capacity of their installation. As a result of the IRS ruling in the first quarter of 2013, UNS Energy reduced unrecognized tax benefits by $28 million, and TEP reduced unrecognized tax benefits by $22 million. The changes in tax benefits primarily affected the balance sheets.
UNS Energy and TEP have been audited by the IRS through tax year 2010 and the IRS has provided notice of intent to audit the 2011 tax returns. UNS Energy and TEP are not currently under audit by any state tax agencies. The balance in unrecognized tax benefits could change in the next 12 months as a result of ongoing IRS audits, but we are unable to determine the amount of change.
K-117
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Tangible Property Regulations
In September 2013, the U.S. Treasury Department released final income tax regulations on the deduction and capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property. These final regulations apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. Several of the provisions within the regulations will require a tax accounting method change to be filed with the IRS resulting in a cumulative effect adjustment. The adoption of these regulations by UNS Energy and TEP resulted in a $4 million increase to plant-related deferred tax liabilities and net operating loss deferred tax assets at December 31, 2013.
NOTE 10. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
PENSION BENEFIT PLANS
We sponsor three noncontributory, defined benefit pension plans for substantially all employees and certain affiliate employees. Benefits are based on years of service and average compensation. We fund the pension plans by contributing at least the minimum amount required under Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations.
We also maintain a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) for executive management.
OTHER RETIREE BENEFIT PLANS
TEP provides limited health care and life insurance benefits for retirees. Active TEP employees may become eligible for these benefits if they reach retirement age while working for TEP or an affiliate. UNS Electric and UNS Gas provide retiree medical benefits for current retirees. UNS Electric's and UNS Gas' active employees are not eligible for retiree medical benefits.
TEP funds its other retiree benefits for classified employees through a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA). TEP contributed $3 million in each of 2013 and 2012 and $2 million in 2011 to the VEBA. Other retiree benefits for unclassified employees are self funded.
TEP’s other retiree benefit plan was amended in 2012 to increase the participant contributions for classified employees who retire after February 1, 2014. The effect on the benefit obligation was less than $1 million.
REGULATORY RECOVERY
We record changes in our non-SERP pension plans and other retiree benefit plan, not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost, as a regulatory asset, as such amounts are probable of future recovery in the rates charged to retail customers. Changes in the SERP obligation, not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost, are recorded in Other Comprehensive Income since SERP expense is not currently recoverable in rates.
The pension and other retiree benefit related amounts (excluding tax balances) included on the UNS Energy balance sheet are:
The table above includes accrued pension benefit liabilities for UNS Electric and UNS Gas of approximately $5 million at December 31, 2013 and $9 million at December 31, 2012. The table also includes an other retiree benefit liability of $1 million for UNS Electric and UNS Gas for each period presented.
K-118
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
OBLIGATIONS AND FUNDED STATUS
We measured the actuarial present values of all pension benefit obligations and other retiree benefit plans at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The table below includes TEP’s, UNS Electric’s, and UNS Gas’ plans. All plans have projected benefit obligations in excess of fair value of plan assets for each period presented. The status of our pension benefit and other retiree benefit plans are summarized below:
(1)
TEP made $22 million in pension contributions and $6 million in other retiree benefits contributions in 2013 and $20 million in pension contributions and $5 million of other retiree benefits contributions in 2012. In 2014, UNS Energy expects to contribute $10 million to the pension plans, including $9 million in contributions by TEP.
The table above includes the following for UNS Electric and UNS Gas:
•
Pension benefit obligations of $21 million at December 31, 2013 and $23 million at December 31, 2012;
•
Plan assets of $16 million at December 31, 2013 and $14 million at December 31, 2012; and
•
A retiree benefit obligation of $1 million at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
The following table provides the components of UNS Energy’s regulatory assets and accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost as of the dates presented:
The accumulated benefit obligation aggregated for all pension plans is $314 million at December 31, 2013 and $334 million at December 31, 2012.
K-119
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
At December 31, 2012, all four UNS Energy defined benefit pension plans had accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets. Due to 2013 contributions, returns on plan assets, and the favorable impact of the increase in the discount rate on the accumulated benefit obligations, only the SERP, which is unfunded, and the UES plan have accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2013.
UNS Energy’s net periodic benefit plan cost, comprised primarily of TEP's cost, includes the following components:
Approximately 21% of the net periodic benefit cost was capitalized as a cost of construction and the remainder was included in income.
The changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as regulatory assets or in AOCI are as follows:
For all pension plans, we amortize prior service costs on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under the plan. We will amortize $4 million estimated net loss and less than $1 million prior service cost from other regulatory assets and less than $1 million prior service cost from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost in 2014. The estimated prior service benefit for the other retiree benefit plan that will be amortized from other regulatory assets into net periodic benefit cost in 2014 is less than $1.0 million.
K-120
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Net periodic benefit cost is subject to various assumptions and determinations, such as the discount rate, the rate of compensation increase, and the expected return on plan assets.
We use a combination of sources in selecting the expected long-term rate-of-return-on-assets assumption, including an investment return model. The model used provides a “best-estimate” range over 20 years from the 25th percentile to the 75th percentile. The model, used as a guideline for selecting the overall rate-of-return-on-assets assumption, is based on forward looking return expectations only. The above method is used for all asset classes.
Changes that may arise over time with regard to these assumptions and determinations will change amounts recorded in the future as net periodic benefit cost. The assumed health care cost trend rates follow:
Assumed health care cost trend rates significantly affect the amounts reported for health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on the December 31, 2013, amounts:
PENSION PLAN AND OTHER RETIREE BENEFIT ASSETS
Pension Assets
We calculate the fair value of plan assets on December 31, the measurement date. Pension plan asset allocations, by asset category, on the measurement date were as follows:
K-121
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following tables set forth the fair value measurements of pension plan assets by level within the fair value hierarchy:
Level 1 cash equivalents are based on observable market prices and are comprised of the fair value of commercial paper, money market funds, and certificates of deposit.
Level 2 investments comprise amounts held in commingled equity funds, United States bond funds, and real estate funds. Valuations are based on active market quoted prices for assets held by each respective fund.
Level 3 real estate investments were valued using a real estate index value. The real estate index value was developed based on appraisals comprising 85% of real estate assets tracked by the index in 2013 and comprising 87% in 2012.
Level 3 private equity funds are classified as funds-of-funds. They are valued based on individual fund manager valuation models.
The tables above reflecting the fair value measurements of pension plan assets include Level 2 assets for the UNS Electric and UNS Gas pension plan of $16 million at December 31, 2013 and $14 million at December 31, 2012.
The following tables set forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of pension assets classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. There were no transfers in or out of Level 3.
K-122
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
UNS Electric and UNS Gas have no pension assets classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Pension Plan Investments
Investment Goals
Asset allocation is the principal method for achieving each pension plan’s investment objectives while maintaining appropriate levels of risk. We consider the projected impact on benefit security of any proposed changes to the current asset allocation policy. The expected long-term returns and implications for pension plan sponsor funding are reviewed in selecting policies to ensure that current asset pools are projected to be adequate to meet the expected liabilities of the pension plans. We expect to use asset allocation policies weighted most heavily to equity and fixed income funds, while maintaining some exposure to real estate and opportunistic funds. Within the fixed income allocation, long-duration funds may be used to partially hedge interest rate risk.
Risk Management
We recognize the difficulty of achieving investment objectives in light of the uncertainties and complexities of the investment markets. We also recognize some risk must be assumed to achieve a pension plan’s long-term investment objectives. In establishing risk tolerances, the following factors affecting risk tolerance and risk objectives will be considered: plan status, plan sponsor financial status and profitability, plan features, and workforce characteristics. We have determined that the pension plans can tolerate some interim fluctuations in market value and rates of return in order to achieve long-term objectives. TEP tracks each pension plan’s portfolio relative to the benchmark through quarterly investment reviews. The reviews consist of a performance and risk assessment of all investment categories and on the portfolio as a whole. Investment managers for the pension plan may use derivative financial instruments for risk management purposes or as part of their investment strategy. Currency hedges may also be used for defensive purposes.
Relationship between Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations
The overall health of each plan will be monitored by comparing the value of plan obligations (both Accumulated Benefit Obligation and Projected Benefit Obligation) against the fair value of assets and tracking the changes in each. The frequency of this monitoring will depend on the availability of plan data, but will be no less frequent than annually via actuarial valuation.
K-123
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Target Allocation Percentages
The current target allocation percentages for the major asset categories of the plan as of December 31, 2013 follow. Each plan allows a variance of +/- 2% from these targets before funds are automatically rebalanced.
Pension Fund Descriptions
For each type of asset category selected by the Pension Committee, our investment consultant assembles a group of third-party fund managers and allocates a portion of the total investment to each fund manager. In the case of the private equity fund, our investment consultant directs investments to a private equity manager that invests in third-parties’ funds.
Other Retiree Benefit Assets
As of December 31, 2013, the fair value of VEBA trust assets was $10 million, of which $4 million were fixed income investments and $6 million were equities. As of December 31, 2012, the fair value of VEBA trust assets was $7 million, of which $3 million were fixed income investments and $4 million were equities. The VEBA trust assets are primarily Level 2. There are no Level 3 assets in the VEBA trust.
ESTIMATED FUTURE BENEFIT PAYMENTS
TEP expects the following benefit payments to be made by the defined benefit pension plans and other retiree benefit plan, which reflect future service, as appropriate.
One of TEP’s noncontributory defined benefit pension plans was amended in 2012 to allow terminated participants to elect early retirement benefits equal to the actuarial equivalent of the participant’s termination retirement benefit. The impact of the amendment on estimated future benefit payments was approximately $5 million in total, and the effect on the pension benefit obligation was less than $1 million.
UNS Electric and UNS Gas expect annual benefit payments, made by the defined benefit pension and retiree plans, to be approximately $7 million in 2014 through 2018, and $9 million in 2019 through 2023.
DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN
We offer a defined contribution savings plan to all eligible employees. The Internal Revenue Code identifies the plan as a qualified 401(k) plan. Participants direct the investment of contributions to certain funds in their account which may include a UNS Energy stock fund. We match part of a participant’s contributions to the plan. TEP made matching contributions to the plan of $5 million in each of 2013, 2012, and 2011. UNS Electric and UNS Gas made matching contributions of less than $1 million in each of 2013, 2012, and 2011.
K-124
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 11. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
Under the UNS Energy 2011 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan (2011 Plan), the Compensation Committee of the UNS Energy Board of Directors (Compensation Committee) may issue various types of share-based compensation, including stock options, restricted stock units, and performance shares. The total number of shares which may be awarded under the 2011 Plan cannot exceed 1.2 million shares.
STOCK OPTIONS
Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant, vest over three years, become exercisable in one-third increments on each anniversary date of the grant, and expire on the tenth anniversary of the grant. We recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the service period for the total award based on the grant date fair value of the options less estimated forfeitures. For awards granted to retirement-eligible officers, we recognize compensation expense immediately. No stock options were granted by the Compensation Committee in 2013, 2012, or 2011.
See summary of stock option activity in the table below:
See summary of stock options in the tables below:
RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS AND PERFORMANCE SHARES
Restricted Stock Units
In 2013, 2012, and 2011, the Compensation Committee granted restricted stock units to non-employee directors. We recognize compensation expense equal to the fair valuin the tablee on the grant date over the one-year vesting period. The grant date fair value was calculated by reducing the grant date share price by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the shares during the vesting period. Fully vested but undistributed non-employee director stock unit awards accrue dividend equivalent stock units based on the fair market value of common shares on the date the dividend is paid. We issue Common Stock for the vested stock units in the January following the year the person is no longer a director.
In 2013, the Compensation Committee granted restricted stock units to certain management employees. The restricted stock units vest on the third anniversary of grant and are distributed in shares of Common Stock upon vesting. We recognize compensation expense equal to the fair value on the grant date over the vesting period. The grant date fair value was the closing Common Stock market price on the date of grant. These restricted stock units accrue dividend equivalents during the vesting period, which are distributed in shares of Common Stock upon vesting.
K-125
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
See summary of restricted stock units awarded in the table below:
Performance Shares
In 2013, 2012, and 2011, the Compensation Committee granted performance share awards to certain management employees. Half of the performance share awards will be paid out in Common Stock based on UNS Energy’s compound annualized Total Shareholder Return (TSR) relative to the companies included in the Edison Electric Institute Utility Index for the three-year performance period. The grant date fair values of these awards were derived based on a Monte Carlo simulation. We recognize compensation expense equal to the fair value on the grant date over the vesting period if the requisite service period is fulfilled, whether or not the threshold is achieved. The remaining half will be paid out in Common Stock based on cumulative net income (CNI) for the three-year performance period. The grant date fair values of these awards were the closing Common Stock market prices on the dates of grant. We recognize compensation expense equal to the fair value on the grant date over the requisite service period only for the awards that ultimately vest.
The performance shares vest based on the achievement of these goals by the end of the three-year performance period; any unearned awards are forfeited. Performance shares accrue dividend equivalents during the performance period, which are paid upon vesting.
See summary of performance shares awarded in the table below:
At December 31, 2013, upon completion of the three-year performance period, 68,158 shares were earned and vested based on goal attainment at 150% of target for the awards based on TSR and 57.8% of target for the awards based on CNI; 28,682 shares were unearned and forfeited. The vested performance shares also earned 8,521 in dividend equivalent shares.
See summary of restricted stock units and performance shares current year activity in the table below:
The total fair value of restricted stock units and performance shares vested were as follows:
Common Stock shares totaling 57,253 in 2013, 31,058 in 2012, and 56,705 in 2011 were issued with no additional increase in equity as the expense was previously recognized over the vesting period.
K-126
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE
In 2013, UNS Energy and TEP recorded share-based compensation expense of $3 million. In 2012 and 2011, UNS Energy recorded share-based compensation expense of $3 million, $2 million of which related to TEP. No share-based compensation was capitalized as part of the cost of an asset. UNS Energy did not realize a tax deduction from the exercise of share-based payment arrangements in 2013 or 2011. In 2012, the actual tax deduction realized from the exercise of share-based payment arrangements totaled less than $0.5 million.
At December 31, 2013, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation was $3 million, which will be recorded as compensation expense over the remaining vesting periods through February 2016. At December 31, 2013, less than 0.5 million shares were awarded but not yet issued, including target performance shares, under the share-based compensation plans.
NOTE 12. UNS ENERGY EARNINGS PER SHARE
We compute basic Earnings Per Share (EPS) by dividing Net Income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could result if outstanding stock options, share-based compensation awards, or UNS Energy's Convertible Senior Notes were exercised or converted into Common Stock. We excluded anti-dilutive stock options and contingently issuable shares from the calculation of diluted EPS. The numerator in calculating diluted EPS is Net Income adjusted for the interest on Convertible Senior Notes (net of tax) that would not be paid if the notes were converted to Common Stock.
The following table illustrates the effect of dilutive securities on net income and weighted average Common Stock outstanding:
(1)
In 2012, the Convertible Senior Notes were converted to Common Stock or redeemed for cash.
K-127
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
We excluded the following outstanding stock options, with an exercise price above market, and contingently issuable shares from our diluted EPS computation as their effect would be anti-dilutive:
NOTE 13. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
DIVIDEND LIMITATIONS
UNS Energy
UNS Energy’s ability to pay cash dividends on Common Stock outstanding depends, in part, upon cash flows from our subsidiaries: TEP, UES, Millennium, and UED, as well as compliance with various debt covenant requirements. UNS Energy and each of its subsidiaries were in compliance with debt covenants at December 31, 2013; therefore, TEP and the other subsidiaries were not restricted from paying dividends.
The merger agreement with Fortis allows UNS Energy's Board of Directors to authorize quarterly dividends of up to $0.48 per share until the merger is completed, including a pro rata dividend determined by the number of days from the last declared record date to the date the merger is completed.
In February 2014, UNS Energy declared a first quarter dividend to shareholders of $0.48 per share of UNS Energy Common Stock. The dividend, totaling approximately $20 million, will be paid on March 25, 2014, to common shareholders of record as of March 13, 2014.
In the first half of 2012, $147 million of the Convertible Senior Notes outstanding were converted into approximately 4.3 million shares of UNS Energy Common Stock increasing common stock equity by $147 million.
TEP
TEP paid dividends to UNS Energy of $40 million in 2013 and $30 million in 2012. TEP paid no dividends to UNS Energy in 2011.
UNS Energy made no capital contributions to TEP in 2013 or 2012, and made capital contributions to TEP of $30 million in 2011.
K-128
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 14. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
A reconciliation of Net Income to Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities follows:
K-129
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS
In 2013, the following non-cash transactions occurred:
•
TEP recorded an increase of $55 million to both Utility Plant Under Capital Leases and Capital Lease Obligations due to TEP's commitment to purchase leased interests in December 2014 and January 2015. See Note 6.
•
In November 2013, TEP issued $100 million of tax-exempt bonds and the proceeds were deposited with the trustee to redeem debt in December 2013. TEP had no cash receipts or payments as a result of this transaction. See Note 6.
•
In March 2013, TEP issued $91 million of tax-exempt bonds and used the proceeds to redeem debt using a trustee. Since the cash flowed through a trust account, the issuance and redemption of debt resulted in a non-cash transaction. See Note 6.
K-130
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
In 2012, the following non-cash transactions occurred:
•
UNS Energy converted $147 million of the previously outstanding $150 million Convertible Senior Notes into Common Shares. See Note 6; and
•
TEP redeemed $193 million of tax-exempt bonds and reissued debt using a trustee. Since the cash flowed through trust accounts, the redemption and reissuance of debt resulted in a non-cash transaction at TEP. See Note 6.
Other non-cash investing and financing activities that affected recognized assets and liabilities but did not result in cash receipts or payments were as follows:
(1)
The non-cash additions to Utility Plant represent accruals for capital expenditures.
(2)
The non-cash net cost of removal of interim retirements represents an accrual for future asset retirement obligations that does not impact earnings.
(3)
The non-cash change in capital lease obligations represents interest accrued for accounting purposes in excess of interest payments.
(4)
The non-cash additions to asset retirement obligations and related capitalized assets represent revision of estimated asset retirement cost due to changes in timing and amount of expected future asset retirement obligations.
NOTE 15. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
We categorize our assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value into the three-level hierarchy based on inputs used to determine the fair value. Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in non-active markets, and pricing models whose inputs are observable, directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable and supported by little or no market activity.
K-131
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE ON A RECURRING BASIS
The following tables present, by level within the fair value hierarchy, UNS Energy’s and TEP’s assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis. These assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
K-132
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(1)
Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash represent amounts held in money market funds and certificates of deposit valued at cost, including interest. Cash Equivalents are included in Cash and Cash Equivalents on the balance sheets. Restricted Cash is included in Investments and Other Property - Other on the balance sheets.
(2)
Rabbi Trust Investments include amounts related to deferred compensation and Supplement Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) benefits held in mutual and money market funds valued at quoted prices traded in active markets. These investments are included in Investments and Other Property - Other on the balance sheets.
(3)
Energy Contracts include gas swap agreements (Level 2), power options (Level 2 or Level 3), gas options (Level 3), forward power purchase and sales contracts (Level 3), and forward power purchase contracts indexed to gas (Level 3), entered into to reduce exposure to energy price risk. These contracts are included in Derivative Instruments on the UNS Energy and TEP balance sheets. The valuation techniques are described below.
(4)
Interest Rate Swaps are valued based on the 3-month or 6-month LIBOR index or the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association municipal swap index. These interest rate swaps are included in Derivative Instruments on the balance sheets.
(5)
All energy contracts are subject to legally enforceable master netting arrangements to mitigate credit risk. We have presented the effect of offset by counterparty; however, we present derivatives on a gross basis on the balance sheets.
K-133
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
We primarily apply the market approach for recurring fair value measurements. When we have observable inputs for substantially the full term of the asset or liability or use quoted prices in an inactive market, we categorize the instrument in Level 2. We categorize derivatives in Level 3 when we use an aggregate pricing service or published prices that represent a consensus reporting of multiple brokers.
For both power and gas prices we obtain quotes from brokers, major market participants, exchanges, or industry publications and rely on our own price experience from active transactions in the market. We primarily use one set of quotations each for power and for gas and then validate those prices using other sources. We believe that the market information provided is reflective of market conditions as of the time and date indicated.
Published prices for energy derivative contracts may not be available due to the nature of contract delivery terms such as non-standard time blocks and non-standard delivery points. In these cases, we apply adjustments based on historical price curve relationships, transmission, and line losses.
We estimate the fair value of our gas options using a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model which includes inputs such as implied volatility, interest rates, and forward price curves. Beginning in the third quarter of 2013, the fair value of our power options is based on contractually specified option premiums instead of the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model because the needed inputs are no longer available. Based on the change, we transferred the power options out of Level 3 and in to Level 2 at the end of third quarter of 2013. The amount transferred was less than $0.5 million. We record transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy at the end of the reporting period. There were no other transfers between levels in the periods presented.
We also consider the impact of counterparty credit risk using current and historical default and recovery rates, as well as our own credit risk using credit default swap data.
Our assessments of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements require judgment and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. We review the assumptions underlying our contracts monthly.
Cash Flow Hedges
The interest rate swap agreements expire through January 2020. The power purchase swap agreement expires in September 2015. The after-tax unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedge activities and amounts reclassified to earnings are reported in the statements of other comprehensive income and Note 16. The loss expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months is estimated to be $4 million.
Financial Impact of Energy Contracts
We record unrealized gains and losses on energy contracts that are recoverable through the PPFAC or PGA on the balance sheets as a regulatory asset or a regulatory liability rather than reporting the transaction in the income statements or in the statements of other comprehensive income, as shown in following tables:
Realized gains and losses on settled contracts are fully recoverable through the PPFAC or PGA. At December 31, 2013, UNS Energy and TEP have energy contracts that will settle through the fourth quarter of 2016.
Derivative Volumes
The volumes associated with our energy contracts were as follows:
K-134
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
The following table provides quantitative information regarding significant unobservable inputs in UNS Energy’s Level 3 fair value measurements:
(1)
TEP comprises $1 million of the forward contract assets and $3 million of the forward contract liabilities.
(2)
TEP comprises less than $1 million of the option contract assets.
Our exposure to risk resulting from changes in the unobservable inputs identified above is mitigated as we report the change in fair value of energy contract derivatives as a regulatory asset or a regulatory liability recoverable through the PPFAC or PGA mechanisms, or as a component of other comprehensive income, rather than in the income statement.
The following tables present a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy:
CREDIT RISK
The use of contractual arrangements to manage the risks associated with changes in energy commodity prices creates credit risk exposure resulting from the possibility of non-performance by counterparties pursuant to the terms of their contractual obligations. We enter into contracts for the physical delivery of energy and gas which contain remedies in the event of non-performance by the supply counterparties. In addition, volatile energy prices can create significant credit exposure from energy market receivables and subsequent measurement at fair value.
We have contractual agreements for energy procurement and hedging activities that contain certain provisions requiring each company to post collateral under certain circumstances. These circumstances include: exposures in excess of unsecured credit limits provided to TEP, UNS Electric, or UNS Gas; credit rating downgrades; or a failure to meet certain financial ratios. In the
K-135
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
event that such credit events were to occur, we would have to provide certain credit enhancements in the form of cash or LOCs to fully collateralize our exposure to these counterparties.
We consider the effect of counterparty credit risk in determining the fair value of derivative instruments that are in a net asset position after incorporating collateral posted by counterparties and allocate the credit risk adjustment to individual contracts. We also consider the impact of our own credit risk after considering collateral posted on instruments that are in a net liability position and allocate the credit risk adjustment to all individual contracts.
Material adverse changes could trigger credit risk-related contingent features. At December 31, 2013, the fair value of derivative instruments in a net liability position under contracts with credit risk-related contingent features was $21 million for UNS Energy and $5 million for TEP. The additional collateral to be posted if credit-risk contingent features were triggered would be $21 million for UNS Energy and $5 million for TEP.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS NOT CARRIED AT FAIR VALUE
The fair value of a financial instrument is the market price to sell an asset or transfer a liability at the measurement date. We use the following methods and assumptions for estimating the fair value of our financial instruments:
•
The carrying amounts of our current assets, current liabilities, including current maturities of long-term debt, and amounts outstanding under our credit agreements approximate the fair values due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. These items have been excluded from the table below.
•
For Investment in Lease Debt, we calculated the present value of remaining cash flows using current market rates for instruments with similar characteristics such as credit rating and time-to-maturity. We also incorporated the impact of counterparty credit risk using market credit default swap data. TEP's Investment in Lease Debt matured in January 2013.
•
For Investment in Lease Equity, we estimate the price at which an investor would realize a target internal rate of return. Our estimates include: the mix of debt and equity an investor would use to finance the purchase; the cost of debt; the required return on equity; and income tax rates. The estimate assumes a residual value based on an appraisal of Springerville Unit 1 conducted in 2011.
•
For Long-Term Debt, we use quoted market prices, when available, or calculate the present value of remaining cash flows at the balance sheet date. When calculating present value, we use current market rates for bonds with similar characteristics such as credit rating and time-to-maturity. We consider the principal amounts of variable rate debt outstanding to be reasonable estimates of the fair value. We also incorporate the impact of our own credit risk using a credit default swap rate.
The use of different estimation methods and/or market assumptions may yield different estimated fair value amounts. The carrying values recorded on the balance sheets and the estimated fair values of our financial instruments include the following:
K-136
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 16. CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME BY COMPONENT
The realized changes in AOCI by component are as follows:
NOTE 17. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of certain obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. On adoption, an entity would recognize and disclose in the financial statements its obligation from a joint and several liability arrangement as the sum of the amount the entity agreed with its co-obligors that it will pay, and any additional amount the entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. This guidance will be effective in the first quarter of 2014. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
The FASB issued guidance which permits an entity to designate the Federal Funds Rate (the interest rate at which depository institutions lend balances to each other overnight) as a benchmark interest rate for fair value and cash flow hedges. Prior to this guidance, only interest rates on direct treasury obligations of the U.S. Government and the LIBOR were considered benchmark interest rates in the U.S. This guidance is effective immediately, and can be applied prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. We have not entered into any new cash flow or fair value hedges since the effective date of this guidance. We do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
The FASB issued new guidance on the financial statement presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. We will be required to comply with the guidance on a prospective basis beginning in the first quarter of 2014. Although adoption of this new guidance may impact how such items are classified on our balance sheets, we do not expect such change to be material. In addition, we do not expect any material changes in the presentations of our other financial statements.
NOTE 18. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
K-137
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Concluded)
Our quarterly financial information is unaudited but, in management’s opinion, includes all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation. Our utility businesses are seasonal in nature. Peak sales periods for TEP and UNS Electric generally occur during the summer while UNS Gas’ sales generally peak during the winter. Accordingly, comparisons among quarters of a year may not represent overall trends and changes in operations.
EPS is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly EPS amounts may not equal the total for the year.
(1) Immaterial variances from quarterly amounts previously reported result from line item reclassifications.
K-138
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts - UNS Energy
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts-TEP
(1)
TEP, UNS Electric, and UNS Gas record additions to the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts based on historical experience and any specific customer collection issues identified. Deductions principally reflect amounts charged off as uncollectible, less amounts recovered. Amounts include reserves for trade receivables, wholesales sales, and in-kind transmission imbalances.
(2)
As the Other reserves are not individually significant, additions and deductions need not be disclosed. Principally reserves for sales tax audits, litigation matters, and damages billable to third parties.
K-139
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. - CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. - CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
UNS Energy’s and TEP’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer supervised and participated in UNS Energy’s and TEP’s evaluation of their disclosure controls and procedures as such term is defined under Rule 13a - 15(e) or Rule 15d - 15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in UNS Energy’s and TEP’s periodic reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. These disclosure controls and procedures are also designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by UNS Energy and TEP in the reports that they file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive and principal financial officers, or person performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based upon the evaluation performed, UNS Energy’s and TEP’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that UNS Energy’s and TEP’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
While UNS Energy and TEP continually strive to improve their disclosure controls and procedures to enhance the quality of their financial reporting, there has been no change in UNS Energy’s or TEP’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2013 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, UNS Energy’s or TEP’s internal control over financial reporting.
UNS Energy’s and TEP’s Management’s Reports on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Under 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley appear as the first two reports under Item 8 in UNS Energy’s and TEP’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for UNS Energy appears as the third report under Item 8, and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for TEP appears as the fourth report under Item 8.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. - OTHER INFORMATION
None.
K-140
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. - DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE OF THE REGISTRANTS
Directors - UNS Energy
*
Board Committees
(1)
Audit
(2)
Compensation
(3)
Corporate Governance and Nominating
(4)
Finance
(5)
Environmental, Safety and Security
K-141
K-142
Directors - TEP
Paul J. Bonavia
Mr. Bonavia has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UNS Energy and TEP since January 2009; he also served as President from January 2009 to December 2011. Prior to joining UNS Energy, Mr. Bonavia served as President of the Utilities Group of Xcel Energy. Mr. Bonavia previously served as President of Xcel Energy’s Commercial Enterprises business unit and President of the company’s Energy Markets unit.
David G. Hutchens
Mr. Hutchens has served as President of UNS Energy and TEP since December 2011. In March 2011, Mr. Hutchens was named Executive Vice President of UNS Energy and TEP. In May 2009, Mr. Hutchens was named Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Resource Planning. In January 2007, Mr. Hutchens was elected Vice President of Wholesale Energy at UNS Energy and TEP. Mr. Hutchens joined TEP in 1995.
Executive Officers of UNS Energy and TEP
See Item 1. Business, Executive Officers of the Registrants.
Information required by Items 401, 405, 406 and 407 (c)(3), (d)(4) and (d)(5) of SEC Regulation S-K will be included in UNS Energy’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2013, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. - EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information concerning Executive Compensation will be contained in UNS Energy’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2013, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. - SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
General
At February 14, 2014, UNS Energy had outstanding 41,633,535 million shares of Common Stock. At February 14, 2014, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by all directors and officers of UNS Energy as a group amounted to 0.7% of the outstanding Common Stock.
At February 14, 2014, UNS Energy owned 100% of the outstanding shares of common stock of TEP.
K-143
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
Information concerning the security ownership of certain beneficial owners of UNS Energy will be contained in UNS Energy’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2013, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Security Ownership of Management
Information concerning the security ownership of the Directors and Executive Officers of UNS Energy will be contained in UNS Energy’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2013, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Information concerning securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans will be contained in UNS Energy’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2013, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. - CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information concerning certain relationships and related transactions, and director independence of UNS Energy and TEP will be contained under Transactions with Management and Others, Director Independence and Compensation Committee Interlocks, and Insider Participation in UNS Energy’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2013, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. - PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information concerning UNS Energy's principal accountant fees and services will be contained in UNS Energy’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2013, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Pre-Approved Policies and Procedures
Rules adopted by the SEC in order to implement requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 require public company audit committees to pre-approve audit and non-audit services. UNS Energy’s Audit Committee has adopted a policy pursuant to which audit, audit-related, tax and other services are pre-approved by category of service. Recognizing that situations may arise where it is in the Company’s best interest for the auditor to perform services in addition to the annual audit of the Company’s financial statements, the policy sets forth guidelines and procedures with respect to approval of the four categories of service designed to achieve the continued independence of the auditor when it is retained to perform such services for UNS Energy. The policy requires the Audit Committee to be informed of each service and does not include any delegation of the Audit Committee’s responsibilities to management. The Audit Committee may delegate to the Chair of the Audit Committee the authority to grant pre-approvals of audit and non-audit services requiring Audit Committee approval where the Audit Committee Chair believes it is desirable to pre-approve such services prior to the next regularly scheduled Audit Committee meeting. The decisions of the Audit Committee Chair to pre-approve any such services from one regularly scheduled Audit Committee meeting to the next shall be reported to the Audit Committee.
Fees
The following table details fees paid to PwC for professional services during 2012 and 2013. The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of services to TEP by PwC, beyond those rendered in connection with their audit and review of the Company’s financial statements, is compatible with maintaining their independence as auditor.
K-144
TEP's fees for principal accountant services are as follows:
Notes:
1)
The decrease in tax fees is for work performed by PWC on behalf of the Company’s Tax Services department to evaluate the tax treatment of repairs and review of the TEP tax rate case during 2012.
Audit fees include fees for the audit of TEP’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and review of financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Audit fees also include services provided by PwC in connection with the audit of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, comfort letters, consents and other services related to SEC matters and financing transactions, statutory and regulatory audits.
K-145
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. - EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
Reference is made to the Exhibit Index commencing on page K-150.
K-146
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 and 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, thereunto duly authorized.
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 and on the dates indicated.
K-147
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 and 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, thereunto duly authorized.
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
Date:
February 25, 2014
By:
/s/ Kevin P. Larson
Kevin P. Larson
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial 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 and on the dates indicated.
K-148
K-149
EXHIBIT INDEX
K-150
K-151
K-152
K-153
K-154
K-155
K-156
K-157
K-158
K-159
K-160
23(b)
-
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - TEP.
24(a)
-
Power of Attorney - UNS Energy.
24(b)
-
Power of Attorney - TEP.
31(a)
-
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act - UNS Energy, by Paul J. Bonavia.
31(b)
-
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act - UNS Energy, by Kevin P. Larson.
31(c)
-
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act - TEP, by Paul J. Bonavia.
31(d)
-
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act - TEP, by Kevin P. Larson.
**32(a)
-
Statements of Corporate Officers (pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) - UNS Energy.
**32(b)
-
Statements of Corporate Officers (pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) - TEP.
-
The following materials from UNS Energy’s and TEP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language):
(a)
UNS Energy’s and TEP’s (i) Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (v) Consolidated Statements of Capitalization, (vi) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity; and
(b)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(*)
Previously filed as indicated and incorporated herein by reference.
K-161