TEP 10Q 6.30.2015
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
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x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015
OR
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¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to .
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Commission File Number 1-5924 |
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
Arizona (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | 86-0062700 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
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88 East Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85701 (Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code) |
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (520) 571-4000 |
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report): N/A |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large Accelerated Filer | ¨ | Accelerated Filer | ¨ | Non-accelerated Filer | x | Smaller Reporting Company | ¨ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
All shares of outstanding common stock of Tucson Electric Power Company are held by its parent company, UNS Energy Corporation, which is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc. There were 32,139,434 shares of common stock, no par value, outstanding as of July 30, 2015.
Table of Contents
DEFINITIONS
The abbreviations and acronyms used in the second quarter 2015 Form 10-Q are defined below: |
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2010 Credit Agreement | | The 2010 Credit Agreement consists of a $200 million revolving credit and LOC facility together with an $82 million LOC facility to support tax-exempt bonds |
2010 TEP Reimbursement Agreement | | Reimbursement Agreement, dated December 14, 2010, between TEP, as borrower, and a financial institution |
2013 Covenants Agreement | | A Lender Rate Mode Covenants Agreement between TEP and the purchasers of $100 million of unsecured tax-exempt bonds that were issued on behalf of TEP in November 2013 and sold in a private placement |
2013 TEP Rate Order | | A rate order issued by the ACC resulting in a new rate structure for TEP, effective July 1, 2013 |
2014 Credit Agreement | | The 2014 Credit Agreement consisted of a $70 million revolving credit commitment and a $130 million term loan commitment portion. The term loan was terminated upon repayment in April 2015. The revolver credit portion was also terminated after repayment. |
ACC | | Arizona Corporation Commission |
APS | | Arizona Public Service Company |
BART | | Best Available Retrofit Technology |
Base O&M | | A non-GAAP financial measure that represents the fundamental level of operating and maintenance expense related to our business |
Base Rates | | The portion of TEP’s Retail Rates attributed to generation, transmission, distribution, and customer costs. Base Rates exclude authorized charges designed to recover specific costs that are passed through to customers including fuel and purchased energy costs, energy efficiency program costs, certain environmental compliance costs, and a portion of renewable energy costs |
Cooling Degree Days | | An index used to measure the impact of weather on energy usage calculated by subtracting 75 from the average of the high and low daily temperatures |
DG | | Distributed Generation |
DSM | | Demand Side Management |
ECA | | Environmental Compliance Adjustor |
EE | | Energy Efficiency |
EPA | | Environmental Protection Agency |
FERC | | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
Fortis | | Fortis Inc., a corporation incorporated under the Corporations Act of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, whose principal executive offices are located at Fortis Place, Suite 1100, 5 Springdale Street, St. John's, NL A1E 0E4 |
Four Corners | | Four Corners Generating Station |
GBtu | | Billion British thermal units |
GWh | | Gigawatt-hour(s) |
Gila River Unit 3 | | Unit 3 of the Gila River Generating Station |
Heating Degree Days | | An index used to measure the impact of weather on energy usage calculated by subtracting the average of the high and low daily temperatures from 65 |
kV | | Kilovolt(s) |
kWh | | Kilowatt-hour(s) |
LFCR | | Lost Fixed Cost Recovery |
LOC | | Letter(s) of Credit |
Merger | | The acquisition of UNS Energy in 2014 pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger between UNS Energy Corporation and FortisUS Inc. |
MMBtu | | Million British thermal units |
MW | | Megawatt(s) |
MWh | | Megawatt-hour(s) |
Navajo | | Navajo Generating Station |
PNM | | Public Service Company of New Mexico |
ppb | | Parts per billion |
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PPFAC | | Purchased Power and Fuel Adjustment Clause |
Regional Haze Rules | | Rules promulgated by the EPA to improve visibility at national parks and wilderness areas |
RES | | Renewable Energy Standard |
Retail Rates | | Rates designed to allow a regulated utility an opportunity to recover its reasonable operating and capital costs and earn a return on its utility plant in service |
San Juan | | San Juan Generating Station |
SCR | | Selective Catalytic Reduction |
SES | | Southwest Energy Solutions, Inc. |
SJCC | | San Juan Coal Company |
SNCR | | Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction |
Springerville | | Springerville Generating Station |
Springerville Coal Handling Facilities | | Coal handling facilities at Springerville used in common by all four Springerville units |
Springerville Coal Handling Facilities Leases | | Leases previously in place for coal handling facilities at Springerville used in common by all four Springerville units |
Springerville Common Facilities | | Facilities at Springerville used in common by all four Springerville units |
Springerville Common Facilities Leases | | Leveraged lease arrangements relating to an undivided one-half interest in certain Springerville Common Facilities |
Springerville Unit 1 | | Unit 1 of the Springerville Generating Station |
Springerville Unit 1 Leases | | Leveraged lease arrangements that were previously in place relating to Springerville Unit 1 and an undivided one-half interest in certain Springerville Common Facilities |
Springerville Unit 2 | | Unit 2 of the Springerville Generating Station |
Springerville Unit 3 | | Unit 3 of the Springerville Generating Station |
Springerville Unit 4 | | Unit 4 of the Springerville Generating Station |
SRP | | Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District |
Sundt | | H. Wilson Sundt Generating Station |
Sundt Unit 4 | | Unit 4 of the H. Wilson Sundt Generating Station |
TEP | | Tucson Electric Power Company, the principal subsidiary of UNS Energy Corporation |
Third-Party Owners | | Wilmington Trust Company and William J. Wade, as Owner Trustee and Co-trustee under a separate trust agreement with each of the remaining two owner participants, Alterna Springerville LLC (Alterna) and LDVF1 TEP LLC (LDVF1) |
Tri-State | | Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. |
UNS Electric | | UNS Electric, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of UNS Energy |
UNS Energy | | UNS Energy Corporation |
UNS Energy affiliates | | Affiliated subsidiaries of UNS Energy including UNS Electric, Inc., UNS Gas, Inc., and Southwest Energy Solutions, Inc. |
UNS Gas | | UNS Gas, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of UNS Energy |
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP) is including the following cautionary statements to make applicable and take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for any forward-looking statements made by or for TEP in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance and underlying assumptions, and other statements that are not statements of historical facts. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as anticipates, estimates, expects, intends, plans, predicts, projects, and similar expressions. From time to time, we may publish or otherwise make available forward-looking statements of this nature. All such forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, and whether made by or on behalf of TEP, are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. In addition, TEP disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report, except as otherwise may be required by the federal securities laws.
Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed therein. We express our expectations, beliefs, and projections in good faith and believe them to have a reasonable basis. However, we make no assurances that management’s expectations, beliefs or projections will be achieved or accomplished. We have identified the following important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in our forward-looking statements. These may be in addition to other factors and matters discussed in: Part I, Item 1A. of our 2014 Form 10-K; Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors; Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis; and other parts of this report. These factors include: state and federal regulatory and legislative decisions and actions; changes in, and compliance with, environmental laws, regulations, decisions, and policies that could increase operating and capital costs, reduce generating facility output or accelerate generating facility retirements; regional economic and market conditions which could affect customer growth and energy usage; changes in energy consumption by retail customers; weather variations affecting energy usage; the cost of debt and equity capital and access to capital markets; the performance of the stock market and changing interest rate environment, which affect the value of our pension and other retiree benefit plan assets and the related contribution requirements and expense; the inability to make additions to our existing high voltage transmission system; unexpected increases in O&M expense; resolution of pending litigation matters; changes in accounting standards; changes in critical accounting estimates; the ongoing impact of mandated energy efficiency and distributed generation initiatives; changes to long-term contracts; the cost of fuel and power supplies; ability to obtain coal from our suppliers; cyber attacks or challenges to our information security; and the performance of TEP's generating plants.
PART I
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| 2015 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2014 |
Operating Revenues | | | | | | | |
Electric Retail Sales | $ | 264,297 |
| | $ | 257,790 |
| | $ | 465,920 |
| | $ | 443,805 |
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Electric Wholesale Sales | 47,674 |
| | 32,555 |
| | 89,136 |
| | 74,639 |
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Other Revenues | 28,204 |
| | 31,273 |
| | 58,512 |
| | 58,687 |
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Total Operating Revenues | 340,175 |
| | 321,618 |
| | 613,568 |
| | 577,131 |
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Operating Expenses | | | | | | | |
Fuel | 77,067 |
| | 68,334 |
| | 147,636 |
| | 135,964 |
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Purchased Power | 36,885 |
| | 52,906 |
| | 67,407 |
| | 75,521 |
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Transmission and Other PPFAC Recoverable Costs | 6,873 |
| | 3,552 |
| | 11,580 |
| | 7,461 |
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Increase (Decrease) to Reflect PPFAC Recovery Treatment | 7,532 |
| | (13,061 | ) | | 10,781 |
| | (14,791 | ) |
Total Fuel and Purchased Energy | 128,357 |
| | 111,731 |
| | 237,404 |
| | 204,155 |
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Operations and Maintenance | 85,655 |
| | 79,772 |
| | 168,300 |
| | 161,117 |
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Depreciation | 34,219 |
| | 31,080 |
| | 68,952 |
| | 61,891 |
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Amortization | 4,619 |
| | 7,377 |
| | 10,181 |
| | 14,476 |
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Taxes Other Than Income Taxes | 12,935 |
| | 12,005 |
| | 26,146 |
| | 23,840 |
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Total Operating Expenses | 265,785 |
| | 241,965 |
| | 510,983 |
| | 465,479 |
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Operating Income | 74,390 |
| | 79,653 |
| | 102,585 |
| | 111,652 |
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Other Income (Deductions) | | | | | | | |
Interest Income | 22 |
| | 165 |
| | 51 |
| | 174 |
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Other Income | 1,436 |
| | 2,187 |
| | 2,058 |
| | 4,099 |
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Other Expense | (656 | ) | | (2,694 | ) | | (1,118 | ) | | (4,809 | ) |
Appreciation (Depreciation) in Value of Investments | (539 | ) | | 624 |
| | 241 |
| | 879 |
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Total Other Income (Deductions) | 263 |
| | 282 |
| | 1,232 |
| | 343 |
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Interest Expense | | | | | | | |
Long-Term Debt | 15,706 |
| | 15,507 |
| | 30,116 |
| | 29,747 |
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Capital Leases | 1,007 |
| | 3,925 |
| | 2,012 |
| | 7,846 |
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Other Interest Expense | 430 |
| | 140 |
| | 864 |
| | 453 |
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Interest Capitalized | (741 | ) | | (1,104 | ) | | (1,196 | ) | | (2,028 | ) |
Total Interest Expense | 16,402 |
| | 18,468 |
| | 31,796 |
| | 36,018 |
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Income Before Income Taxes | 58,251 |
| | 61,467 |
| | 72,021 |
| | 75,977 |
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Income Tax Expense | 20,425 |
| | 22,742 |
| | 24,766 |
| | 28,080 |
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Net Income | $ | 37,826 |
| | $ | 38,725 |
| | $ | 47,255 |
| | $ | 47,897 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
| 2015 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2014 |
Comprehensive Income | | | | | | | |
Net Income | $ | 37,826 |
| | $ | 38,725 |
| | $ | 47,255 |
| | $ | 47,897 |
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Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | | | | | | | |
Net Changes in Fair Value of Cash Flow Hedges: | | | | | | | |
Net of Income Tax (Expense) Benefit of ($282) and ($321) | 441 |
| | 494 |
| | | | |
Net of Income Tax (Expense) Benefit of ($294) and ($667) | | | | | 455 |
| | 975 |
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| | | | | | | |
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Net Loss and Prior Service Cost Amortization: | | | | | | | |
Net of Income Tax (Expense) Benefit of ($38) and ($15) | 61 |
| | 25 |
| | | | |
Net of Income Tax (Expense) Benefit of ($75) and ($30) | | | | | 121 |
| | 49 |
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Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes | 502 |
| | 519 |
| | 576 |
| | 1,024 |
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Total Comprehensive Income | $ | 38,328 |
| | $ | 39,244 |
| | $ | 47,831 |
| | $ | 48,921 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands) |
| | | | | | | |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
| 2015 | | 2014 |
Cash Flows from Operating Activities | | | |
Net Income | $ | 47,255 |
| | $ | 47,897 |
|
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | | | |
Depreciation Expense | 68,952 |
| | 61,891 |
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Amortization Expense | 10,181 |
| | 14,476 |
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Amortization of Deferred Debt-Related Costs included in Interest Expense | 1,499 |
| | 1,285 |
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Provision for Springerville Unit 1 - Third-Party Owners Unrealized Revenue | 11,170 |
| | — |
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Use of Renewable Energy Credits for Compliance | 12,014 |
| | 9,884 |
|
Deferred Income Taxes | 23,835 |
| | 28,081 |
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Pension and Retiree Expense | 9,294 |
| | 6,824 |
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Pension and Retiree Funding | (9,886 | ) | | (5,522 | ) |
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction | (1,419 | ) | | (3,524 | ) |
LFCR and DSM Revenues | (8,298 | ) | | (7,731 | ) |
Increase (Decrease) to Reflect PPFAC Recovery | 10,781 |
| | (14,791 | ) |
Changes in Current Assets and Current Liabilities: | | | |
Accounts Receivable | (44,956 | ) | | (35,498 | ) |
Materials, Supplies and Fuel Inventory | (3,326 | ) | | (3,936 | ) |
Accounts Payable | 2,327 |
| | 6,019 |
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Interest Accrued | (1,132 | ) | | 1,320 |
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Taxes Other Than Income Taxes | 3,760 |
| | 5,247 |
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Other, net | (3,214 | ) | | 1,120 |
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Net Cash Flows – Operating Activities | 128,837 |
| | 113,042 |
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Cash Flows from Investing Activities | | | |
Capital Expenditures | (194,915 | ) | | (157,161 | ) |
Purchase of Intangibles—Renewable Energy Credits | (15,002 | ) | | (13,782 | ) |
Purchase of Springerville Unit 1 Lease Assets | (45,753 | ) | | — |
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Purchase of Springerville Coal Handling Facilities Lease Assets | (120,312 | ) | | — |
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Proceeds from Sale of Springerville Coal Handling Facilities | 23,656 |
| | — |
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Contributions in Aid of Construction | 3,297 |
| | 7,443 |
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Other, net | — |
| | 2,879 |
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Net Cash Flows—Investing Activities | (349,029 | ) | | (160,621 | ) |
Cash Flows from Financing Activities | | | |
Proceeds from Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facility | 148,000 |
| | 105,000 |
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Repayments of Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facility | (233,000 | ) | | (105,000 | ) |
Proceeds from Borrowings Under Term Loan | 130,000 |
| | — |
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Repayments of Borrowings Under Term Loan | (130,000 | ) | | — |
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Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt | 299,019 |
| | 149,168 |
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Repayments of Long-Term Debt | (130,000 | ) | | — |
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Payments of Capital Lease Obligations | (12,440 | ) | | (83,204 | ) |
Payment of Debt Issue/Retirement Costs | (2,920 | ) | | (1,641 | ) |
Contribution from Parent | 180,000 |
| | — |
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Other, net | 898 |
| | 656 |
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Net Cash Flows—Financing Activities | 249,557 |
| | 64,979 |
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Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | 29,365 |
| | 17,400 |
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Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year | 74,170 |
| | 25,335 |
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Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period | $ | 103,535 |
| | $ | 42,735 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands) |
| | | | | | | |
| June 30, | | December 31, |
| 2015 | | 2014 |
ASSETS | | | |
Utility Plant | | | |
Plant in Service | $ | 5,445,939 |
| | $ | 5,175,148 |
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Utility Plant Under Capital Leases | 131,704 |
| | 667,157 |
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Construction Work in Progress | 150,228 |
| | 109,070 |
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Total Utility Plant | 5,727,871 |
| | 5,951,375 |
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Less Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization | (2,153,652 | ) | | (2,052,216 | ) |
Less Accumulated Amortization of Capital Lease Assets | (97,416 | ) | | (473,969 | ) |
Total Utility Plant—Net | 3,476,803 |
| | 3,425,190 |
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| | | |
Investments and Other Property | 37,879 |
| | 37,599 |
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| |
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Current Assets | | | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | 103,535 |
| | 74,170 |
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Accounts Receivable—Customer | 90,747 |
| | 78,061 |
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Accounts Receivable—Other | 25,011 |
| | 16,437 |
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Accounts Receivable—Due from Affiliates | 5,311 |
| | 5,382 |
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Unbilled Accounts Receivable | 60,490 |
| | 36,804 |
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Allowance for Doubtful Accounts-Customer | (4,875 | ) | | (4,885 | ) |
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts-Other | (11,170 | ) | | — |
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Fuel Inventory | 32,102 |
| | 36,368 |
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Materials and Supplies | 89,786 |
| | 86,750 |
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Regulatory Assets—Current | 66,423 |
| | 69,383 |
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Deferred Income Taxes—Current | 80,286 |
| | 102,006 |
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Derivative Instruments | 3,456 |
| | 1,633 |
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Assets Held for Sale | 21,550 |
| | — |
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Other | 26,817 |
| | 21,871 |
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Total Current Assets | 589,469 |
| | 523,980 |
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Regulatory and Other Assets | | | |
Regulatory Assets—Noncurrent | 221,499 |
| | 223,192 |
|
Derivative Instruments | 994 |
| | 300 |
|
Other Assets | 23,420 |
| | 22,161 |
|
Total Regulatory and Other Assets | 245,913 |
| | 245,653 |
|
Total Assets | $ | 4,350,064 |
| | $ | 4,232,422 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
(Continued)
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands) |
| | | | | | | |
| June 30, | | December 31, |
| 2015 | | 2014 |
CAPITALIZATION AND OTHER LIABILITIES | | | |
Capitalization | | | |
Common Stock Equity | $ | 1,443,610 |
| | $ | 1,215,779 |
|
Capital Lease Obligations | 55,295 |
| | 69,438 |
|
Long-Term Debt | 1,462,956 |
| | 1,372,414 |
|
Total Capitalization | 2,961,861 |
| | 2,657,631 |
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Current Liabilities | | | |
Current Obligations Under Capital Leases | 14,643 |
| | 173,822 |
|
Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt | 78,600 |
| | — |
|
Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities | — |
| | 85,000 |
|
Accounts Payable—Trade | 100,902 |
| | 110,480 |
|
Accounts Payable—Due to Affiliates | 3,171 |
| | 2,933 |
|
Accrued Taxes Other than Income Taxes | 39,869 |
| | 36,110 |
|
Accrued Employee Expenses | 19,662 |
| | 15,679 |
|
Accrued Interest | 14,725 |
| | 21,021 |
|
Regulatory Liabilities—Current | 33,022 |
| | 38,847 |
|
Customer Deposits | 19,723 |
| | 20,339 |
|
Derivative Instruments | 15,583 |
| | 18,874 |
|
Other | 13,941 |
| | 9,673 |
|
Total Current Liabilities | 353,841 |
| | 532,778 |
|
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities | | | |
Deferred Income Taxes—Noncurrent | 497,759 |
| | 491,546 |
|
Regulatory Liabilities—Noncurrent | 311,662 |
| | 321,186 |
|
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits | 134,212 |
| | 138,319 |
|
Derivative Instruments | 5,847 |
| | 6,288 |
|
Other | 84,882 |
| | 84,674 |
|
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities | 1,034,362 |
| | 1,042,013 |
|
| | | |
Commitments and Contingencies |
| |
|
| | | |
Total Capitalization and Other Liabilities | $ | 4,350,064 |
| | $ | 4,232,422 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
(Concluded)
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Common Stock | | Capital Stock Expense | | Retained Earnings | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | | Total Stockholder's Equity |
Balances at December 31, 2013 | | $ | 888,971 |
| | $ | (6,357 | ) | | $ | 49,185 |
| | $ | (5,876 | ) | | $ | 925,923 |
|
Net Income | | | | | | 47,897 |
| | | | 47,897 |
|
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax | | | | | | | | 1,024 |
| | 1,024 |
|
Balances at June 30, 2014 | | $ | 888,971 |
| | $ | (6,357 | ) | | $ | 97,082 |
| | $ | (4,852 | ) | | $ | 974,844 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Common Stock | | Capital Stock Expense | | Retained Earnings | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | | Total Stockholder's Equity |
Balances at December 31, 2014 | | $ | 1,116,539 |
| | $ | (6,357 | ) | | $ | 111,523 |
| | $ | (5,926 | ) | | $ | 1,215,779 |
|
Net Income | | | | | | 47,255 |
| | | | 47,255 |
|
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax | | | | | | | | 576 |
| | 576 |
|
Contribution from Parent | | 180,000 |
| | | | | | | | 180,000 |
|
Balances at June 30, 2015 | | $ | 1,296,539 |
| | $ | (6,357 | ) | | $ | 158,778 |
| | $ | (5,350 | ) | | $ | 1,443,610 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
TEP is a regulated utility that generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 417,000 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. TEP is a wholly owned subsidiary of UNS Energy Corporation (UNS Energy), a utility services holding company. UNS Energy is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc. (Fortis), which is a leader in the North American electric and gas utility business.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
We prepared our condensed consolidated financial statements according to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP), including specific accounting guidance for regulated operations, and the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) interim reporting requirements. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TEP and its subsidiaries. In the consolidation process, accounts of the parent and subsidiaries are combined and intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. TEP jointly owns several generating stations and transmission facilities with both affiliated and non-affiliated entities. TEP's proportionate share of jointly owned facilities is recorded as Utility Plant on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and our proportionate share of the operating costs associated with these facilities is included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. These condensed consolidated financial statements exclude some information and footnotes required by GAAP and the SEC for annual financial statement reporting. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but, in management's opinion, include all recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. Because weather and other factors cause seasonal fluctuations in sales, our quarterly results are not indicative of annual operating results.
Certain amounts from prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Most notably, in the third quarter of 2014 following the acquisition of UNS Energy by Fortis, TEP elected to change its method of reporting cash flows from the direct to the indirect method to conform to the presentation method used by Fortis.
RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In 2015, we adopted accounting guidance that limits the circumstances under which a disposal may be reported as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our disclosures, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows as we did not have any activities that required application of this accounting guidance.
NOTE 2. 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. The ACC regulates rates charged to retail customers, the siting of generation and transmission facilities, the issuance of securities, transactions with affiliated parties, and other utility matters. The ACC also enacts other regulations and policies that can affect business decisions and accounting practices. The FERC regulates terms and prices of transmission services and wholesale electricity sales.
COST RECOVERY MECHANISMS
Purchased Power and Fuel Adjustment Clause
The ACC adjusts TEP's Purchased Power and Fuel Adjustment Clause (PPFAC) rate annually each April 1 for the subsequent 12-month period. The PPFAC rates during the periods reported were as follows: |
| | |
Period | Cents per kWh |
April 2015 through March 2016 | 0.68 |
|
October 2014 through March 2015 (1) | 0.50 |
|
May 2014 through September 2014 (1) | 0.10 |
|
July 2013 through April 2014 (2) | (0.14 | ) |
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
| |
(1) | The ACC approved a two-step increase to shift a higher level of recovery into the winter season. |
| |
(2) | The effective date of the 2012 PPFAC rate reduction was deferred to coincide with the effective date of the 2013 Rate Order. |
In September 2011, a fire at the underground mine providing coal to the San Juan Generating Station (San Juan) caused interruptions to mining operations and resulted in increased fuel costs. The 2013 TEP Rate Order required TEP to defer incremental fuel costs of $10 million from recovery under the PPFAC pending final resolution of an insurance claim by the San Juan Coal Company and distribution of insurance proceeds to San Juan participants. As of June 30, 2015, TEP has received insurance settlement proceeds of $8 million. The proceeds offset the deferred costs and are reflected in our cash flow statements as an other operating cash receipt. TEP expects to recover the remaining incremental fuel costs, not reimbursed by insurance, through its PPFAC.
Energy Efficiency Standards
TEP is 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 as well as an annual performance incentive. TEP records its annual DSM performance incentive in March of each year, with $3 million recorded in 2015 and $2 million in 2014 related to performance in each respective prior calendar year. This performance incentive is included in Electric Retail Sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Lost Fixed Cost Recovery Mechanism
The Lost Fixed Cost Recovery (LFCR) mechanism provides recovery of certain non-fuel costs that would go unrecovered due to lost retail kilowatt-hours (kWh) sales as a result of implementing ACC-approved EE programs and distributed generation (DG) targets. TEP records a regulatory asset and recognizes LFCR revenues when the amounts are verifiable regardless of when the lost retail kWh sales occur. For recovery of the LFCR regulatory asset, TEP is required to file an annual LFCR adjustment request with the ACC for the LFCR revenues recognized in the prior year. The recovery is subject to a year-over-year cap of 1% of TEP's total retail revenues.
TEP recorded a regulatory asset and recognized LFCR revenues of $3 million and $5 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. TEP recorded $1 million and $6 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2014. LFCR revenues are included in Electric Retail Sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
TEP requested and the ACC approved, in May 2015, approximately $9 million for lost fixed costs incurred in 2014; recovery was approved with new LFCR rates effective August 2015. TEP requested and the ACC approved, in May 2014, approximately $5 million for lost fixed costs incurred in 2013; recovery was approved with new LFCR rates effective August 2014.
REGULATORY ASSETS
Upon expiration of Springerville Generating Station Unit 1 (Springerville Unit 1) capital leases in January 2015, TEP recorded a regulatory asset of $25 million for unamortized leasehold improvement costs that relate to third-party ownership interests. These leasehold improvements, previously recorded in Plant in Service on the balance sheet, represent investments TEP made through the end of the lease term to ensure that the Springerville Unit 1 facilities continued providing safe, reliable service to TEP's customers. In its 2013 Rate Case, TEP received ACC authorization to recover these costs over a 10-year amortization period for leasehold improvements at the Springerville Unit 1. TEP owns a 49.5% undivided interest in Springerville Unit 1.
NOTE 3. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
TEP engages in various transactions with Fortis, UNS Energy and its affiliated subsidiaries including UniSource Energy Services, Inc., UNS Electric, Inc. (UNS Electric), UNS Gas, Inc. (UNS Gas), and Southwest Energy Solutions, Inc. (SES) (collectively, UNS Energy affiliates). These transactions include the sale and purchase of power, common cost allocations, and the provision of corporate and other labor related services.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following table summarizes related party balances included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets: |
| | | | | | | |
| Balances at |
(in millions) | June 30, 2015 | | December 31, 2014 |
Receivables from Related Parties | | | |
UNS Electric | $ | 4 |
| | $ | 4 |
|
UNS Gas | 1 |
| | 1 |
|
Total Due from Related Parties | $ | 5 |
| | $ | 5 |
|
| | | |
Payables to Related Parties | | | |
SES | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 2 |
|
UNS Energy | 1 |
| | — |
|
UNS Electric | — |
| | 1 |
|
Total Due to Related Parties | $ | 3 |
| | $ | 3 |
|
The following table summarizes related party transactions included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
(in millions) | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2014 |
Wholesale Sales - TEP to UNS Electric (1) | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 1 |
| | $ | 4 |
| | $ | 1 |
|
Wholesale Sales - UNS Electric to TEP (1) | — |
| | — |
| | 1 |
| | 1 |
|
Control Area Services - TEP to UNS Electric (2) | — |
| | — |
| | 1 |
| | 1 |
|
Common Costs - TEP to UNS Energy Affiliates (3) | 3 |
| | 3 |
| | 6 |
| | 6 |
|
Supplemental Workforce - SES to TEP (4) | 4 |
| | 3 |
| | 8 |
| | 7 |
|
Corporate Services - UNS Energy to TEP (5) | 1 |
| | 1 |
| | 2 |
| | 2 |
|
| |
(1) | TEP sells and purchases power with UNS Electric at prevailing market prices. |
| |
(2) | TEP charges UNS Electric for control area services under a FERC-approved Control Area Services Agreement. |
| |
(3) | Common costs (information systems, facilities, etc.) are allocated on a cost-causative basis and recorded as revenue by TEP. The method of allocation is deemed reasonable by management and is reviewed by the ACC as part of the rate case process. |
| |
(4) | SES provides supplemental workforce and meter-reading services to TEP based on related party service agreements. The charges are based on costs of services performed and deemed reasonable by management. |
| |
(5) | Corporate costs at UNS Energy, such as Fortis management fees, legal fees, and audit fees, are allocated to its subsidiaries using the Massachusetts Formula, an industry accepted method of allocating common costs to affiliated entities. TEP's allocation is approximately 81% of UNS Energy's allocated costs. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, these costs included approximately $1 million and $2 million, respectively, in Fortis management fees. For the three and six months of June 30, 2014, these costs included approximately $1 million in merger related costs. |
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE
In January 2015, UNS Energy established a new share-based compensation plan, referred to as the 2015 Share Unit Plan (the Plan), to promote greater alignment of interests between the senior management of UNS Energy and its subsidiaries and the shareholders of Fortis. TEP's allocated share-based compensation expense under the Plan for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 was less than $1 million. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, TEP recognized $1 million of expense under UNS Energy's prior share-based compensation plans.
CONTRIBUTION FROM PARENT
In June 2015, UNS Energy made an equity contribution of $180 million to TEP. TEP used proceeds from the equity contribution to repay the outstanding balances under TEP's revolving credit facilities. The remaining balance of the proceeds is expected to be used to redeem bonds in August 2015 and to provide additional liquidity to TEP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
DIVIDEND PAID
TEP paid no dividends to UNS Energy in the first six months of 2015 and 2014. In July 2015, TEP paid $25 million in dividends to UNS Energy.
NOTE 4. DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS
We summarize below the significant changes to our debt and capital lease obligations from those reported in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Springerville Unit 1 Capital Lease Purchase
In January 2015, upon expiration of the lease term, TEP purchased leased interests comprising 24.8% of Springerville Unit 1, representing 96 megawatts (MW) of capacity, for an aggregate purchase price of $46 million, the appraised value. With the completion of the lease option purchase, TEP owns 49.5% of Springerville Unit 1, or 192 MW of capacity. Furthermore, TEP is obligated to operate the unit for the Third-Party Owners under an existing facility support agreement. The Third-Party Owners are obligated to compensate TEP for their pro rata share of expenses. See Note 5 for additional information regarding the Third-Party Owners.
Springerville Coal Handling Facilities Lease Purchase
In April 2015, upon the expiration of the lease term, TEP purchased an 86.7% undivided ownership interest in the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities at the fixed purchase price of $120 million, bringing its total ownership of the assets to 100%.
In May 2015, Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District (SRP), the owner of Springerville Unit 4, purchased from TEP a 17.05% undivided interest in the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities for approximately $24 million.
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (Tri-State), the lessee of Springerville Unit 3, is obligated to either: 1) buy a 17.05% undivided interest in the facilities for approximately $24 million or 2) continue to make payments to TEP for the use of the facilities. Tri-State has until April 2016 to exercise its purchase option. At June 30, 2015, Tri-State's 17.05% undivided interest in the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities is classified as Assets Held for Sale on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
ISSUANCES AND REDEMPTIONS
In January 2015, amounts borrowed under the term loan portion of the 2014 Credit Agreement were used to purchase $130 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured Industrial Development Revenue Bonds issued in June 2008 by the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) of Pima County for the benefit of TEP. The multi-modal bonds mature in September 2029. At June 30, 2015, TEP had not canceled or remarketed the repurchased bonds and as a result the bonds were not recorded in Long-Term Debt on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
In February 2015, TEP issued and sold $300 million aggregate principal amount of its senior unsecured notes bearing interest at a fixed rate of 3.05% and maturing March 15, 2025. In March 2015, TEP used the net proceeds from the sale to repay $215 million on outstanding borrowings under its credit agreements. In April 2015, the remaining net proceeds were used to pay a portion of the purchase price for its ownership interests in the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities. TEP may redeem the notes prior to December 15, 2024, with a make-whole premium plus accrued interest. On or after December 15, 2024, TEP may redeem the notes at par plus accrued interest. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually, beginning September 15, 2015, and ending at maturity.
In June 2015, TEP issued irrevocable redemption notices for two series of variable rate tax-exempt bonds with an aggregate principal amount of $79 million. These two series of local-furnishing bonds, issued in 1982 by the IDA of Pima County for the benefit of TEP, will be redeemed at par and are backed by letters of credit (LOCs) issued under TEP’s 2010 Credit Agreement. Upon redemption of the bonds in August 2015, the LOCs will be terminated. At June 30, 2015, the bonds are reflected as Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
CREDIT AGREEMENTS
2014 Credit Agreement
In March 2015, net proceeds from the sale of senior unsecured notes were used to repay the outstanding term loan. Per the terms of the agreement, the $130 million term loan could not be reborrowed.
In June 2015, after paying the entire outstanding balance under the revolving credit facility, TEP terminated the credit agreement. As of June 30, 2015, there were no amounts available under the 2014 Credit Agreement revolving credit facility due to the repayment and termination.
2010 Credit Agreement
Interest rates and fees under the 2010 Credit Agreement are based on a pricing grid tied to TEP’s credit ratings. With Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's) increase in TEP's credit rating in February 2015 to A3. The interest rate currently in effect on borrowings decreased to LIBOR plus 1.00% for Eurodollar loans or Alternate Base Rate with no margin for Alternate Base Rate loans. The margin rate currently in effect on the $82 million LOC facility is 1.00%.
As of June 30, 2015, there was $200 million available under the revolving credit facility of the 2010 Credit Agreement. As of July 30, 2015, TEP had $200 million available under the 2010 Credit Agreement revolving credit facility.
2010 TEP REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT
The 2010 TEP Reimbursement Agreement supports $37 million aggregate principal amount of variable rate tax-exempt bonds and includes fees payable on the aggregate outstanding amount. The rate currently in effect decreased to 0.75% per annum after TEP's credit rating upgrade in February 2015.
COVENANT COMPLIANCE
At June 30, 2015, we were in compliance with the terms of our loan and credit agreements.
NOTE 5. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
COMMITMENTS
In addition to those reported in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, TEP entered into the following long-term commitments through June 30, 2015: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in millions) | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2019 | | Thereafter | | Total |
Fuel, Including Transportation | $ | 1 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 46 |
| | $ | 55 |
|
Purchased Power | — |
| | 45 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 45 |
|
Total Purchase Commitments | $ | 1 |
| | $ | 47 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 46 |
| | $ | 100 |
|
CONTINGENCIES
Navajo Generating Station Lease Extension
Navajo Generating Station (Navajo) is located on a site that is leased from the Navajo Nation with an initial lease term through 2019. The Navajo Nation signed a lease amendment that would extend the lease from 2019 through 2044. The participants in Navajo, including TEP, have not signed the lease amendment. Certain participants have expressed an interest in discontinuing their participation in Navajo. Negotiations are ongoing and all parties will likely agree to the terms. To become effective, this lease amendment must be signed by all of the participants, approved by the Department of the Interior, and is subject to environmental reviews. TEP owns 7.5% of Navajo. In the first six months of 2015, TEP recorded additional estimated lease expense of less than $1 million with the expectation that the lease amendment will become effective. At June 30, 2015, TEP's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect a total liability related to the lease amendment of $3 million recorded in Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities—Other.
Claims Related to Springerville Generating Station Unit 1
On November 7, 2014, the Springerville Unit 1 Third-Party Owners filed a complaint (FERC Action) against TEP with the FERC alleging that TEP had not agreed to wheel power and energy for the Third-Party Owners in the manner specified in the
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Springerville Unit 1 facility support agreement between TEP and the Third-Party Owners and for the cost specified by the Third-Party Owners. The Third-Party Owners requested an order from the FERC requiring such wheeling of the Third-Party Owners' energy from their Springerville Unit 1 interests beginning on January 1, 2015 to the Palo Verde switchyard and for the price specified by the Third-Party Owners. On December 3, 2014, TEP filed an answer to the FERC Action denying the allegations and requesting that the FERC dismiss the complaint. On February 19, 2015, the FERC issued an order denying the Third-Party Owners complaint. On March 23, 2015, the Third-Party Owners filed a request for rehearing in the FERC Action. On April 7, 2015, TEP filed an answer in response to the request for rehearing. The FERC has not yet ruled on the request for rehearing.
On December 19, 2014, the Third-Party Owners filed a complaint against TEP in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County (New York Action). In response to motions filed by TEP to dismiss various counts and compel arbitration of certain of the matters alleged, the Third-Party Owners have twice amended the complaint, dropping certain of the allegations and raising others in the New York Action and in the arbitration proceeding described below. As amended, the New York Action alleges, among other things, that TEP failed to properly operate, maintain, and make capital investments in Springerville Unit 1 during the term of the leases, that TEP has not agreed to wheel power and energy in the manner required as set forth in the FERC Action, that TEP has breached the lease transaction documents by refusing to pay certain of the Third-Party Owners’ claimed expenses and that TEP has breached an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The amended complaint seeks $71 million in liquidated damages, direct and consequential damages in an amount to be determined at trial, and punitive damages. In the amended complaint, the Third-Party Owners agree to stay the claim that TEP has not agreed to wheel power and energy as required pending the outcome of the FERC Action. A TEP motion to dismiss the cause of action for breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing and to dismiss the punitive damages claims in the amended complaint is pending.
In December 2014 and January 2015, Wilmington Trust Company, as Owner Trustees and Lessors under the leases of the Third-Party Owners, sent notices to TEP that alleged that TEP had defaulted under the Third-Party Owners’ leases. The notices demanded that TEP pay liquidated damages totaling approximately $71 million. In letters to Wilmington Trust Company, TEP denied the allegations in the notices.
On April 20, 2015, TEP filed a demand for arbitration with the American Arbitration Association (AAA) seeking an award of the Third-Party Owners share of unreimbursed expense and capital expenditures for Springerville Unit 1. On June 4, 2015, the Third-Party Owners filed a separate demand for arbitration with the AAA alleging, among other things, that TEP has failed to properly operate, maintain and make capital investments in Springerville Unit 1 since the leases have expired. The Third-Party Owners' arbitration demand seeks declaratory judgments, damages in an amount to be determined by the arbitration panel and the Third-Party Owners’ fees and expenses. TEP and the Third-Party Owners have since agreed to consolidate their arbitration demands into one proceeding. The Third-Party Owners have moved to dismiss TEP's arbitration demand.
As of June 30, 2015, TEP has billed the Third-Party Owners approximately $11 million for their pro-rata share of Springerville Unit 1 expenses and $1 million for their pro-rata share of capital expenditures, none of which had been paid as of July 30, 2015.
Under the Springerville Unit 1 facility support agreement, TEP is permitted to dispatch and use any of the Third-Party Owners’ unscheduled entitlement share(s) of power from Springerville Unit 1. TEP commenced such dispatch and use for TEP’s benefit in mid-June 2015.
TEP cannot predict the outcome of the claims relating to Springerville Unit 1, and, due to the general and non-specific scope and nature of the claims, TEP cannot determine estimates of the range of loss, if any, at this time. TEP intends to vigorously defend itself against the claims asserted by the Third-Party Owners.
Claims 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, 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
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
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.
In February 2013, WildEarth Guardians (WEG) filed a Petition for Review in the U.S. District Court of Colorado against the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) challenging federal administrative decisions affecting seven different mines in four states issued at various times from 2007 through 2012. In its petition, WEG challenges several unrelated mining plan modification approvals, which were each separately approved by OSM. Of the fifteen claims for relief in the WEG Petition, two concern SJCC’s San Juan mine. WEG’s allegations concerning the San Juan mine arise from OSM administrative actions in 2008. WEG alleges various National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) violations against OSM, including, but not limited to, OSM’s alleged failure to provide requisite public notice and participation, alleged failure to analyze certain environmental impacts, and alleged reliance on outdated and insufficient documents. WEG’s petition seeks various forms of relief, including a finding that the federal defendants violated NEPA by approving the mine plans, voiding, reversing, and remanding the various mining modification approvals, enjoining the federal defendants from re-issuing the mining plan approvals for the mines until compliance with NEPA has been demonstrated, and enjoining operations at the seven mines. SJCC intervened in this matter. SJCC’s was granted its motion to sever its claims from the lawsuit and transfer venue to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, where this matter is now proceeding. The parties have agreed to stay the matter until August 21, 2015 to facilitate ongoing settlement negotiations. If WEG ultimately obtains the relief it has requested, such a ruling could require significant expenditures to reconfigure operations at the San Juan mine, impact the production of coal, and impact the economic viability of the San Juan mine and San Juan. TEP cannot currently predict the outcome of this matter or the range of its potential impact.
Claims Related to Four Corners Generating Station
In October 2011, EarthJustice, on behalf of several environmental organizations, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. 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 parties exchanged settlement proposals in January and February 2015, and entered into a consent decree that was filed with the court. TEP owns 7% of Four Corners Units 4 and 5 and is liable for its share of any resulting liabilities. In June 2015, APS, the operator of Four Corners, announced a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for outstanding environmental issues related to New Source Review provisions under the Clean Air Act. The settlement calls for environmental upgrades including Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) upgrades already planned for under the Regional Haze regulation (see Regional Haze Rules below), environmental mitigation projects, and civil penalties. TEP's share of the additional capital, excluding the SCR upgrades, is approximately $2 million over a three year period it will take to construct the upgrades. TEP’s share of the annual O&M expenses is approximately $1 million. In addition, TEP recorded less than $1 million for its share of the one-time charges for environmental mitigation projects and civil penalties. The settlement is subject to approval by the U.S. District Court of New Mexico.
In May 2013, the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department (NMTRD) issued a notice of assessment for coal severance tax, penalties, and interest totaling $30 million to the coal supplier at Four Corners. In December 2013, the coal supplier and Four Corners’ operating agent filed a claim contesting the validity of the assessment on behalf of the participants in Four Corners, who will be liable for their share of any resulting liabilities. Based on its ownership of Four Corners, TEP recorded less than $1 million for its estimated share of the assessment. On June 30, 2015, the U.S. District Court of New Mexico ruled in favor of the Four Corners' participants noting that the statute is clear, and the tax exemption applies. NMTRD plans to appeal. TEP cannot predict the final outcome or timing of resolution of these claims.
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. Upon expiration of the coal supply agreements, which expire between 2017 and 2031, TEP’s share of reclamation costs at all three mines is expected to be $37 million. The reclamation liability recorded was $23 million at June 30, 2015 and $22 million at December 31, 2014.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
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 final reclamation costs, as a component of fuel cost, to retail 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. At this time, TEP and UNS Electric will not proceed with the project based on the cost of the proposed 345-kilovolt (kV) line, the difficulty in reaching agreement with the United States Forest Service on a path for the line, and concurrence by the ACC that recent transmission additions by TEP and UNS Electric support elimination of this project. TEP and UNS Electric plan to maintain the Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) previously granted by the ACC for this project in contemplation of using the route, or a portion thereof, to serve future customers and to address reliability needs. As part of the 2013 TEP Rate Order, TEP agreed to seek recovery of the project costs from the FERC before seeking rate recovery from the ACC. In 2012, TEP wrote off $5 million of the capitalized costs and recorded a regulatory asset of $5 million for the balance deemed probable of recovery in TEP's next FERC rate case.
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. As of June 30, 2015, there have been no such payment defaults under any of the remote generating station agreements. TEP's joint participation agreements for the San Juan, Navajo, Four Corners, and Luna Generating Stations expire in 2019 through 2046.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Environmental Regulation
The EPA regulates the amount of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter, mercury, and other by-products produced 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 ratepayers.
Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation
In April 2015, the EPA issued a final rule requiring all coal ash and other coal combustion residuals to be treated as a solid waste under Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act while allowing for the continued recycling of coal ash. TEP is in the process of evaluating the final impacts of the rule on our coal-fired generation. TEP does not own or operate any impoundments. Under the rule, the Springerville ash landfill is classified as an existing landfill and is not subject to the lateral expansion requirements. However, TEP will incur additional costs for site preparation and monitoring at Springerville to be fully compliant with the rule. TEP’s share of the cost is not expected to exceed $2 million, the majority of which is expected to be capital expenditures. TEP is still evaluating the potential costs associated with the implementation of the Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation rule at Navajo, Four Corners, and San Juan. TEP's share of the costs is not expected to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
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 Standards (MATS) rules, additional emission control equipment would have been required by April 2015. TEP, as operator of Springerville and Sundt Generating Stations, and the operator of Navajo received extensions until April 2016 to comply with the MATS rules.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed and remanded the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Michigan v. EPA to uphold the MATS rules requiring power plants to control mercury and other emissions. The Supreme Court held that the EPA did not adequately consider “cost” before determining that MATS was “appropriate and necessary.” The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals may remand the rules to the EPA or vacate the rules.
At this time, the existing MATS rules remain in force and effect. TEP will proceed with its planned MATS compliance activity at each of our facilities. Additionally, Arizona has an Arizona-specific mercury rule in place that will become effective and applicable to our Arizona facilities in the event the Federal rule is struck down. Our compliance strategy ensures compliance with both the Federal and the State rule, as applicable.
TEP's share of the estimated mercury emission control costs to comply with the MATS rules includes the following: |
| | | | | | | |
(in millions) | Navajo | | Springerville(1) |
Capital Expenditures | $ | 1 |
| | $ | 5 |
|
Annual O&M Expenses | 1 |
| | 1 |
|
| |
(1) | Total capital expenditures and annual O&M expenses represent amounts for Springerville Units 1 and 2, with estimated costs split equally between the two units. In January 2015, TEP completed the purchase of 49.5% of Springerville Unit 1. With the completion of the purchase, the Third-Party Owners are responsible for 50.5% of environmental costs attributable to Springerville Unit 1. TEP will continue to be responsible for 100% of environmental costs attributable to Springerville Unit 2. |
TEP expects no additional capital expenditures or O&M expenses will be incurred to comply at Four Corners, Sundt, and San Juan. Although Sundt Generating Station (Sundt) is expected to be compliant, the MATS rules currently require installing additional monitoring equipment, at an estimated cost of less than $1 million, to continue to burn coal after the originally scheduled effective date.
Regional Haze Rules
The EPA's Regional Haze Rules require emission controls known as Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) for certain industrial facilities emitting air pollutants that reduce visibility in national parks and wilderness areas. The rule calls 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 land leased from the Navajo Nation, 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 SCR. Complying with the BART rule, and with other future environmental rules, may make it economically impractical to continue operating all or a portion of the Navajo, San Juan, and Four Corners power plants or for individual owners to continue to participate in these power plants. The BART provisions do not apply to Springerville Units 1 and 2 since they were constructed in the 1980s, after the time frame as designated by the rules. Other provisions of the Regional Haze Rules requiring further emission reductions are not likely to impact Springerville operations until after 2018. TEP cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters.
TEP's estimated NOx emissions control costs involved in meeting these rules are: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in millions) | Navajo | | San Juan | | Four Corners | | Sundt |
Capital Expenditures | $ | 28 |
| | $ | 12 |
| | $ | 44 |
| | $ | 12 |
|
Annual O&M Expenses | 1 |
| | 1 |
| | 2 |
| | 5-6 |
|
Navajo
In August 2014, the EPA published a final Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) wherein: one unit at Navajo will be shut down by 2020; SCR (or the equivalent) will be installed on the remaining two units by 2030; and conventional coal-fired generation will cease by December 2044. The final BART rule includes options that accommodate potential ownership changes at the plant. The plant has until December 2019 to notify the EPA which option will be implemented. In addition, the installation of SCR technology could increase particulates which may require that baghouses be installed. TEP owns 7.5% of Navajo. TEP's share of the capital cost of baghouses in addition to the SCR costs reflected in the table above is approximately $28 million with O&M on the baghouses expected to be less than $1 million per year.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
San Juan
In October 2014, the EPA published a final rule approving a revised State Implementation Plan (SIP) covering BART requirements for San Juan, which includes the closure of Units 2 and 3 by December 2017 and the installation of Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR) on Units 1 and 4 by February 2016. TEP owns 50% of Units 1 and 2 at San Juan. TEP expects its share of the cost to install SNCR technology on San Juan Unit 1 to be approximately $12 million. Additionally, the SIP approval references a New Source Review permit issued by the New Mexico Environment Department in November 2013 which, among other things, calls for balanced draft upgrades on San Juan Unit 1 to reduce particulate matter emissions. Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), the operator of San Juan, is currently installing SNCR. Balanced draft modifications to San Juan Unit 1were completed in June 2015. TEP’s share of the balanced draft upgrades was approximately $19 million. TEP's share of incremental annual operating costs for SNCR for San Juan Unit 1 is estimated at $1 million. Prior to the shutdown of any units at San Juan, PNM, the operator, must first obtain New Mexico Public Regulation Commission approval. At June 30, 2015, the net book value of TEP's share in San Juan Unit 2, including construction work in progress, was $114 million. TEP submitted a depreciation study in its 2013 Rate Case which identified an excess of required generation depreciation reserves. As stipulated in the 2013 Rate Order, TEP will seek the ACC's authority to apply any excess generation depreciation reserves to the unrecovered book value of any early retirement of generation assets prior to seeking additional recovery. TEP expects the excess generation depreciation reserves to fully cover the costs associated with early retirement of San Juan Unit 2.
Four Corners
In December 2013, APS, on behalf of the co-owners of Four Corners, notified the EPA that they have chosen an alternative BART compliance strategy; as a result, APS closed Units 1, 2, and 3 in December 2013 and agreed to the installation of SCR on Units 4 and 5 by July 2018. TEP owns 7% of Four Corners Units 4 and 5.
Sundt
In June 2014, the EPA issued a final rule that would require TEP to either (i) install, by mid-2017, SNCR and dry sorbent injection 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. Under the rule, TEP is required to notify the EPA of its decision by March 2017. We expect to make a decision in 2016. At June 30, 2015, the net book value of the Sundt coal handling facilities was $16 million. If the coal handling facilities are retired early, TEP will request ACC approval to recover all the remaining costs of the facilities.
NOTE 6. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Net periodic benefit plan cost includes the following components: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Pension Benefits | | Other Retiree Benefits |
| Three Months Ended June 30, |
(in millions) | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2014 |
Service Cost | $ | 3 |
| | $ | 3 |
| | $ | 1 |
| | $ | 1 |
|
Interest Cost | 4 |
| | 4 |
| | 1 |
| | 1 |
|
Expected Return on Plan Assets | (6 | ) | | (6 | ) | | (1 | ) | | — |
|
Actuarial Loss Amortization | 2 |
| | 1 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Net Periodic Benefit Cost | $ | 3 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 1 |
| | $ | 2 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Pension Benefits | | Other Retiree Benefits |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
(in millions) | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2014 |
Service Cost | $ | 6 |
| | $ | 5 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 2 |
|
Interest Cost | 8 |
| | 8 |
| | 2 |
| | 1 |
|
Expected Return on Plan Assets | (12 | ) | | (11 | ) | | (1 | ) | | — |
|
Actuarial Loss Amortization | 4 |
| | 2 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Net Periodic Benefit Cost | $ | 6 |
| | $ | 4 |
| | $ | 3 |
| | $ | 3 |
|
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 7. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
SIGNIFICANT INVESTING AND FINANCING NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS |
| | | | | | | |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
(in millions) | 2015 | | 2014 |
Accrued Capital Expenditures | $ | 23 |
| | $ | 18 |
|
Commitment to Purchase Capital Lease Interests | — |
| | 109 |
|
NOTE 8. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
We categorize our financial instruments 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. Transfers between levels are recorded at the end of a reporting period. There were no transfers between levels in the periods presented.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE ON A RECURRING BASIS
The following tables present, by level within the fair value hierarchy, 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. |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total |
(in millions) | June 30, 2015 |
Assets | |
Cash Equivalents(1) | $ | 85 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 85 |
|
Restricted Cash(1) | 2 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2 |
|
Energy Derivative Contracts - Regulatory Recovery(2) | — |
| | — |
| | 1 |
| | 1 |
|
Energy Derivative Contracts - No Regulatory Recovery(2) | — |
| | — |
| | 3 |
| | 3 |
|
Total Assets | 87 |
| | — |
| | 4 |
| | 91 |
|
Liabilities | | | | | | | |
Energy Derivative Contracts - Regulatory Recovery(2) | — |
| | (9 | ) | | (7 | ) | | (16 | ) |
Energy Derivative Contracts - Cash Flow Hedge(2) | — |
| | — |
| | (1 | ) | | (1 | ) |
Interest Rate Swap(3) | — |
| | (4 | ) | | — |
| | (4 | ) |
Total Liabilities | — |
| | (13 | ) | | (8 | ) | | (21 | ) |
Net Total Assets (Liabilities) | $ | 87 |
| | $ | (13 | ) | | $ | (4 | ) | | $ | 70 |
|
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total |
(in millions) | December 31, 2014 |
Assets | |
Cash Equivalents(1) | $ | 15 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 15 |
|
Restricted Cash(1) | 2 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2 |
|
Energy Derivative Contracts - Regulatory Recovery(2) | — |
| | — |
| | 2 |
| | 2 |
|
Total Assets | 17 |
| | — |
| | 2 |
| | 19 |
|
Liabilities | | | | | | | |
Energy Derivative Contracts - Regulatory Recovery(2) | — |
| | (9 | ) | | (9 | ) | | (18 | ) |
Energy Derivative Contracts - No Regulatory Recovery(2) | — |
| | — |
| | (1 | ) | | (1 | ) |
Energy Derivative Contracts - Cash Flow Hedge(2) | — |
| | — |
| | (1 | ) | | (1 | ) |
Interest Rate Swap(3) | — |
| | (5 | ) | | — |
| | (5 | ) |
Total Liabilities | — |
| | (14 | ) | | (11 | ) | | (25 | ) |
Net Total Assets (Liabilities) | $ | 17 |
| | $ | (14 | ) | | $ | (9 | ) | | $ | (6 | ) |
| |
(1) | Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash represent amounts held in money market funds and certificates of deposit valued at cost, including interest, which approximates fair market value. Cash Equivalents are included in Cash and Cash Equivalents on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Restricted Cash is included in Investments and Other Property on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
| |
(2) | Energy Contracts include gas swap agreements (Level 2), power options (Level 2), gas options (Level 3), forward power purchase and sales contracts (Level 3) entered into to reduce exposure to energy price risk, and, at December 31, 2014, a power sale option (Level 3). These contracts are included in Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The valuation techniques are described below. |
| |
(3) | An Interest Rate Swap, valued using an income valuation approach based on the 6-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), is included in Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
All energy derivative contracts are subject to legally enforceable master netting arrangements to mitigate credit risk. We present derivatives on a gross basis on the balance sheet. The table below presents the potential offset of counterparty netting and cash collateral. |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross Amount Recognized on the Balance Sheets | | Gross Amount Not Offset on the Balance Sheets | | Net Amount |
| | Counterparty Netting of Energy Contracts | | Cash Collateral Received/Posted | |
(in millions) | June 30, 2015 |
Derivative Assets | | | | | | | |
Energy Derivative Contracts | $ | 4 |
| | $ | 1 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 3 |
|
Derivative Liabilities | | | | | | | |
Energy Derivative Contracts | (17 | ) | | (1 | ) | | — |
| | (16 | ) |
Interest Rate Swap | (4 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (4 | ) |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross Amount Recognized on the Balance Sheets | | Gross Amount Not Offset on the Balance Sheets | | Net Amount |
| | Counterparty Netting of Energy Contracts | | Cash Collateral Received/Posted | |
(in millions) | December 31, 2014 |
Derivative Assets | | | | | | | |
Energy Derivative Contracts | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
Derivative Liabilities | | | | | | | |
Energy Derivative Contracts | (20 | ) | | (2 | ) | | — |
| | (18 | ) |
Interest Rate Swap | (5 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (5 | ) |
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
We enter into various derivative and non-derivative contracts to reduce our exposure to energy price risk associated with our gas and purchased power requirements. The objectives for entering into such contracts include: creating price stability; meeting
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
load and reserve requirements; and reducing exposure to price volatility that may result from delayed recovery under the PPFAC.
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.
The December 31, 2014 valuation of our power sale option was a function of observable market variables, regional power and gas prices, as well as the ratio between the two, which represents the prevailing market heat rate.
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.
The inputs and 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 price curves monthly.
Cash Flow Hedges
We can enter into interest rate swaps to mitigate the exposure to volatility in variable interest rates on debt. We have an interest rate swap agreement that expires January 2020. We also have a power purchase swap to hedge the cash flow risk associated with a long-term power supply agreement. The power purchase swap agreement expires in September 2015. The after-tax unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedge activities are reported in the statements of comprehensive income. The loss expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months is estimated to be $2 million. The realized losses from our cash flow hedges are shown in the following table: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
(in millions) | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2014 |
Capital Lease Interest Expense | $ | — |
| | $ | 1 |
| | $ | 1 |
| | $ | 1 |
|
Long-Term Debt Interest Expense | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1 |
|
As of June 30, 2015, the total notional amount of our interest rate swap was $29 million.
Energy Contracts - Regulatory Recovery
We record unrealized gains and losses on energy contracts that are recoverable through the PPFAC 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 comprehensive income, as shown in following table: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
(in millions) | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2014 |
Unrealized Net Gain (Loss) Recorded to Regulatory (Assets)/Liabilities | $ | 8 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 2 |
|
Energy Contracts - No Regulatory Recovery
Forward contracts with long-term wholesale customers do not qualify for regulatory recovery. For these contracts that qualify as derivatives, we record unrealized gains and losses in the income statement, unless and until a normal purchase or normal sale election is made. In February 2015, TEP made a normal sale election for a three-year sales option contract entered into in
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
December 2014. In June 2015, TEP entered into long-term power trading contracts that qualify as derivatives but do not qualify for regulatory recovery. The unrealized gains and losses on the long-term power trading contracts are recorded in the income statement, and ten percent of any gains will be shared with ratepayers through the PPFAC, as realized.
Derivative Volumes
At June 30, 2015, we have energy contracts that will settle through April 2018. The volumes associated with our energy contracts were as follows: |
| | | | | |
| June 30, 2015 | | December 31, 2014 |
Power Contracts GWh | 3,555 |
| | 2,604 |
|
Gas Contracts GBtu | 21,018 |
| | 19,932 |
|
Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
The following table provides quantitative information regarding significant unobservable inputs in TEP’s Level 3 fair value measurements: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Fair Value at | | | | | | |
| Valuation | | June 30, 2015 | | | | Range of |
(in millions) | Approach | | Assets | | Liabilities | | Unobservable Inputs | | Unobservable Input |
Forward Power Contracts | Market approach | | $ | 4 |
| | $ | (5 | ) | | Market price per MWh | | $ | 24.75 |
| | $ | 41.00 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Gas Option Contracts | Option model | | — |
| | (3 | ) | | Market price per MMbtu | | $ | 2.68 |
| | $ | 3.30 |
|
| | | | | | | Gas volatility | | 25.17 | % | | 42.16 | % |
Level 3 Energy Contracts | | | $ | 4 |
| | $ | (8 | ) | | | | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Fair Value at | | | | | | |
| Valuation | | December 31, 2014 | | | | Range of |
(in millions) | Approach | | Assets | | Liabilities | | Unobservable Inputs | | Unobservable Input |
Forward Power Contracts | Market approach | | $ | 1 |
| | $ | (6 | ) | | Market price per MWh | | $ | 22.35 |
| | $ | 39.05 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Power Sale Option | Market approach | | 1 |
| | (1 | ) | | Market price per MWh | | $ | 27.75 |
| | $ | 44.94 |
|
| | | | | | | Market price per MMbtu | | $ | 2.88 |
| | $ | 4.02 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Gas Option Contracts | Option model | | — |
| | (4 | ) | | Market price per MMbtu | | $ | 2.72 |
| | $ | 3.26 |
|
| | | | | | | Gas volatility | | 30.8 | % | | 53.29 | % |
Level 3 Energy Contracts | | | $ | 2 |
| | $ | (11 | ) | | | | | | |
Changes in one or more of the unobservable inputs could have a significant impact on the fair value measurement depending on the magnitude of the change and the direction of the change for each input. The impact of changes to fair value, including changes from unobservable inputs, that are subject to recovery or refund through the PPFAC mechanism are reported on the balance sheets as a regulatory asset or regulatory liability, or as a component of other comprehensive income, rather than in the income statements.
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: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
(in millions) | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2014 |
Balances at beginning of period | $ | (12 | ) | | $ | (2 | ) | | $ | (9 | ) | | $ | (2 | ) |
Unrealized Gains/(Losses) Recorded to:(1) | | | | | | | |
Net Regulatory Assets/Liabilities – Derivative Instruments | 2 |
| | 2 |
| | — |
| | 1 |
|
Electric Wholesale Sales | 3 |
| | — |
| | 3 |
| | — |
|
Realized Gains/(Losses) due to Settlements | 3 |
| | — |
| | 2 |
| | 1 |
|
Balances at end of period | $ | (4 | ) | | $ | — |
| | $ | (4 | ) | | $ | — |
|
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
| |
(1) | Includes gains/(losses) attributable to the change in unrealized gains/(losses) relating to assets/(liabilities) still held at the end of the period of $6 million and $3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $3 million and $1 million, for the six months ended, June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. |
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; credit rating downgrades; or a failure to meet certain financial ratios. In the 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 June 30, 2015, the value of derivative instruments in a net liability position under contracts with credit risk-related contingent features, including contracts under the normal purchase normal sale exception, was $28 million, compared with $21 million at December 31, 2014. At June 30, 2015, TEP had less than $1 million of LOCs as credit enhancements with its counterparties. The additional collateral to be posted if credit-risk contingent features were triggered would be $28 million.
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 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 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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the estimated fair values of our financial instruments include the following: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | June 30, 2015 | | December 31, 2014 |
(in millions) | Fair Value Hierarchy | | Carrying Value | | Fair Value | | Carrying Value | | Fair Value |
Long-Term Debt | Level 2 | | $ | 1,463 |
| | $ | 1,528 |
| | $ | 1,372 |
| | $ | 1,457 |
|
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Concluded)
NOTE 9. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that will eliminate the transaction and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance under current U.S. GAAP and replace it with a principles based approach for determining revenue recognition. The revenue standard requires entities to apply the guidance retrospectively or recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings supplemented by additional disclosures. In July 2015, the FASB voted to defer the effective date of the revenue recognition standard by one year. We will be required to adopt the new guidance for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2018; early adoption is permitted for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2017. We are in the process of identifying contracts with customers and performance obligations in contracts.
In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance about management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and provide related disclosures. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2017; early adoption is permitted. TEP does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have an impact on its disclosures.
In January 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that removes the concept of extraordinary items from U.S. GAAP. The standard is effective for periods beginning January 1, 2016; early adoption is permitted. TEP does not expect the adoption of this guidance to impact its results of operations or disclosures.
In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance that amends the current consolidation guidance; the amendment affects both the variable interest entity and voting interest entity consolidation models. This standard is effective beginning January 1, 2016 and may be applied using a modified retrospective approach or retrospectively; early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact to our financial statements and disclosures.
In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, rather than as deferred charges. The amendment is effective for periods beginning January 1, 2016 and will be applied retrospectively; early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is expected to result in reclassification of debt issuance costs from Other Current Assets and Other Assets to Long-Term Debt on our balance sheet. TEP’s deferred debt issuance costs associated with long-term debt outstanding totaled $12 million at June 30, 2015 and $11 million at December 31, 2014, of which approximately $1 million was classified as current at each date.
In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance that will help entities evaluate the accounting for fees paid by a customer in a cloud computing arrangement either as a software license or a service contract. The standard is effective for periods beginning January 1, 2016; early adoption is permitted. An entity can elect to adopt the amendment prospectively or retrospectively. TEP does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our disclosures, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
ITEM 2. 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 Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP). It includes the following:
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• | operating results during the second quarter and first six months of 2015 compared with the same periods of 2014; |
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• | factors affecting our results and outlook; |
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• | liquidity and capital resources including contractual obligations; |
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• | critical accounting estimates; and |
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• | recent accounting pronouncements. |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis includes financial information prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP), as well as certain non-GAAP financial measures. The non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures as presented herein may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes that appear in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q. For information on factors that may cause our actual future results to differ from those we currently seek or anticipate, see Forward-Looking Information at the front of this report and Risk Factors in Part 1, Item 1A of our 2014 Annual Report Form 10-K, and in Part II, Item 1A of this report.
References in this report to "we" and "our" are to TEP.
OVERVIEW
TEP delivers safe, reliable power to more than 417,000 customers in the Tucson metropolitan area. TEP is the second-largest investor-owned utility in Arizona and the largest corporation headquartered in Southern Arizona. TEP offers comprehensive energy services through reliable, traditional resources and a growing renewable power portfolio. We also offer many ways to help our customers use energy more efficiently.
In August 2014, Fortis Inc. (Fortis) completed the acquisition of UNS Energy Corporation (UNS Energy), TEP’s parent company. TEP and its sister company, UniSource Energy Services (UES), are among a family of utilities owned by Fortis, which is a leader in the North American electric and gas utility business.
OUTLOOK AND STRATEGIES
TEP's 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. During the first six months of 2015, we continued to execute on the following five strategies:
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• | Continuing to focus on our long-term generation resource strategy, including shifting from coal to natural gas, renewables, and energy efficiency while providing rate stability for our customers, mitigating environmental impacts, complying with regulatory requirements, and leveraging our existing utility infrastructure. |
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• | Developing strategic responses to new environmental regulations and potential new legislation, including proposed carbon emission standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants. 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 business and the interests of our customers. |
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• | Strengthening the underlying financial condition of TEP by achieving constructive regulatory outcomes, improving our capital structure and our credit ratings, and promoting economic development in our service territory. |
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• | Focusing on our core utility business through operational excellence, investing in utility rate base, emphasizing customer service, and maintaining a strong community presence. |
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• | Developing strategic responses to the evolving utility business that includes renewable energy, DG, and EE that protect the financial stability of our business while providing benefits and choices to our customers. |
2015 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The first six months of 2015 included the following notable items:
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• | In January 2015, TEP purchased additional undivided ownership interests in Springerville Unit 1; |
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• | In January 2015, TEP purchased existing unsecured tax-exempt industrial development revenue bonds in the amount of $130 million; |
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• | In February 2015, TEP issued and sold $300 million of unsecured notes; |
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• | In April 2015, TEP purchased undivided ownership interests in the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities, bringing its total ownership interest to 100%; |
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• | In May 2015, TEP sold an undivided ownership interest in Springerville Coal Handling Facilities to SRP; and |
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• | In June 2015, TEP received an equity contribution of $180 million from UNS Energy. |
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion provides the significant items that affected TEP's results of operations during the second quarter and first six months of 2015 compared with the same periods in 2014. The significant items affecting net income are presented on an after-tax basis.
Second quarter of 2015 compared with the second quarter of 2014
TEP reported net income of $38 million in the second quarter of 2015 compared with $39 million from the second quarter of 2014. The decrease of $1 million, or 2.6%, was primarily due to:
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• | $3 million of lower retail margin revenue due to cooler weather resulting in lower retail customer demand, partially offset by higher Lost Fixed Cost Recovery (LFCR) revenues; |
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• | $3 million of higher Base O&M primarily due to an increase in labor costs, and information and technology related expenses; |
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• | $1 million of higher property taxes due to a higher asset base; and |
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• | $1 million of lower allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) due to a decrease of construction work in process (CWIP). |
The decrease was partially offset by:
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• | $2 million in higher transmission revenue due to an increase in volumes; |
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• | $2 million in lower interest expense primarily due to a reduction in the balance of capital lease obligations. See Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements; and |
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• | $2 million in higher wholesale sale margins primarily due to new wholesale agreements, partially offset by lower wholesale market prices. |
Six months ended June 30, 2015 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2014
TEP reported net income of $47 million in the first six months of 2015 compared with $48 million from the first six months of 2014. The decrease of $1 million, or 2.1%, was primarily due to:
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• | $2 million of lower retail margin revenue due to cooler weather resulting in lower retail customer demand, partially offset by higher Renewable Energy Standards (RES) and Environmental Compliance Adjustor (ECA) revenues; |
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• | $2 million in higher Base O&M primarily due to an increase in labor costs and outside services, partially offset by a decrease in generation expenses; |
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• | $2 million of higher property taxes due to a higher asset base; |
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• | $2 million of lower AFUDC due to a decrease in CWIP; and |
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• | $2 million of higher depreciation and amortization expenses primarily due to an increase in asset base. |
The decrease was partially offset by:
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• | $4 million in higher transmission revenue due to an increase in volumes; and |
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• | $4 million in lower interest expense primarily due to a reduction in the balance of capital lease obligations. See Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. |
Utility Sales and Revenues
The table below provides a summary of retail kWh sales, revenues, and weather data for the second quarter of 2015 and 2014: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Increase (Decrease) |
| 2015 | | 2014 | | Amount | | Percent |
Electric Retail Sales (kWh in millions) | | | | | | | |
Residential | 924 |
| | 986 |
| | (62 | ) | | (6.3 | )% |
Commercial | 564 |
| | 585 |
| | (21 | ) | | (3.6 | )% |
Industrial | 519 |
| | 526 |
| | (7 | ) | | (1.3 | )% |
Mining | 278 |
| | 284 |
| | (6 | ) | | (2.1 | )% |
Public Authorities | 8 |
| | 8 |
| | — |
| | — | % |
Total Electric Retail Sales | 2,293 |
| | 2,389 |
| | (96 | ) | | (4.0 | )% |
Retail Margin Revenues (in millions) | | | | | | | |
Residential | $ | 70 |
| | $ | 74 |
| | $ | (4 | ) | | (5.4 | )% |
Commercial | 51 |
| | 53 |
| | (2 | ) | | (3.8 | )% |
Industrial | 27 |
| | 28 |
| | (1 | ) | | (3.6 | )% |
Mining | 10 |
| | 10 |
| | — |
| | — | % |
Public Authorities | 1 |
| | 1 |
| | — |
| | — | % |
Total by Customer Class | 159 |
| | 166 |
| | (7 | ) | | (4.2 | )% |
LFCR Revenues | 3 |
| | 1 |
| | 2 |
| | NM |
|
Other Alternative Revenues | 1 |
| | — |
| | 1 |
| | NM |
|
Total Retail Margin Revenues (Non-GAAP)(1) | 163 |
| | 167 |
| | (4 | ) | | (2.4 | )% |
Fuel and Purchased Power Revenues | 88 |
| | 79 |
| | 9 |
| | 11.4 | % |
DSM and RES Surcharge Revenues | 13 |
| | 12 |
| | 1 |
| | 8.3 | % |
Total Retail Revenues (GAAP) | $ | 264 |
| | $ | 258 |
| | $ | 6 |
| | 2.3 | % |
Average Retail Margin Rate (cents / kWh) | | | | | | | |
Residential | 7.58 |
| | 7.51 |
| | 0.07 |
| | 0.9 | % |
Commercial | 9.04 |
| | 9.06 |
| | (0.02 | ) | | (0.2 | )% |
Industrial | 5.20 |
| | 5.32 |
| | (0.12 | ) | | (2.3 | )% |
Mining | 3.60 |
| | 3.52 |
| | 0.08 |
| | 2.3 | % |
Public Authorities | 12.50 |
| | 12.50 |
| | — |
| | — | % |
Total Average Margin Rate by Customer Class | 6.93 |
| | 6.95 |
| | (0.02 | ) | | (0.3 | )% |
Total Average Retail Margin Rate(2) | 7.11 |
| | 6.99 |
| | 0.12 |
| | 1.7 | % |
Average Fuel and Purchased Power Rate | 3.84 |
| | 3.31 |
| | 0.53 |
| | 16.0 | % |
Average DSM and RES Surcharge Rate | 0.57 |
| | 0.50 |
| | 0.07 |
| | 14.0 | % |
Total Average Retail Rate | 11.52 |
| | 10.80 |
| | 0.72 |
| | 6.7 | % |
Weather Data | | | | | | | |
Cooling Degree Days | | | | | | | |
Three Months Ended June 30, | 480 |
| | 550 |
| | (70 | ) | | (12.7 | )% |
10-Year Average | 479 |
| | 478 |
| | 1 |
| | 0.2 | % |
Heating Degree Days | | | | | | | |
Three Months Ended June 30, | 19 |
| | 26 |
| | (7 | ) | | (26.9 | )% |
10-Year Average | 41 |
| | 43 |
| | (2 | ) | | (4.7 | )% |
| |
(1) | Retail Margin Revenues, a non-GAAP financial measure, should not be considered as an alternative to Total Retail Revenues, which is determined in accordance with GAAP. Retail Margin Revenues exclude: (i) revenues collected from retail customers that are directly offset by expenses recorded in other line items; and (ii) revenues collected from third parties that are unrelated to kilowatt-hour (kWh) sales to retail customers. We believe the change in Retail Margin Revenues between periods provides useful information because it demonstrates the underlying revenue trend and performance of our core utility business. Retail Margin Revenues represents the portion of retail operating revenues from kWh sales, LFCR revenues, Demand Side Management (DSM) performance bonus, and certain other alternative revenues available to cover the non-fuel operating expenses of our core utility business. |
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(2) | Total Average Retail Margin Rates include revenues related to LFCR and Other Alternative Revenues included in the Total Retail Margin Revenues. |
Retail Revenues were higher in the second quarter of 2015 when compared to 2014 primarily due to the increase in the Purchased Power and Fuel Adjustment Clause (PPFAC) rate, partially offset by lower Retail Margin Revenues. The lower Retail Margin Revenues were primarily due to cooler weather resulting in lower retail customer demand, partially offset by higher LFCR revenues.
The table below provides a summary of retail kWh sales, revenues, and weather data for the first six months of 2015 and 2014: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six Months Ended June 30, | | Increase (Decrease) |
| 2015 | | 2014 | | Amount | | Percent |
Electric Retail Sales (kWh in millions) | | | | | | | |
Residential | 1,604 |
| | 1,654 |
| | (50 | ) | | (3.0 | )% |
Commercial | 998 |
| | 1,029 |
| | (31 | ) | | (3.0 | )% |
Industrial | 982 |
| | 997 |
| | (15 | ) | | (1.5 | )% |
Mining | 553 |
| | 563 |
| | (10 | ) | | (1.8 | )% |
Public Authorities | 17 |
| | 17 |
| | — |
| | — | % |
Total Electric Retail Sales | 4,154 |
| | 4,260 |
| | (106 | ) | | (2.5 | )% |
Retail Margin Revenues (in millions) | | | | | | | |
Residential | $ | 122 |
| | $ | 125 |
| | $ | (3 | ) | | (2.4 | )% |
Commercial | 85 |
| | 87 |
| | (2 | ) | | (2.3 | )% |
Industrial | 50 |
| | 51 |
| | (1 | ) | | (2.0 | )% |
Mining | 19 |
| | 19 |
| | — |
| | — | % |
Public Authorities | 1 |
| | 1 |
| | — |
| | — | % |
Total by Customer Class | 277 |
| | 283 |
| | (6 | ) | | (2.1 | )% |
LFCR Revenues | 5 |
| | 6 |
| | (1 | ) | | NM |
|
DSM Performance Bonus | 3 |
| | 2 |
| | 1 |
| | NM |
|
Other Alternative Revenues | 3 |
| | — |
| | 3 |
| | NM |
|
Total Retail Margin Revenues (Non-GAAP)(1) | 288 |
| | 291 |
| | (3 | ) | | (1.0 | )% |
Fuel and Purchased Power Revenues | 154 |
| | 131 |
| | 23 |
| | 17.6 | % |
DSM and RES Surcharge Revenues | 24 |
| | 22 |
| | 2 |
| | 9.1 | % |
Total Retail Revenues (GAAP) | $ | 466 |
| | $ | 444 |
| | $ | 22 |
| | 5.0 | % |
Average Retail Margin Rate (cents / kWh): | | | | | | | |
Residential | 7.61 |
| | 7.56 |
| | 0.05 |
| | 0.7 | % |
Commercial | 8.52 |
| | 8.45 |
| | 0.07 |
| | 0.8 | % |
Industrial | 5.09 |
| | 5.12 |
| | (0.03 | ) | | (0.6 | )% |
Mining | 3.44 |
| | 3.37 |
| | 0.07 |
| | 2.1 | % |
Public Authorities | 5.88 |
| | 5.88 |
| | — |
| | — | % |
Total Average Margin Rate by Customer Class | 6.67 |
| | 6.64 |
| | 0.03 |
| | 0.5 | % |
Total Average Retail Margin Rate(2) | 6.93 |
| | 6.83 |
| | 0.10 |
| | 1.5 | % |
Average Fuel and Purchased Power Rate | 3.71 |
| | 3.08 |
| | 0.63 |
| | 20.5 | % |
Average DSM and RES Rate | 0.58 |
| | 0.51 |
| | 0.07 |
| | 13.7 | % |
Total Average Retail Rate | 11.22 |
| | 10.42 |
| | 0.80 |
| | 7.7 | % |
Weather Data | | | | | | | |
Cooling Degree Days | | | | | | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, | 483 |
| | 550 |
| | (67 | ) | | (12.2 | )% |
10-Year Average | 480 |
| | 478 |
| | 2 |
| | — | % |
Heating Degree Days | | | | | | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, | 452 |
| | 455 |
| | (3 | ) | | (0.7 | )% |
10-Year Average | 784 |
| | 819 |
| | (35 | ) | | (4.3 | )% |
| |
(1) | Retail Margin Revenues, a non-GAAP financial measure, should not be considered as an alternative to Total Retail Revenues, which is determined in accordance with GAAP. Retail Margin Revenues exclude: (i) revenues collected from retail customers that are directly offset by expenses recorded in other line items; and (ii) revenues collected from third parties that are unrelated to kWh sales to retail customers. We believe the change in Retail Margin Revenues between periods provides useful information because it demonstrates the underlying revenue trend and performance of our core utility business. Retail Margin Revenues represents the portion of retail operating revenues from kWh sales, LFCR revenues, DSM performance bonus, and certain other alternative revenues available to cover the non-fuel operating expenses of our core utility business. |
| |
(2) | Total Average Retail Margin Rates include revenues related to LFCR, DSM Performance Bonus, and Other Alternative Revenues included in the Total Retail Margin Revenues. |
Retail Revenues were higher in the first six months of 2015 when compared to 2014 primarily due to the increase in the PPFAC rate, partially offset by lower Retail Margin Revenues. The lower Retail Margin Revenues were primarily due to cooler weather resulting in lower retail customer demand, partially offset by higher RES and ECA revenues not offset in expenses.
Wholesale Sales and Transmission Revenues |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
(in millions) | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2014 |
Long-Term Wholesale Revenues: | | | | | | | |
Long-Term Wholesale Margin Revenues (Non-GAAP)(1) | $ | 5 |
| | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 5 |
| | $ | 6 |
|
Fuel and Purchased Power Expense Allocated to Long-Term Wholesale Revenues | 6 |
| | 5 |
| | 13 |
| | 9 |
|
Total Long-Term Wholesale Revenues | 11 |
| | 7 |
| | 18 |
| | 15 |
|
Transmission Revenues | 8 |
| | 4 |
| | 14 |
| | 8 |
|
Short-Term Wholesale Revenues | 29 |
| | 22 |
| | 57 |
| | 52 |
|
Electric Wholesale Sales (GAAP) | $ | 48 |
| | $ | 33 |
| | $ | 89 |
| | $ | 75 |
|
| |
(1) | Long-Term Wholesale Margin Revenues, a non-GAAP financial measure, should not be considered as an alternative to Electric Wholesale Sales, which is determined in accordance with GAAP. We believe the change in Long-Term Wholesale Margin Revenues between periods provides useful information because it demonstrates the underlying profitability of TEP’s long-term wholesale sales contracts. Long-Term Wholesale Margin Revenues represents the portion of long-term wholesale revenues available to cover the operating expenses of our core utility business. |
Long-Term Wholesale Margin Revenues increased by $3 million in the second quarter of 2015 compared to 2014 due to new wholesale agreements, partially offset by lower wholesale market prices. Transmission revenues increased by $4 million in the second quarter of 2015 compared to 2014 due to an increase in volumes.
Long-Term Wholesale Margin Revenues decreased by $1 million in the first six months of 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to lower wholesale market prices, partially offset by new agreements. Transmission revenues increased by $6 million in the first six months of 2015 compared to 2014 due to an increase in volumes.
The majority of revenues from short-term wholesale sales is related to jurisdictional assets and are credited against the fuel and purchased power costs eligible for recovery in the PPFAC.
Other Revenues |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
(in millions) | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2014 |
Revenue Related to Springerville Units 3 and 4(1) | $ | 22 |
| | $ | 24 |
| | $ | 45 |
| | $ | 46 |
|
Other Revenue | 6 |
| | 7 |
| | 14 |
| | 13 |
|
Total Other Revenue | $ | 28 |
| | $ | 31 |
| | $ | 59 |
| | $ | 59 |
|
| |
(1) | Represents revenues and reimbursements from Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (Tri-State), the lessee of Springerville Unit 3, and Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District (SRP), the owner of Springerville Unit 4, to TEP related to the operation of these plants. |
In addition to reimbursements related to Springerville Units 3 and 4, TEP’s other revenues include inter-company revenues from its affiliates, UNS Gas and UNS Electric, for corporate services provided by TEP, and miscellaneous service-related revenues such as rent on power pole attachments, damage claims, and customer late fees. There were no significant changes noted in the second quarter and first six months of 2015 when compared to the same periods in 2014.
Operating Expenses
Generating Output and Fuel and Purchased Power Expense
TEP’s fuel and purchased power expense and energy resources are detailed in the following tables: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Generation and Purchased Power (kWh) | | Fuel and Purchased Power Expense |
| Three Months Ended June 30, |
(in millions) | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2014 |
Coal-Fired Generation | 2,186 |
| | 1,907 |
| | $ | 57 |
| | $ | 50 |
|
Gas-Fired Generation | 543 |
| | 306 |
| | 19 |
| | 16 |
|
Utility Owned Renewable Generation | 33 |
| | 12 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Fuel Expense for Springerville Units 3 and 4(1) | — |
| | — |
| | 1 |
| | 2 |
|
Total Generation | 2,762 |
| | 2,225 |
| | 77 |
| | 68 |
|
Total Purchased Power | 1,007 |
| | 1,107 |
| | 37 |
| | 53 |
|
Transmission and Other PPFAC Recoverable Costs | — |
| | — |
| | 7 |
| | 4 |
|
Increase (Decrease) to Reflect PPFAC Recovery Treatment | — |
| | — |
| | 7 |
| | (13 | ) |
Total Generation and Purchased Power | 3,769 |
| | 3,332 |
| | $ | 128 |
| | $ | 112 |
|
Less Line Losses and Company Use | (197 | ) | | (230 | ) | | | | |
Total Energy Sold | 3,572 |
| | 3,102 |
| | | | |
| |
(1) | Springerville Unit 3 and 4 Fuel Expense is reimbursed by Tri-State and SRP. |
Total Fuel and Purchased Power Expense increased by $16 million, or 14.3%, in the second quarter of 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to an increase related to the PPFAC under recovery in 2014, higher coal utilization in 2015, and additional generation and transmission costs associated with the addition of Gila River Unit 3. These increases have been partially offset by lower purchased power and natural gas generation costs due to historically low natural gas prices.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Generation and Purchased Power (kWh) | | Fuel and Purchased Power Expense |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
(in millions) | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2014 |
Coal-Fired Generation | 4,124 |
| | 4,202 |
| | $ | 111 |
| | $ | 106 |
|
Gas-Fired Generation | 990 |
| | 546 |
| | 34 |
| | 27 |
|
Utility Owned Renewable Generation | 58 |
| | 22 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Fuel Expense for Springerville Units 3 and 4(1) | — |
| | — |
| | 3 |
| | 3 |
|
Total Generation | 5,172 |
| | 4,770 |
| | 148 |
| | 136 |
|
Total Purchased Power | 1,796 |
| | 1,547 |
| | 67 |
| | 76 |
|
Transmission and Other PPFAC Recoverable Costs | — |
| | — |
| | 11 |
| | 7 |
|
Increase (Decrease) to Reflect PPFAC Recovery Treatment | — |
| | — |
| | 11 |
| | (15 | ) |
Total Generation and Purchased Power | 6,968 |
| | 6,317 |
| | $ | 237 |
| | $ | 204 |
|
Less Line Losses and Company Use | (341 | ) | | (397 | ) | | | | |
Total Energy Sold | 6,627 |
| | 5,920 |
| | | | |
| |
(1) | Springerville Unit 3 and 4 Fuel Expense is reimbursed by Tri-State and SRP. |
Fuel and Purchased Power Expense increased by $33 million, or 16.2%, in the first six months of 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to an increase related to the PPFAC under recovery in 2014, higher coal utilization in 2015, and additional generation and transmission costs associated with the addition of Gila River Unit 3. These increases have been partially offset by lower purchased power and natural gas generation costs due to historically low natural gas prices.
The table below summarizes average fuel cost per kWh generated or purchased: |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
(cents per kWh) | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2014 |
Coal | 2.58 |
| | 2.64 |
| | 2.69 |
| | 2.52 |
|
Gas | 3.60 |
| | 5.34 |
| | 3.40 |
| | 5.02 |
|
Purchased Power | 3.66 |
| | 4.78 |
| | 3.75 |
| | 4.88 |
|
All Sources | 3.38 |
| | 4.02 |
| | 3.42 |
| | 3.70 |
|
O&M
The table below summarizes the items included in O&M expense. Base O&M in the first six months of 2014 included merger-related expenses of $1 million: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended June 30, | | Six Months Ended June 30, |
(in millions) | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2014 |
Base O&M (Non-GAAP)(1) | $ | 64 |
| | $ | 59 |
| | $ | 126 |
| | $ | 122 |
|
O&M Recorded in Other Expense | — |
| | (2 | ) | | — |
| | (4 | ) |
Reimbursed Expenses Related to Springerville Units 3 and 4(2) | 16 |
| | 17 |
| | 32 |
| | 31 |
|
Expenses Related to Customer Funded Renewable Energy and DSM Programs(3) | 6 |
| | 6 |
| | 10 |
| | 12 |
|
Total O&M (GAAP) | $ | 86 |
| | $ | 80 |
| | $ | 168 |
| | $ | 161 |
|
| |
(1) | Base O&M is a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be considered as an alternative to O&M, which is determined in accordance with GAAP. TEP believes that Base O&M, which is O&M less reimbursed expenses and expenses related to customer-funded renewable energy and DSM programs, provides useful information because it represents the fundamental level of operating and maintenance expense related to our core business. |
| |
(2) | Expenses related to Springerville Units 3 and 4 are reimbursed with corresponding amounts recorded in Other Revenue. The Third-Party Owners’ share of expenses related to Springerville Unit 1 is included in Base O&M. |
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(3) | These expenses are being collected from customers and the corresponding amounts are recorded in retail revenue. |
Total O&M increased by $6 million, or 7.5%, in the second quarter of 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to an increase in employee benefit costs, and information and technology related expenses. Total O&M increased by $7 million, or 4.3%, in the first six months of 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to an increase in employee benefit costs and outside services, partially offset by a decrease in generation expenses.
FACTORS AFFECTING RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Regulatory Matters
TEP is subject to comprehensive regulation. The discussion below contains material developments to those matters disclosed in Item 7 of our 2014 Annual Report Form 10-K, and new regulatory matters occurring in 2015.
In March 2015, TEP filed an application with the Arizona Corporate Commission (ACC) requesting approval of a new net metering tariff to ensure that customers who install new rooftop solar power systems pay a more equitable price for electric service. In June 2015, TEP withdrew its net metering application and informed the ACC that it plans to file a rate application by the end of 2015. The rate application will include, among other things, a new net metering tariff and a request that new rates be implemented by January 2017.
Generating Resources
At June 30, 2015, approximately 54% of TEP's generating capacity was fueled by coal. Existing and proposed federal environmental regulations, as well as potential changes in state regulation, may increase the cost of operating coal-fired generating facilities. TEP is executing coal reduction strategies and evaluating additional steps for reducing the proportion of coal in its fuel mix. TEP's ability to reduce its coal-fired generating capacity will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to:
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• | Regulatory approvals associated with the anticipated closure of San Juan Unit 2, and pending ownership restructuring of the remaining units; |
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• | The outcome of the proposed Clean Power Plan; |
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• | TEP's option to permanently convert Sundt Unit 4 to be fueled by natural gas; |
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• | The ability to resolve Springerville Unit 1 legal proceedings relating to the Third-Party Owners. |
See Note 5 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Springerville Unit 1
TEP leased 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 were accounted for as capital leases. The leases expired in January 2015. At that time, TEP purchased a leased interest comprising 24.8% of Springerville Unit 1, representing 96 megawatts (MW) of capacity, for an aggregate purchase price of $46 million. Following this purchase, TEP owns 49.5% of Springerville Unit 1, or 192 MW of capacity.
The remaining 50.5% of Springerville Unit 1, or 195 MW of capacity, is owned by Wilmington Trust Company and William J. Wade, as Owner Trustee and Co-trustee under a separate trust agreement with each of the remaining two owner participants, Alterna Springerville LLC (Alterna) and LDVF1 TEP LLC (LDVF1) (Alterna and LDVF1, together with the Owner Trustees and Co-trustees, the Third-Party Owners). TEP is not obligated to purchase any of the Third-Party Owners’ generating output. TEP is obligated to operate the unit for the Third-Party Owners. The Third-Party Owners are obligated to compensate TEP for their pro rata share of expenses for the unit in the amount of approximately $2 million per month, and their share of capital expenditures, which are expected to be approximately $5 million in 2015.
As of June 30, 2015, TEP has billed the Third-Party Owners approximately $11 million for their pro-rata share of Springerville Unit 1 expenses and $1 million for their pro-rata share of capital expenditures, none of which had been paid as of July 30, 2015. On April 20, 2015, TEP filed a demand for arbitration seeking an award of the Third-Party Owners share of unreimbursed expense and capital expenditures for Springerville Unit 1. Since June 14, 2015, TEP has been scheduling the Third-Party Owners’ entitlement share of power from Springerville Unit 1 as permitted under the Springerville Unit 1 facility support agreement.
See Note 5 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of legal proceedings relating to the Third-Party Owners.
Potential Plant Retirements
TEP files an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) every two years with the ACC that includes forecasted energy needs over a 15 year period and includes options that may be considered to meet those needs. TEP's 2014 IRP, which was acknowledged by the ACC in April 2015, reflected plans to reduce its overall coal capacity by 492 MW (32% of TEP's existing coal fleet) over the next five years at the Springerville, San Juan and Sundt Generating Stations. TEP's planning assumptions included potentially retiring certain coal-fired generating facilities at San Juan Generating Station (San Juan) and coal handling facilities at Sundt Generating Station (Sundt) earlier than their current estimated useful lives. These facilities currently do not have the requisite emission control equipment to meet proposed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. TEP continues to evaluate the potential need to retire these coal-fired generating facilities earlier than the current estimated useful lives, and plans to seek regulatory recovery for amounts that would not otherwise be recovered if and when any assets are retired. See Part II, Item 5. Other Information, Environmental Matters.
Springerville Coal Handling Facilities Capital Lease Purchase
TEP previously leased interests in the coal handling facilities at the Springerville Generating Station (Springerville Coal Handling Facilities) under two separate lease agreements (Springerville Coal Handling Facilities Leases). The lease agreements had an initial term that expired in April 2015 and provided TEP the option to renew the leases or to purchase the leased interests at the aggregate fixed price of $120 million. In April 2015, TEP exercised its option to purchase the facilities.
Upon the expiration of the lease term, TEP purchased an 86.7% undivided ownership interest in the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities bringing TEP's total ownership interest to 100%. With the completion of the purchase, SRP was obligated to buy a 17.05% undivided interest in the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities from TEP for approximately $24 million. This transaction was completed in May 2015. Tri-State, is obligated to either: 1) buy a 17.05% undivided interest in the facilities for
approximately $24 million or 2) continue to make payments to TEP for the use of the facilities. Tri-State has until April 2016 to exercise its purchase option.
Interest Rates
See Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Fair Value Measurements
See Note 8 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash Flows
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 seasonal cash flow, TEP will use its revolving credit facility, as needed, to fund its business activities.
The table below presents net cash provided by (used for) operating, investing and financing activities: |
| | | | | | | |
| Six Months Ended June 30, |
(in millions) | 2015 | | 2014 |
Net Cash Flows – Operating Activities | $ | 129 |
| | $ | 113 |
|
Net Cash Flows – Investing Activities | (349 | ) | | (161 | ) |
Net Cash Flows – Financing Activities | 250 |
| | 65 |
|
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash | 30 |
| | 17 |
|
Beginning Cash | 74 |
| | 26 |
|
Ending Cash | $ | 104 |
| | $ | 43 |
|
Liquidity Outlook
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. TEP issued long-term debt in February 2015. Proceeds from the issuance of the long-term debt were used to repay revolving and term loans under its credit agreements and to pay a portion of the purchase price for interests in the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities. In June 2015, UNS Energy made a $180 million equity contribution to TEP. TEP used proceeds from the equity contribution to repay the outstanding balances under TEP's revolving credit facilities. In August 2015, TEP will use the remaining proceeds to redeem long-term variable rate tax-exempt bonds which were irrevocably called for redemption in June 2015.
Operating Activities
In the first six months of 2015, net cash flows from operating activities increased $16 million compared to the same period last year primarily due to:
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• | $16 million of higher cash receipts from retail and wholesale sales, net of fuel and purchased power costs paid driven primarily by the change in the PPFAC rates. See Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements; and |
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• | $6 million of lower cash paid for interest on capital leases. See Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. |
The increase in net cash flows from operating activities was partially offset by $6 million in cash receipts received in 2014 from insurance proceeds related to the San Juan mine fire.
Investing Activities
In the first six months of 2015, net cash flows used for investing activities increased by $188 million compared with the same period last year primarily due to:
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• | the purchase, in January 2015, of an additional 24.8% undivided ownership interest in Springerville Unit 1 for a total ownership interest of 49.5% for $46 million; |
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• | the purchase, in April 2015, of an additional 86.7% undivided ownership interest in the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities at the fixed purchase price of $120 million increasing its total ownership interest to 100%; and |
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• | $38 million of higher capital expenditures to fund system reinforcement through replacements and betterments, with the majority of funds being used for the construction of a new 500kV transmission line. |
The increase in net cash flows used for investing activities was partially offset by the sale, in May 2015, of a 17.05% undivided ownership interest in Springerville Coal Handling Facilities for approximately $24 million to SRP.
Financing Activities
In the first six months of 2015, net cash flows from financing activities increased by $185 million compared to the same period last year primarily due to:
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• | $180 million in higher cash proceeds from UNS Energy's equity contribution, in June 2015; |
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• | $150 million in higher cash proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt, in February 2015; and |
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• | $71 million in lower cash payments of capital lease obligations due to the purchase of an additional undivided ownership interest in Springerville Unit 1, in January 2015, and the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities, in April 2015. |
The increase in net cash flows from financing activities was partially offset by:
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• | $130 million purchase of tax-exempt long-term debt, in January 2015; and |
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• | $85 million in lower borrowings (net of repayments) under TEP's revolving credit facilities. |
Issuance and Redemption
In January 2015, amounts borrowed under the term loan portion of the 2014 Credit Agreement were used to purchase $130 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured bonds. The multi-modal bonds mature in September 2029 and at June 30, 2015, TEP had not canceled or remarketed them.
In February 2015, TEP issued and sold $300 million of unsecured notes. The notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.05%, and mature in March 2025. TEP may redeem the notes prior to December 15, 2024, with a make-whole premium plus accrued interest. On or after December 15, 2024, TEP may redeem the notes at par plus accrued interest.
In March 2015, TEP used the net proceeds from the bond sale to repay $215 million of revolving and term loans under its 2014 Credit Agreement and 2010 Credit Agreement. In April 2015, TEP used the remaining amount to pay a portion of the purchase price for an additional interest in the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities. See Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In June 2015, TEP issued an irrevocable notice to redeem approximately $79 million of variable rate tax-exempt bonds in August 2015. TEP plans to fund the redemption using proceeds from the UNS Energy equity contribution.
Credit and Debt Agreements |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | At June 30, 2015 | | As of July 30, 2015 |
(in millions) | Expires | | Facility Size | | LOC Outstanding | | Borrowings | | Available Balance | | Available Balance(1)(2) |
2010 Credit Agreement(3) | November 2016 | | | | | | | | | | |
Revolving Credit and LOC Facility | | | $ | 200 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 200 |
| | $ | 200 |
|
LOC Facility | | | 82 |
| | 82 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Reimbursement Agreement(4) | February 2019 | | | | | | | | | | |
LOC Facility | | | 37 |
| | 37 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
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(1) | In June 2015, proceeds received from a UNS Energy equity contribution were used to repay the outstanding balances under TEP's revolving credit facilities. In June 2015, TEP terminated the remaining credit available under the 2014 Credit Agreement. |
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(2) | In January 2015, amounts borrowed under the term loan commitment were used to purchase existing Industrial Development Authority of Pima County, Arizona unsecured tax-exempt industrial development revenue bonds issued in June 2008 for the benefit of TEP in the amount of $130 million. See Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. In March 2015, the $130 million term loan portion of the 2014 Credit Agreement was repaid. |
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(3) | Interest rates and fees under the 2010 Credit Agreement are based on a pricing grid tied to TEP’s credit ratings. In February 2015, Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's) upgraded the senior unsecured and issuer rating of TEP to A3 from Baa1. The interest rate currently in effect on borrowings is LIBOR plus 1.00% for Eurodollar loans or Alternate Base Rate with no margin for Alternate Base Rate loans. The margin rate currently in effect on the $82 million Letter of Credit (LOC) facility is 1.00%. See Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. |
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(4) | The LOC supports variable rate tax-exempt pollution control bonds and includes fees payable on the aggregate outstanding amount. The rate currently in effect after Moody's credit upgrade in February 2015 is 0.75% per annum. |
Restrictive Debt Covenants
Certain of TEP's credit and variable-rate debt agreements contain pricing based on TEP’s credit ratings. A change in TEP’s credit ratings can cause an increase or decrease in the amount of interest TEP pays on its borrowings and the amount of fees it pays for its LOCs and unused commitments. A downgrade in TEP’s credit ratings would not cause a restriction in TEP’s ability to borrow under its revolving credit facilities.
The agreements contain restrictions on mergers and sales of assets as well as a maximum leverage test. TEP can pay dividends if it maintains compliance with these restrictions as well as those of the Merger order. The agreements also include conditions of default that would entitle the lenders to accelerate the maturity of all amounts outstanding. At June 30, 2015, TEP was in compliance with all covenants related to its credit agreements and the terms of the Merger order. See Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Capital Lease Obligations
In January 2015, TEP purchased an additional undivided ownership interest in Springerville Unit 1. In April 2015, TEP purchased the remaining undivided ownership interest in the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities. At June 30, 2015 there was no capital lease obligation balance related to Springerville Unit 1 or the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities.
The table below provides a summary of the outstanding capital lease obligations: |
| | | | | | | |
(in millions) | June 30, 2015 | | Expiration | | Renewal/Purchase Option |
Springerville Common Facilities(1) | $ | 70 |
| | 2017 and 2021 | | Fixed price purchase option of $106 million |
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(1) | The Springerville Common Facilities Leases cover an undivided one-half interest in certain Springerville Common Facilities. |
TEP's capital lease obligation balances decline over time due to the normal capital lease payments made by TEP.
Contractual Obligations
There have been no changes in TEP's contractual obligations or other commercial commitments from those reported in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, other than the following changes in 2015:
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• | TEP issued and sold $300 million of its senior unsecured notes. The notes bear an interest at the fixed rate of 3.05% and mature March 15, 2025. See Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. |
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• | TEP repurchased $130 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured bonds. See Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. |
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• | Upon the expiration of the lease term, TEP purchased an undivided ownership interest in the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities at the fixed purchase price of $120 million. In May 2015, SRP purchased from TEP a 17.05% undivided interest in the Springerville Coal Handling Facilities for approximately $24 million. With the completion of TEP's purchase, Tri-State does not have an obligation to purchase the facilities, but by April 2016 Tri-State must elect to either 1) buy a portion of the facilities for $24 million or 2) continue to make payments to TEP for the use of the facilities. See Factors Affecting Results of Operations, Springerville Coal Handling Facilities Capital Lease Purchase and Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. |
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• | TEP entered into new forward purchased power commitments with minimum payment obligations of $45 million in 2016. See Note 5 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. |
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• | TEP entered into a new gas transportation commitment with minimum payment obligations of $1 million in 2015, $2 million in each year from 2016 through 2019, and $46 million in total thereafter through 2039. See Note 5 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. |
We have reviewed our contractual obligations and provide the following additional information:
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• | TEP conducts its wholesale marketing and risk management activities under certain master agreements whereby TEP may be required to post credit enhancements in the form of cash or an LOC due to exposures exceeding unsecured credit limits provided to TEP, changes in contract values, a change in TEP’s credit ratings, or if there has been a material change in TEP’s creditworthiness. As of June 30, 2015, TEP had posted less than $1 million in LOCs as collateral with wholesale counterparties for credit enhancement. |
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• | We do not have any provisions in any of our debt or lease agreements that would cause an event of default or cause amounts to become due and payable in the event of a credit rating downgrade. |
Income Tax Position
The 2010 Federal Tax Relief Act, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, and the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 include provisions that make qualified property placed in service between 2010 and 2014 eligible for bonus depreciation for tax purposes. In addition, the IRS issued new guidance related to the treatment of expenditures to maintain, replace, or improve property. These provisions are an acceleration of tax benefits TEP otherwise would have received over 20 years and have created net operating loss carryforwards that can be used to offset future taxable income. As a result, TEP did not pay any federal or state income taxes the first six months of 2015 and does not expect to make any payments until 2019.
Contribution from Parent
In June 2015, UNS Energy made an equity contribution of $180 million to TEP. A portion of the contribution was used to repay $80 million in TEP's revolving credit loans. The balance of the proceeds will be used to redeem $79 million of bonds in August 2015 and to provide additional liquidity to TEP.
Dividend Paid
TEP did not pay dividends to UNS Energy in the first six months of 2015 and 2014. In July 2015, TEP paid $25 million in dividends to UNS Energy.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent liabilities. Our management believes that there have been no significant changes during the six months ended June 30, 2015, to the items that we disclosed as our critical accounting policies and estimates in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
For a summary of recent accounting pronouncements applicable to our financial statements see Note 9 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
TEP’s primary market risks include fluctuations in interest rates, commodity prices and volumes, and counterparty credit. Fluctuations in interest rates can affect earnings and cash flows. We can enter into interest rate swaps and financing transactions to manage changes in interest rates. Fluctuations in commodity prices and volumes and counterparty credit losses may temporarily affect cash flows, but are not expected to affect earnings due to expected recovery through regulatory mechanisms.
There have been no additional risks and no material changes to market risks disclosed in Part II, Item 7A in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
TEP’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer supervised and participated in TEP’s evaluation of its disclosure controls and procedures as such term is defined under Rule 13(a) – 15(e) or Rule 15(d) – 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 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 TEP in the reports that it files or submits 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, TEP’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that TEP’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of June 30, 2015.
While TEP continually strives to improve its disclosure controls and procedures to enhance the quality of its financial reporting, there has been no change in TEP’s internal control over financial reporting during the second quarter of 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, TEP’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
For a description of certain legal proceedings affecting TEP, refer to Note 5 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The business and financial results of TEP are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties reported in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
|
| | | | | |
| Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 | | Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2015 |
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges | 2.839 |
| | 2.729 |
|
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 and expense, interest on operating lease payments, and expense on indebtedness, including capital lease obligations.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Environmental Regulation
The EPA regulates the amount of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter, mercury and other by-products produced 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 ratepayers.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
In November 2014, the EPA released a proposed rule that would revise the ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The proposal revises the primary and secondary 8-hour NAAQS to within a range of 65-70 parts per billion (ppb), but the EPA is also taking comments on retaining the existing 75 ppb 8-hour standard or adopting an 8-hour standard as low as 60 ppb.
If the standard is ultimately revised below 70 ppb, Pima County and many other parts of Arizona would likely not be able to comply based on current ozone levels. Arizona would then need to submit a plan to meet the revised standard which could potentially limit economic growth in the affected regions. TEP filed comments on the proposed rule urging the EPA to retain the existing standard at 75 ppb. The EPA is expected to finalize the rule by October 2015.
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 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rules to set the standards for the control of mercury emissions and other hazardous air pollutants from power plants. Based on the rules, additional emission control equipment would have been required by April 2015. TEP, as operator of Springerville and Sundt, and the operator of Navajo Generating Station (Navajo) received extensions until April 2016 to comply with the MATS rules.
In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed and remanded the DC Circuit Court of Appeals decision to uphold the MATS rule requiring power plants to control mercury and other emissions. The Supreme Court held that the EPA did not adequately consider “cost” before determining that MATS is “appropriate and necessary”.
At this time, the existing MATS rules remain in force and effect. TEP will proceed with its planned MATS compliance activity at each of our facilities. Additionally, Arizona has an Arizona-specific mercury rule in place that would become effective and applicable to our Arizona facilities in the event the Federal rule is struck down. Our compliance strategy ensures compliance with both the Federal and the State rule, as applicable.
For more information see Note 5 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Navajo
Based on the MATS rules, Navajo will require mercury control equipment by April 2016. TEP’s share of the estimated capital costs of this equipment is $1 million for mercury control. TEP expects its share of the annual operating costs for mercury control to be $1 million.
San Juan
TEP expects San Juan’s current emission controls to be adequate to comply with the MATS rules.
Four Corners
TEP expects Four Corners Generating Station's (Four Corners) current emission controls to be adequate to comply with the MATS rules.
Springerville Generating Station
Based on the MATS rules, Springerville will require mercury emission control equipment by April 2016. 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 $1 million. Estimated costs are split equally between the two units. With the completion of the lease option purchases in December 2014 and January 2015, TEP owns 49.5% of Springerville Unit 1, and Third-Party Owners are now responsible for 50.5% of environmental costs attributed to Springerville Unit 1. TEP continues to be responsible for 100% of environmental costs attributable to Springerville Unit 2.
Sundt Generating Station
TEP expects the MATS rules will have little effect on capital expenditures at Sundt.
Regional Haze Rules
The EPA's Regional Haze Rules require emission controls known as Best Available Retrofit Technology (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 all or a portion of the Navajo, San Juan, and Four Corners power plants or for individual owners to continue to participate in the units they own at these power plants. TEP cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters.
For more information see Note 5 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Navajo
In August 2014, the EPA published the final Regional Haze Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) for Navajo. Among other things, the FIP 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 Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) or an equivalent technology on the remaining two units by 2030, and the current owners have to cease their operation of conventional coal-fired generation at Navajo no later than December 22, 2044. The Navajo Nation can continue operation after 2044 at its election. The final BART includes options that accommodate potential ownership changes at the plant. The plant has until December 2019 to notify the EPA which option will be implemented.
If SCR technology is ultimately implemented at Navajo, TEP estimates its share of the capital cost will be $28 million for the two remaining units. 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 $28 million for the two remaining units. TEP's share of annual operating costs for SCR and baghouses is estimated at less than $1 million each.
San Juan
In October 2014, the EPA published a final rule approving a revised State Implementation Plan (SIP) covering BART requirements for San Juan. The SIP requires the closure of Units 2 and 3 by December 2017 and the installation of Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR) on Units 1 and 4 by February of 2016. TEP owns 50% of Units 1 and 2 at San Juan. TEP expects its share of the cost to install SNCR technology on San Juan Unit 1 to be approximately $12 million. Additionally, the SIP approval references a New Source Review permit issued by the New Mexico Environment Department in November 2013 which, among other things, calls for balanced draft upgrades on San Juan Unit 1 to reduce particulate matter emissions. Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), the operator of San Juan, is currently installing SNCR and balanced draft modifications to San Juan Unit 1 were completed in June 2015. TEP’s share of the balanced draft upgrades was approximately $19 million. TEP's share of incremental annual operating costs for SNCR for San Juan Unit 1 is estimated at $1 million.
In connection with the implementation of the SIP revision and the early 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 have negotiated 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 engaged a mediator to assist in facilitating the resolution of these matters among the Participants. The Participants 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.
Upon the early retirement of San Juan Unit 2, TEP will seek ACC approval to recover any unrecovered cost. TEP's 2013 Rate Case identified an excess of required generation depreciation reserves. As stipulated in the 2013 Rate Order, TEP will seek the ACC's authority to apply any excess generation depreciation reserves to the unrecovered book value of any early retirement of generation assets prior to seeking additional recovery. TEP expects the excess generation depreciation reserves to fully cover the costs associated with early retirement of Unit 2. At June 30, 2015, the net book value of TEP's share in San Juan Unit 2 was $114 million.
Four Corners
In 2012, the EPA finalized the regional haze FIP for Four Corners. The final FIP requires SCR technology to be installed on one unit by October 2016 and the remaining units by October 2017. In December 2013, Arizona Public Service Company (APS), the operator of Four Corners, decided to exercise an option to shut down Units 1, 2, and 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 $44 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 Rules requiring further emission reduction are not likely to impact Springerville operations until after 2018.
Sundt
In June 2014, the EPA issued a final Regional Haze FIP for Arizona including BART requirements for Sundt. The final FIP would require TEP to either (i) install, by mid-2017, SNCR and dry sorbent injection (DSI) 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 DSI would be approximately $12 million, and the incremental annual operating costs would be $5 million to $6 million. Under the rule, TEP is required to notify the EPA of its decision by March 2017. We expect to make a decision by early 2016 as part of our MATS compliance plan for Sundt. At June 30, 2015, the net book value of the Sundt coal handling facilities was $16 million. If retired early, we will request the ACC's approval to recover 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. At this time, TEP does not anticipate that a final rule related to new fossil-fueled power plant sources will have a significant impact on its operations.
In June 2014, the EPA issued proposed carbon emission regulations for existing power plants called the Clean Power Plan. The Clean Power Plan targets a nation-wide reduction in carbon emissions of 30% by 2030. To achieve this goal, the proposed plan sets carbon emission rates for each state that must be achieved by an interim period of 2020-2029, with final emission rates by 2030. States can apply a variety of strategies to achieve the interim and final emission rates. Using 2012 as a baseline year, Arizona's carbon emission rate for 2030 represents a 52% reduction, most of which would be required by the interim emission rate requirement and could lead to the early retirement of coal generation in Arizona by 2020. The EPA expects to issue a final rule in August of 2015. Under the current proposal, states must file implementation plans approximately one year after the rule is finalized or two years after the rule is finalized for multi-state plans. In October 2014, the EPA issued a supplemental proposal regarding carbon emissions regulation impacting the Navajo Nation and Four Corners and Navajo which are located on land leased from the Navajo Nation. The regulation, if implemented as proposed, will require carbon reductions on the Navajo Reservation; however, the reduction requirement is less than what is anticipated from unit retirements at Four Corners and Navajo associated with Regional Haze requirements. See Regional Haze Rules above.
TEP will continue working with federal and state regulatory authorities, other neighboring utilities, and stakeholders to seek relief from the proposed regulation by reducing the disproportionately high level of carbon emissions reduction for Arizona, and to seek relief from the interim and final proposed compliance requirements. The final rule will likely be challenged by a number of interested parties. TEP cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters.
Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation
In April 2015, the EPA issued a final rule requiring all coal ash and other coal combustion residuals to be treated as a solid waste under Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act while allowing for the continued recycling of coal ash. TEP is in the process of evaluating the final impacts of the rule on our coal-fired generation.
TEP does not own or operate any impoundments. Under the rule, the Springerville ash landfill is classified as an existing landfill and is not subject to the lateral expansion requirements. However, TEP will incur additional costs for site preparation and monitoring at Springerville to be fully compliant with the rule. TEP’s share of the cost is approximately $2 million, the majority of which is expected to be capital expenditures. TEP is still evaluating the potential costs associated with the implementation of the Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation rule at Navajo, Four Corners, and San Juan. TEP's share of the costs is not expected to have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
For more information see Note 5 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
See Exhibit Index.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements 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. |
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| | | TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY |
| | | (Registrant) |
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Date: | July 31, 2015 | | /s/ Kevin P. Larson |
| | | Kevin P. Larson |
| | | Senior Vice President and Chief |
| | | Financial Officer |
EXHIBIT INDEX |
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4 | | — | | Amendment, dated May 26, 2015, between Tucson Electric Power Company, STI Institutional & Government, Inc. and Branch Banking and Trust Company, to Lender Rate Mode Covenants Agreement, dated November 1, 2013. |
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12 | | — | | Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. |
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31(a) | | — | | Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, by David G. Hutchens. |
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31(b) | | — | | Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, by Kevin P. Larson. |
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*32 | | — | | Statements of Corporate Officers (pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002). |
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101.INS | | — | | XBRL Instance Document |
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101.SCH | | — | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
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101.CAL | | — | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
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101.LAB | | —
| | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
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101.PRE | | —
| | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
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101.DEF | | —
| | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
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* | Pursuant to Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K, this certificate is not being “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |