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ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, LLC - Annual Report: 2004 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

 
   

X

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

   
 

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

OR

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13
OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

   
 

For the transition period from ____________ to ____________

Commission
File Number

Registrant, State of Incorporation,
Address of Principal Executive Offices and Telephone Number

IRS Employer
Identification No.

1-11299

ENTERGY CORPORATION
(a Delaware corporation)
639 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70113
Telephone (504) 576-4000

72-1229752

     

1-10764

ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.
(an Arkansas corporation)
425 West Capitol Avenue
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Telephone (501) 377-4000

71-0005900

     

1-27031

ENTERGY GULF STATES, INC.
(a Texas corporation)
350 Pine Street
Beaumont, Texas 77701
Telephone (409) 838-6631

74-0662730

     

1-8474

ENTERGY LOUISIANA, INC.
(a Louisiana corporation)
4809 Jefferson Highway
Jefferson, Louisiana 70121
Telephone (504) 840-2734

72-0245590

     

1-31508

ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.
(a Mississippi corporation)
308 East Pearl Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201
Telephone (601) 368-5000

64-0205830

     

0-5807

ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.
(a Louisiana corporation)
1600 Perdido Street, Building 505
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
Telephone (504) 670-3674

72-0273040

     

1-9067

SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
(an Arkansas corporation)
Echelon One
1340 Echelon Parkway
Jackson, Mississippi 39213
Telephone (601) 368-5000

72-0752777

     

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Registrant


Title of Class

Name of Each Exchange
on Which Registered

     

Entergy Corporation

Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value - 213,145,161
shares outstanding at February 28, 2005

New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Chicago Stock Exchange Inc.
Pacific Exchange Inc.

     

Entergy Arkansas, Inc.

Mortgage Bonds, 6.7% Series due April 2032
Mortgage Bonds, 6.0% Series due November 2032

New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

     

Entergy Gulf States, Inc.

Preferred Stock, Cumulative, $100 Par Value:
$4.40 Dividend Series
$4.52 Dividend Series
$5.08 Dividend Series
Adjustable Rate Series B (Depository Receipts)


New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

     

Entergy Gulf States Capital I

8.75% Cumulative Quarterly Income Preferred
Securities, Series A
(guaranteed by Entergy Gulf States, Inc.)

New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

     

Entergy Louisiana, Inc.

Mortgage Bonds, 7.6% Series due April 2032

New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

     

Entergy Mississippi, Inc.

Mortgage Bonds, 6.0% Series due November 2032
Mortgage Bonds, 7.25% Series due December 2032

New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

     

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Registrant

Title of Class

   

Entergy Arkansas, Inc.

Preferred Stock, Cumulative, $100 Par Value
Preferred Stock, Cumulative, $0.01 Par Value

   

Entergy Gulf States, Inc.

Preferred Stock, Cumulative, $100 Par Value

   

Entergy Louisiana, Inc.

Preferred Stock, Cumulative, $100 Par Value
Preferred Stock, Cumulative, $25 Par Value

   

Entergy Mississippi, Inc.

Preferred Stock, Cumulative, $100 Par Value

   

Entergy New Orleans, Inc.

Preferred Stock, Cumulative, $100 Par Value

            Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have 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 registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes Ö No ____

            Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrants' knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [Ö ]

            Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).

 

Yes

No

Entergy Corporation
Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
Entergy Gulf States, Inc.
Entergy Louisiana, Inc.
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
System Energy Resources, Inc.

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            The aggregate market value of Entergy Corporation Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value, held by non-affiliates as of the end of the second quarter of 2004, was $12.7 billion based on the reported last sale price of $56.01 per share for such stock on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2004. Entergy Corporation is the sole holder of the common stock of Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Gulf States, Inc., Entergy Louisiana, Inc., Entergy Mississippi, Inc., Entergy New Orleans, Inc., and System Energy Resources, Inc.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

            Portions of the Proxy Statement of Entergy Corporation to be filed in connection with its Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be held May 13, 2005, are incorporated by reference into Parts I and III hereof.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SEC Form 10-K
Reference Number

Page
Number

     

Definitions

 

i

Entergy's Business

Part I. Item 1.

1

      Financial Information for U.S. Utility, Non-Utility Nuclear, and Energy
       Commodity Services

 

2

      Strategy

 

3

Report of Management

 

4

      Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries

   

      Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis

Part II. Item 7.

 

           Results of Operations

 

5

           Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

12

           Significant Factors and Known Trends

 

22

           Critical Accounting Estimates

 

33

      Selected Financial Data - Five-Year Comparison

Part II. Item 6.

41

      Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

42

     Consolidated Statements of Income For the Years Ended December 31,
          2004, 2003, and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

43

     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended December
          31, 2004, 2003, and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

44

     Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31, 2004 and 2003

Part II. Item 8.

46

     Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings, Comprehensive Income,
          and Paid in Capital for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003,
          and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

48

      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Part II. Item 8.

49

U.S. Utility

Part I. Item 1.

105

      Customers

 

105

      Electric Energy Sales

 

105

      Retail Rate Regulation

 

107

      Property and Other Generation Resources

 

113

      Fuel Supply

 

116

      Federal Regulation

 

119

      Service Companies

 

128

      Earnings Ratios

 

128

Non-Utility Nuclear

Part I. Item 1.

129

      Property

 

129

      Energy and Capacity Sales

 

129

      Fuel Supply

 

130

      Other Business Activities

 

131

Energy Commodity Services

Part I. Item 1.

131

      Non-Nuclear Wholesale Assets Business

 

132

      Entergy-Koch, L.P.

 

132

Regulation of Entergy's Business

Part I. Item 1.

133

      PUHCA

 

133

      Federal Power Act

 

133

      State Regulation

 

134

      Regulation of the Nuclear Power Industry

 

135

      Environmental Regulation

 

137

Litigation

 

142

Research Spending

 

146

Employees

 

146

Entergy Arkansas, Inc.

   

      Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis

Part II. Item 7.

 

            Results of Operations

 

147

            Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

147

            Significant Factors and Known Trends

 

150

            Critical Accounting Estimates

 

154

      Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

164

      Income Statements For the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003,
         and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

165

      Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended December 31, 2004,
         2003, and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

167

      Balance Sheets, December 31, 2004 and 2003

Part II. Item 8.

168

      Statements of Retained Earnings for the Years Ended December 31, 2004,
         2003, and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

170

      Selected Financial Data - Five-Year Comparison

Part II. Item 6.

171

Entergy Gulf States, Inc.

   

      Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis

Part II. Item 7.

 

           Results of Operations

 

172

           Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

176

           Significant Factors and Known Trends

 

179

           Critical Accounting Estimates

 

188

      Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

193

      Income Statements For the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003,
           and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

194

      Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended December 31, 2004,
           2003, and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

195

     Balance Sheets, December 31, 2004 and 2003

Part II. Item 8.

196

     Statements of Retained Earnings and Comprehensive Income for the
           Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

198

     Selected Financial Data - Five-Year Comparison

Part II. Item 6.

199

Entergy Louisiana, Inc.

   

     Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis

Part II. Item 7.

 

           Results of Operations

 

200

           Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

203

           Significant Factors and Known Trends

 

207

           Critical Accounting Estimates

 

213

     Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

218

     Income Statements For the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003,
           and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

219

     Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended December 31, 2004,
           2003, and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

221

     Balance Sheets, December 31, 2004 and 2003

Part II. Item 8.

222

     Statements of Retained Earnings for the Years Ended December 31, 2004,
           2003, and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

224

     Selected Financial Data - Five-Year Comparison

Part II. Item 6.

225

Entergy Mississippi, Inc.

   

      Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis

Part II. Item 7.

 

           Results of Operations

 

226

           Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

228

           Significant Factors and Known Trends

 

231

           Critical Accounting Estimates

 

236

      Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

239

      Income Statements For the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003,
           and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

240

      Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended December 31, 2004,
           2003, and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

241

      Balance Sheets, December 31, 2004 and 2003

Part II. Item 8.

242

      Statements of Retained Earnings for the Years Ended December 31,
           2004, 2003, and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

244

      Selected Financial Data - Five-Year Comparison

Part II. Item 6.

245

Entergy New Orleans, Inc.

   

      Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis

Part II. Item 7.

 

           Results of Operations

 

246

           Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

248

           Significant Factors and Known Trends

 

251

           Critical Accounting Estimates

 

257

      Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

260

      Statements of Operations For the Years Ended December 31, 2004,
           2003, and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

261

      Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended December 31, 2004,
           2003, and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

263

      Balance Sheets, December 31, 2004 and 2003

Part II. Item 8.

264

      Statements of Retained Earnings for the Years Ended December 31,
           2004, 2003, and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

266

      Selected Financial Data - Five-Year Comparison

Part II. Item 6.

267

System Energy Resources, Inc.

   

      Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis

Part II. Item 7.

 

           Results of Operations

 

268

           Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

268

           Significant Factors and Known Trends

 

271

           Critical Accounting Estimates

 

272

      Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

276

      Income Statements For the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003,
           and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

277

      Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended December 31, 2004,
           2003, and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

279

      Balance Sheets, December 31, 2004 and 2003

Part II. Item 8.

280

      Statements of Retained Earnings for the Years Ended December 31,
           2004, 2003, and 2002

Part II. Item 8.

282

      Selected Financial Data - Five-Year Comparison

Part II. Item 6.

283

Notes to Respective Financial Statements for the Domestic Utility Companies
    and System Energy

Part II. Item 8.

284

Properties

Part I. Item 2.

349

Legal Proceedings

Part I. Item 3.

349

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Part I. Item 4.

349

Directors and Executive Officers of Entergy Corporation

Part III. Item 10.

349

Market for Registrants' Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

Part II. Item 5.

351

Selected Financial Data

Part II. Item 6.

352

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
   Operations

Part II. Item 7.

352

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Part II. Item 7A.

352

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Part II. Item 8.

353

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
   Disclosure

Part II. Item 9.

353

Controls and Procedures

Part II. Item 9A.

353

Attestation Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm

Part II. Item 9A.

354

Other Information

Part II. Item 9B.

368

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrants

Part III. Item 10.

369

Executive Compensation

Part III. Item 11.

373

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

Part III. Item 12.

383

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

Part III. Item 13.

386

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Part IV. Item 14

387

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

Part IV. Item 15.

390

Signatures

 

391

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

398

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

400

Index to Financial Statement Schedules

 

S-1

Exhibit Index

 

E-1

     

            This combined Form 10-K is separately filed by Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Gulf States, Inc., Entergy Louisiana, Inc., Entergy Mississippi, Inc., Entergy New Orleans, Inc., and System Energy Resources, Inc. Information contained herein relating to any individual company is filed by such company on its own behalf. Each company makes representations only as to itself and makes no other representations whatsoever as to any other company.

            The report should be read in its entirety as it pertains to each respective registrant. No one section of the report deals with all aspects of the subject matter. Separate Item 6, 7, and 8 sections are provided for each registrant, except for the Notes to the financial statements. The Entergy Corporation Notes to the financial statements are separately presented, but the Notes to the financial statements for the other registrants are combined. These two sets of Notes are marked by headers. All other Items are combined for the registrants.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

            In this filing and from time to time, Entergy makes statements concerning its expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, and future events or performance. Such statements are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although Entergy believes that these forward-looking statements and the underlying assumptions are reasonable, it cannot provide assurance that they will prove correct. Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, Entergy undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

            Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there are factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. Some of those factors (in addition to others described elsewhere in this report and in subsequent securities filings) include:

  • resolution of pending and future rate cases and negotiations, including various performance-based rate discussions, and other regulatory proceedings, including those related to Entergy's System Agreement and Entergy's utility supply plan
  • Entergy's ability to manage its operation and maintenance costs, particularly at its Non-Utility Nuclear generating facilities
  • the performance of Entergy's generating plants, and particularly the capacity factors at its nuclear generating facilities
  • prices for power generated by Entergy's unregulated generating facilities, the ability to extend or replace the existing purchased power agreements for those facilities, including the Non-Utility Nuclear plants, and the prices and availability of power Entergy must purchase for its utility customers
  • Entergy's ability to develop and execute on a point of view regarding prices of electricity, natural gas, and other energy-related commodities
  • changes in the financial markets, particularly those affecting the availability of capital and Entergy's ability to refinance existing debt, execute its share repurchase program, and fund investments and acquisitions
  • actions of rating agencies, including changes in the ratings of debt and preferred stock, and changes in the rating agencies' ratings criteria
  • changes in inflation and interest rates
  • Entergy's ability to purchase and sell assets at attractive prices and on other attractive terms
  • volatility and changes in markets for electricity, natural gas, uranium, and other energy-related commodities
  • changes in utility regulation, including the beginning or end of retail and wholesale competition, the ability to recover net utility assets and other potential stranded costs, the establishment of a regional transmission organization that includes Entergy's utility service territory, and the application of market power criteria by the FERC
  • changes in regulation of nuclear generating facilities and nuclear materials and fuel, including possible shutdown of Indian Point or other nuclear generating facilities
  • uncertainty regarding the establishment of interim or permanent sites for spent nuclear fuel storage and disposal
  • resolution of pending or future applications for license extensions or modifications of nuclear generating facilities
  • changes in law resulting from proposed energy legislation
  • changes in environmental, tax, and other laws, including requirements for reduced emissions of sulfur, nitrogen, carbon, mercury, and other substances
  • the economic climate, and particularly growth in Entergy's service territory
  • variations in weather and the occurrence of hurricanes and other storms and disasters
  • advances in technology
  • the potential effects of threatened or actual terrorism and war
  • the effects of Entergy's strategies to reduce current tax payments
  • the effects of litigation and government investigations
  • changes in accounting standards, corporate governance, and securities law requirements
  • Entergy's ability to attract and retain talented management and directors

DEFINITIONS

            Certain abbreviations or acronyms used in the text and notes are defined below:

Abbreviation or Acronym

Term

   

AFUDC

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction

ALJ

Administrative Law Judge

ANO 1 and 2

Units 1 and 2 of Arkansas Nuclear One Steam Electric Generating Station (nuclear), owned by Entergy Arkansas

APSC

Arkansas Public Service Commission

Board

Board of Directors of Entergy Corporation

Cajun

Cajun Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.

capacity factor

Actual plant output divided by maximum potential plant output for the period

City Council or Council

Council of the City of New Orleans, Louisiana

CPI-U

Consumer Price Index - Urban

DOE

United States Department of Energy

domestic utility companies

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans, collectively

EITF

FASB's Emerging Issues Task Force

Energy Commodity Services

Entergy's business segment that includes Entergy-Koch, LP and Entergy's non-nuclear wholesale assets business

Entergy

Entergy Corporation and its direct and indirect subsidiaries

Entergy Corporation

Entergy Corporation, a Delaware corporation

Entergy-Koch

Entergy-Koch, LP, a joint venture equally owned by subsidiaries of Entergy and Koch Industries, Inc.

EPA

United States Environmental Protection Agency

EPDC

Entergy Power Development Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Entergy Corporation

FASB

Financial Accounting Standards Board

FEMA

Federal Emergency Management Agency

FERC

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

firm liquidated damages

Transaction that requires receipt or delivery of energy at a specified delivery point (usually at a market hub not associated with a specific asset); if a party fails to deliver or receive energy, the defaulting party must compensate the other party as specified in the contract

FSP

FASB Staff Position

Grand Gulf

Unit No. 1 of Grand Gulf Steam Electric Generating Station (nuclear), 90% owned or leased by System Energy

GWh

Gigawatt-hour(s), which equals one million kilowatt-hours

Independence

Independence Steam Electric Station (coal), owned 16% by Entergy Arkansas, 25% by Entergy Mississippi, and 7% by Entergy Power

IRS

Internal Revenue Service

ISO

Independent System Operator

kV

Kilovolt

kW

Kilowatt

kWh

Kilowatt-hour(s)

   

DEFINITIONS (Continued)

Abbreviation or Acronym

Term

   

LDEQ

Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality

LPSC

Louisiana Public Service Commission

Mcf

1,000 cubic feet of gas

MMBtu

One million British Thermal Units

MPSC

Mississippi Public Service Commission

MW

Megawatt(s), which equals one thousand kilowatt(s)

MWh

Megawatt-hour(s)

Nelson Unit 6

Unit No. 6 (coal) of the Nelson Steam Electric Generating Station, owned 70% by Entergy Gulf States

Net debt ratio

Gross debt less cash and cash equivalents divided by total capitalization less cash and cash equivalents

Net MW in operation

Installed capacity owned or operated

Net revenue

Operating revenue net of fuel, fuel-related, and purchased power expenses; and other regulatory credits

Non-Utility Nuclear

Entergy's business segment that owns and operates five nuclear power plants and sells electric power produced by those plants to wholesale customers

NRC

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

NYPA

New York Power Authority

PPA

Purchased power agreement

production cost

Cost in $/MMBtu associated with delivering gas, excluding the cost of the gas

PRP

Potentially responsible party (a person or entity that may be responsible for remediation of environmental contamination)

PUCT

Public Utility Commission of Texas

PUHCA

Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended

PURPA

Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978

Ritchie Unit 2

Unit 2 of the R.E. Ritchie Steam Electric Generating Station (gas/oil)

River Bend

River Bend Steam Electric Generating Station (nuclear), owned by Entergy Gulf States

SEC

Securities and Exchange Commission

SFAS

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards as promulgated by the FASB

SMEPA

South Mississippi Electric Power Agency, which owns a 10% interest in Grand Gulf

spark spread

Dollar difference between electricity prices per unit and natural gas prices after assuming a conversion ratio for the number of natural gas units necessary to generate one unit of electricity

System Agreement

Agreement, effective January 1, 1983, as modified, among the domestic utility companies relating to the sharing of generating capacity and other power resources

System Energy

System Energy Resources, Inc.

System Fuels

System Fuels, Inc.

   

DEFINITIONS (Concluded)

Abbreviation or Acronym

Term

   

TWh

Terawatt-hour(s), which equals one billion kilowatt-hours

unit-contingent

Transaction under which power is supplied from a specific generation asset; if the specified generation asset is unavailable as a result of forced outage or unanticipated event or circumstance, the seller is not liable to the buyer for any damages resulting from the seller's failure to deliver power

unit-contingent with
availability guarantees

Transaction under which power is supplied from a specific generation asset; if the specified generation asset is unavailable as a result of forced outage or unanticipated event or circumstance, the seller is not liable to the buyer for any damages resulting from the seller's failure to deliver power unless the actual availability over a specified period of time is below an availability threshold specified in the contract

Unit Power Sales Agreement

Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1982, as amended and approved by FERC, among Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy, relating to the sale of capacity and energy from System Energy's share of Grand Gulf

UK

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

U.S. Utility

Entergy's business segment that generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power, with a small amount of natural gas distribution

Waterford 3

Unit No. 3 (nuclear) of the Waterford Steam Electric Generating Station, 100% owned or leased by Entergy Louisiana

weather-adjusted usage

Electric usage excluding the effects of deviations from normal weather

White Bluff

White Bluff Steam Electric Generating Station, 57% owned by Entergy Arkansas

 

 

ENTERGY'S BUSINESS

Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail electric distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 MW of electric generating capacity, and it is the second-largest nuclear power generator in the United States. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.7 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Entergy generated annual revenues of over $10 billion in 2004 and had approximately 14,400 employees as of December 31, 2004.

Entergy operates primarily through three business segments: U.S. Utility, Non-Utility Nuclear, and Energy Commodity Services.

  • U.S. Utility generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power in a four-state service territory that includes portions of Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana, including the City of New Orleans; and operates a small natural gas distribution business.
  • Non-Utility Nuclear owns and operates five nuclear power plants located in the northeastern United States and sells the electric power produced by those plants to wholesale customers. This business also provides services to other nuclear power plant owners.
  • Energy Commodity Services includes Entergy-Koch and Entergy's non-nuclear wholesale assets business. Entergy-Koch engaged in two major businesses: energy commodity marketing and trading through Entergy-Koch Trading, and gas transportation and storage through Gulf South Pipeline. Entergy-Koch sold both of these businesses in the fourth quarter of 2004, and Entergy-Koch is no longer an operating entity. The non-nuclear wholesale assets business sells to wholesale customers the electric power produced by power plants that it owns while it focuses on improving performance and exploring sales or restructuring opportunities for its power plants. Such opportunities are evaluated consistent with Entergy's market-based point-of-view. The non-nuclear wholesale assets business terminated new greenfield power development activity in 2002.

 

OPERATING INFORMATION
For the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002
                 
    U.S. Utility   Non-Utility Nuclear   Energy Commodity Services   Entergy Consolidated (a)
    (In Thousands)
2004                
Operating revenues   $8,142,808    $1,341,852    $216,450    $10,123,724 
Operating expenses   $6,795,146    $978,688    $308,226    $8,470,160 
Other income   $108,925    $78,141    ($44,727)   $124,416 
Interest and other charges   $383,032    $53,657    $15,560    $479,023 
Income taxes   $406,864    $142,620    ($155,840)   $365,908 
Net income   $666,691    $245,029    $3,778    $933,049 
                  
2003                
Operating revenues   $7,584,857    $1,274,983    $184,888    $9,194,920 
Operating expenses   $6,274,830    $1,039,614    $224,567    $7,710,365 
Other income   ($35,965)   $33,997    $337,334    $325,238 
Interest and other charges   $419,111    $34,460    $15,193    $506,326 
Income taxes   $341,044    $88,619    $105,903    $490,074 
Cumulative effect of accounting change   ($21,333)   $154,512    $3,895    $137,074 
Net income   $492,574    $300,799    $180,454    $950,467 
                  
2002                
Operating revenues   $6,773,509    $1,200,238    $294,670    $8,305,035 
Operating expenses   $5,434,694    $868,288    $769,834    $7,163,314 
Other income   $47,603    $48,572    $249,678    $347,753 
Interest and other charges   $465,703    $47,291    $61,632    $572,464 
Income taxes   $313,752    $132,726    ($141,288)   $293,938 
Net income (loss)   $606,963    $200,505    ($145,830)   $623,072 
                 
                 
CASH FLOW INFORMATION
For the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002
                 
    U.S. Utility   Non-Utility Nuclear   Energy Commodity Services   Entergy Consolidated (a)
    (In Thousands)
2004        
Net cash flow provided by operating activities   $2,207,876    $414,518    $479,919    $2,929,319 
Net cash flow provided by (used in) investing activities   ($1,198,009)   ($386,023)   $248,612    ($1,140,075)
Net cash flow used in financing activities   ($824,579)   ($37,894)   ($724,534)   ($1,671,859)
                 
2003                
Net cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities   $1,675,069    $182,524    ($111,291)   $2,005,820 
Net cash flow used in investing activities   ($1,441,992)   ($184,913)   ($78,120)   ($1,783,130)
Net cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities   ($919,983)   ($6,672)   $166,165    ($869,130)
                 
2002                
Net cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities   $2,341,161    $281,589    ($3,714)   $2,181,703 
Net cash flow used in investing activities   ($1,020,087)   ($438,664)   ($760)   ($1,388,463)
Net cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities   ($688,201)   $176,162    ($66,151)   ($212,610)
                 
                 
FINANCIAL POSITION INFORMATION
As of December 31, 2004 and 2003
                 
    U.S. Utility   Non-Utility Nuclear   Energy Commodity Services   Entergy Consolidated (a)
     (In Thousands)
2004                 
Current assets   $2,323,801    $590,580    $1,282,578    $3,108,118 
Other property and investments   $1,200,246    $1,403,222    $569,975    $2,995,894 
Property, plant and equipment - net   $16,502,155    $1,850,481    $310,793    $18,695,631 
Deferred debits and other assets   $2,911,035    $687,321    $60,632    $3,511,134 
Current liabilities   $1,756,011    $787,668    $205,348    $2,470,770 
Non-current liabilities   $15,214,095    $1,694,090    $279,730    $17,543,320 
Shareholders' equity   $5,967,131    $2,049,847    $1,738,900    $8,296,687 
                 
2003                
Current assets   $2,117,260    $542,837    $466,132    $2,919,244 
Other property and investments   $1,151,538    $1,326,347    $1,137,069    $3,746,926 
Property, plant and equipment - net   $16,242,775    $1,557,025    $463,403    $18,298,797 
Deferred debits and other assets   $2,890,741    $745,568    $10,317    $3,562,421 
Current liabilities   $1,671,607    $330,684    $478,693    $2,282,223 
Non-current liabilities   $15,309,482    $1,891,805    $41,450    $17,568,329 
Shareholders' equity   $5,448,047    $1,949,288    $1,614,620    $8,703,658 
                 
(a) In addition to the 3 operating segments presented here, Entergy Consolidated also includes Entergy Corporation (parent company),
     
other business activity, and intercompany eliminations.

 

The following shows the principal subsidiaries and affiliates within Entergy's business segments. Companies that file reports and other information with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are identified in bold-faced type.

       


Entergy Corporation

   
                   
                   
                   
                 

U. S. Utility

 

Non-Utility Nuclear

 

Energy Commodity Services

                     
 

Entergy Arkansas, Inc.

   

Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc.

 

Entergy-Koch, LP

 

Non-Nuclear Wholesale Assets

 

Entergy Gulf States, Inc.

   

Entergy Nuclear Finance, Inc.

 

(50% ownership)

     
 

Entergy Louisiana, Inc.

   

Entergy Nuclear Generation Co. (Pilgrim)

         

Entergy Power Development Corp.

 

Entergy Mississippi, Inc.

   

Entergy Nuclear FitzPatrick LLC

         

Entergy Asset Management, Inc.

 

Entergy New Orleans, Inc.

   

Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 2, LLC

         

Entergy Power, Inc.

 

System Energy Resources, Inc.

   

Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 3, LLC

           
 

Entergy Operations, Inc.

   

Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee, LLC

           
 

Entergy Services, Inc.

   

Entergy Nuclear, Inc.

           
 

System Fuels, Inc.

   

Entergy Nuclear Fuels Company

           
       

Entergy Nuclear Nebraska LLC

           

In addition to its three primary operating segments, Entergy's Competitive Retail Services business markets and sells electricity, thermal energy, and related services in competitive markets, primarily the ERCOT region in Texas, where it has over 105,000 customers. Competitive Retail Services contributed approximately 5% of Entergy's revenue in 2004, but does not currently have significant levels of net income or loss, or total assets, and Entergy reports this business as part of All Other in its segment disclosures.

Strategy

Entergy aspires to achieve industry leading total shareholder returns by leveraging the scale and expertise inherent in its core nuclear and utility operations. Entergy's scope includes electricity generation, transmission and distribution as well as natural gas transportation and distribution. Entergy focuses on operational excellence with an emphasis on safety, reliability, customer service, sustainability, cost efficiency and risk management. Entergy also focuses on portfolio management to make periodic buy, build, hold, or sell decisions based upon its analytically-derived points of view which are continuously updated as market conditions evolve.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Availability of SEC filings and other information on Entergy's website

Entergy's internet address is www.entergy.com. Entergy's annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to any of these reports, are available free of charge through Entergy's website as soon as reasonably practicable after filing with the SEC. Financial presentations and news releases are also available through Entergy's website. Additionally, Entergy's Corporate Governance Guidelines, Board Committee Charters for the Corporate Governance, Audit, and Personnel Committees, and Entergy's Codes of Conduct are posted on Entergy's website. This information is also available in print to any investor that requests it. In June 2004, Entergy's chief executive officer certified to the New York Stock Exchange that he was not aware of any violation by Entergy of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance listing standards.

Part I, Item 1 is continued on page 105.

 

ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

REPORT OF MANAGEMENT

Management of Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries has prepared and is responsible for the financial statements and related financial information included in this document. To meet this responsibility, management establishes and maintains a system of internal control designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. This system includes communication through written policies and procedures, an employee Code of Entegrity, and an organizational structure that provides for appropriate division of responsibility and the training of personnel. This system is also tested by a comprehensive internal audit program.

Entergy management assesses the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting on an annual basis. In making this assessment, management uses the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework. Management acknowledges, however, that all internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations and can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

As a supplement to management's assessment, Entergy's independent auditors conduct an objective assessment of the degree to which management meets its responsibility for fairness of financial reporting and issue an attestation report on the adequacy of management's assessment. They evaluate Entergy's internal control over financial reporting and perform such tests and other procedures as they deem necessary to reach and express an opinion on the fairness of the financial statements.

In addition, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, composed solely of independent Directors, meets with the independent auditors, internal auditors, management, and internal accountants periodically to discuss internal controls, and auditing and financial reporting matters. The Audit Committee appoints the independent auditors annually, and reviews with the independent auditors the scope and results of the audit effort. The Committee also meets periodically with the independent auditors and the chief internal auditor without management, providing free access to the Committee.

Based on management's assessment of internal controls using the COSO criteria, management believes that Entergy maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004. Management further believes that this assessment, combined with the policies and procedures noted above provide reasonable assurance that Entergy's financial statements are fairly and accurately presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

J. WAYNE LEONARD
Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Corporation

LEO P. DENAULT
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Entergy Corporation

HUGH T. MCDONALD
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Arkansas, Inc.

JOSEPH F. DOMINO
Chairman of Entergy Gulf States, Inc., President and Chief Executive Officer - Texas of Entergy Gulf States, Inc.

E. RENAE CONLEY
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Louisiana, Inc.; President and Chief Executive Officer- Louisiana of Entergy Gulf States, Inc.

CAROLYN C. SHANKS
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Mississippi, Inc.

DANIEL F. PACKER
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy New Orleans, Inc.

GARY J. TAYLOR
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of System Energy Resources, Inc.

THEODORE H. BUNTING, JR.
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of System Energy Resources, Inc.

JAY A. LEWIS
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Gulf States, Inc., Entergy Louisiana, Inc., Entergy Mississippi, Inc., and Entergy New Orleans, Inc.

ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT'S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Entergy Corporation is an investor-owned public utility holding company that operates primarily through three business segments.

  • U.S. Utility generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power in a four-state service territory that includes portions of Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana, including the City of New Orleans; and operates a small natural gas distribution business.
  • Non-Utility Nuclear owns and operates five nuclear power plants located in the northeastern United States and sells the electric power produced by those plants to wholesale customers. This business also provides services to other nuclear power plant owners.
  • Energy Commodity Services includes Entergy-Koch and Entergy's non-nuclear wholesale assets business. Entergy-Koch engaged in two major businesses: energy commodity marketing and trading through Entergy-Koch Trading, and gas transportation and storage through Gulf South Pipeline. Entergy-Koch sold both of these businesses in the fourth quarter of 2004, and Entergy-Koch is no longer an operating entity. The non-nuclear wholesale assets business sells to wholesale customers the electric power produced by power plants that it owns while it focuses on improving performance and exploring sales or restructuring opportunities for its power plants. Such opportunities are evaluated consistent with Entergy's market-based point-of-view. The non-nuclear wholesale assets business terminated new greenfield power development activity in 2002.

Following are the percentages of Entergy's consolidated revenues and net income generated by these segments and the percentage of total assets held by them:

   

% of Revenue

 

% of Net Income

 

% of Total Assets

Segment

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

                                     

U.S. Utility

 

81

 

82

 

82

 

72 

 

52 

 

97 

 

80 

 

79 

 

79 

Non-Utility Nuclear

 

13

 

14

 

14

 

26 

 

32 

 

32 

 

16 

 

15 

 

16 

Energy Commodity Services

 

2

 

2

 

4

 

 

19 

 

(23)

 

 

 

Parent & Other

 

4

 

2

 

-

 

 

(3)

 

(6)

 

 

(1)

 

(3)

Results of Operations

Earnings applicable to common stock for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 by operating segment are as follows:

Operating Segment

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Utility

 

$643,408 

 

$469,050 

 

$583,251 

Non-Utility Nuclear

 

245,029 

 

300,799 

 

200,505 

Energy Commodity Services

 

3,481 

 

180,454 

 

(145,830)

Parent & Other

 

17,606 

 

(23,360)

 

(38,566)

Total

 

$909,524 

 

$926,943 

 

$599,360 

Following is a discussion of Entergy's income before taxes according to the business segments listed above. Earnings for 2004 include a $97 million tax benefit that resulted from the sale of preferred stock and less than 1% of the common stock in a subsidiary in the non-nuclear wholesale assets business; and a $36 million net-of-tax impairment charge in the non-nuclear wholesale assets business, both of which are discussed below.

Earnings for 2003 include the $137.1 million net-of-tax cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle that increased earnings in the first quarter of 2003, almost entirely resulting from the implementation of SFAS 143. Earnings were negatively affected in the fourth quarter of 2003 by voluntary severance program expenses of $122.8 million net-of-tax. As part of an initiative to achieve productivity improvements with a goal of reducing costs, primarily in the Non-Utility Nuclear and U.S. Utility businesses, in the second half of 2003 Entergy offered a voluntary severance program to employees in various departments. Approximately 1,100 employees, including 650 employees in nuclear operations from the Non-Utility Nuclear and U.S. Utility businesses, accepted the offers.

Earnings for 2002 were negatively affected by net charges ($238.3 million net-of-tax) reflecting the effect of Entergy's decision to discontinue additional greenfield power plant development and asset impairments resulting from the deteriorating economics of wholesale power markets principally in the United States and the United Kingdom. The net charges are discussed more fully below in the Energy Commodity Services discussion. See Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of Entergy's business segments and their financial results in 2004, 2003, and 2002.

Refer to "SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON OF ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES" which accompanies Entergy Corporation's consolidated financial statements in this report for further information with respect to operating statistics.

U.S. UTILITY

The increase in earnings for the U.S. Utility for 2004 from $469 million to $643 million was primarily due to the following:

  • the $107.7 million ($65.6 million net-of-tax) accrual in 2003 of the loss that would be associated with a final, non-appealable decision disallowing abeyed River Bend plant costs. Refer to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for more details regarding the River Bend abeyed plant costs;
  • lower other operation and maintenance expenses primarily due to $99.8 million ($70.1 million net-of-tax) of charges recorded in 2003 in connection with the voluntary severance program;
  • the $21.3 million net-of-tax cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle that reduced earnings at Entergy Gulf States in the first quarter of 2003 upon implementation of SFAS 143. See "Critical Accounting Estimates - SFAS 143" below for discussion of the implementation of SFAS 143;
  • miscellaneous other income of $27.7 million (pre-tax) in 2004 resulting from a revision of the decommissioning liability for River Bend, as discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements;
  • higher net revenue; and
  • lower interest charges.

The decrease in earnings for the U.S. Utility for 2003 from $583 million to $469 million was primarily due to:

  • the $107.7 million ($65.6 million net-of-tax) accrual in 2003 of the loss that would be associated with a final, non-appealable decision disallowing abeyed River Bend plant costs;
  • $99.8 million ($70.1 million net-of-tax) of charges recorded in 2003 in connection with the voluntary severance program; and
  • the $21.3 million net-of-tax cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle that reduced earnings at Entergy Gulf States in the first quarter of 2003 upon implementation of SFAS 143. See "Critical Accounting Estimates - SFAS 143" below for discussion of the implementation of SFAS 143.

Partially offsetting the decrease in earnings in 2003 were higher net revenue and lower interest charges.

Net Revenue

2004 Compared to 2003

Net revenue, which is Entergy's measure of gross margin, consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related, and purchased power expenses and 2) other regulatory credits. Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2004 to 2003.

   

(In Millions)

     

2003 net revenue

 

$4,214.5  

Volume/weather

 

68.3  

Summer capacity charges

 

17.4  

Base rates

 

10.6  

Deferred fuel cost revisions

 

(46.3)

Price applied to unbilled sales

 

(19.3)

Other

 

(1.2)

2004 net revenue

 

$4,244.0 

The volume/weather variance resulted primarily from increased usage, partially offset by the effect of milder weather on sales during 2004 compared to 2003. Billed usage increased a total of 2,261 GWh in the industrial and commercial sectors.

The summer capacity charges variance was due to the amortization in 2003 at Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana of deferred capacity charges for the summer of 2001. Entergy Gulf States' amortization began in June 2002 and ended in May 2003. Entergy Louisiana's amortization began in August 2002 and ended in July 2003.

Base rates increased net revenue due to a base rate increase at Entergy New Orleans that became effective in June 2003.

The deferred fuel cost revisions variance resulted primarily from a revision in 2003 to an unbilled sales pricing estimate to more closely align the fuel component of that pricing with expected recoverable fuel costs at Entergy Louisiana. Deferred fuel cost revisions also decreased net revenue due to a revision in 2004 to the estimate of fuel costs filed for recovery at Entergy Arkansas in the March 2004 energy cost recovery rider.

The price applied to unbilled sales variance resulted from a decrease in fuel price in 2004 caused primarily by the effect of nuclear plant outages in 2003 on average fuel costs.

Gross operating revenues and regulatory credits

Gross operating revenues include an increase in fuel cost recovery revenues of $475 million and $18 million in electric and gas sales, respectively, primarily due to higher fuel rates in 2004 resulting from increases in the market prices of purchased power and natural gas. As such, this revenue increase is offset by increased fuel and purchased power expenses.

Other regulatory credits increased primarily due to the following:

  • cessation of the Grand Gulf Accelerated Recovery Tariff that was suspended in July 2003;
  • the amortization in 2003 of deferred capacity charges for summer 2001 power purchases at Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana;
  • the deferral in 2004 of $14.3 million of capacity charges related to generation resource planning as allowed by the LPSC;
  • the deferral in 2004 by Entergy Louisiana of $11.4 million related to the voluntary severance program, in accordance with a proposed stipulation entered into with the LPSC staff; and
  • the deferral in August 2004 of $7.5 million of fossil plant maintenance and voluntary severance program costs at Entergy New Orleans as a result of a stipulation approved by the City Council.

2003 Compared to 2002

Net revenue, which is Entergy's measure of gross margin, consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related, and purchased power expenses and 2) other regulatory credits. Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2003 to 2002.

   

(In Millions)

     

2002 net revenue

 

$4,209.6  

Base rate increases

 

66.2  

Base rate decreases

 

(23.3)

Deferred fuel cost revisions

 

56.2  

Asset retirement obligation

 

42.9  

Net wholesale revenue

 

23.2  

March 2002 Ark. settlement agreement

 

(154.0)

Other

 

(6.3)

2003 net revenue

 

$4,214.5 

Base rates increased net revenue due to base rate increases at Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans that became effective in January 2003 and June 2003, respectively. Entergy Gulf States implemented base rate decreases in its Louisiana jurisdiction effective June 2002 and January 2003. The January 2003 base rate decrease of $22.1 million had a minimal impact on net income due to a corresponding reduction in nuclear depreciation and decommissioning expenses associated with the change in accounting estimate to reflect an assumed extension of River Bend's useful life.

The deferred fuel cost revisions variance was due to a revised unbilled sales pricing estimate made in December 2002 and further revision of that estimate in the first quarter of 2003 to more closely align the fuel component of that pricing with expected recoverable fuel costs at Entergy Louisiana.

The asset retirement obligation variance was due to the implementation of SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," adopted in January 2003. See "Critical Accounting Estimates - Nuclear Decommissioning Costs" for more details on SFAS 143. The increase was offset by increased depreciation and decommissioning expenses and had an insignificant effect on net income.

The increase in net wholesale revenue was primarily due to an increase in sales volume to municipal and cooperative customers.

The March 2002 settlement agreement variance reflects the absence in 2003 of the effect of recording the ice storm settlement approved by the APSC in 2002. This settlement resulted in previously deferred revenues at Entergy Arkansas per the transition cost account mechanism being recorded in net revenue in the second quarter of 2002. The decrease was offset by a corresponding decrease in other operation and maintenance expenses and had a minimal effect on net income.

Gross operating revenues and regulatory credits

Gross operating revenues include an increase in fuel cost recovery revenues of $682 million and $53 million in electric and gas sales, respectively, primarily due to higher fuel rates in 2003 resulting from increases in the market prices of purchased power and natural gas. As such, this revenue increase was offset by increased fuel and purchased power expenses.

Other regulatory credits decreased primarily due to the APSC-approved March 2002 settlement agreement mentioned above, which increased other regulatory credits in 2002 to offset other operation and maintenance expenses of $159.9 million related to the December 2000 ice storms. The decrease was partially offset by the asset retirement obligation mentioned above, which increased other regulatory credits in 2003 to offset the increases in depreciation and decommissioning expenses.

Other Income Statement Variances

2004 Compared to 2003

Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased from $1.613 billion in 2003 to $1.569 billion in 2004 primarily due to voluntary severance program accruals of $99.8 million in 2003 partially offset by an increase of $30.5 million as a result of higher customer service support costs in 2004 and an increase of approximately $33 million as a result of higher benefits costs in 2004. Entergy expects benefit costs to continue to increase in 2005. See "Critical Accounting Estimates - Pension and Other Retirement Benefits" and Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of benefit costs.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased from $797.6 million in 2003 to $823.7 million in 2004 primarily due to higher depreciation of Grand Gulf due to a higher scheduled sale-leaseback principal payment in addition to an increase in plant in service.

Other income (deductions) changed from ($36.0 million) in 2003 to $108.9 million in 2004 primarily due to the following:

  • the $107.7 million accrual in the second quarter of 2003 for the loss that would be associated with a final, non-appealable decision disallowing abeyed River Bend plant costs. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for more details regarding the River Bend abeyed plant costs;
  • a reduction in the decommissioning liability for River Bend in 2004, as discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements; and
  • a $10 million reduction in the loss provision for an environmental clean-up site.

Interest on long-term debt decreased from $433.5 million in 2003 to $390.7 million in 2004 primarily due to the net retirement and refinancing of long-term debt in 2003 and the first six months of 2004. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for details on long-term debt.

2003 Compared to 2002

Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased from $1.679 billion in 2002 to $1.613 billion in 2003 primarily due to decreased expenses at Entergy Arkansas. The March 2002 settlement agreement that became final in the second quarter of 2002, allowing Entergy Arkansas to recover a large majority of 2000 and 2001 ice storm repair expenses through the previously-collected transition cost account amounts, increased Entergy Arkansas' expenses by $159.9 million in 2002. This increase in expenses in 2002 was offset by a regulatory credit resulting in no effect on net income. The decrease was partially offset by an increase of $99.8 million in benefit costs as a result of voluntary severance program accruals in 2003.

Decommissioning expense increased from $30.5 million in 2002 to $92.5 million in 2003 primarily due to the implementation of SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." The increase in decommissioning expense was offset by increases in other regulatory credits and interest and dividend income and had an insignificant effect on net income.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased from $769.8 million in 2002 to $797.6 million in 2003 primarily due to an increase in plant in service. The increase was also due to the implementation of SFAS 143. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense due to SFAS 143 implementation was offset by increases in other regulatory credits and interest and dividend income and has an insignificant effect on net income.

Other income (deductions) changed from $47.6 million in 2002 to ($36.0 million) in 2003 primarily due to a decrease in "miscellaneous - net" as a result of a $107.7 million accrual in the second quarter of 2003 for the loss that would be associated with a final, non-appealable decision disallowing abeyed River Bend plant costs. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for more details regarding the River Bend abeyed plant costs. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in interest and dividend income as a result of the implementation of SFAS 143.

Interest on long-term debt decreased from $462.0 million in 2002 to $433.5 million in 2003 primarily due to the redemption and refinancing of long-term debt.

NON-UTILITY NUCLEAR

Following are key performance measures for Non-Utility Nuclear:

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net MW in operation at December 31

4,058

 

4,001

 

3,955

Average realized price per MWh

$41.26

 

$39.38

 

$40.07

Generation in GWh for the year

32,524

 

32,379

 

29,953

Capacity factor for the year

92%

 

92%

 

93%

2004 Compared to 2003

The decrease in earnings for Non-Utility Nuclear from $300.8 million to $245.0 million was primarily due to the $154.5 million net-of-tax cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle that increased earnings in the first quarter of 2003 upon implementation of SFAS 143. See "Critical Accounting Estimates - SFAS 143" below for discussion of the implementation of SFAS 143. Earnings before the cumulative effect of accounting change increased by $98.7 million primarily due to the following:

  • lower operation and maintenance expenses, which decreased from $681.8 million in 2003 to $595.7 million in 2004, primarily resulting from charges recorded in 2003 in connection with the voluntary severance program;
  • higher revenues, which increased from $1.275 billion in 2003 to $1.342 billion in 2004, primarily resulting from higher contract pricing. The addition of a support services contract for the Cooper Nuclear Station and increased generation in 2004 due to power uprates completed in 2003 and fewer planned and unplanned outages in 2004 also contributed to the higher revenues; and
  • miscellaneous income resulting from a reduction in the decommissioning liability for a plant, as discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.

Partially offsetting this increase were the following:

  • higher income taxes, which increased from $88.6 million in 2003 to $142.6 million in 2004; and
  • higher depreciation expense, which increased from $34.3 million in 2003 to $48.9 million in 2004, due to additions to plant in service.

2003 Compared to 2002

The increase in earnings for Non-Utility Nuclear from $200.5 million to $300.8 million was primarily due to the $154.5 million net-of-tax cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle recognized in the first quarter of 2003 upon implementation of SFAS 143. See "Critical Accounting Estimates - SFAS 143" below for discussion of the implementation of SFAS 143. Income before the cumulative effect of accounting change decreased by $54.2 million. The decrease was primarily due to $83.0 million ($50.6 million net-of-tax) of charges recorded in connection with the voluntary severance program. Except for the effect of the voluntary severance program, operation and maintenance expenses in 2003 per MWh of generation were in line with 2002 operation and maintenance expenses.

ENERGY COMMODITY SERVICES

Sales of Entergy-Koch Businesses

In the fourth quarter of 2004, Entergy-Koch sold its energy trading and pipeline businesses to third parties. The sales came after a review of strategic alternatives for enhancing the value of Entergy-Koch, LP. Entergy received $862 million of cash distributions in 2004 from Entergy-Koch after the business sales, and Entergy ultimately expects to receive total net cash distributions exceeding $1 billion, comprised of the after-tax cash from the distributions of the sales proceeds and the eventual liquidation of Entergy-Koch. Entergy currently expects that it will receive the remaining cash distributions in 2006, and expects that the net cash distributions will exceed its equity investment in Entergy-Koch. Entergy expects to record a $60 million net-of-tax gain when the remainder of the proceeds are received in 2006.

In the purchase agreements for the energy trading and the pipeline business sales, Entergy-Koch has agreed to indemnify the respective purchasers for certain potential losses relating to any breaches of the sellers' representations, warranties, and obligations under each of the purchase agreements. Entergy Corporation has guaranteed up to 50% of Entergy-Koch's indemnification obligations to the purchasers. Entergy does not expect any material claims under these indemnification obligations, but to the extent that any are asserted and paid, the gain that Entergy expects to record in 2006 may be reduced.

Results of Operations

2004 Compared to 2003

The decrease in earnings for Energy Commodity Services from $180.5 million to $3.5 million was primarily due to:

  • earnings from Entergy's investment in Entergy-Koch were $254 million lower in 2004, primarily as a result of Entergy-Koch's trading business reporting a loss from its operations in 2004; and
  • Entergy recorded a charge in 2004 of approximately $55 million ($36 million net-of-tax) as a result of an impairment of the value of the Warren Power plant, which is owned in the non-nuclear wholesale assets business. Entergy concluded that the plant is impaired based on valuation studies prepared in connection with the Entergy Asset Management stock sale discussed below.

Partially offsetting the decrease in earnings is a tax benefit resulting from the sale of preferred stock and less than 1% of the common stock of Entergy Asset Management, an Entergy subsidiary. In December 2004, an Entergy subsidiary sold the stock to a third party for $29.75 million. The sale resulted in a capital loss for tax purposes of $370 million, producing a net tax benefit of $97 million that Entergy recorded in the fourth quarter of 2004.

2003 Compared to 2002

The increase in earnings for Energy Commodity Services in 2003 from a $145.8 million loss to $180.5 million in earnings was primarily due to net charges recorded to operating expenses in 2002, as discussed below. Higher earnings from Entergy's investment in Entergy-Koch also contributed to the increase in earnings. The income from Entergy's investment in Entergy-Koch was $73 million higher in 2003 primarily as a result of higher earnings in its trading business.

In 2002, Entergy recorded charges to reflect the effect of Entergy's decision to discontinue additional greenfield power plant development and to reflect asset impairments resulting from the deteriorating economics of wholesale power markets principally in the United States and the United Kingdom. The net charges of $428.5 million ($238.3 million net-of-tax) consisted of the following:

  • The power development business obtained contracts in October 1999 to acquire 36 turbines from General Electric. Entergy's rights and obligations under the contracts for 22 of the turbines were sold to an independent special-purpose entity in May 2001. $178.0 million of the charges, including an offsetting net-of-tax benefit of $18.5 million related to the subsequent sale of four turbines to a third party, was a provision for the net costs resulting from cancellation or sale of the turbines subject to purchase commitments with the special-purpose entity;
  • $204.4 million of the charges resulted from the write-off of Entergy Power Development Corporation's equity investment in the Damhead Creek project and the impairment of the values of its Warren Power power plant and its Crete and RS Cogen projects. This portion of the charges reflected Entergy's estimate of the effects of reduced spark spreads in the United States and the United Kingdom. Damhead Creek was sold in December 2002, resulting in net income of $31.4 million;
  • $39.1 million of the charges related to the restructuring of the non-nuclear wholesale assets business, which was comprised of $22.5 million of impairments of administrative fixed assets, $10.7 million of estimated sublease losses, and $5.9 million of employee-related costs;
  • $32.7 million of the charges resulted from the write-off of capitalized project development costs for projects that would not be completed; and
  • a gain of $25.7 million ($15.9 million net-of-tax) realized on the sale in August 2002 of an interest in projects under development in Spain.

PARENT & OTHER

2004 Compared to 2003

The increase in earnings for Parent & Other from a $23.4 million loss to $17.6 million in earnings was primarily due to the following:

  • realization of $16.7 million of tax benefits related to the Entergy-Koch investment; and
  • Entergy's competitive retail business earned a very small profit in 2004 compared to reporting a $14.4 million loss in 2003.

2003 Compared to 2002

The loss from Parent & Other decreased in 2003 from $38.6 million to $23.4 million primarily due to lower income tax expense.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rates for 2004, 2003, and 2002 were 28.2%, 37.9%, and 32.1%, respectively. See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35.0% to the effective income tax rates. The lower effective income tax rate in 2004 is primarily due to the tax benefits resulting from the Entergy Asset Management stock sale discussed above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

This section discusses Entergy's capital structure, capital spending plans and other uses of capital, sources of capital, and the cash flow activity presented in the cash flow statement.

Capital Structure

Entergy's capitalization is balanced between equity and debt, as shown in the following table. The reduction in the debt to capital percentage from 2002 to 2003 is the result of reduced debt outstanding in the U.S. Utility and Non-Utility Nuclear businesses, and an increase in shareholders' equity, primarily due to increased retained earnings.

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net debt to net capital at the end of the year

 

44.7%

 

45.3%

 

47.7%

Effect of subtracting cash from debt

 

2.7%

 

2.2%

 

4.1%

Debt to capital at the end of the year

 

47.4%

 

47.5%

 

51.8%

Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents. Debt consists of notes payable, capital lease obligations, preferred stock with sinking fund, and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion. Capital consists of debt, common shareholders' equity, and preferred stock without sinking fund. Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents. The preferred stock with sinking fund is included in debt pursuant to SFAS 150, which Entergy implemented in the third quarter of 2003. The 2002 ratio does not reflect that type of security as debt, but does include it in net capital, which is how Entergy presented those securities prior to implementation of SFAS 150. Entergy uses the net debt to net capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy's financial condition.

Long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion, makes up over 90% of Entergy's total debt outstanding. Following are Entergy's long-term debt principal maturities as of December 31, 2003 and 2004 by operating segment. The figures below include principal payments on the Entergy Louisiana and System Energy sale-leaseback transactions, which are included in long-term debt on the balance sheet.

Long-term debt maturities

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008-2009

 

after 2009

 

 

(In Millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Utility

 

$450

 

$355

 

$28

 

$573

 

$721

 

$4,305

Non-Utility Nuclear

 

74

 

72

 

76

 

80

 

40

 

173

Energy Commodity Services

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

Parent and Other

 

-

 

60

 

-

 

-

 

539

 

301

Total

$524

$487

$104

$653

$1,300

$4,779

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Utility

 

-

 

$359

 

$27

 

$98

 

$749

 

$4,880

Non-Utility Nuclear

 

-

 

77

 

76

 

80

 

40

 

173

Energy Commodity Services

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

Parent and Other

 

-

 

60

 

-

 

50

 

539

 

301

Total

-

$496

$103

$228

$1,328

$5,354

Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements provides more detail concerning long-term debt.

In May 2004, Entergy Corporation replaced its 364-day bank credit facility with two separate facilities, a new 364-day credit facility and a three-year credit facility. The three-year credit facility, which expires in May 2007, has a borrowing capacity of $965 million, of which $50 million was outstanding at December 31, 2004.

In December 2004, Entergy Corporation refinanced the 364-day bank credit facility by entering into a five-year credit facility. The five-year credit facility, which expires in December 2009, has a borrowing capacity of $500 million, none of which was outstanding at December 31, 2004.

Entergy also has the ability to issue letters of credit against the total borrowing capacity of both credit facilities, and $50 million of letters of credit had been issued against the three-year facility at December 31, 2004.

Entergy Corporation's credit facilities require it to maintain a consolidated debt ratio of 65% or less of its total capitalization, and maintain an interest coverage ratio of 2 to 1. If Entergy fails to meet these limits, or if Entergy or the domestic utility companies default on other indebtedness or are in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, an acceleration of the credit facilities' maturity dates may occur.

Capital lease obligations, including nuclear fuel leases, are a minimal part of Entergy's overall capital structure, and are discussed further in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements. Following are Entergy's payment obligations under those leases:

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008-2009

 

after 2009

 

(In Millions)

Capital lease payments, including nuclear fuel leases


$136

 


$143

 


$3

 


$2

 


$3

Notes payable, which include borrowings outstanding on credit facilities with original maturities of less than one year, were less than $1 million as of December 31, 2004. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans each have 364-day credit facilities available as follows:


Company

 


Expiration Date

 

Amount of
Facility

 

Amount Drawn as of
Dec. 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy Arkansas

 

April 2005

 

$85 million

 

-

Entergy Louisiana

 

April 2005

 

$15 million (a)

 

-

Entergy Mississippi

 

May 2005

 

$25 million

 

-

Entergy New Orleans

 

April 2005

 

$14 million (a)

 

-

(a) The combined amount borrowed by Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans under these facilities at any one time cannot exceed $15 million.

Operating Lease Obligations and Guarantees of Unconsolidated Obligations

Entergy has a minimal amount of operating lease obligations and guarantees in support of unconsolidated obligations. Entergy's guarantees in support of unconsolidated obligations are not likely to have a material effect on Entergy's financial condition or results of operations. Following are Entergy's payment obligations as of December 31, 2004 on non-cancelable operating leases with a term over one year:

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008-2009

 

after 2009

 

(In Millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease payments

$99

 

$86

 

$69

 

$100

 

$210

The operating leases are discussed more thoroughly in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements.

Summary of Contractual Obligations of Consolidated Entities

Contractual Obligations

 

2005

 

2006-2007

 

2008-2009

 

after 2009

 

Total

 

 

(In Millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt (1)

 

$496

 

$331

 

$1,328

 

$5,354

 

$7,509

Capital lease payments (2)

 

$136

 

$146

 

$2

 

$3

 

$287

Operating leases (2)

 

$99

 

$155

 

$100

 

$210

 

$564

Purchase obligations (3)

 

$1,160

 

$1,402

 

$962

 

$1,156

 

$4,680

(1)

Long-term debt is discussed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

(2)

Capital lease payments include nuclear fuel leases. Lease obligations are discussed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements.

(3)

Purchase obligations represent the minimum purchase obligation or cancellation charge for contractual obligations to purchase goods or services. Approximately 99% of the total pertains to fuel and purchased power obligations that are recovered in the normal course of business through various fuel cost recovery mechanisms in the U.S. Utility business.

In addition to these contractual obligations, Entergy expects to contribute $185.9 million to its pension plans and $63.3 million to other postretirement plans in 2005.

Capital Funds Agreement

Pursuant to an agreement with certain creditors, Entergy Corporation has agreed to supply System Energy with sufficient capital to:

  • maintain System Energy's equity capital at a minimum of 35% of its total capitalization (excluding short-term debt);
  • permit the continued commercial operation of Grand Gulf;
  • pay in full all System Energy indebtedness for borrowed money when due; and
  • enable System Energy to make payments on specific System Energy debt, under supplements to the agreement assigning System Energy's rights in the agreement as security for the specific debt.

Capital Expenditure Plans and Other Uses of Capital

Following are the amounts of Entergy's planned construction and other capital investments by operating segment for 2005 through 2007:

Planned construction and capital investments

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

 

 

(In Millions)

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Maintenance Capital:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Utility

 

$734

 

$699

 

$763

 

Non-Utility Nuclear

 

72

 

72

 

60

 

Energy Commodity Services

 

3

 

4

 

6

 

Parent and Other

 

11

 

19

 

11

 

 

 

820

 

794

 

840

Capital Commitments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Utility

 

571

 

349

 

201

 

Non-Utility Nuclear

 

90

 

67

 

43

 

Energy Commodity Services

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Parent and Other

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

661

 

416

 

244

Total

 

$1,481

 

$1,210

 

$1,084

Maintenance Capital refers to amounts Entergy plans to spend on routine capital projects that are necessary to support reliability of its service, equipment, or systems and to support normal customer growth.

Capital Commitments refers to non-routine capital investments for which Entergy is either contractually obligated, has Board-approval, or is otherwise required to make pursuant to a regulatory agreement or existing rule or law. Amounts reflected in this category include the following:

From time to time, Entergy considers other capital investments as potentially being necessary or desirable in the future, including additional nuclear plant power uprates, generation supply assets, various transmission upgrades, environmental compliance expenditures, or investments in new businesses or assets. Because no contractual obligation, commitment, or Board-approval exists to pursue these investments, they are not included in Entergy's planned construction and capital investments. These potential investments are also subject to evaluation and approval in accordance with Entergy's policies before amounts may be spent. In addition, Entergy's capital spending plans do not include spending for transmission upgrades requested by merchant generators, other than projects currently underway.

Estimated capital expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of business restructuring, regulatory constraints, environmental regulations, business opportunities, market volatility, economic trends, and the ability to access capital.

Dividends and Stock Repurchases

Declarations of dividends on Entergy's common stock are made at the discretion of the Board. Among other things, the Board evaluates the level of Entergy's common stock dividends based upon Entergy's earnings, financial strength, and future investment opportunities. At its October 2004 meeting, the Board increased Entergy's quarterly dividend per share by 20%, to $0.54. In 2004, Entergy paid approximately $428 million in cash dividends on its common stock.

In accordance with Entergy's stock-based compensation plan, Entergy periodically grants stock options to its employees, which may be exercised to obtain shares of Entergy's common stock. According to the plan, these shares can be newly issued shares, treasury stock, or shares purchased on the open market. Entergy's management has been authorized to repurchase on the open market shares up to an amount sufficient to fund the exercise of grants under the plans. In addition to this authority, the Board has approved a program under which Entergy will repurchase up to $1.5 billion of its common stock through 2006. The amount of repurchases under the program may vary as a result of material changes in business results or capital spending, or as a result of material new investment opportunities. In 2004, Entergy repurchased 16,631,800 shares of common stock under both programs for a total purchase price of $1.018 billion.

PUHCA Restrictions on Uses of Capital

Entergy's ability to invest in electric wholesale generators and foreign utility companies is subject to the SEC's regulations under PUHCA. As authorized by the SEC, Entergy is allowed to invest earnings in electric wholesale generators and foreign utility companies in an amount equal to 100% of its average consolidated retained earnings. As of December 31, 2004, Entergy's investments subject to this rule totaled $2.7 billion constituting 55.9% of Entergy's average consolidated retained earnings.

Entergy's ability to guarantee obligations of Entergy's non-utility subsidiaries is also limited by SEC regulations under PUHCA. In August 2000, the SEC issued an order, effective through December 31, 2005, that allows Entergy to issue up to $2 billion of guarantees for the benefit of its non-utility companies. In February 2005, Entergy requested that the SEC increase this limit to $4 billion.

Under PUHCA, the SEC imposes a limit equal to 15% of consolidated capitalization on the amount that may be invested in "energy-related" businesses without specific SEC approval. Entergy has made investments in energy-related businesses, including power marketing and trading. Entergy's available capacity to make additional investments at December 31, 2004 was approximately $1.9 billion.

Sources of Capital

Entergy's sources to meet its capital requirements and to fund potential investments include:

  • internally generated funds;
  • cash on hand ($808 million as of December 31, 2004);
  • securities issuances;
  • bank financing under new or existing facilities; and
  • sales of assets.

The majority of Entergy's internally generated funds come from the U.S. Utility. Circumstances such as weather patterns, price fluctuations, and unanticipated expenses, including unscheduled plant outages and storms, could affect the level of internally generated funds in the future. In the following section, Entergy's cash flow activity for the previous three years is discussed.

Provisions within the Articles of Incorporation or pertinent indentures and various other agreements relating to the long-term debt and preferred stock of certain of Entergy Corporation's subsidiaries restrict the payment of cash dividends or other distributions on their common and preferred stock. As of December 31, 2004, Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi had restricted retained earnings unavailable for distribution to Entergy Corporation of $394.9 million and $68.5 million, respectively. Additionally, PUHCA prohibits Entergy Corporation's subsidiaries from making loans or advances to Entergy Corporation. All debt and common and preferred stock issuances by the domestic utility companies and System Energy require prior regulatory approval and their preferred stock and debt issuances are also subject to issuance tests set forth in corporate charters, bond indentures, and other agreements. The domestic utility companies and System Energy have sufficient capacity under these tests to meet foreseeable capital needs.

The short-term borrowings of Entergy's subsidiaries are limited to amounts authorized by the SEC. The current limits authorized are effective through November 30, 2007. In addition to borrowing from commercial banks, Entergy's subsidiaries are authorized under the SEC order to borrow from Entergy's money pool. The money pool is an inter-company borrowing arrangement designed to reduce Entergy's subsidiaries' dependence on external short-term borrowings. Borrowings from the money pool and external borrowings combined may not exceed the SEC authorized limits. As of December 31, 2004, Entergy's subsidiaries' aggregate authorized limit was $1.6 billion and the aggregate outstanding borrowing from the money pool was $151.6 million. There were no borrowings outstanding from external sources. Under the SEC order and without further SEC authorization, the domestic utility companies and System Energy cannot issue new short-term indebtedness unless (a) Entergy Corporation and the issuer each maintain common equity of at least 30% of its capital and (b) with the exception of money pool borrowings, the debt security to be issued (if rated) and all outstanding securities of the issuer and Entergy Corporation that are rated must be rated investment grade. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of Entergy's short-term borrowing limits.

The short and long-term securities issuances of Entergy Corporation also are limited to amounts authorized by the SEC. Under its current SEC order, and without further SEC authorization, Entergy Corporation cannot incur additional indebtedness or issue other securities unless (a) Entergy Corporation and each of its public utility subsidiaries maintain common equity ratios of at least 30% and (b) the security to be issued (if rated) and all outstanding securities of Entergy Corporation that are rated, are rated investment grade.

The long-term securities issuances of Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and System Energy also are limited to amounts authorized by the SEC. Under the current SEC orders of Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy Mississippi, and without further SEC authorization, the issuer cannot incur additional indebtedness or issue other securities unless (a) it and Entergy Corporation maintain a common equity ratio of at least 30% and (b) the security to be issued (if rated) and all outstanding securities of the issuer (other than preferred stock of Entergy Gulf States), as well as all outstanding securities of Entergy Corporation, that are rated, are rated investment grade.

Cash Flow Activity

As shown in Entergy's Statements of Cash Flows, cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 were as follows:

     

2004

 

2003

 

2002

     

(In Millions)

               

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

$692 

 

$1,335 

 

$752 

               

Cash flow provided by (used in):

           
 

Operating activities

 

2,929 

 

2,006 

 

2,181 

 

Investing activities

 

(1,140)

 

(1,783)

 

(1,388)

 

Financing activities

 

(1,672)

 

(869)

 

(213)

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

 

(1)

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

116 

 

(643)

 

583 

               

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$808 

 

$692 

 

$1,335 

Operating Cash Flow Activity

2004 Compared to 2003

Entergy's cash flow provided by operating activities increased in 2004 primarily due to the following:

  • The U.S. Utility provided $2,208 million in cash from operating activities compared to providing $1,675 million in 2003. The increase resulted primarily from the receipt of intercompany income tax refunds from the parent company, Entergy Corporation. Income tax refunds/payments contributed approximately $400 million of the increase in cash from operating activities in 2004. Improved recovery of fuel costs and a reduction in interest paid also contributed to the increase in 2004.
  • The Non-Utility Nuclear business provided $415 million in cash from operating activities compared to providing $183 million in 2003. The increase resulted primarily from lower intercompany income tax payments and increases in generation and contract pricing that led to an increase in revenues.
  • Entergy's investment in Entergy-Koch, LP provided $526 million in cash from operating activities compared to using $41 million in 2003. Entergy received dividends from Entergy-Koch of $529 million in 2004 compared to $100 million in 2003. In addition, tax payments related to the investment were higher in 2003 because the investment had higher net income in 2003.
  • The non-nuclear wholesale asset business used $46 million in cash from operating activities compared to using $70 million in 2003. The decrease in cash used resulted primarily from a one-time $33 million payment in 2003 related to a generation contract in the non-nuclear wholesale assets business.
  • The parent company, Entergy Corporation, used $146 million in cash from operating activities in 2004 compared to providing $209 million in 2003 primarily due to higher intercompany income tax payments.

As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2003, the domestic utility companies and System Energy filed, with the IRS, a change in tax accounting method notification for their respective calculations of cost of goods sold. The cash benefit from the method change was $74 million on a consolidated basis in 2004. This accounting method change is an issue across the utility industry and will likely be challenged by the IRS on audit. As of December 31, 2004, Entergy has a consolidated net operating loss (NOL) carryforward for tax purposes of $2.9 billion, principally resulting from the change in tax accounting method related to cost of goods sold. If the tax accounting method change is sustained, Entergy expects to fully utilize the NOL carryforward through 2006.

2003 Compared to 2002

Entergy's cash flow provided by operating activities decreased in 2003 primarily due to the following:

  • The U.S. Utility provided $1,675 million in operating cash flow in 2003 compared to providing $2,341 million in 2002. The decrease primarily resulted from the tax accounting election made by Entergy Louisiana, as discussed below. Also contributing to the decrease were higher payments for fuel during the period, which also significantly increased the amount of deferred fuel costs.
  • The non-nuclear wholesale assets business used $70 million in operating cash flow in 2003 compared to providing $43 million in 2002 primarily due to a decrease of $64 million in the income tax refund received in 2003 compared to 2002. Also contributing to the increase in cash used was a one-time $33 million payment in 2003 related to a generation contract in the non-nuclear wholesale assets business.
  • The Non-Utility Nuclear segment provided $183 million in operating cash flow in 2003 compared to providing $282 million in 2002 primarily due to higher tax payments and unplanned outages.
  • Operating cash flow used by the investment in Entergy-Koch, LP decreased by $6 million in 2003. This decrease in cash flow used was due to the receipt of $100 million in dividends from Entergy-Koch in 2003. Almost entirely offsetting the dividends received was an increase in tax payments related to Entergy's investment in Entergy-Koch due to increased income from the investment.

Partially offsetting the decrease in cash flow in 2003 was an increase due to the parent company providing $209 million in operating cash flow in 2003 compared to using $439 million in 2002 primarily due to the payment that Entergy Corporation made to Entergy Louisiana in 2002 pursuant to the tax accounting election made by Entergy Louisiana.

In 2001, Entergy Louisiana changed its method of accounting for tax purposes related to its wholesale electric power contracts.  The most significant of these is the contract to purchase power from the Vidalia project (the contract is discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements). The new tax accounting method has provided a cumulative cash flow benefit of approximately $790 million through 2004, which is expected to reverse in the years 2005 through 2031. The election did not reduce book income tax expense. The timing of the reversal of this benefit depends on several variables, including the price of power. Approximately half of the consolidated cash flow benefit of the election occurred in 2001 and the remainder occurred in 2002. In accordance with Entergy's intercompany tax allocation agreement, the cash flow benefit for Entergy Louisiana occurred in the fourth quarter of 2002.

In a September 2002 settlement of an LPSC proceeding that concerned the Vidalia contract, the LPSC approved Entergy Louisiana's proposed treatment of the regulatory impact of the tax accounting election. In general, the settlement permits Entergy Louisiana to keep a portion of the tax benefit in exchange for bearing the risk associated with sustaining the tax treatment. The LPSC settlement divided the term of the Vidalia contract into two segments: 2002-2012 and 2013-2031. During the first eight years of the 2002-2012 segment, Entergy Louisiana agreed to credit rates by flowing through its fuel adjustment calculation $11 million each year, beginning monthly in October 2002. Entergy Louisiana must credit rates in this way and by this amount even if Entergy Louisiana is unable to sustain the tax deduction. Entergy Louisiana also must credit rates by $11 million each year for an additional two years unless either the tax accounting method elected is retroactively repealed or the Internal Revenue Service denies the entire deduction related to the tax accounting method. Entergy Louisiana agreed to credit ratepayers additional amounts unless the tax accounting election is not sustained if it is challenged. During 2013-2031, Entergy Louisiana and its ratepayers would share the remaining benefits of this tax accounting election.

Investing Activities

2004 Compared to 2003

Net cash used in investing activities decreased in 2004 primarily due to the following:

  • Construction expenditures were $158 million lower in 2004 than in 2003, including decreases of $81 million in the U.S. Utility business, $39 million in the Non-Utility Nuclear business, and $42 million in the non-nuclear wholesale assets business.
  • Entergy received net returns of invested capital from Entergy-Koch of $284 million in 2004 after the sale by Entergy-Koch of its trading and pipeline businesses. This activity is reported in the "Decrease in other investments" line in the cash flow statement.
  • Approximately $60 million of the cash collateral for a letter of credit that secures the installment obligations owed to NYPA for the acquisition of the FitzPatrick and Indian Point 3 nuclear power plants was released to Entergy in 2004. Approximately $172 million of this cash collateral was released to Entergy in 2003, and the letter of credit is no longer secured by cash collateral. This activity is reported in the "Decrease in other investments" line in the cash flow statement.
  • The non-nuclear wholesale assets business realized $75 million in net proceeds from sales of portions of three of its power plants in 2004.
  • Entergy made temporary investments of $50 million in 2003, and these investments matured in the first quarter of 2004.
  • Entergy Arkansas used $7 million, Entergy Gulf States used $77 million, and Entergy Mississippi used $73 million for other regulatory investments in 2003 as a result of fuel cost under-recovery. In 2004, Entergy Arkansas used $4 million and Entergy Gulf States used $50 million for other regulatory investments related to fuel cost under-recovery. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for discussion of the accounting treatment of these fuel cost under-recoveries.

2003 Compared to 2002

Net cash used in investing activities increased in 2003 primarily due to the following:

  • The non-nuclear wholesale assets business realized $215 million in net proceeds from sales of businesses in 2002.
  • Temporary investments of $150 million matured in 2002, which provided cash flow in 2002.
  • Temporary investments of $50 million were made in 2003, which used cash flow in 2003.
  • Entergy Gulf States had $77 million and Entergy Mississippi had $73 million of other regulatory investments in 2003 as a result of fuel cost under-recoveries. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for discussion of the accounting treatment of these fuel cost under-recoveries. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for discussion of the change in Entergy Mississippi's energy cost recovery rider.

Partially offsetting these uses of cash, approximately $172 million of the cash collateral for a letter of credit that secures the installment obligations owed to NYPA for the acquisition of the FitzPatrick and Indian Point 3 nuclear power plants was released to Entergy during 2003.

Financing Activities

2004 Compared to 2003

Net cash used in financing activities increased in 2004 primarily due to the following:

  • Entergy Corporation issued $538 million of long-term notes in 2003.
  • Entergy Corporation repurchased $1.018 billion of its common stock in 2004, as discussed above in the "Uses of Capital" section.
  • Entergy Corporation paid $65 million more in common stock dividends in 2004 than in 2003.

Offsetting the factors that caused an increase in cash used in financing activities in 2004 were the following:

  • Retirements of long-term debt net of issuances by the U.S. Utility segment used $345 million in 2004 and used $359 million in 2003. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for the details of the long-term debt activity in 2004.
  • In 2003, Entergy Corporation decreased the net borrowings on its credit facility by $500 million, while in 2004, net borrowings on its credit facilities increased by $50 million.
  • The non-nuclear wholesale assets business retired the $79 million Top of Iowa wind project debt at its maturity in January 2003.

2003 Compared to 2002

Net cash used in financing activities increased in 2003 primarily due to the following:

  • Net long-term debt retirements by the U.S. Utility segment were approximately $470 million in 2003 compared to net issuances of approximately $76 million in 2002. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for the details of Entergy's long-term debt outstanding.
  • The net borrowings under Entergy Corporation's credit facilities decreased $500 million in 2003 compared to an increase of $244 million in 2002.

The items causing cash used to increase in 2003 were partially offset by the following:

  • Entergy Corporation issued $538 million of long-term notes in 2003 compared to $267 million in 2002.
  • The non-nuclear wholesale assets business retired $268 million of long-term debt in 2002 related to the repurchase of the rights to acquire turbines discussed in "Results of Operations" above. Partially offsetting this was the retirement of the $79 million Top of Iowa wind project debt at its maturity in January 2003.
  • Entergy repurchased $8 million of its common stock in 2003 compared to $118 million in 2002.

In a non-cash transaction in 2002, long-term debt was reduced by $488 million in the sale of the Damhead Creek plant when the purchaser assumed the Damhead Creek debt along with the acquisition of the plant.

Significant Factors and Known Trends

Following are discussions of significant factors and known trends affecting Entergy's business, including rate regulation and fuel-cost recovery, federal regulation, market and credit risks, and nuclear matters.

State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery

The rates that the domestic utility companies and System Energy charge for their services are an important item influencing Entergy's financial position, results of operations, and liquidity. These companies are closely regulated and the rates charged to their customers are determined in regulatory proceedings, except for a portion of Entergy Gulf States' operations. Governmental agencies, including the APSC, the City Council, the LPSC, the MPSC, the PUCT, and the FERC, are primarily responsible for approval of the rates charged to customers. The status of material retail rate proceedings is summarized below and described in more detail in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

Company

 

Authorized
ROE

 

Pending Proceedings/Events

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy Arkansas

 

11.0%

 

No base rate cases are pending. Transition cost recovery rider approved to collect $8.5 million effective October 2004 with recovery expected over subsequent 16 months. It is likely that a rate filing will be made in 2005 in connection with the ANO 1 steam generator and reactor vessel head replacement.

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy Gulf States-Texas

 

10.95%

 

Base rates are currently set at rates approved by the PUCT in June 1999. Entergy Gulf States filed a retail electric rate case with the PUCT in August 2004. In October 2004, the PUCT issued a written order in which it dismissed the rate case indicating that Entergy Gulf States is still subject to a rate freeze based on an agreement, approved by PUCT order in 2001, stipulating that a rate freeze would remain in effect until retail open access commenced in Entergy Gulf States' service territory, unless lifted by the PUCT prior thereto. Entergy Gulf States has appealed this decision and intends to pursue other available remedies, including legislation that would clarify that it is no longer operating under a rate freeze. In February 2005, bills were filed in the Texas legislature that would clarify that Entergy Gulf States is no longer operating under a rate freeze and specify that retail open access will not commence in Entergy Gulf States' territory until the PUCT certifies a power region.

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy Gulf States-Louisiana

 

11.1%

 

In December 2003, the LPSC staff recommended a $30.6 million rate refund and a prospective rate reduction of approximately $50 million as a result of the ninth post-merger earnings analysis (2002). Hearings concluded in May 2004. In January 2005, Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana filed testimony with the LPSC in support of a proposed settlement that would resolve, among other dockets, Entergy Gulf States' ninth post-merger review, and dockets established to consider issues concerning the companies' power purchases for the summers of 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. The proposed settlement currently includes an offer to refund $76 million to Entergy Gulf States' Louisiana customers through a credit on bills rendered in March 2005, with no immediate change in the current base rates. The settlement also proposes a formula rate plan with an ROE mid-point of 10.65%. The LPSC has solicited comments on the proposed settlement from the parties to the various proceedings at issue in the settlement. The proposed settlement is scheduled to be presented to the LPSC for consideration on March 23, 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy Louisiana

 

9.7%-
11.3%(1)

 

In January 2004, Entergy Louisiana filed with the LPSC an application for a $167 million base rate increase and an ROE of 11.4%. The currently authorized ROE midpoint is 10.5%. Hearings in this matter concluded in December 2004. Based on the evidence submitted at the hearing, the LPSC staff is recommending approximately a $7 million base rate increase. The LPSC staff proposed the implementation of a formula rate plan that includes a provision for the recovery of incremental capacity costs, including those related to the proposed Perryville acquisition. A decision by the LPSC is expected in mid- to late-March 2005 on these issues.

In January 2005, Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana filed testimony with the LPSC in support of a proposed settlement with the LPSC that would resolve, among other dockets, dockets established to consider issues concerning the companies' power purchases for the summers of 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. The proposed settlement currently includes an offer to refund $14 million to Entergy Louisiana's customers. The LPSC has solicited comments on the proposed settlement from the parties to the various proceedings at issue in the proposed settlement. The proposed settlement is scheduled to be presented to the LPSC for consideration on March 23, 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy Mississippi

 

9.3%-
12.2%(2)

 

An annual formula rate plan is in place. Entergy Mississippi made its annual formula rate plan filing in March 2004 based on a 2003 test year. There was no change in rates based on an adjusted ROE midpoint of 10.77%.

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy New Orleans

 

10.25%-
12.25%(3)

 

The midpoint ROE of the electric and gas plans is 11.25%, with a target equity component of the capital structure of 42%. Entergy New Orleans made a formula rate plan filing in April 2004. The City Council ordered that electric and gas rates remain unchanged from levels set in 2003. Entergy New Orleans will file its formula rate plan for the year ended December 31, 2004 by May 1, 2005 and also intends to file for an extension of the formula rate plan by September 1, 2005. If the formula rate plan is not extended by the City Council, the rate adjustments in effect based on the December 31, 2004 test year shall continue.

 

 

 

 

 

System Energy

 

10.94%

 

ROE approved by July 2001 FERC order. No cases pending before FERC.

(1)

Entergy Louisiana's formula rate plan expired with the 2001 test year. Under the expired formula, if Entergy Louisiana earned outside of the bandwidth range, rates would be adjusted on a prospective basis. If earnings were above the bandwidth range, rates would be reduced by 60 percent of the amount necessary to bring earnings down to the top of the bandwidth, and if earnings were below the bandwidth range, rates would be increased by 60 percent of the corresponding shortfall.

(2)

Under Mississippi law and Entergy Mississippi's formula rate plan, if Entergy Mississippi's earned ROE is above the top of the range-of-no-change at the top of the bandwidth, then Entergy Mississippi's rates are reduced by 50 percent of the difference between the earned ROE and the top of the bandwidth. In such circumstance, Entergy Mississippi's "Allowed ROE" for the next twelve-month period is the point halfway between such earned ROE and the top of the bandwidth - Entergy Mississippi's retail rates are set at that halfway-point ROE level. (Before the comparison is made of the earned ROE to the bandwidth, the bandwidth can be adjusted for performance measures by as much as 1%. Rates are adjusted pursuant to Entergy Mississippi's formula rate plan on a prospective basis only.) In the situation where Entergy Mississippi's earned ROE is not above the top of the range-of-no-change at the top of the bandwidth, then Entergy Mississippi's "Allowed ROE" for the next twelve-month period is the top of the range-of-no-change at the top of the bandwidth. If earnings are below the bandwidth range, rates are increased by 50 percent of the difference between the earned ROE and the bottom of the bandwidth. Under the provisions of Entergy Mississippi's formula rate plan, each annual formula rate plan filing incorporates a revised calculation of the benchmark ROE.

 

(3)

If Entergy New Orleans earns outside the bandwidth range, rates will be adjusted on a prospective basis. Under the gas formula rate plan, if earnings are above the bandwidth range, rates are reduced by 100 percent of the overage, and if below, increased by 100 percent of the shortfall. In addition, if the ROE falls between 11.5% and 12.25%, rates are reduced by 60 percent of the difference (between 11.5% and 12.25%), and if the ROE falls between 10.25% and 11%, rates are increased by 40 percent of the difference (between 10.25% and 11%). Under the electric formula rate plan, rates are adjusted accordingly by 100 percent of the amount of any overage or shortfall. Entergy New Orleans may earn up to 13.25% under the electric formula rate plan provided that the increase is caused by its share of energy cost savings under the generation performance-based recovery plan.

In addition to the regulatory scrutiny connected with base rate proceedings, the domestic utility companies' fuel and purchased power costs recovered from customers are subject to regulatory scrutiny. The domestic utility companies' significant fuel and purchased power cost proceedings are described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

Federal Regulation

The FERC regulates wholesale rates (including Entergy intrasystem sales pursuant to the System Agreement) and interstate transmission of electricity, as well as rates for System Energy's sales of capacity and energy from Grand Gulf 1 to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans pursuant to the Unit Power Sales Agreement.

System Agreement Litigation

The domestic utility companies historically have engaged in the coordinated planning, construction, and operation of generating and transmission facilities under the terms of an agreement called the System Agreement that has been approved by the FERC. Litigation involving the System Agreement is being pursued by the LPSC at both the FERC and before itself. These proceedings include challenges to the allocation of costs as defined by the System Agreement, raise questions of imprudence by the domestic utility companies in their execution of the System Agreement, and seek support for local regulatory authority over System Agreement issues. Regarding the proceeding at the LPSC, Entergy believes that state and local regulators are preempted by federal law from reviewing and deciding System Agreement issues for themselves. An unrelated case between the LPSC and Entergy Louisiana raised the question of whether a state regulator is preempted by federal law from reviewing and interpreting FERC rate schedules that are part of the System Agreement, and from subsequently enforcing that interpretation. The LPSC interpreted a System Agreement rate schedule in the unrelated case, and then sought to enforce its interpretation. The Louisiana Supreme Court affirmed the LPSC's decision. In 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Entergy Louisiana's favor and reversed the decisions of the LPSC and the Louisiana Supreme Court.

In February 2004, a FERC ALJ issued an Initial Decision in the LPSC-initiated proceeding at the FERC. The Initial Decision decided some issues in favor of the relief sought by the LPSC, and decided some issues against the relief sought by the LPSC. Several parties, including Entergy, the LPSC, the APSC, the MPSC, the City Council, and the FERC Staff, filed briefs on exceptions in response to the ALJ's Initial Decision. Entergy's exceptions to the ALJ's Initial Decision include: the practical effect of the Initial Decision is full production cost equalization, which was rejected in the Initial Decision and previously has been rejected by the FERC; resource planning for the Entergy System would be impeded if the Initial Decision were adopted; the remedy in the Initial Decision is inconsistent with the history, structure, and precedent regarding the System Agreement; the Initial Decision's remedy ignores the historical pattern of production cost disparities on the Entergy System and would result in substantial, sudden transfers of costs between groups of Entergy customers; the numerical standards proposed in the Initial Decision are arbitrary and are so complex that they would be difficult to implement; the Initial Decision improperly rejected Entergy's resource planning remedy; the Initial Decision erroneously determined that the full costs of the Vidalia project should be included in Entergy Louisiana's production costs for purposes of calculating relative production costs; and the Initial Decision erroneously adopted a new method of calculating reserve sharing costs rather than the current method.

If the FERC grants the relief requested by the LPSC in the proceeding, the relief may result in a material increase in the total production costs the FERC allocates to companies whose costs currently are projected to be less than the Entergy System average, and a material decrease in the total production costs the FERC allocates to companies whose costs currently are projected to exceed that average.   If the FERC adopts the ALJ's Initial Decision, the amount of production costs that would be reallocated among the domestic utility companies would be determined through consideration of each domestic utility company's relative total production cost expressed as a percentage of Entergy System average total production cost. The ALJ's Initial Decision would reallocate production costs of the domestic utility companies whose percent of Entergy System average production cost are outside an upper or lower bandwidth. This would be accomplished by payments from domestic utility companies whose production costs are below Entergy System average production cost to domestic utility companies whose production costs are above Entergy System average production cost.

An assessment of the potential effects of the ALJ's Initial Decision requires assumptions regarding the future total production cost of each domestic utility company, which assumptions include the mix of solid fuel and gas-fired generation available to each company and the costs of natural gas and purchased power.  Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States are more dependent upon gas-fired generation than Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, or Entergy New Orleans. Of these, Entergy Arkansas is the least dependent upon gas-fired generation.  Therefore, increases in natural gas prices likely will increase the amount by which Entergy Arkansas' total production costs are below the average production costs of the domestic utility companies.  Considerable uncertainty exists regarding future gas prices. Annual average Henry Hub gas prices have varied significantly over recent years, ranging from $1.72/mmBtu to $5.85/mmBtu for the 1995-2004 period, and averaging $3.43/mmBtu during the ten-year period 1995-2004 and $4.58/mmBtu during the five-year period 2000-2004.  Recent market conditions have resulted in gas prices that have averaged $5.85/mmBtu for the twelve months ended December 2004. Based upon analyses considering the effect on future production costs if the FERC adopts the ALJ's Initial Decision, the following potential annual production cost reallocations among the domestic utility companies could result assuming annual average gas prices range from $6.39/mmBtu in 2005 declining to $4.97/mmBtu by 2009:

 


Range of Annual Payments
or (Receipts)

 

Average Annual
Payments or (Receipts)
for 2005-2009 Period

 

(In Millions)

 

(In Millions)

       

Entergy Arkansas

$154 to $281 

 

$215                 

Entergy Gulf States

($130) to ($15)

 

($63)                

Entergy Louisiana

($199) to ($98)

 

($141)

Entergy Mississippi

($16) to $8 

 

$1                 

Entergy New Orleans

($17) to ($5)

 

($12)               

Management believes that any changes in the allocation of production costs resulting from a FERC decision and related retail proceedings should result in similar rate changes for retail customers. The timing of recovery of these costs in rates could be the subject of additional proceedings at the APSC and elsewhere, however, and a delay in full recovery of any increased allocation of production costs could result in additional financing requirements. Although the outcome and timing of the FERC, APSC, and other proceedings cannot be predicted at this time, Entergy does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these proceedings will have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operation.

In February 2004, the APSC issued an "Order of Investigation," in which it discusses the negative effect that implementation of the FERC ALJ's Initial Decision would have on Entergy Arkansas' customers. The APSC order establishes an investigation into whether Entergy Arkansas' continued participation in the System Agreement is in the best interest of its customers, and whether there are steps that Entergy Arkansas or the APSC can take "to protect [Entergy Arkansas' customers] from future attempts by Louisiana, or any other Entergy retail regulator, to shift its high costs to Arkansas." Entergy Arkansas filed testimony in response to the APSC's Order of Investigation. The testimony emphasizes that the ALJ's Initial Decision is not a final order by the FERC; briefly discusses some of the aspects of the Initial Decision that are included in Entergy's exceptions filed with the FERC; emphasizes that Entergy will seek to reverse the production cost-related portions of the Initial Decision; and states that Entergy Arkansas believes that it is premature, before the FERC makes a decision, for Entergy Arkansas to determine whether its continued participation in the System Agreement is appropriate.

In April 2004, the APSC commenced the investigation into Entergy Louisiana's Vidalia purchased power contract and requested historical documents, records, and information from Entergy Arkansas, which Entergy Arkansas has provided to the APSC. Also in April 2004, the APSC issued an order directing Entergy Arkansas to show cause why Entergy Arkansas should not have to indemnify and hold its customers harmless from any adverse financial effects related to Entergy Louisiana's pending acquisition of the Perryville power plant, or show that the Perryville unit will produce economic benefits for Entergy Arkansas' customers. Entergy Arkansas filed a response in May 2004 stating that Entergy will seek to reverse the production cost-related portions of the ALJ's Initial Decision in the System Agreement proceeding at the FERC, that the Perryville acquisition is part of Entergy's request for proposal generation planning process, that Entergy Arkansas is not in a position to indemnify its retail customers from actions taken by the FERC, and that the Perryville acquisition is expected to reduce the domestic utility companies' overall production costs. Procedural schedules have not been established in these APSC investigations.

In April 2004, the City Council issued a resolution directing Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana to notify the City Council and obtain prior approval for any action that would materially modify, amend, or terminate the System Agreement for one or more of the domestic utility companies. Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana appealed to state court the City Council's resolution on the basis that the imposition of this requirement with respect to the System Agreement, a FERC-approved tariff, exceeds the City Council's jurisdiction and authority. In July 2004, the City Council answered the appeal and filed a third party demand and counterclaim against Entergy, the domestic utility companies, Entergy Services, and System Energy, seeking a declaratory judgment that Entergy and its subsidiaries cannot terminate the System Agreement until obligations owed under a March 2003 rate case settlement are satisfied. In August 2004, Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana, as well as the named third party defendants, filed pleadings objecting to the City Council's third party demand and counterclaim on various grounds, including federal preemption. In February 2005, the state court issued an oral decision dismissing the City Council's claims for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and prematurity.

Transmission

In 2000, FERC issued an order encouraging utilities to voluntarily place their transmission facilities under the control of independent RTOs (regional transmission organizations) by December 15, 2001. Delays in implementing the FERC order have occurred due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that utility companies, other stakeholders, and federal and state regulators continue to work to resolve various issues related to the establishment of such RTOs.

In April 2004, Entergy filed a proposal with the FERC to commit voluntarily to retain an independent entity (Independent Coordinator of Transmission or ICT) to oversee the granting of transmission or interconnection service on Entergy's transmission system, to implement a transmission pricing structure that ensures that Entergy's retail native load customers are required to pay for only those upgrades necessary to reliably serve their needs, and to have the ICT serve as the security coordinator for the Entergy region. Assuming applicable regulatory support and approvals can be obtained, Entergy proposed to contract with the ICT to oversee the granting of transmission service on the Entergy system as well as the implementation of the proposed weekly procurement process (WPP). The proposal was structured to not transfer control of Entergy's transmission system to the ICT, but rather to vest with the ICT broad oversight authority over transmission planning and operations.

Entergy also proposed to have the ICT administer a transmission expansion pricing protocol that will increase the efficiency of transmission pricing on the Entergy system and that will be designed to protect Entergy's native load customers from bearing the cost of transmission upgrades not required to reliably serve these customers' needs. Entergy intends for the ICT to determine whether transmission upgrades associated with new requests for service should be funded directly by the party requesting such service or by a broader group of transmission customers, including Entergy's native load customers. This determination would be made in accordance with protocols approved by the FERC, and any party contesting such determination, including Entergy, would be required to seek review at the FERC. Several technical conferences regarding the ICT proposal, or various components thereof, were held in 2004. Entergy has also responded to discovery requests that resulted from these conferences.

In January 2005, Entergy filed a petition for declaratory order with the FERC requesting that the FERC provide guidance on two important issues: (1) whether the functions performed by the ICT will cause it to become a "public utility" under the Federal Power Act or the "transmission provider" under Entergy's open access transmission tariff; and (2) whether Entergy's transmission pricing proposal, as administered by the ICT, satisfies the FERC's transmission pricing policy. The petition also indicates that, subject to the outcome of the petition and obtaining support of Entergy's retail regulators, Entergy would be willing to have the ICT perform the following additional functions: (a) grant or deny requests for transmission service; (b) calculate available flowgate capacity; (c) administer Entergy's OASIS; and (d) perform an enhanced planning function (integrating the plans of Entergy and other potential transmission owners to identify regional synergies.) Comments and interventions on the petition were filed by market participants and retail regulators on February 4, 2005. In their individual comments, the APSC, LPSC, and City Council supported Entergy's position that the ICT would not become a "public utility" or "transmission provider" and that the transmission pricing proposal satisfies the FERC's transmission pricing policy. Certain other parties urged the FERC to reject the petition for declaratory order or, in the alternative, that the FERC assert jurisdiction over the ICT and determine that Entergy's proposed pricing policy is inconsistent with FERC's current pricing policy. FERC action on the petition is expected during the first half of 2005.

In March 2004, the APSC initiated a proceeding to review Entergy's proposal and compare the benefits of such a proposal to the alternative of Entergy joining the Southwest Power Pool RTO. The APSC sought comments from all interested parties on this issue. Various parties, including the APSC General Staff, filed comments opposing the ICT proposal. A public hearing has not been scheduled by the APSC at this time, although Entergy Arkansas has responded to various APSC data requests. In May 2004, Entergy Mississippi filed a petition for review with the MPSC requesting MPSC support for the ICT proposal. A hearing in that proceeding was held in August 2004. Additionally, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States have filed an application with the LPSC requesting that the LPSC find that the ICT proposal is a prudent and appropriate course of action. A hearing on the transmission pricing aspects of the ICT proposal is scheduled for May 2005, with a separate hearing on the WPP portion of the proposal currently scheduled for August 2005.

FERC's Supply Margin Assessment

In November 2001, FERC issued an order that established a new generation market power screen (called Supply Margin Assessment) for purposes of evaluating a utility's request for market-based rate authority, applied that new screen to the Entergy System (among others), determined that Entergy and the others failed the screen within their respective control areas, and ordered these utilities to implement certain mitigation measures as a condition to their continued ability to buy and sell at market-based rates. Among other things, the mitigation measures would require that Entergy transact at cost-based rates when it sells in the hourly wholesale market within its control area. Entergy requested rehearing of the order, and FERC delayed the implementation of certain mitigation measures until such time as it had the opportunity to consider the rehearing request. In June 2003, the FERC proposed and ultimately adopted new market behavior rules and tariff provisions that would be applied to any market-based sale. Entergy modified its market-based rate tariffs to reflect the new provisions but requested rehearing of FERC's order.

In April 2004, the FERC issued its Order on Rehearing and Modifying Interim Generation Market Power Analysis and Mitigation Policy. In its April 2004 order, the FERC established a new interim generation market power analysis that will consider two indicative market power screens: (1) the pivotal supplier screen that is designed to measure an applicant's market power based on the applicant's share of uncommitted capacity at the time of the control area market's annual peak demand; and (2) the market share screen that is designed to evaluate an applicant's market share of uncommitted capacity on a seasonal basis. An integrated utility's native load obligation will be reflected in both screens; however, the proxy for native load obligation differs between the screens. For the uncommitted pivotal supplier screen, the proxy for native load is the average of the daily native load peaks during the month in which the annual peak load day occurs; for the uncommitted market share screen the proxy for native load is the minimum peak load day for each season. In the event an applicant fails either of these screens, there will be a rebuttable presumption that market power exists. The applicant will then have the opportunity to either: (1) submit a more detailed market power analysis that reflects market prices and measures an applicant's "economic capacity" and "available economic capacity" under the "delivered price test" or (2) propose case-specific mitigation tailored to the applicant's specific circumstances or adopt cost-based rates for sales within the applicant's control area.

In its April 2004 order, the FERC also: (1) determined that transmission market power and the need to employ an independent entity to operate and administer an applicant's OASIS site is more properly considered in other proceedings, to the extent appropriate, and would not be considered in evaluating an applicant's generation market power for purposes of granting market-based rate authority; and (2) eliminated the exemption from the generation market power analysis for sales within an RTO/ISO that had approved market monitoring. Several parties, including Entergy, filed for rehearing of the April 2004 order. Among other things, Entergy argued that the market share screen is overly conservative and overstates vertically integrated utilities' ability to exercise market power.

In July 2004, the FERC issued an order on rehearing reaffirming the use of the pivotal supplier and market share screens and clarified certain instructions for performing such analysis. With regard to the delivered price test analysis, the FERC declined to make a determination on whether an applicant's native load obligations will be reflected when evaluating an applicant's generation market power, but instead indicated that it would evaluate the arguments of both the applicant and intervenors as to which measure (one with or without native load obligations) more accurately reflects market conditions. Entergy appealed the April 2004 and July 2004 orders to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. In February 2005, the D.C. Circuit granted the FERC's motion to dismiss Entergy's appeal on the grounds that Entergy's claims were premature. The D.C. Circuit found that Entergy's petition was premature because the D.C. Circuit was not yet in a position to evaluate the manner in which the FERC will apply its new market power tests or whether the tests will have adverse consequences for Entergy. Thus, the D.C. Circuit did not rule on the merits of Entergy's appeal.

Entergy filed with the FERC its generation market power analysis pursuant to the two indicative screens in August 2004. Entergy's analysis indicated that it passed the pivotal supplier screen for all relevant geographical regions, but failed the market share screen within its control area. At the same time, Entergy submitted the results of the delivered price test for Entergy, which indicate that Entergy does not have market power in any wholesale market when Entergy's native load obligations are reflected.

In December 2004, the FERC issued an order pursuant to Section 206 of the Federal Power Act: (1) finding that Entergy failed the market share screen; (2) indicating that the FERC is continuing to review the delivered price test analysis submitted by Entergy; (3) establishing a refund effective date for Entergy's market-based wholesale sales within its control area; and (4) indicating that the FERC believes that it can reach a decision concerning Entergy's market-based rate authority by the second quarter of 2005.

If the FERC were to revoke Entergy's or the domestic utility companies' market-based rate authority for wholesale sales within the Entergy control area, these entities would be limited to making wholesale sales pursuant to cost-based rate schedules approved by the FERC. The wholesale sales of the domestic utility companies and their affiliates, including Entergy's non-nuclear wholesale assets business, within the Entergy control area could either be cost-justified or are of such a limited amount that management does not believe that the revocation of their market-based rate authority would have a material effect on the financial results of Entergy. Because Entergy believes that it does not possess market power and that the FERC's tests are flawed, Entergy intends to vigorously defend its market-based rate authority.

The FERC has also initiated a rulemaking proceeding to address, among other things, whether the FERC should retain or modify its existing four-prong test for evaluating market-based rate applications (i.e., whether the applicant has generation or transmission market power, whether the applicant can erect barriers to entry, and whether there are affiliate abuse or reciprocal dealing concerns), and whether the FERC should adopt different approaches for affiliate transactions. The FERC has held a series of technical conferences to discuss these issues. Additionally, in February 2005 the FERC adopted revised reporting obligations for changes in status that apply to public utilities authorized to make wholesale sales of power at market-based rates. The FERC determined to replace the current triennial reporting requirement with more detailed guidelines concerning the types of events that will trigger a reporting obligation and the timing and format for such reports. The new rules will become part of all existing market-based rate tariffs during March 2005.

Interconnection Orders

The domestic utility companies (except Entergy New Orleans) are currently defendants to several complaints and rehearing requests before the FERC in which independent generation entities (GenCos) are seeking a refund of monies that the GenCos had previously paid to the Entergy companies for facilities necessary to connect their generation facilities to Entergy's transmission system. The FERC has issued initial orders in response to two of the complaints and in certain other dockets ordering Entergy to refund approximately $100 million in expenses and tax obligations previously paid by the GenCos. The refunds will be in the form of transmission credits that will be utilized over time as the GenCos take transmission service from Entergy.

In addition, Entergy Louisiana was recently directed, effective as of March 2001, to provide transmission credits, with interest, associated with a specific generator that asserted to the FERC that it retained in its contract for interconnection a right to execute the latest form of Entergy's standard interconnection agreement in lieu of its existing contract, which thereby would apply FERC's most recent interconnection cost allocation policies to that generator. Following an ALJ's Initial Decision and an order affirming such decision by FERC, approximately $15 million in expenses and tax obligations previously paid by the generator have been ordered refunded in the form of transmission credits, to be utilized over time and applied to Entergy transmission service bills incurred after March 2001. Entergy has sought rehearing of the FERC's order.

To the extent the Entergy companies are ordered to provide such refunds, these costs will qualify for inclusion in the Entergy companies' rates. The recovery of these costs is not automatic, however, especially at the retail level, where the majority of the cost recovery would occur. Entergy intends to pursue all regulatory and legal avenues available to it in order to have these orders reversed and have the affected interconnection agreements reinstated as agreed to originally by the generators.

Available Flowgate Capacity Proceeding

On December 17, 2004, the FERC issued an order initiating a hearing and investigation concerning the justness and reasonableness of the Available Flowgate Capacity (AFC) methodology, the methodology used to evaluate short-term transmission service requests under the domestic utility companies' open access transmission tariff, and establishing a refund effective date. In its order, the FERC indicated that although it "appreciates that Entergy is attempting to explore ways to improve transmission access on its system," it believed that an investigation was warranted to gather more evidence in light of the concerns raised by certain transmission customers and certain issues raised in a FERC audit report finding errors and problems with the predecessor methodology used by Entergy for evaluating short-term transmission requests, the Generator Operating Limits methodology. The FERC order indicates that the investigation will include an examination of (i) Entergy's implementation of the AFC program, (ii) whether Entergy's implementation has complied with prior FERC orders and open access transmission tariff provisions addressing the AFC program, and (iii) whether Entergy's provision of access to short-term transmission on its transmission system was just, reasonable, and not unduly discriminatory.

Entergy has submitted an Emergency Interim Request for Rehearing requesting the FERC to defer the hearing process and instead proceed initially with an independent audit of the AFC program and the expansion of the current process involving other market participants to address a broader range of issues. Entergy believes that this type of approach is a more efficient and effective mechanism for evaluating the AFC program. Following the completion of the independent audit and process involving other market participants, the FERC could determine whether other procedural steps are necessary. The FERC has not yet ruled on the Emergency Interim Request for Rehearing submitted by Entergy.

Entergy believes that it has complied with the provisions of its open access transmission tariff, including the provisions addressing the implementation of the AFC methodology; however, the ultimate scope of this proceeding cannot be predicted at this time. A hearing in the AFC proceeding is currently scheduled to commence in August 2005.

Federal Legislation

Federal legislation intended to facilitate wholesale competition in the electric power industry has been seriously considered by the United States Congress for the past several years.  In the last Congress, both the House and Senate passed separate versions of comprehensive energy legislation, negotiated a conference package, and fell two votes short of bringing the conferenced bill up for a vote in the Senate. The bill contained electricity provisions that would, among other things, allow for participant funding of transmission interconnections and upgrades, repeal PUHCA, repeal or modify PURPA, enact a mechanism for establishing enforceable reliability standards, provide the FERC with new authority over utility mergers and acquisitions, and codify the FERC's authority over market-based rates.  It is expected that the United States House and Senate will again craft and consider energy legislation in the 109th Congress.

Market and Credit Risks

Market risk is the risk of changes in the value of commodity and financial instruments, or in future operating results or cash flows, in response to changing market conditions. Entergy is exposed to the following significant market risks:

  • The commodity price risk associated with Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear and Energy Commodity Services segments.
  • The foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with certain of Entergy's contractual obligations.
  • The interest rate and equity price risk associated with Entergy's investments in decommissioning trust funds.

Entergy is also exposed to credit risk. Credit risk is the risk of loss from nonperformance by suppliers, customers, or financial counterparties to a contract or agreement. Where it is a significant consideration, counterparty credit risk is addressed in the discussions that follow.

Commodity Price Risk

Power Generation

The sale of electricity from the power generation plants owned by Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear business and Energy Commodity Services, unless otherwise contracted, is subject to the fluctuation of market power prices. Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear business has entered into PPAs and other contracts to sell the power produced by its power plants at prices established in the PPAs. Entergy continues to pursue opportunities to extend the existing PPAs and to enter into new PPAs with other parties. Following is a summary of the amount of the Non-Utility Nuclear business' output that is currently sold forward under physical or financial contracts at fixed prices:

   

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

Non-Utility Nuclear:

                   

Percent of planned generation sold forward:

                   
 

Unit-contingent

 

36%

 

20%

 

17%

 

1%

 

0%

 

Unit-contingent with availability guarantees

 

54%

 

52%

 

38%

 

25%

 

0%

 

Firm liquidated damages

 

4%

 

4%

 

2%

 

0%

 

0%

 

Total

 

94%

 

76%

 

57%

 

26%

 

0%

Planned generation (TWh)

 

34

 

35

 

34

 

34

 

35

Average contracted price per MWh

 

$39

 

$41

 

$42

 

$44

 

N/A

The Vermont Yankee acquisition included a 10-year PPA under which the former owners will buy the power produced by the plant, which is through the expiration in 2012 of the current operating license for the plant. The PPA includes an adjustment clause under which the prices specified in the PPA will be adjusted downward monthly, beginning in November 2005, if power market prices drop below PPA prices. Accordingly, because the price is not fixed, the table above does not report power from that plant as sold forward after November 2005.

A sale of power on a unit contingent basis coupled with an availability guarantee provides for the payment to the power purchaser of contract damages, if incurred, in the event the seller fails to deliver power as a result of the failure of the specified generation unit to generate power at or above a specified availability threshold. To date, Entergy has not incurred any payment obligation to any power purchaser pursuant to an availability guarantee. All of Entergy's outstanding availability guarantees provide for dollar limits on Entergy's maximum liability under such guarantees.

Some of the agreements to sell the power produced by Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear power plants contain provisions that require an Entergy subsidiary to provide collateral to secure its obligations under the agreements. The Entergy subsidiary may be required to provide collateral based upon the difference between the current market and contracted power prices in the regions where the Non-Utility Nuclear business sells its power.  The primary form of the collateral to satisfy these requirements would be an Entergy Corporation guaranty. Cash and letters of credit are also acceptable forms of collateral. At December 31, 2004, based on power prices at that time, Entergy had in place as collateral $545.5 million of Entergy Corporation guarantees and $47.5 million of letters of credit. In the event of a decrease in Entergy Corporation's credit rating to specified levels below investment grade, Entergy may be required to replace Entergy Corporation guarantees with cash or letters of credit under some of the agreements.

In addition to selling the power produced by its plants, the Non-Utility Nuclear business sells installed capacity to load-serving distribution companies in order for those companies to meet requirements placed on them by the ISO in their area. Following is a summary of the amount of the Non-Utility Nuclear business' installed capacity that is currently sold forward, and the blended amount of the Non-Utility Nuclear business' planned generation output and installed capacity that is currently sold forward:

   

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

Non-Utility Nuclear:

                   

Percent of capacity sold forward:

                   
 

Bundled capacity and energy contracts

 

13%

 

13%

 

13%

 

13%

 

13%

 

Capacity contracts

 

58%

 

67%

 

36%

 

22%

 

10%

 

Total

 

71%

 

80%

 

49%

 

35%

 

23%

Planned net MW in operation

 

4,155

 

4,200

 

4,200

 

4,200

 

4,200

Average capacity contract price per kW per month

 

$1.2

 

$1.1

 

$1.1

 

$1.0

 

$0.9

Blended Capacity and Energy (based on revenues)

                   

% of planned generation and capacity sold forward

 

93%

 

87%

 

65%

 

36%

 

12%

Average contract revenue per MWh

 

$40

 

$42

 

$43

 

$44

 

$43

As of December 31, 2004, approximately 99% of Entergy's counterparties to Non-Utility Nuclear's energy and capacity contracts have investment grade credit ratings.

Following is a summary of the amount of Energy Commodity Services' output and installed capacity that is currently sold forward under physical or financial contracts at fixed prices:

   

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

Energy Commodity Services:

                   

Capacity

                   

Planned MW in operation

 

1,578

 

1,578

 

1,578

 

1,578

 

1,578

% of capacity sold forward

 

44%

 

33%

 

29%

 

29%

 

19%

Energy

                   

Planned generation (TWh)

 

3

 

3

 

3

 

3

 

4

% of planned generation sold forward

 

69%

 

54%

 

45%

 

45%

 

35%

Blended Capacity and Energy (based on revenues)

                   

% of planned energy and capacity sold forward

 

63%

 

44%

 

38%

 

39%

 

22%

Average contract revenue per MWh

 

$24

 

$24

 

$28

 

$28

 

$21

Entergy continually monitors industry trends in order to determine whether asset impairments or other losses could result from a decline in value, or cancellation, of merchant power projects, and records provisions for impairments and losses accordingly. As discussed in "Results of Operations" above, in 2004 Entergy determined that the value of the Warren power plant owned by the non-nuclear wholesale assets business was impaired, and recorded the appropriate provision for the loss.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

Entergy Gulf States, System Fuels, and Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear business enter into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge the Euro-denominated payments due under certain purchase contracts. The notional amounts of the foreign currency forward contracts are 95.5 million Euro and the forward currency rates range from .8641 to 1.33020. The maturities of these forward contracts depend on the purchase contract payment dates and range in time from January 2005 to January 2007. The mark-to-market valuation of the forward contracts at December 31, 2004 was a net asset of $28.1 million. The counterparty banks obligated on these agreements are rated by Standard & Poor's Rating Services at AA on their senior debt obligations as of December 31, 2004.

Interest Rate and Equity Price Risk - Decommissioning Trust Funds

9; Entergy's nuclear decommissioning trust funds are exposed to fluctuations in equity prices and interest rates. The NRC requires Entergy to maintain trusts to fund the costs of decommissioning ANO 1, ANO 2, River Bend, Waterford 3, Grand Gulf, Pilgrim, Indian Point 1 and 2, and Vermont Yankee (NYPA currently retains the decommissioning trusts and liabilities for Indian Point 3 and FitzPatrick). The funds are invested primarily in equity securities; fixed-rate, fixed-income securities; and cash and cash equivalents. Management believes that exposure of the various funds to market fluctuations will not affect Entergy's financial results of operations as it relates to the ANO 1 and 2, River Bend, Grand Gulf, and Waterford 3 trust funds because of the application of regulatory accounting principles. The Pilgrim, Indian Point 1 and 2, and Vermont Yankee trust funds collectively hold approximately $952 million of fixed-rate, fixed-income securities as of December 31, 2004. These securities have an average coupon rate of approximately 5.4%, an average duration of approximately 5.2 years, and an average maturity of approximately 7.9 years. The Pilgrim, Indian Point 1 and 2, and Vermont Yankee trust funds also collectively hold equity securities worth approximately $450 million as of December 31, 2004. These securities are generally held in funds that are designed to approximate or somewhat exceed the return of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, and a relatively small percentage of the securities are held in a fund intended to replicate the return of the Wilshire 4500 Index. The decommissioning trust funds are discussed more thoroughly in Notes 1, 8, and 15 to the consolidated financial statements.

Nuclear Matters

The domestic utility companies, System Energy, and Non-Utility Nuclear subsidiaries own and operate ten nuclear power generating units and the shutdown Indian Point 1 nuclear reactor. Entergy is, therefore, subject to the risks related to owning and operating nuclear plants. These include risks from the use, storage, handling, and disposal of high-level and low-level radioactive materials, limitations on the amounts and types of insurance commercially available for losses in connection with nuclear operations, and technological and financial uncertainties related to decommissioning nuclear plants at the end of their licensed lives, including the sufficiency of funds in decommissioning trusts. In the event of an unanticipated early shut-down of any of Entergy's nuclear plants, Entergy may be required to provide additional funds or credit support to satisfy regulatory requirements for decommissioning.

Concerns are being expressed in public forums about the safety of nuclear generating units and nuclear fuel, in particular in the northeastern United States, which is where the Non-Utility Nuclear units are located. These concerns have led to, and are expected to continue to lead to, various proposals to federal regulators as well as governing bodies in some localities where Entergy owns nuclear plants for legislative and regulatory changes that could lead to the shut-down of nuclear units, denial of license extension applications, municipalization of nuclear units, restrictions on nuclear units as a result of unavailability of sites for nuclear fuel disposal, or other adverse effects on owning and operating nuclear power plants. Entergy believes that its generating units are in compliance with NRC requirements and Entergy vigorously responds to these concerns and proposals.

Litigation

Entergy and its subsidiaries are involved in the ordinary course of business in a substantial amount of employment, commercial, asbestos, hazardous material, and other environmental and rate-related proceedings and litigation. Entergy uses legal and appropriate means to contest vigorously litigation threatened or filed against it, but litigation poses a significant business risk to Entergy.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of Entergy's financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to apply appropriate accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that can have a significant effect on reported financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Management has identified the following accounting policies and estimates as critical because they are based on assumptions and measurements that involve a high degree of uncertainty, and the potential for future changes in the assumptions and measurements that could produce estimates that would have a material effect on the presentation of Entergy's financial position or results of operations.

Nuclear Decommissioning Costs

Entergy owns a significant number of nuclear generation facilities in both its U.S. Utility and Non-Utility Nuclear business units. Regulations require Entergy to decommission its nuclear power plants after each facility is taken out of service, and money is collected and deposited in trust funds during the facilities' operating lives in order to provide for this obligation. Entergy conducts periodic decommissioning cost studies (typically updated every three to five years) to estimate the costs that will be incurred to decommission the facilities. The following key assumptions have a significant effect on these estimates:

  • Cost Escalation Factors - Entergy's decommissioning revenue requirement studies include an assumption that decommissioning costs will escalate over present cost levels by annual factors ranging from approximately CPI-U to 5.5%. A 50 basis point change in this assumption could change the ultimate cost of decommissioning a facility by as much as 11.0%.
  • Timing - In projecting decommissioning costs, two assumptions must be made to estimate the timing of plant decommissioning. First, the date of the plant's retirement must be estimated. The expiration of the plant's operating license is typically used for this purpose, or an assumption could be made that the plant will be relicensed and operate for some time beyond the original license term. Second, an assumption must be made whether decommissioning will begin immediately upon plant retirement, or whether the plant will be held in "safestore" status for later decommissioning, as permitted by applicable regulations. While the effect of these assumptions cannot be determined with precision, assuming either license extension or use of a "safestore" status can possibly change the present value of these obligations. As discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, Entergy recorded revisions in 2004 to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for four of its nuclear power plants to reflect changes in assumptions regarding license renewal. Increases in the probability of decommissioning the plants at a date later than the original license expiration lowered the estimate of the decommissioning cost liability. The changes in probability for the unregulated portion of Entergy Gulf States and Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear business increased income by approximately $28.9 million net-of-tax for the excess of the reduction in the liability over the amount of undepreciated asset retirement cost at the time of adoption of SFAS 143. The changes in probability for ANO 1 and ANO 2 had no effect on net income because, as discussed further below, any amounts recorded related to SFAS 143 are offset by the recording of regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities when projected decommissioning costs are collected in rates. Future revisions to appropriately reflect changes needed to the estimate of decommissioning costs will affect net income, only to the extent that the estimate of any reduction in the liability exceeds the amount of the undepreciated asset retirement cost at the date of the revision, for unregulated portions of Entergy's business. Any increases in the liability recorded due to such changes are capitalized and depreciated over the asset's remaining economic life in accordance with SFAS 143.
  • Spent Fuel Disposal - Federal regulations require the DOE to provide a permanent repository for the storage of spent nuclear fuel, and legislation has been passed by Congress to develop this repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Until this site is available, however, nuclear plant operators must provide for interim spent fuel storage on the nuclear plant site, which can require the construction and maintenance of dry cask storage sites or other facilities. The costs of developing and maintaining these facilities can have a significant effect (as much as 16% of estimated decommissioning costs). Entergy's decommissioning studies include cost estimates for spent fuel storage. However, these estimates could change in the future based on the timing of the opening of the Yucca Mountain facility, the schedule for shipments to that facility when it is opened, or other factors.
  • Technology and Regulation - To date, there is limited practical experience in the United States with actual decommissioning of large nuclear facilities. As experience is gained and technology changes, cost estimates could also change. If regulations regarding nuclear decommissioning were to change, this could have a potentially significant effect on cost estimates. The effect of these potential changes is not presently determinable. Entergy's decommissioning cost studies assume current technologies and regulations.

SFAS 143

Entergy implemented SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," effective January 1, 2003. Nuclear decommissioning costs comprise substantially all of Entergy's asset retirement obligations, and the measurement and recording of Entergy's decommissioning obligations changed significantly with the implementation of SFAS 143. The most significant differences in the measurement of these obligations are outlined below:

  • Recording of full obligation - SFAS 143 requires that the fair value of an asset retirement obligation be recorded when it is incurred. This caused the recorded decommissioning obligation in Entergy's U.S. Utility business to increase significantly, as Entergy had previously only recorded this obligation as the related costs were collected from customers, and as earnings were recorded on the related trust funds.
  • Fair value approach - SFAS 143 requires that these obligations be measured using a fair value approach. Among other things, this entails the assumption that the costs will be incurred by a third party and will therefore include appropriate profit margins and risk premiums. Entergy's decommissioning studies had been based on Entergy performing the work, and did not include any such margins or premiums.
  • Discount rate - SFAS 143 requires that these obligations be discounted using a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate.

The net effect on Entergy's financial statements of implementing SFAS 143 for the U.S. Utility and Non-Utility Nuclear businesses follows:

  • For the U.S. Utility business, the implementation of SFAS 143 for the rate-regulated business of the domestic utility companies and System Energy was recorded as regulatory assets, with no resulting effect on Entergy's net income. Entergy recorded these regulatory assets because existing rate mechanisms in each jurisdiction are based on the original or historical cost standard that allows Entergy to recover all ultimate costs of decommissioning existing assets from current and future customers. As a result of this treatment, SFAS 143 is expected to be earnings neutral to the rate-regulated business of the domestic utility companies and System Energy. Upon implementation of SFAS 143 in 2003, assets and liabilities increased by $1.1 billion for the U.S. Utility segment as a result of recording the asset retirement obligations at their fair values of $1.1 billion as determined under SFAS 143, increasing utility plant by $288 million, reducing accumulated depreciation by $361 million and recording the related regulatory assets of $422 million. The implementation of SFAS 143 for the portion of River Bend not subject to cost-based ratemaking decreased earnings by $21 million net-of-tax ($0.09 per share) as a result of a one-time cumulative effect of accounting change. In accordance with ratemaking treatment and as required by SFAS 71, the depreciation provisions for Entergy's utility subsidiaries include a component for removal costs that are not asset retirement obligations under SFAS 143. Approximately 6% of the U.S. Utility's current depreciation rates, on a weighted-average basis, represents a component for the net of salvage value and removal costs.
  • For the Non-Utility Nuclear business, the implementation of SFAS 143 in 2003 resulted in a decrease in liabilities of $595 million due to reductions in decommissioning liabilities, a decrease in assets of $340 million, including a decrease in electric plant in service of $315 million, and an increase in earnings of $155 million net-of-tax as a result of the one-time cumulative effect of accounting change.

Also, beginning in 2003 Entergy's earnings for the Non-Utility Nuclear business have an increase of $18 million after-tax because of the change in accretion of the liability and depreciation of the adjusted plant costs from the 2002 levels. This effect will gradually decrease over future years as the accretion of the liability increases. Management expects that applying SFAS 143 post-implementation will have a minimal effect on ongoing earnings for the U.S. Utility business.

In the first quarter of 2004, Entergy Arkansas recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability in accordance with a new decommissioning cost study for ANO 1 and 2 as a result of revised decommissioning costs and changes in assumptions regarding the timing of when the decommissioning of the plants will begin. The revised estimate resulted in a $107.7 million reduction in its decommissioning liability, along with a $19.5 million reduction in utility plant and an $88.2 million reduction in the related regulatory asset.

In the third quarter of 2004, Entergy Gulf States recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability in accordance with a new decommissioning cost study for River Bend that reflected an expected life extension for the plant. The revised estimate resulted in a $116.8 million reduction in decommissioning liability, along with a $31.3 million reduction in utility plant, a $40.1 million reduction in the related regulatory asset, and a regulatory liability of $17.7 million. For the portion of River Bend not subject to cost-based ratemaking, the revised estimate resulted in the elimination of the asset retirement cost that had been recorded at the time of adoption of SFAS 143 with the remainder recorded as miscellaneous income of $27.7 million.

In the third quarter of 2004, Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear business recorded a reduction of $20.3 million in its decommissioning cost liability to reflect changes in assumptions regarding the timing of when the decommissioning of a plant will begin. Entergy considered the assumptions as part of recent studies evaluating the economic effect of the plant in its region. The revised estimate resulted in miscellaneous income of $20.3 million, reflecting the excess of the reduction in the liability over the amount of undepreciated asset retirement cost recorded at the time of adoption of SFAS 143.

Unbilled Revenue

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, Entergy records an estimate of the revenues earned for energy delivered since the latest customer billing. Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and a receivable, and the prior month's estimate is reversed. The difference between the estimate of the unbilled receivable at the beginning of the period and the end of the period is the amount of unbilled revenue recognized during the period. The estimate recorded is primarily based upon an estimate of customer usage during the unbilled period and the billed price to customers in that month, including fuel price. Therefore, revenue recognized may be affected by the estimated price and usage at the beginning and end of each period and fuel price fluctuations, in addition to changes in certain components of the calculation including changes to estimates such as line loss, which affects the estimate of unbilled customer usage, and assumptions regarding price such as the fuel cost recovery mechanism.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

Entergy has significant investments in long-lived assets in all of its segments, and Entergy evaluates these assets against the market economics and under the accounting rules for impairment whenever there are indications that impairments may exist. This evaluation involves a significant degree of estimation and uncertainty, and these estimates are particularly important in Entergy's U.S. Utility and Energy Commodity Services segments. In the U.S. Utility segment, portions of River Bend and Grand Gulf are not included in rate base, which could reduce the revenue that would otherwise be recovered for the applicable portions of those units' generation. In the Energy Commodity Services segment, Entergy's investments in merchant generation assets are subject to impairment if adverse market conditions arise.

In order to determine if Entergy should recognize an impairment of a long-lived asset that is to be held and used, accounting standards require that the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows from the asset be compared to the asset's carrying value. If the expected undiscounted future cash flows exceed the carrying value, no impairment is recorded; if such cash flows are less than the carrying value, Entergy is required to record an impairment charge to write the asset down to its fair value. If an asset is held for sale, an impairment is required to be recognized if the fair value (less costs to sell) of the asset is less than its carrying value.

These estimates are based on a number of key assumptions, including:

  • Future power and fuel prices - Electricity and gas prices have been very volatile in recent years, and this volatility is expected to continue. This volatility necessarily increases the imprecision inherent in the long-term forecasts of commodity prices that are a key determinant of estimated future cash flows. There is currently an oversupply of electricity throughout the U.S., including much of Entergy's service territory, and it is necessary to project economic growth and other macroeconomic factors in order to project when this oversupply will cease and prices will rise. Similarly, gas prices have been volatile as a result of recent fluctuations in both supply and demand, and projecting future trends in these prices is difficult.
  • Market value of generation assets - Valuing assets held for sale requires estimating the current market value of generation assets. While market transactions provide evidence for this valuation, the market for such assets is volatile and the value of individual assets is impacted by factors unique to those assets.
  • Future operating costs - Entergy assumes relatively minor annual increases in operating costs. Technological or regulatory changes that have a significant impact on operations could cause a significant change in these assumptions.

Due to the oversupply of power that existed throughout the U.S. and the UK in 2002, and the resulting decreases in spark spreads, consistent with Entergy's point of view, Entergy's impairment tests indicated that a number of impairments were required to be recognized in 2002 in the Energy Commodity Services segment. These impairments, which were also accompanied by other charges related to the restructuring of Entergy's independent power business, are further detailed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.

In 2004, Entergy recorded a charge of approximately $55 million ($36 million net-of-tax) as a result of an impairment of the value of the Warren Power plant. Entergy concluded that the value of the plant, which is owned in the non-nuclear wholesale assets business, was impaired. Entergy reached this conclusion based on valuation studies prepared in connection with the Entergy Asset Management stock sale discussed above in "Results of Operations."

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy sponsors defined benefit pension plans which cover substantially all employees. Additionally, Entergy currently provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for substantially all employees who reach retirement age while still working for Entergy. Entergy's reported costs of providing these benefits, as described in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, are impacted by numerous factors including the provisions of the plans, changing employee demographics, and various actuarial calculations, assumptions, and accounting mechanisms. Because of the complexity of these calculations, the long-term nature of these obligations, and the importance of the assumptions utilized, Entergy's estimate of these costs is a critical accounting estimate for the U.S. Utility and Non-Utility Nuclear segments.

Assumptions

Key actuarial assumptions utilized in determining these costs include:

  • Discount rates used in determining the future benefit obligations;
  • Projected health care cost trend rates;
  • Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets; and
  • Rate of increase in future compensation levels.

Entergy reviews these assumptions on an annual basis and adjusts them as necessary. The falling interest rate environment and worse-than-expected performance of the financial equity markets over the past several years have impacted Entergy's funding and reported costs for these benefits. In addition, these trends have caused Entergy to make a number of adjustments to its assumptions.

In selecting an assumed discount rate to calculate benefit obligations, Entergy reviews market yields on high-quality corporate debt and matches these rates with Entergy's projected stream of benefit payments. Based on recent market trends, Entergy reduced its discount rate used to calculate benefit obligations from 6.75% in 2002 to 6.25% in 2003 and to 6% in 2004. Entergy reviews actual recent cost trends and projected future trends in establishing health care cost trend rates. Based on this review, Entergy increased its health care cost trend rate assumption used in calculating the December 31, 2004 accumulated postretirement benefit obligation to a 10% increase in health care costs in 2005 gradually decreasing each successive year, until it reaches a 4.5% annual increase in health care costs in 2011 and beyond.

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, Entergy reviews past long-term performance, asset allocations, and long-term inflation assumptions. Entergy targets an asset allocation for its pension plan assets of roughly 65% equity securities, 31% fixed income securities and 4% other investments. The target allocation for Entergy's other postretirement benefit assets is 51% equity securities and 49% fixed income securities. Based on recent market trends, Entergy reduced its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used to calculate benefit obligations from 8.75% for 2002 and 2003 to 8.5% in 2004. The assumed rate of increase in future compensation levels used to calculate benefit obligations was 3.25% in 2002, 2003, and 2004.

Cost Sensitivity

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of pension cost to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (in thousands):


Actuarial Assumption

 

Change in
Assumption

 

Impact on 2004
Pension Cost

 

Impact on Projected
Benefit Obligation

 

 

Increase/(Decrease)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

(0.25%)

 

$10,268

 

$94,903

Rate of return on plan assets

 

(0.25%)

 

$4,388          

 

-              

Rate of increase in compensation

 

0.25%

 

$4,928          

 

$29,134

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of postretirement benefit cost to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (in thousands):



Actuarial Assumption

 


Change in
Assumption

 


Impact on 2004
Postretirement Benefit Cost

 

Impact on Accumulated
Postretirement Benefit
Obligation

 

 

Increase/(Decrease)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health care cost trend

 

0.25%

 

$4,150

 

$23,892

Discount rate

 

(0.25%)

 

$2,715

 

$28,719

Each fluctuation above assumes that the other components of the calculation are held constant.

Accounting Mechanisms

In accordance with SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," Entergy utilizes a number of accounting mechanisms that reduce the volatility of reported pension costs. Differences between actuarial assumptions and actual plan results are deferred and are amortized into cost only when the accumulated differences exceed 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets. If necessary, the excess is amortized over the average remaining service period of active employees.

Additionally, Entergy accounts for the effect of asset performance on pension expense over a twenty-quarter phase-in period through a "market-related" value of assets calculation. Since the market-related value of assets recognizes investment gains or losses over a twenty-quarter period, the future value of assets will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recognized. As a result, the losses that the pension plan assets experienced in 2002 may have an adverse impact on pension cost in future years depending on whether the actuarial losses at each measurement date exceed the 10% corridor in accordance with SFAS 87.

Costs and Funding

In 2004, Entergy's total pension cost was $98 million. Entergy anticipates 2005 pension cost to increase to $117 million due to decreases in the discount rate (from 6.25% to 6.00%) and the expected rate of return (from 8.75% to 8.5%) used to calculate benefit obligations. Pension funding was $73 million for 2004 and in 2005 is projected to be $186 million. The rise in pension funding requirements is due to declining interest rates and the phased-in effect of asset underperformance from 2000 to 2002, offset by the Pension Funding Equity Act relief passed in April 2004.

Entergy's accumulated benefit obligation at December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 exceeded plan assets. As a result, Entergy was required to recognize an additional minimum pension liability as prescribed by SFAS 87. At December 31, 2004, Entergy increased its additional minimum pension liability to $244 million ($218 million net of related pension assets) from $180 million ($149 million net of related pension assets) at December 31, 2003. Other comprehensive income decreased to $6.6 million at December 31, 2004 from $9.3 million at December 31, 2003, after reductions for the unrecognized prior service cost, amounts recoverable in rates, and taxes. Net income for 2004, 2003, and 2002 was not affected.

Total postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs for Entergy in 2004 were $86 million, including $23 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies. Entergy expects 2005 postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs to approximate $96 million, including a projected $27 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies. The increase in postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs is due to the decrease in the discount rate (from 6.25% to 6.00%) and an increase in the health care cost trend rate used to calculate benefit obligations.

Other Contingencies

Entergy, as a company with multi-state domestic utility operations, and which also had investments in international projects, is subject to a number of federal, state, and international laws and regulations and other factors and conditions in the areas in which it operates, which potentially subject it to environmental, litigation, and other risks. Entergy periodically evaluates its exposure for such risks and records a reserve for those matters which are considered probable and estimable in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Environmental

Entergy must comply with environmental laws and regulations applicable to the handling and disposal of hazardous waste. Under these various laws and regulations, Entergy could incur substantial costs to restore properties consistent with the various standards. Entergy conducts studies to determine the extent of any required remediation and has recorded reserves based upon its evaluation of the likelihood of loss and expected dollar amount for each issue. Additional sites could be identified which require environmental remediation for which Entergy could be liable. The amounts of environmental reserves recorded can be significantly affected by the following external events or conditions:

  • Changes to existing state or federal regulation by governmental authorities having jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances and hazardous and solid wastes, and other environmental matters.
  • The identification of additional sites or the filing of other complaints in which Entergy may be asserted to be a potentially responsible party.
  • The resolution or progression of existing matters through the court system or resolution by the EPA.

Litigation

Entergy has been named as defendant in a number of lawsuits involving employment, ratepayer, and injuries and damages issues, among other matters. Entergy periodically reviews the cases in which it has been named as defendant and assesses the likelihood of loss in each case as probable, reasonably estimable, or remote and records reserves for cases which have a probable likelihood of loss and can be estimated. Notes 2 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements include more detail on ratepayer and other lawsuits and management's assessment of the adequacy of reserves recorded for these matters. Given the environment in which Entergy operates, and the unpredictable nature of many of the cases in which Entergy is named as a defendant, however, the ultimate outcome of the litigation Entergy is exposed to has the potential to materially affect the results of operations of Entergy, or its operating company subsidiaries.

Sales Warranty and Tax Reserves

Entergy's operations, including acquisitions and divestitures, require Entergy to evaluate risks such as the potential tax effects of a transaction, or warranties made in connection with such a transaction. Entergy believes that it has adequately assessed and provided for these types of risks, where applicable. Any reserves recorded for these types of issues, however, could be significantly affected by events such as claims made by third parties under warranties, additional transactions contemplated by Entergy, or completion of reviews of the tax treatment of certain transactions or issues by taxing authorities. Tax reserves not expected to reverse within the next year are reflected as non-current taxes accrued in the financial statements. Entergy does not expect a material adverse effect on earnings from these matters.

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ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON
                     
    2004   2003   2002   2001   2000
    (In Thousands, Except Percentages and Per Share Amounts)
                     
Operating revenues   $10,123,724   $9,194,920   $8,305,035   $9,620,899   $10,022,129
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change   $933,049   $813,393   $623,072   $727,025   $710,915
Earnings per share before cumulative effect of accounting change                    
  Basic   $4.01   $3.48   $2.69   $3.18   $3.00
  Diluted   $3.93   $3.42   $2.64   $3.13   $2.97
Dividends declared per share   $1.89   $1.60   $1.34   $1.28   $1.22
Return on common equity   10.70%   11.21%   7.85%   10.04%   9.62%
Book value per share, year-end   $38.25   $38.02   $35.24   $33.78   $31.89
Total assets   $28,310,777   $28,527,388   $27,504,366   $25,910,311   $25,451,896
Long-term obligations (1)   $7,180,291   $7,497,690   $7,488,919   $7,743,298   $8,214,724
                     
                     
(1) Includes long-term debt (excluding currently maturing debt), preferred stock with sinking fund, and noncurrent capital lease obligations.
                     
    2004   2003   2002   2001   2000
    (Dollars In Millions)
Electric Operating Revenues:                    
  Residential   $2,842   $2,683   $2,440   $2,613    $2,525
  Commercial   2,045   1,882   1,673   1,860    1,700
  Industrial   2,311   2,082   1,850   2,299    2,177
  Governmental   200   195   179   205    185
    Total retail   7,398   6,842   6,142   6,977    6,587
  Sales for resale   390   371   330   395    424
  Other (1)   145   184   174   (127)   209
    Total   $7,933   $7,397   $6,646   $7,245    $7,220
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh):                    
  Residential   32,897   32,817   32,581   31,080    31,998
  Commercial   26,468   25,863   25,354   24,706    24,657
  Industrial   40,293   38,637   41,018   41,577    43,956
  Governmental   2,568   2,651   2,678   2,593    2,605
    Total retail   102,226   99,968   101,631   99,956    103,216
  Sales for resale   8,623   9,248   9,828   8,896    9,794
    Total   110,849   109,216   111,459   108,852    113,010
                     
                     
(1) 2001 includes the effect of a reserve for rate refund at System Energy.                    
                     

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Entergy Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Entergy Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Corporation") as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income; of retained earnings, comprehensive income, and paid-in capital; and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the financial statements of Entergy-Koch, LP, the Corporation's investment in which is accounted for by the use of the equity method. The Corporation's equity in earnings of unconsolidated equity affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2003 includes $180,110,000 for Entergy Koch, LP, which earnings were audited by other auditors whose report (which as to 2003 included an explanatory paragraph concerning a change in accounting for inventory held for trading purposes and energy trading contracts not qualifying as derivatives) has been furnished to us, and our opinion for the year ended December 31, 2003, insofar as it relates to the amount audited by other auditors included for such company, is based solely on the report of such other auditors.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the report of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of other auditors, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Entergy Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Notes 1, 5 and 8 to the Form 10-K consolidated financial statements, Entergy Corporation adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, in 2003, and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, in 2002.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 8, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on management's assessment of the effectiveness of the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
March 8, 2005

ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
    For the Years Ended December 31,
    2004   2003   2002
    (In Thousands, Except Share Data)
             
OPERATING REVENUES            
Domestic electric   $7,932,577    $7,397,175    $6,646,414 
Natural gas   208,499    186,176    125,353 
Competitive businesses   1,982,648    1,611,569    1,533,268 
TOTAL   10,123,724    9,194,920    8,305,035 
             
OPERATING EXPENSES            
Operating and Maintenance:            
  Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and            
   gas purchased for resale   2,488,208    1,987,217    2,154,596 
  Purchased power   2,092,922    1,728,526    833,829 
  Nuclear refueling outage expenses   166,072    159,995    105,592 
  Provisions for turbine commitments, asset impairments            
   and restructuring charges   55,000    (7,743)   428,456 
  Other operation and maintenance   2,303,561    2,453,869    2,486,617 
Decommissioning   149,529    146,100    76,417 
Taxes other than income taxes   409,886    405,659    380,462 
Depreciation and amortization   895,593    850,503    839,181 
Other regulatory credits - net   (90,611)   (13,761)   (141,836)
TOTAL   8,470,160    7,710,365    7,163,314 
             
OPERATING INCOME   1,653,564    1,484,555    1,141,721 
             
OTHER INCOME            
Allowance for equity funds used during construction   39,582    42,710    31,658 
Interest and dividend income   109,809    87,386    118,325 
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated equity affiliates   (78,727)   271,647    183,878 
Miscellaneous - net   53,752    (76,505)   13,892 
TOTAL   124,416    325,238    347,753 
             
INTEREST AND OTHER CHARGES            
Interest on long-term debt   463,384    485,964    526,442 
Other interest - net   41,380    53,553    70,560 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction   (25,741)   (33,191)   (24,538)
TOTAL   479,023    506,326    572,464 
             
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND            
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGES   1,298,957    1,303,467    917,010 
             
Income taxes   365,908    490,074    293,938 
             
INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT            
OF ACCOUNTING CHANGES   933,049    813,393    623,072 
             
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING            
CHANGES (net of income taxes of $89,925)     137,074   
             
CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME   933,049    950,467    623,072 
             
Preferred dividend requirements and other   23,525    23,524    23,712 
             
EARNINGS APPLICABLE TO            
COMMON STOCK   $909,524    $926,943    $599,360 
             
             
Earnings per average common share before cumulative            
effect of accounting changes:            
  Basic   $4.01    $3.48    $2.69 
  Diluted   $3.93    $3.42    $2.64 
Earnings per average common share:            
  Basic   $4.01    $4.09    $2.69 
  Diluted   $3.93    $4.01    $2.64 
Dividends declared per common share   $1.89    $1.60    $1.34 
Average number of common shares outstanding:            
  Basic   226,863,758    226,804,370    223,047,431 
  Diluted   231,193,686    231,146,040    227,303,103 
             
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.            
             

 

ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
   
    For the Years Ended December 31,
    2004   2003   2002
    (In Thousands)
   
OPERATING ACTIVITIES            
Consolidated net income   $933,049    $950,467    $623,072 
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash flow            
provided by operating activities:            
  Reserve for regulatory adjustments   33,533    13,090    18,848 
  Other regulatory credits - net   (90,611)   (13,761)   (141,836)
  Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning   1,045,122    996,603    915,597 
  Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits   275,458    1,189,531    (256,664)
  Cumulative effect of accounting changes     (137,074)  
  Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated equity affiliates - net of dividends   608,141    (176,036)   (181,878)
  Provisions for turbine commitments, asset impairments, and restructuring charges   55,000    (7,743)   428,456 
  Changes in working capital:            
    Receivables   (210,419)   (140,612)   (43,957)
    Fuel inventory   (16,769)   (14,015)   1,030 
    Accounts payable   95,306    (60,164)   286,230 
    Taxes accrued   75,055    (882,446)   462,956 
    Interest accrued   5,269    (35,837)   7,209 
    Deferred fuel   213,627    (33,874)   156,181 
    Other working capital accounts   41,008    16,809    (286,232)
  Provision for estimated losses and reserves   (18,041)   196,619    10,533 
  Changes in other regulatory assets   48,626    22,671    71,132 
  Other   (164,035)   121,592    111,026 
Net cash flow provided by operating activities   2,929,319    2,005,820    2,181,703 
             
INVESTING ACTIVITIES            
Construction/capital expenditures   (1,410,610)   (1,568,943)   (1,530,301)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction   39,582    42,710    31,658 
Nuclear fuel purchases   (238,170)   (224,308)   (250,309)
Proceeds from sale/leaseback of nuclear fuel   109,988    150,135    183,664 
Proceeds from sale of assets and businesses   75,430    25,987    215,088 
Investment in nonutility properties   (6,420)   (71,438)   (216,956)
Decrease in other investments   383,498    172,187    38,964 
Changes in other temporary investments   50,000    (50,000)   150,000 
Decommissioning trust contributions and realized change in trust assets   (89,807)   (91,518)   (84,914)
Other regulatory investments   (53,566)   (156,446)   (39,390)
Other     (11,496)   114,033 
Net cash flow used in investing activities   (1,140,075)   (1,783,130)   (1,388,463)
             
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.            
             
             
             
             
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
    For the Years Ended December 31,
    2004   2003   2002
    (In Thousands)
     
FINANCING ACTIVITIES            
Proceeds from the issuance of:            
  Long-term debt   1,059,824    2,221,164    1,197,330 
  Common stock and treasury stock   170,237    217,521    130,061 
Retirement of long-term debt   (1,478,894)   (2,409,917)   (1,341,274)
Repurchase of common stock   (1,017,996)   (8,135)   (118,499)
Redemption of preferred stock   (3,450)   (3,450)   (1,858)
Changes in credit line borrowings - net   49,846    (499,975)   244,333 
Dividends paid:            
  Common stock   (427,901)   (362,814)   (298,991)
  Preferred stock   (23,525)   (23,524)   (23,712)
Net cash flow used in financing activities   (1,671,859)   (869,130)   (212,610)
             
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents   (1,882)   3,345    3,125 
             
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   115,503    (643,095)   583,755 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   692,233    1,335,328    751,573 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $807,736    $692,233    $1,335,328 
             
             
             
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:            
  Cash paid during the period for:            
    Interest - net of amount capitalized   $477,768    $552,017    $633,931 
    Income taxes   $28,241    $188,709    $57,856 
  Noncash investing and financing activities:            
    Debt assumed by the Damhead Creek purchaser       $488,432 
    Decommissioning trust funds acquired in nuclear power plant acquisitions       $310,000 
    Long-term debt refunded with proceeds from            
     long-term debt issued in prior period       ($47,000)
             
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.            
             
             

 

ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
         
    December 31,
    2004   2003
    (In Thousands)
         
CURRENT ASSETS        
Cash and cash equivalents:        
  Cash   $79,136    $115,112 
  Temporary cash investments - at cost,        
   which approximates market   728,600    576,813 
  Special deposits     308 
     Total cash and cash equivalents   807,736    692,233 
Other temporary investments     50,000 
Notes receivable   3,092    1,730 
Accounts receivable:        
  Customer   435,191    398,091 
  Allowance for doubtful accounts   (23,758)   (25,976)
  Other   342,289    246,824 
  Accrued unbilled revenues   460,039    384,860 
     Total receivables   1,213,761    1,003,799 
Deferred fuel costs   85,911    245,973 
Accumulated deferred income taxes   76,899   
Fuel inventory - at average cost   127,251    110,482 
Materials and supplies - at average cost   569,407    548,921 
Deferred nuclear refueling outage costs   107,782    138,836 
Prepayments and other   116,279    127,270 
TOTAL   3,108,118    2,919,244 
         
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS        
Investment in affiliates - at equity   231,779    1,053,328 
Decommissioning trust funds   2,453,406    2,278,533 
Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation)   219,717    262,384 
Other   90,992    152,681 
TOTAL   2,995,894    3,746,926 
         
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT        
Electric   29,053,340    28,035,899 
Property under capital lease   738,554    751,815 
Natural gas   262,787    236,622 
Construction work in progress   1,197,551    1,380,982 
Nuclear fuel under capital lease   262,469    278,683 
Nuclear fuel   320,813    234,421 
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT   31,835,514    30,918,422 
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization   13,139,883    12,619,625 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - NET   18,695,631    18,298,797 
         
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS        
Regulatory assets:        
  SFAS 109 regulatory asset - net   746,413    830,539 
  Other regulatory assets   1,429,261    1,398,323 
Long-term receivables   39,417    20,886 
Goodwill   377,172    377,172 
Other   918,871    935,501 
TOTAL   3,511,134    3,562,421 
         
TOTAL ASSETS   $28,310,777    $28,527,388 
         
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.        
 
 
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
         
    December 31,
    2004   2003
    (In Thousands)
         
CURRENT LIABILITIES        
Currently maturing long-term debt   $492,564    $524,372 
Notes payable   193    351 
Accounts payable   896,528    796,572 
Customer deposits   222,320    199,620 
Taxes accrued   224,011    224,926 
Accumulated deferred income taxes     22,963 
Nuclear refueling outage costs   -    8,238 
Interest accrued   144,478    139,603 
Obligations under capital leases   133,847    159,978 
Other   218,442    145,453 
TOTAL   2,332,383    2,222,076 
         
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES        
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued   5,067,381    4,779,513 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits   399,228    420,248 
Obligations under capital leases   146,060    153,898 
Other regulatory liabilities   329,767    291,239 
Decommissioning and retirement cost liabilities   2,066,277    2,215,490 
Transition to competition    79,101    79,098 
Regulatory reserves   103,061    69,528 
Accumulated provisions   549,914    506,960 
Long-term debt   7,016,831    7,322,940 
Preferred stock with sinking fund   17,400    20,852 
Other   1,541,331    1,407,551 
TOTAL   17,316,351    17,267,317 
         
Commitments and Contingencies        
         
Preferred stock without sinking fund   365,356    334,337 
         
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY        
Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 500,000,000        
  shares; issued 248,174,087 shares in 2004 and in 2003   2,482    2,482 
Paid-in capital   4,835,375    4,767,615 
Retained earnings   4,984,302    4,502,508 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (93,453)   (7,795)
Less - treasury stock, at cost (31,345,028 shares in 2004 and        
  19,276,445 shares in 2003)   1,432,019    561,152 
TOTAL   8,296,687    8,703,658 
         
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   $28,310,777    $28,527,388 
         
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.        
         

 

ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS, COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, AND PAID-IN CAPITAL
 
                             
        For the Years Ended December 31,
        2004   2003   2002
        (In Thousands)
                             
RETAINED EARNINGS                            
                             
Retained Earnings - Beginning of period       $4,502,508        $3,938,693        $3,638,448     
                             
  Add: Earnings applicable to common stock       909,524    $909,524    926,943    $926,943    599,360    $599,360 
                             
  Deduct:                            
    Dividends declared on common stock       427,740        362,941        299,031     
    Capital stock and other expenses       (10)       187        84     
     Total       427,730        363,128        299,115     
                             
Retained Earnings - End of period       $4,984,302        $4,502,508        $3,938,693     
                             
                             
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Net of taxes):                            
Balance at beginning of period:                            
  Accumulated derivative instrument fair value changes       ($25,811)       $17,313        ($17,973)    
  Other accumulated comprehensive income (loss) items       18,016        (39,673)       (70,821)    
     Total       (7,795)       (22,360)       (88,794)    
                             
                             
Net derivative instrument fair value changes                            
  arising during the period       (115,600)   (115,600)   (43,124)   (43,124)   35,286    35,286 
                             
Foreign currency translation       1,882    1,882    4,169    4,169    65,948    (15,487)
                             
Minimum pension liability       2,762    2,762    1,153    1,153    (10,489)   (10,489)
                             
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)       25,298    25,298    52,367    52,367    (24,311)   (24,311)
                             
Balance at end of period:                            
  Accumulated derivative instrument fair value changes       (141,411)       (25,811)       17,313     
  Other accumulated comprehensive income (loss) items       47,958        18,016        (39,673)    
     Total       ($93,453)       ($7,795)       ($22,360)    
Comprehensive Income          
$823,866 
      $941,508        $584,359 
                             
                             
                             
PAID-IN CAPITAL                            
                             
Paid-in Capital - Beginning of period       $4,767,615        $4,666,753        $4,662,704     
                             
  Add:                            
    Common stock issuances related to stock plans       67,760        100,862        4,049     
                             
Paid-in Capital - End of period      
$4,835,375 
     
$4,767,615 
     
$4,666,753 
   
                             
                             
                             
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.                            

ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Entergy Corporation and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. As required by generally accepted accounting principles, all significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. The domestic utility companies and System Energy maintain accounts in accordance with FERC and other regulatory guidelines. Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to current classifications, with no effect on net income or shareholders' equity.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of Entergy Corporation's consolidated financial statements, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Adjustments to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities may be necessary in the future to the extent that future estimates or actual results are different from the estimates used.

Revenues and Fuel Costs

The domestic utility companies generate, transmit, and distribute electric power primarily to retail customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, including the City of New Orleans, Mississippi, and Texas. Entergy Gulf States distributes gas to retail customers in and around Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans distributes gas to retail customers in the City of New Orleans. Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear and Energy Commodity Services segments derive almost all of their revenue from sales of electric power generated by plants owned by them.

Entergy recognizes revenue from electric power and gas sales when it delivers power or gas to its customers. To the extent that deliveries have occurred but a bill has not been issued, the domestic utility companies accrue an estimate of the revenues for energy delivered since the latest billings. Entergy calculates the estimate based upon several factors including billings through the last billing cycle in a month, actual generation in the month, historical line loss factors, and prices in effect in the domestic utility companies' various jurisdictions. Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and a receivable, and the prior month's estimate is reversed. Therefore, changes in price and volume differences resulting from factors such as weather affect the calculation of unbilled revenues from one period to the next, and may result in variability in reported revenues from one period to the next as prior estimates are so recorded and reversed.

The domestic utility companies' rate schedules include either fuel adjustment clauses or fixed fuel factors, which allow either current recovery in billings to customers or deferral of fuel costs until the costs are billed to customers. Because the fuel adjustment clause mechanism allows monthly adjustments to recover fuel costs, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans, and the Louisiana portion of Entergy Gulf States include a component of fuel cost recovery in their unbilled revenue calculations. Where the fuel component of revenues is billed based on a pre-determined fuel cost (fixed fuel factor), the fuel factor remains in effect until changed as part of a general rate case, fuel reconciliation, or fixed fuel factor filing. Entergy Mississippi's fuel factor includes an energy cost rider that is adjusted quarterly. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the MPSC approved Entergy Mississippi's deferral of the refund of over-recoveries for the third quarter of 2004 that would have been refunded in the first quarter of 2005. The deferred amount plus carrying charges will be refunded in the second and third quarters of 2005. In the case of Entergy Arkansas and the Texas portion of Entergy Gulf States, their fuel under-recoveries are treated as regulatory investments in the cash flow statements because those companies are allowed by their regulatory jurisdictions to recover the fuel cost regulatory asset over longer than a twelve-month period, and the companies earn a carrying charge on the under-recovered balances.

System Energy's operating revenues are intended to recover from Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans operating expenses and capital costs attributable to Grand Gulf. The capital costs are computed by allowing a return on System Energy's common equity funds allocable to its net investment in Grand Gulf, plus System Energy's effective interest cost for its debt allocable to its investment in Grand Gulf.

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment is stated at original cost. For the domestic utility companies and System Energy, the original cost of plant retired or removed, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation. Normal maintenance, repairs, and minor replacement costs are charged to operating expenses. Substantially all of the domestic utility companies' and System Energy's plant is subject to mortgage liens.

Electric plant includes the portions of Grand Gulf and Waterford 3 that have been sold and leased back. For financial reporting purposes, these sale and leaseback arrangements are reflected as financing transactions.

Net property, plant, and equipment by business segment and functional category, as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, is shown below:



2004

 



Entergy

 


U.S.
Utility

 


Non-Utility
Nuclear

 

Energy
Commodity
Services

 


Parent and
Other

 

 

(In Millions)

Production

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nuclear

 

$7,308

 

$5,987

 

$1,321

 

$-

 

$-

Other

 

1,533

 

1,228

 

-

 

305

 

-

Transmission

 

2,182

 

2,182

 

-

 

-

 

-

Distribution

 

4,672

 

4,672

 

-

 

-

 

-

Other

 

1,123

 

1,115

 

-

 

-

 

8

Construction work in progress

 

1,198

 

924

 

244

 

2

 

28

Nuclear fuel (leased and owned)

 

583

 

297

 

286

 

-

 

-

Asset retirement obligation

 

97

 

97

 

-

 

-

 

-

Property, plant, and equipment - net

 

$18,696

 

$16,502

 

$1,851

 

$307

 

$36



2003

 



Entergy

 


U.S.
Utility

 


Non-Utility
Nuclear

 

Energy
Commodity
Services

 


Parent and
Other

 

 

(In Millions)

Production

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nuclear

 

$7,056

 

$6,112

 

$944

 

$-

 

$-

Other

 

1,816

 

1,359

 

-

 

457

 

-

Transmission

 

2,067

 

2,067

 

-

 

-

 

-

Distribution

 

4,231

 

4,231

 

-

 

-

 

-

Other

 

1,079

 

1,069

 

-

 

-

 

10

Construction work in progress

 

1,381

 

954

 

398

 

-

 

29

Nuclear fuel (leased and owned)

 

513

 

298

 

215

 

-

 

-

Asset retirement obligation

 

156

 

155

 

-

 

1

 

-

Property, plant, and equipment - net

 

$18,299

 

$16,245

 

$1,557

 

$458

 

$39

Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis at rates based on the estimated service lives of the various classes of property. Depreciation rates on average depreciable property approximated 2.8% in 2004 and 2003, and 2.9% in 2002. Included in these rates are the depreciation rates on average depreciable utility property of 2.7% in 2004 and 2.8% in 2003 and 2002 and the depreciation rates on average depreciable non-utility property of 3.8% in 2004, 3.3% in 2003, and 4.0% in 2002.

Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $152.8 million and $145.2 million as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Jointly-Owned Generating Stations

Certain Entergy subsidiaries jointly own electric generating facilities with third parties. The investments and expenses associated with these generating stations are recorded by the Entergy subsidiaries to the extent of their respective undivided ownership interests. As of December 31, 2004, the subsidiaries' investment and accumulated depreciation in each of these generating stations were as follows:



Generating Stations

 



Fuel-Type

 

Total
Megawatt
Capability (1)

 



Ownership

 



Investment

 


Accumulated
Depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In Millions)

U.S. Utility:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grand Gulf

Unit 1

 

Nuclear

 

1,270

 

90.00% (2)

 

$3,702

 

$1,780

Independence

Units 1 and 2

 

Coal

 

1,630

 

47.90%

 

$462

 

$249

White Bluff

Units 1 and 2

 

Coal

 

1,635

 

57.00%

 

$428

 

$264

Roy S. Nelson

Unit 6

 

Coal

 

550

 

60.90%

 

$403

 

$241

Big Cajun 2

Unit 3

 

Coal

 

575

 

42.00%

 

$233

 

$128

Energy Commodity Services:

                     

Harrison County

 

 

Gas

 

550

 

61.00%

 

$209

 

$7

Warren

   

Gas

 

300

 

75.00%

 

$24

 

$9

(1)

"Total Megawatt Capability" is the dependable load carrying capability as demonstrated under actual operating conditions based on the primary fuel (assuming no curtailments) that each station was designed to utilize.

(2)

Includes an 11.5% leasehold interest held by System Energy. System Energy's Grand Gulf lease obligations are discussed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements.

Nuclear Refueling Outage Costs

Entergy records nuclear refueling outage costs in accordance with regulatory treatment and the matching principle. These refueling outage expenses are incurred to prepare the units to operate for the next operating cycle without having to be taken off line. Except for the River Bend plant, the costs are deferred during the outage and amortized over the period to the next outage. In accordance with the regulatory treatment of the River Bend plant, River Bend's costs are accrued in advance and included in the cost of service used to establish retail rates. Entergy Gulf States relieves the accrued liability when it incurs costs during the next River Bend outage.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)

AFUDC represents the approximate net composite interest cost of borrowed funds and a reasonable return on the equity funds used for construction in the U.S. Utility segment. Although AFUDC increases both the plant balance and earnings, it is realized in cash through depreciation provisions included in rates.

Income Taxes

Entergy Corporation and the majority of its subsidiaries file a United States consolidated federal income tax return. Income taxes are allocated to the subsidiaries in proportion to their contribution to consolidated taxable income. SEC regulations require that no Entergy subsidiary pay more taxes than it would have paid if a separate income tax return had been filed. In accordance with SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," deferred income taxes are recorded for all temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and for certain credits available for carryforward.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates in the period in which the tax or rate was enacted.

Investment tax credits are deferred and amortized based upon the average useful life of the related property, in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Earnings per Share

The following table presents Entergy's basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) calculation included on the consolidated income statement:

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

(In Millions, Except Per Share Data)

 

 

 

 

$/share

 

 

 

$/share

 

 

 

$/share

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

 


$909.5

 

 

 


$789.9

 

 

 


$599.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average number of common shares outstanding - basic

 


226.9

 


$4.01 

 


226.8

 


$3.48 

 


223.0

 


$2.69 

Average dilutive effect of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Stock Options (1)

 

4.3

 

(0.075)

 

4.1

 

(0.062)

 

3.9

 

(0.046)

  Equity Awards

 

 

- 

 

0.2

 

(0.004)

 

0.4

 

(0.005)

Average number of common shares outstanding - diluted

 


231.2

 


$3.93 

 


231.1

 


$3.42 

 


227.3

 


$2.64 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings applicable to common stock

 

$909.5

 

 

 

$926.9

 

 

 

$599.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average number of common shares outstanding - basic

 


226.9

 


$4.01 

 


226.8

 


$4.09 

 


223.0

 


$2.69 

Average dilutive effect of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Stock Options (1)

 

4.3

 

(0.075)

 

4.1

 

(0.073)

 

3.9

 

(0.046)

  Equity Awards

 

 

 

0.2

 

(0.004)

 

0.4

 

(0.005)

Average number of common shares outstanding - diluted

 


231.2

 


$3.93 

 


231.1

 


$4.01 

 


227.3

 


$2.64 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Options to purchase approximately 3,319 common stock shares in 2004, 15,231 common stock shares in 2003, and 109,897 common stock shares in 2002 at various prices were outstanding at the end of those years that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise prices were greater than the common share average market price at the end of each of the years presented.

Stock-based Compensation Plans

Entergy grants stock options to key employees of the Entergy subsidiaries, which is described more fully in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements. Prior to 2003, Entergy applied the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related Interpretations in accounting for those plans. No stock-based employee compensation expense is reflected in 2002 net income as all options granted under the plans have an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Effective January 1, 2003, Entergy prospectively adopted the fair value based method of accounting for stock options prescribed by SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." Awards under Entergy's plans vest over three years. Therefore, the cost related to stock-based employee compensation included in the determination of net income for 2004 and 2003 is less than that which would have been recognized if the fair value based method had been applied to all awards since the original effective date of SFAS 123. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if Entergy would have historically applied the fair value based method of accounting to stock-based employee compensation.

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings applicable to common stock

 

$909,524

 

$926,943

 

$599,360

Add back: Stock-based compensation expense included in earnings applicable to common stock, net
  of related tax effects

  



5,141

 



2,818

 



-

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation
  expense determined under fair value method for all
  awards, net of related tax effects

 



16,668

 



24,518

 



28,110

Pro forma earnings applicable to common stock

 

$897,997

 

$905,243

 

$571,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per average common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Basic

 

$4.01

 

$4.09

 

$2.69

  Basic - pro forma

 

$3.96

 

$3.99

 

$2.56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Diluted

 

$3.93

 

$4.01

 

$2.64

  Diluted - pro forma

 

$3.88

 

$3.92

 

$2.51

Application of SFAS 71

The domestic utility companies and System Energy currently account for the effects of regulation pursuant to SFAS 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation." This statement applies to the financial statements of a rate-regulated enterprise that meets three criteria. The enterprise must have rates that (i) are approved by a body empowered to set rates that bind customers (its regulator); (ii) are cost-based; and (iii) can be charged to and collected from customers. These criteria may also be applied to separable portions of a utility's business, such as the generation or transmission functions, or to specific classes of customers. If an enterprise meets these criteria, it capitalizes costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the rate actions of its regulator make it probable that those costs will be recovered in future revenue. Such capitalized costs are reflected as regulatory assets in the accompanying financial statements. A significant majority of Entergy's regulatory assets, net of related regulatory and deferred tax liabilities, earn a return on investment during their recovery periods. SFAS 71 requires that rate-regulated enterprises assess the probability of recovering their regulatory assets at each balance sheet date. When an enterprise concludes that recovery of a regulatory asset is no longer probable, the regulatory asset must be removed from the entity's balance sheet.

SFAS 101, "Accounting for the Discontinuation of Application of FASB Statement No. 71," specifies how an enterprise that ceases to meet the criteria for application of SFAS 71 for all or part of its operations should report that event in its financial statements. In general, SFAS 101 requires that the enterprise report the discontinuation of the application of SFAS 71 by eliminating from its balance sheet all regulatory assets and liabilities related to the applicable segment. Additionally, if it is determined that a regulated enterprise is no longer recovering all of its costs and therefore no longer qualifies for SFAS 71 accounting, it is possible that an impairment may exist that could require further write-offs of plant assets.

EITF 97-4: "Deregulation of the Pricing of Electricity - Issues Related to the Application of FASB Statements No. 71 and 101" specifies that SFAS 71 should be discontinued at a date no later than when the effects of a transition to competition plan for all or a portion of the entity subject to such plan are reasonably determinable. Additionally, EITF 97-4 promulgates that regulatory assets to be recovered through cash flows derived from another portion of the entity that continues to apply SFAS 71 should not be written off; rather, they should be considered regulatory assets of the segment that will continue to apply SFAS 71.

See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for discussion of transition to competition activity in the retail regulatory jurisdictions served by the domestic utility companies. Only Texas has a currently enacted retail open access law, but Entergy believes that significant issues remain to be addressed by regulators, and the enacted law does not provide sufficient detail to reasonably determine the impact on Entergy Gulf States' regulated operations.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Entergy considers all unrestricted highly liquid debt instruments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Investments with original maturities of more than three months are classified as other temporary investments on the balance sheet.

Investments

Entergy applies the provisions of SFAS 115, "Accounting for Investments for Certain Debt and Equity Securities," in accounting for investments in decommissioning trust funds. As a result, Entergy records the decommissioning trust funds at their fair value on the consolidated balance sheet. Because of the ability of the domestic utility companies and System Energy to recover decommissioning costs in rates and in accordance with the regulatory treatment for decommissioning trust funds, the domestic utility companies and System Energy have recorded an offsetting amount of unrealized gains/(losses) on investment securities in other regulatory liabilities/assets. For the nonregulated portion of River Bend, Entergy Gulf States has recorded an offsetting amount of unrealized gains/(losses) in other deferred credits. Decommissioning trust funds for Pilgrim, Indian Point 2, and Vermont Yankee do not receive regulatory treatment. Accordingly, unrealized gains and losses recorded on the assets in these trust funds are recognized in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders' equity because these assets are classified as available for sale. See Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for details on the decommissioning trust funds.

Equity Method Investees

Entergy owns investments that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting because Entergy's ownership level results in significant influence, but not control, over the investee and its operations. Entergy records its share of earnings or losses of the investee based on the change during the period in the estimated liquidation value of the investment, assuming that the investee's assets were to be liquidated at book value. The equity earnings for Entergy-Koch, LP recorded by Entergy are dictated by the terms of the partnership agreement in accordance with the hypothetical liquidation at book value (HLBV) method. In accordance with the HLBV method, earnings are allocated to members based on what each partner would receive from their capital account if, hypothetically, liquidation were to occur at the balance sheet date and amounts distributed were based on recorded book values. Entergy discontinues the recognition of losses on equity investments when its share of losses equals or exceeds its carrying amount of investee plus any advances made or commitments to provide additional financial support. See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding Entergy's equity method investments.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Commodity Derivatives

SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," requires that all derivatives be recognized in the balance sheet, either as assets or liabilities, at fair value, unless they meet the normal purchase, normal sales criteria. The changes in the fair value of recognized derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and the type of hedge transaction.

Contracts for commodities that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold in the ordinary course of business, including certain purchases and sales of power and fuel, are not classified as derivatives. These contracts are exempted under the normal purchase, normal sales criteria of SFAS 133. Revenues and expenses from these contracts are reported on a gross basis in the appropriate revenue and expense categories as the commodities are received or delivered.

For other contracts for commodities in which Entergy is hedging the variability of cash flows related to a variable-rate asset, liability, or forecasted transactions that qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of such derivative instruments are reported in other comprehensive income. To qualify for hedge accounting, the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item must be documented to include the risk management objective and strategy and, at inception and on an ongoing basis, the effectiveness of the hedge in offsetting the changes in the cash flows of the item being hedged. Gains or losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are reclassified as earnings in the periods in which earnings are affected by the variability of the cash flows of the hedged item. The ineffective portions of all hedges are recognized in current-period earnings.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Entergy periodically reviews long-lived assets held in all of its business segments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that recoverability of these assets is uncertain. Generally, the determination of recoverability is based on the undiscounted net cash flows expected to result from such operations and assets. Projected net cash flows depend on the future operating costs associated with the assets, the efficiency and availability of the assets and generating units, and the future market and price for energy over the remaining life of the assets. See Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of asset impairments recognized by Entergy in 2002 and 2004.

River Bend AFUDC

The River Bend AFUDC gross-up is a regulatory asset that represents the incremental difference imputed by the LPSC between the AFUDC actually recorded by Entergy Gulf States on a net-of-tax basis during the construction of River Bend and what the AFUDC would have been on a pre-tax basis. The imputed amount was only calculated on that portion of River Bend that the LPSC allowed in rate base and is being amortized over the estimated remaining economic life of River Bend.

Transition to Competition Liabilities

In conjunction with electric utility industry restructuring activity in Texas, regulatory mechanisms were established to mitigate potential stranded costs. Texas restructuring legislation allowed depreciation on transmission and distribution assets to be directed toward generation assets. The liability recorded as a result of this mechanism is classified as "transition to competition" deferred credits on the balance sheet.

Reacquired Debt

The premiums and costs associated with reacquired debt of the domestic utility companies and System Energy (except that portion allocable to the deregulated operations of Entergy Gulf States) are being amortized over the life of the related new issuances, in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Foreign Currency Translation

All assets and liabilities of Entergy's foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the end of the period. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are reflected in a separate component of shareholders' equity. Current exchange rates are used for U.S. dollar disclosures of future obligations denominated in foreign currencies.

New Accounting Pronouncements

During 2004, Entergy adopted the provisions of FSP 106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003," which is discussed further in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements. Entergy also adopted FSP 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004" and FSP 109-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision Within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004" which are further discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.

SFAS 123R, "Share-Based Payment" was issued in December of 2004 and is effective for Entergy at the beginning of the third quarter in 2005. SFAS 123R requires all employers to account for share-based payments at fair value and also provides guidance on determining the assumptions to estimate fair value. SFAS 123R also provides guidance on how to account for differences in the amounts of deferred taxes initially recorded when the options are recorded as expense and the amount of expense deducted on a company's tax return when the options are actually exercised. Entergy began voluntarily expensing its stock options effective January 1, 2003 in accordance with SFAS 148, "Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure." Entergy is in the process of evaluating the reporting and disclosure issues resulting from the adoption of SFAS 123R but does not expect the effect of the adoption of this standard to be material to Entergy's financial position or results of operations.

SFAS 151, "Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4" and SFAS 153, "Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets", were also issued during the fourth quarter of 2004 and are effective for Entergy in 2006 and 2005, respectively. Entergy does not expect the impact of the adoption of these standards to be material.

During 2003, Entergy adopted the provisions of the following accounting standards: SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," which is discussed further in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements; FIN 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities," which is discussed further in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements; and SFAS 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity." SFAS 150, which became effective July 1, 2003, requires mandatorily redeemable financial instruments to be classified and treated as liabilities in the presentation of financial position and results of operations. The only effect of implementing SFAS 150 for Entergy is the inclusion of long-term debt and preferred stock with sinking fund under the liabilities caption in Entergy's balance sheet. Entergy's results of operations and cash flows were not affected by SFAS 150.

During 2003, Entergy also adopted the provisions of the following accounting standards: EITF 02-3, "Issues Involved in Accounting for Derivative Contracts Held for Trading Purposes and Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities" SFAS 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" and related interpretations by the Derivatives Implementation Group, and FIN 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others". The adoption of these standards did not have a material effect on Entergy's financial statements.

NOTE 2. RATE AND REGULATORY MATTERS

Electric Industry Restructuring and the Continued Application of SFAS 71

Although Arkansas and Texas enacted retail open access laws, the retail open access law in Arkansas has now been repealed. Retail open access in Entergy Gulf States' service territory in Texas has been delayed. Entergy believes that significant issues remain to be addressed by regulators, and the enacted law in Texas does not provide sufficient detail to allow Entergy Gulf States to reasonably determine the impact on Entergy Gulf States' regulated operations. Entergy therefore continues to apply regulatory accounting principles to the retail operations of all of the domestic utility companies. Following is a summary of the status of retail open access in the domestic utility companies' retail service territories.

Jurisdiction

 

Status of Retail Open Access

 

% of Entergy's
2004 Revenues Derived
from Retail Electric
Utility Operations
in the Jurisdiction

  

 

 

 

 

Arkansas

 

Retail open access was repealed in February 2003.

 

11.6%

 

 

 

 

 

Texas

 

In July 2004, the PUCT effectively rejected Entergy Gulf States' proposal to implement retail open access in its service territory. In February 2005, bills were submitted in the Texas Legislature that would specify that retail open access will not commence in Entergy Gulf States' territory until the PUCT certifies a power region.

 

11.8%

 

 

 

 

 

Louisiana

 

The LPSC has deferred pursuing retail open access, pending developments at the federal level and in other states. In response to a study submitted to the LPSC that was funded by a group of large industrial customers, the LPSC recently has solicited comments regarding a limited retail access program. It is uncertain what action, if any, the LPSC might take in response to the information it received.

 

34.1%

 

 

 

 

 

Mississippi

 

The MPSC has recommended not pursuing open access at this time.

 

10.9%

 

 

 

 

 

New Orleans

 

The Council has taken no action on Entergy New Orleans' proposal filed in 1997.

 

4.5%

Texas

As ordered by the PUCT, in January 2003 Entergy Gulf States filed its proposal for an interim solution (retail open access without a FERC-approved RTO), which among other elements, included:

  • the recommendation that retail open access in Entergy Gulf States' Texas service territory, including corporate unbundling, occur by January 1, 2004, or else be delayed until at least January 1, 2007. If retail open access is delayed past January 1, 2004, Entergy Gulf States requested authorization to separate into two bundled utilities, one subject to the retail jurisdiction of the PUCT and one subject to the retail jurisdiction of the LPSC.
  • the recommendation that Entergy's transmission organization, possibly with the oversight of another entity, will continue to serve as the transmission authority for purposes of retail open access in Entergy Gulf States' service territory.
  • the recommendation that the decision points be identified that would require prior to January 1, 2004, the PUCT's determination, based upon objective criteria, whether to proceed with further efforts toward retail open access in Entergy Gulf States' Texas service territory.

After considering the proposal, in an April 2003 order the PUCT set forth a sequence of proceedings and activities designed to initiate an interim solution. These proceedings and activities included initiating a proceeding to certify an independent organization to administer market protocols and ensure nondiscriminatory access to transmission and distribution systems.

In July 2004 the PUCT denied Entergy's application to certify Entergy's transmission organization as an independent organization under Texas law. In its order, the PUCT also ordered: the cessation of efforts to develop an interim solution for retail open access in Entergy Gulf States' Texas service territory, termination of the pilot project in that territory, and a delay in retail open access in that territory until either a FERC-approved RTO is in place or some other independent transmission entity is certified under Texas law. Several parties have appealed the termination of the pilot program aspect of the order, claiming the issue was not properly a part of the proceeding.

In February 2005, bills were submitted in the Texas Legislature that would clarify that Entergy Gulf States is no longer subject to a rate freeze and specify that retail open access will not commence in Entergy Gulf States' Texas service territory until the PUCT certifies a power region.

Louisiana

In November 2001, the LPSC decided not to move forward with retail open access for any customers at this time. The LPSC instead directed its staff to hold collaborative group meetings concerning open access from time to time, and to have the LPSC staff monitor developments in neighboring states and to report to the LPSC regarding the progress of retail access developments in those states. In September 2004, in response to a study funded by certain industrial customers that evaluated a limited industrial-only retail choice program, the LPSC asked the LPSC staff to solicit comments and obtain information from utilities, customers, and other interested parties concerning the potential costs and benefits of a limited choice program, the impact of such a program on other customers, as well as issues such as stranded costs and transmission service.  Comments from interested parties were filed with the LPSC on January 14, 2005. The LPSC has not established a procedural framework for consideration of the comments. At this time, it is not certain what further action, if any, the LPSC might take in response to the information it received.

Regulatory Assets

Other Regulatory Assets

The domestic utility companies and System Energy are subject to the provisions of SFAS 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation." Regulatory assets represent probable future revenues associated with certain costs that are expected to be recovered from customers through the ratemaking process. In addition to the regulatory assets that are specifically disclosed on the face of the balance sheets, the table below provides detail of "Other regulatory assets" that are included on the balance sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003:

   

2004

 

2003

   

(In Millions)

Asset Retirement Obligation - recovery dependent upon timing of decommissioning
(Note 8)

 


$380.1

 


$464.9

Deferred fuel - non-current - recovered through rate riders when rates are
redetermined annually

 


21.9

 


28.2

Depreciation re-direct - recovery begins at start of retail open access (Note 1)

 

79.1

 

79.1

DOE Decommissioning and Decontamination Fees - recovered through fuel rates until
December 2006 (Note 8)

 


25.3

 


32.9

Low-level radwaste - recovery timing dependent upon pending lawsuit

 

19.4

 

19.4

Pension costs (Note 10)

 

207.3

 

134.0

Postretirement benefits - recovered through 2013 (Note 10)

 

19.1

 

21.5

Provision for storm damages - recovered through cost of service

 

124.5

 

123.3

Removal costs - recovered through depreciation rates (Note 8)

 

53.2

 

45.6

Resource planning - recovery timing will be determined by the LPSC in a base rate
proceeding (Note 2)

 


25.4

 


5.8

River Bend AFUDC - recovered through August 2025 (Note 1)

 

37.5

 

39.4

Sale-leaseback deferral - recovered through June 2014 (Note 9)

 

127.3

 

131.7

Spindletop gas storage facility - recovered through December 2032

 

42.3

 

38.0

Unamortized loss on reaquired debt - recovered over term of debt

 

169.9

 

164.4

Other - various

 

97.0

 

70.1

Total

 

$1,429.3

 

$1,398.3

Deferred fuel costs

The domestic utility companies are allowed to recover certain fuel and purchased power costs through fuel mechanisms included in electric rates that are recorded as fuel cost recovery revenues. The difference between revenues collected and the current fuel and purchased power costs is recorded as "Deferred fuel costs" on the domestic utility companies' financial statements. The table below shows the amount of deferred fuel costs as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 that Entergy expects to recover or (refund) through the fuel mechanisms of the domestic utility companies, subject to subsequent regulatory review.

 

2004

 

2003

 

(In Millions)

 

 

 

 

Entergy Arkansas

$7.4 

 

$10.6 

Entergy Gulf States

$90.1 

 

$118.4 

Entergy Louisiana

$8.7 

 

$30.6 

Entergy Mississippi

($22.8)

 

$89.1 

Entergy New Orleans

$2.6 

 

($2.7)

Entergy Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas' rate schedules include an energy cost recovery rider to recover fuel and purchased energy costs in monthly bills. The rider utilizes prior calendar year energy costs and projected energy sales for the twelve-month period commencing on April 1 of each year to develop an annual energy cost rate. The energy cost rate includes a true-up adjustment reflecting the over-recovery or under-recovery, including carrying charges, of the energy cost for the prior calendar year.

In March 2004, Entergy Arkansas filed with the APSC its energy cost recovery rider for the period April 2004 through March 2005. The filed energy cost rate, which accounts for 12 percent of a typical residential customer's bill using 1,000 kWh per month, increased 16 percent due primarily to the elimination of a credit contained in the prior year's rate to refund previously over-recovered fuel costs. Also included in the current year's energy cost calculation is a decrease in rates of $3.9 million as a result of the operation of a revised energy allocation method between the retail and wholesale sectors resulting from the APSC's approval of a life-of-resources power purchase agreement with Entergy New Orleans.

Entergy Gulf States (Texas)

In the Texas jurisdiction, Entergy Gulf States' rate schedules include a fixed fuel factor to recover fuel and purchased power costs, including carrying charges, not recovered in base rates. Under the current methodology, semi-annual revisions of the fixed fuel factor may be made in March and September based on the market price of natural gas. Entergy Gulf States will likely continue to use this methodology until the start of retail open access, which has been delayed. The amounts collected under Entergy Gulf States' fixed fuel factor and any interim surcharge implemented until the date retail open access commences are subject to fuel reconciliation proceedings before the PUCT. In the Texas jurisdiction, Entergy Gulf States' deferred electric fuel costs are $78.6 million as of December 31, 2004, which include the following:

   

Amount

   

(In Millions)

Under-recovered fuel costs for the period 9/03 - 7/04 to be recovered through an interim fuel surcharge over a six-month period beginning in January 2005

 



$27.8

Items to be addressed as part of unbundling

 

$29.0

Imputed capacity charges

 

$ 9.3      

Other

 

$12.5

The PUCT has ordered that the imputed capacity charges be excluded from fuel rates and therefore recovered through base rates. Entergy Gulf States filed a retail electric rate case and fuel proceeding with the PUCT in August 2004. As discussed below, the PUCT dismissed the rate case and fuel reconciliation proceeding in October 2004 indicating that Entergy Gulf States is still subject to a rate freeze based on the current PUCT-approved settlement agreement stipulating that a rate freeze would remain in effect until retail open access commenced in Entergy Gulf States' service territory, unless the rate freeze is lifted by the PUCT prior thereto. Without a Texas base rate proceeding, it is possible that Entergy Gulf States will not be allowed to recover imputed capacity charges in Texas retail rates in the future. Entergy Gulf States believes the PUCT has misinterpreted the settlement and has appealed the PUCT order to the Travis County District Court and also intends to pursue other available remedies as discussed above in "Electric Industry Restructuring and the Continued Application of SFAS 71." The dismissal of the rate case does not preclude Entergy Gulf States from seeking the reconciliation of fuel and purchased power costs of $288 million incurred from September 2003 through March 2004 when, at the appropriate time, similar costs are reconciled in the future.

In January 2001, Entergy Gulf States filed with the PUCT a fuel reconciliation case covering the period from March 1999 through August 2000. Entergy Gulf States was reconciling approximately $583 million of fuel and purchased power costs. As part of this filing, Entergy Gulf States requested authority to collect $28 million, plus interest, of under-recovered fuel and purchased power costs. In August 2002, the PUCT reduced Entergy Gulf States' request to approximately $6.3 million, including interest through July 31, 2002. Approximately $4.7 million of the total reduction to the requested surcharge relates to nuclear fuel costs that the PUCT deferred ruling on at that time. In October 2002, Entergy Gulf States appealed the PUCT's final order in Texas District Court. In its appeal, Entergy Gulf States is challenging the PUCT's disallowance of approximately $4.2 million related to imputed capacity costs and its disallowance related to costs for energy delivered from the 30% non-regulated share of River Bend. The case was argued before the Travis County Texas District Court in August 2003 and the Travis County District Court judge affirmed the PUCT's order. In October 2003, Entergy Gulf States appealed this decision to the Court of Appeals. Oral argument before the appellate court occurred in September 2004 and the matter is still pending.

In September 2003, Entergy Gulf States filed an application with the PUCT to implement an $87.3 million interim fuel surcharge, including interest, to collect under-recovered fuel and purchased power expenses incurred from September 2002 through August 2003. Hearings were held in October 2003 and the PUCT issued an order in December 2003 allowing for the recovery of $87 million. The surcharge was collected over a twelve-month period that began in January 2004.

In March 2004, Entergy Gulf States filed with the PUCT a fuel reconciliation case covering the period September 2000 through August 2003. Entergy Gulf States is reconciling $1.43 billion of fuel and purchased power costs on a Texas retail basis. This amount includes $8.6 million of under-recovered costs that Entergy Gulf States is asking to reconcile and roll into its fuel over/under-recovery balance to be addressed in the next appropriate fuel proceeding. This case involves imputed capacity and River Bend payment issues similar to those decided adversely in the January 2001 proceeding, discussed above, which is now on appeal. On January 31, 2005, the ALJs issued a Proposal for Decision that recommends disallowing $10.7 million (excluding interest) related to these two issues. A final PUCT decision is expected in the first quarter of 2005.

In September 2004, Entergy Gulf States filed an application with the PUCT to implement a $27.8 million interim fuel surcharge, including interest, to collect under-recovered fuel and purchased power expenses incurred from September 2003 through July 2004. Entergy Gulf States proposed to collect the surcharge over a six-month period beginning January 2005. In December 2004, the PUCT approved the surcharge consistent with Entergy Gulf States' request. Amounts collected though the interim fuel surcharge, which will be implemented over the six-month period commencing January 2005, are subject to final reconciliation in a future fuel reconciliation proceeding.

Entergy Gulf States (Louisiana) and Entergy Louisiana

In Louisiana, Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana recover electric fuel and purchased power costs for the upcoming month based upon the level of such costs from the prior month. In Louisiana, Entergy Gulf States' purchased gas adjustments include estimates for the billing month adjusted by a surcharge or credit for deferred fuel expense arising from monthly reconciliations of actual fuel costs incurred with fuel cost revenues billed to customers.

In August 2000, the LPSC authorized its staff to initiate a proceeding to audit the fuel adjustment clause filings of Entergy Louisiana pursuant to a November 1997 LPSC general order. The time period that is the subject of the audit is January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2001. In September 2003, the LPSC staff issued its audit report and recommended a disallowance with regard to one item. The issue relates to the alleged failure to uprate Waterford 3 in a timely manner, a claim that also has been raised in the summer 2001, 2002, and 2003 purchased power proceedings. The LPSC staff has quantified the possible disallowance as between $7.6 and $14 million. Entergy Louisiana notified the LPSC that it will contest the recommendation. The procedural schedule in the case has been suspended. A status conference for the purpose of establishing a new procedural schedule will be set when the current hearings in the Power Purchase Agreement proceedings at the FERC are concluded. The FERC hearings in that matter concluded in November 2004. If the LPSC approves the proposed settlement discussed below under "Retail Rate Proceedings", the issue of a proposed imprudence disallowance relating to the uprate will be resolved and will no longer be at issue in this proceeding.

In January 2003, the LPSC authorized its staff to initiate a proceeding to audit the fuel adjustment clause filings of Entergy Gulf States and its affiliates pursuant to a November 1997 LPSC general order. The audit will include a review of the reasonableness of charges flowed by Entergy Gulf States through its fuel adjustment clause in Louisiana for the period January 1, 1995 through December 31, 2002. Discovery is underway, but a detailed procedural schedule extending beyond the discovery stage has not yet been established, and the LPSC staff has not yet issued its audit report.

Entergy Mississippi

Entergy Mississippi's rate schedules include an energy cost recovery rider which is adjusted quarterly to reflect accumulated over- or under-recoveries from the second prior quarter. In May 2003, Entergy Mississippi filed and the MPSC approved a change in Entergy Mississippi's energy cost recovery rider. Under the MPSC's order, Entergy Mississippi deferred until 2004 the collection of fuel under-recoveries for the first and second quarters of 2003 that would have been collected in the third and fourth quarters of 2003, respectively. The deferred amount of $77.6 million plus carrying charges was collected through the energy cost recovery rider over a twelve-month period that began in January 2004.

In January 2005, the MPSC approved a change in Entergy Mississippi's energy cost recovery rider. Entergy Mississippi's fuel over-recoveries for the third quarter of 2004 of $21.3 million will be deferred from the first quarter 2005 energy cost recovery rider adjustment calculation. The deferred amount of $21.3 million plus carrying charges will be refunded through the energy cost recovery rider in the second and third quarters of 2005.

Entergy New Orleans

Entergy New Orleans' electric rate schedules include a fuel adjustment tariff designed to reflect no more than targeted fuel and purchased power costs adjusted by a surcharge or credit for deferred fuel expense arising from monthly reconciliations, including carrying charges. Entergy New Orleans' gas rate schedules include estimates for the billing month adjusted by a surcharge or credit for deferred fuel expense arising from monthly reconciliations, including carrying charges. In June and November 2004, the City Council passed resolutions implementing a package of measures developed by Entergy New Orleans and the Council Advisors to protect customers from potential gas price spikes during the 2004 - 2005 winter heating season. These measures include: maintaining Entergy New Orleans' financial hedging plan for its purchase of wholesale gas, and deferral of collection of up to $6.2 million of gas costs associated with a cap on the purchased gas adjustment in November and December 2004 and in the event that the average residential customer's gas bill were to exceed a threshold level. The deferrals resulting from these caps will receive accelerated recovery over a seven-month period beginning in April 2005.

In November 2004, the City Council directed Entergy New Orleans to confer with the Council Advisors regarding possible modification of the current gas cost collection mechanism in order to address concerns regarding its fluctuations particularly during the winter heating season.

Retail Rate Proceedings

Filings with the APSC (Entergy Arkansas)

No significant retail rate proceedings are pending in Arkansas at this time.

Filings with the PUCT and Texas Cities (Entergy Gulf States)

Retail Rates

Entergy Gulf States is operating in Texas under the terms of a December 2001 settlement agreement approved by the PUCT. The settlement provided for base rates that have remained in effect during the delay in the implementation of retail open access in Entergy Gulf States' Texas service territory. In view of the PUCT order in July 2004 to further delay retail open access in the Texas service territory, Entergy Gulf States filed a retail electric rate case and fuel reconciliation proceeding with the PUCT in August 2004 seeking the following:

  • approval of a base rate increase of $42.6 million annually for the Texas retail jurisdiction;
  • approval to implement a $14.1 million per year rider to recover, over a 15-year period, $110.9 million of incurred costs related to its efforts to transition to a competitive retail market in accordance with the Texas restructuring law;
  • approval to implement a proposed $11.3 million franchise fee rider to recover payments to municipalities charging such fees; and
  • a requested return on equity of 11.5%.

In addition, Entergy Gulf States' fuel reconciliation filing made in conjunction with the base rate case sought to reconcile approximately $288 million in fuel and purchased power costs incurred during the period September 2003 through March 2004. In October 2004, the PUCT issued a written order in which it dismissed the rate case and fuel reconciliation proceeding indicating that Entergy Gulf States is still subject to a rate freeze based on a PUCT-approved agreement in 2001 stipulating that a rate freeze would remain in effect until retail open access commenced in Entergy Gulf States' service territory, unless the rate freeze is lifted by the PUCT prior thereto. Entergy Gulf States believes the PUCT has misinterpreted the settlement and has appealed the PUCT order to the Travis County District Court and intends to pursue other available remedies.

In February 2005, bills were submitted in the Texas Legislature that would clarify that Entergy Gulf States is no longer subject to a rate freeze and specify that retail open access will not commence in Entergy Gulf States' Texas service territory until the PUCT certifies a power region.

Recovery of River Bend Costs

In March 1998, the PUCT disallowed recovery of $1.4 billion of company-wide abeyed River Bend plant costs, which have been held in abeyance since 1988. Entergy Gulf States appealed the PUCT's decision on this matter to the Travis County District Court in Texas. In April 2002, the Travis County District Court issued an order affirming the PUCT's order on remand disallowing recovery of the abeyed plant costs. Entergy Gulf States appealed this ruling to the Third District Court of Appeals. In July 2003, the Third District Court of Appeals unanimously affirmed the judgment of the Travis County District Court. After considering the progress of the proceeding in light of the decision of the Court of Appeals, Entergy Gulf States accrued for the loss that would be associated with a final, non-appealable decision disallowing the abeyed plant costs. The net carrying value of the abeyed plant costs was $107.7 million at the time of the Court of Appeals decision. Accrual of the $107.7 million loss was recorded in the second quarter of 2003 as miscellaneous other income (deductions) and reduced net income by $65.6 million after-tax. In September 2004, the Texas Supreme Court denied Entergy Gulf States' petition for review, and Entergy Gulf States filed a motion for rehearing. In February 2005, the Texas Supreme Court denied the motion for rehearing, and the proceeding is now final.

Filings with the LPSC

Proposed Settlement

In September 2004, the LPSC consolidated various dockets that were the subject of settlement discussions between the LPSC staff and Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana. The LPSC directed its staff to continue the settlement discussions and submit any proposed settlement to the LPSC for its consideration. In January 2005, Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana filed testimony with the LPSC in support of a proposed settlement that currently includes an offer to refund $76 million to Entergy Gulf States' Louisiana customers, with no immediate change in current base rates and to refund $14 million to Entergy Louisiana's customers. If the LPSC approves the proposed settlement, Entergy Gulf States will be regulated under a three-year formula rate plan that, among other provisions, establishes an ROE mid-point of 10.65% and permits Entergy Gulf States to recover incremental capacity costs without filing a traditional base rate proceeding. The settlement resolves all issues in, and will result in the dismissal of, Entergy Gulf States' fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth annual earnings reviews, Entergy Gulf States' ninth post-merger earnings review and revenue requirement analysis, a fuel review for Entergy Gulf States, dockets established to consider issues concerning power purchases for both Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana for the summers of 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004, and a docket concerning retail issues arising under the Entergy System Agreement. The settlement does not include the System Agreement case pending at FERC. The LPSC has solicited comments on the proposed settlement from the parties to the various proceedings at issue in the proposed settlement. The proposed settlement is scheduled to be presented to the LPSC for consideration on March 23, 2005.

Annual Earnings Reviews (Entergy Gulf States)

In May 2002, Entergy Gulf States filed its ninth and last required post-merger analysis with the LPSC. The filing included an earnings review filing for the 2001 test year that resulted in a rate decrease of $11.5 million, which was implemented effective June 2002. In its latest testimony, in December 2003, the LPSC staff recommended a rate refund of $30.6 million and a prospective rate reduction of approximately $50 million. Hearings concluded in May 2004. Should the LPSC approve the proposed settlement discussed above, the ninth post-merger analysis would be resolved.

In December 2002, the LPSC approved a settlement between Entergy Gulf States and the LPSC staff pursuant to which Entergy Gulf States agreed to make a base rate refund of $16.3 million, including interest, and to implement a $22.1 million prospective base rate reduction effective January 2003. The settlement discharged any potential liability for claims that relate to Entergy Gulf States' fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth post-merger earnings reviews, with the exception of certain issues related to the calculation of the River Bend Deregulated Asset Plan percentage. Entergy Gulf States made the refund in February 2003. Should the LPSC approve the proposed settlement discussed above, the outstanding issue in these proceedings would be resolved.

Retail Rates

(Entergy Louisiana)

In January 2004, Entergy Louisiana made a rate filing with the LPSC requesting a base rate increase of approximately $167 million. In that filing, Entergy Louisiana noted that approximately $73 million of the base rate increase was attributable to the acquisition of a generating station and certain power purchase agreements that, based on current natural gas prices, would produce fuel and purchased power savings for customers that substantially mitigate the impact of the requested base rate increase. The filing also requested an allowed ROE of 11.4%. Entergy Louisiana's previously authorized ROE mid-point currently in effect is 10.5%. Hearings concluded in December 2004. Based on the evidence submitted at the hearing, the LPSC staff is recommending approximately a $7 million base rate increase. The LPSC staff proposed the implementation of a formula rate plan that includes a provision for the recovery of incremental capacity costs, including those related to the proposed Perryville acquisition, without filing a traditional base rate proceeding. A decision by the LPSC is expected in mid- to late-March 2005 on these issues.

Filings with the MPSC (Entergy Mississippi)

Formula Rate Plan Filings

Entergy Mississippi is operating under a December 2002 order issued by the MPSC. The order endorsed a new power management rider schedule designed to more efficiently collect capacity portions of purchased power costs. Also, the order provides for improvements in the return on equity formula and more robust performance measures for Entergy Mississippi's formula rate plan. Under the provisions of Entergy Mississippi's formula rate plan, a bandwidth is placed around the benchmark ROE, and if Entergy Mississippi earns outside of the bandwidth (as well as outside of a range-of-no-change at each edge of the bandwidth), then Entergy Mississippi's rates will be adjusted, though on a prospective basis only. Under Mississippi law and Entergy Mississippi's formula rate plan, however, if Entergy Mississippi's earned ROE is above the top of the range-of-no-change at the top of the formula rate plan bandwidth, then Entergy Mississippi's "Allowed ROE" for the next twelve-month period is the point halfway between such earned ROE and the top of the bandwidth; and Entergy Mississippi's retail rates are set at that halfway-point ROE level. In the situation where Entergy Mississippi's earned ROE is not above the top of the range-of-no-change at the top of the bandwidth, then Entergy Mississippi's "Allowed ROE" for the next twelve-month period is the top of the range-of-no-change at the top of the bandwidth.

Entergy Mississippi made its annual formula rate plan filing with the MPSC in March 2004 based on a 2003 test year. In April 2004, the MPSC approved a joint stipulation entered into between the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff and Entergy Mississippi that provides for no change in rates based on a performance adjusted return on common equity mid-point of 10.77%, establishing an allowed regulatory earnings range of 9.3% to 12.2%.

Filings with the Council (Entergy New Orleans)

Rate Proceedings

In May 2003, the City Council approved a resolution allowing for a total increase of $30.2 million in electric and gas base rates effective June 1, 2003.  In April 2004, Entergy New Orleans made filings with the City Council as required by the earnings review process prescribed by the Gas and Electric Formula Rate Plans approved by the City Council in 2003. In August 2004, the City Council approved an unopposed settlement among Entergy New Orleans, the Council Advisors, and the intervenors in connection with the Gas and Electric Formula Rate Plans. In accordance with the resolution approving the settlement agreement, Entergy New Orleans' gas and electric base rates remain unchanged from the levels set in May 2003. The resolution ordered Entergy New Orleans to defer $3.9 million relating to voluntary severance plan costs allocated to its electric operations and $1.0 million allocated to its gas operations, which amounts were accrued on its books in 2003, and to record on its books regulatory assets in those amounts to be amortized over five years effective January 2004. Entergy New Orleans also was ordered to defer $6.0 million of fossil plant maintenance expense incurred in 2003 and to record on its books a regulatory asset in that amount to be amortized over a five-year period effective January 2003.

Fuel Adjustment Clause Litigation

In April 1999, a group of ratepayers filed a complaint against Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Corporation, Entergy Services, and Entergy Power in state court in Orleans Parish purportedly on behalf of all Entergy New Orleans ratepayers. The plaintiffs seek treble damages for alleged injuries arising from the defendants' alleged violations of Louisiana's antitrust laws in connection with certain costs passed on to ratepayers in Entergy New Orleans' fuel adjustment filings with the City Council. In particular, plaintiffs allege that Entergy New Orleans improperly included certain costs in the calculation of fuel charges and that Entergy New Orleans imprudently purchased high-cost fuel from other Entergy affiliates. Plaintiffs allege that Entergy New Orleans and the other defendant Entergy companies conspired to make these purchases to the detriment of Entergy New Orleans' ratepayers and to the benefit of Entergy's shareholders, in violation of Louisiana's antitrust laws. Plaintiffs also seek to recover interest and attorneys' fees. Entergy filed exceptions to the plaintiffs' allegations, asserting, among other things, that jurisdiction over these issues rests with the City Council and FERC. In March 2004, the plaintiffs supplemented and amended their petition. If necessary, at the appropriate time, Entergy will also raise its defenses to the antitrust claims. The suit in state court has been stayed by stipulation of the parties pending a decision by the City Council in the proceeding discussed in the next paragraph.

Plaintiffs also filed this complaint with the City Council in order to initiate a review by the City Council of the plaintiffs' allegations and to force restitution to ratepayers of all costs they allege were improperly and imprudently included in the fuel adjustment filings. Testimony was filed on behalf of the plaintiffs in this proceeding asserting, among other things, that Entergy New Orleans and other defendants have engaged in fuel procurement and power purchasing practices and included costs in Entergy New Orleans' fuel adjustment that could have resulted in Entergy New Orleans customers being overcharged by more than $100 million over a period of years. Hearings were held in February and March 2002. In February 2004, the City Council approved a resolution that resulted in a refund to customers of $11.3 million, including interest, during the months of June through September 2004. The resolution concludes, among other things, that the record does not support an allegation that Entergy New Orleans' actions or inactions, either alone or in concert with Entergy or any of its affiliates, constituted a misrepresentation or a suppression of the truth made in order to obtain an unjust advantage of Entergy New Orleans, or to cause loss, inconvenience, or harm to its ratepayers. Management believes that it has adequately provided for the liability associated with this proceeding. The plaintiffs have appealed the City Council resolution to the state court in Orleans Parish. Oral argument on the plaintiffs' appeal was conducted in February 2005.

NOTE 3. INCOME TAXES

Income tax expenses for 2004, 2003, and 2002 consist of the following:

2004

2003

2002

(In Thousands)

Current:

  Federal (a)(b)

$54,380 

 

($731,129)

$510,109 

  Foreign

(2,231)

 

8,284 

(3,295)

  State (a)(b)

38,301 

 

23,396 

 

43,788 

    Total (a)(b)

90,450 

(699,449)

550,602 

Deferred -- net

296,445 

 

1,307,092 

(233,532)

Investment tax credit

 

  adjustments -- net

(20,987)

 

(27,644)

 

(23,132)

  Recorded income tax expense

$365,908 

$579,999 

$293,938 

(a)

The actual cash taxes paid were $28,241 in 2004, $188,709 in 2003, and $57,856 in 2002. Entergy Louisiana's mark-to-market tax accounting election significantly reduced taxes paid in 2002. In 2001, Entergy Louisiana changed its method of accounting for tax purposes related to its wholesale electric power contracts. The most significant of these is the contract to purchase power from the Vidalia project (the contract is discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements). The new tax accounting method has provided a cumulative cash flow benefit of approximately $790 million through 2004, which is expected to reverse in the years 2005 through 2031. The election did not reduce book income tax expense. The timing of the reversal of this benefit depends on several variables, including the price of power. Approximately half of the consolidated cash flow benefit of the election occurred in 2001 and the remainder occurred in 2002.

   
(b) In 2003, the domestic utility companies and System Energy filed, with the IRS, a change in tax accounting method notification for their respective calculations of cost of goods sold. The adjustment implemented a simplified method of allocation of overhead to the production of electricity, which is provided under the IRS capitalization regulations. The cumulative adjustment placing these companies on the new methodology resulted in a $2.95 billion deduction on Entergy's 2003 income tax return. There was no cash benefit from the method change in 2003. On a consolidated basis, a $74 million cash tax benefit was realized in 2004. This tax accounting method change is an issue across the utility industry and will likely be challenged by the IRS on audit.

Total income taxes differ from the amounts computed by applying the statutory income tax rate to income before taxes. The reasons for the differences for the years 2004, 2003, and 2002 are:

2004

2003

2002

(In Thousands)

Computed at statutory rate (35%)

$454,635 

$535,663 

$320,954 

Increases (reductions) in tax

  resulting from:

  State income taxes net of

     federal income tax effect

36,185 

54,024 

44,835 

  Regulatory differences-

     utility plant items

41,240 

52,638 

29,774 

  Amortization of investment

     tax credits

(20,596)

(24,364)

(22,294)

  EAM capital loss

(86,426)

  Flow-through/permanent

     differences

(42,902)

(30,221)

(38,197)

  US tax on foreign income

2,014 

7,888 

(28,416)

  Other -- net

(18,242)

(15,629)

(12,718)

    Total income taxes

$365,908 

$579,999 

$293,938 

Effective Income Tax Rate

28.2%

37.9%

32.1%

The EAM capital loss is a tax benefit resulting from the sale of preferred stock and less than 1% of the common stock of Entergy Asset Management, an Entergy subsidiary. In December 2004, an Entergy subsidiary sold the stock to a third party for $29.75 million. The sale resulted in a capital loss for tax purposes of $370 million, producing a federal and state net tax benefit of $97 million that Entergy recorded in the fourth quarter of 2004. Entergy has established a contingency provision in its financial statements that management believes will sufficiently cover the risk associated with this issue.

Significant components of net deferred and noncurrent accrued tax liabilities as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

2004

2003

(In Thousands)

Deferred and Noncurrent Accrued Tax Liabilities:

Net regulatory liabilities

($978,815)

($1,072,898)

Plant-related basis differences

(4,699,803)

(3,574,593)

Power purchase agreements

(972,348)

(945,495)

Nuclear decommissioning

(545,109)

(519,028)

Other

(346,993)

(379,875)

Total

(7,543,068)

(6,491,889)

Deferred Tax Assets:

Accumulated deferred investment

tax credit

133,979 

141,723 

Capital losses

134,688 

92,423 

Net operating loss carryforwards

1,201,006 

129,122 

Sale and leaseback

227,155 

223,134 

Unbilled/deferred revenues

28,741 

18,983 

Pension-related items

247,662 

204,083 

Reserve for regulatory adjustments

131,112 

138,933 

Customer deposits

107,652 

108,591 

Nuclear decommissioning

158,796 

272,551 

Other

225,659 

399,080 

Valuation allowance

(43,864)

(39,210)

Total

2,552,586 

1,689,413 

 

Net deferred and noncurrent accrued tax liability

($4,990,482)

($4,802,476)

At December 31, 2004, Entergy had $342.4 million in net realized federal capital loss carryforwards that will expire as follows: $103.8 million in 2007, $10.6 million in 2008, and $228.0 million in 2009.

At December 31, 2004, Entergy had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $2.9 billion. If the federal net operating loss carryforwards are not utilized, they will expire in the years 2023 through 2024.

At December 31, 2004, Entergy had state net operating loss carryforwards of $3.5 billion, primarily resulting from Entergy Louisiana's mark-to-market tax election and the change in method of accounting for tax purposes related to cost of goods sold, as discussed above. If the state net operating loss carryforwards are not utilized, they will expire in the years 2008 through 2019.

The 2004 and 2003 valuation allowances are provided against UK capital loss and UK net operating loss carryforwards, and certain state net operating loss carryforwards. The UK losses can be utilized against future UK taxable income. For UK tax purposes, these carryforwards do not expire.

On October 22, 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Act) was enacted. The Act promotes domestic production and investing activities by providing a number of tax incentives including a temporary incentive to repatriate accumulated foreign earnings, subject to certain limitations, by providing an 85% dividends received deduction for certain repatriated earnings and also providing a tax deduction of up to 9% of qualifying production activities. In 2004, Entergy repatriated $64 million of accumulated foreign earnings, which resulted in approximately $16.1 million of tax benefit. At December 31, 2004, Entergy has approximately $7.4 million of undistributed earnings from subsidiary companies outside the United States that are being considered for repatriation. If these earnings are repatriated in accordance with the Act, the repatriation would result in approximately $1.5 million of income tax expense. In accordance with FSP 109-1, which was issued by the FASB to address the accounting for the impacts of the Act, the allowable production tax credit will be treated as a special deduction in the period in which it is deducted rather than treated as a tax rate change during 2004 which is the period in which the Act was signed into law. The adoption of FSP 109-1 and FSP 109-2, also issued by the FASB to address the accounting for the repatriation provisions of the Act, did not have a material effect on Entergy's financial statements.

NOTE 4. LINES OF CREDIT AND SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

Entergy Corporation has in place two separate revolving credit facilities, a 5-year credit facility and a 3-year credit facility. The 5-year credit facility, which expires in December 2009, has a borrowing capacity of $500 million, none of which was outstanding at December 31, 2004. The 3-year credit facility, which expires in May 2007, has a borrowing capacity of $965 million, of which $50 million was outstanding at December 31, 2004. Entergy also has the ability to issue letters of credit against the total borrowing capacity of both credit facilities, and $50 million had been issued against the 3-year facility at December 31, 2004. The commitment fee for these facilities is currently 0.13% of the line amount. Commitment fees and interest rates on loans under the credit facility can fluctuate depending on the senior debt ratings of the domestic utility companies.

Entergy Corporation's facilities require it to maintain a consolidated debt ratio of 65% or less of its total capitalization, and maintain an interest coverage ratio of 2 to 1. If Entergy fails to meet these limits, or if Entergy or the domestic utility companies default on other indebtedness or are in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, an acceleration of the facility's maturity date may occur.

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans each have 364-day credit facilities available as follows:


Company

 


Expiration Date

 

Amount of
Facility

 

Amount Drawn as
of Dec. 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy Arkansas

 

April 2005

 

$85 million

 

-

Entergy Louisiana

 

April 2005

 

$15 million(a)

 

-

Entergy Mississippi

 

May 2005

 

$25 million

 

-

Entergy New Orleans

 

April 2005

 

$14 million(a)

 

-

  1. The combined amount borrowed by Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans under these facilities at any one time cannot exceed $15 million.

The 364-day credit facilities have variable interest rates and the average commitment fee is 0.13%. The Entergy Arkansas facility requires it to maintain total shareholder's equity of at least 25% of its total assets.

The short-term borrowings of Entergy's subsidiaries are limited to amounts authorized by the SEC. The current limits authorized are effective through November 30, 2007. In addition to borrowing from commercial banks, Entergy's subsidiaries are authorized under the SEC order to borrow from Entergy's money pool. The money pool is an inter-company borrowing arrangement designed to reduce Entergy's subsidiaries' dependence on external short-term borrowings. Borrowings from the money pool and external borrowings combined may not exceed the SEC authorized limits. As of December 31, 2004, Entergy's subsidiaries' aggregate authorized limit was $1.6 billion and the aggregate outstanding borrowing from the money pool was $151.6 million. There were no borrowings outstanding from external sources. Under the SEC order and without further SEC authorization, the domestic utility companies and System Energy cannot issue new short-term indebtedness unless (a) Entergy and the borrower each maintain common equity of at least 30% of its capital and, (b) with the exception of money pool borrowings, the debt security to be issued (if rated) and all outstanding securities of the issuer and Entergy Corporation that are rated must be rated investment grade. There is further discussion of commitments for long-term financing arrangements in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

The short-term securities issuances of Entergy Corporation also are limited to amounts authorized by the SEC. Under its current SEC order and without further SEC authorization, Entergy Corporation cannot incur additional indebtedness or issue other securities unless (a) it and each of its public utility subsidiaries maintain a common equity ratio of at least 30% and (b) the security to be issued (if rated) and all outstanding securities of Entergy Corporation that are rated are rated investment grade.

NOTE 5. LONG - TERM DEBT

Long-term debt as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 consisted of:

 

2004

 

2003

 

(In Thousands)

Mortgage Bonds:

     

      8.25% Series due April 2004 - Entergy Gulf States

$-

 

$292,000

      6.2% Series due May 2004 - Entergy Mississippi

-

 

75,000

      6.125% Series due July 2005 - Entergy Arkansas

100,000

 

100,000

      8.125% Series due July 2005 - Entergy New Orleans

30,000

 

30,000

      6.77% Series due August 2005 - Entergy Gulf States

98,000

 

98,000

      Libor + 0.90% Series due June 2007 - Entergy Gulf States

-

 

275,000

      4.875% Series due October 2007 - System Energy

70,000

 

70,000

      5.2% Series due December 2007 - Entergy Gulf States

-

 

200,000

      6.5% Series due March 2008 - Entergy Louisiana

-

 

115,000

      4.35% Series due April 2008 - Entergy Mississippi

100,000

 

100,000

      6.45% Series due April 2008 - Entergy Mississippi

-

 

80,000

      3.6% Series due June 2008 - Entergy Gulf States

325,000

 

325,000

      3.875% Series due August 2008 - Entergy New Orleans

30,000

 

30,000

      Libor + 0.40% Series due December 2009 - Entergy Gulf States

225,000

 

-

      4.65% Series due May 2011 - Entergy Mississippi

80,000

 

-

      4.875% Series due November 2011 - Entergy Gulf States

200,000

 

-

      6.0% Series due December 2012 - Entergy Gulf States

140,000

 

140,000

      5.15% Series due February 2013 - Entergy Mississippi

100,000

 

100,000

      5.25% Series due August 2013 - Entergy New Orleans

70,000

 

70,000

      5.09% Series due November 2014 - Entergy Louisiana

115,000

 

-

      5.6% Series due December 2014 - Entergy Gulf States

50,000

 

-

      5.25% Series due August 2015 - Entergy Gulf States

200,000

 

200,000

      6.75% Series due October 2017 - Entergy New Orleans

25,000

 

25,000

      5.4% Series due May 2018 - Entergy Arkansas

150,000

 

150,000

      4.95% Series due June 2018 - Entergy Mississippi

95,000

 

95,000

      5.0% Series due July 2018 - Entergy Arkansas

115,000

 

115,000

      5.5% Series due April 2019 - Entergy Louisiana

100,000

 

-

      8.0% Series due March 2023 - Entergy New Orleans

-

 

45,000

      7.7% Series due July 2023 - Entergy Mississippi

-

 

60,000

      7.55% Series due September 2023 - Entergy New Orleans

-

 

30,000

      7.0% Series due October 2023 - Entergy Arkansas

175,000

 

175,000

      5.6% Series due September 2024 - Entergy New Orleans

35,000

 

-

      5.65% Series due September 2029 - Entergy New Orleans

40,000

 

-

      6.7% Series due April 2032 - Entergy Arkansas

100,000

 

100,000

      7.6% Series due April 2032 - Entergy Louisiana

150,000

 

150,000

      6.0% Series due November 2032 - Entergy Arkansas

100,000

 

100,000

      6.0% Series due November 2032 - Entergy Mississippi

75,000

 

75,000

      7.25% Series due December 2032 - Entergy Mississippi

100,000

 

100,000

      5.9% Series due June 2033 - Entergy Arkansas

100,000

 

100,000

      6.20% Series due July 2033 - Entergy Gulf States

240,000

 

240,000

      6.25% Series due April 2034 - Entergy Mississippi

100,000

 

-

      6.4% Series due October 2034 - Entergy Louisiana

70,000

 

-

      6.38% Series due November 2034 - Entergy Arkansas

60,000

 

-

      Total mortgage bonds

$3,763,000

 

$3,860,000

 

2004

 

2003

 

(In Thousands)

       

Governmental Bonds (a):

     

      5.45% Series due 2010, Calcasieu Parish - Louisiana

$22,095

 

$22,095

      6.75% Series due 2012, Calcasieu Parish - Louisiana

48,285

 

48,285

      6.7% Series due 2013, Pointe Coupee Parish - Louisiana

17,450

 

17,450

      5.7% Series due 2014, Iberville Parish - Louisiana

21,600

 

21,600

      7.7% Series due 2014, West Feliciana Parish - Louisiana

94,000

 

94,000

      5.8% Series due 2015, West Feliciana Parish - Louisiana

28,400

 

28,400

      7.0% Series due 2015, West Feliciana Parish - Louisiana

39,000

 

39,000

      7.5% Series due 2015, West Feliciana Parish - Louisiana

41,600

 

41,600

      9.0% Series due 2015, West Feliciana Parish - Louisiana

45,000

 

45,000

      5.8% Series due 2016, West Feliciana Parish - Louisiana

20,000

 

20,000

      6.3% Series due 2016, Pope County - Arkansas (h)

19,500

 

19,500

      5.6% Series due 2017, Jefferson County - Arkansas

45,500

 

45,500

      6.3% Series due 2018, Jefferson County - Arkansas (h)

9,200

 

9,200

      6.3% Series due 2020, Pope County - Arkansas

120,000

 

120,000

      6.25% Series due 2021, Independence County - Arkansas (h)

45,000

 

45,000

      7.5% Series due 2021, St. Charles Parish - Louisiana (h)

50,000

 

50,000

      5.875% Series due 2022, Mississippi Business Finance Corp.

216,000

 

216,000

      5.9% Series due 2022, Mississippi Business Finance Corp.

102,975

 

102,975

      7.0% Series due 2022, Warren County - Mississippi

-

 

8,095

      7.0% Series due 2022, Washington County - Mississippi

-

 

7,935

      7.0% Series due 2022, St. Charles Parish - Louisiana (h)

24,000

 

24,000

      7.05% Series due 2022, St. Charles Parish - Louisiana (h)

20,000

 

20,000

      Auction Rate due 2022, Independence County - Mississippi (h)

30,000

 

30,000

      4.6% Series due 2022, Mississippi Business Finance Corp.

16,030

 

-

      5.95% Series due 2023, St. Charles Parish - Louisiana (h)

25,000

 

25,000

      6.2% Series due 2023, St. Charles Parish - Louisiana (h)

33,000

 

33,000

      6.875% Series due 2024, St. Charles Parish - Louisiana (h)

20,400

 

20,400

      6.375% Series due 2025, St. Charles Parish - Louisiana

16,770

 

16,770

      7.3% Series due 2025, Claiborne County - Mississippi

-

 

7,625

      6.2% Series due 2026, Claiborne County - Mississippi

90,000

 

90,000

      5.05% Series due 2028, Pope County - Arkansas (b)

47,000

 

47,000

      5.65% Series due 2028, West Feliciana Parish - Louisiana (c)

-

 

62,000

      6.6% Series due 2028, West Feliciana Parish - Louisiana

40,000

 

40,000

      5.35% Series due 2029, St. Charles Parish - Louisiana (i)

-

 

-

      Auction Rate due 2030, St. Charles Parish - Louisiana (h)

60,000

 

60,000

      4.9% Series due 2030, St. Charles Parish - Louisiana (d) (e)

55,000

 

55,000

      Total governmental bonds

1,462,805

 

1,532,430

       

Other Long-Term Debt:

     

      Note Payable to NYPA, non-interest bearing, 4.8% implicit rate

$445,605

 

$514,708

      3 year Bank Credit Facility (Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries,
         Note 4)

50,000

 

-

      Bank term loan, Entergy Corporation, avg rate 2.98%, due 2005

60,000

 

60,000

      Bank term loan, Entergy Corporation, avg rate 3.08%, due 2008

35,000

 

35,000

      6.17% Notes due March 2008, Entergy Corporation

72,000

 

72,000

      6.23% Notes due March 2008, Entergy Corporation

15,000

 

15,000

      6.13% Notes due September 2008, Entergy Corporation

150,000

 

150,000

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

(In Thousands)

       

Other Long-Term Debt (continued):

     

      7.75% Notes due December 2009, Entergy Corporation

267,000 

 

267,000 

      6.58% Notes due May 2010, Entergy Corporation

75,000 

 

75,000 

      6.9% Notes due November 2010, Entergy Corporation

140,000 

 

140,000 

      7.06% Notes due March 2011, Entergy Corporation

86,000 

 

86,000 

      Long-term DOE Obligation (f)

156,332 

 

154,409 

      Waterford 3 Lease Obligation
       7.45% (Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, Note 9)

247,725 

 

262,534 

      Grand Gulf Lease Obligation
       5.01% (Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, Note 9)

397,119 

 

403,468 

      Unamortized Premium and Discount - Net

(10,277)

 

(11,853)

      8.5% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures
        Due 2045 - Entergy Arkansas

 

61,856 

      8.75% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures
        Due 2046 - Entergy Gulf States

87,629 

 

87,629 

      9.0% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures
        Due 2045 - Entergy Louisiana

 

72,165 

      Other

9,457 

 

9,966 

Total Long-Term Debt

7,509,395 

 

7,847,312 

Less Amount Due Within One Year

492,564 

 

524,372 

Long-Term Debt Excluding Amount Due Within One Year

$7,016,831 

 

$7,322,940 

       
Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (g)

$6,614,211 

 

$7,123,706 

(a)

Consists of pollution control revenue bonds and environmental revenue bonds.

(b)

The bonds are subject to mandatory tender for purchase from the holders at 100% of the principal amount outstanding on September 1, 2005 and can then be remarketed.

(c)

The bonds had a mandatory tender date of September 1, 2004. Entergy Gulf States purchased the bonds from the holders, pursuant to the mandatory tender provision, and has not remarketed the bonds at this time.

(d)

On June 1, 2002, Entergy Louisiana remarketed $55 million St. Charles Parish Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds due 2030, resetting the interest rate to 4.9% through May 2005.

(e)

The bonds are subject to mandatory tender for purchase from the holders at 100% of the principal amount outstanding on June 1, 2005 and can then be remarketed.

(f)

Pursuant to the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, Entergy's nuclear owner/licensee subsidiaries have contracts with the DOE for spent nuclear fuel disposal service. The contracts include a one-time fee for generation prior to April 7, 1983. Entergy Arkansas is the only Entergy company that generated electric power with nuclear fuel prior to that date and includes the one-time fee, plus accrued interest, in long-term debt.

(g)

The fair value excludes lease obligations and long-term DOE obligations, and includes debt due within one year. It is determined using bid prices reported by dealer markets and by nationally recognized investment banking firms.

(h)

The bonds are secured by a series of collateral first mortgage bonds.

(i)

The bonds in the principal amount of $110.95 million had a mandatory tender date of October 1, 2003. Entergy Louisiana purchased the bonds from the holders, pursuant to the mandatory tender provision, and has not remarketed the bonds at this time.

The annual long-term debt maturities (excluding lease obligations) for debt outstanding as of December 31, 2004, for the next five years are as follows:

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

2005

$467,298

2006

$75,896

2007

$199,539

2008

$747,246

2009

$512,584

In November 2000, Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear business purchased the FitzPatrick and Indian Point 3 power plants in a seller-financed transaction. Entergy issued notes to NYPA with seven annual installments of approximately $108 million commencing one year from the date of the closing, and eight annual installments of $20 million commencing eight years from the date of the closing. These notes do not have a stated interest rate, but have an implicit interest rate of 4.8%. In accordance with the purchase agreement with NYPA, the purchase of Indian Point 2 in 2001 resulted in Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear business becoming liable to NYPA for an additional $10 million per year for 10 years, beginning in September 2003. This liability was recorded upon the purchase of Indian Point 2 in September 2001, and is included in the note payable to NYPA balance above. In July 2003, a payment of $102 million was made prior to maturity on the note payable to NYPA. Under a provision in a letter of credit supporting these notes, if certain of the domestic utility companies or System Energy were to default on other indebtedness, Entergy could be required to post collateral to support the letter of credit.

Covenants in the Entergy Corporation notes require it to maintain a consolidated debt ratio of 65% or less of its total capitalization. If Entergy's debt ratio exceeds this limit, or if Entergy or certain of the domestic utility companies default on other indebtedness or are in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, an acceleration of the notes' maturity dates may occur.

The long-term securities issuances of Entergy Corporation, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and System Energy also are limited to amounts authorized by the SEC. Under its current SEC order, and without further authorization, Entergy Corporation cannot incur additional indebtedness or issue other securities unless (a) it and each of its public utility subsidiaries maintain a common equity ratio of at least 30% and (b) the security to be issued (if rated) and all outstanding securities of Entergy Corporation that are rated, are rated investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating agency. Under their current SEC orders, and without further authorization, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy Mississippi cannot incur additional indebtedness or issue other securities unless (a) the issuer and Entergy Corporation maintains a common equity ratio of at least 30% and (b) the security to be issued (if rated) and all outstanding securities of the issuer (other than preferred stock of Entergy Gulf States), as well as all outstanding securities of Entergy Corporation, that are rated, are rated investment grade.

Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures and Implementation of FIN 46

Entergy implemented FASB Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" effective December 31, 2003. FIN 46 requires existing unconsolidated variable interest entities to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries if the entities do not effectively disperse risks among their investors. Variable interest entities (VIEs), generally, are entities that do not have sufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its operations without additional financial support from its equity interest holders and/or the group of equity interest holders are collectively not able to exercise control over the entity. The primary beneficiary is the party that absorbs a majority of the entity's expected losses, receives a majority of its expected residual returns, or both as a result of holding the variable interest. A company may have an interest in a VIE through ownership or other contractual rights or obligations.

Entergy Louisiana Capital I, Entergy Arkansas Capital I, and Entergy Gulf States Capital I (Trusts) were established as financing subsidiaries of Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Arkansas, and Entergy Gulf States, respectively, (the parent company or companies, collectively) for the purposes of issuing common and preferred securities. The Trusts issued Cumulative Quarterly Income Preferred Securities (Preferred Securities) to the public and issued common securities to their parent companies. Proceeds from such issues were used to purchase junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (Debentures) from the parent company. The Debentures held by each Trust are its only assets. Each Trust uses interest payments received on the Debentures owned by it to make cash distributions on the Preferred Securities and common securities. The parent companies fully and unconditionally guaranteed payment of distributions on the Preferred Securities issued by the respective Trusts. Prior to the application of FIN 46, each parent company consolidated its interest in its Trust. Because each parent company's share of expected losses of its Trust is limited to its investment in its Trust, the parent companies are not considered the primary beneficiaries and therefore de-consolidated their interest in the Trusts upon application of FIN 46 with no significant impacts to the financial statements. The parent companies' investment in the Trusts and the Debentures issued by each parent company are included in Other Property and Investments and Long-Term Debt, respectively.

Capital Funds Agreement

Pursuant to an agreement with certain creditors, Entergy Corporation has agreed to supply System Energy with sufficient capital to:

  • maintain System Energy's equity capital at a minimum of 35% of its total capitalization (excluding short-term debt);
  • permit the continued commercial operation of Grand Gulf 1;
  • pay in full all System Energy indebtedness for borrowed money when due; and
  • enable System Energy to make payments on specific System Energy debt, under supplements to the agreement assigning System Energy's rights in the agreement as security for the specific debt.

NOTE 6. PREFERRED STOCK

The number of shares authorized and outstanding and dollar value of preferred stock and minority interest for Entergy Corporation subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 are presented below. Only the Entergy Gulf States series "with sinking fund" contain mandatory redemption requirements. All other series of the U.S. Utility are redeemable at Entergy's option.

   

Shares
Authorized

 

Shares
Outstanding

       
   

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

Entergy Corporation

                 

(Dollars in Thousands)

U.S. Utility:

                       

  Preferred Stock without sinking fund:

                       

    Entergy Arkansas, 4.32%-7.88% Series

 

1,613,500

 

1,613,500

 

1,613,500

 

1,613,500

 

$116,350

 

$116,350

    Entergy Gulf States, 4.20%-7.56% Series

 

473,268

 

473,268

 

473,268

 

473,268

 

47,327

 

47,327

    Entergy Louisiana, 4.16%-8.00% Series

 

2,115,000

 

2,115,000

 

2,115,000

 

2,115,000

 

100,500

 

100,500

    Entergy Mississippi, 4.36%-8.36% Series

 

503,807

 

503,807

 

503,807

 

503,807

 

50,381

 

50,381

    Entergy New Orleans, 4.36%-5.56% Series

 

197,798

 

197,798

 

197,798

 

197,798

 

19,780

 

19,780

Total U. S. Utility Preferred Stock without sinking fund

 

4,903,373

 

4,903,373

 

4,903,373

 

4,903,373

 

334,337

 

334,337

                         

Energy Commodity Services:

                       

  Preferred Stock without sinking fund:

                       

   Entergy Asset Management, 11.50% rate

 

1,000,000

 

-

 

297,376

 

-

 

29,738

 

-

   Other

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,281

 

-

                         

Total Preferred Stock without sinking fund

 

5,903,373

 

4,903,373

 

5,200,749

 

4,903,373

 

$365,356

 

$334,337

                         

U.S. Utility:

                       

  Preferred Stock with sinking fund:

                       

    Entergy Gulf States, Adjustable

                       

     Rate 7.0% (a)

 

174,000

 

208,520

 

174,000

 

208,520

 

$17,400

 

$20,852

Total Preferred Stock with sinking fund

 

174,000

 

208,520

 

174,000

 

208,520

 

$17,400

 

$20,852

                         

Fair Value of Preferred Stock with

                       

sinking fund (b)

                 

$15,286

 

$15,354

(a)

Represents weighted-average annualized rate for 2004 and 2003.

(b)

Fair values were determined using bid prices reported by dealer markets and by nationally recognized investment banking firms. There is additional disclosure of fair value of financial instruments in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements.

All outstanding preferred stock is cumulative.

Entergy Gulf States' preferred stock with sinking fund retirements were 34,500 shares in 2004 and 2003, and 18,579 shares in 2002. Entergy Gulf States has annual sinking fund requirements of $3.45 million through 2009 for its preferred stock outstanding.

In 2004, Entergy realized a pre-tax gain of $0.9 million upon the sale to a third party of preferred shares, and less than 1% of the common shares, of Entergy Asset Management, an Entergy subsidiary. See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the tax benefit realized on the sale. Entergy Asset Management's stockholders' agreement provides that at any time during the 180-day period prior to December 31, 2007 or each subsequent December 31 thereafter, either Entergy Asset Management or the preferred shareholders may request that the preferred dividend rate be reset. If Entergy Asset Management and the preferred shareholders are unable to agree on a dividend reset rate, a preferred shareholder can request that its shares be sold to a third party. If Entergy Asset Management is unable to sell the preferred shares within 75 days, the preferred shareholder has the right to take control of the Entergy Asset Management board of directors for the purpose of liquidating the assets of Entergy Asset Management in order to repay the preferred shares and any accrued dividends.

NOTE 7. COMMON EQUITY

Common Stock

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock activity for Entergy for 2004 and 2003 is as follows:

   

2004

 

2003

   

Treasury Shares

 


Cost

 

Treasury Shares

 


Cost

       

(In Thousands)

     

(In Thousands)

                 

Beginning Balance, January 1

 

19,276,445 

 

$561,152 

 

25,752,410 

 

$747,331 

   Repurchases

 

16,631,800 

 

1,017,996 

 

155,000 

 

8,135 

   Issuances:

               

Employee Stock-Based Compensation Plans

 


(4,555,897)

 


(146,877)

 


(6,622,095)

 


(194,057)

   Directors' Plan

 

(7,320)

 

(252)

 

(8,870)

 

(257)

Ending Balance, December 31

 

31,345,028 

 

$1,432,019 

 

19,276,445 

 

$561,152 

Entergy Corporation reissues treasury shares to meet the requirements of the Stock Plan for Outside Directors (Directors' Plan), the Equity Ownership Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (Equity Ownership Plan), the Equity Awards Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, and certain other stock benefit plans. The Directors' Plan awards to non-employee directors a portion of their compensation in the form of a fixed number of shares of Entergy Corporation common stock.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Entergy grants stock options, equity awards, and incentive awards to key employees of the Entergy subsidiaries under the Equity Ownership Plan which is a shareholder-approved stock-based compensation plan. Stock options are granted at exercise prices not less than market value on the date of grant. The majority of options granted in 2004, 2003, and 2002 will become exercisable in equal amounts on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant. Unless they are forfeited previously under the terms of the grant, options expire ten years after the date of the grant if they are not exercised.

Entergy grants most of the equity awards and incentive awards earned under its stock benefit plans in the form of performance units, which are equal to the cash value of shares of Entergy Corporation common stock at the time of payment. In addition to the potential for equivalent share appreciation or depreciation, performance units will earn the cash equivalent of the dividends paid during the performance period applicable to each plan. The costs of equity and incentive awards, given either as company stock or performance units, are charged to income over the period of the grant or restricted period, as appropriate. In 2004, 2003, and 2002, $47 million, $45 million, and $28 million, respectively, was charged to compensation expense.

Entergy was assisted by external valuation firms to determine the fair value of the stock option grants made in 2004 and 2003. The fair value applied to these grants was an average of two firms' option valuations, which included adjustments for factors such as lack of marketability, stock retention requirements, and regulatory restrictions on exercisability. In 2002, the fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, without any such adjustments. The stock option weighted-average assumptions used in determining the fair values were as follows:

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock price volatility

23.1%

 

26.3%

 

27.2%

Expected term in years

6.3

 

6.2

 

5.0

Risk-free interest rate

3.2%

 

3.3%

 

4.2%

Dividend yield

3.3%

 

3.3%

 

3.2%

Dividend payment

$1.80

 

$1.40

 

$1.32

Stock option transactions are summarized as follows:

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

Number
of Options

Average
Exercise
Price

 

Number
of Options

Average
Exercise
Price

 

Number
of Options

Average
Exercise
Price

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning-of-year balance

15,429,383 

$38.64

 

19,943,114 

$35.85

 

17,316,816 

$31.06

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options granted

1,898,098 

$58.63

 

2,936,236 

$44.98

 

8,168,025 

$41.72

Options exercised

(4,541,053)

$38.07

 

(6,927,000)

$33.12

 

(4,877,688)

$28.62

Options forfeited/expired

(476,351)

$39.94

 

(522,967)

$40.98

 

(664,039)

$36.36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End-of-year balance

12,310,077 

$41.88

 

15,429,383 

$38.64

 

19,943,114 

$35.85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options exercisable at year-end

7,162,884 

$37.25

 

6,153,043 

$34.82

 

4,837,511 

$31.39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average fair value of
options at time of grant

$7.76 

 

 

$6.86 

 

 

$9.22 

 

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2004:

 

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

Range of
Exercise Prices

 

As of
12/31/2004

 

Weighted-Avg.
Remaining
Contractual
Life-Yrs.

 

Weighted-
Avg. Exercise
Price

 

Number
Exercisable
at 12/31/2004

 

Weighted-
Avg. Exercise
Price

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$23 - $33.99

 

1,674,430

 

5.0

 

$26.28

 

1,674,430

 

$26.28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$34 - $44.99

 

8,547,519

 

7.1

 

$41.09

 

5,195,493

 

$39.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$45 - $55.99

 

230,445

 

5.6

 

$49.61

 

222,378

 

$49.68

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$56 - $67.99

 

1,857,683

 

9.1

 

$58.64

 

70,583

 

$59.67

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$23 - $67.99

 

12,310,077

 

7.1

 

$41.88

 

7,162,884

 

$37.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained Earnings and Dividend Restrictions

Provisions within the Articles of Incorporation or pertinent indentures and various other agreements relating to the long-term debt and preferred stock of certain of Entergy Corporation's subsidiaries restrict the payment of cash dividends or other distributions on their common and preferred stock. As of December 31, 2004, Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi had restricted retained earnings unavailable for distribution to Entergy Corporation of $394.9 million and $68.5 million, respectively. Additionally, PUHCA prohibits Entergy Corporation's subsidiaries from making loans or advances to Entergy Corporation. In 2004, Entergy Corporation received dividend payments totaling $825 million from subsidiaries.

Investments in affiliates that are not controlled by Entergy Corporation, but over which it has significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method. Entergy's retained earnings for 2003 included $472 million of undistributed earnings of equity method investees. Due to the receipt of dividends from Entergy-Koch, LP after the sale of its energy trading and pipeline businesses in 2004, there were no undistributed earnings in Entergy's retained earnings at December 31, 2004. Equity method investments are discussed in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Entergy is involved in a number of legal, tax, and regulatory proceedings before various courts, regulatory commissions, and governmental agencies in the ordinary course of its business. While management is unable to predict the outcome of such proceedings, management does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on Entergy's results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.

Vidalia Purchased Power Agreement

Entergy Louisiana has an agreement extending through the year 2031 to purchase energy generated by a hydroelectric facility known as the Vidalia project. Entergy Louisiana made payments under the contract of approximately $147.7 million in 2004, $112.6 million in 2003, and $104.2 million in 2002. If the maximum percentage (94%) of the energy is made available to Entergy Louisiana, current production projections would require estimated payments of approximately $125.3 million in 2005, and a total of $3.5 billion for the years 2006 through 2031. Entergy Louisiana currently recovers the costs of the purchased energy through its fuel adjustment clause. In an LPSC-approved settlement related to tax benefits from the tax treatment of the Vidalia contract, Entergy Louisiana agreed to credit rates by $11 million each year for up to ten years, beginning in October 2002. The provisions of the settlement also provide that the LPSC shall not recognize or use Entergy Louisiana's use of the cash benefits from the tax treatment in setting any of Entergy Louisiana's rates. Therefore, to the extent Entergy Louisiana's use of the proceeds would ordinarily have reduced its rate base, no change in rate base shall be reflected for ratemaking purposes.

Nuclear Insurance

Third Party Liability Insurance

The Price-Anderson Act provides insurance for the public in the event of a nuclear power plant accident. The costs of this insurance are borne by the nuclear power industry. Originally passed by Congress in 1957 and most recently amended in 1988, the Price-Anderson Act requires nuclear power plants to show evidence of financial protection in the event of a nuclear accident. This protection must consist of two levels:

  1. The primary level is private insurance underwritten by American Nuclear Insurers and provides liability insurance coverage of $300 million. If this amount is not sufficient to cover claims arising from the accident, the second level, Secondary Financial Protection, applies. An industry-wide aggregate limitation of $300 million exists for domestically-sponsored terrorist acts. There is no limitation for foreign-sponsored terrorist acts.
  2. Within the Secondary Financial Protection level, each nuclear plant must pay a retrospective premium, equal to its proportionate share of the loss in excess of the primary level, up to a maximum of $100.6 million per reactor per incident. This consists of a $95.8 million maximum retrospective premium plus a five percent surcharge that may be applied, if needed, at a rate that is presently set at $10 million per year per nuclear power reactor. There are no domestically- or foreign-sponsored terrorism limitations.

Currently, 104 nuclear reactors are participating in the Secondary Financial Protection program - 103 operating reactors and one closed reactor that still stores used nuclear fuel on site. The product of the maximum retrospective premium assessment to the nuclear power industry and the number of nuclear power reactors provides over $10 billion in insurance coverage to compensate the public in the event of a nuclear power reactor accident.

Entergy owns and operates ten of the nuclear power reactors, and owns the shutdown Indian Point 1 reactor (10% of Grand Gulf is owned by a non-affiliated company which would share on a pro-rata basis in any retrospective premium assessment under the Price-Anderson Act).

An additional but temporary contingent liability exists for all nuclear power reactor owners because of a previous Nuclear Worker Tort (long-term bodily injury caused by exposure to nuclear radiation while employed at a nuclear power plant) insurance program that was in place from 1988 to 1998. The maximum premium assessment exposure to each reactor is $3 million and will only be applied if such claims exceed the program's accumulated reserve funds. This contingent premium assessment feature will expire with the Nuclear Worker Tort program's expiration, which is scheduled for 2008.

Property Insurance

Entergy's nuclear owner/licensee subsidiaries are members of certain mutual insurance companies that provide property damage coverage, including decontamination and premature decommissioning expense, to the members' nuclear generating plants. These programs are underwritten by Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited (NEIL). As of December 31, 2004, Entergy was insured against such losses per the following structures:

U.S. Utility Plants (ANO 1 and 2, Grand Gulf, River Bend, and Waterford 3)

  • Primary Layer (per plant) - $500 million per occurrence
  • Excess Layer (per plant) - $100 million per occurrence
  • Blanket Layer (shared among all plants) - $1.0 billion per occurrence
  • Total limit - $1.6 billion per occurrence
  • Deductibles:
    • $5.0 million per occurrence - Turbine/generator damage
    • $5.0 million per occurrence - Other than turbine/generator damage

Note: ANO 1 and 2 share in the Primary Layer with one policy in common.

Non-Utility Nuclear Plants (Indian Point 2 and 3, FitzPatrick, Pilgrim, and Vermont Yankee)

  • Primary Layer (per plant) - $500 million per occurrence
  • Blanket Layer (shared among all plants) - $615 million per occurrence
  • Total limit - $1.115 billion per occurrence
  • Deductibles:
    • $1.0 million per occurrence - Turbine/generator damage
    • $2.5 million per occurrence - Other than turbine/generator damage

Note: Indian Point 2 and 3 share in the Primary Layer with one policy in common.

In addition, the Non-Utility Nuclear plants are also covered under NEIL's Accidental Outage Coverage program. This coverage provides certain fixed indemnities in the event of an unplanned outage that results from a covered NEIL property damage loss, subject to a deductible. The following summarizes this coverage as of December 31, 2004:

Indian Point 2 and 3

  • $4.5 million weekly indemnity
  • $490 million maximum indemnity
  • Deductible: 12 week waiting period

FitzPatrick and Pilgrim (each plant has an individual policy with the noted parameters)

  • $4.0 million weekly indemnity
  • $490 million maximum indemnity
  • Deductible: 12 week waiting period

Vermont Yankee

  • $3.5 million weekly indemnity
  • $435 million maximum indemnity
  • Deductible: 12 week waiting period

Entergy's U.S. Utility nuclear plants have significantly less or no accidental outage coverage. Under the property damage and accidental outage insurance programs, Entergy nuclear plants could be subject to assessments should losses exceed the accumulated funds available from NEIL. As of December 31, 2004, the maximum amounts of such possible assessments per occurrence were $50.8 million for the U.S. Utility plants and $68.9 million for the Non-Utility Nuclear plants.

Entergy maintains property insurance for its nuclear units in excess of the NRC's minimum requirement of $1.06 billion per site for nuclear power plant licensees. NRC regulations provide that the proceeds of this insurance must be used, first, to render the reactor safe and stable, and second, to complete decontamination operations. Only after proceeds are dedicated for such use and regulatory approval is secured would any remaining proceeds be made available for the benefit of plant owners or their creditors.

In the event that one or more acts of domestically-sponsored terrorism causes property damage under one or more or all nuclear insurance policies issued by NEIL (including, but not limited to, those described above) within 12 months from the date the first property damage occurs, the maximum recovery under all such nuclear insurance policies shall be an aggregate of $3.24 billion plus the additional amounts recovered for such losses from reinsurance, indemnity, and any other sources applicable to such losses. There is no aggregate limit involving one or more acts of foreign-sponsored terrorism.

Nuclear Decommissioning and Other Retirement Costs

SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," which was implemented effective January 1, 2003, requires the recording of liabilities for all legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the normal operation of those assets. For Entergy, these asset retirement obligations consist of its liability for decommissioning its nuclear power plants.

These liabilities are recorded at their fair values (which is the present values of the estimated future cash outflows) in the period in which they are incurred, with an accompanying addition to the recorded cost of the long-lived asset. The asset retirement obligation is accreted each year through a charge to expense, to reflect the time value of money for this present value obligation. The amounts added to the carrying amounts of the long-lived assets will be depreciated over the useful lives of the assets. The net effect of implementing SFAS 143 for the rate-regulated business of the domestic utility companies and System Energy was recorded as a regulatory asset, with no resulting impact on Entergy's net income. Entergy recorded these regulatory assets because existing rate mechanisms in each jurisdiction are based on the principle that Entergy will recover all ultimate costs of decommissioning from customers.

Upon implementation of SFAS 143 in 2003, assets and liabilities increased $1.1 billion for the U.S. Utility segment as a result of recording the asset retirement obligations at their fair values of $1.1 billion as determined under SFAS 143, increasing utility plant by $287 million, reducing accumulated depreciation by $361 million, and recording the related regulatory assets of $422 million. The implementation of SFAS 143 for the portion of River Bend not subject to cost-based ratemaking decreased earnings by $21 million net-of-tax as a result of a one-time cumulative effect of accounting change. In accordance with ratemaking treatment and as required by SFAS 71, the depreciation provisions for the domestic utility companies and System Energy include a component for removal costs that are not asset retirement obligations under SFAS 143. In accordance with regulatory accounting principles, Entergy has recorded a regulatory asset for certain of its domestic utility companies and System Energy of $86.9 million as of December 31, 2004 and $72.4 million as of December 31, 2003 to reflect an estimate of incurred but uncollected removal costs previously recorded as a component of accumulated depreciation. The decommissioning and retirement cost liability for certain of the domestic utility companies and System Energy includes a regulatory liability of $34.6 million as of December 31, 2004 and $26.8 million as of December 31, 2003 representing an estimate of collected but not yet incurred removal costs. For the Non-Utility Nuclear business, the implementation of SFAS 143 resulted in a decrease in liabilities of $595 million due to reductions in decommissioning liabilities, a decrease in assets of $340 million, including a decrease in electric plant in service of $315 million, and an increase in earnings in 2003 of $155 million net-of-tax as a result of a one-time cumulative effect of accounting change.

The cumulative decommissioning liabilities and expenses recorded in 2004 by Entergy were as follows:

 


Liabilities as of
December 31, 2003

 



Accretion

 

Change in Cash Flow Estimate

 



Spending

 


Liabilities as of
December 31, 2004

 

(In Millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Utility

$1,504.1

 

$98.0

 

($274.1)

 

-       

 

$1,328.0

Non-Utility Nuclear

$710.4            

 

$57.6

 

($20.3)   

 

($9.4)

 

$738.3           

In addition, an insignificant amount of removal costs associated with non-nuclear power plants are also included in the decommissioning line item on the balance sheet. Entergy periodically reviews and updates estimated decommissioning costs. The actual decommissioning costs may vary from the estimates because of regulatory requirements, changes in technology, and increased costs of labor, materials, and equipment. During 2004, Entergy updated decommissioning cost studies for ANO 1 and 2 and River Bend.

In the first quarter of 2004, Entergy Arkansas recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability in accordance with a new decommissioning cost study for ANO 1 and 2 as a result of revised decommissioning costs and changes in assumptions regarding the timing of when the decommissioning of the plants will begin. The revised estimate resulted in a $107.7 million reduction in its decommissioning liability, along with a $19.5 million reduction in utility plant and an $88.2 million reduction in the related regulatory asset.

In the third quarter of 2004, Entergy Gulf States recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability in accordance with a new decommissioning cost study for River Bend that reflected an expected life extension for the plant. The revised estimate resulted in a $166.4 million reduction in decommissioning liability, along with a $31.3 million reduction in utility plant, a $49.6 million reduction in non-utility property, a $40.1 million reduction in the related regulatory asset, and a regulatory liability of $17.7 million. For the portion of River Bend not subject to cost-based ratemaking, the revised estimate resulted in the elimination of the asset retirement cost that had been recorded at the time of adoption of SFAS 143 with the remainder recorded as miscellaneous other income of $27.7 million.

In the third quarter of 2004, Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear business recorded a reduction of $20.3 million in decommissioning liability to reflect changes in assumptions regarding the timing of when decommissioning of a plant will begin. Entergy considered the assumptions as part of recent studies evaluating the economic effect of the plant in its region. The revised estimate resulted in miscellaneous other income of $20.3 million, reflecting the excess of the reduction in the liability over the amount of undepreciated asset retirement cost recorded at the time of adoption of SFAS 143.

If Entergy had applied SFAS 143 during prior periods, the following impacts would have resulted:

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2002

     

Earnings applicable to common stock - as reported

 

$599,360 

Pro forma effect of SFAS 143

 

$14,119 

Earnings applicable to common stock - pro forma

 

$613,479 

     

Basic earnings per average common share - as reported

 

$2.69 

Pro forma effect of SFAS 143

 

$0.06 

Basic earnings per average common share - pro forma

 

$2.75 

     

Diluted earnings per average common share - as reported

 

$2.64 

Pro forma effect of SFAS 143

 

$0.06 

Diluted earnings per average common share - pro forma

 

$2.70 

For the Indian Point 3 and FitzPatrick plants purchased in 2000, NYPA retained the decommissioning trusts and the decommissioning liability. NYPA and Entergy executed decommissioning agreements, which specify their decommissioning obligations. NYPA has the right to require Entergy to assume the decommissioning liability provided that it assigns the corresponding decommissioning trust, up to a specified level, to Entergy. If the decommissioning liability is retained by NYPA, Entergy will perform the decommissioning of the plants at a price equal to the lesser of a pre-specified level or the amount in the decommissioning trusts. Entergy believes that the amounts available to it under either scenario are sufficient to cover the future decommissioning costs without any additional contributions to the trusts.

Entergy maintains decommissioning trust funds that are committed to meeting the costs of decommissioning the nuclear power plants. The fair values of the decommissioning trust funds and asset retirement obligation-related regulatory assets of Entergy as of December 31, 2004 are as follows:

 

Decommissioning
Trust

 

Regulatory
Asset

 

(In Millions)

 

 

 

 

U.S. Utility

$1,052.0

 

$380.1

Non-Utility Nuclear

$1,401.6

 

-       

The Energy Policy Act of 1992 contains a provision that assesses domestic nuclear utilities with fees for the decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) of the DOE's past uranium enrichment operations. Annual assessments in 2004 were $4.4 million for Entergy Arkansas, $1.1 million for Entergy Gulf States, $1.6 million for Entergy Louisiana, and $1.8 million for System Energy. The Energy Policy Act calls for cessation of annual D&D assessments not later than October 24, 2007. At December 31, 2004, two years of assessments were remaining. D&D fees are included in other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities and, as of December 31, 2004, recorded liabilities were $8.8 million for Entergy Arkansas, $1.9 million for Entergy Gulf States, $3.3 million for Entergy Louisiana, and $3.3 million for System Energy. Regulatory assets in the financial statements offset these liabilities, with the exception of Entergy Gulf States' 30% non-regulated portion. These assessments are recovered through rates in the same manner as fuel costs.

Income Taxes

            Entergy is currently under audit by the IRS with respect to tax returns for tax periods subsequent to 1995 and through 2001, and is subject to audit by the IRS and other taxing authorities for subsequent tax periods.  The amount and timing of any tax assessments resulting from these audits are uncertain, and could have a material effect on Entergy's financial position and results of operations.  Entergy believes that the contingency provisions established in its financial statements will sufficiently cover the risk associated with tax matters. Certain material audit matters as to which management believes there is a reasonable possibility of a future tax assessment are discussed below. See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for additional discussion of income taxes.

Foreign Tax Credits

In July 1997, the UK government enacted the Windfall Tax, which was a one-time tax imposed on formerly government-owned companies in regulated industries. The Windfall Tax applied to companies that the government had previously privatized in the telecommunication, airport operation, gas, water, electricity, and railway industries. London Electricity, the UK public limited company purchased and subsequently sold by Entergy, was subject to the UK Windfall Tax.  Entergy fulfilled its obligation with respect to the tax in 1997 and 1998. In subsequent tax years, Entergy reported a foreign tax credit for the UK Windfall Tax that London Electricity paid. Entergy has claimed a net tax benefit of $152 million related to this foreign tax credit.

During 2004, the IRS proposed to disallow this foreign tax credit. Entergy disagreed with the position of the IRS and protested the disallowance of the credit to the Office of IRS Appeals. Entergy expects to receive a Notice of Deficiency in 2005 for this item, and plans to vigorously contest this matter. The amount at issue including tax and interest as of December 31, 2004 is $195 million. Entergy believes that the contingency provision established in its financial statements will sufficiently cover the risk associated with this dispute.

Depreciable Property Lives

During the years 1997 through 2004, Entergy subsidiaries, Entergy Services, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy Resources reflected changes in tax depreciation methods with respect to certain types of depreciable property (e.g. street lighting, billing meters, and various generation plant equipment). The cumulative effect of these changes results in additional depreciation deductions generating a cash flow benefit of approximately $152 million as of December 31, 2004. The related IRS interest exposure if the deduction is ultimately disallowed is $44 million at December 31, 2004. This benefit reverses over time and will also fluctuate with each year's addition to those types of assets. Due to the temporary nature of the tax benefit, the potential interest charge represents the total net earnings exposure of Entergy.

For the years under audit, 1996-2001, the IRS challenged Entergy's classification of these assets and proposed adjustments to the depreciation deductions taken. Entergy disagrees with the position of the IRS and has protested the disallowance of these deductions to the Office of IRS Appeals. Entergy expects to receive a Notice of Deficiency in 2005 for this item, and plans to vigorously contest this matter. Entergy believes that the contingency provision established in its financial statements sufficiently covers the risk associated with this item.

Mark to Market of Certain Power Contracts

In 2001, Entergy Louisiana changed its method of accounting for tax purposes related to its wholesale electric power contracts. The most significant of these is the contract to purchase power from the Vidalia hydroelectric project. The new tax accounting method has provided a cumulative cash flow benefit of approximately $790 million as of December 31, 2004. The related IRS interest exposure is $93 million at December 31, 2004. This benefit is expected to reverse in the years 2005 through 2031. The election did not reduce book income tax expense. The timing of the reversal of this benefit depends on several variables, including the price of power. Due to the temporary nature of the tax benefit, the potential interest charge represents Entergy's net earnings exposure. Entergy Louisiana's 2001 tax return is currently under examination by the IRS, though no adjustments have yet been proposed with respect to the mark to market election. Entergy believes that the contingency provision established in its financial statements will sufficiently cover the risk associated with this issue.

CashPoint Bankruptcy

In 2003 the domestic utility companies entered an agreement with CashPoint Network Services (CashPoint) under which CashPoint was to manage a network of payment agents through which Entergy's utility customers could pay their bills. The payment agent system allows customers to pay their bills at various commercial or governmental locations, rather than sending payments by mail. Approximately one-third of Entergy's utility customers use payment agents.

On April 19, 2004, CashPoint failed to pay funds due to the domestic utility companies that had been collected through payment agents. The domestic utility companies then obtained a temporary restraining order from the Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, State of Louisiana, enjoining CashPoint from distributing funds belonging to Entergy, except by paying those funds to Entergy. On April 22, 2004, a petition for involuntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy was filed against CashPoint by other creditors in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. In response to these events, the domestic utility companies expanded an existing contract with another company to manage all of their payment agents. The domestic utility companies filed proofs of claim in the CashPoint bankruptcy proceeding in September 2004. Although Entergy cannot precisely determine at this time the amount that CashPoint owes to the domestic utility companies that may not be repaid, it has accrued an estimate of loss based on current information. If no cash is repaid to the domestic utility companies, an event Entergy does not believe is likely, the current estimate of maximum exposure to loss is approximately $25 million.

Employment Litigation

Entergy Corporation and certain subsidiaries are defendants in numerous lawsuits filed by former employees asserting that they were wrongfully terminated and/or discriminated against on the basis of age, race, sex, and/or other protected characteristics. Entergy Corporation and these subsidiaries are vigorously defending these suits and deny any liability to the plaintiffs. Nevertheless, no assurance can be given as to the outcome of these cases.

NOTE 9. LEASES

General

As of December 31, 2004, Entergy had capital leases and non-cancelable operating leases for equipment, buildings, vehicles, and fuel storage facilities (excluding nuclear fuel leases and the Grand Gulf and Waterford 3 sale and leaseback transactions) with minimum lease payments as follows:


Year

 

Operating
Leases

 

Capital
Leases

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

2005

 

$99,246

 

$9,660

2006

 

85,769

 

5,724

2007

 

68,557

 

3,438

2008

 

55,155

 

1,754

2009

 

45,240

 

237

Years thereafter

 

210,474

 

2,606

Minimum lease payments

 

564,441

 

23,419

Less: Amount representing interest

 

-

 

3,388

Present value of net minimum lease payments

 

$564,441

 

$20,031

Total rental expenses for all leases (excluding nuclear fuel leases and the Grand Gulf and Waterford 3 sale and leaseback transactions) amounted to $81.3 million in 2004, $84.3 million in 2003, and $92.2 million in 2002.

Nuclear Fuel Leases

As of December 31, 2004, arrangements to lease nuclear fuel existed in an aggregate amount up to $150 million for Entergy Arkansas, $105 million for Entergy Gulf States, $80 million for Entergy Louisiana, and $110 million for System Energy. As of December 31, 2004, the unrecovered cost base of nuclear fuel leases amounted to approximately $93.9 million for Entergy Arkansas, $71.2 million for Entergy Gulf States, $31.7 million for Entergy Louisiana, and $65.6 million for System Energy. The lessors finance the acquisition and ownership of nuclear fuel through loans made under revolving credit agreements, the issuance of commercial paper, and the issuance of intermediate-term notes. The credit agreements for Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy each have a termination date of October 30, 2006. The termination dates may be extended from time to time with the consent of the lenders. The intermediate-term notes issued pursuant to these fuel lease arrangements have varying maturities through February 15, 2009. It is expected that additional financing under the leases will be arranged as needed to acquire additional fuel, to pay interest, and to pay maturing debt. However, if such additional financing cannot be arranged, the lessee in each case must repurchase sufficient nuclear fuel to allow the lessor to meet its obligations in accordance with the fuel lease.

Lease payments are based on nuclear fuel use. The total nuclear fuel lease payments (principal and interest) as well as the separate interest component charged to operations by the domestic utility companies and System Energy were $146.6 million (including interest of $12.8 million) in 2004, $142.0 million (including interest of $11.8 million) in 2003, and $137.8 million (including interest of $11.3 million) in 2002.

Sale and Leaseback Transactions

Waterford 3 Lease Obligations

In 1989, Entergy Louisiana sold and leased back 9.3% of its interest in Waterford 3 for the aggregate sum of $353.6 million. The lease has an approximate term of 28 years. The lessors financed the sale-leaseback through the issuance of Waterford 3 Secured Lease Obligation Bonds. The lease payments made by Entergy Louisiana are sufficient to service the debt.

In 1994, Entergy Louisiana did not exercise its option to repurchase the 9.3% interest in Waterford 3. As a result, Entergy Louisiana issued $208.2 million of non-interest bearing first mortgage bonds as collateral for the equity portion of certain amounts payable under the lease.

In 1997, the lessors refinanced the outstanding bonds used to finance the purchase of Waterford 3 at lower interest rates, which reduced the annual lease payments.

Upon the occurrence of certain events, Entergy Louisiana may be obligated to assume the outstanding bonds used to finance the purchase of the unit and to pay an amount sufficient to withdraw from the lease transaction. Such events include lease events of default, events of loss, deemed loss events, or certain adverse "Financial Events." "Financial Events" include, among other things, failure by Entergy Louisiana, following the expiration of any applicable grace or cure period, to maintain (i) total equity capital (including preferred stock) at least equal to 30% of adjusted capitalization, or (ii) a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.50 computed on a rolling 12 month basis.

As of December 31, 2004, Entergy Louisiana's total equity capital (including preferred stock) was 51.33% of adjusted capitalization and its fixed charge coverage ratio for 2004 was 3.76.

As of December 31, 2004 Entergy Louisiana had future minimum lease payments (reflecting an overall implicit rate of 7.45%) in connection with the Waterford 3 sale and leaseback transactions, which are recorded as long-term debt, as follows:

   

(In Thousands)

     

2005

 

$14,554

2006

 

18,261

2007

 

18,754

2008

 

22,606

2009

 

32,452

Years thereafter

 

334,062

Total

 

440,689

Less: Amount representing interest

 

192,964

Present value of net minimum lease payments

 

$247,725

Grand Gulf Lease Obligations

In December 1988, System Energy sold 11.5% of its undivided ownership interest in Grand Gulf for the aggregate sum of $500 million. Subsequently, System Energy leased back its interest in the unit for a term of 26-1/2 years. System Energy has the option of terminating the lease and repurchasing the 11.5% interest in the unit at certain intervals during the lease. Furthermore, at the end of the lease term, System Energy has the option of renewing the lease or repurchasing the 11.5% interest in Grand Gulf.

In May 2004 System Energy caused the Grand Gulf lessors to refinance the outstanding bonds that they had issued to finance the purchase of their undivided interest in Grand Gulf. The refinancing is at a lower interest rate, and System Energy's lease payments have been reduced to reflect the lower interest costs.

System Energy is required to report the sale-leaseback as a financing transaction in its financial statements. For financial reporting purposes, System Energy expenses the interest portion of the lease obligation and the plant depreciation. However, operating revenues include the recovery of the lease payments because the transactions are accounted for as a sale and leaseback for ratemaking purposes. Consistent with a recommendation contained in a FERC audit report, System Energy recorded as a net regulatory asset the difference between the recovery of the lease payments and the amounts expensed for interest and depreciation and is recording this difference as a regulatory asset or liability on an ongoing basis, resulting in a zero net balance at the end of the lease term. The amount of this net regulatory asset was $75.4 million and $83.2 million as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

As of December 31, 2004 System Energy had future minimum lease payments (reflecting an implicit rate of 5.01%), which are recorded as long-term debt as follows:

   

(In Thousands)

     

2005

 

$45,423

2006

 

46,019

2007

 

46,552

2008

 

47,128

2009

 

47,760

Years thereafter

 

302,402

Total

 

535,284

Less: Amount representing interest

 

138,165

Present value of net minimum lease payments

 

$397,119

NOTE 10. RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS

Pension Plans

Entergy has seven pension plans covering substantially all of its employees: "Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees," "Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees," "Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees," "Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees," "Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III," "Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Non-Bargaining Employees," and "Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees." Except for the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III, the pension plans are noncontributory and provide pension benefits that are based on employees' credited service and compensation during the final years before retirement. The Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III includes a mandatory employee contribution of 3% of earnings during the first 10 years of plan participation, and allows voluntary contributions from 1% to 10% of earnings for a limited group of employees. Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension costs in accordance with contribution guidelines established by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, Entergy recognized an additional minimum pension liability for the excess of the accumulated benefit obligation over the fair market value of plan assets. In accordance with SFAS 87, an offsetting intangible asset, up to the amount of any unrecognized prior service cost, was also recorded, with the remaining offset to the liability recorded as a regulatory asset reflective of the recovery mechanism for pension costs in Entergy's jurisdictions or to other comprehensive income for Entergy's non-regulated business. Entergy's domestic utility companies' and System Energy's pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of its jurisdictions. Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension plans.

Components of Net Pension Cost

Total 2004, 2003, and 2002 pension costs of Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized, included the following components:

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost - benefits earned
during the period

 

$76,946 

 

$70,337 

 

$56,947 

Interest cost on projected
benefit obligation

 

148,092 

 

134,403 

 

128,387 

Expected return on assets

 

(153,584)

 

(155,460)

 

(158,202)

Amortization of transition asset

 

(763)

 

(763)

 

(763)

Amortization of prior service cost

 

5,143 

 

5,886 

 

5,993 

Recognized net loss

 

21,687 

 

6,399 

 

5,504 

Curtailment loss

 

 

14,864 

 

Special termination benefits

 

 

32,006 

 

Net pension costs

 

$97,521 

 

$107,672 

 

$37,866 

Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004 and 2003:

December 31,

2004

2003

(In Thousands)

Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)

Balance at beginning of year

$2,349,565 

$1,992,207 

Service cost

76,946 

70,337 

Interest cost

148,092 

134,403 

Amendments

3,709 

227 

Actuarial loss

171,146 

205,949 

Benefits paid

(117,234)

(97,574)

Employee contributions

1,212 

1,059 

Curtailment loss

10,951 

Special termination benefits

32,006 

Balance at end of year

$2,633,436 

$2,349,565 

Change in Plan Assets

Fair value of assets at beginning of year

$1,744,975 

$1,451,802 

Actual return on plan assets

170,964 

355,043 

Employer contributions

72,825 

34,645 

Employee contributions

1,212 

1,059 

Benefits paid

(117,234)

(97,574)

Fair value of assets at end of year

$1,872,742 

$1,744,975 

Funded status

($760,694)

($604,590)

Amounts not yet recognized in the balance sheet

Unrecognized transition asset

(662)

(1,426)

Unrecognized prior service cost

29,053 

30,467 

Unrecognized net loss

542,391 

410,321 

Accrued pension cost recognized in the balance sheet

($189,912)

($165,228)

Amounts recognized in the balance sheet

Accrued pension cost

($189,912)

($165,228)

Additional minimum pension liability

(244,280)

(180,212)

Intangible asset

26,167 

30,832 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

10,781 

15,359 

Regulatory asset

207,332 

13,021 

Net amount recognized

($189,912)

($165,228)

Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy also currently provides health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees. Substantially all domestic employees may become eligible for these benefits if they reach retirement age while still working for Entergy. Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its postretirement benefit plans.

Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted SFAS 106, which required a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions. At January 1, 1993, the actuarially determined accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) earned by retirees and active employees was estimated to be approximately $241.4 million for Entergy (other than Entergy Gulf States) and $128 million for Entergy Gulf States. Such obligations are being amortized over a 20-year period that began in 1993. For the most part, the domestic utilities and System Energy recover SFAS 106 costs from customers and are required to fund postretirement benefits collected in rates to an external trust.

Components of Net Postretirement Benefit Cost

Total 2004, 2003, and 2002 other postretirement benefit costs of Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, included the following components:

 

2004

2003

2002

(In Thousands)

Service cost - benefits earned
during the period


$30,947  


$37,799 


$29,199 

Interest cost on APBO

53,801  

52,746 

44,819 

Expected return on assets

(18,825) 

(15,810)

(14,066)

Amortization of transition obligation

9,429  

15,193 

17,874 

Amortization of prior service cost

(5,222) 

(925)

992 

Recognized net (gain)/loss

15,546  

12,369 

1,874 

Curtailment loss

 -  

57,958 

Special termination benefits

-  

5,444 

Net other postretirement benefit cost

$85,676  

$164,774 

$80,692 

Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004 and 2003:

December 31,

2004

2003

(In Thousands)

Change in APBO

Balance at beginning of year

$941,803 

$799,506 

Service cost

30,947 

37,799 

Interest cost

53,801 

52,746 

Actuarial loss

73,890 

115,966 

Benefits paid

(66,456)

(48,379)

Plan Amendments (a)

(60,231)

(84,722)

Plan participant contributions

9,312 

7,074 

Curtailments

56,369 

Special termination benefits

5,444 

Balance at end of year

$983,066 

$941,803 

Change in Plan Assets

Fair value of assets at beginning of year

$227,446 

$182,692 

Actual return on plan assets

15,550 

22,794 

Employer contributions

63,399 

63,265 

Plan participant contributions

9,312 

7,074 

Benefits paid

(66,455)

(48,379)

Fair value of assets at end of year

$249,252 

$227,446 

Funded status

($733,814)

($714,357)

Amounts not yet recognized in the balance sheet

Unrecognized transition obligation

5,594 

44,815 

Unrecognized prior service cost

(39,560)

(20,746)

Unrecognized net loss

391,940 

336,005 

Accrued other postretirement benefit cost recognized in
the balance sheet


($375,840)


($354,283)

(a)

Reflects plan design changes, including a change in the participation assumption for the majority of non-bargaining employees effective August 1, 2003 and certain bargaining employees and additional non-bargaining employees effective January 1, 2004.

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans' Assets

Entergy's pension and postretirement plans weighted-average asset allocations by asset category at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

 

Pension

 

Postretirement

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic Equity Securities

46%

 

56%

 

38%

 

37%

International Equity Securities

21%

 

14%

 

14%

 

0%

Fixed-Income Securities

31%

 

28%

 

47%

 

60%

Other

2%

 

2%

 

1%

 

3%

Entergy's trust asset investment strategy is to invest the assets in a manner whereby long-term earnings on the assets (plus cash contributions) provide adequate funding for retiree benefit payments. The mix of assets is based on an optimization study that identifies asset allocation targets in order to achieve the maximum return for an acceptable level of risk, while minimizing the expected contributions and pension and postretirement expense.

In the optimization study, Entergy formulates assumptions (or hires a consultant to provide such analysis) about characteristics, such as expected asset class investment returns, volatility (risk), and correlation coefficients among the various asset classes. The future market assumptions used in the optimization study are determined by examining historical market characteristics of the various asset classes, and making adjustments to reflect future conditions expected to prevail over the study period.

The optimization analysis utilized in Entergy's latest study produced the following approved asset class target allocations.

 

Pension

 

Postretirement

 

 

 

 

Domestic Equity Securities

45%

 

37%

International Equity Securities

20%

 

14%

Fixed-Income Securities

31%

 

49%

Other (Cash and GACs)

4%

 

0%

These allocation percentages combined with each asset class' expected investment return produced an aggregate return expectation for the five years following the study of 7.6% for pension assets, 5.4% for taxable postretirement assets, and 7.2% for non-taxable postretirement assets. These returns are not inconsistent with Entergy's disclosed expected pre-tax return on assets of 8.50% over the life of the respective liabilities.

Since precise allocation targets are inefficient to manage security investments, the following ranges were established to produce an acceptable economically efficient plan to manage to targets:

 

Pension

 

Postretirement

 

 

 

 

Domestic Equity Securities

45% to 55%

 

32% to 42%

International Equity Securities

15% to 25%

 

9% to 19%

Fixed-Income Securities

25% to 35%

 

44% to 54%

Other

0% to 10%

 

0% to 5%

Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation

The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy's pension plans was $2.3 billion and $2.1 billion at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Based upon the assumptions used to measure the company's pension and postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2004, and including pension and postretirement benefits attributable to estimated future employee service, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid over the next ten years will be as follows:

 

Estimated Future Benefits Payments

 

Pension

 

Postretirement

 

(In Thousands)

Year(s)

 

2005

$115,203

 

$60,932

2006

$116,894

 

$59,761

2007

$119,092

 

$62,392

2008

$122,728

 

$64,381

2009

$127,877

 

$66,444

2010 - 2014

$780,295

 

$360,191

Contributions

Entergy expects to contribute $185.9 million (excluding about $1.2 million in employee contributions) to its pension plans and $63.3 million to other postretirement plans in 2005.

Additional Information

The change in the minimum pension liability included in other comprehensive income and regulatory assets was as follows for 2004 and 2003:

 

2004

 

2003

 

(In Thousands)

Increase/(decrease) in the minimum pension liability included in:

 

Other comprehensive income

($4,578)

 

($1,639)

Regulatory assets

$73,311 

 

($23,768)

Actuarial Assumptions

The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the APBO of Entergy was 10% for 2005, gradually decreasing each successive year until it reaches 4.5% in 2011 and beyond. The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost of Entergy was 10% for 2004, gradually decreasing each successive year until it reaches 4.5% in 2010 and beyond. A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for 2004 would have the following effects:

 

 

1 Percentage Point Increase

 

1 Percentage Point Decrease




2004

 



Impact on the
APBO

 

Impact on the
sum of service
costs and
interest cost

 



Impact on the
APBO

 

Impact on the
sum of service
costs and
interest cost

   

Increase (Decrease)
(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy Corporation

 

$99,271

 

$11,587

 

($89,801)

 

($10,061)

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the pension PBO and the SFAS 106 APBO for 2004, 2003, and 2002 were as follows:

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

Weighted-average discount rate:

 

 

 

 

 

    Pension

6.00%

 

6.25%

 

6.75%

    Other postretirement

6.00%

 

6.71%

 

6.75%

Weighted-average rate of increase
 in future compensation levels


3.25%

 


3.25%

 


3.25%

Expected long-term rate of
 return on plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

    Taxable assets

5.50%

 

5.50%

 

5.50%

    Non-taxable assets

8.50%

 

8.75%

 

8.75%

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs for 2004, 2003, and 2002 were as follows:

.

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average discount rate

    Pension

6.25%

 

6.75%

 

7.50%

    Other postretirement

6.71%

6.75%

7.50%

Weighted-average rate of increase
 in future compensation levels


3.25%

 


3.25%

 


4.60%

Expected long-term rate of
 return on plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

    Taxable assets

5.50%

 

5.50%

 

5.50%

    Non-taxable assets

8.75%

 

8.75%

 

9.00%

Entergy's remaining pension transition assets are being amortized over the greater of the remaining service period of active participants or 15 years ending in 2005, and its SFAS 106 transition obligations are being amortized over 20 years ending in 2012.

Voluntary Severance Program

As part of an initiative to achieve productivity improvements with a goal of reducing costs, primarily in the Non-Utility Nuclear and U.S. Utility businesses, in the second half of 2003 Entergy offered a voluntary severance program to employees in various departments. Approximately 1,100 employees, including 650 employees in nuclear operations from the Non-Utility Nuclear and U.S. Utility businesses, accepted the offers. As a result of this program, in the fourth quarter 2003 Entergy recorded additional pension and postretirement costs (including amounts capitalized) of $110.3 million for special termination benefits and plan curtailment charges. These amounts are included in the net pension cost and net postretirement benefit cost for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003

In December 2003, the President signed the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 into law. The Act introduces a prescription drug benefit cost under Medicare (Part D), starting in 2006, as well as federal subsidy to employers who provide a retiree prescription drug benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D.

At December 2003, specific authoritative guidance on the accounting for the federal subsidy was pending. As allowed by Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position No. FAS 106-1, Entergy elected to record an estimate of the effects of the Act in accounting for its postretirement benefit plans at December 31, 2003, under SFAS 106 and in providing disclosures required by SFAS No. 132 (revised 2003), Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits. At December 31, 2003, based on actuarial analysis of prescription drug benefits, estimated future Medicare subsidies were expected to reduce the December 31, 2003 Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation by $56 million. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the impact of the Act on net postretirement benefit cost was immaterial, as it reflected only one month's impact of the Act.

In 2004, Entergy continued to record an estimate of the effects the Act in accounting for its postretirement benefit plans. In mid-2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Staff Position No. FAS 106-2, Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, which was effective for Entergy's June 30, 2004 interim reporting.

In August 2004, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued proposed regulations to implement the new Medicare law. A ruling from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was issued in late January 2005 with final guidance expected later this year.

The actuarially estimated effect of future Medicare subsidies reduced the December 31, 2003 and 2004 Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation by $128 million and $161 million, respectively, and reduced the 2004 other postretirement benefit cost by $23.3 million.

Defined Contribution Plans

Entergy sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (System Savings Plan). The System Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan covering eligible employees of Entergy and its subsidiaries. Through January 31, 2004, the System Savings Plan provided that the employing Entergy subsidiary:

  • make matching contributions to the System Savings Plan in an amount equal to 75% of the participants' basic contributions, up to 6% of their eligible earnings, in shares of Entergy Corporation common stock if the employees direct their company-matching contribution to the purchase of Entergy Corporation's common stock; or
  • make matching contributions in the amount of 50% of the participants' basic contributions, up to 6% of their eligible earnings, if the employees direct their company-matching contribution to other investment funds.

Effective February 1, 2004, the employing Entergy subsidiary began making matching contributions for non-bargaining employees to the System Savings Plan in an amount equal to 70% of the participants' basic contributions, up to 6% of their eligible earnings. The 70% match is allocated to investments as directed by the employee.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries II (established in 2001), the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries III (established in 2002), and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries V (established in 2002). The plans are defined contribution plans that cover eligible employees, as defined by each plan, of Entergy and its subsidiaries. The employing Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions equal to 50% of the participants' participating contributions for each of these plans. Effective September 30, 2004, employees participating in the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries III (Savings Plan III) were transferred into the System Savings Plan and Savings Plan III was terminated.

Entergy's subsidiaries' contributions to defined contribution plans collectively were $32.9 million in 2004, $31.5 million in 2003, and $29.6 million in 2002. The majority of the contributions were to the System Savings Plan.

NOTE 11. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

Entergy's reportable segments as of December 31, 2004 are U.S. Utility, Non-Utility Nuclear, and Energy Commodity Services. U.S. Utility generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power in portions of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, and provides natural gas utility service in portions of Louisiana. Non-Utility Nuclear owns and operates five nuclear power plants and is primarily focused on selling electric power produced by those plants to wholesale customers. Energy Commodity Services includes Entergy-Koch, LP and Entergy's non-nuclear wholesale assets business. Entergy-Koch engaged in two major businesses: energy commodity marketing and trading through Entergy-Koch Trading, and gas transportation and storage through Gulf South Pipeline. Entergy-Koch sold both of these businesses in the fourth quarter of 2004, and Entergy-Koch is no longer an operating entity. The non-nuclear wholesale assets business sells to wholesale customers the electric power produced by power plants that it owns while it focuses on improving performance and exploring sales or restructuring opportunities for its power plants. Such opportunities are evaluated consistent with Entergy's market-based point-of-view. Results from Entergy-Koch are reported as equity in earnings of unconsolidated equity affiliates in the financial statements. Entergy's operating segments are strategic business units managed separately due to their different operating and regulatory environments. Entergy's chief operating decision maker is its Office of the Chief Executive, which consists of its highest-ranking officers.

"All Other" includes the parent company, Entergy Corporation, other business activity, including the Competitive Retail Services business, which has higher revenues in 2004 as its number of customers has increased, and earnings on the proceeds of sales of previously-owned businesses.

Entergy's segment financial information is as follows:



2004



U. S. Utility

 


Non-Utility
Nuclear*

 

Energy
Commodity
Services *

 


All Other*

 



Eliminations

 



Consolidated

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues

$8,142,808 

 

$1,341,852 

 

$216,450 

 

$486,804 

 

($64,190)

 

$10,123,724 

Deprec., amort. & decomm.

$915,667 

 

$106,408 

 

$16,311 

 

$6,736 

 

$- 

 

$1,045,122 

Interest income

$40,831 

 

$63,569 

 

$17,875 

 

$42,729 

 

($55,195)

 

$109,809 

Equity in loss of
unconsolidated equity affiliates


$-

 


$- 

 


($78,727)

 


$- 

 


$- 

 


($78,727)

Interest charges

$383,032 

 

$53,657 

 

$15,560 

 

$81,916 

 

($55,142)

 

$479,023 

Income taxes (credits)

$406,864 

 

$142,620 

 

($155,840)

 

($27,736)

 

$- 

 

$365,908 

Net income

$666,691 

 

$245,029 

 

$3,778 

 

$17,606 

 

($55)

 

$933,049 

Total assets

$22,937,237 

 

$4,531,604 

 

$2,223,961 

 

$199,233 

 

($1,581,258)

 

$28,310,777 

Investment in affiliates - at equity

$207 

 

$- 

 

$512,571 

 

$- 

 

($280,999)

 

$231,779 

Cash paid for long-lived asset additions


$1,152,167 

 


$242,822 

 


$2,022 

 


$13,604 

 


($5) 

 


$1,410,610 



2003



U. S. Utility

 


Non-Utility
Nuclear*

 

Energy
Commodity
Services *

 


All Other*

 



Eliminations

 



Consolidated

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues

$7,584,857 

 

$1,274,983 

 

$184,888 

 

$188,228 

 

($38,036)

 

$9,194,920 

Deprec., amort. & decomm.

$890,092 

 

$87,825 

 

$13,681 

 

$5,005 

 

$- 

 

$996,603 

Interest income

$43,035 

 

$36,874 

 

$18,128 

 

$27,575 

 

($38,226)

 

$87,386 

Equity in earnings (loss) of
unconsolidated equity affiliates


($3)

 


$- 

 


$271,650 

 


$- 

 


$- 

 


$271,647 

Interest charges

$419,111 

 

$34,460 

 

$15,193 

 

$75,787 

 

($38,225)

 

$506,326 

Income taxes (credits)

$341,044 

 

$88,619 

 

$105,903 

 

($45,492)

 

$- 

 

$490,074 

Cumulative effect of accounting change


($21,333)

 


$154,512 

 


$3,895 

 


$- 

 


$- 

 


$137,074 

Net income (loss)

$492,574 

 

$300,799 

 

$180,454 

 

($23,360)

 

$- 

 

$950,467 

Total assets

$22,402,314 

 

$4,171,777 

 

$2,076,921 

 

$1,495,903 

 

($1,619,527)

 

$28,527,388 

Investment in affiliates - at equity

$211 

 

$- 

 

$1,081,462 

 

$- 

 

($28,345)

 

$1,053,328 

Cash paid for long-lived asset additions


$1,233,208 

 


$281,377 

 


$44,284 

 


$10,074 

 


$- 

 


$1,568,943 



2002



U. S. Utility

 


Non-Utility
Nuclear*

 

Energy
Commodity
Services *

 


All Other*

 



Eliminations

 



Consolidated

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues

$6,773,509 

 

$1,200,238 

 

$294,670 

 

$40,729 

 

($4,111)

 

$8,305,035 

Deprec., amort. & decomm.

$800,257 

 

$88,733 

 

$21,465 

 

$5,143 

 

$- 

 

$915,598 

Interest income

$23,231 

 

$71,262 

 

$26,140 

 

$35,433 

 

($37,741)

 

$118,325 

Equity in earnings (loss) of
unconsolidated equity affiliates

($2)

 

$- 

 

$183,880 

 

$- 

 

$- 

 

$183,878 

Interest charges

$465,703 

 

$47,291 

 

$61,632 

 

$35,579 

 

($37,741)

 

$572,464 

Income taxes (credits)

$313,752 

 

$132,726 

 

($141,288)

 

($11,252)

 

$- 

 

$293,938 

Net income (loss)

$606,963 

 

$200,505 

 

($145,830)

 

($38,566)

 

$- 

 

$623,072 

Total assets

$21,630,523 

 

$4,482,308 

 

$2,167,472 

 

$1,327,354 

 

($2,103,291)

 

$27,504,366 

Investment in affiliates - at equity

$214 

 

$- 

 

$823,995 

 

$- 

 

$- 

 

$824,209 

Cash paid for long-lived asset additions

$1,131,734 

 

$169,756 

 

$210,297 

 

$18,514 

 

$- 

 

$1,530,301 

Businesses marked with * are referred to as the "competitive businesses," with the exception of the parent company, Entergy Corporation, which is included in "All Other." Eliminations are primarily intersegment activity. Substantially all of Entergy's recorded asset for goodwill is in its U.S. Utility segment.

In the fourth quarter 2004, Entergy recorded a charge of approximately $55 million ($36 million net-of-tax) as a result of an impairment of the value of the Warren Power plant. Entergy concluded that the value of the plant, which is owned in the non-nuclear wholesale assets business, was impaired. Entergy reached this conclusion based on valuation studies prepared in connection with the sale of preferred stock in a subsidiary in the non-nuclear wholesale assets business.

Energy Commodity Services' net loss for the year ended December 31, 2002 includes net charges of $428.5 million to operating expenses ($238.3 million net-of-tax). These charges reflect the effect of Entergy's decision to discontinue additional greenfield power plant development and the asset impairments resulting from the deteriorating economics of wholesale power markets in the United States and the United Kingdom. The net charges consist of the following:

  • The power development business obtained contracts in October 1999 to acquire 36 turbines from General Electric. Entergy's rights and obligations under the contracts for 22 of the turbines were sold to an independent special-purpose entity in May 2001. $178.0 million of the charges, including an offsetting benefit of $28.5 million ($18.5 million net-of-tax) related to the sale of four turbines to a third party, is a provision for the net costs resulting from cancellation or sale of the turbines subject to purchase commitments with the special-purpose entity.
  • $204.4 million of the charges result from the write-off of Entergy Power Development Corporation's equity investment in the Damhead Creek project and the impairment of the values of the Warren Power power plant, the Crete project, and the RS Cogen project. This portion of the charges reflects Entergy's estimate of the effects of reduced spark spreads in the United States and the United Kingdom. These estimates are based on various sources of information, including discounted cash flow projections and current market prices.
  • $39.1 million of the charges relate to the restructuring of the non-nuclear wholesale assets business, including impairments of administrative fixed assets, estimated sublease losses, and employee-related costs for approximately 135 affected employees. These restructuring costs, which are included in the "Provision for turbine commitments, asset impairments, and restructuring charges" in the accompanying consolidated statement of income, were comprised of the following:

 

 




Restructuring
Costs

 

Paid in
Cash through December 2004

 




Non-Cash
Portion

 


Remaining
Accrual as of December 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

(In Millions)

 

 

Fixed asset impairments

 

$22.5

 

$-

 

$22.5

 

$-

Sublease losses

 

10.7

 

5.6

 

-

 

5.1

Severance and related costs

 

5.9

 

5.9

 

 

Total

 

$39.1

 

$11.5

 

$22.5

 

$5.1

  • $32.7 million of the charges result from the write-off of capitalized project development costs for projects that will not be completed.
  • The net charges include a gain of $25.7 million ($15.9 million net-of-tax) on the sale of projects under development in Spain in August 2002 and the after-tax gain of $31.4 million realized on the sale of Damhead Creek in December 2002.

Geographic Areas

For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, Entergy derived less than 1% of its revenue from outside of the United States. For the year ended December 31, 2002 Entergy derived 3% of its revenue from outside of the United States.

As of December 31, 2004 and 2003 Entergy had almost no long-lived assets located outside of the United States.

NOTE 12. EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS

As of December 31, 2004, Entergy owns investments in the following companies that it accounts for under the equity method of accounting:

Company

 

Ownership

 

Description

         

Entergy-Koch, LP

 

50% partnership interest

 

Engaged in two major businesses: energy commodity marketing and trading through Entergy-Koch Trading, and gas transportation and storage through Gulf South Pipeline. Entergy-Koch sold both of these businesses in the fourth quarter of 2004, and Entergy-Koch is no longer an operating entity.

         

RS Cogen LLC

 

50% member interest

 

Co-generation project that produces power and steam on an industrial and merchant basis in the Lake Charles, Louisiana area.

         

Top Deer

 

50% member interest

 

Wind-powered electric generation joint venture.

Following is a reconciliation of Entergy's investments in equity affiliates:

   

2004

 

2003

 

2002

   

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

$1,053,328 

 

$824,209 

 

$766,103 

Additional investments

 

157,020 

 

4,668 

 

36,372 

Income (loss) from the investments

 

(78,727)

 

271,647 

 

183,878 

Other income

 

6,232 

 

45,583 

 

21,462 

Distributions received

 

(888,260)

 

(105,142)

 

(73,902)

Dispositions and other adjustments

 

(17,814)

 

12,363 

 

(109,704)

End of year

 

$231,779 

 

$1,053,328 

 

$824,209 

The following is a summary of combined financial information reported by Entergy's equity method investees:

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

(In Thousands)

             

Income Statement Items

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Operating revenues

 

$270,177 

 

$585,404

 

$551,853

    Operating income

 

($111,535)

 

$207,301

 

$159,342

    Net income

 

$739,858 (1) 

 

$172,595

 

$68,095

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance Sheet Items

           

    Current assets

 

$540,386

 

$2,576,630

 

 

    Noncurrent assets

 

$418,038

 

$1,675,334

 

 

    Current liabilities

 

$180,009

 

$1,757,663

 

 

    Noncurrent liabilities

 

$463,899

 

$1,166,540

 

 

(1) Includes gains recorded by Entergy-Koch on the sales of its energy trading and pipeline businesses.

Related-party transactions and guarantees

During 2004, 2003, and 2002, Entergy procured various services from Entergy-Koch consisting primarily of pipeline transportation services for natural gas and risk management services for electricity and natural gas. The total cost of such services in 2004, 2003, and 2002 was approximately $9.5 million, $15.9 million, and $11.2 million, respectively. In 2003, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans entered purchase power agreements with RS Cogen, and purchased a total of $26.0 million of capacity and energy from RS Cogen in 2003. In 2004, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans purchased a total of $43.6 million of capacity and energy from RS Cogen. Entergy's operating transactions with its other equity method investees were not material in 2004, 2003, or 2002.

In the purchase agreements for its energy trading and the pipeline business sales, Entergy-Koch has agreed to indemnify the respective purchasers for certain potential losses relating to any breaches of the sellers' representations, warranties, and obligations under each of the purchase agreements. Entergy Corporation has guaranteed up to 50% of Entergy-Koch's indemnification obligations to the purchasers. Entergy does not expect any material claims under these indemnification obligations, but to the extent that any are asserted and paid, the gain that Entergy expects to record in 2006 may be reduced.

During the fourth quarter of 2004, an Entergy subsidiary purchased from a commercial bank holder $16.3 million of RS Cogen subordinated indebtedness, due October 2017, bearing interest at LIBOR plus 4.50%.  The debt was purchased at a discount of approximately $2.4 million that will be amortized over the remaining life of the debt.

NOTE 13. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

Asset Acquisitions

Vermont Yankee

In July 2002, Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear business purchased the 510 MW Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant located in Vernon, Vermont, from Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation for $180 million. Entergy received the plant, nuclear fuel, inventories, and related real estate. The liability to decommission the plant, as well as related decommissioning trust funds of approximately $310 million, was also transferred to Entergy. The acquisition included a 10-year power purchase agreement (PPA) under which the former owners will buy the power produced by the plant, which is through the expiration of the current operating license for the plant. The PPA includes an adjustment clause which provides that the prices specified in the PPA will be adjusted downward annually, beginning in December 2005, if power market prices drop below the PPA prices.

The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method. The results of operations of Vermont Yankee subsequent to the purchase date have been included in Entergy's consolidated results of operations. The purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values on the purchase date.

Asset Dispositions

Entergy-Koch Businesses

In the fourth quarter of 2004, Entergy-Koch sold its energy trading and pipeline businesses to third parties. The sales came after a review of strategic alternatives for enhancing the value of Entergy-Koch, LP. Entergy received $862 million of cash distributions in 2004 from Entergy-Koch after the business sales, and Entergy ultimately expects to receive total net cash distributions exceeding $1 billion, comprised of the after-tax cash from the distributions of the sales proceeds and the eventual liquidation of Entergy-Koch. Entergy currently expects the net cash distributions that it will receive will exceed its equity investment in Entergy-Koch, and expects to record a $60 million net-of-tax gain when it receives the remaining cash distributions, which it expects will occur in 2006.

Other

In January 2004, Entergy sold its 50% interest in the Crete project, which is a 320MW power plant located in Illinois, and realized an insignificant gain on the sale.

In the fourth quarter of 2004, Entergy sold undivided interests in the Warren Power and the Harrison County plants at a price that approximated book value.

In the first quarter of 2002, Entergy sold its interests in projects in Argentina, Chile, and Peru for net proceeds of $135.5 million. After impairment provisions recorded for these Latin American interests in 2001, the net loss realized on the sale in 2002 was insignificant.

In August 2002, Entergy sold its interest in projects under development in Spain for a realized gain on the sale of $25.7 million. In December 2002, Entergy sold its 800 MW Damhead Creek power plant in the UK resulting in an increase in net income of $31.4 million. The Damhead Creek buyer assumed all market and regulatory risks associated with the facility.

NOTE 14. RISK MANAGEMENT AND FAIR VALUES

Market and Commodity Risks

In the normal course of business, Entergy is exposed to a number of market and commodity risks. Market risk is the potential loss that Entergy may incur as a result of changes in the market or fair value of a particular instrument or commodity. All financial and commodity-related instruments, including derivatives, are subject to market risk. Entergy is subject to a number of commodity and market risks, including:

Type of Risk

 

Primary Affected Segments

 

 

 

Power price risk

 

All reportable segments

Fuel price risk

 

All reportable segments

Foreign currency exchange rate risk

 

All reportable segments

Equity price and interest rate risk - investments

 

U.S. Utility, Non-Utility Nuclear

Entergy manages these risks through both contractual arrangements and derivatives. Contractual risk management tools include long-term power and fuel purchase agreements, capacity contracts, and tolling agreements. Entergy also uses a variety of commodity and financial derivatives, including natural gas and electricity futures, forwards, swaps, and options; foreign currency forwards; and interest rate swaps as a part of its overall risk management strategy. Except for the energy trading activities conducted through December 2004 by Entergy-Koch, Entergy enters into derivatives only to manage natural risks inherent in its physical or financial assets or liabilities.

Entergy's exposure to market risk is determined by a number of factors, including the size, term, composition, and diversification of positions held, as well as market volatility and liquidity. For instruments such as options, the time period during which the option may be exercised and the relationship between the current market price of the underlying instrument and the option's contractual strike or exercise price also affects the level of market risk. A significant factor influencing the overall level of market risk to which Entergy is exposed is its use of hedging techniques to mitigate such risk. Entergy manages market risk by actively monitoring compliance with stated risk management policies as well as monitoring the effectiveness of its hedging policies and strategies. Entergy's risk management policies limit the amount of total net exposure and rolling net exposure during the stated periods. These policies, including related risk limits, are regularly assessed to ensure their appropriateness given Entergy's objectives.

Hedging Derivatives

Entergy classifies substantially all of the following types of derivative instruments held by its consolidated businesses as cash flow hedges:

Instrument

 

Business Segment

 

 

 

Natural gas and electricity futures and forwards

 

Non-Utility Nuclear, Energy Commodity
Services, Competitive Retail Services

Foreign currency forwards

 

U.S. Utility, Non-Utility Nuclear

Cash flow hedges with net unrealized losses of approximately $99 million at December 31, 2004 are scheduled to mature during 2005. Net losses totaling approximately $13 million were realized during 2004 on the maturity of cash flow hedges. Unrealized gains or losses result from hedging power output at the Non-Utility Nuclear power stations and foreign currency hedges related to Euro-denominated nuclear fuel acquisitions. The related gains or losses from hedging power are included in revenues when realized. The realized gains or losses from foreign currency transactions are included in the cost of capitalized fuel. The maximum length of time over which Entergy is currently hedging the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions at December 31, 2004 is approximately four years. The ineffective portion of the change in the value of Entergy's cash flow hedges during 2004 was insignificant.

Fair Values

Financial Instruments

The estimated fair value of Entergy's financial instruments is determined using bid prices reported by dealer markets and by nationally recognized investment banking firms. The estimated fair value of derivative financial instruments is based on market quotes. Considerable judgment is required in developing some of the estimates of fair value. Therefore, estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that Entergy could realize in a current market exchange. In addition, gains or losses realized on financial instruments held by regulated businesses may be reflected in future rates and therefore do not necessarily accrue to the benefit or detriment of stockholders.

Entergy considers the carrying amounts of most of its financial instruments classified as current assets and liabilities to be a reasonable estimate of their fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. Additional information regarding financial instruments and their fair values is included in Notes 5 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 15. DECOMMISSIONING TRUST FUNDS

Entergy holds debt and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale, in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts. The securities held at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows:

2004

Fair
Value

Total
Unrealized
Gains

Total
Unrealized
Losses

(In Millions)

Equity

$995

$166

$17

Debt Securities

1,457

33

6

  Total

$2,452

$199

$23

2003

Equity

$896

$81

$11

Debt Securities

1,383

27

3

  Total

$2,279

$108

$14

The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows at December 31, 2004:

Equity Securities

Debt Securities

Fair
Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

(In Millions)

Less than 12 months

$29

$2

$334

$5

More than 12 months

115

15

37

1

  Total

$144

$17

$371

$6

Entergy evaluates these unrealized gains and losses at the end of each period to determine whether an other than temporary impairment has occurred. This analysis considers the length of time that a security has been in a loss position, the current performance of that security, and whether decommissioning costs are recovered in rates. Due to the regulatory treatment of decommissioning collections and trust fund earnings, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, System Energy record regulatory assets or liabilities for unrealized gains and losses on trust investments. For the unregulated portion of River Bend, Entergy Gulf States has recorded an offsetting amount of unrealized gains or losses in other deferred credits. No significant impairments were recorded in 2004 and 2003 as a result of these evaluations.

The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, at December 31, 2004 is as follows:

Fair
Value

(In Millions)

less than 1 year

$134

1 year - 5 years

592

5 years - 10 years

425

10 years - 15 years

158

15 years - 20 years

60

20 years+

88

  Total

$1,457

During the year ended December 31, 2004, the proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $37 million with gross gains of $0.7 million and gross losses of $0.7 million, which were reclassified out of other comprehensive income into earnings during the period.

NOTE 16. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

Operating results for the four quarters of 2004 and 2003 were:

 

Operating
Revenues

 

Operating
Income

 

Net
Income (Loss)

 

(In Thousands)

2004:

 

   First Quarter

$2,251,549

 

$378,834 

 

$213,016 

   Second Quarter

$2,485,097

 

$494,312 

 

$271,011 

   Third Quarter

$2,963,581

 

$571,472 

 

$288,047 

   Fourth Quarter

$2,423,497

 

$208,946 

 

$160,975 

 

 

 

 

 

2003:

 

 

 

 

 

   First Quarter

$2,037,723

 

$363,403 

 

$400,923(a)

   Second Quarter

$2,353,909

 

$461,576 

 

$211,517 

   Third Quarter

$2,700,125

 

$619,005 

 

$371,650 

   Fourth Quarter

$2,103,163

 

$40,571 

 

($33,623)

(a)

Net income before the cumulative effect of accounting changes for the first quarter 2003 was $258,001.

Earnings per Average Common Share

 

2004

 

2003

 

Basic

 

Diluted

 

Basic

 

Diluted

               

First Quarter

$0.90   

 

$0.88   

 

$1.77(b)

 

$1.73(b)

Second Quarter

$1.16   

 

$1.14   

 

$0.91   

 

$0.89   

Third Quarter

$1.24   

 

$1.22   

 

$1.60   

 

$1.57   

Fourth Quarter

$0.71   

 

$0.69   

 

($0.19)  

 

($0.18)  

(b)

Basic and diluted earnings per average common share before the cumulative effect of accounting changes for the first quarter of 2003 were $1.13 and $1.10, respectively.

ENTERGY'S BUSINESS (continued)

U.S. Utility

The U.S. Utility is Entergy's largest business segment, with five wholly-owned domestic retail electric utility subsidiaries: Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans. These companies generate, transmit, distribute and sell electric power to retail and wholesale customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Entergy Gulf States and Entergy New Orleans also provide natural gas utility services to customers in and around Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and New Orleans, Louisiana, respectively. Also included in the U.S. Utility is System Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Entergy Corporation that owns or leases 90 percent of Grand Gulf 1. System Energy sells its power and capacity from Grand Gulf 1 at wholesale to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans.

These utility subsidiaries are each regulated by state utility commissions, and in the case of Entergy New Orleans, the City Council. System Energy is regulated by FERC as all of its transactions are at the wholesale level. The U.S. Utility continues to operate as a monopoly as efforts toward deregulation have been delayed, abandoned, or not initiated in its service territories. The overall generation portfolio of the U.S. Utility, which relies heavily on natural gas and nuclear generation, is consistent with Entergy's strong support for the environment.

The U.S. Utility is focused on providing highly reliable and cost effective electricity and gas service while working in an environment that provides the highest level of safety for its employees. Since 1998, the U.S. Utility has significantly improved key customer service, reliability, and safety metrics and continues to actively pursue additional improvements.

Customers

As of December 31, 2004, Entergy's domestic utility companies provided retail electric and gas service to customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, as follows:

Electric Customers

Gas Customers

Area Served

(In Thousands)

(%)

(In Thousands)

(%)

Entergy Arkansas

Portions of Arkansas

667

25%

Entergy Gulf States

Portions of Texas and
Louisiana

724

27%

91

39%

Entergy Louisiana

Portions of Louisiana

662

25%

Entergy Mississippi

Portions of Mississippi

420

16%

Entergy New Orleans

City of New Orleans*

189

7%

145

61%

Total customers

2,662

100%

236

100%

*

Excludes the Algiers area of the city, where Entergy Louisiana provides electric service.

Electric Energy Sales

The electric energy sales of Entergy's domestic utility companies are subject to seasonal fluctuations, with the peak sales period normally occurring during the third quarter of each year. On July 15, Entergy reached a 2004 peak demand of 21,174 MW, compared to the 2003 peak of 20,162 MW recorded on August 19 of that year. Selected electric energy sales data is shown in the table below:

Selected 2004 Electric Energy Sales Data

Entergy
Arkansas

Entergy
Gulf States

Entergy
Louisiana

Entergy
Mississippi

Entergy
New Orleans

System
Energy

Entergy
(a)

(In GWh)

Sales to retail
  customers


19,735 


35,275 


28,183 


12,978 


6,055 



102,226 

Sales for resale:

   Affiliates

7,437 

1,528 

1,129 

305 

1,514 

9,212 

   Others

4,911 

3,172 

122 

393 

25 

8,623 

      Total

32,083 

39,975 

29,434 

13,676 

7,594 

9,212 

110,849 

Average use per
residential customer
(kWh)



12,485 



15,620 



15,359 



14,475 



12,618 





14,384 

(a)

Includes the effect of intercompany eliminations.

The following table illustrates the domestic utility companies' 2004 combined electric sales volume as a percentage of total electric sales volume, and 2004 combined electric revenues as a percentage of total 2004 electric revenue, each by customer class.

Customer Class

 

% of Sales Volume

 

% of Revenue

         

Residential

 

29.7

 

35.2

Commercial

 

23.9

 

25.3

Industrial (a)

 

36.3

 

28.6

Wholesale

 

7.8

 

8.3

Governmental

 

2.3

 

2.6

(a)

Major industrial customers are in the chemical, petroleum refining, and paper industries.

See "Selected Financial Data" for each of the domestic utility companies for the detail of their sales by customer class for 2002, 2003, and 2004.

Selected 2004 Natural Gas Sales Data

Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Gulf States provide both electric power and natural gas to retail customers. Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Gulf States sold 14,803,852 and 6,868,935 Mcf, respectively, of natural gas to retail customers in 2004. In 2004, 98% of Entergy Gulf States' operating revenue was derived from the electric utility business, and only 2% from the natural gas distribution business. For Entergy New Orleans, 80% of operating revenue was derived from the electric utility business and 20% from the natural gas distribution business in 2004. Following is data concerning Entergy New Orleans' 2004 retail operating revenue sources.

   

Electric Operating

 

Natural Gas

Entergy New Orleans

 

Revenue

 

Revenue

         

Residential

 

40%

 

50%

Commercial

 

37%

 

22%

Industrial

 

8%

 

13%

Governmental/Municipal

 

15%

 

15%

Retail Rate Regulation

General (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans)

The retail regulatory philosophy has shifted in some jurisdictions from traditional, cost-of-service regulation to include performance-based rate elements. Performance-based rate plans are designed to encourage efficiencies and productivity while permitting utilities and their customers to share in the benefits. Entergy Mississippi, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy New Orleans have implemented performance-based formula rate plans, but Entergy Louisiana's performance-based formula rate plan expired in 2001. As explained below, performance-based formula rate plans currently are under consideration for Entergy Louisiana and for the Louisiana jurisdiction of Entergy Gulf States. Following is a summary of the status of retail open access in the domestic utility companies' retail service territories.

Jurisdiction

 

Status of Retail Open Access

 

% of Entergy's
2004 Revenues Derived
from Retail Electric
Utility Operations
in the Jurisdiction

  

 

 

 

 

Arkansas

 

Retail open access was repealed in February 2003.

 

11.6%

 

 

 

 

 

Texas

 

In July 2004, the PUCT effectively rejected Entergy Gulf States' proposal to implement retail open access in its service territory. In February 2005, bills were submitted in the Texas Legislature that specify that retail open access will not commence in Entergy Gulf States' territory until the PUCT certifies a power region.

 

11.8%

 

 

 

 

 

Louisiana

 

The LPSC has deferred pursuing retail open access, pending developments at the federal level and in other states. In response to a study submitted to the LPSC that was funded by a group of large industrial customers, the LPSC recently has solicited comments regarding a limited retail access program. It is uncertain what action, if any, the LPSC might take in response to the information it received.

 

34.1%

 

 

 

 

 

Mississippi

 

The MPSC has recommended not pursuing open access at this time.

 

10.9%

 

 

 

 

 

New Orleans

 

The Council has taken no action on Entergy New Orleans' proposal filed in 1997.

 

4.5%

Retail Rate Proceedings

Each domestic utility operating subsidiary participates in retail rate proceedings on a consistent basis. The status of material retail rate proceedings is described below and in Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

Company

 

Authorized
ROE

 

Pending Proceedings/Events

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy Arkansas

 

11.0%

 

No base rate cases are pending. Transition cost recovery rider approved to collect $8.5 million effective October 2004 with recovery expected over subsequent 16 months. It is likely that a rate filing will be made in 2005 in connection with the ANO 1 steam generator and reactor vessel head replacement.

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy Gulf States
   Texas

 

10.95%

 

Base rates are currently set at rates approved by the PUCT in June 1999. Entergy Gulf States filed a retail electric rate case with the PUCT in August 2004. In October 2004, the PUCT issued a written order in which it dismissed the rate case indicating that Entergy Gulf States is still subject to a rate freeze based on an agreement, approved by PUCT order in 2001, stipulating that a rate freeze would remain in effect until retail open access commenced in Entergy Gulf States' service territory, unless lifted by the PUCT prior thereto. Entergy Gulf States has appealed this decision and intends to pursue other available remedies, including legislation that would clarify that it is no longer operating under a rate freeze. In February 2005, bills were filed in the Texas legislature that would clarify that Entergy Gulf States is no longer operating under a rate freeze and specify that retail open access will not commence in Entergy Gulf States' territory until the PUCT certifies a power region.

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy Gulf States
   Louisiana

 

11.1%

 

In December 2003, the LPSC staff recommended a $30.6 million rate refund and a prospective rate reduction of approximately $50 million as a result of the ninth post-merger earnings analysis (2002). Hearings concluded in May 2004. In January 2005, Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana filed testimony with the LPSC in support of a proposed settlement that would resolve, among other dockets, Entergy Gulf States' ninth post-merger review, and dockets established to consider issues concerning the companies' power purchases for the summers of 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. The proposed settlement currently includes an offer to refund $76 million to Entergy Gulf States' Louisiana customers through a credit on bills rendered in March 2005, with no immediate change in the current base rates. The settlement also proposes a formula rate plan with an ROE mid-point of 10.65%. The LPSC has solicited comments on the proposed settlement from the parties to the various proceedings at issue in the settlement. The proposed settlement is scheduled to be presented to the LPSC for consideration on March 23, 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy Louisiana

 

9.7%-
11.3%(1)

 

In January 2004, Entergy Louisiana filed with the LPSC an application for a $167 million base rate increase and an ROE of 11.4%. The currently authorized ROE midpoint is 10.5%. Hearings in this matter concluded in December 2004. Based on the evidence submitted at the hearing, the LPSC staff is recommending approximately a $7 million base rate increase. The LPSC staff proposed the implementation of a formula rate plan that includes a provision for the recovery of incremental capacity costs, including those related to the proposed Perryville acquisition. A decision by the LPSC is expected in mid- to late-March 2005 on these issues.

In January 2005, Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana filed testimony with the LPSC in support of a proposed settlement with the LPSC that would resolve, among other dockets, dockets established to consider issues concerning the companies' power purchases for the summers of 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. The proposed settlement currently includes an offer to refund $14 million to Entergy Louisiana's customers. The LPSC has solicited comments on the proposed settlement from the parties to the various proceedings at issue in the proposed settlement. The proposed settlement is scheduled to be presented to the LPSC for consideration on March 23, 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy Mississippi

 

9.3%-
12.2%(2)

 

An annual formula rate plan is in place. Entergy Mississippi made its annual formula rate plan filing in March 2004 based on a 2003 test year. There was no change in rates based on an adjusted ROE midpoint of 10.77%.

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy New Orleans

 

10.25%-
12.25%(3)

 

The midpoint ROE of the electric and gas plans is 11.25%, with a target equity component of the capital structure of 42%. Entergy New Orleans made a formula rate plan filing in April 2004. The City Council ordered that electric and gas rates remain unchanged from levels set in 2003. Entergy New Orleans will file its formula rate plan for the year ended December 31, 2004 by May 1, 2005 and also intends to file for an extension of the formula rate plan by September 1, 2005. If the formula rate plan is not extended by the City Council, the rate adjustments in effect based on the December 31, 2004 test year shall continue.

 

 

 

 

 

System Energy

 

10.94%

 

ROE approved by July 2001 FERC order. No cases pending before FERC.

(1)

Entergy Louisiana's formula rate plan expired with the 2001 test year. Under the expired formula, if Entergy Louisiana earned outside of the bandwidth range, rates would be adjusted on a prospective basis. If earnings were above the bandwidth range, rates would be reduced by 60 percent of the amount necessary to bring earnings down to the top of the bandwidth, and if earnings were below the bandwidth range, rates would be increased by 60 percent of the corresponding shortfall.

(2)

Under Mississippi law and Entergy Mississippi's formula rate plan, if Entergy Mississippi's earned ROE is above the top of the range-of-no-change at the top of the bandwidth, then Entergy Mississippi's rates are reduced by 50 percent of the difference between the earned ROE and the top of the bandwidth. In such circumstance, Entergy Mississippi's "Allowed ROE" for the next twelve-month period is the point halfway between such earned ROE and the top of the bandwidth - Entergy Mississippi's retail rates are set at that halfway-point ROE level. (Before the comparison is made of the earned ROE to the bandwidth, the bandwidth can be adjusted for performance measures by as much as 1%. Rates are adjusted pursuant to Entergy Mississippi's formula rate plan on a prospective basis only.) In the situation where Entergy Mississippi's earned ROE is not above the top of the range-of-no-change at the top of the bandwidth, then Entergy Mississippi's "Allowed ROE" for the next twelve-month period is the top of the range-of-no-change at the top of the bandwidth. If earnings are below the bandwidth range, rates are increased by 50 percent of the difference between the earned ROE and the bottom of the bandwidth. Under the provisions of Entergy Mississippi's formula rate plan, each annual formula rate plan filing incorporates a revised calculation of the benchmark ROE.

(3)

If Entergy New Orleans earns outside the bandwidth range, rates will be adjusted on a prospective basis. Under the gas formula rate plan, if earnings are above the bandwidth range, rates are reduced by 100 percent of the overage, and if below, increased by 100 percent of the shortfall. In addition, if the ROE falls between 11.5% and 12.25%, rates are reduced by 60 percent of the difference (between 11.5% and 12.25%), and if the ROE falls between 10.25% and 11%, rates are increased by 40 percent of the difference (between 10.25% and 11%). Under the electric formula rate plan, rates are adjusted accordingly by 100 percent of the amount of any overage or shortfall. Entergy New Orleans may earn up to 13.25% under the electric formula rate plan provided that the increase is caused by its share of energy cost savings under the generation performance-based recovery plan discussed below.

Entergy Arkansas

Fuel Recovery

Entergy Arkansas' rate schedules include an energy cost recovery rider to recover fuel and purchased energy costs in monthly bills. The rider utilizes prior calendar year energy costs and projected energy sales for the twelve month period commencing on April 1 of each year to develop an energy cost rate, which is redetermined annually and includes a true-up adjustment reflecting the over-recovery or under-recovery, including carrying charges, of the energy cost for the prior calendar year. Entergy Arkansas' 2004 filing is discussed in Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

Entergy Gulf States

Louisiana Jurisdiction - Formula Rate Plan

In January 2005, Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana filed testimony with the LPSC in support of a proposed settlement with the LPSC. Included in the settlement is a proposal of a three-year formula rate plan for Entergy Gulf States' Louisiana operations that included a provision for the recovery of incremental capacity costs. The proposed settlement is scheduled to be presented to the LPSC for consideration on March 23, 2005.

Fuel Recovery

Entergy Gulf States' Texas rate schedules include a fixed fuel factor to recover fuel and purchased power costs, including carrying charges, not recovered in base rates. Under the current methodology, semi-annual revisions of the fixed fuel factor may be made in March and September based on the market price of natural gas. Entergy Gulf States will likely continue to use this methodology until retail open access begins in Texas. To the extent actual costs vary from the fixed fuel factor, refunds or surcharges are required or permitted. The amounts collected under the fixed fuel factor through the start of retail open access are subject to fuel reconciliation proceedings before the PUCT. At the start of retail open access for Entergy Gulf States in Texas, which is currently delayed, fuel and purchased power cost recovery will be subject to the fuel component of the price-to-beat rates approved by the PUCT. The PUCT fuel cost reviews that were resolved during the past year or are currently pending are discussed in Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

Entergy Gulf States' Louisiana electric rates include a fuel adjustment designed to recover the cost of fuel and purchased power costs. The fuel adjustment contains a surcharge or credit for deferred fuel expense and related carrying charges arising from the monthly reconciliation of actual fuel costs incurred with fuel cost revenues billed to customers.

Entergy Gulf States' Louisiana gas rates include a purchased gas adjustment based on estimated gas costs for the billing month adjusted by a surcharge or credit for deferred fuel expense arising from the monthly reconciliation of actual fuel costs incurred with fuel cost revenues billed to customers.

Entergy Louisiana

Formula Rate Plan

The LPSC staff has proposed the implementation of a formula rate plan for Entergy Louisiana that includes a provision for the recovery of incremental capacity costs. A decision from the LPSC is expected in mid- to late-March 2005.

Fuel Recovery

Entergy Louisiana's rate schedules include a fuel adjustment clause designed to recover the cost of fuel and purchased power costs. The fuel adjustment contains a surcharge or credit for deferred fuel expense and related carrying charges arising from the monthly reconciliation of actual fuel costs incurred with fuel cost revenues billed to customers.

In September 2002, Entergy Louisiana settled a proceeding that concerned a contract entered into by Entergy Louisiana to purchase, through 2031, energy generated by a hydroelectric facility known as the Vidalia project. In the settlement, the LPSC approved Entergy Louisiana's proposed treatment of the regulatory impact of a tax accounting election related to that project. In general, the settlement permits Entergy Louisiana to keep a portion of the tax benefit in exchange for bearing the risk associated with sustaining the tax treatment. The LPSC settlement divided the term of the Vidalia contract into two segments: 2002-2012 and 2013-2031. During the first eight years of the 2002-2012 segment, Entergy Louisiana agreed to credit rates by flowing through its fuel adjustment calculation $11 million each year, beginning monthly in October 2002. Entergy Louisiana must credit rates in this way and by this amount even if Entergy Louisiana is unable to sustain the tax deduction. Entergy Louisiana also must credit rates by $11 million each year for an additional two years unless either the tax accounting method elected is retroactively repealed or the Internal Revenue Service denies the entire deduction related to the tax accounting method. Entergy Louisiana agreed to credit ratepayers additional amounts unless the tax accounting election is not sustained, if it is challenged. During the years 2013-2031, Entergy Louisiana and its ratepayers would share the remaining benefits of this tax accounting election. Note 8 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements contains further discussion of the obligations related to the Vidalia project.

Entergy Louisiana has reduced its indebtedness and preferred stock with a portion of the cash generated by the tax election. In accordance with the terms of the September 2002 settlement, Entergy Louisiana requested SEC approval to return up to $350 million of common equity capital to Entergy Corporation in order to maintain Entergy Louisiana's current capital structure. In December 2002, Entergy Louisiana repurchased $120 million of common stock from Entergy Corporation and paid a dividend of $122.6 million pursuant to the SEC approval. The provisions of the settlement provide that the LPSC shall not recognize or use Entergy Louisiana's use of this cash in setting any of Entergy Louisiana's rates. Therefore, to the extent Entergy Louisiana's use of the proceeds would ordinarily have reduced its rate base, no change in rate base shall be reflected for ratemaking purposes. The SEC approval for additional return of equity capital is now expired.

Entergy Mississippi

Performance-Based Formula Rate Plan

Entergy Mississippi files a performance-based formula rate plan every 12 months that compares the annual earned rate of return to, and adjusts it against, a benchmark rate of return. The benchmark is calculated under a separate formula within the formula rate plan. The formula rate plan allows for periodic small adjustments in rates, up to an amount that would produce a change in Entergy Mississippi's overall revenue of almost 2%, based on a comparison of actual earned returns to benchmark returns and upon certain performance factors. Entergy Mississippi filed a formula rate plan in March 2004 for the 2003 test year, and filings are due to continue annually thereafter. The March 2004 formula rate plan filing is discussed in Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

Fuel Recovery

Entergy Mississippi's rate schedules include energy cost recovery riders to recover fuel and purchased energy costs. The rider utilizes projected energy costs filed quarterly by Entergy Mississippi to develop an energy cost rate. The energy cost rate is redetermined each calendar quarter and includes a true-up adjustment reflecting the over-recovery or under-recovery of the energy cost as of the second quarter preceding the redetermination.

In January 2005, the MPSC approved a change in Entergy Mississippi's energy cost recovery rider. Entergy Mississippi's fuel over-recoveries for the third quarter of 2004 will be deferred from the first quarter 2005 energy cost recovery rider adjustment calculation. The deferred amount of $21.3 million plus carrying charges will be refunded through the energy cost recovery rider in the second and third quarters of 2005 at a rate of 45% and 55%, respectively.

Entergy New Orleans

Formula Rate Plans

In May 2003, the City Council approved the implementation of formula rate plans for electric and gas service that will be evaluated annually until 2005. Entergy New Orleans made a filing with the City Council in April 2004 based upon a 2003 test year, which after review, resulted in a City Council resolution approving no change in gas and electric rates. Entergy New Orleans will make a filing in accordance with the formula rate plans by May 1, 2005 based on a 2004 test year. Under the formula rate plans, the midpoint ROE of both plans is 11.25%, with a target equity component of Entergy New Orleans' capital structure of 42%. Any change in rates would be prospective, with the first billing cycle effective after September 1, 2005. Entergy New Orleans' can earn between 10.25% and 12.25% under the electric plan and between 11% and 11.5% under the gas plan, with earnings within those ranges not resulting in a change in rates. Entergy New Orleans' formula rate plan filings are discussed in Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

In May 2003, the City Council approved implementation of a generation performance-based rate calculation in the electric fuel adjustment clause under which Entergy New Orleans receives 10% of calculated fuel and purchased power cost savings in excess of $20 million, based on a defined benchmark, subject to a 13.25% return on equity limitation for electric operations as provided for in the electric formula rate plan. Entergy New Orleans bears 10% of any "negative" fuel and purchased power cost savings. In October 2004, Entergy New Orleans' annual evaluation report was submitted for the period June 2003 through May 2004. Additional savings associated with the first year generation performance-based rate calculation were $71 million of which Entergy New Orleans' share was $5.1 million.

Fuel Recovery

Entergy New Orleans' electric rate schedules include a fuel adjustment tariff designed to reflect no more than targeted fuel and purchased power costs, adjusted by a surcharge or credit for deferred fuel expense arising from the monthly reconciliation of actual fuel and purchased power costs incurred with fuel cost revenues billed to customers, including carrying charges. The adjustment also includes the difference between non-fuel Grand Gulf costs paid by Entergy New Orleans and the estimate of such costs, which are included in base rates, as provided in Entergy New Orleans' Grand Gulf rate settlements. Entergy New Orleans' gas rate schedules include an adjustment to reflect estimated gas costs for the billing month, adjusted by a surcharge or credit similar to that included in the electric fuel adjustment clause, including carrying charges. In June and November 2004, the City Council passed resolutions implementing a package of measures developed by Entergy New Orleans and the Council Advisors to protect customers from potential gas price spikes during the 2004 - 2005 winter heating season. These measures include: maintaining Entergy New Orleans' financial hedging plan for its purchase of wholesale gas, and deferral of collection of up to $6.2 million of gas costs associated with a cap on the purchased gas adjustment in November and December 2004 in the event that the average residential customer's gas bill were to exceed a threshold level. The deferrals resulting from these caps will receive accelerated recovery over a seven-month period beginning in April 2005.

In November 2004, the City Council directed Entergy New Orleans to confer with the Council Advisors regarding possible modification of the current gas cost collection mechanism in order to address concerns regarding its fluctuations particularly during the winter heating season.

Franchises

Entergy Arkansas holds exclusive franchises to provide electric service in approximately 307 incorporated cities and towns in Arkansas. These franchises are unlimited in duration and continue unless the municipalities purchase the utility property. In Arkansas, franchises are considered to be contracts and, therefore, are terminable upon breach of the terms of the franchise.

In Louisiana, Entergy Gulf States holds non-exclusive franchises, permits, or certificates of convenience and necessity to provide electric service in approximately 55 incorporated municipalities and the unincorporated areas of approximately 19 parishes, and to provide gas service in the City of Baton Rouge and the unincorporated areas of two parishes. In Texas, Entergy Gulf States holds a certificate of convenience and necessity from the PUCT to provide electric service to areas within approximately 24 counties in eastern Texas, and holds non-exclusive franchises to provide electric service in approximately 65 incorporated municipalities. Entergy Gulf States typically is granted 50-year franchises in Texas. Most of Entergy Gulf States' Louisiana franchises have a term of 60 years. Entergy Gulf States' current electric franchises will expire during 2007 - 2045 in Texas and during 2015 - 2046 in Louisiana.

Entergy Louisiana holds non-exclusive franchises to provide electric service in approximately 116 incorporated Louisiana municipalities. Most of these franchises have 25-year terms, although six of these municipalities have granted 60-year franchises. Entergy Louisiana also supplies electric service in approximately 353 unincorporated communities, all of which are located in Louisiana parishes in which it holds non-exclusive franchises.

Entergy Mississippi has received from the MPSC certificates of public convenience and necessity to provide electric service to areas within 45 counties, including a number of municipalities, in western Mississippi. Under Mississippi statutory law, such certificates are exclusive. Entergy Mississippi may continue to serve in such municipalities upon payment of a statutory franchise fee, regardless of whether an original municipal franchise is still in existence.

Entergy New Orleans provides electric and gas service in the City of New Orleans pursuant to city ordinances (except electric service in Algiers, which is provided by Entergy Louisiana). These ordinances contain a continuing option for the City of New Orleans to purchase Entergy New Orleans' electric and gas utility properties.

The business of System Energy is limited to wholesale power sales. It has no distribution franchises.

Property and Other Generation Resources

Generating Stations

The total capability of the generating stations owned and leased by the domestic utility companies and System Energy as of December 31, 2004, is indicated below:

Owned and Leased Capability MW(1)

Company

Total

Gas/Oil

Nuclear

Coal

Hydro

Entergy Arkansas

4,709

1,613

1,837

1,189

70

Entergy Gulf States

6,485

4,890

968

627

-

Entergy Louisiana

5,363

4,276

1,087

-

-

Entergy Mississippi

2,898

2,490

-

408

-

Entergy New Orleans

915

915

-

-

-

System Energy

1,143

-

1,143

-

-

   Total

21,513

14,184

5,035

2,224

70

(1)

"Owned and Leased Capability" is the dependable load carrying capability as demonstrated under actual operating conditions based on the primary fuel (assuming no curtailments) that each station was designed to utilize.

Entergy's load and capacity projections are reviewed periodically to assess the need and timing for additional generating capacity and interconnections. These reviews consider existing and projected demand, the availability and price of power, the location of new loads, and economy. Peak load in the U.S. Utility service territory is typically around 21,000 MW, with minimum load typically around 9,000 MW. Allowing for an adequate reserve margin, Entergy has been short approximately 3,000 MW during the summer peak load period. In addition to its net short position at summer peak, Entergy considers its generation in three categories: (1) baseload (e.g. coal and nuclear); (2) load-following (e.g. combined cycle gas-fired); and (3) peaking. The relative supply and demand for these categories of generation vary by region of the Entergy System. For example, the north end of its system has more baseload coal and nuclear generation than regional demand requires, but is short load-following or intermediate generation. In the south end of the Entergy system, load would be more effectively served if gas-fired intermediate resources already in place were supplemented with additional solid fuel baseload generation.

Until recently, Entergy covered its short position at summer peak almost entirely with purchases from the spot market. In the fall of 2002, Entergy began a process of issuing requests for proposal to procure supply-side resources from sources other than the spot market to meet the unique regional needs of the domestic utility companies. The first request for proposal sought resources to provide summer 2003 and longer-term resources through a broad range of wholesale power products, including short-term (less than one year), limited-term (1 to 3 years) and long-term contractual products and asset acquisitions. A detailed process which included the involvement of an independent monitor was developed to evaluate submitted bids. The following table illustrates the results of the request for proposal process for limited and short-term products. All of the contracts which were awarded and signed were with non-affiliates, with the exception of the contract covering 185 MW to 206 MW from RS Cogen.

 

 

Selected for
Negotiation

 

Contracts
Signed

 

Notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall 2002

 

550 MW

 

425 MW

 

Limited-term resources contracted. Entergy Services also pursued discussions with several bidders for life-of-unit purchased power agreements or the acquisition of an ownership interest in existing generating facilities. These negotiations resulted in the Perryville acquisition agreement, discussed below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental 2002

 

500 MW

 

220 MW

 

Short-term purchase for the summer 2003.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring 2003

 

380 MW

 

380 MW

 

Limited-term resources contracted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall 2003

 

390 MW

 

390 MW

 

Two separate resources contracted for a term of three years with deliveries beginning in the summer of 2004.

In January 2004, Entergy Louisiana signed a definitive agreement to acquire the 718 MW Perryville power plant for $170 million. The agreement has subsequently been amended to allow the current plant owner to retain the interconnection facilities associated with the plant, resulting in a decrease in the acquisition price to $162 million. As a result of the amended terms, the FERC issued an order in October 2004 disclaiming jurisdiction over the acquisition. This order currently is subject to rehearing by the FERC. The plant is owned by a subsidiary of Cleco Corporation, which subsidiary submitted a bid in response to Entergy's Fall 2002 request for proposals for supply-side resources. The signing of the agreement followed a voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by the plant's owner. Entergy expects that Entergy Louisiana will own 100 percent of the Perryville plant, and that Entergy Louisiana will sell 75 percent of the output to Entergy Gulf States under a long-term cost-of-service power purchase agreement. In addition, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States executed an interim power purchase agreement with the plant's owner through the date of the acquisition's closing (as long as that occurs by December 2005) for 100 percent of the output of the Perryville power plant. In April 2004, the bankruptcy court approved Entergy Louisiana's agreement to acquire the plant. In March 2004, Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana filed with the LPSC for its approval of the acquisition and long-term cost-of-service power purchase agreement. Entergy is seeking approval from the LPSC of cost recovery for the acquisition, giving consideration to the need for the power and the prudence of Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States in engaging in the transaction. Hearings are scheduled for March 2005. Assuming regulatory approval by the LPSC, Entergy Louisiana expects the Perryville acquisition to close in mid-2005.

In addition to the purchases from non-affiliates shown above, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Arkansas made filings with their respective retail regulators seeking approval to enter into transactions with affiliates as shown in the following table:

Company

 

Proposed Transactions

 

Status of Approval in
Retail Jurisdiction

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy Louisiana

 

  1. Purchased a 140 to 156 MW capacity purchase call option from RS Cogen for June 2003 through April 2006.
  2. Entered a life-of-unit purchase power agreement (PPA) to purchase approximately 51MW (increasing to 61 MW in 2010) of output from Entergy Power's share of Independence 2.
  3. Enter a life-of-unit PPA with Entergy Gulf States to purchase two-thirds of the output of the 30% of River Bend formerly owned by Cajun (approximately 200 MW).
  4. Enter a life-of-resources PPA with Entergy Arkansas to purchase approximately 110 MW of capacity not included in Entergy Arkansas' retail rate base, consisting of a portion of the output from ANO, White Bluff, Independence, and Entergy Arkansas' share of Grand Gulf.

 

The LPSC found contracts 1) and 2) to be prudent and authorized Entergy Louisiana to execute these contracts. The LPSC has not yet approved the life-of-unit PPAs for proposals 3) and 4); a bridge contract however, is currently in place for contract 3) effective through December 31, 2005. The outcome of the life-of-resources PPAs is still pending FERC approval.

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy New Orleans

 

  1. Purchased a 45 to 50 MW capacity purchase call option from RS Cogen for June 2003 through April 2006.
  2. Entered a life-of-unit PPA to purchase approximately 50 MW (increasing to 60 MW in 2010) of output from Entergy Power's share of Independence 2.
  3. Entered a life-of-unit PPA with Entergy Gulf States to purchase one-third of the output of the 30% of River Bend formerly owned by Cajun (approximately 100 MW).
  4. Entered a life-of-resources PPA with Entergy Arkansas to purchase approximately 110 MW of capacity not included in Entergy Arkansas' retail rate base, consisting of a portion of the output from ANO, White Bluff, Independence, and Entergy Arkansas' share of Grand Gulf.

 

In May 2003, in connection with a settlement relating to Entergy New Orleans' cost-of-service study and revenue requirement, the City Council authorized Entergy New Orleans to enter into contracts for the proposed transactions.

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy Arkansas

 

  1. Enter into the life-of-resources PPAs to sell power as discussed in both Entergy Louisiana's and Entergy New Orleans' proposal 4) above.

 

In May 2003, the APSC found the PPAs involving Entergy Arkansas in the public interest.

Entergy also filed with the FERC the affiliate agreements described above. In May 2003, the FERC accepted the agreements for filing, subject to refund, with the contracts becoming effective on June 1, 2003. The FERC also established a hearing process to review the justness and reasonableness of the agreements. Several parties have intervened or filed protests regarding the request-for-proposals process and the agreements filed with the FERC, and the hearings in the proceeding ended in December 2004. An initial decision by the ALJ is still pending and is scheduled for July 2005.

Interconnections

Entergy's generating units are interconnected by a transmission system operating at various voltages up to 500 kV. These generating units consist primarily of steam-electric production facilities and are centrally dispatched and operated. Entergy's domestic utility companies are interconnected with many neighboring utilities. In addition, the domestic utility companies are members of the Southeastern Electric Reliability Council (SERC). The primary purpose of SERC is to ensure the reliability and adequacy of the electric bulk power supply in the southeast region of the United States. SERC is a member of the North American Electric Reliability Council.

Gas Property

As of December 31, 2004, Entergy New Orleans distributed and transported natural gas for distribution solely within New Orleans, Louisiana, through a total of 33 miles of gas transmission pipeline, 1,495 miles of gas distribution pipeline, and 1,029 miles of gas service pipeline from the distribution mains to the customers. As of December 31, 2004, the gas properties of Entergy Gulf States, which are located in and around Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were not material to Entergy Gulf States' financial position.

Titles

Entergy's generating stations and major transmission substations are generally located on properties owned in fee simple. Most of the transmission and distribution lines are constructed over private property or public rights-of-way pursuant to easements or appropriate franchises. The domestic utility companies generally have the right of eminent domain, whereby they may perfect title to, or secure easements or servitudes on, private property for their utility operations.

Substantially all of the physical properties and assets owned by Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy are subject to the liens of mortgages securing the mortgage bonds of such company. The Lewis Creek generating station is owned by GSG&T, Inc., a subsidiary of Entergy Gulf States, and is not subject to the lien of the Entergy Gulf States mortgage securing its first mortgage bonds. Lewis Creek is leased to and operated by Entergy Gulf States.

Fuel Supply

The generation portfolio of the U.S. Utility contains a high percentage of natural gas and nuclear generation. The sources of generation and average fuel cost per kWh for the domestic utility companies and System Energy for the years 2002-2004 were:

   

Natural Gas

 

Fuel Oil

 

Nuclear Fuel

 

Coal



Year

 

%
of
Gen

 

Cents
Per
kWh

 

%
of
Gen

 

Cents
Per
kWh

 

%
of
Gen

 

Cents
Per
kWh

 

%
of
Gen

 

Cents
Per
kWh

                                 

2004

 

23

 

7.31

 

6

 

5.02

 

52

 

.49

 

19

 

1.39

2003

 

26

 

6.53

 

4

 

5.04

 

52

 

.48

 

18

 

1.26

2002

 

39

 

3.88

 

-

 

15.78

 

46

 

.47

 

15

 

1.37

Actual 2004 and projected 2005 sources of generation for the domestic utility companies and System Energy, including proposed power purchases from affiliates under power purchase agreements in 2005, are:

   

Natural Gas

 

Fuel Oil

 

Nuclear

 

Coal

   

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

                                 

Entergy Arkansas (a)

 

1%

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

65%

 

64%

 

34%

 

35%

Entergy Gulf States

 

41%

 

36%

 

1%

 

-

 

36%

 

36%

 

22%

 

28%

Entergy Louisiana

 

38%

 

40%

 

8%

 

8%

 

52%

 

50%

 

2%

 

2%

Entergy Mississippi

 

9%

 

3%

 

46%

 

62%

 

-

 

-

 

45%

 

35%

Entergy New Orleans

 

55%

 

55%

 

-

 

-

 

32%

 

31%

 

13%

 

14%

System Energy

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

100%(b)

 

100%(b)

 

-

 

-

                                 

U.S. Utility (a)

 

23%

 

22%

 

6%

 

8%

 

52%

 

50%

 

19%

 

20%

(a)

Hydroelectric power provided less than 1% of Entergy Arkansas' generation in 2004 and is expected to provide approximately 1% of its generation in 2005.

(b)

Capacity and energy from System Energy's interest in Grand Gulf 1 was historically allocated as follows: Entergy Arkansas - 36%; Entergy Louisiana - 14%; Entergy Mississippi - 33%; and Entergy New Orleans - 17%. Pursuant to purchased power agreements that are the subject of a pending proceeding at the FERC, Entergy Arkansas is selling a portion of its owned capacity and energy from Grand Gulf 1 to Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans.

Natural Gas

The domestic utility companies have long-term firm and short-term interruptible gas contracts. Long-term firm contracts for power plants comprise less than 15% of the domestic utility companies' total requirements but can be called upon, if necessary, to satisfy a significant percentage of the utility companies' needs. Short-term contracts and spot-market purchases satisfy additional gas requirements. As of January 1, 2005, Entergy Gulf States owns a gas storage facility that provides reliable and flexible natural gas service to certain generating stations.

Entergy Louisiana has a long-term natural gas supply contract, which expires in 2012, in which Entergy Louisiana agreed to purchase natural gas in annual amounts equal to approximately one-third of its projected annual fuel requirements for certain generating units. Annual demand charges associated with this contract are estimated to be $7.2 million. Such charges aggregate $58 million for the years 2005 through 2012.

Many factors, including wellhead deliverability, storage and pipeline capacity, and demand requirements of end users, influence the availability and price of natural gas supplies for power plants. Demand is tied to weather conditions as well as to the prices of other energy sources. Entergy's supplies of natural gas are expected to be adequate in 2005. However, pursuant to federal and state regulations, gas supplies to power plants may be interrupted during periods of shortage. To the extent natural gas supplies are disrupted or natural gas prices significantly increase, the domestic utility companies will use alternate fuels, such as oil, or rely to a larger extent on coal, nuclear generation, and purchased power.

Coal

Entergy Arkansas has a long-term contract for low-sulfur Wyoming coal for Independence. This contract, which expires in 2011, provides for approximately 90% of Independence's expected coal requirements for 2005. Entergy Arkansas has entered into three medium term (three-year) contracts for approximately 67% of White Bluff's coal supply needs. These contracts are staggered in term so that one is renewed every year. Entergy Arkansas has an additional 16% of its 2005 coal requirement committed in a one-year contract. Additional coal requirements for both Independence and White Bluff are satisfied by spot market or over the counter purchases. Entergy Arkansas has a long-term railroad transportation contract for the delivery of coal to both White Bluff and Independence that expires in 2011. A second carrier now delivers a portion of White Bluff's coal requirements under a long-term transportation agreement that expires on December 31, 2006.

Entergy Gulf States has a long-term contract, which contains periodic price re-openers, for the supply of low-sulfur Wyoming coal for Nelson Unit 6. Entergy Gulf States has entered discussions with the supplier regarding the first price re-opener. If a new price is negotiated, the agreement would extend to April 2007. Entergy Gulf States has executed two transportation requirements contracts with railroads to deliver coal to Nelson Unit 6 through 2007. The operator of Big Cajun 2, Unit 3, Louisiana Generating, LLC, has advised Entergy Gulf States that it has coal supply and transportation contracts that should provide an adequate supply of coal for the operation of Big Cajun 2, Unit 3 for the foreseeable future.

Nuclear Fuel

        The nuclear fuel cycle consists of the following:

  • mining and milling of uranium ore to produce a concentrate;
  • conversion of the concentrate to uranium hexafluoride gas;
  • enrichment of the hexafluoride gas;
  • fabrication of nuclear fuel assemblies for use in fueling nuclear reactors; and
  • disposal of spent fuel.

System Fuels, a company owned by Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans, is responsible for contracts to acquire nuclear material to be used in fueling Entergy's utility nuclear units, except for River Bend. System Fuels also maintains inventories of such materials during the various stages of processing. The domestic utility companies purchase enriched uranium hexafluoride from System Fuels, but contract separately for the fabrication of their own nuclear fuel. The requirements for River Bend are met pursuant to contracts made by Entergy Gulf States.

Based upon currently planned fuel cycles, Entergy's nuclear units have contracts and inventory that provide adequate materials and services. Existing contracts for uranium concentrate, conversion of the concentrate to uranium hexafluoride, and enrichment of the uranium hexafluoride will provide a significant percentage of these materials and services over the next several years. Uranium market supply became much tighter in 2003 and early 2004 than in previous years. Costs and risks of obtaining supplies have increased for nuclear fuel users. It will be necessary for Entergy to enter into additional arrangements to acquire nuclear fuel in the future. It is not possible to predict the ultimate cost or availability of such arrangements.

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy each have made arrangements to lease nuclear fuel and related equipment and services. The lessors finance the acquisition and ownership of nuclear fuel through credit agreements and the issuance of notes. These arrangements are subject to periodic renewal. See Note 9 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for a discussion of nuclear fuel leases.

Natural Gas Purchased for Resale

Entergy New Orleans has several suppliers of natural gas. Its system is interconnected with three interstate and three intrastate pipelines. Entergy New Orleans' primary suppliers currently are Atmos Energy and Louisiana Gas Services. Entergy New Orleans has a "no-notice" service gas purchase contract with Atmos Energy which guarantees Entergy New Orleans gas delivery at specific delivery points and at any volume within the minimum and maximum set forth in the contract amounts. The Atmos Energy gas supply is transported to Entergy New Orleans pursuant to a transportation service agreement with Gulf South Pipeline Co. This service is subject to FERC-approved rates. Entergy New Orleans has firm contracts with its two intrastate suppliers and also makes interruptible spot market purchases. In recent years, natural gas deliveries to Entergy New Orleans have been subject primarily to weather-related curtailments. However, Entergy New Orleans experienced no such curtailments in 2004.

As a result of the implementation of FERC-mandated interstate pipeline restructuring in 1993, curtailments of interstate gas supply could occur if Entergy New Orleans' suppliers failed to perform their obligations to deliver gas under their supply agreements. Gulf South Pipeline could curtail transportation capacity only in the event of pipeline system constraints. Based on the current supply of natural gas, and absent extreme weather-related curtailments, Entergy New Orleans does not anticipate any interruptions in natural gas deliveries to its customers.

Entergy Gulf States purchases natural gas for resale under a firm contract from Enbridge Marketing (U.S.) Inc. (formerly Mid Louisiana Gas Company) entered into September 2002 for a five-year period. The contract will continue annually at the end of the term unless prior notice is given by Entergy Gulf States.

Federal Regulation

State or local regulatory authorities, as described above, regulate the retail rates of Entergy's domestic utility companies. FERC regulates wholesale rates (including intrasystem sales pursuant to the System Agreement) and interstate transmission of electricity, as well as rates for System Energy's sales of capacity and energy from Grand Gulf to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans pursuant to the Unit Power Sales Agreement.

System Agreement (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

The domestic utility companies historically have engaged in the coordinated planning, construction, and operation of generation and transmission facilities pursuant to the terms of the System Agreement. Under the terms of the System Agreement, generating capacity and other power resources are jointly operated by the domestic utility companies. The System Agreement provides, among other things, that parties having generating reserves greater than their load requirements (long companies) shall receive payments from those parties having deficiencies in generating reserves (short companies). Such payments are at amounts sufficient to cover certain of the long companies' costs for intermediate and peaking oil/gas-fired generation, including operating expenses, fixed charges on debt, dividend requirements on preferred stock, and a fair rate of return on common equity investment. Under the System Agreement, these charges are based on costs associated with the long companies' steam electric generating units fueled by oil or gas. In addition, for all energy exchanged among the domestic utility companies under the System Agreement, the companies purchasing exchange energy are required to pay the cost of fuel consumed in generating such energy plus a charge to cover other associated costs.

Litigation involving the System Agreement is being pursued by the LPSC at both the FERC and before itself. These proceedings include challenges to the allocation of costs as defined by the System Agreement, raise questions of imprudence by the domestic utility companies in their execution of the System Agreement, and seek support for local regulatory authority over System Agreement issues. Regarding the proceeding at the LPSC, Entergy believes that state and local regulators are preempted by federal law from reviewing and deciding System Agreement issues for themselves. An unrelated case between the LPSC and Entergy Louisiana raised the question of whether a state regulator is preempted by federal law from reviewing and interpreting FERC rate schedules that are part of the System Agreement, and from subsequently enforcing that interpretation. The LPSC interpreted a System Agreement rate schedule in the unrelated case, and then sought to enforce its interpretation. The Louisiana Supreme Court affirmed the LPSC's decision. In 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Entergy Louisiana's favor and reversed the decisions of the LPSC and the Louisiana Supreme Court.

In February 2004, a FERC ALJ issued an Initial Decision in the LPSC-initiated proceeding at the FERC. The Initial Decision decided some issues in favor of the relief sought by the LPSC, and decided some issues against the relief sought by the LPSC. Several parties, including Entergy, the LPSC, the APSC, the MPSC, the City Council, and the FERC Staff, filed briefs on exceptions in response to the ALJ's Initial Decision. Entergy's exceptions to the ALJ's Initial Decision include: the practical effect of the Initial Decision is full production cost equalization, which was rejected in the Initial Decision and previously has been rejected by the FERC; resource planning for the Entergy System would be impeded if the Initial Decision were adopted; the remedy in the Initial Decision is inconsistent with the history, structure, and precedent regarding the System Agreement; the Initial Decision's remedy ignores the historical pattern of production cost disparities on the Entergy System and would result in substantial, sudden transfers of costs between groups of Entergy customers; the numerical standards proposed in the Initial Decision are arbitrary and are so complex that they will be difficult to implement; the Initial Decision improperly rejected Entergy's resource planning remedy; the Initial Decision erroneously determined that the full costs of the Vidalia project should be included in Entergy Louisiana's production costs for purposes of calculating relative production costs; and the Initial Decision erroneously adopted a new method of calculating reserve sharing costs rather than the current method.

If the FERC grants the relief requested by the LPSC in the proceeding, the relief may result in a material increase in the total production costs the FERC allocates to companies whose costs currently are projected to be less than the Entergy System average, and a material decrease in the total production costs the FERC allocates to companies whose costs currently are projected to exceed that average.   If the FERC adopts the ALJ's Initial Decision, the amount of production costs that would be reallocated among the domestic utility companies would be determined through consideration of each domestic utility company's relative total production cost expressed as a percentage of Entergy System average total production cost. The ALJ's Initial Decision would reallocate production costs of the domestic utility companies whose percent of Entergy System average production cost are outside an upper or lower bandwidth. This would be accomplished by payments from domestic utility companies whose production costs are below Entergy System average production cost to domestic utility companies whose production costs are above Entergy System average production cost.

An assessment of the potential effects of the ALJ's Initial Decision requires assumptions regarding the future total production cost of each domestic utility company, which assumptions include the mix of solid fuel and gas-fired generation available to each company and the costs of natural gas and purchased power.  Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States are more dependent upon gas-fired generation than Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, or Entergy New Orleans. Of these, Entergy Arkansas is the least dependent upon gas-fired generation.  Therefore, increases in natural gas prices likely will increase the amount by which Entergy Arkansas' total production costs are below the average production costs of the domestic utility companies.  Considerable uncertainty exists regarding future gas prices. Annual average Henry Hub gas prices have varied significantly over recent years, ranging from $1.72/mmBtu to $5.85/mmBtu for the 1995-2004 period, and averaging $3.43/mmBtu during the ten-year period 1995-2004 and $4.58/mmBtu during the five-year period 2000-2004.  Recent market conditions have resulted in gas prices that have averaged $5.85/mmBtu for the twelve months ended December 2004. Based upon analyses considering the effect on future production costs if the FERC adopts the ALJ's Initial Decision, the following potential annual production cost reallocations among the domestic utility companies could result assuming annual average gas prices range from $6.39/mmBtu in 2005 declining to $4.97/mmBtu by 2009:

 


Range of Annual Payments
or (Receipts)

 

Average Annual
Payments or (Receipts)
for 2005-2009 Period

 

(In Millions)

 

(In Millions)

       

Entergy Arkansas

$154 to $281 

 

$215 

Entergy Gulf States

($130) to ($15)

 

($63)

Entergy Louisiana

($199) to ($98)

 

($141)

Entergy Mississippi

($16) to $8 

 

$1 

Entergy New Orleans

($17) to ($5)

 

($12)

Management believes that any changes in the allocation of production costs resulting from a FERC decision and related retail proceedings should result in similar rate changes for retail customers. The timing of recovery of these costs in rates could be the subject of additional proceedings at the APSC and elsewhere, however, and a delay in full recovery of any increased allocation of production costs could result in additional financing requirements. Although the outcome and timing of the FERC, APSC, and other proceedings cannot be predicted at this time, Entergy does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these proceedings will have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operation.

In February 2004, the APSC issued an "Order of Investigation," in which it discusses the negative effect that implementation of the FERC ALJ's Initial Decision would have on Entergy Arkansas' customers. The APSC order establishes an investigation into whether Entergy Arkansas' continued participation in the System Agreement is in the best interest of its customers, and whether there are steps that Entergy Arkansas or the APSC can take "to protect [Entergy Arkansas' customers] from future attempts by Louisiana, or any other Entergy retail regulator, to shift its high costs to Arkansas." Entergy Arkansas filed testimony in response to the APSC's Order of Investigation. The testimony emphasizes that the ALJ's Initial Decision is not a final order by the FERC; briefly discusses some of the aspects of the Initial Decision that are included in Entergy's exceptions filed with the FERC; emphasizes that Entergy will seek to reverse the production cost-related portions of the Initial Decision; and states that Entergy Arkansas believes that it is premature, before the FERC makes a decision, for Entergy Arkansas to determine whether its continued participation in the System Agreement is appropriate.

In April 2004, the APSC commenced the investigation into Entergy Louisiana's Vidalia purchased power contract and requested historical documents, records, and information from Entergy Arkansas, which Entergy Arkansas has provided to the APSC. Also in April 2004, the APSC issued an order directing Entergy Arkansas to show cause why Entergy Arkansas should not have to indemnify and hold its customers harmless from any adverse financial effects related to Entergy Louisiana's pending acquisition of the Perryville power plant, or show that the Perryville unit will produce economic benefits for Entergy Arkansas' customers. Entergy Arkansas filed a response in May 2004 stating that Entergy will seek to reverse the production cost-related portions of the ALJ's Initial Decision in the System Agreement proceeding at the FERC, that the Perryville acquisition is part of Entergy's request for proposal generation planning process, that Entergy Arkansas is not in a position to indemnify its retail customers from actions taken by the FERC, and that the Perryville acquisition is expected to reduce the domestic utility companies' overall production costs. Procedural schedules have not been established in these APSC investigations.

In April 2004, the City Council issued a resolution directing Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana to notify the City Council and obtain prior approval for any action that would materially modify, amend, or terminate the System Agreement for one or more of the domestic utility companies. Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana appealed to state court the City Council's resolution on the basis that the imposition of this requirement with respect to the System Agreement, a FERC-approved tariff, exceeds the City Council's jurisdiction and authority. In July 2004, the City Council answered the appeal and filed a third party demand and counterclaim against Entergy, the domestic utility companies, Entergy Services, and System Energy, seeking a declaratory judgment that Entergy and its subsidiaries cannot terminate the System Agreement until obligations owed under a March 2003 rate case settlement are satisfied. In August 2004, Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana, as well as the named third party defendants, filed pleadings objecting to the City Council's third party demand and counterclaim on various grounds, including federal preemption. In February 2005, the state court issued an oral decision dismissing the City Council's claims for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and prematurity.

Transmission

In 2000, FERC issued an order encouraging utilities to voluntarily place their transmission facilities under the control of independent RTOs (regional transmission organizations) by December 15, 2001. Delays in implementing the FERC order have occurred due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that utility companies, other stakeholders, and federal and state regulators continue to work to resolve various issues related to the establishment of such RTOs.

In April 2004, Entergy filed a proposal with the FERC to commit voluntarily to retain an independent entity (Independent Coordinator of Transmission or ICT) to oversee the granting of transmission or interconnection service on Entergy's transmission system, to implement a transmission pricing structure that ensures that Entergy's retail native load customers are required to pay for only those upgrades necessary to reliably serve their needs, and to have the ICT serve as the security coordinator for the Entergy region. Assuming applicable regulatory support and approvals can be obtained, Entergy proposed to contract with the ICT to oversee the granting of transmission service on the Entergy system as well as the implementation of the proposed weekly procurement process (WPP). The proposal was structured to not transfer control of Entergy's transmission system to the ICT, but rather to vest with the ICT broad oversight authority over transmission planning and operations.

Entergy also proposed to have the ICT administer a transmission expansion pricing protocol that will increase the efficiency of transmission pricing on the Entergy system and that will be designed to protect Entergy's native load customers from bearing the cost of transmission upgrades not required to reliably serve these customers' needs. Entergy intends for the ICT to determine whether transmission upgrades associated with new requests for service should be funded directly by the party requesting such service or by a broader group of transmission customers, including Entergy's native load customers. This determination would be made in accordance with protocols approved by the FERC, and any party contesting such determination, including Entergy, would be required to seek review at the FERC. Several technical conferences regarding the ICT proposal, or various components thereof, were held in 2004. Entergy has also responded to discovery requests that resulted from these conferences.

In January 2005, Entergy filed a petition for declaratory order with the FERC requesting that the FERC provide guidance on two important issues: (1) whether the functions performed by the ICT will cause it to become a "public utility" under the Federal Power Act or the "transmission provider" under Entergy's open access transmission tariff; and (2) whether Entergy's transmission pricing proposal, as administered by the ICT, satisfies the FERC's transmission pricing policy. The petition also indicates that, subject to the outcome of the petition and obtaining support of Entergy's retail regulators, Entergy would be willing to have the ICT perform the following additional functions: (a) grant or deny requests for transmission service; (b) calculate available flowgate capacity; (c) administer Entergy's OASIS; and (d) perform an enhanced planning function (integrating the plans of Entergy and other potential transmission owners to identify regional synergies.) Comments and interventions on the petition were filed by market participants and retail regulators on February 4, 2005. In their individual comments, the APSC, LPSC, and City Council supported Entergy's position that the ICT would not become a "public utility" or "transmission provider" and that the transmission pricing proposal satisfies the FERC's transmission pricing policy. Certain other parties urged the FERC to reject the petition for declaratory order or, in the alternative, that the FERC assert jurisdiction over the ICT and determine that Entergy's proposed pricing policy is inconsistent with FERC's current pricing policy. FERC action on the petition is expected during the first half of 2005.

In March 2004, the APSC initiated a proceeding to review Entergy's proposal and compare the benefits of such a proposal to the alternative of Entergy joining the Southwest Power Pool RTO. The APSC sought comments from all interested parties on this issue. Various parties, including the APSC General Staff, filed comments opposing the ICT proposal. A public hearing has not been scheduled by the APSC at this time, although Entergy Arkansas has responded to various APSC data requests. In May 2004, Entergy Mississippi filed a petition for review with the MPSC requesting MPSC support for the ICT proposal. A hearing in that proceeding was held in August 2004. Additionally, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States have filed an application with the LPSC requesting that the LPSC find that the ICT proposal is a prudent and appropriate course of action. A hearing on the transmission pricing aspects of the ICT proposal is scheduled for May 2005, with a separate hearing on the WPP portion of the proposal currently scheduled for August 2005.

FERC's Supply Margin Assessment

In November 2001, FERC issued an order that established a new generation market power screen (called Supply Margin Assessment) for purposes of evaluating a utility's request for market-based rate authority, applied that new screen to the Entergy System (among others), determined that Entergy and the others failed the screen within their respective control areas, and ordered these utilities to implement certain mitigation measures as a condition to their continued ability to buy and sell at market-based rates. Among other things, the mitigation measures would require that Entergy transact at cost-based rates when it sells in the hourly wholesale market within its control area. Entergy requested rehearing of the order, and FERC delayed the implementation of certain mitigation measures until such time as it had the opportunity to consider the rehearing request. In June 2003, the FERC proposed and ultimately adopted new market behavior rules and tariff provisions that would be applied to any market-based sale. Entergy modified its market-based rate tariffs to reflect the new provisions but requested rehearing of FERC's order.

In April 2004, the FERC issued its Order on Rehearing and Modifying Interim Generation Market Power Analysis and Mitigation Policy. In its April 2004 order, the FERC established a new interim generation market power analysis that will consider two indicative market power screens: (1) the pivotal supplier screen that is designed to measure an applicant's market power based on the applicant's share of uncommitted capacity at the time of the control area market's annual peak demand; and (2) the market share screen that is designed to evaluate an applicant's market share of uncommitted capacity on a seasonal basis. An integrated utility's native load obligation will be reflected in both screens; however, the proxy for native load obligation differs between the screens. For the uncommitted pivotal supplier screen, the proxy for native load is the average of the daily native load peaks during the month in which the annual peak load day occurs; for the uncommitted market share screen the proxy for native load is the minimum peak load day for each season. In the event an applicant fails either of these screens, there will be a rebuttable presumption that market power exists. The applicant will then have the opportunity to either: (1) submit a more detailed market power analysis that reflects market prices and measures an applicant's "economic capacity" and "available economic capacity" under the "delivered price test" or (2) propose case-specific mitigation tailored to the applicant's specific circumstances or adopt cost-based rates for sales within the applicant's control area.

In its April 2004 order, the FERC also: (1) determined that transmission market power and the need to employ an independent entity to operate and administer an applicant's OASIS site is more properly considered in other proceedings, to the extent appropriate, and would not be considered in evaluating an applicant's generation market power for purposes of granting market-based rate authority; and (2) eliminated the exemption from the generation market power analysis for sales within an RTO/ISO that had approved market monitoring. Several parties, including Entergy, filed for rehearing of the April 2004 order. Among other things, Entergy argued that the market share screen is overly conservative and overstates vertically integrated utilities' ability to exercise market power.

In July 2004, the FERC issued an order on rehearing reaffirming the use of the pivotal supplier and market share screens and clarified certain instructions for performing such analysis. With regard to the delivered price test analysis, the FERC declined to make a determination on whether an applicant's native load obligations will be reflected when evaluating an applicant's generation market power, but instead indicated that it would evaluate the arguments of both the applicant and intervenors as to which measure (one with or without native load obligations) more accurately reflects market conditions. Entergy appealed the April 2004 and July 2004 orders to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. In February 2005, the D.C. Circuit granted the FERC's motion to dismiss Entergy's appeal on the grounds that Entergy's claims were premature. The D.C. Circuit found that Entergy's petition was premature because the D.C. Circuit was not yet in a position to evaluate the manner in which the FERC will apply its new market power tests or whether the tests will have adverse consequences for Entergy. Thus, the D.C. Circuit did not rule on the merits of Entergy's appeal.

Entergy filed with the FERC its generation market power analysis pursuant to the two indicative screens in August 2004. Entergy's analysis indicated that it passed the pivotal supplier screen for all relevant geographical regions, but failed the market share screen within its control area. At the same time, Entergy submitted the results of the delivered price test for Entergy, which indicate that Entergy does not have market power in any wholesale market when Entergy's native load obligations are reflected.

In December 2004, the FERC issued an order pursuant to Section 206 of the Federal Power Act: (1) finding that Entergy failed the market share screen; (2) indicating that the FERC is continuing to review the delivered price test analysis submitted by Entergy; (3) establishing a refund effective date for Entergy's market-based wholesale sales within its control area; and (4) indicating that the FERC believes that it can reach a decision concerning Entergy's market-based rate authority by the second quarter of 2005.

If the FERC were to revoke Entergy's or the domestic utility companies' market-based rate authority for wholesale sales within the Entergy control area, these entities would be limited to making wholesale sales pursuant to cost-based rate schedules approved by the FERC. The wholesale sales of the domestic utility companies and their affiliates, including Entergy's non-nuclear wholesale assets business, within the Entergy control area could either be cost-justified or are of such a limited amount that management does not believe that the revocation of their market-based rate authority would have a material effect on the financial results of Entergy. Because Entergy believes that it does not possess market power and that the FERC's tests are flawed, Entergy intends to vigorously defend its market-based rate authority.

The FERC has also initiated a rulemaking proceeding to address, among other things, whether the FERC should retain or modify its existing four-prong test for evaluating market-based rate applications (i.e., whether the applicant has generation or transmission market power, whether the applicant can erect barriers to entry, and whether there are affiliate abuse or reciprocal dealing concerns), and whether the FERC should adopt different approaches for affiliate transactions. The FERC has held a series of technical conferences to discuss these issues. Additionally, in February 2005, the FERC adopted revised reporting obligations for changes in status that apply to public utilities authorized to make wholesale sales of power at market-based rates. The FERC determined to replace the current triennial reporting requirement with more detailed guidelines concerning the types of events that will trigger a reporting obligation and the timing and format for such reports. The new rules will become part of all existing market-based rate tariffs during March 2005.

Interconnection Orders

The domestic utility companies (except Entergy New Orleans) are currently defendants to several complaints and rehearing requests before the FERC in which independent generation entities (GenCos) are seeking a refund of monies that the GenCos had previously paid to the Entergy companies for facilities necessary to connect their generation facilities to Entergy's transmission system. The FERC has issued initial orders in response to two of the complaints and in certain other dockets ordering Entergy to refund approximately $100 million in expenses and tax obligations previously paid by the GenCos. The refunds will be in the form of transmission credits that will be utilized over time as the GenCos take transmission service from Entergy.

In addition, Entergy Louisiana was recently directed, effective as of March 2001, to provide transmission credits, with interest, associated with a specific generator that asserted to the FERC that it retained in its contract for interconnection a right to execute the latest form of Entergy's standard interconnection agreement in lieu of its existing contract, which thereby would apply FERC's most recent interconnection cost allocation policies to that generator. Following an ALJ's Initial Decision and an order affirming such decision by FERC, approximately $15 million in expenses and tax obligations previously paid by the generator have been ordered refunded in the form of transmission credits, to be utilized over time and applied to Entergy transmission service bills incurred after March 2001. Entergy has sought rehearing of the FERC's order.

To the extent the Entergy companies are ordered to provide such refunds, these costs will qualify for inclusion in the Entergy companies' rates. The recovery of these costs is not automatic, however, especially at the retail level, where the majority of the cost recovery would occur. Entergy intends to pursue all regulatory and legal avenues available to it in order to have these orders reversed and have the affected interconnection agreements reinstated as agreed to originally by the generators.

Available Flowgate Capacity Proceeding

On December 17, 2004, the FERC issued an order initiating a hearing and investigation concerning the justness and reasonableness of the Available Flowgate Capacity (AFC) methodology, the methodology used to evaluate short-term transmission service requests under the domestic utility companies' open access transmission tariff, and establishing a refund effective date. In its order, the FERC indicated that although it "appreciates that Entergy is attempting to explore ways to improve transmission access on its system," it believed that an investigation was warranted to gather more evidence in light of the concerns raised by certain transmission customers and certain issues raised in a FERC audit report finding errors and problems with the predecessor methodology used by Entergy for evaluating short-term transmission requests, the Generator Operating Limits methodology. The FERC order indicates that the investigation will include an examination of (i) Entergy's implementation of the AFC program, (ii) whether Entergy's implementation has complied with prior FERC orders and open access transmission tariff provisions addressing the AFC program, and (iii) whether Entergy's provision of access to short-term transmission on its transmission system was just, reasonable, and not unduly discriminatory.

Entergy has submitted an Emergency Interim Request for Rehearing requesting the FERC to defer the hearing process and instead proceed initially with an independent audit of the AFC program and the expansion of the current process involving other market participants to address a broader range of issues. Entergy believes that this type of approach is a more efficient and effective mechanism for evaluating the AFC program. Following the completion of the independent audit and process involving other market participants, the FERC could determine whether other procedural steps are necessary. The FERC has not yet ruled on the Emergency Interim Request for Rehearing submitted by Entergy.

Entergy believes that it has complied with the provisions of its open access transmission tariff, including the provisions addressing the implementation of the AFC methodology; however, the ultimate scope of this proceeding cannot be predicted at this time. A hearing in the AFC proceeding is currently scheduled to commence in August 2005.

FERC Audits

In August 2002, the FERC initiated audits and reviews of Entergy's compliance with Order Nos. 888 and 889 and Entergy's open access transmission tariff. In March 2004, a separate audit was started concerning Entergy's administration of the Generator Operating Limits ("GOL") processes. Entergy responded to numerous FERC data requests and the FERC Staff members interviewed several employees. In December 2004, the FERC issued the GOL audit report in which it identified certain input and modeling errors in the implementation of the GOL process (which process was replaced in April 2004 with the AFC process). The report recommends that Entergy implement additional quality control and assurance procedures surrounding the processes for granting short term transmission service. Separately, the FERC investigation staff has provided to Entergy its preliminary findings in a non-public draft report identifying certain areas of concern related to Entergy's compliance with provisions of its open access transmission tariff. Entergy has submitted a comprehensive response and rebuttal to the specific concerns identified by the investigation staff but, at this point, believes that it has complied with the provisions of its open access transmission tariff. The draft report is not a final report and may be modified by the FERC staff based on Entergy's responses or otherwise. In addition, Entergy has the ability to appeal the final reports to the full FERC.

The FERC is currently reviewing certain wholesale sales and purchases involving EPMC that occurred during the 1998-2001 time period. EPMC was an Entergy subsidiary engaged in non-regulated wholesale marketing and trading activities prior to the formation of Entergy-Koch. Entergy is working with the FERC investigation staff to provide information regarding these transactions.

Other Customer-initiated Proceedings at FERC

In September 2004, East Texas Electric Cooperative (ETEC), filed a complaint at the FERC against Entergy Arkansas relating to a contract dispute over the pricing of substitute energy at the co-owned coal unit, Independence Steam Electric Station (ISES).  In October 2004 Arkansas Electric Cooperative (AECC) filed a similar complaint at FERC against Entergy Arkansas, addressing the same issue with respect to ISES and another co-owned coal unit, White Bluff Electric Station.  Entergy Arkansas filed answers to these complaints in October 2004 and November 2004.  FERC consolidated the cases, ordered a hearing in the consolidated proceeding, and established refund effective dates.  The main issue in the case relates to the consequences under the governing contracts when the dispatch of the coal units is constrained due to system operating conditions.  Entergy Arkansas believes that the contracts in dispute recognize the effects of dispatch constraints on the co-owned units and require all of the co-owners, including ETEC and AECC, to bear the burden of the reduced output.  Entergy Arkansas expects an initial decision by a FERC ALJ in October 2005.

On February 17, 2005, ExxonMobil Chemical Company and ExxonMobil Refining & Supply Company (ExxonMobil) filed a complaint with FERC against Entergy Services and the domestic utility companies. The complaint alleges that the Entergy defendants have violated Entergy's open access transmission tariff, as well as its interconnection and operating agreement with ExxonMobil, by not allowing ExxonMobil to net its station power needs at its industrial complex in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. ExxonMobil also alleges that the Entergy defendants have been charging rates that are not on file with the FERC and that the Entergy defendants' monthly facilities charge is contrary to the FERC's current interconnection pricing policy. ExxonMobil states that such violations have resulted in monetary losses to it in excess of $5 million. Entergy believes that it has complied with the provisions of its open access transmission tariff and the provisions of the interconnection and operating agreement.

System Energy and Related Agreements

System Energy recovers costs related to its interest in Grand Gulf through rates charged to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans for capacity and energy under the Unit Power Sales Agreement (described below). In December 1995, System Energy commenced a rate proceeding at the FERC. In July 2001, the rate proceeding became final, with the FERC approving a prospective 10.94% return on equity. The FERC's decision also affected other aspects of System Energy's charges to the domestic utility companies that it supplies with power. In 1998, the FERC approved requests by Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi to accelerate a portion of their Grand Gulf purchased power obligations. Entergy Arkansas' and Entergy Mississippi's acceleration of Grand Gulf purchased power obligations ceased effective July 2001 and July 2003, respectively, as approved by FERC.

Unit Power Sales Agreement

The Unit Power Sales Agreement allocates capacity, energy, and the related costs from System Energy's 90% ownership and leasehold interests in Grand Gulf to Entergy Arkansas (36%), Entergy Louisiana (14%), Entergy Mississippi (33%), and Entergy New Orleans (17%). Each of these companies is obligated to make payments to System Energy for its entitlement of capacity and energy on a full cost-of-service basis regardless of the quantity of energy delivered, so long as Grand Gulf remains in commercial operation. Payments under the Unit Power Sales Agreement are System Energy's only source of operating revenue. The financial condition of System Energy depends upon the continued commercial operation of Grand Gulf and the receipt of such payments. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans generally recover payments made under the Unit Power Sales Agreement through rates charged to their customers.

In the case of Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Louisiana, payments are also recovered through sales of electricity from their respective retained shares of Grand Gulf. Under a settlement agreement entered into with the APSC in 1985 and amended in 1988, Entergy Arkansas retains 22% of its 36% share of Grand Gulf-related costs and recovers the remaining 78% of its share in rates. In the event that Entergy Arkansas is not able to sell its retained share to third parties, it may sell such energy to its retail customers at a price equal to its avoided cost, which is currently less than Entergy Arkansas' cost from its retained share. Entergy Arkansas has life-of-resources purchased power agreements with Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans pending regulatory approvals that sell a portion of the output of Entergy Arkansas' retained share of Grand Gulf to those companies. In a series of LPSC orders, court decisions, and agreements from late 1985 to mid-1988, Entergy Louisiana was granted rate relief with respect to costs associated with Entergy Louisiana's share of capacity and energy from Grand Gulf, subject to certain terms and conditions. Entergy Louisiana retains and does not recover from retail ratepayers, 18% of its 14% share of the costs of Grand Gulf capacity and energy and recovers the remaining 82% of its share in rates. Entergy Louisiana is allowed to recover through the fuel adjustment clause 4.6 cents per kWh for the energy related to its retained portion of these costs. Alternatively, Entergy Louisiana may sell such energy to non-affiliated parties at prices above the fuel adjustment clause recovery amount, subject to the LPSC's approval.

Availability Agreement

The Availability Agreement among System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans was entered into in 1974 in connection with the financing by System Energy of Grand Gulf. The Availability Agreement provided that System Energy join in the System Agreement on or before the date on which Grand Gulf 1 was placed in commercial operation and make available to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans all capacity and energy available from System Energy's share of Grand Gulf.

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans also agreed severally to pay System Energy monthly for the right to receive capacity and energy from Grand Gulf in amounts that (when added to any amounts received by System Energy under the Unit Power Sales Agreement) would at least equal System Energy's total operating expenses for Grand Gulf (including depreciation at a specified rate) and interest charges. The September 1989 write-off of System Energy's investment in Grand Gulf 2, amounting to approximately $900 million, is being amortized for Availability Agreement purposes over 27 years.

The allocation percentages under the Availability Agreement are fixed as follows: Entergy Arkansas - 17.1%; Entergy Louisiana - 26.9%; Entergy Mississippi - 31.3%; and Entergy New Orleans - 24.7%. The allocation percentages under the Availability Agreement would remain in effect and would govern payments made under such agreement in the event of a shortfall of funds available to System Energy from other sources, including payments under the Unit Power Sales Agreement.

System Energy has assigned its rights to payments and advances from Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans under the Availability Agreement as security for its first mortgage bonds and reimbursement obligations to certain banks providing letters of credit in connection with the equity funding of the sale and leaseback transactions described in Note 9 to the financial statements under "Sale and Leaseback Transactions - Grand Gulf Lease Obligations." In these assignments, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans further agreed that, in the event they were prohibited by governmental action from making payments under the Availability Agreement (for example, if FERC reduced or disallowed such payments as constituting excessive rates), they would then make subordinated advances to System Energy in the same amounts and at the same times as the prohibited payments. System Energy would not be allowed to repay these subordinated advances so long as it remained in default under the related indebtedness or in other similar circumstances.

Each of the assignment agreements relating to the Availability Agreement provides that Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans will make payments directly to System Energy. However, if there is an event of default, those payments must be made directly to the holders of indebtedness that are the beneficiaries of such assignment agreements. The payments must be made pro rata according to the amount of the respective obligations secured.

The obligations of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans to make payments under the Availability Agreement are subject to the receipt and continued effectiveness of all necessary regulatory approvals. Sales of capacity and energy under the Availability Agreement would require that the Availability Agreement be submitted to FERC for approval with respect to the terms of such sale. No such filing with FERC has been made because sales of capacity and energy from Grand Gulf are being made pursuant to the Unit Power Sales Agreement. If, for any reason, sales of capacity and energy are made in the future pursuant to the Availability Agreement, the jurisdictional portions of the Availability Agreement would be submitted to FERC for approval. Other aspects of the Availability Agreement are subject to the jurisdiction of the SEC, whose approval has been obtained, under PUHCA.

Since commercial operation of Grand Gulf began, payments under the Unit Power Sales Agreement to System Energy have exceeded the amounts payable under the Availability Agreement. Therefore, no payments under the Availability Agreement have ever been required. If Entergy Arkansas or Entergy Mississippi fails to make its Unit Power Sales Agreement payments, and System Energy is unable to obtain funds from other sources, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans could become subject to claims or demands by System Energy or its creditors for payments or advances under the Availability Agreement (or the assignments thereof) equal to the difference between their required Unit Power Sales Agreement payments and their required Availability Agreement payments because their Availability Agreement obligations exceed their Unit Power Sales Agreement obligations.

The Availability Agreement may be terminated, amended, or modified by mutual agreement of the parties thereto, without further consent of any assignees or other creditors.

Capital Funds Agreement

System Energy and Entergy Corporation have entered into the Capital Funds Agreement, whereby Entergy Corporation has agreed to supply System Energy with sufficient capital to (i) maintain System Energy's equity capital at an amount equal to a minimum of 35% of its total capitalization (excluding short-term debt) and (ii) permit the continued commercial operation of Grand Gulf and pay in full all indebtedness for borrowed money of System Energy when due.

Entergy Corporation has entered into various supplements to the Capital Funds Agreement. System Energy has assigned its rights under such supplements as security for its first mortgage bonds and for reimbursement obligations to certain banks providing letters of credit in connection with the equity funding of the sale and leaseback transactions described in Note 9 to the financial statements under "Sale and Leaseback Transactions - Grand Gulf Lease Obligations." Each such supplement provides that permitted indebtedness for borrowed money incurred by System Energy in connection with the financing of Grand Gulf may be secured by System Energy's rights under the Capital Funds Agreement on a pro rata basis (except for the Specific Payments, as defined below). In addition, in the supplements to the Capital Funds Agreement relating to the specific indebtedness being secured, Entergy Corporation has agreed to make cash capital contributions directly to System Energy sufficient to enable System Energy to make payments when due on such indebtedness (Specific Payments). However, if there is an event of default, Entergy Corporation must make those payments directly to the holders of indebtedness benefiting from the supplemental agreements. The payments (other than the Specific Payments) must be made pro rata according to the amount of the respective obligations benefiting from the supplemental agreements.

The Capital Funds Agreement may be terminated, amended, or modified by mutual agreement of the parties thereto, upon obtaining the consent, if required, of those holders of System Energy's indebtedness then outstanding who have received the assignments of the Capital Funds Agreement.

Service Companies

Entergy Services, a corporation wholly-owned by Entergy Corporation, provides management, administrative, accounting, legal, engineering, and other services primarily to the domestic utility companies. Entergy Operations is also wholly-owned by Entergy Corporation and provides nuclear management, operations and maintenance services under contract for ANO, River Bend, Waterford 3, and Grand Gulf, subject to the owner oversight of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy, respectively. Entergy Services and Entergy Operations provide their services to the domestic utility companies and System Energy on an "at cost" basis, pursuant to service agreements approved by the SEC under PUHCA.

Earnings Ratios of Domestic Utility Companies and System Energy

The domestic utility companies' and System Energy's ratios of earnings to fixed charges and ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred dividends pursuant to Item 503 of SEC Regulation S-K are as follows:

   

Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Years Ended December 31,

   

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

                     

Entergy Arkansas

 

3.37

 

3.17

 

2.79

 

3.29

 

3.01

Entergy Gulf States

 

3.04

 

1.51

 

2.49

 

2.36

 

2.60

Entergy Louisiana

 

3.60

 

3.93

 

3.14

 

2.76

 

3.33

Entergy Mississippi

 

3.41

 

3.06

 

2.48

 

2.14

 

2.33

Entergy New Orleans

 

3.60

 

1.73

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

2.66

System Energy

 

3.95

 

3.66

 

3.25

 

2.12

 

2.41

   

Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed
Charges and Preferred Dividends
Years Ended December 31,

   

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

                     

Entergy Arkansas

 

2.98

 

2.79

 

2.53

 

2.99

 

2.70

Entergy Gulf States (a)

 

2.90

 

1.45

 

2.40

 

2.21

 

2.39

Entergy Louisiana

 

3.16

 

3.46

 

2.86

 

2.51

 

2.93

Entergy Mississippi

 

3.07

 

2.77

 

2.27

 

1.96

 

2.09

Entergy New Orleans

 

3.31

 

1.59

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

2.43

(a)

"Preferred Dividends" in the case of Entergy Gulf States also include dividends on preference stock, which was redeemed in July 2000.

(b)

For Entergy New Orleans, earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2002 were not adequate to cover fixed charges and combined fixed charges and preferred dividends by $0.7 million and $3.4 million, respectively.

(c)

For Entergy New Orleans, earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2001 were not adequate to cover fixed charges and combined fixed charges and preferred dividends by $6.6 million and $9.5 million, respectively.

Non-Utility Nuclear

Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear business owns and operates five nuclear power plants and is primarily focused on selling electric power produced by those plants to wholesale customers. This business also provides operations and management services to nuclear power plants owned by other utilities in the United States. Operations and management services, including decommissioning services, are provided through Entergy's wholly-owned subsidiary, Entergy Nuclear, Inc.

Property

Generating Stations

Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear business owns the following nuclear power plants:



Power Plant

 



Acquired

 



Location

 


Maximum
Capacity

 



Reactor Type

 

License
Expiration
Date

                     

Pilgrim

 

July 1999

 

Plymouth, MA

 

688 MW

 

Boiling Water Reactor

 

2012

FitzPatrick

 

Nov. 2000

 

Oswego, NY

 

838 MW

 

Boiling Water Reactor

 

2014

Indian Point 3

 

Nov. 2000

 

Westchester County, NY

 

994 MW

 

Pressurized Water Reactor

 

2015

Indian Point 2

 

Sept. 2001

 

Westchester County, NY

 

1,028 MW

 

Pressurized Water Reactor

 

2013

Vermont Yankee

 

July 2002

 

Vernon, VT

 

510 MW

 

Boiling Water Reactor

 

2012

Non-Utility Nuclear added 57 MW of capacity in 2004 through uprates and plans an additional 142 MW of uprates through 2006. The planned uprates include a total of 95 MW for Vermont Yankee that are currently pending approval by the NRC and the Public Service Board of Vermont.

Interconnections

The Pilgrim and Vermont Yankee plants are dispatched as a part of Independent System Operator (ISO) New England and the FitzPatrick and Indian Point plants are dispatched by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO). The primary purpose of ISO New England is to direct the operations of the major generation and transmission facilities in the New England region and the primary purpose of NYISO is to direct the operations of the major generation and transmission facilities in New York state.

Energy and Capacity Sales

Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear business has entered into power purchase agreements (PPAs) with creditworthy counterparties to sell the energy produced by its power plants at prices established in the PPAs. Entergy continues to pursue opportunities to extend the existing PPAs and to enter into new PPAs with other parties. Following is a summary of the amount of the Non-Utility Nuclear business' output that is currently sold forward under physical or financial contracts at fixed prices:

   

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

Non-Utility Nuclear:

                   

Percent of planned generation sold forward:

                   
 

Unit-contingent

 

36%

 

20%

 

17%

 

1%

 

0%

 

Unit-contingent with availability guarantees

 

54%

 

52%

 

38%

 

25%

 

0%

 

Firm liquidated damages

 

4%

 

4%

 

2%

 

0%

 

0%

 

Total

 

94%

 

76%

 

57%

 

26%

 

0%

Planned generation (TWh)

 

34

 

35

 

34

 

34

 

35

Average contracted price per MWh

 

$39

 

$41

 

$42

 

$44

 

N/A

The Vermont Yankee acquisition included a 10-year PPA under which the former owners will buy the power produced by the plant, which is through the expiration in 2012 of the current operating license for the plant. The PPA includes an adjustment clause under which the prices specified in the PPA will be adjusted downward monthly, beginning in November 2005, if power market prices drop below PPA prices. Accordingly, because the price is not fixed, the table above does not report power from that plant as sold forward after November 2005.

A sale of power on a unit contingent basis coupled with an availability guarantee provides for the payment to the power purchaser of contract damages, if incurred, in the event the seller fails to deliver power as a result of the failure of the specified generation unit to generate power at or above a specified availability threshold. To date, Entergy has not incurred any payment obligation to any power purchaser pursuant to an availability guarantee. All of Entergy's outstanding availability guarantees provide for dollar limits on Entergy's maximum liability under such guarantees.

Some of the agreements to sell the power produced by Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear power plants contain provisions that require an Entergy subsidiary to provide collateral to secure its obligations under the agreements. The Entergy subsidiary may be required to provide collateral based upon the difference between the current market and contracted power prices in the regions where the Non-Utility Nuclear business sells its power.  The primary form of the collateral to satisfy these requirements would be an Entergy Corporation guaranty. Cash and letters of credit are also acceptable forms of collateral. At December 31, 2004, based on power prices at that time, Entergy had in place as collateral $545.5 million of Entergy Corporation guarantees and $47.5 million of letters of credit. In the event of a decrease in Entergy Corporation's credit rating to specified levels below investment grade, Entergy may be required to replace Entergy Corporation guarantees with cash or letters of credit under some of the agreements.

In addition to selling the power produced by its plants, the Non-Utility Nuclear business sells installed capacity to load-serving distribution companies in order for those companies to meet requirements placed on them by the ISO in their area. Following is a summary of the amount of the Non-Utility Nuclear business' installed capacity that is currently sold forward, and the blended amount of the Non-Utility Nuclear business' planned generation output and installed capacity that is currently sold forward:

   

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

Non-Utility Nuclear:

                   

Percent of capacity sold forward:

                   
 

Bundled capacity and energy contracts

 

13%

 

13%

 

13%

 

13%

 

13%

 

Capacity contracts

 

58%

 

67%

 

36%

 

22%

 

10%

 

Total

 

71%

 

80%

 

49%

 

35%

 

23%

Planned net MW in operation

 

4,155

 

4,200

 

4,200

 

4,200

 

4,200

Average capacity contract price per kW per month

 

$1.2

 

$1.1

 

$1.1

 

$1.0

 

$0.9

Blended Capacity and Energy (based on revenues)

                   

% of planned generation and capacity sold forward

 

93%

 

87%

 

65%

 

36%

 

12%

Average contract revenue per MWh

 

$40

 

$42

 

$43

 

$44

 

$43

As of December 31, 2004, approximately 99% of Entergy's counterparties to Non-Utility Nuclear's energy and capacity contracts have investment grade credit ratings.

Fuel Supply

Nuclear Fuel

The nuclear fuel requirements for Pilgrim, FitzPatrick, Indian Point 2, Indian Point 3, and Vermont Yankee are met pursuant to contracts made by Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear business. Entergy Nuclear Fuels Company is responsible for contracts to acquire nuclear materials, except for fuel fabrication, for these non-utility nuclear plants.

Based upon currently planned fuel cycles, Entergy's nuclear units have contracts and inventory that provide adequate materials and services. Existing contracts for uranium concentrate, conversion of the concentrate to uranium hexafluoride, and enrichment of the uranium hexafluoride will provide a significant percentage of these materials and services over the next several years. Uranium market supply became much tighter in recent years. Costs and risks of obtaining supplies have increased for nuclear fuel users. It will be necessary for Entergy to enter into additional arrangements to acquire nuclear fuel in the future. It is not possible to predict the ultimate cost or availability of such arrangements.

Other Business Activities

Entergy Nuclear, Inc. also pursues service agreements with other nuclear power plants owners who seek the advantages of Entergy's scale and expertise but do not necessarily want to sell their assets. Services provided by either Entergy Nuclear, Inc. or other Non-Utility Nuclear subsidiaries include engineering, operations and maintenance, fuel procurement, management and supervision, technical support and training, administrative support, and other managerial or technical services required to operate, maintain, and decommission nuclear electric power facilities. Entergy Nuclear, Inc. currently provides decommissioning services for the Maine Yankee nuclear power plant and continues to pursue opportunities for Non-Utility Nuclear with other nuclear plant owners through operating agreements or innovative arrangements such as structured leases.

In September 2003, Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear business agreed to provide administrative support services for the 800 MW Cooper Nuclear Station located near Brownville, Nebraska. The contract is for 10 years, the remaining term of the plant's operating license. Entergy will receive $13 million in 2005, and $14 million in 2006 and each of the remaining years of the contract. Entergy can also receive up to $6 million more per year beginning in 2007 if safety and regulatory goals are met. In addition, Entergy will be reimbursed for all employee-related expenses.

Entergy Nuclear, Inc. also is a party to two business arrangements that assist Entergy Nuclear, Inc. in providing operation and management services. Entergy Nuclear, Inc., in partnership with Framatome ANP, offers operating license renewal and life extension services to nuclear power plants in the United States. Entergy Nuclear Inc., through its subsidiary, TLG Services, offers decommissioning, engineering, and related services to nuclear power plant owners.

Energy Commodity Services

The Energy Commodity Services segment includes Entergy's non-nuclear wholesale assets business and Entergy-Koch, LP. Entergy's non-nuclear wholesale assets business owns power plants capable of generating about 1,500 MW of electricity for sale in the wholesale market. Entergy-Koch, LP is a limited partnership owned 50% each by Entergy and Koch Industries, Inc. through subsidiaries. Entergy-Koch engaged in two major businesses: energy commodity marketing and trading through Entergy-Koch Trading, and gas transportation and storage through Gulf South Pipeline. Entergy-Koch sold both of these businesses in the fourth quarter 2004, and Entergy-Koch is no longer an operating entity. Previously, Entergy's Energy Commodity Services business also engaged in power development activities through Entergy Wholesale Operations, but these activities were discontinued in early 2002.

Non-Nuclear Wholesale Assets Business

Property

Generating Stations

The capacity of the generating stations owned in Entergy's non-nuclear wholesale assets business as of December 31, 2004 is indicated below:


Plant

 


Location

 


Ownership

 

Net Owned
Capacity(1)

 


Type

                 

Ritchie Unit 2, 544 MW

 

Helena, AR

 

100%

 

544 MW

 

Gas/Oil

Independence Unit 2, 842 MW

 

Newark, AR

 

14%

 

121 MW(2)

 

Coal

Warren Power, 300 MW

 

Vicksburg, MS

 

75%

 

225 MW(2)

 

Gas Turbine

Top of Iowa, 80 MW (3)

 

Worth County, IA

 

50%

 

40 MW

 

Wind

White Deer, 80 MW (3)

 

Amarillo, TX

 

50%

 

40 MW

 

Wind

RS Cogen, 425 MW (3)

 

Lake Charles, LA

 

50%

 

213 MW

 

Gas/Steam

Harrison County, 550 MW

 

Marshall, TX

 

61%

 

335 MW(2)

 

Gas Turbine

(1)

"Net Owned Capacity" refers to the nameplate rating on the generating unit.

(2)

The owned MW capacity is the portion of the plant capacity owned by Entergy's non-nuclear wholesale assets business. For a complete listing of Entergy's joint-owned generating stations, refer to "Jointly-Owned Generating Stations" in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.

(3)

Indirectly owned through interests in unconsolidated joint ventures.

In addition to these generating stations, Entergy's non-nuclear wholesale assets business has a contract to take 60MW of the power from a portion of the Nelson 6 coal plant owned by a third party.

Entergy sold its interest in the Crete power plant located in Illinois in January 2004.

Energy and Capacity Sales

Following is a summary of the amount of Energy Commodity Services' output and installed capacity that is currently sold forward under physical or financial contracts at fixed prices:

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

Energy Commodity Services:

                 

Capacity

                 

Planned MW in operation

1,578

 

1,578

 

1,578

 

1,578

 

1,578

% of capacity sold forward

44%

 

33%

 

29%

 

29%

 

19%

Energy

                 

Planned generation (TWh)

3

 

3

 

3

 

3

 

4

% of planned generation sold forward

69%

 

54%

 

45%

 

45%

 

35%

Blended Capacity and Energy (based on revenues)

                 

% of planned energy and capacity sold forward

63%

 

44%

 

38%

 

39%

 

22%

Average contract revenue per MWh

$24

 

$24

 

$28

 

$28

 

$21

Entergy-Koch, LP

Entergy-Koch is a limited partnership owned 50% each by Entergy and Koch Industries, Inc, through subsidiaries. Entergy-Koch began operations on February 1, 2001. Entergy contributed most of the assets and trading contracts of its power marketing and trading business and $414 million cash to the venture and Koch contributed its approximately 8,000-mile Koch Gateway Pipeline (renamed Gulf South Pipeline), gas storage facilities, and Koch Energy Trading, which marketed and traded electricity, gas, weather derivatives, and other energy-related commodities and services. As specified in the partnership agreement, Entergy contributed an additional $72.7 million to the partnership in January 2004.

In the fourth quarter of 2004, Entergy-Koch sold its energy trading and pipeline businesses to third parties. The sales came after a review of strategic alternatives for enhancing the value of Entergy-Koch, LP. Entergy received $862 million of cash distributions in 2004 from Entergy-Koch after the business sales, and Entergy ultimately expects to receive total net cash distributions exceeding $1 billion, comprised of the after-tax cash from the distributions of the sales proceeds and the eventual liquidation of Entergy-Koch. Entergy currently expects the net cash distributions that it will receive will exceed its equity investment in Entergy-Koch, and expects to record a $60 million net-of-tax gain when it receives the remaining cash distributions, which it expects will occur in 2006.

Regulation of Entergy's Business

PUHCA

The Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended, regulates companies like Entergy Corporation that serve as holding companies to domestic operating utilities. Some of the more significant impacts of PUHCA are that it:

  • limits the operations of a registered holding company system to a single, integrated public utility system, plus related systems and businesses;
  • regulates transactions among affiliates within a holding company system;
  • governs the issuance, acquisition, and disposition of securities and assets by registered holding companies and their subsidiaries;
  • limits the entry by registered holding companies and their subsidiaries into businesses other than electric and/or gas utility businesses; and
  • requires SEC approval for certain utility mergers and acquisitions.

Entergy continues to support the broad industry effort to pass legislation in the United States Congress to repeal PUHCA and transfer certain aspects of the oversight of public utility holding companies from the SEC to FERC. Entergy believes that PUHCA inhibits its ability to compete in the evolving electric energy marketplace and largely duplicates the oversight activities otherwise performed by FERC, other federal regulators, and state and local regulators.

Federal Power Act

The Federal Power Act regulates:

  • the transmission and wholesale sale of electric energy in interstate commerce;
  • the licensing of certain hydroelectric projects; and
  • certain other activities, including accounting policies and practices of electric and gas utilities.

The Federal Power Act gives FERC jurisdiction over the rates charged by System Energy for Grand Gulf capacity and energy provided to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans and over some of the rates charged by Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Gulf States. FERC also regulates the rates charged for intrasystem sales pursuant to the System Agreement.

Entergy Arkansas holds a FERC license that expires in 2053 for two hydroelectric projects totaling 70 MW of capacity.

State Regulation

Entergy Arkansas is subject to regulation by the APSC, which includes the authority to:

  • oversee utility service;
  • set retail rates;
  • determine reasonable and adequate service;
  • require proper accounting;
  • control leasing;
  • control the acquisition or sale of any public utility plant or property constituting an operating unit or system;
  • set rates of depreciation;
  • issue certificates of convenience and necessity and certificates of environmental compatibility and public need; and
  • regulate the issuance and sale of certain securities.

Entergy Gulf States may be subject to the original jurisdiction of the municipal authorities of a number of incorporated cities in Texas with appellate jurisdiction over such matters residing in the PUCT. Whether such municipal jurisdiction currently exists is the subject of a declaratory judgment proceeding initiated at the PUCT by certain Cities served by Entergy Gulf States in December 2004. Entergy Gulf States' Texas business is also subject to regulation by the PUCT as to:

  • retail rates and service;
  • customer service standards;
  • certification of new transmission lines; and
  • extensions of service into new areas.

Entergy Gulf States' Louisiana electric and gas business and Entergy Louisiana are subject to regulation by the LPSC as to:

  • utility service;
  • retail rates and charges;
  • certification of generating facilities;
  • power or capacity purchase contracts; and
  • depreciation, accounting, and other matters.

Entergy Louisiana is also subject to the jurisdiction of the Council with respect to such matters within Algiers in Orleans Parish.

Entergy Mississippi is subject to regulation by the MPSC as to the following:

  • utility service;
  • service areas;
  • facilities; and
  • retail rates.

Entergy Mississippi is also subject to regulation by the APSC as to the certificate of environmental compatibility and public need for the Independence Station, which is located in Arkansas.

Entergy New Orleans is subject to regulation by the Council as to the following:

  • utility service;
  • retail rates and charges;
  • standards of service;
  • depreciation, accounting, and issuance and sale of certain securities; and
  • other matters.

Regulation of the Nuclear Power Industry

Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and Energy Reorganization Act of 1974

Under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, the operation of nuclear plants is heavily regulated by the NRC, which has broad power to impose licensing and safety-related requirements. The NRC has broad authority to impose fines or shut down a unit, or both, depending upon its assessment of the severity of the situation, until compliance is achieved. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy, as owners of all or portions of ANO, River Bend, Waterford 3, and Grand Gulf, respectively, and Entergy Operations, as the licensee and operator of these units, are subject to the jurisdiction of the NRC. Entergy has made substantial capital expenditures at these nuclear plants because of revised safety requirements of the NRC in the past, and additional expenditures could be required in the future. Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear business is subject to the NRC's jurisdiction as the owner and operator of Pilgrim, Indian Point Energy Center, FitzPatrick, and Vermont Yankee. Substantial capital expenditures at these nuclear plants because of revised safety requirements of the NRC could be required in the future.

Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982

Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, the DOE is required, for a specified fee, to construct storage facilities for, and to dispose of, all spent nuclear fuel and other high-level radioactive waste generated by domestic nuclear power reactors. Entergy's nuclear owner/licensee subsidiaries provide for the estimated future disposal costs of spent nuclear fuel in accordance with the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. The affected Entergy companies entered into contracts with the DOE, whereby the DOE will furnish disposal service at a cost of one mill per net kWh generated and sold after April 7, 1983, plus a one-time fee for generation prior to that date. Entergy Arkansas is the only Entergy company that generated electric power with nuclear fuel prior to that date and has a recorded liability as of December 31, 2004 of $156.3 million for the one-time fee. Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear business has accepted assignment of the Pilgrim, FitzPatrick, Indian Point 3, Indian Point 2, and Vermont Yankee spent fuel disposal contracts with the DOE held by their previous owners. The previous owners have paid or retained liability for the fees for all generation prior to the purchase dates of those plants. The fees payable to the DOE may be adjusted in the future to assure full recovery. Entergy considers all costs incurred for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel, except accrued interest, to be proper components of nuclear fuel expense. Provisions to recover such costs have been or will be made in applications to regulatory authorities for the U.S. Utility plants.

The permanent spent fuel repository in the U.S. has been legislated to be Yucca Mountain, Nevada. The DOE will now proceed with the licensing and, if the license is granted by the NRC, eventual construction of the repository will begin and receipt of spent fuel may begin sometime after 2010. Considerable uncertainty remains regarding the time frame under which the DOE will begin to accept spent fuel from Entergy's facilities for storage or disposal. As a result, future expenditures will be required to increase spent fuel storage capacity at Entergy's nuclear plant sites.

As a result of the DOE's failure to begin disposal of spent nuclear fuel in 1998 pursuant to the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 and the spent fuel disposal contracts, Entergy's nuclear owner/licensee subsidiaries have incurred and will continue to incur damages.  These subsidiaries in November 2003 began litigation to recover the damages caused by the DOE's delay in performance.  Management cannot predict the timing or amount of any potential recovery.

Pending DOE acceptance and disposal of spent nuclear fuel, the owners of nuclear plants are responsible for their own spent fuel storage.  Current on-site spent fuel storage capacity at Grand Gulf 1, River Bend, and Waterford is estimated to be sufficient until approximately 2007, 2006, and 2012, respectively; dry cask storage facilities are planned to be placed into service at these units in 2007, 2005, and 2011, respectively.  An ANO storage facility using dry casks began operation in 1996 and has been expanded since and will be further expanded as needed.  The spent fuel storage facility at Pilgrim is licensed to provide enough storage capacity until approximately 2012. The first dry spent fuel storage casks were loaded at Fitzpatrick in 2002, and further casks will be loaded there as needed.  Indian Point and Vermont Yankee currently have sufficient spent fuel storage capacity until approximately 2006 and 2007, respectively; dry cask storage facilities are planned to begin operation at both sites in 2006. Implementation of dry cask storage at Vermont Yankee is currently the subject of pending legislative and regulatory proceedings in Vermont.

Nuclear Plant Decommissioning

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy recover from customers through electric rates the estimated decommissioning costs for ANO, the portion of River Bend subject to retail rate regulation, Waterford 3, and Grand Gulf, respectively. These amounts are deposited in trust funds that can only be used for future decommissioning costs. Entergy periodically reviews and updates estimated decommissioning costs to reflect inflation and changes in regulatory requirements and technology, and then makes applications to the regulatory authorities to reflect, in rates, the changes in projected decommissioning costs.

In June 2001, Entergy Arkansas received notification from the NRC of approval for a renewed operating license authorizing operations at ANO 1 through May 2034. In October 2003, a request was filed with the NRC to extend the operating license of ANO 2 for an additional 20 years. The APSC ordered Entergy Arkansas to use a 20-year life extension assumption for ANO 1 and 2, which resulted in the cessation of the collection of funds to decommission ANO 1 and 2 beginning in 2001. Entergy Arkansas' projections show that with the assumption of 20 years of extended operational life for both units, the current fund balance with earnings over the extended life will be sufficient to decommission both units. Every five years, Entergy Arkansas is required by the APSC to update the estimated costs to decommission ANO. In March 2003, Entergy Arkansas filed with the APSC its third five-year estimate of ANO decommissioning costs. The updated estimate indicated the current cost to decommission the two ANO units would be $936 million compared to $813 million in the 1997 estimate. In September 2003, the APSC approved a stipulation between the APSC Staff and Entergy Arkansas resolving issues in the decommissioning cost estimate proceeding. Entergy Arkansas and the APSC Staff agreed to exclude, at this time, certain spent fuel management costs because of uncertainty associated with the responsibility of the DOE for all or a portion of those costs as a result of Entergy Arkansas' contract with the DOE to start taking spent fuel from ANO beginning in 1998. Entergy Arkansas reserves the right to seek a decision from the APSC on this issue prior to the next required decommissioning cost filing should significant changes in relevant facts and circumstances warrant.

In December 2002, the LPSC approved a settlement between Entergy Gulf States and the LPSC staff. The settlement included, among other things, the approval to cease collection of funds to decommission River Bend based on an assumed license extension for River Bend.

As part of the Pilgrim, Indian Point 1 and 2, and Vermont Yankee purchases, Boston Edison, Consolidated Edison, and VYNPC, respectively, transferred decommissioning trust funds, along with the liability to decommission the plants, to Entergy. Entergy believes that the decommissioning trust funds will be adequate to cover future decommissioning costs for these plants without any additional deposits to the trusts.

For the Indian Point 3 and FitzPatrick plants purchased in 2000, NYPA retained the decommissioning trusts and the decommissioning liability. NYPA and Entergy executed decommissioning agreements, which specify their decommissioning obligations. NYPA has the right to require Entergy to assume the decommissioning liability provided that it assigns the corresponding decommissioning trust, up to a specified level, to Entergy. If the decommissioning liability is retained by NYPA, Entergy will perform the decommissioning of the plants at a price equal to the lesser of a pre-specified level or the amount in the decommissioning trusts. Entergy believes that the amounts available to it under either scenario are sufficient to cover the future decommissioning costs without any additional contributions to the trusts. In conjunction with the Pilgrim acquisition, Entergy received Pilgrim's decommissioning trust fund. Entergy believes that Pilgrim's decommissioning fund will be adequate to cover future decommissioning costs for the plant without any additional deposits to the trust. As part of the Indian Point 1 and 2 purchase, Consolidated Edison transferred the decommissioning trust fund and the liability to decommission Indian Point 1 and 2 to Entergy. Entergy also funded an additional $25 million to the decommissioning trust fund and believes that the trust will be adequate to cover future decommissioning costs for Indian Point 1 and 2 without any additional deposits to the trust.

Additional information with respect to decommissioning costs for ANO, River Bend, Waterford 3, Grand Gulf, Pilgrim, Indian Point 1, Indian Point 2, Indian Point 3, and FitzPatrick is found in Note 8 to the financial statements.

Energy Policy Act of 1992

The Energy Policy Act of 1992 requires all electric utilities (including Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy) that purchased uranium enrichment services from the DOE to contribute up to a total of $150 million annually over approximately 15 years (adjusted for inflation, up to a total of $2.25 billion) for decontamination and decommissioning of enrichment facilities. At December 31, 2004, two years of assessments remain. In accordance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992, contributions to decontamination and decommissioning funds are recovered through rates in the same manner as other fuel costs. The estimated annual contributions by Entergy for decontamination and decommissioning fees are discussed in Note 8 to the financial statements. Entergy will oppose any attempts to extend the assessments past this date, but cannot state with certainty that an extension will not be made.

Price-Anderson Act

The Price-Anderson Act limits public liability for a single nuclear incident to approximately $100.6 million per reactor (with currently 104 nuclear industry reactors participating). Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, System Energy, and Entergy's Non-Utility Nuclear business have protection with respect to this liability through a combination of private insurance and an industry assessment program, as well as insurance for property damage, costs of replacement power, and other risks relating to nuclear generating units. Insurance applicable to the nuclear programs of Entergy is discussed in Note 8 to the financial statements.

Environmental Regulation

Entergy's facilities and operations are subject to regulation by various governmental authorities having jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances and hazardous and solid wastes, and other environmental matters. Management believes that its affected companies are in substantial compliance with environmental regulations currently applicable to their facilities and operations. Because environmental regulations are subject to change, future compliance costs cannot be precisely estimated.

Clean Air Act and Subsequent Amendments

The Clean Air Act and its subsequent Amendments (the Clean Air Act) established several programs that currently or in the future may affect Entergy's fossil-fueled generation facilities:

  • New source review and preconstruction permits for new sources of criteria air pollutants and significant modifications to existing facilities;
  • Acid rain program for control of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx);
  • Ozone non-attainment area program for control of NOx and volatile organic compounds;
  • Hazardous air pollutant emissions reduction program;
  • Interstate Air Transport; and
  • Operating permits program for administration and enforcement of these and other Clean Air Act programs.

New Source Review

Preconstruction permits are required for new facilities and for existing facilities that undergo a modification that is not classified as routine repair, maintenance, or replacement. Units that undergo a non-routine modification must obtain a permit modification and may be required to install additional air pollution control technologies. Entergy has an established process for identifying modifications requiring additional permitting approval and has followed the regulations and associated guidance provided by the states and the federal government with regard to the determination of routine repair, maintenance, and replacement. In recent years, however, EPA has begun an enforcement initiative, aimed primarily at coal plants, to identify modifications that it does not consider routine and that have failed to obtain a permit modification. Entergy to date has not been included in any of these enforcement actions. Nevertheless, various courts and EPA have been inconsistent in their judgments regarding what modifications are considered routine. In 2003, EPA promulgated a rule to attempt to clarify this issue, but the rule has been challenged in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, and its effectiveness has been stayed by the court.  In June 2004, EPA granted a request to reconsider certain aspects of the rule.

Acid Rain Program

The Clean Air Act provides SO2 allowances to most of the affected Entergy generating units for emissions based upon past emission levels and operating characteristics. Each allowance is an entitlement to emit one ton of SO2 per year. Plant owners are required to possess allowances for SO2 emissions from affected generating units. Virtually all Entergy fossil-fueled generating units are subject to SO2 allowance requirements. Entergy could be required to purchase additional allowances when it generates power using fuel oil. Fuel oil usage is determined by economic dispatch and influenced by the price of natural gas, incremental emission allowance costs, and the availability and cost of purchased power.

Ozone Non-attainment

Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana each operate fossil-fueled generating units in geographic areas that are not in attainment of the currently-enforced national ambient air quality standards for ozone. Texas non-attainment areas that impact Entergy are the Houston-Galveston and the Beaumont-Port Arthur areas. In Louisiana, Entergy is affected by the non-attainment status of the Baton Rouge area. Areas in non-attainment are classified as "moderate," "serious," or "severe." When an area fails to meet the ambient air standard, the EPA requires state regulatory authorities to prepare state implementation plans meant to cause progress toward bringing the area into attainment with applicable standards. Texas and Louisiana submitted plans for the Beaumont-Port Arthur and Baton Rouge areas that included an extension of the regulatory deadline to gain attainment. The EPA initially approved these plans and the deadline extensions, but through litigation and a decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in December 2002, the approval of the state plans has been withdrawn as violating provisions and deadlines required by the Clean Air Act.

The EPA has now reclassified the Beaumont-Port Arthur area from "moderate" to "serious" and has reclassified the Baton Rouge area from "serious" to "severe". These actions will require that Texas and Louisiana adopt plans to restrict the emission of certain air pollutants and to make progress toward eventual attainment of national standards. Texas adopted and forwarded to the EPA for approval revisions to the state implementation plan in December 2004. Based on this submittal, Entergy Gulf States believes that new NOx control equipment will not be required at the Beaumont-Port Arthur area facilities. The Louisiana plan revisions were due in June 2004; however, due to legal and regulatory disputes over requirements unrelated to Entergy's interests, the state has chosen to delay the submittal. The final content and effect on Entergy of these developing plans is unknown, but Entergy continues to monitor events in these areas.

In April 2004, EPA issued a final rule, effective June 2005, stating that areas designated as non-attainment under a new 8-hour ozone standard shall have one year to adjust to the new requirements. For Louisiana, the Baton Rouge area would be classified as a "marginal" (rather than "severe") non-attainment area under the new standard with an attainment date of June 2007. For Texas, the Beaumont/Port Arthur area would be designated as a "marginal" (rather than "serious") non-attainment area under the new standard with an attainment date of June 2007 and the Houston-Galveston area would be designated as "moderate" non-attainment under the new standard with an attainment date of June 2010.

Hazardous Air Pollutants

In December 2000, the EPA made a determination that coal and oil-fired steam electric generating units should be regulated under the section of the Clean Air Act relating to emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). The principal HAPs of concern are mercury from coal and nickel from oil. The EPA has proposed regulations for these sources and initially set a deadline of December 2004 for finalizing the rules. Entergy owns units that would be subject to these regulations. The EPA has since postponed finalization of mercury and nickel HAPs regulations until the second quarter of 2005.

The regulations may require coal and oil-fired units to reduce mercury and nickel emissions through various methods, including installation of controls, switching fuels or fuel suppliers, reducing utilization of units, or some combination of these methods. The earliest expected compliance date for this rule would be 2007, and Entergy could begin to incur costs of compliance as early as 2006 with the work taking up to three years to complete. These costs should be offset by advances in control technology or through the implementation of proposed cap and trade provisions which are not final at this time.

Interstate Air Transport

In January 2004, the EPA proposed the Interstate Air Quality Rule, renamed the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), which intends to reduce SO2 and NOx emissions from plants in order to improve air quality in the northeastern United States. The EPA has postponed issuing a final rule until the second quarter of 2005. The rule has the potential to require significant pollution control capital and/or operating costs (including any potential impacts to the value of SO2 allowances). Entergy's capital investment and annual operation and maintenance allowance purchase costs will depend on the economic assessment of NOx and SO2 allowance markets, cost of control technologies, and unit usage as well as other uncertainties described below.

The capital financial impact could be offset by proposed emission markets which would allow operation and maintenance purchases or use of allocated credits; however, the allocation of the emission allowances and the set up of the market will determine the ultimate cost to Entergy. Entergy is concerned that the allocation may be unfairly skewed towards states with relatively higher emissions. Entergy will continue to study the proposed rule's impact to its generation fleet and will work to ensure that all states are treated fairly in the allocation of emission credits.

In May 2004, the EPA re-proposed the Best Retrofit Control Technology (BART) regulations which could potentially result in a requirement to install SO2 pollution control technology on certain of Entergy's coal and oil generation units. The impact of this proposed rule is unclear, but could result in significant increased capital and operating costs on certain units.

Future Legislative and Regulatory Developments

In addition to the specific instances described above, there are a number of legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to the reduction of emissions that are under consideration at the federal, state, and international level. Because of the nature of Entergy's business, the adoption of each of these could affect its operations. These initiatives include:

  • designation by the EPA and state environmental agencies of areas that are not in attainment with national ambient air quality standards;
  • EPA initiatives related to regional haze;
  • introduction of several bills in Congress proposing further limits on NOx, SO2, mercury, or limits on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions; and
  • pursuit by the Bush administration of a voluntary program intended to reduce CO2 emissions.

Entergy continues to monitor these actions in order to analyze their potential operational and cost implications. In anticipation of the potential imposition of CO2 emission limits on the electric industry in the future, Entergy has initiated actions designed to reduce its exposure to potential new governmental requirements related to CO2 emissions. These actions include establishment of a formal program to stabilize power plant CO2 emissions at year 2000 levels through 2005 and support for national legislation that would increase planning certainty for electric utilities while addressing emissions in a responsible and flexible manner. By virtue of its proportionally large investment in low or non-emitting gas-fired and nuclear generation technologies, Entergy's overall CO2 emission "intensity," or rate of CO2 emitted per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated, is already among the lowest in the industry. Total CO2 emissions representing the company's ownership share of power plants in the United States were approximately 53.24 million tons in 2000, 49.58 million tons in 2001, 44.20 million tons in 2002, 36.78 million tons in 2003, and 38.28 million tons in 2004.

Clean Water Act

The 1972 amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (known as the Clean Water Act or CWA) provide the statutory basis for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program and the basic structure for regulating the discharge of pollutants from point sources to waters of the United States. The CWA requires all discharges of pollutants to waters of the United States to be permitted.

316(b) Cooling Water Intake Structures

The EPA finalized new regulations in July 2004 governing the intake of water at large existing power plants that employ cooling water intake structures. The rule seeks to reduce perceived impacts on aquatic resources by requiring covered facilities to implement technology or other measures to meet EPA-targeted reductions in water use and corresponding perceived aquatic impacts. Entergy, other industry members and industry groups, environmental groups, and a coalition of northeastern and mid-Atlantic states have challenged various aspects of the rule. This challenge currently is lodged in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York City after a motion to transfer from the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco was granted in December 2004.

Entergy's non-utility nuclear generation business is currently in various stages of the data evaluation and discharge permitting process for its generation facilities. Indian Point is involved in an administrative permitting process with the New York environmental authority for renewal of the Indian Point 2 and 3 discharge permits. In November 2003, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) issued a draft permit indicating that closed cycle cooling would be considered the "best technology available" for minimizing perceived adverse environmental impacts attributable to the intake and discharge of cooling water at Indian Point 2 and 3. The draft permit would require Entergy to take certain steps to assess the feasibility of retrofitting the site to install cooling towers before re-licensing Indian Point 2 and 3, whose current licenses with the NRC expire in 2013 and 2015. The draft permit could also require, upon its becoming effective, the facilities to take an annual 42 unit-day outage and provide a payment into a NYDEC account until the start of cooling tower construction. Entergy is participating in the administrative process in order to have the draft permit modified prior to final issuance and opposes any requirement to install cooling towers or to begin annual outages at Indian Point 2 and 3. Accordingly, Entergy also has filed a separate action in New York state court seeking a determination that the state cooling water intake structure regulation underpinning the NYDEC's draft permit for Indian Point 2 and 3 was improperly promulgated and is thus void. The New York trial court dismissed Entergy's claim, and Entergy has appealed to the New York Court of Appeals. Pilgrim received approval from EPA allowing the full 3 1/2-year schedule for compliance demonstration as is outlined in the new rule and will also pursue appropriate supplementation of the existing record regarding perceived impacts, options and costs. Entergy's other Non-Utility Nuclear generation facilities are in the process of reviewing data, considering implementation options, providing information required by the current rule to EPA and the affected states, and requesting the 3 1/2-year submission schedule allowed by the rule, where necessary.

Oil Pollution Prevention Regulation

The EPA published a revised Oil Pollution Prevention rule in July 2002. The rule affects Entergy's operation of its approximately 3,500 transmission and distribution electrical equipment installations that are potentially subject to the rule. While the published rule provides a great deal of flexibility to the regulated community insofar as allowable strategies, it also provided the EPA with a great deal of discretion in evaluation of a facility's compliance with the rule. In September 2004, EPA solicited comments on alternative management strategies for oil-filled electrical equipment that were proposed by the Utility Solid Waste Activities Group and Entergy. Entergy is currently in the final stages of revising existing Integrated Response Plans and Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures Plans to meet the requirements of the rule and does not expect significant compliance costs.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (CERCLA), authorizes the EPA and, indirectly, the states, to mandate clean-up, or reimbursement of clean-up costs, by owners or operators of sites from which hazardous substances may be or have been released. Parties that transported hazardous substances to these sites or arranged for the disposal of the substances are also deemed liable by CERCLA. CERCLA has been interpreted to impose strict, joint, and several liability on responsible parties. The domestic utility companies have sent waste materials to various disposal sites over the years. In addition, environmental laws now regulate certain of the companies' operating procedures and maintenance practices which historically were not subject to regulation. Some disposal sites used by Entergy have been the subject of governmental action under CERCLA, resulting in site clean-up activities. The domestic utility companies have participated to various degrees in accordance with their respective potential liabilities in such site clean-ups and have developed experience with clean-up costs. The affected companies have established reserves for such environmental clean-up and restoration activities. Details of material CERCLA liabilities are discussed for each operating company in the "Other Environmental Matters" section below.

Other Environmental Matters

Entergy Gulf States

Several class action and other suits have been filed in state and federal courts seeking relief from Entergy Gulf States and others for damages caused by the disposal of hazardous waste and for asbestos-related disease allegedly resulting from exposure on Entergy Gulf States' premises (see "Litigation" below).

Entergy Gulf States is currently involved in a remedial investigation of the Lake Charles Service Center site, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. A manufactured gas plant (MGP) is believed to have operated at this site from approximately 1916 to 1931. Coal tar, a by-product of the distillation process employed at MGPs, was apparently routed to a portion of the property for disposal. The same area has also been used as a landfill. In 1999, Entergy Gulf States signed a second Administrative Consent Order with the EPA to perform removal action at the site. In 2002, approximately 7,400 tons of contaminated soil and debris were excavated and disposed of from an area within the service center. In 2003, a cap was constructed over the remedial area to prevent the migration of contamination to the surface. Entergy Gulf States anticipates commencement of a ten-year groundwater monitoring study upon issuance of a negotiated order by the EPA, which is expected to issue the order in early 2005. Entergy Gulf States believes that its ultimate responsibility for this site will not materially exceed its existing clean-up provision of $1.5 million.

In 1994, Entergy Gulf States performed a site assessment in conjunction with a construction project at the Louisiana Station Generating Plant (Louisiana Station). In 1995, a further assessment confirmed subsurface soil and groundwater impact to three areas on the plant site. After validation, a notification was made to the LDEQ and a phased process was executed to remediate each area of concern. The final phase of groundwater clean-up and monitoring at Louisiana Station is expected to continue through 2005. The remediation cost incurred through December 31, 2004 for this site was $6.7 million. Future costs are not expected to exceed the existing provision of $0.8 million.

Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans

Several class action and other suits have been filed in state and federal courts seeking relief from Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans and others for damages caused by the disposal of hazardous waste and for asbestos-related disease allegedly resulting from exposure on Entergy Louisiana's and Entergy New Orleans' premises (see "Litigation" below).

The Southern Transformer Shop located in New Orleans served both Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans. This transformer shop is now closed and soil and groundwater assessment activities have resumed since the demolition of the onsite buildings and structures was completed in early 2004. Entergy has entered into the Voluntary Remediation Program with the LDEQ and submitted a Site Investigation Workplan. A liability of approximately $350,000 has been established for environmental assessment and remediation costs with estimated completion by the end of 2005.

During 1993, the LDEQ issued new rules for solid waste regulation, including regulation of wastewater impoundments. Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans have determined that certain of their power plant wastewater impoundments were affected by these regulations and chose to remediate and repair or close them. Completion of this work is pending LDEQ approval. LDEQ has issued notices of deficiencies for certain of these sites. As a result, recorded liabilities in the amounts of $5.8 million for Entergy Louisiana and $0.5 million for Entergy New Orleans existed at December 31, 2004 for wastewater remediation and repairs and closures. Management of Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans believes these reserves are adequate based on current estimates.

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, and Entergy Louisiana

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (Commission) notified Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, and Entergy Louisiana in September through November 2003 that the Commission believes those entities are potentially responsible parties (PRPs) concerning contamination existing at the San Angelo Electric Service Company (SESCO) facility in San Angelo, Texas. The facility operated as a transformer repair and scrapping facility from the 1930s until 2003. Both soil and groundwater contamination exists at the site. Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana sent transformers to this facility during the 1980s. There has been no indication that Entergy Arkansas ever used this facility. Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy Arkansas have responded to an information request from the Commission and will continue to cooperate in this investigation. It is likely that Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana will be required to contribute to the remediation of contaminated groundwater at the site, but the contributions likely will be less than those of other SESCO customers that continued to use the site long after 1990, and the list of PRPs who likely will share in the cost is long. Based on current information, the estimate of Entergy's portion of the liability is $0.6 million.

Entergy New Orleans

In March 2004, agents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service conducted an inspection of Entergy New Orleans' Michoud power plant and found a number of dead brown pelicans near the facility's water intake structure and fish-return trough. Brown pelicans are an endangered species in Louisiana. The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana (Attorney's Office) issued a grand jury subpoena to an Entergy New Orleans employee in May 2004 to give evidence regarding the cause of death of the pelicans. The Attorney's Office then agreed to meet with Entergy New Orleans rather than requiring the employee to testify. As a result of that meeting, Entergy New Orleans conducted an internal investigation of the matter and submitted a report to the Attorney's Office in August 2004. Entergy New Orleans also constructed an engineered walkway and cover over the intake structure and feeding trough to eliminate pelican access to the area. Entergy New Orleans continues negotiations with the Attorney's Office regarding final resolution of this matter.

Litigation

Certain states in which Entergy operates have proven to be unusually litigious environments. Judges and juries in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas have demonstrated a willingness to grant large verdicts, including punitive damages, to plaintiffs in personal injury, property damage, and business tort cases. Entergy uses legal and appropriate means to contest litigation threatened or filed against it, but the litigation environment in these states poses a significant business risk.

Ratepayer Lawsuits (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy New Orleans)

Entergy New Orleans Fuel Clause Lawsuit

In April 1999, a group of ratepayers filed a complaint against Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Corporation, Entergy Services, and Entergy Power in state court in Orleans Parish purportedly on behalf of all Entergy New Orleans ratepayers. The plaintiffs seek treble damages for alleged injuries arising from the defendants' alleged violations of Louisiana's antitrust laws in connection with certain costs passed on to ratepayers in Entergy New Orleans' fuel adjustment filings with the City Council. In particular, plaintiffs allege that Entergy New Orleans improperly included certain costs in the calculation of fuel charges and that Entergy New Orleans imprudently purchased high-cost fuel from other Entergy affiliates. Plaintiffs allege that Entergy New Orleans and the other defendant Entergy companies conspired to make these purchases to the detriment of Entergy New Orleans' ratepayers and to the benefit of Entergy's shareholders, in violation of Louisiana's antitrust laws. Plaintiffs also seek to recover interest and attorneys' fees. Entergy filed exceptions to the plaintiffs' allegations, asserting, among other things, that jurisdiction over these issues rests with the City Council and FERC. In March 2004, the plaintiffs supplemented and amended their petition. If necessary, at the appropriate time, Entergy will also raise its defenses to the antitrust claims. The suit in state court has been stayed by stipulation of the parties pending a decision by the City Council in the proceeding discussed in the next paragraph.

Plaintiffs also filed this complaint with the City Council in order to initiate a review by the City Council of the plaintiffs' allegations and to force restitution to ratepayers of all costs they allege were improperly and imprudently included in the fuel adjustment filings. Testimony was filed on behalf of the plaintiffs in this proceeding asserting, among other things, that Entergy New Orleans and other defendants have engaged in fuel procurement and power purchasing practices and included costs in Entergy New Orleans' fuel adjustment that could have resulted in Entergy New Orleans customers being overcharged by more than $100 million over a period of years. Hearings were held in February and March 2002. In February 2004, the City Council approved a resolution that resulted in a refund to customers of $11.3 million, including interest, during the months of June through September 2004. The resolution concludes, among other things, that the record does not support an allegation that Entergy New Orleans' actions or inactions, either alone or in concert with Entergy or any of its affiliates, constituted a misrepresentation or a suppression of the truth made in order to obtain an unjust advantage of Entergy New Orleans, or to cause loss, inconvenience or harm to its ratepayers. The plaintiffs have appealed the City Council resolution to the state court in Orleans Parish. Oral argument on the plaintiffs' appeal was conducted in February 2005.

Entergy New Orleans Rate of Return Lawsuit

In April 1998, a group of residential and business ratepayers filed a complaint against Entergy New Orleans in state court in Orleans Parish purportedly on behalf of all ratepayers in New Orleans. The plaintiffs allege that Entergy New Orleans overcharged ratepayers by at least $300 million since 1975 in violation of limits on Entergy New Orleans' rate of return that the plaintiffs allege were established by ordinances passed by the Council in 1922. The plaintiffs seek, among other things, (i) a declaratory judgment that such franchise ordinances have been violated; and (ii) a remand to the Council for the establishment of the amount of overcharges plus interest. Entergy New Orleans believes the lawsuit is without merit. Entergy New Orleans has charged only those rates authorized by the Council in accordance with applicable law. In May 2000, a court of appeal granted Entergy New Orleans' exception to jurisdiction in the case and dismissed the proceeding. The Louisiana Supreme Court denied the plaintiff's request for a writ of certiorari. The plaintiffs then commenced a similar proceeding before the Council. The plaintiffs and the advisors for the Council each filed their first round of testimony in January 2002. In their testimony, the plaintiffs allege that Entergy New Orleans earned in excess of the legally authorized rate of return during the period 1979 to 2000 and that Entergy New Orleans should be required to refund between $240 million and $825 million to its ratepayers. In the testimony submitted by the Council advisors, the advisors allege that Entergy New Orleans has not earned in excess of its authorized rate of return for the period at issue and that no refund is therefore warranted. A hearing scheduled in June 2002 was canceled.

In December 2003, the Council Advisors filed a motion in the Council proceedings to bifurcate the hearing in this matter, such that the effect of the provision of the 1922 Ordinance in setting lawful rates would be considered first. Only if it is determined that this provision establishes a limitation, would the remaining issues be reached. The motion to bifurcate was granted by the City Council in April 2004, and a hearing on the first part of the bifurcated proceeding is currently scheduled to begin in June 2005.

Texas Power Price Lawsuit

In August 2003, a lawsuit was filed in the district court of Chambers County, Texas by Texas residents on behalf of a purported class apparently of the Texas retail customers of Entergy Gulf States who were billed and paid for electric power from January 1, 1994 to the present. The named defendants are Entergy Corporation, Entergy Services, Entergy Power, Entergy Power Marketing Corp., Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and Entergy Arkansas. Entergy Gulf States is not a named defendant, but is alleged to be a co-conspirator. The court has granted the request of Entergy Gulf States to intervene in the lawsuit to protect its interests.

Plaintiffs allege that the defendants implemented a "price gouging accounting scheme" to sell to plaintiffs and similarly situated utility customers higher priced power generated by the defendants while rejecting and/or reselling to off-system utilities, less expensive power offered and/or purchased from off-system suppliers and/or generated by the Entergy system. In particular, plaintiffs allege that the defendants manipulated and continue to manipulate the dispatch of generation so that power is purchased from affiliated expensive resources instead of buying cheaper off-system power.

Plaintiffs estimate that customers in Texas were charged at least $57 million above prevailing market prices for power. Plaintiffs seek actual, consequential and exemplary damages, costs and attorneys' fees, and disgorgement of profits. In September 2003, the Entergy defendants removed the lawsuit to the federal court in Galveston, and in October 2003, filed a pleading seeking dismissal of the plaintiffs' claims. In October 2003, the plaintiffs filed a motion to remand the case to state court. In January 2004, the federal court determined that it did not have jurisdiction over the subject matter of the lawsuit, and remanded the case to the state district court in Chambers County. In November 2004, the state district court dismissed the case based on a lack of jurisdiction. The plaintiffs have initiated appellate proceedings in the Court of Appeals.

Entergy Louisiana Formula Ratemaking Plan Lawsuit

In May 1998, a group of ratepayers filed a complaint against Entergy Louisiana and the LPSC in state court in East Baton Rouge Parish purportedly on behalf of all Entergy Louisiana ratepayers. The plaintiffs allege that the formula ratemaking plan authorized by the LPSC has allowed Entergy Louisiana to earn amounts in excess of a fair return. The plaintiffs seek, among other things, (i) a declaratory judgment that the formula ratemaking plan is an improper ratemaking practice; and (ii) a refund of the amounts allegedly charged in excess of proper ratemaking practices. This case has not been active, and abandonment issues are being evaluated. At this time, management cannot determine the amount of damages being sought.

Murphy Oil Lawsuit (Entergy Corporation and Entergy Louisiana)

Residents located near the Murphy Oil Refinery in Meraux, Louisiana filed several lawsuits in state court in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana against Murphy Oil, Entergy Louisiana, and others for injuries they allegedly suffered as a result of an explosion at the refinery in June 1995. The lawsuits were consolidated and a class of plaintiffs was certified. Plaintiffs alleged, among other things, that an electrical fault at an Entergy Louisiana substation contributed to causing the explosion. Murphy Oil filed a cross-claim against Entergy Louisiana based on the same allegation, in which Murphy Oil seeks recovery of any damages it has paid to the plaintiffs. Claiborne P. Deming, who became a director of Entergy Corporation in 2002, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Murphy Oil.

Murphy Oil and other defendants settled with the plaintiffs for $8.8 million, but Entergy Louisiana did not participate in the settlement. After trial for the remaining parties in the proceeding, the judge issued a decision finding Entergy Louisiana 40% responsible and awarding monetary damages, which total approximately $11 million with interest against Entergy Louisiana. Entergy Louisiana appealed the judgment to the Court of Appeals. Entergy Louisiana has insurance in place for claims of this type, and management does not expect a material adverse financial effect from this decision.

Fiber Optic Cable Litigation (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Gulf States, and Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Mississippi)

In 1998, a group of property owners filed a class action suit against Entergy Corporation, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Services and Entergy Technology Holding Company in state court in Jefferson County, Texas purportedly on behalf of all property owners in each of the states throughout the Entergy service area who have conveyed easements to the defendants. The lawsuit alleged that Entergy installed fiber optic cable across their property without obtaining appropriate easements. The plaintiffs sought actual damages for the use of the land and a share of the profits made through use of the fiber optic cables and punitive damages. The state court petition was voluntarily dismissed, and the plaintiffs commenced a class action suit with the same claims in the United States District Court in Beaumont, Texas. Both sides have filed motions for summary judgment, which were heard by the court in late 2001. In 2003, the district judge ruled that as a matter of law, all of the Texas easements permit Entergy to utilize the fiber for their own communications. Further, the court ruled that approximately two-thirds of the Texas easements allow Entergy to use the fiber for external or third party communications. Entergy believes that any damages suffered by the remaining one-third plaintiff landowners are negligible and that there is no basis for the claim seeking a share of profits. In April 2004, the trial court entered an order denying the plaintiffs' request that this case be certified as a class. The plaintiffs have appealed this ruling to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. At this time, management cannot determine the specific amount of damages being sought.

Several property owners have filed a class action suit against Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Services, ETHC, and Entergy Technology Company in state court in St. James Parish, Louisiana purportedly on behalf of all property owners in Louisiana who have conveyed easements to the defendants. The lawsuit alleges that Entergy installed fiber optic cable across their property without obtaining appropriate easements. The plaintiffs seek actual damages for the use of the land and a share of the profits made through use of the fiber optic cables and punitive damages. Entergy removed the case to federal court in New Orleans; however, the District Court remanded the case back to state court.  While Entergy appealed this ruling, recently the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit denied this appeal.  In December 2003, the trial court held a hearing to determine if a class should be certified. On February 18, 2004, the trial court entered an order certifying this matter as a class. Entergy has appealed this ruling to the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and oral arguments have been held. At this time, management cannot determine the specific amount of damages being sought.

Several property owners have filed separate lawsuits against Entergy Corporation, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy Services, ETHC, and ETC in state court in various counties in Mississippi alleging that Entergy Mississippi installed fiber optic cable across their properties without obtaining appropriate easements. The plaintiffs seek actual damages for the use of the land, a share of the profits made through use of the fiber optic cables, and at least $20 million in punitive damages in one case, and an unspecified amount of punitive damages in the other cases.

Asbestos and Hazardous Waste Suits (Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans)

Numerous lawsuits have been filed in federal and state courts in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi primarily by contractor employees in the 1950-1980 timeframe against Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Mississippi as premises owners of power plants, for damages caused by alleged exposure to asbestos or other hazardous material. Many other defendants are named in these lawsuits as well. Currently, there are approximately 480 lawsuits involving approximately 10,000 claims. Reserves have been established that should be adequate to cover any exposure. Additionally, negotiations continue with insurers to recover more reimbursement, while new coverage is being secured to minimize anticipated future potential exposures. Management believes that loss exposure has been and will continue to be handled successfully so that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not be material, in the aggregate, to the companies' financial position or results of operation.

Employment Litigation (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

Entergy Corporation and the domestic utility companies are defendants in numerous lawsuits that have been filed by former employees alleging that they were wrongfully terminated and/or discriminated against on the basis of age, race, sex, and/or other protected characteristics. Entergy Corporation and the domestic utility companies are vigorously defending these suits and deny any liability to the plaintiffs. However, no assurance can be given as to the outcome of these cases, and at this time management cannot estimate the total amount of damages sought.

Included in the employment litigation are two cases filed in state court in Claiborne County, Mississippi in December 2002. The two cases were filed by former employees of Entergy Operations who were based at Grand Gulf. Entergy Operations and Entergy employees are named as defendants. The cases make employment-related claims, and seek in total $53 million in alleged actual damages and $168 million in punitive damages. Entergy subsequently removed both proceedings to the federal district in Jackson, Mississippi. Entergy cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this proceeding.

Research Spending

Entergy is a member of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). EPRI conducts a broad range of research in major technical fields related to the electric utility industry. Entergy participates in various EPRI projects based on Entergy's needs and available resources. The domestic utility companies contributed $1.6 million in 2004, $1.5 million in 2003, and $2.1 million in 2002 to EPRI. The Non-Utility Nuclear business contributed $3.2 million in 2004 and $3 million in both 2003 and 2002 to EPRI.

Employees

Employees are an integral part of Entergy's commitment to serving its customers. As of December 31, 2004, Entergy employed 14,425 people.

U.S. Utility:

  Entergy Arkansas

1,494

  Entergy Gulf States

1,641

  Entergy Louisiana

943

  Entergy Mississippi

793

  Entergy New Orleans

403

  System Energy

-

  Entergy Operations

2,735

  Entergy Services

2,704

Entergy Nuclear Operations

3,245

Other subsidiaries

277

      Total Full-time

14,235

  Part-time

190

      Total Entergy

14,425

Approximately 4,900 employees are represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union, the Utility Workers Union of America, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union.

 

ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.

MANAGEMENT'S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Results of Operations

Net Income

2004 Compared to 2003

Net income increased $16.2 million due to lower other operation and maintenance expenses, a lower effective income tax rate for 2004 compared to 2003, and lower interest charges. The increase was partially offset by lower net revenue.

2003 Compared to 2002

 Net income decreased $9.6 million due to lower net revenue, higher depreciation and amortization expenses, and a higher effective income tax rate for 2003 compared to 2002. The decrease was substantially offset by lower other operation and maintenance expenses, higher other income, and lower interest charges.

Net Revenue

2004 Compared to 2003

Net revenue, which is Entergy Arkansas' measure of gross margin, consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related, and purchased power expenses and 2) other regulatory credits. Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2004 to 2003.

   

(In Millions)

     

2003 net revenue

 

$998.7 

Deferred fuel cost revisions

 

(16.9)

Other

 

(3.4)

2004 net revenue

 

$978.4 

Deferred fuel cost revisions includes the difference between the estimated deferred fuel expense and the actual calculation of recoverable fuel expense, which occurs on an annual basis. Deferred fuel cost revisions decreased net revenue due to a revised estimate of fuel costs filed for recovery at Entergy Arkansas in the March 2004 energy cost recovery rider, which reduced net revenue by $11.5 million. The remainder of the variance is due to the 2002 energy cost recovery true-up, made in the first quarter of 2003, which increased net revenue in 2003.

Gross operating revenues, fuel and purchased power expenses, and other regulatory credits

          Gross operating revenues increased primarily due to:

  • an increase of $20.7 million in fuel cost recovery revenues due to an increase in the energy cost recovery rider effective April 2004 (fuel cost recovery revenues are discussed in Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements);
  • an increase of $15.5 million in Grand Gulf revenues due to an increase in the Grand Gulf rider effective January 2004;
  • an increase of $13.9 million in gross wholesale revenue primarily due to increased sales to affiliated systems; and
  • an increase of $9.5 million due to volume/weather primarily resulting from increased usage during the unbilled sales period, partially offset by the effect of milder weather on billed sales in 2004.

Fuel and purchased power expenses increased primarily due to increased recovery of deferred fuel and purchased power costs primarily due to an increase in April 2004 in the energy cost recovery rider and the true-ups to the 2003 and 2002 energy cost recovery rider filings.

Other regulatory credits decreased primarily due to the over-recovery of Grand Gulf costs due to an increase in the Grand Gulf rider effective January 2004.

2003 Compared to 2002

Net revenue, which is Entergy Arkansas' measure of gross margin, consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related, and purchased power expenses and 2) other regulatory credits. Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2003 to 2002.

   

(In Millions)

     

2002 net revenue

 

$1,095.9 

March 2002 settlement agreement

 

(154.0)

Volume/weather

 

(7.7)

Asset retirement obligation

 

30.1 

Net wholesale revenue

 

16.6 

Deferred fuel cost revisions

 

10.2 

Other

 

7.6 

2003 net revenue

 

$998.7 

The March 2002 settlement agreement resolved a request for recovery of ice storm costs incurred in December 2000 with an offset of those costs for funds contributed to pay for future stranded costs. A 1997 settlement provided for the collection of earnings in excess of an 11% return on equity in a transition cost account (TCA) to offset stranded costs if retail open access were implemented.

In mid- and late December 2000, two separate ice storms left 226,000 and 212,500 Entergy Arkansas customers, respectively, without electric power in its service area. Entergy Arkansas filed a proposal to recover costs plus carrying charges associated with power restoration caused by the ice storms. Entergy Arkansas' final storm damage cost determination reflected costs of approximately $195 million. The APSC approved a settlement agreement submitted in March 2002 by Entergy Arkansas, the APSC staff, and the Arkansas Attorney General. In the March 2002 settlement, the parties agreed that $153 million of the ice storm costs would be classified as incremental ice storm expenses that can be offset against the TCA on a rate class basis, and any excess of ice storm costs over the amount available in the TCA would be deferred and amortized over 30 years, although such excess costs were not allowed to be included as a separate component of rate base. The allocated ice storm expenses exceeded the available TCA funds by $15.8 million which was recorded as a regulatory asset in June 2002. In accordance with the settlement agreement and following the APSC's approval of the 2001 earnings review related to the TCA, Entergy Arkansas filed to return $18.1 million of the TCA to certain large general service class customers that paid more into the TCA than their allocation of storm costs. The APSC approved the return of funds to the large general service customer class in the form of refund checks in August 2002. As part of the implementation of the March 2002 settlement agreement provisions, the TCA procedure ceased with the 2001 earnings evaluation.

Of the remaining ice storm costs, $32.2 million was addressed through established ratemaking procedures, including $22.2 million classified as capital additions, while $3.8 million of the ice storm costs was not recovered through rates.

The effect on net income of the March 2002 settlement agreement and 2001 earnings review was a $2.2 million increase in 2003, because the decrease in net revenue was offset by the decrease in operation and maintenance expenses discussed below.

The volume/weather variance is the result of less favorable sales volume primarily due to the effect of colder winter weather in December 2002.

The asset retirement obligation variance was due to the implementation of SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," adopted in January 2003. See "Critical Accounting Estimates" for more details on SFAS 143. The increase was offset by an increase in decommissioning expense and has no effect on net income.

The net wholesale revenue variance was primarily due to an increase in sales volume to Entergy New Orleans pursuant to a purchased power agreement and also due to higher wholesale prices and volume.

Deferred fuel cost revisions includes the difference between the estimated deferred fuel expense and the actual calculation of recoverable fuel expense, which occurs on an annual basis. In 2002, the deferred fuel expense estimate was larger than the actual recoverable fuel expense, which decreased net revenue. In 2003, the actual recoverable fuel expense was larger than the deferred fuel expense estimate, which increased net revenue.

Gross operating revenues, fuel and purchased power expenses, and other regulatory credits

Gross operating revenues increased primarily due to an increase of $95.7 million in gross wholesale revenue due to the same factors discussed above that increased net wholesale revenue and also due to increased sales to affiliates in addition to the Entergy New Orleans sales mentioned above. The increase was partially offset by a decrease of $74.4 million in fuel cost recovery revenues due to a decrease in the annual recovery rider in October 2002.

Fuel and purchased power expenses decreased primarily due to the displacement of higher-priced natural gas generation by lower-priced purchased power and coal generation.

Other regulatory credits decreased primarily due to the March 2002 settlement agreement and 2001 earnings review mentioned above, which increased other regulatory credits in 2002 to offset $159.9 million in other operation and maintenance expenses related to the December 2000 ice storms. The decrease was partially offset by the asset retirement obligation mentioned above, which increased regulatory credits in 2003 to offset the increase in decommissioning expense.

Other Income Statement Variances

2004 Compared to 2003

Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to voluntary severance accruals of $31.8 million in 2003. The decrease was partially offset by the following:

  • an increase of $6.6 million in customer service support costs; and
  • an increase of $5.1 million in benefits costs.

Interest charges decreased primarily due to the refinancing of First Mortgage Bonds in mid-2003.

2003 Compared to 2002

Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to expenses in 2002 of $159.9 million due to the March 2002 settlement agreement and 2001 earnings review which allowed Entergy Arkansas to recover a large majority of 2000 and 2001 ice storm repair expenses through the previously-collected transition cost account amounts (which was offset by a corresponding decrease in other regulatory credits and has no effect on net income). Decreases of $18.7 million in administrative and general expenses and $4.7 million in contract labor costs also contributed to the decrease. The decrease was partially offset by the following:

Decommissioning expense increased due to the implementation of SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." The increase in decommissioning expense was offset by increases in other regulatory credits and interest and dividend income and has no effect on net income.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to an increase in plant in service.

Other income increased primarily due to:

  • an increase of $7.3 million in interest and dividend income due to the implementation of SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." As mentioned above, the increase was offset in decommissioning expense and has no effect on net income; and
  • an increase of $4.8 million in the allowance for equity funds used during construction due to an increase in construction work in progress.

Interest charges decreased primarily due to:

  • an increase in interest expense in 2002 resulting from a true-up of the annual fuel recovery rider in March 2002 of $4.5 million;
  • interest recorded in 2002 of $4.1 million (offset by a corresponding decrease in other regulatory credits and has no effect on net income) on the transition cost account obligation, which was terminated as a result of the March 2002 settlement agreement; and
  • an increase in 2003 of $3.0 million in the allowance for borrowed funds used during construction due to an increase in construction work in progress.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rates for 2004, 2003, and 2002 were 38.5%, 45.5%, and 34.5%, respectively. See Note 3 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for a reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35.0% to the effective income tax rate. The lower effective income tax rate in 2004 compared to 2003 was primarily due to book and tax differences related to utility plant items and flow-through items.  Tax reserves not expected to reverse within the next year are reflected as non-current taxes accrued on the balance sheet.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

Cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 were as follows:

2004

2003

2002

(In Thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

$8,834 

$95,513 

$103,466 

Cash flow provided by (used in):

Operating activities

446,298 

437,520 

357,421 

Investing activities

(269,385)

(337,509)

(249,438)

Financing activities

(96,003)

(186,690)

(115,936)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

80,910 

(86,679)

(7,953)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$89,744 

$8,834 

$95,513 

Operating Activities

Cash flow from operations increased $8.8 million in 2004 compared to 2003 primarily due to income tax benefits received in 2004, and increased recovery of deferred fuel costs. This increase was substantially offset by money pool activity.

In 2003, the domestic utility companies and System Energy filed, with the IRS, a change in tax accounting method notification for their respective calculations of cost of goods sold. The adjustment implemented a simplified method of allocation of overhead to the production of electricity, which is provided under the IRS capitalization regulations. The cumulative adjustment placing these companies on the new methodology resulted in a $1.171 billion deduction for Entergy Arkansas on Entergy's 2003 income tax return. There was no cash benefit from the method change in 2003. In 2004, Entergy Arkansas realized $173 million in cash tax benefit from the method change. This tax accounting method change is an issue across the utility industry and will likely be challenged by the IRS on audit.  As of December 31, 2004, Entergy Arkansas has a net operating loss (NOL) carryforward for tax purposes of $766.9 million, principally resulting from the change in tax accounting method related to cost of goods sold.  If the tax accounting method change is sustained, Entergy Arkansas expects to utilize the NOL carryforward through 2006.

Cash flow from operations increased $80.1 million in 2003 compared to 2002 primarily due to income taxes paid of $2.2 million in 2003 compared to income taxes paid of $83.9 million in 2002, and money pool activity. This increase was partially offset by decreased recovery of deferred fuel costs in 2003.

Entergy Arkansas' receivables from or (payables to) the money pool were as follows as of December 31 for each of the following years:

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

(In Thousands)

             

$23,561

 

($69,153)

 

$4,279

 

$23,794

Money pool activity used $92.7 million of Entergy Arkansas' operating cash flow in 2004, provided $73.4 million in 2003, and provided $19.5 million in 2002. See Note 4 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for a description of the money pool.

Investing Activities

The decrease of $68.1 million in net cash used in investing activities in 2004 compared to 2003 was primarily due to a decrease in construction expenditures resulting from less transmission upgrade work requested by merchant generators in 2004 combined with lower spending on customer support projects in 2004.

The increase of $88.1 million in net cash used in investing activities in 2003 compared to 2002 was primarily due to an increase in construction expenditures of $57.4 million and the maturity of $38.4 million of other temporary investments in the first quarter of 2002. Construction expenditures increased in 2003 primarily due to the following:

  • a FERC ruling that shifted responsibility for transmission upgrade work performed for independent power producers to Entergy Arkansas; and
  • the ANO 1 steam generator, reactor vessel head, and transformer replacement project.

Financing Activities

The decrease of $90.7 million in net cash used in financing activities in 2004 compared to 2003 was primarily due to the net redemption of $2.4 million of long-term debt in 2004 compared to $109.3 million in 2003, partially offset by the payment of $16.2 million more in common stock dividends during the same period.

The increase of $70.8 million in net cash used in financing activities in 2003 compared to 2002 was primarily due to the net redemption of $109.3 million of long-term debt in 2003 compared to the net issuance of $18.4 million in 2002, partially offset by the payment of $56.3 million less in common stock dividends during the same period.

See Note 5 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for details on long-term debt.

Uses of Capital

Entergy Arkansas requires capital resources for:

  • construction and other capital investments;
  • debt and preferred stock maturities;
  • working capital purposes, including the financing of fuel and purchased power costs; and
  • dividend and interest payments.

Following are the amounts of Entergy Arkansas' planned construction and other capital investments, existing debt and lease obligations, and other purchase obligations:

 

 

2005

 

2006-2007

 

2008-2009

 

after 2009

 

Total

 

 

(In Millions)

Planned construction and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

capital investment (1)

 

$321

 

$455

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

$776

Long-term debt

 

$147

 

$-

 

$1

 

$1,191

 

$1,339

Capital lease payments

 

$10

 

$9

 

$2

 

$2

 

$23

Operating leases

 

$24

 

$38

 

$23

 

$54

 

$139

Purchase obligations (2)

 

$433

 

$832

 

$827

 

$2,840

 

$4,932

Nuclear fuel lease obligations (3)

 

$42

 

$52

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

$94

(1)

Includes approximately $175 to $180 million annually for maintenance capital, which is planned spending on routine capital projects that are necessary to support reliability of service, equipment or systems and to support normal customer growth.

(2)

Purchase obligations represent the minimum purchase obligation or cancellation charge for contractual obligations to purchase goods or services. For Entergy Arkansas almost all of the total consists of unconditional fuel and purchased power obligations, including its obligations under the Unit Power Sales Agreement, which is discussed in Note 8 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

(3)

It is expected that additional financing under the leases will be arranged as needed to acquire additional fuel, to pay interest, and to pay maturing debt. If such additional financing cannot be arranged, however, the lessee in each case must repurchase sufficient nuclear fuel to allow the lessor to meet its obligations.

In addition to these contractual obligations, Entergy Arkansas expects to contribute $20.6 million to its pension plans and $16.1 million to other postretirement plans in 2005.

On July 25, 2002, the Board authorized Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Operations to replace the ANO 1 steam generators and reactor vessel closure head. Entergy management estimates the cost of the fabrication and replacement to be approximately $235 million, of which approximately $96 million has been incurred through 2004. $115 million is expected to be incurred in 2005, with the remainder of the costs expected in 2006. Management expects that the replacement will occur during a planned refueling outage in 2005. Entergy Arkansas filed with the APSC in January 2003 a request for a declaratory order that the investment in the replacement is in the public interest. The APSC issued the requested order in May 2003. This order is analogous to the order received in 1998 prior to the replacement of the ANO 2 steam generators. See ''Nuclear Matters'' below for further discussion of the replacement of the ANO 1 steam generators and reactor vessel closure head.

In addition to the steam generators and reactor vessel closure head replacement, the planned capital investment estimate for Entergy Arkansas also reflects capital required to support existing business and customer growth. The estimated capital expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints, market volatility, economic trends, environmental compliance, and the ability to access capital. Management provides more information on long-term debt and preferred stock maturities in Notes 5 and 6 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary, Entergy Arkansas pays dividends to Entergy Corporation from its earnings at a percentage determined monthly. Entergy Arkansas' long-term debt indentures restrict the amount of retained earnings available for the payment of cash dividends or other distributions on its common and preferred stock. As of December 31, 2004, Entergy Arkansas had restricted retained earnings unavailable for distribution to Entergy Corporation of $394.9 million.

Sources of Capital

Entergy Arkansas' sources to meet its capital requirements include:

  • internally generated funds;
  • cash on hand;
  • debt or preferred stock issuances; and
  • bank financing under new or existing facilities (Entergy Arkansas has a 364-day credit facility available with an expiration date of April 2005 in the amount of $85 million, of which none was drawn at December 31, 2004).

Entergy Arkansas issued first mortgage bonds in 2004 as follows:

Issue Date

 

Description

 

Maturity

 

Amount

           

(In Thousands)

             

October 2004

 

6.38% Series

 

November 2034

 

$60,000

The proceeds were used to redeem junior subordinated debentures as follows:

Retirement Date

 


Description

 


Maturity

 


Amount

           

(In Thousands)

             

November 2004

 

8.50% Series

 

September 2045

 

$61,856

Entergy Arkansas may refinance or redeem debt and preferred stock prior to maturity, to the extent market conditions and interest and dividend rates are favorable.

All debt and common and preferred stock issuances by Entergy Arkansas require prior regulatory approval. Preferred stock and debt issuances are also subject to issuance tests set forth in corporate charters, bond indentures, and other agreements. Entergy Arkansas has sufficient capacity under these tests to meet its foreseeable capital needs.

Short-term borrowings by Entergy Arkansas, including borrowings under the money pool, are limited to an amount authorized by the SEC, which is $235 million. Under its SEC Order and without further authorization, Entergy Arkansas cannot incur additional short-term indebtedness unless (a) it and Entergy Corporation maintain a common equity ratio of at least 30% and (b) with the exception of money pool borrowings, the security to be issued (if rated) and all outstanding securities of Entergy Arkansas, as well as all outstanding securities of Entergy Corporation, that are rated, are rated investment grade. See Note 4 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for further discussion of Entergy Arkansas' short-term borrowing limits.

Significant Factors and Known Trends

Utility Restructuring

In April 1999, the Arkansas legislature enacted Act 1556, the Arkansas Electric Consumer Choice Act, providing for competition in the electric utility industry through retail open access. In December 2001, the APSC recommended to the Arkansas General Assembly that legislation be enacted during the 2003 legislative session to either repeal Act 1556 or further delay retail open access until at least 2010. In February 2003, the Arkansas legislature voted to repeal Act 1556 and the repeal was signed into law by the governor.

At FERC, restructuring at the wholesale level has begun but has been delayed. It is too early to predict the ultimate effects of changes in U.S. energy markets. Restructuring issues are complex and are continually affected by events at the national, regional, state, and local levels. However, these changes may result, in the long term, in fundamental changes in the way traditional integrated utilities and holding company systems, like the Entergy system, conduct their business. Some of these changes may be positive for Entergy, while others may not.

System Agreement Proceedings

The domestic utility companies historically have engaged in the coordinated planning, construction, and operation of generating and transmission facilities under the terms of an agreement called the System Agreement that has been approved by the FERC. Litigation involving the System Agreement is being pursued by the LPSC at both the FERC and before itself. These proceedings include challenges to the allocation of costs as defined by the System Agreement, raise questions of imprudence by the domestic utility companies in their execution of the System Agreement, and seek support for local regulatory authority over System Agreement issues. Regarding the proceeding at the LPSC, Entergy believes that state and local regulators are preempted by federal law from reviewing and deciding System Agreement issues for themselves. An unrelated case between the LPSC and Entergy Louisiana raised the question of whether a state regulator is preempted by federal law from reviewing and interpreting FERC rate schedules that are part of the System Agreement, and from subsequently enforcing that interpretation. The LPSC interpreted a System Agreement rate schedule in the unrelated case, and then sought to enforce its interpretation. The Louisiana Supreme Court affirmed the LPSC's decision. In 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Entergy Louisiana's favor and reversed the decisions of the LPSC and the Louisiana Supreme Court.

In February 2004, a FERC ALJ issued an Initial Decision in the LPSC-initiated proceeding at the FERC. The Initial Decision decided some issues in favor of the relief sought by the LPSC, and decided some issues against the relief sought by the LPSC. Several parties, including Entergy, the LPSC, the APSC, the MPSC, the City Council, and the FERC Staff, filed briefs on exceptions in response to the ALJ's Initial Decision. Entergy's exceptions to the ALJ's Initial Decision include: the practical effect of the Initial Decision is full production cost equalization, which was rejected in the Initial Decision and previously has been rejected by the FERC; resource planning for the Entergy System would be impeded if the Initial Decision were adopted; the remedy in the Initial Decision is inconsistent with the history, structure, and precedent regarding the System Agreement; the Initial Decision's remedy ignores the historical pattern of production cost disparities on the Entergy System and would result in substantial, sudden transfers of costs between groups of Entergy customers; the numerical standards proposed in the Initial Decision are arbitrary and are so complex that they will be difficult to implement; the Initial Decision improperly rejected Entergy's resource planning remedy; the Initial Decision erroneously determined that the full costs of the Vidalia project should be included in Entergy Louisiana's production costs for purposes of calculating relative production costs; and the Initial Decision erroneously adopted a new method of calculating reserve sharing costs rather than the current method.

If the FERC grants the relief requested by the LPSC in the proceeding, the relief may result in a material increase in the total production costs the FERC allocates to companies whose costs currently are projected to be less than the Entergy System average, and a material decrease in the total production costs the FERC allocates to companies whose costs currently are projected to exceed that average.   If the FERC adopts the ALJ's Initial Decision, the amount of production costs that would be reallocated among the domestic utility companies would be determined through consideration of each domestic utility company's relative total production cost expressed as a percentage of Entergy System average total production cost. The ALJ's Initial Decision would reallocate production costs of the domestic utility companies whose percent of Entergy System average production cost are outside an upper or lower bandwidth. This would be accomplished by payments from domestic utility companies whose production costs are below Entergy System average production cost to domestic utility companies whose production costs are above Entergy System average production cost.

An assessment of the potential effects of the ALJ's Initial Decision requires assumptions regarding the future total production cost of each domestic utility company, which assumptions include the mix of solid fuel and gas-fired generation available to each company and the costs of natural gas and purchased power.  Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States are more dependent upon gas-fired generation than Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, or Entergy New Orleans. Of these, Entergy Arkansas is the least dependent upon gas-fired generation.  Therefore, increases in natural gas prices likely will increase the amount by which Entergy Arkansas' total production costs are below the average production costs of the domestic utility companies.  Considerable uncertainty exists regarding future gas prices. Annual average Henry Hub gas prices have varied significantly over recent years, ranging from $1.72/mmBtu to $5.85/mmBtu for the 1995-2004 period, and averaging $3.43/mmBtu during the ten-year period 1995-2004 and $4.58/mmBtu during the five-year period 2000-2004.  Recent market conditions have resulted in gas prices that have averaged $5.85/mmBtu for the twelve months ended December 2004. Based upon analyses considering the effect on future production costs if the FERC adopts the ALJ's Initial Decision, the following potential annual production cost reallocations among the domestic utility companies could result assuming annual average gas prices range from $6.39/mmBtu in 2005 declining to $4.97/mmBtu by 2009:

 


Range of Annual Payments
or (Receipts)

 

Average Annual
Payments or (Receipts)
for 2005-2009 Period

 

(In Millions)

 

(In Millions)

       

Entergy Arkansas

$154 to $281 

 

$215 

Entergy Gulf States

($130) to ($15)

 

($63)

Entergy Louisiana

($199) to ($98)

 

($141)

Entergy Mississippi

($16) to $8 

 

$1                 

Entergy New Orleans

($17) to ($5)

 

($12)               

Management believes that any changes in the allocation of production costs resulting from a FERC decision and related retail proceedings should result in similar rate changes for retail customers. The timing of recovery of these costs in rates could be the subject of additional proceedings at the APSC and elsewhere, however, and a delay in full recovery of any increased allocation of production costs could result in additional financing requirements. Although the outcome and timing of the FERC, APSC, and other proceedings cannot be predicted at this time, Entergy Arkansas does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these proceedings will have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operation.

In February 2004, the APSC issued an "Order of Investigation," in which it discusses the negative effect that implementation of the FERC ALJ's Initial Decision would have on Entergy Arkansas' customers. The APSC order establishes an investigation into whether Entergy Arkansas' continued participation in the System Agreement is in the best interest of its customers, and whether there are steps that Entergy Arkansas or the APSC can take "to protect [Entergy Arkansas' customers] from future attempts by Louisiana, or any other Entergy retail regulator, to shift its high costs to Arkansas." Entergy Arkansas filed testimony in response to the APSC's Order of Investigation. The testimony emphasizes that the ALJ's Initial Decision is not a final order by the FERC; briefly discusses some of the aspects of the Initial Decision that are included in Entergy's exceptions filed with the FERC; emphasizes that Entergy will seek to reverse the production cost-related portions of the Initial Decision; and states that Entergy Arkansas believes that it is premature, before the FERC makes a decision, for Entergy Arkansas to determine whether its continued participation in the System Agreement is appropriate.

In April 2004, the APSC commenced the investigation into Entergy Louisiana's Vidalia purchased power contract and requested historical documents, records, and information from Entergy Arkansas, which Entergy Arkansas has provided to the APSC. Also in April 2004, the APSC issued an order directing Entergy Arkansas to show cause why Entergy Arkansas should not have to indemnify and hold its customers harmless from any adverse financial effects related to Entergy Louisiana's pending acquisition of the Perryville power plant, or show that the Perryville unit will produce economic benefits for Entergy Arkansas' customers. Entergy Arkansas filed a response in May 2004 stating that Entergy will seek to reverse the production cost-related portions of the ALJ's Initial Decision in the System Agreement proceeding at the FERC, that the Perryville acquisition is part of Entergy's request for proposal generation planning process, that Entergy Arkansas is not in a position to indemnify its retail customers from actions taken by the FERC, and that the Perryville acquisition is expected to reduce the domestic utility companies' overall production costs. Procedural schedules have not been established in these APSC investigations.

In April 2004, the City Council issued a resolution directing Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana to notify the City Council and obtain prior approval for any action that would materially modify, amend, or terminate the System Agreement for one or more of the domestic utility companies. Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana appealed to state court the City Council's resolution on the basis that the imposition of this requirement with respect to the System Agreement, a FERC-approved tariff, exceeds the City Council's jurisdiction and authority. In July 2004, the City Council answered the appeal and filed a third party demand and counterclaim against Entergy, the domestic utility companies, Entergy Services, and System Energy, seeking a declaratory judgment that Entergy and its subsidiaries cannot terminate the System Agreement until obligations owed under a March 2003 rate case settlement are satisfied. In August 2004, Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana, as well as the named third party defendants, filed pleadings objecting to the City Council's third party demand and counterclaim on various grounds, including federal preemption. In February 2005, the state court issued an oral decision dismissing the City Council's claims for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and prematurity.

Transmission

In 2000, FERC issued an order encouraging utilities to voluntarily place their transmission facilities under the control of independent RTOs (regional transmission organizations) by December 15, 2001. Delays in implementing the FERC order have occurred due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that utility companies, other stakeholders, and federal and state regulators continue to work to resolve various issues related to the establishment of such RTOs.

In April 2004, Entergy filed a proposal with the FERC to commit voluntarily to retain an independent entity (Independent Coordinator of Transmission or ICT) to oversee the granting of transmission or interconnection service on Entergy's transmission system, to implement a transmission pricing structure that ensures that Entergy's retail native load customers are required to pay for only those upgrades necessary to reliably serve their needs, and to have the ICT serve as the security coordinator for the Entergy region. Assuming applicable regulatory support and approvals can be obtained, Entergy proposed to contract with the ICT to oversee the granting of transmission service on the Entergy system as well as the implementation of the proposed weekly procurement process (WPP). The proposal was structured to not transfer control of Entergy's transmission system to the ICT, but rather to vest with the ICT broad oversight authority over transmission planning and operations.

Entergy also proposed to have the ICT administer a transmission expansion pricing protocol that will increase the efficiency of transmission pricing on the Entergy system and that will be designed to protect Entergy's native load customers from bearing the cost of transmission upgrades not required to reliably serve these customers' needs. Entergy intends for the ICT to determine whether transmission upgrades associated with new requests for service should be funded directly by the party requesting such service or by a broader group of transmission customers, including Entergy's native load customers. This determination would be made in accordance with protocols approved by the FERC, and any party contesting such determination, including Entergy, would be required to seek review at the FERC. Several technical conferences regarding the ICT proposal, or various components thereof, were held in 2004. Entergy has also responded to discovery requests that resulted from these conferences.

In January 2005, Entergy filed a petition for declaratory order with the FERC requesting that the FERC provide guidance on two important issues: (1) whether the functions performed by the ICT will cause it to become a "public utility" under the Federal Power Act or the "transmission provider" under Entergy's open access transmission tariff; and (2) whether Entergy's transmission pricing proposal, as administered by the ICT, satisfies the FERC's transmission pricing policy. The petition also indicates that, subject to the outcome of the petition and obtaining support of Entergy's retail regulators, Entergy would be willing to have the ICT perform the following additional functions: (a) grant or deny requests for transmission service; (b) calculate available flowgate capacity; (c) administer Entergy's OASIS; and (d) perform an enhanced planning function (integrating the plans of Entergy and other potential transmission owners to identify regional synergies.) Comments and interventions on the petition were filed by market participants and retail regulators on February 4, 2005. In their individual comments, the APSC, LPSC, and City Council supported Entergy's position that the ICT would not become a "public utility" or "transmission provider" and that the transmission pricing proposal satisfies the FERC's transmission pricing policy. Certain other parties urged the FERC to reject the petition for declaratory order or, in the alternative, that the FERC assert jurisdiction over the ICT and determine that Entergy's proposed pricing policy is inconsistent with FERC's current pricing policy. FERC action on the petition is expected during the first half of 2005.

In March 2004, the APSC initiated a proceeding to review Entergy's proposal and compare the benefits of such a proposal to the alternative of Entergy joining the Southwest Power Pool RTO. The APSC sought comments from all interested parties on this issue. Various parties, including the APSC General Staff, filed comments opposing the ICT proposal. A public hearing has not been scheduled by the APSC at this time, although Entergy Arkansas has responded to various APSC data requests. In May 2004, Entergy Mississippi filed a petition for review with the MPSC requesting MPSC support for the ICT proposal. A hearing in that proceeding was held in August 2004. Additionally, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States have filed an application with the LPSC requesting that the LPSC find that the ICT proposal is a prudent and appropriate course of action. A hearing on the transmission pricing aspects of the ICT proposal is scheduled for May 2005, with a separate hearing on the WPP portion of the proposal currently scheduled for August 2005.

Interconnection Orders

The domestic utility companies (except Entergy New Orleans) are currently defendants to several complaints and rehearing requests before the FERC in which independent generation entities (GenCos) are seeking a refund of monies that the GenCos had previously paid to the Entergy companies for facilities necessary to connect their generation facilities to Entergy's transmission system. The FERC has issued initial orders in response to two of the complaints and in certain other dockets ordering Entergy to refund approximately $100 million in expenses and tax obligations previously paid by the GenCos, including $42 million for Entergy Arkansas. The refunds will be in the form of transmission credits that will be utilized over time as the GenCos take transmission service from Entergy. To the extent the Entergy companies are ordered to provide such refunds, these costs will qualify for inclusion in the Entergy companies' rates. The recovery of these costs is not automatic, however, especially at the retail level, where the majority of the cost recovery would occur. Entergy intends to pursue all regulatory and legal avenues available to it in order to have these orders reversed and have the affected interconnection agreements reinstated as agreed to originally by the generators.

Available Flowgate Capacity Proceeding

On December 17, 2004, the FERC issued an order initiating a hearing and investigation concerning the justness and reasonableness of the Available Flowgate Capacity (AFC) methodology, the methodology used to evaluate short-term transmission service requests under the domestic utility companies' open access transmission tariff, and establishing a refund effective date. In its order, the FERC indicated that although it "appreciates that Entergy is attempting to explore ways to improve transmission access on its system," it believed that an investigation was warranted to gather more evidence in light of the concerns raised by certain transmission customers and certain issues raised in a FERC audit report finding errors and problems with the predecessor methodology used by Entergy for evaluating short-term transmission requests, the Generator Operating Limits methodology. The FERC order indicates that the investigation will include an examination of (i) Entergy's implementation of the AFC program, (ii) whether Entergy's implementation has complied with prior FERC orders and open access transmission tariff provisions addressing the AFC program, and (iii) whether Entergy's provision of access to short-term transmission on its transmission system was just, reasonable, and not unduly discriminatory.

Entergy has submitted an Emergency Interim Request for Rehearing requesting the FERC to defer the hearing process and instead proceed initially with an independent audit of the AFC program and the expansion of the current process involving other market participants to address a broader range of issues. Entergy believes that this type of approach is a more efficient and effective mechanism for evaluating the AFC program. Following the completion of the independent audit and process involving other market participants, the FERC could determine whether other procedural steps are necessary. The FERC has not yet ruled on the Emergency Interim Request for Rehearing submitted by Entergy.

Entergy believes that it has complied with the provisions of its open access transmission tariff, including the provisions addressing the implementation of the AFC methodology; however, the ultimate scope of this proceeding cannot be predicted at this time. A hearing in the AFC proceeding is currently scheduled to commence in August 2005.

Market and Credit Risks

Entergy Arkansas has certain market and credit risks inherent in its business operations. Market risks represent the risk of changes in the value of commodity and financial instruments, or in future operating results or cash flows, in response to changing market conditions. Credit risk is risk of loss from nonperformance by suppliers, customers, or financial counterparties to a contract or agreement.

Interest Rate and Equity Price Risk - Decommissioning Trust Funds

Entergy Arkansas' nuclear decommissioning trust funds are exposed to fluctuations in equity prices and interest rates. The NRC requires Entergy Arkansas to maintain trusts to fund the costs of decommissioning ANO 1 and ANO 2. The funds are invested primarily in equity securities; fixed-rate, fixed-income securities; and cash and cash equivalents. Management believes that its exposure to market fluctuations will not affect results of operations for the ANO trust funds because of the application of regulatory accounting principles. The decommissioning trust funds are discussed more thoroughly in Notes 1, 8, and 12 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

State and Local Rate Regulatory Risks

The rates that Entergy Arkansas charges for its services are an important item influencing Entergy Arkansas' financial position, results of operations, and liquidity. Entergy Arkansas is closely regulated and the rates charged to its customers are determined in regulatory proceedings. A governmental agency, the APSC, is primarily responsible for approval of the rates charged to customers. Entergy Arkansas' fuel costs recovered from customers are also subject to regulatory scrutiny. Refer to Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for fuel recovery and retail rate proceedings.

Nuclear Matters

Entergy Arkansas owns and operates, through an affiliate, the ANO 1 and ANO 2 nuclear power plants. Entergy Arkansas is, therefore, subject to the risks related to owning and operating nuclear plants. These include risks from the use, storage, handling and disposal of high-level and low-level radioactive materials, limitations on the amounts and types of insurance commercially available for losses in connection with nuclear operations, and technological and financial uncertainties related to decommissioning nuclear plants at the end of their licensed lives, including the sufficiency of funds in decommissioning trusts. In the event of an unanticipated early shutdown of either ANO 1 or ANO 2, Entergy Arkansas may be required to file with the APSC a rate mechanism to provide additional funds or credit support to satisfy regulatory requirements for decommissioning.

In August 2001, the NRC issued a bulletin requesting all pressurized water reactor owners and operators to report on the structural integrity of their reactor vessel head penetration nozzles to justify continued operations past December 31, 2001. These types of reactors are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking of the reactor vessel head nozzles. ANO 1 and ANO 2 are pressurized water reactors. In December 2001, Entergy issued a request for proposal to provide replacement steam generators for ANO 1. Entergy subsequently entered a contract for delivery of the replacement generators in August 2005 in time for installation during the scheduled refueling outage. Both the new steam generators and the reactor vessel head will be installed in the fall of 2005. To date, there has been no primary side stress corrosion cracking identified in the ANO 2 reactor vessel head. Inspections of the ANO 2 reactor vessel head will continue during planned refueling outages.

Entergy Arkansas filed with the APSC in January 2003 a request for a declaratory order that the investment in the replacement is in the public interest. The APSC issued the requested order in May 2003. This order is analogous to the order received in 1998 prior to the replacement of the ANO 2 steam generators.

Environmental Risks

Entergy Arkansas' facilities and operations are subject to regulation by various governmental authorities having jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances and hazardous and solid wastes, and other environmental matters. Management believes that Entergy Arkansas is in substantial compliance with environmental regulations currently applicable to its facilities and operations. Because environmental regulations are subject to change, future compliance costs cannot be precisely estimated.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of Entergy Arkansas' financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to apply appropriate accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that can have a significant effect on reported financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Management has identified the following accounting policies and estimates as critical because they are based on assumptions and measurements that involve a high degree of uncertainty, and the potential for future changes in the assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that would have a material effect on the presentation of Entergy Arkansas' financial position or results of operations.

Nuclear Decommissioning Costs

Regulations require Entergy Arkansas to decommission the ANO 1 and ANO 2 nuclear power plants after the facilities are taken out of service, and money is collected and deposited in trust funds during the facilities' operating lives in order to provide for this obligation. Entergy Arkansas conducts periodic decommissioning cost studies (typically updated every five years) to estimate the costs that will be incurred to decommission the facilities. The following key assumptions have a significant effect on these estimates:

  • Cost Escalation Factors - Entergy Arkansas' decommissioning studies include an assumption that decommissioning costs will escalate over present cost levels by an annual factor approximating CPI-U. A 50 basis point change in this assumption could change the ultimate cost of decommissioning a facility by as much as 11%.
  • Timing - The date of the plant's retirement must be estimated and an assumption must be made whether decommissioning will begin immediately upon plant retirement, or whether the plant will be held in "safestore" status for later decommissioning, as permitted by applicable regulations. While the effect of these assumptions cannot be determined with precision, assuming either license extension or use of a "safestore" status can possibly decrease the present value of these obligations. As discussed in Note 8 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements, Entergy Arkansas recorded a revision in 2004 to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for ANO 1 and ANO 2 to reflect changes due to a new decommissioning study.  The changes in probability for ANO 1 and ANO 2 had no effect on net income because, as discussed further below, any amounts recorded related to SFAS 143 are offset by the recording of regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities when projected decommissioning costs are collected in rates.
  • Spent Fuel Disposal - Federal regulations require the DOE to provide a permanent repository for the storage of spent nuclear fuel, and legislation has been passed by Congress to develop this repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Until this site is available, however, nuclear plant operators must provide for interim spent fuel storage on the nuclear plant site, which can require the construction and maintenance of dry cask storage sites or other facilities. The costs of developing and maintaining these facilities can have a significant effect (as much as 16% of estimated decommissioning costs). These estimates could change in the future based on the timing of the opening of the Yucca Mountain facility, the schedule for shipments to that facility when it is opened, or other factors.
  • Technology and Regulation - To date, there is limited practical experience in the United States with actual decommissioning of large nuclear facilities. As experience is gained and technology changes, cost estimates could also change. If regulations regarding nuclear decommissioning were to change, this could have a potentially significant effect on cost estimates. The effect of these potential changes is not presently determinable. Entergy Arkansas' decommissioning cost studies assume current technologies and regulations.

Through 2001, Entergy Arkansas collected the projected costs of decommissioning ANO 1 and ANO 2 through rates charged to customers. Now, based on assumptions approved by the APSC, including an assumed license extension for ANO 2 (ANO 1's license has already been extended), which significantly extends the earnings period, and the sufficiency of previously collected funds, Entergy Arkansas is not collecting additional funds to decommission ANO 1 and ANO 2 in its current rates. The assumptions will be reviewed annually and reflected in Entergy Arkansas' filing of its annual determination of the nuclear decommissioning rate rider. The amounts that were collected through rates, which were based upon decommissioning cost studies, were deposited in decommissioning trust funds.

SFAS 143

Entergy Arkansas implemented SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," effective January 1, 2003. Nuclear decommissioning costs comprise substantially all of Entergy Arkansas' asset retirement obligations, and the measurement and recording of Entergy Arkansas' decommissioning obligations outlined above changed significantly with the implementation of SFAS 143. The most significant differences in the measurement of these obligations are outlined below:

  • Recording of full obligation - SFAS 143 requires that the fair value of an asset retirement obligation be recorded when it is incurred. This caused the recorded decommissioning obligation of Entergy Arkansas to increase significantly, as Entergy Arkansas had previously only recorded this obligation as the related costs were collected from customers, and as earnings were recorded on the related trust funds.
  • Fair value approach - SFAS 143 requires that these obligations be measured using a fair value approach. Among other things, this entails the assumption that the costs will be incurred by a third party and will therefore include appropriate profit margins and risk premiums. Entergy Arkansas' decommissioning studies to date have been based on Entergy Arkansas performing the work, and have not included any such margins or premiums. Inclusion of these items increases cost estimates.
  • Discount rate - SFAS 143 requires that these obligations be discounted using a credit-adjusted risk-free rate.

The net effect of implementing this standard for Entergy Arkansas was recorded as a regulatory asset, with no resulting impact on Entergy Arkansas' net income. Entergy Arkansas recorded this regulatory asset because its existing rate mechanism is based on the original or historical cost standard that allows Entergy Arkansas to recover all ultimate costs of decommissioning existing assets from current and future customers. Upon implementation, assets and liabilities increased by $532 million in 2003 as a result of recording the asset retirement obligation at its fair value as determined under SFAS 143, increasing total utility plant by $106 million, reducing accumulated depreciation by $252 million, and recording the related regulatory asset of $174 million.

In the first quarter of 2004, Entergy Arkansas recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability in accordance with a new decommissioning cost study for ANO 1 and 2 as a result of revised decommissioning costs and changes in assumptions regarding the timing of when the decommissioning of the plants will begin. The revised estimate resulted in a $107.7 million reduction in its decommissioning liability, along with a $19.5 million reduction in utility plant and an $88.2 million reduction in the related regulatory asset.

Unbilled Revenue

As discussed in Note 1 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements, Entergy Arkansas records an estimate of the revenues earned for energy delivered since the latest customer billing. Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and a receivable, and the prior month's estimate is reversed. The difference between the estimate of the unbilled receivable at the beginning of the period and the end of the period is the amount of unbilled revenue recognized during the period. The estimate recorded is primarily based upon an estimate of customer usage during the unbilled period and the billed price to customers in that month. Therefore, revenue recognized may be affected by the estimated price and usage at the beginning and end of each period, in addition to changes in certain components of the calculation including changes to estimates such as line loss, which affects the estimate of unbilled customer usage, and assumptions regarding price such as the fuel cost recovery mechanism.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy sponsors defined benefit pension plans which cover substantially all employees. Additionally, Entergy currently provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for substantially all employees who reach retirement age while still working for Entergy. Entergy's reported costs of providing these benefits, as described in Note 10 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements, are impacted by numerous factors including the provisions of the plans, changing employee demographics, and various actuarial calculations, assumptions, and accounting mechanisms. Because of the complexity of these calculations, the long-term nature of these obligations, and the importance of the assumptions utilized, Entergy's estimate of these costs is a critical accounting estimate.

Assumptions

Key actuarial assumptions utilized in determining these costs include:

  • Discount rates used in determining the future benefit obligations;
  • Projected health care cost trend rates;
  • Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets; and
  • Rate of increase in future compensation levels.

Entergy reviews these assumptions on an annual basis and adjusts them as necessary. The falling interest rate environment and worse-than-expected performance of the financial equity markets over the past several years have impacted Entergy's funding and reported costs for these benefits. In addition, these trends have caused Entergy to make a number of adjustments to its assumptions.

In selecting an assumed discount rate to calculate benefit obligations, Entergy reviews market yields on high-quality corporate debt and matches these rates with Entergy's projected stream of benefit payments. Based on recent market trends, Entergy reduced its discount rate used to calculate benefit obligations from 6.75% in 2002 to 6.25% in 2003 and to 6% in 2004. Entergy reviews actual recent cost trends and projected future trends in establishing health care cost trend rates. Based on this review, Entergy increased its health care cost trend rate assumption used in calculating the December 31, 2004 accumulated postretirement benefit obligation to a 10% increase in health care costs in 2005 gradually decreasing each successive year, until it reaches a 4.5% annual increase in health care costs in 2011 and beyond.

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, Entergy reviews past long-term performance, asset allocations, and long-term inflation assumptions. Entergy targets an asset allocation for its pension plan assets of roughly 65% equity securities, 31% fixed income securities, and 4% other investments. The target allocation for Entergy's other postretirement benefit assets is 51% equity securities and 49% fixed income securities. Based on recent market trends, Entergy reduced its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used to calculate benefit obligations from 8.75% for 2002 and 2003 to 8.5% in 2004. The assumed rate of increase in future compensation levels used to calculate benefit obligations was 3.25% in 2002, 2003, and 2004.

Cost Sensitivity

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of pension cost to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands):


Actuarial Assumption

 

Change in
Assumption

 

Impact on 2004
Pension Cost

 

Impact on Projected
Benefit Obligation

 

 

Increase/(Decrease)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

(0.25%)

 

$2,001

 

$20,608

Rate of return on plan assets

 

(0.25%)

 

$1,055

 

-

Rate of increase in compensation

 

0.25%

 

$907

 

$5,200

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of postretirement benefit cost to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands):



Actuarial Assumption

 


Change in
Assumption

 


Impact on 2004
Postretirement Benefit Cost

 

Impact on Accumulated
Postretirement Benefit
Obligation

 

 

Increase/(Decrease)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health care cost trend

 

0.25%

 

$557

 

$3,633

Discount rate

 

(0.25%)

 

$342

 

$4,623

Each fluctuation above assumes that the other components of the calculation are held constant.

Accounting Mechanisms

In accordance with SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," Entergy utilizes a number of accounting mechanisms that reduce the volatility of reported pension costs. Differences between actuarial assumptions and actual plan results are deferred and are amortized into cost only when the accumulated differences exceed 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets. If necessary, the excess is amortized over the average remaining service period of active employees.

Additionally, Entergy accounts for the impact of asset performance on pension expense over a twenty-quarter phase-in period through a "market-related" value of assets calculation. Since the market-related value of assets recognizes investment gains or losses over a twenty-quarter period, the future value of assets will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recognized. As a result, the losses that the pension plan assets experienced in 2002 may have an adverse impact on pension cost in future years depending on whether the actuarial losses at each measurement date exceed the 10% corridor in accordance with SFAS 87.

Costs and Funding

Total pension cost for Entergy Arkansas in 2004 was $16.5 million. Entergy Arkansas anticipates 2005 pension cost to increase to $21.8 million due to decrease in the discount rate (from 6.25% to 6.00%) and the expected rate of return (from 8.75% to 8.5%) used to calculate benefit obligations. Entergy Arkansas contributed $5.3 million to its pension plan in 2004, and anticipates making $20.6 million in contributions in 2005. The rise in pension funding requirements is due to declining interest rates and the phased-in effect of asset underperformance from 2000 to 2002, partially offset by the Pension Funding Equity Act relief passed in April 2004.

Entergy Arkansas' accumulated benefit obligation at December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 exceeded plan assets. As a result, Entergy Arkansas was required to recognize an additional minimum liability as prescribed by SFAS 87 at December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002. At December 31, 2004, Entergy Arkansas increased its additional minimum liability to $81.2 million from $54.9 million at December 31, 2003. Entergy Arkansas decreased its intangible asset for the unrecognized prior service cost to $10.3 million at December 31, 2004 from $13.3 million at December 31, 2003. Entergy Arkansas also increased the regulatory asset to $70.8 million at December 31, 2004 from $41.6 million at December 31, 2003. Net income for 2004, 2003, and 2002 was not impacted.

Total postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs for Entergy Arkansas in 2004 were $12.8 million, including $5 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies. Entergy Arkansas expects 2005 postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs to approximate $13.7 million, including $5.8 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies. The increase in postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs is due to the decrease in the discount rate (from 6.25% to 6.00%) and an increase in the health care cost trend rate used to calculate benefit obligations.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Entergy Arkansas, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Entergy Arkansas, Inc. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related statements of income, retained earnings, and cash flows (pages 165 through 170 and applicable items in pages 284 through 348) for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Entergy Arkansas, Inc. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 5 and Note 8 to the notes to respective financial statements, in 2003 Entergy Arkansas, Inc. adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 8, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on management's assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
March 8, 2005

 

 

ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.
INCOME STATEMENTS
         
    For the Years Ended December 31,
    2004   2003   2002
    (In Thousands)
             
OPERATING REVENUES            
Domestic electric   $1,653,145     $1,589,670     $1,561,110  
             
OPERATING EXPENSES            
Operation and Maintenance:            
  Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and            
   gas purchased for resale   210,394     153,866     294,244  
  Purchased power   484,849     476,447     355,211  
  Nuclear refueling outage expenses   24,568     23,638     24,387  
  Other operation and maintenance   384,424     402,108     543,677  
Decommissioning   32,902     35,887     -  
Taxes other than income taxes   35,848     37,385     38,127  
Depreciation and amortization   206,926     202,497     187,525  
Other regulatory credits - net   (20,501)   (39,347)   (184,270)
TOTAL   1,359,410     1,292,481     1,258,901  
             
OPERATING INCOME   293,735     297,189     302,209  
             
OTHER INCOME             
Allowance for equity funds used during construction   11,737     12,153     7,324  
Interest and dividend income   10,298     9,790     2,467  
Miscellaneous - net   (6,354)   (4,332)   (6,442)
TOTAL   15,681     17,611     3,349  
             
INTEREST AND OTHER CHARGES   
Interest on long-term debt   79,521     87,666     89,923  
Other interest - net   4,909     3,555     13,287  
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction   (6,288)   (7,726)   (4,699)
TOTAL   78,142     83,495     98,511  
             
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES   231,274     231,305     207,047  
             
Income taxes   89,064    105,296    71,404 
             
NET INCOME   142,210    126,009     135,643  
             
Preferred dividend requirements and other   7,776     7,776     7,776  
             
EARNINGS APPLICABLE TO            
COMMON STOCK   $134,434     $118,233    $127,867  
             
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.            
             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
     
    For the Years Ended December 31,
    2004   2003   2002
    (In Thousands)
             
OPERATING ACTIVITIES            
Net income   $142,210    $126,009    $135,643 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by
operating activities:
           
  Reserve for regulatory adjustments   3,099    1,739    - 
  Other regulatory credits - net   (20,501)   (39,347)   (184,270)
  Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning   239,828    238,384    187,525 
  Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits   65,847    48,357    54,955 
  Changes in working capital:            
    Receivables   (86,564)   (29,616)   50,898 
    Fuel inventory   2,424    4,159    (6,509)
    Accounts payable   (40,871)   40,615    39,077 
    Taxes accrued   137,767    48,791    (69,812)
    Interest accrued   (48)   (6,348)   (2,772)
    Deferred fuel costs   6,880    (46,333)   59,849 
    Other working capital accounts   4,753    (79,331)   (33,698)
  Provision for estimated losses and reserves   (5,172)   8,686    (9,952)
  Changes in other regulatory assets   37,668    (54,745)   182,244 
  Other   (41,022)   176,500    (45,757)
Net cash flow provided by operating activities   446,298    437,520    357,421 
             
INVESTING ACTIVITIES            
Construction expenditures   (270,427)   (334,556)   (277,189)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction   11,737    12,153    7,324 
Nuclear fuel purchases   (8,101)   (60,685)   (68,127)
Proceeds from sale/leaseback of nuclear fuel   8,101    60,685    68,127 
Decommissioning trust contributions and realized            
 change in trust assets   (8,860)   (8,279)   (17,970)
Changes in other investments - net   1,856    -    38,397 
Other regulatory investments   (3,691)   (6,827)   - 
Net cash flow used in investing activities   (269,385)   (337,509)   (249,438)
             
FINANCING ACTIVITIES            
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt   59,429    361,726    188,407 
Retirement of long-term debt   (61,856)   (471,040)   (170,000)
Changes in short-term borrowings   -    -    (667)
Dividends paid:            
  Common stock   (85,800)   (69,600)   (125,900)
  Preferred stock   (7,776)   (7,776)   (7,776)
Net cash flow used in financing activities   (96,003)   (186,690)   (115,936)
             
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   80,910    (86,679)   (7,953)
             
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   8,834    95,513    103,466 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $89,744    $8,834    $95,513 
             
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:            
Cash paid/(received) during the period for:            
  Interest - net of amount capitalized   $78,144    $91,142    $100,965 
  Income taxes   ($103,476)   $2,177    $83,911 
Noncash investing and financing activities:            
  Long-term debt refunded with proceeds from            
   long-term debt issued in prior periods   -    -    ($47,000)
             
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.            

 

ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
         
  December 31,
  2004   2003
  (In Thousands)
         
CURRENT ASSETS        
Cash and cash equivalents:        
  Cash   $7,133    $8,834 
  Temporary cash investments - at cost,        
   which approximates market   82,611    - 
     Total cash and cash equivalents   89,744    8,834 
Accounts receivable:        
  Customer   87,131    69,036 
  Allowance for doubtful accounts   (11,039)   (9,020)
  Associated companies   72,472    50,390 
  Other   72,425    30,930 
  Accrued unbilled revenues   71,643    64,732 
     Total accounts receivable   292,632    206,068 
Deferred fuel costs   7,368    10,557 
Accumulated deferred income taxes   27,306    18,362 
Fuel inventory - at average cost   4,298    6,722 
Materials and supplies - at average cost   85,076    80,506 
Deferred nuclear refueling outage costs   16,485    19,793 
Prepayments and other   6,154    23,938 
TOTAL   529,063    374,780 
         
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS        
Investment in affiliates - at equity   11,208    11,212 
Decommissioning trust funds   383,784    360,485 
Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation)   1,453    1,456 
Other   2,976    4,832 
TOTAL   399,421    377,985 
         
UTILITY PLANT        
Electric   6,124,359    5,948,090 
Property under capital lease   17,500    24,047 
Construction work in progress   226,172    238,807 
Nuclear fuel under capital lease   93,855    102,691 
Nuclear fuel   12,201    7,466 
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT   6,474,087    6,321,101 
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization   2,753,525    2,627,441 
UTILITY PLANT - NET   3,720,562    3,693,660 
         
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS        
Regulatory assets:        
  SFAS 109 regulatory asset - net   101,658    128,311 
  Other regulatory assets   400,174    437,544 
Other   42,514    45,798 
TOTAL   544,346    611,653 
         
TOTAL ASSETS   $5,193,392    $5,058,078 
         
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.        
 
 
 
ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  December 31,
  2004   2003
  (In Thousands)
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES        
Currently maturing long-term debt   $147,000   $ -
Accounts payable:        
  Associated companies   68,829   106,958
  Other   89,896   92,638
Customer deposits   41,639   37,693
Taxes accrued   35,874   -
Interest accrued   21,376   21,424
Obligations under capital leases   49,816   59,089
Other   19,648   16,924
TOTAL   474,078   334,726
         
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES        
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued   1,121,623   996,455
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits   68,452   73,280
Obligations under capital leases   61,538   67,648
Other regulatory liabilities   67,362   52,923
Decommissioning   492,745   567,546
Accumulated provisions   34,977   40,149
Long-term debt   1,191,763   1,338,378
Other   237,447   192,200
TOTAL   3,275,907   3,328,579
         

Commitments and Contingencies

       
         
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY        
Preferred stock without sinking fund   116,350   116,350
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 325,000,000        
  shares; issued and outstanding 46,980,196 shares in 2004        
  and 2003   470   470
Paid-in capital   591,127   591,127
Retained earnings   735,460   686,826
TOTAL   1,443,407   1,394,773
         
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   $5,193,392   $5,058,078
         
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.        

 

ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS
 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
  2004   2003   2002
  (In Thousands)
           
Retained Earnings, January 1 $686,826   $638,193   $636,226
           
  Add:          
    Net income 142,210   126,009   135,643
           
  Deduct:          
    Dividends declared:          
      Preferred stock 7,776   7,776   7,776
      Common stock 85,800   69,600   125,900
        Total 93,576   77,376   133,676
           
Retained Earnings, December 31 $735,460   $686,826   $638,193
           
           
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.          
           

 

ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON
                     
    2004   2003   2002   2001   2000
    (In Thousands)
                     
Operating revenues   $1,653,145   $1,589,670   $1,561,110   $1,776,776   $1,762,635
Net Income   $142,210   $126,009   $135,643   $178,185   $137,047
Total assets   $5,193,392   $5,058,078   $4,569,511   $4,451,580   $4,228,211
Long-term obligations (1)   $1,253,301   $1,406,026   $1,246,567   $1,417,262   $1,401,062
                     
(1) Included long-term debt (excluding currently maturing debt) and noncurrent capital lease obligations.
                     
    2004   2003   2002   2001   2000
    (Dollars In Millions)
Electric Operating Revenues:                    
  Residential   $539   $526   $556   $586   $561
  Commercial   305   291   304   330   307
  Industrial   318   305   330   371   353
  Governmental   16   15   15   16   15
    Total retail   1,178   1,137   1,205   1,303   1,236
  Sales for resale:                    
    Associated companies   250   234   165   240   246
    Non-associated companies   186   188   164   201   235
  Other   39   31   27   33   46
    Total   $1,653   $1,590   $1,561   $1,777   $1,763
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh):                    
  Residential   7,028   7,057   7,050   6,918   6,791
  Commercial   5,428   5,328   5,221   5,162   5,063
  Industrial   7,004   6,999   7,074   7,052   7,240
  Governmental   275   266   255   245   239
    Total retail   19,735   19,650   19,600   19,377   19,333
  Sales for resale:                    
    Associated companies   7,437   7,036   6,811   7,217   6,513
    Non-associated companies   4,911   5,399   5,069   4,909   5,537
    Total   32,083   32,085   31,480   31,503   31,383
                     
                     
                     

 

ENTERGY GULF STATES, INC.

MANAGEMENT'S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Results of Operations

Net Income

2004 Compared to 2003

Net income increased $149.7 million primarily due to the following:

  • the $107.7 million accrual ($65.6 million net-of-tax) in June 2003 for the loss that would be associated with a final, non-appealable decision disallowing abeyed River Bend plant costs. See Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for more details regarding the River Bend abeyed plant costs;
  • the $21.3 million net-of-tax cumulative effect of accounting change in 2003 due to the implementation of SFAS 143. See "Critical Accounting Estimates" below for more information on the implementation of SFAS 143;
  • an increase if $39.7 million (pre-tax) in net revenue, as discussed below;
  • miscellaneous income of $27.7 million (pre-tax) resulting from a revision of the decommissioning liability for River Bend and of $10 million (pre-tax) resulting from a reduction in the loss provision for an environmental clean-up site, both of which occurred in 2004 and are discussed below;
  • a decrease of $23.2 million (pre-tax) in interest charges on long-term debt, as discussed below; and
  • a decrease of $12.0 million (pre-tax) in other operation and maintenance expenses, as discussed below.

The increase was partially offset by a higher effective income tax rate.

2003 Compared to 2002

Entergy Gulf States experienced a significant decline in net income in 2003 compared to 2002 primarily due to the following:

  • the $107.7 million accrual ($65.6 million net-of-tax) for the loss that would be associated with a final, nonappealable decision disallowing abeyed River Bend plant costs. See Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for more details regarding the River Bend abeyed plant costs;
  • the $21.3 million net-of-tax cumulative effect of accounting change due to the implementation of SFAS 143. See "Critical Accounting Estimates" below for more information on the implementation of SFAS 143;
  • a decrease of $20.6 million (pre-tax) in net revenue, as discussed below; and
  • an increase of $19.2 million (pre-tax) in other operation and maintenance expenses, as discussed below.

The decrease was partially offset by a lower effective income tax rate.

Net Revenue

2004 Compared to 2003

Net revenue, which is Entergy Gulf States' measure of gross margin, consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related, and purchased power expenses and 2) other regulatory credits. Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2004 to 2003.

   

(In Millions)

     

2003 net revenue

 

$1,110.1  

Volume/weather

 

26.7  

Net wholesale revenue

 

13.0  

Summer capacity charges

 

5.5  

Price applied to unbilled sales

 

4.8  

Fuel recovery revenues

 

(14.2)

Other

 

3.9  

2004 net revenue

 

$1,149.8  

The volume/weather variance resulted primarily from an increase of 1,179 GWh in electricity usage in the industrial sector. Billed usage also increased a total of 291 GWh in the residential, commercial, and governmental sectors.

The increase in net wholesale revenue is primarily due to an increase in sales volume to municipal and co-op customers.

Summer capacity charges variance is due to the amortization in 2003 of deferred capacity charges for the summer of 2001 compared to the absence of the amortization in 2004. The amortization of these capacity charges began in June 2002 and ended in May 2003.

The price applied to unbilled sales variance resulted primarily from an increase in the fuel price applied to unbilled sales.

Fuel recovery revenues represent an under-recovery of fuel charges that are recovered in base rates.

Entergy Gulf States recorded $22.6 million of provisions in 2004 for potential rate refunds. These provisions are not included in the Net Revenue table above because they are more than offset by provisions recorded in 2003.

Gross operating revenues, fuel and purchased power expenses, and other regulatory credits

Gross operating revenues increased primarily due to an increase of $187.8 million in fuel cost recovery revenues as a result of higher fuel rates in both the Louisiana and Texas jurisdictions. The increases in volume/weather and wholesale revenue, discussed above, also contributed to the increase.

Fuel and purchased power expenses increased primarily due to:

  • increased recovery of deferred fuel costs due to higher fuel rates;
  • increases in the market prices of natural gas, coal, and purchased power; and
  • an increase in electricity usage, discussed above.

Other regulatory credits increased primarily due to the amortization in 2003 of deferred capacity charges for the summer of 2001 compared to the absence of amortization in 2004. The amortization of these charges began in June 2002 and ended in May 2003.

2003 Compared to 2002

Net revenue, which is Entergy Gulf States' measure of gross margin, consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related, and purchased power expenses and 2) other regulatory credits. Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2003 to 2002.

   

(In Millions)

     

2002 net revenue

 

$1,130.7  

Volume/weather

 

17.8  

Fuel write-offs in 2002

 

15.3  

Net wholesale revenue

 

10.2  

Base rate decreases

 

(23.3)

NISCO gain recognized in 2002

 

(15.2)

Rate refund provisions

 

(11.3)

Other

 

(14.1)

2003 net revenue

 

$1,110.1 

The volume/weather variance was due to higher electric sales volume in the service territory. Billed usage increased a total of 517 GWh in the residential and commercial sectors. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in industrial usage of 470 GWh due to the loss of two large industrial customers to cogeneration. The customers accounted for approximately 1% of Entergy Gulf States' net revenue in 2002.

In 2002, deferred fuel costs of $8.9 million related to a Texas fuel reconciliation case were written off and $6.5 million in expense resulted from an adjustment in the deregulated asset plan percentage as the result of a power uprate at River Bend.

The increase in net wholesale revenue was primarily due to an increase in sales volume to municipal and co-op customers and also to affiliated systems related to Entergy's generation resource planning.

The base rate decreases were effective June 2002 and January 2003, both in the Louisiana jurisdiction. The January 2003 base rate decrease of $22.1 million had a minimal impact on net income due to a corresponding reduction in nuclear depreciation and decommissioning expenses associated with the change in accounting to reflect an assumed extension of River Bend's useful life.

In 2002, a gain of $15.2 million was recognized for the Louisiana portion of the 1988 Nelson Units 1 and 2 sale. Entergy Gulf States received approval from the LPSC to discontinue applying amortization of the gain against recoverable fuel, resulting in the recognition of the deferred gain in income.

Rate refund provisions caused a decrease in net revenue due to additional provisions recorded in 2003 compared to 2002 for potential rate actions and refunds.

Gross operating revenues and fuel and purchased power expenses

Gross operating revenues increased primarily due to an increase of $440.2 million in fuel cost recovery revenues as a result of higher fuel rates in both the Louisiana and Texas jurisdictions.

Fuel and purchased power expenses increased $471.1 million due to an increase in the market prices of natural gas and purchased power.

Other Income Statement Variances

2004 Compared to 2003

Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to:

  • voluntary severance program accruals of $22.5 million in 2003; and
  • a decrease of $4.3 million in nuclear material and labor costs due to reduced staff in 2004.

The decrease was partially offset by the following:

  • an increase of $8.5 million in benefit costs; and
  • an increase of $5 million in customer service support costs.

Miscellaneous income - net increased $145.6 million primarily due to:

  • the $107.7 million accrual in June 2003 for the loss that would be associated with a final, non-appealable decision disallowing abeyed River Bend plant costs. See Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for more details regarding the River Bend abeyed plant costs;
  • the River Bend decommissioning cost liability revision made in accordance with a new decommissioning cost study that reflected an expected life extension for the plant. For the portion of River Bend not subject to cost-based ratemaking, the revised estimate resulted in the elimination of the asset retirement cost that had been recorded at the time of adoption of SFAS 143 with the remainder recorded as miscellaneous income of $27.7 million; and
  • a reduction of approximately $10 million in the loss provision related to an environmental clean-up site.

Interest on long-term debt decreased $23.2 million primarily due to the financing and debt restructuring program implemented in 2003, which resulted in extended maturities and lower interest rates in Entergy Gulf States' debt portfolio.

2003 Compared to 2002

Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to voluntary severance accruals of $22.5 million in 2003.

Decommissioning expense increased primarily due to the implementation of SFAS 143. The increase in decommissioning expense was offset by increases in other regulatory credits and interest and dividend income and has no effect on net income.

Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased primarily due to decreased rates associated with the assumed life extension of River Bend, partially offset by higher depreciation due to an increase in plant in service. The decrease in depreciation related to the assumed license extension of River Bend has a minimal impact on net income because it was offset by the January 2003 base rate decrease discussed in "Net Revenue" above.

Other income decreased primarily due to the abeyed River Bend plant cost accrual discussed above.

Interest expense on long-term debt increased primarily due to the issuance of $340 million of First Mortgage Bonds in November 2002, $600 million in June 2003, and $440 million in July 2003, partially offset by the retirement of $293 million of First Mortgage Bonds in March 2003 and $745 million in the third quarter of 2003.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rates for 2004, 2003, and 2002 were 36.0%, 21.3%, and 27.5%, respectively. See Note 3 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for a reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35% to the effective income tax rate.  Tax reserves not expected to reverse within the next year are reflected as non-current taxes accrued on the balance sheet.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

Cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 were as follows:

2004

2003

2002

(In Thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

$206,030 

$318,404 

$123,728 

Cash flow provided by (used in):

Operating activities

649,458 

425,963 

500,654 

Investing activities

(389,344)

(446,639)

(351,456)

Financing activities

(459,170)

(91,698)

45,478 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(199,056)

(112,374)

194,676 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$6,974 

$206,030 

$318,404 

Operating Activities

Cash flow from operations increased $223.5 million in 2004 compared to 2003 primarily due to money pool activity. Decreased vendor payments, increased recovery of deferred fuel costs, and lower interest payments also contributed to the increase.

In 2003, the domestic utility companies and System Energy filed, with the IRS, a change in tax accounting method notification for their respective calculations of cost of goods sold. The adjustment implemented a simplified method of allocation of overhead to the production of electricity, which is provided under the IRS capitalization regulations. The cumulative adjustment placing these companies on the new methodology resulted in a $674 million deduction for Entergy Gulf States on Entergy's 2003 income tax return. There was no cash benefit from the method change in 2003. In 2004 Entergy Gulf States realized $69 million in cash tax benefit from the method change. This tax accounting method change is an issue across the utility industry and will likely be challenged by the IRS on audit.  As of December 31, 2004, Entergy Gulf States has a net operating loss (NOL) carryforward for tax purposes of $447.5 million, principally resulting from the change in tax accounting method related to cost of goods sold.  If the tax accounting method change is sustained, Entergy Gulf States expects to utilize the NOL carryforward through 2006.

Cash flow from operations decreased $74.7 million in 2003 compared to 2002 primarily due to money pool activity, higher working capital needs, and increased vendor payments in 2003 relating to storm expense accruals in late-2002. The decrease was partially offset by lower income tax payments.

Entergy Gulf States' receivables from or (payables to) the money pool were as follows as of December 31 for each of the following years:

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

($59,720)

 

$69,354

 

$18,131

 

$27,665

Money pool activity provided $129.1 million of Entergy Gulf States' operating cash flows in 2004, used $51.2 million in 2003, and provided $9.5 million in 2002. See Note 4 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for a description of the money pool.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities decreased $57.3 million in 2004 compared to 2003 primarily due to the maturity in 2004 of $23.6 million of other temporary investments that had been made in 2003, which provided cash in 2004. Also contributing to the decrease was a $27.2 million decrease in under-recovered fuel and purchased power expenses in Texas that have been deferred and are expected to be collected over a period greater than twelve months. See Note 1 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for further discussion of the accounting for fuel costs.

Net cash used in investing activities increased $95.2 million in 2003 compared to 2002 primarily due to an increase of $23.6 million in other temporary investments in 2003 compared to the maturity of $44.6 million of other temporary investments that provided cash in 2002. The increase was also due to an increase of $37.7 million in under-recovered fuel and purchased power expenses in Texas that have been deferred and are expected to be collected over a period greater than twelve months. See Note 1 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for further discussion of the accounting for fuel costs.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities increased $367.5 million in 2004 compared to 2003 primarily due to the net reduction of $357 million of long-term debt in 2004 compared to $15.4 million in 2003 as well as an increase of $26.2 million in common stock dividends paid.

Entergy Gulf States used $91.7 million of cash in financing activities in 2003 compared to providing $45.5 million of cash in 2002 primarily due to the net reduction of $15.4 million of long-term debt in 2003 compared to the net issuance of $143.4 million of long-term debt in 2002. The increase in cash used in financing activities was partially offset by a decrease of $23.1 million in common stock dividends paid.

See Note 5 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for details on long-term debt.

Uses of Capital

Entergy Gulf States requires capital resources for:

  • construction and other capital investments;
  • debt and preferred stock maturities;
  • working capital purposes, including the financing of fuel and purchased power costs; and
  • dividend and interest payments.

Following are the amounts of Entergy Gulf States' planned construction and other capital investments, existing debt and lease obligations, and other purchase obligations:

 

2005

 

2006-2007

 

2008-2009

 

after 2009

 

Total

 

(In Millions)

Planned construction and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

capital investment (1)

$275

 

$505

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

$780

Long-term debt

$98

 

-

 

$550

 

$1,341

 

$1,989

Operating leases

$27

 

$41

 

$19

 

$115

 

$202

Purchase obligations (2)

$164

 

$78

 

$6

 

$21

 

$269

Other long-term liabilities

$3

 

$7

 

$7

 

-

 

$17

Nuclear fuel lease obligations (3)

$33

 

$38

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

$71

(1)

Includes approximately $210 to $220 million annually for maintenance capital, which is planned spending on routine capital projects that are necessary to support reliability of service, equipment or systems and to support normal customer growth.

(2)

Purchase obligations represent the minimum purchase obligation or cancellation charge for contractual obligations to purchase goods or services. For Entergy Gulf States it primarily includes unconditional fuel and purchased power obligations.

(3)

It is expected that additional financing under the leases will be arranged as needed to acquire additional fuel, to pay interest, and to pay maturing debt. If such additional financing cannot be arranged, however, the lessee in each case must repurchase sufficient nuclear fuel to allow the lessor to meet its obligations.

In addition to these contractual obligations, Entergy Gulf States expects to contribute $18.9 million to its pension plans and $14.3 million to other postretirement plans in 2005.

The planned capital investment estimate for Entergy Gulf States reflects capital required to support existing business and customer growth. The estimated capital expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints, environmental compliance, market volatility, economic trends, business restructuring, and the ability to access capital. Management provides more information on long-term debt and preferred stock maturities in Notes 5 and 6 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

In addition to the purchase obligations presented in the table above, Entergy Gulf States expects to have an obligation to purchase power from the Perryville power plant. In January 2004, Entergy Louisiana signed a definitive agreement to acquire the 718 MW Perryville power plant for $170 million. The agreement has subsequently been amended to allow the current plant owner to retain the interconnection facilities associated with the plant, resulting in a decrease in the acquisition price to $162 million. As a result of the amended terms, the FERC issued an order in October 2004 disclaiming jurisdiction over the acquisition. This order currently is subject to rehearing by the FERC. The plant is owned by a subsidiary of Cleco Corporation, which subsidiary submitted a bid in response to Entergy's Fall 2002 request for proposals for supply-side resources. The signing of the agreement followed a voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by the plant's owner. Entergy expects that Entergy Louisiana will own 100 percent of the Perryville plant, and that Entergy Louisiana will sell 75 percent of the output to Entergy Gulf States under a long-term cost-of-service power purchase agreement. In addition, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States executed an interim power purchase agreement with the plant's owner through the date of the acquisition's closing (as long as that occurs by December 2005) for 100 percent of the output of the Perryville power plant. In April 2004, the bankruptcy court approved Entergy Louisiana's agreement to acquire the plant. In March 2004, Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana filed with the LPSC for its approval of the acquisition and long-term cost-of-service power purchase agreement. Entergy is seeking approval from the LPSC of cost recovery for the acquisition, giving consideration to the need for the power and the prudence of Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States in engaging in the transaction. Hearings are scheduled for March 2005. Assuming regulatory approval by the LPSC, Entergy Louisiana expects the Perryville acquisition to close in mid-2005.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary, Entergy Gulf States pays dividends to Entergy Corporation from its earnings at a percentage determined monthly. Entergy Gulf States is restricted by long-term debt indentures in the payment of cash dividends or other distributions on its common and preferred stock. Currently, all of Entergy Gulf States' retained earnings are available for distribution.

Sources of Capital

Entergy Gulf States' sources to meet its capital requirements include:

  • internally generated funds;
  • cash on hand;
  • debt or preferred stock issuances; and
  • bank financing under new or existing facilities.

The following table lists First Mortgage Bonds issued by Entergy Gulf States in 2004:

Issue Date

Description

Maturity

Amount

(In Thousands)

October 2004

4.875% Series

November 2011

$200,000 

November 2004

Libor + 0.4% Series

December 2009

225,000 

November 2004

5.6% Series

December 2014

50,000 

$475,000 

The following table lists First Mortgage Bonds retired by Entergy Gulf States in 2004:

Retirement Date

Description

Maturity

Amount

(In Thousands)

April 2004

8.25% Series

April 2004

$292,000 

December 2004

Libor + 0.9% Series

June 2007

275,000 

December 2004

5.2% Series

December 2007

200,000 

$767,000 

Entergy Gulf States may refinance or redeem debt and preferred stock prior to maturity, to the extent market conditions and interest and dividend rates are favorable.

In addition, in September 2004, Entergy Gulf States purchased its $62 million 5.65% Series tax-exempt bonds from the holders, pursuant to a mandatory tender provision, and has not remarketed the bonds at this time.

All debt and common and preferred stock issuances by Entergy Gulf States require prior regulatory approval. Preferred stock and debt issuances are also subject to issuance tests set forth in its corporate charter, bond indentures, and other agreements. Entergy Gulf States has sufficient capacity under these tests to meet its foreseeable capital needs.

Borrowings and securities issuances by Entergy Gulf States are limited to amounts authorized by the SEC. The current short-term borrowing limitation, including borrowings under the money pool, is $340 million. Under its SEC Orders and without further SEC authorization, Entergy Gulf States cannot incur additional indebtedness or issue other securities unless (a) it and Entergy Corporation maintain a common equity ratio of at least 30% and (b) with the exception of money pool borrowings, the security to be issued (if rated) and all outstanding securities of Entergy Gulf States (other than its preferred stock), as well as all outstanding securities of Entergy Corporation, that are rated, are rated investment grade. See Note 4 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for further discussion of Entergy Gulf States' short-term borrowing limits.

Significant Factors and Known Trends

Transition to Retail Competition

Texas

As ordered by the PUCT, in January 2003, Entergy Gulf States filed its proposal for an interim solution (retail open access without a FERC-approved RTO), which among other elements, included:

  • the recommendation that retail open access in Entergy Gulf States' Texas service territory, including corporate unbundling, occur by January 1, 2004, or else be delayed until at least January 1, 2007. If retail open access is delayed past January 1, 2004, Entergy Gulf States seeks authorization to separate into two bundled utilities, one subject to the retail jurisdiction of the PUCT and one subject to the retail jurisdiction of the LPSC.
  • the recommendation that Entergy's transmission organization, possibly with the oversight of another entity, will continue to serve as the transmission authority for purposes of retail open access in Entergy Gulf States' service territory.
  • the recommendation that the decision points be identified that would require prior to January 1, 2004, the PUCT's determination, based upon objective criteria, whether to proceed with further efforts toward retail open access in Entergy Gulf States' Texas service territory.

After considering the proposal, in an April 2003 order the PUCT set forth a sequence of proceedings and activities designed to initiate an interim solution. These proceedings and activities included initiating a proceeding to certify an independent organization to administer market protocols and ensure nondiscriminatory access to transmission and distribution systems.

In July 2004 the PUCT denied Entergy's application to certify Entergy's transmission organization as an independent organization under Texas law. In its order, the PUCT also ordered: the cessation of efforts to develop an interim solution for retail open access in Entergy Gulf States' Texas service territory, termination of the pilot project in that territory, and a delay in retail open access in that territory until either a FERC-approved RTO is in place or some other independent transmission entity is certified under Texas law. Several parties have appealed the termination of the pilot program aspect of the order, claiming the issue was not properly a part of the proceeding.

In February 2005, bills were submitted in the Texas Legislature that would clarify that Entergy Gulf States is no longer subject to a rate freeze and specify that retail open access will not commence in Entergy Gulf States' Texas service territory until the PUCT certifies a power region.

Louisiana

In November 2001, the LPSC decided not to move forward with retail open access for any customers at this time. The LPSC instead directed its staff to hold collaborative group meetings concerning open access from time to time, and to have the LPSC staff monitor developments in neighboring states and to report to the LPSC regarding the progress of retail access developments in those states. In September 2004, in response to a study funded by certain industrial customers that evaluated a limited industrial-only retail choice program, the LPSC asked the LPSC staff to solicit comments and obtain information from utilities, customers, and other interested parties concerning the potential costs and benefits of a limited choice program, the impact of such a program on other customers, as well as issues such as stranded costs and transmission service.  Comments from interested parties were filed with the LPSC on January 14, 2005. The LPSC has not established a procedural framework for consideration of the comments. At this time, it is not certain what further action, if any, the LPSC might take in response to the information it received.

Jurisdictional Separation Plan

Pursuit of Entergy Gulf States' business separation plan mandated by Texas law in connection with retail open access in the Texas service territory has been complicated by the existence of retail operations in Louisiana subject to the jurisdiction of the LPSC. During the course of Entergy Gulf States' retail open access proceedings with the PUCT, the LPSC has been holding independent proceedings concerning the proposed separation of Entergy Gulf States' business. Unlike the plan filed with the PUCT in 2000 (and amended through 2001), discussed below, to separate Entergy Gulf States' Texas generation, transmission, distribution, and retail electric functions into separate companies, the investigation recently initiated in the LPSC proceedings is evaluating a jurisdictional split of Entergy Gulf States into a Louisiana company and a Texas company. In a status conference held in September 2004 before an ALJ, the LPSC staff asserted that uncertainty with respect to retail open access in Texas should not control whether or when the LPSC should require the jurisdictional separation of Entergy Gulf States and recommended that an investigation concerning the proposed jurisdictional separation proceed. Entergy Gulf States submitted a preliminary methodology developed by Entergy for the jurisdictional separation of Entergy Gulf States if the regulators should determine that a jurisdictional separation is in the public interest. Although it contains many components that are similar to those set forth in the business separation plan filed with the PUCT, the preliminary methodology filed with the LPSC provides for the separation of Entergy Gulf States into a Louisiana vertically integrated utility company and a Texas vertically integrated utility company; rather than the separation of Entergy Gulf States' Texas generation, transmission, distribution, and retail electric functions into separate companies as is envisioned in the plan filed with the PUCT. A procedural schedule was established in the status conference that sets discovery through February 2005, testimony through the first half of June 2005, and a hearing beginning later in June 2005. Approvals of the FERC, the SEC, the PUCT, and the NRC may also be required for certain matters before any implementation of the jurisdictional separation of Entergy Gulf States.

Business Separation Plan under the Texas Retail Open Access Law

Entergy Gulf States' business separation plan for Texas retail open access developed pursuant to the Texas restructuring law provides for the separation of its generation, transmission, distribution, and retail electric functions into separate companies. It has been amended during the course of various PUCT and LPSC proceedings and is subject to further change and regulatory proceedings. Entergy Gulf States filed the business separation plan with the PUCT in January 2000 and amended that plan in June and November 2000 and January 2001. In July 2000, the PUCT approved the amended business separation plan in an interim order. In December 2001, the PUCT abated the proceeding and indicated it will consider a final order in a timely manner consistent with a settlement agreement delaying retail open access. The outcome of the LPSC proceedings described below, which have resulted in amendments to the plan beyond what was approved by the PUCT, have been and will continue to be reported to the PUCT and the Office of Public Utility Counsel and may require additional PUCT action before the business separation plan could become final.

The LPSC opened a docket to identify the changes in corporate structure and operations of Entergy Gulf States, and their potential impact on Louisiana retail ratepayers, resulting from restructuring in Texas. In those proceedings, Entergy Gulf States and the LPSC staff reached a settlement on certain Texas business separation plan issues, and after a May 2001 hearing, the LPSC issued an interim order in July 2001 approving the settlement. In July 2001, Entergy Gulf States and the LPSC Staff completed an additional settlement on business separation plan issues relating to the separation of Texas distribution and transmission. A hearing on the distribution and transmission settlement was held and the LPSC approved the settlement in September 2001. Issues related to the separation of generation are still unresolved.

The plan approved by the LPSC in September 2001 provides that Entergy Gulf States will be separated into the following principal companies if retail open access were to commence in Texas:

  • a Texas distribution company, which will own and operate Entergy Gulf States' electric distribution system in Texas;
  • an intermediate transmission company;
  • a Texas generation company (which may be more than one legal entity), which initially will purchase capacity and energy from the generating assets allocated to Texas load (Texas generating assets), and eventually will own those assets;
  • Texas retail electric providers, which will provide competitive retail electric service in Texas; and
  • Entergy Gulf States-Louisiana.

Pursuant to the LPSC-approved plan, Entergy Gulf States-Louisiana would:

  • own and operate Entergy Gulf States' electric distribution system in Louisiana, the Texas generating assets (until they are transferred to the Texas generation company), the remainder of Entergy Gulf States' generating assets, and Entergy Gulf States' other businesses that are not separated, and own Entergy Gulf States' transmission assets allocated to Louisiana (until they are transferred to the intermediate transmission company described in the next bullet); and
  • indirectly own a portion of an intermediate transmission company, which will own Entergy Gulf States' electric transmission assets allocated to Texas, and later Entergy Gulf States' transmission assets allocated to Louisiana.

System Agreement Proceedings

The domestic utility companies historically have engaged in the coordinated planning, construction, and operation of generating and transmission facilities under the terms of an agreement called the System Agreement that has been approved by the FERC. Litigation involving the System Agreement is being pursued by the LPSC at both the FERC and before itself. These proceedings include challenges to the allocation of costs as defined by the System Agreement, raise questions of imprudence by the domestic utility companies in their execution of the System Agreement, and seek support for local regulatory authority over System Agreement issues.

In February 2004, a FERC ALJ issued an Initial Decision in the LPSC-initiated proceeding at the FERC. The Initial Decision decided some issues in favor of the relief sought by the LPSC, and decided some issues against the relief sought by the LPSC. Several parties, including Entergy, the LPSC, the APSC, the MPSC, the City Council, and the FERC Staff, filed briefs on exceptions in response to the ALJ's Initial Decision. Entergy's exceptions to the ALJ's Initial Decision include: the practical effect of the Initial Decision is full production cost equalization, which was rejected in the Initial Decision and previously has been rejected by the FERC; resource planning for the Entergy System would be impeded if the Initial Decision were adopted; the remedy in the Initial Decision is inconsistent with the history, structure, and precedent regarding the System Agreement; the Initial Decision's remedy ignores the historical pattern of production cost disparities on the Entergy System and would result in substantial, sudden transfers of costs between groups of Entergy customers; the numerical standards proposed in the Initial Decision are arbitrary and are so complex that they will be difficult to implement; the Initial Decision improperly rejected Entergy's resource planning remedy; the Initial Decision erroneously determined that the full costs of the Vidalia project should be included in Entergy Louisiana's production costs for purposes of calculating relative production costs; and the Initial Decision erroneously adopted a new method of calculating reserve sharing costs rather than the current method.

If the FERC grants the relief requested by the LPSC in the proceeding, the relief may result in a material increase in the total production costs the FERC allocates to companies whose costs currently are projected to be less than the Entergy System average, and a material decrease in the total production costs the FERC allocates to companies whose costs currently are projected to exceed that average.   If the FERC adopts the ALJ's Initial Decision, the amount of production costs that would be reallocated among the domestic utility companies would be determined through consideration of each domestic utility company's relative total production cost expressed as a percentage of Entergy System average total production cost. The ALJ's Initial Decision would reallocate production costs of the domestic utility companies whose percent of Entergy System average production cost are outside an upper or lower bandwidth. This would be accomplished by payments from domestic utility companies whose production costs are below Entergy System average production cost to domestic utility companies whose production costs are above Entergy System average production cost.

An assessment of the potential effects of the ALJ's Initial Decision requires assumptions regarding the future total production cost of each domestic utility company, which assumptions include the mix of solid fuel and gas-fired generation available to each company and the costs of natural gas and purchased power.  Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States are more dependent upon gas-fired generation than Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, or Entergy New Orleans. Of these, Entergy Arkansas is the least dependent upon gas-fired generation.  Therefore, increases in natural gas prices likely will increase the amount by which Entergy Arkansas' total production costs are below the average production costs of the domestic utility companies.  Considerable uncertainty exists regarding future gas prices. Annual average Henry Hub gas prices have varied significantly over recent years, ranging from $1.72/mmBtu to $5.85/mmBtu for the 1995-2004 period, and averaging $3.43/mmBtu during the ten-year period 1995-2004 and $4.58/mmBtu during the five-year period 2000-2004.  Recent market conditions have resulted in gas prices that have averaged $5.85/mmBtu for the twelve months ended December 2004. Based upon analyses considering the effect on future production costs if the FERC adopts the ALJ's Initial Decision, the following potential annual production cost reallocations among the domestic utility companies could result assuming annual average gas prices range from $6.39/mmBtu in 2005 declining to $4.97/mmBtu by 2009:

 


Range of Annual Payments
or (Receipts)

 

Average Annual
Payments or (Receipts)
for 2005-2009 Period

 

(In Millions)

 

(In Millions)

       

Entergy Arkansas

$154 to $281 

 

$215                

Entergy Gulf States

($130) to ($15)

 

($63)               

Entergy Louisiana

($199) to ($98)

 

($141)

Entergy Mississippi

($16) to $8 

 

$1                 

Entergy New Orleans

($17) to ($5)

 

($12)               

Management believes that any changes in the allocation of production costs resulting from a FERC decision and related retail proceedings should result in similar rate changes for retail customers. Although the outcome and timing of the FERC, APSC, and other proceedings cannot be predicted at this time, Entergy Gulf States does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these proceedings will have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operation.

In February 2004, the APSC issued an "Order of Investigation," in which it discusses the negative effect that implementation of the FERC ALJ's Initial Decision would have on Entergy Arkansas' customers. The APSC order establishes an investigation into whether Entergy Arkansas' continued participation in the System Agreement is in the best interest of its customers, and whether there are steps that Entergy Arkansas or the APSC can take "to protect [Entergy Arkansas' customers] from future attempts by Louisiana, or any other Entergy retail regulator, to shift its high costs to Arkansas." Entergy Arkansas filed testimony in response to the APSC's Order of Investigation. The testimony emphasizes that the ALJ's Initial Decision is not a final order by the FERC; briefly discusses some of the aspects of the Initial Decision that are included in Entergy's exceptions filed with the FERC; emphasizes that Entergy will seek to reverse the production cost-related portions of the Initial Decision; and states that Entergy Arkansas believes that it is premature, before the FERC makes a decision, for Entergy Arkansas to determine whether its continued participation in the System Agreement is appropriate.

In April 2004, the APSC commenced the investigation into Entergy Louisiana's Vidalia purchased power contract and requested historical documents, records, and information from Entergy Arkansas, which Entergy Arkansas has provided to the APSC. Also in April 2004, the APSC issued an order directing Entergy Arkansas to show cause why Entergy Arkansas should not have to indemnify and hold its customers harmless from any adverse financial effects related to Entergy Louisiana's pending acquisition of the Perryville power plant, or show that the Perryville unit will produce economic benefits for Entergy Arkansas' customers. Entergy Arkansas filed a response in May 2004 stating that Entergy will seek to reverse the production cost-related portions of the ALJ's Initial Decision in the System Agreement proceeding at the FERC, that the Perryville acquisition is part of Entergy's request for proposal generation planning process, that Entergy Arkansas is not in a position to indemnify its retail customers from actions taken by the FERC, and that the Perryville acquisition is expected to reduce the domestic utility companies' overall production costs. Procedural schedules have not been established in these APSC investigations.

In April 2004, the City Council issued a resolution directing Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana to notify the City Council and obtain prior approval for any action that would materially modify, amend, or terminate the System Agreement for one or more of the domestic utility companies. Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana appealed to state court the City Council's resolution on the basis that the imposition of this requirement with respect to the System Agreement, a FERC-approved tariff, exceeds the City Council's jurisdiction and authority. In July 2004, the City Council answered the appeal and filed a third party demand and counterclaim against Entergy, the domestic utility companies, Entergy Services, and System Energy, seeking a declaratory judgment that Entergy and its subsidiaries cannot terminate the System Agreement until obligations owed under a March 2003 rate case settlement are satisfied. In August 2004, Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana, as well as the named third party defendants, filed pleadings objecting to the City Council's third party demand and counterclaim on various grounds, including federal preemption. In February 2005, the state court issued an oral decision dismissing the City Council's claims for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and prematurity.

The LPSC instituted a companion ex-parte System Agreement investigation to litigate several of the System Agreement issues that the LPSC is litigating before the FERC in the previously discussed System Agreement proceeding. This companion proceeding will require the LPSC to interpret various provisions of the System Agreement, including those relating to minimum-run and must-run units, the propriety of the methods used for billing and dispatch on the Entergy System, and the use of a rolling, twelve-month average of system peaks for allocating certain costs. In addition, by this companion proceeding the LPSC is questioning whether Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States were prudent for not seeking changes to the System Agreement previously, so as to lower costs imposed upon their ratepayers and to increase costs imposed upon ratepayers of other domestic utility companies. The LPSC staff has filed testimony suggesting that the remedy for the alleged imprudence of Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States should be a reduction in allowed rate of return on common equity of 100 basis points. The domestic utility companies have challenged the propriety of the LPSC's litigating System Agreement issues. Nevertheless, on January 16, 2002 the LPSC affirmed a decision of its ALJ upholding the LPSC staff's right to litigate System Agreement issues at the LPSC, rather than before the FERC. The procedural schedule is suspended at this time and an evidentiary hearing is not scheduled. An unrelated case between the LPSC and Entergy Louisiana raised the question of whether a state regulator is preempted by federal law from reviewing and interpreting FERC rate schedules that are part of the System Agreement, and from subsequently enforcing that interpretation. The LPSC interpreted a System Agreement rate schedule in the unrelated case, and then sought to enforce its interpretation. The Louisiana Supreme Court affirmed. In 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Entergy Louisiana's favor and reversed the decisions of the LPSC and the Louisiana Supreme Court.

Transmission

In 2000, FERC issued an order encouraging utilities to voluntarily place their transmission facilities under the control of independent RTOs (regional transmission organizations) by December 15, 2001. Delays in implementing the FERC order have occurred due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that utility companies, other stakeholders, and federal and state regulators continue to work to resolve various issues related to the establishment of such RTOs.

In April 2004, Entergy filed a proposal with the FERC to commit voluntarily to retain an independent entity (Independent Coordinator of Transmission or ICT) to oversee the granting of transmission or interconnection service on Entergy's transmission system, to implement a transmission pricing structure that ensures that Entergy's retail native load customers are required to pay for only those upgrades necessary to reliably serve their needs, and to have the ICT serve as the security coordinator for the Entergy region. Assuming applicable regulatory support and approvals can be obtained, Entergy proposed to contract with the ICT to oversee the granting of transmission service on the Entergy system as well as the implementation of the proposed weekly procurement process (WPP). The proposal was structured to not transfer control of Entergy's transmission system to the ICT, but rather to vest with the ICT broad oversight authority over transmission planning and operations.

Entergy also proposed to have the ICT administer a transmission expansion pricing protocol that will increase the efficiency of transmission pricing on the Entergy system and that will be designed to protect Entergy's native load customers from bearing the cost of transmission upgrades not required to reliably serve these customers' needs. Entergy intends for the ICT to determine whether transmission upgrades associated with new requests for service should be funded directly by the party requesting such service or by a broader group of transmission customers, including Entergy's native load customers. This determination would be made in accordance with protocols approved by the FERC, and any party contesting such determination, including Entergy, would be required to seek review at the FERC. Several technical conferences regarding the ICT proposal, or various components thereof, were held in 2004. Entergy has also responded to discovery requests that resulted from these conferences.

In January 2005, Entergy filed a petition for declaratory order with the FERC requesting that the FERC provide guidance on two important issues: (1) whether the functions performed by the ICT will cause it to become a "public utility" under the Federal Power Act or the "transmission provider" under Entergy's open access transmission tariff; and (2) whether Entergy's transmission pricing proposal, as administered by the ICT, satisfies the FERC's transmission pricing policy. The petition also indicates that, subject to the outcome of the petition and obtaining support of Entergy's retail regulators, Entergy would be willing to have the ICT perform the following additional functions: (a) grant or deny requests for transmission service; (b) calculate available flowgate capacity; (c) administer Entergy's OASIS; and (d) perform an enhanced planning function (integrating the plans of Entergy and other potential transmission owners to identify regional synergies.) Comments and interventions on the petition were filed by market participants and retail regulators on February 4, 2005. In their individual comments, the APSC, LPSC, and City Council supported Entergy's position that the ICT would not become a "public utility" or "transmission provider" and that the transmission pricing proposal satisfies the FERC's transmission pricing policy. Certain other parties urged the FERC to reject the petition for declaratory order or, in the alternative, that the FERC assert jurisdiction over the ICT and determine that Entergy's proposed pricing policy is inconsistent with FERC's current pricing policy. FERC action on the petition is expected during the first half of 2005.

In March 2004, the APSC initiated a proceeding to review Entergy's proposal and compare the benefits of such a proposal to the alternative of Entergy joining the Southwest Power Pool RTO. The APSC sought comments from all interested parties on this issue. Various parties, including the APSC General Staff, filed comments opposing the ICT proposal. A public hearing has not been scheduled by the APSC at this time, although Entergy Arkansas has responded to various APSC data requests. In May 2004, Entergy Mississippi filed a petition for review with the MPSC requesting MPSC support for the ICT proposal. A hearing in that proceeding was held in August 2004. Additionally, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States have filed an application with the LPSC requesting that the LPSC find that the ICT proposal is a prudent and appropriate course of action. A hearing on the transmission pricing aspects of the ICT proposal is scheduled for May 2005, with a separate hearing on the WPP portion of the proposal currently scheduled for August 2005.

Interconnection Orders

The domestic utility companies (except Entergy New Orleans) are currently defendants to several complaints and rehearing requests before the FERC in which independent generation entities (GenCos) are seeking a refund of monies that the GenCos had previously paid to the Entergy companies for facilities necessary to connect their generation facilities to Entergy's transmission system. The FERC has issued initial orders in response to two of the complaints and in certain other dockets ordering Entergy to refund approximately $100 million in expenses and tax obligations previously paid by the GenCos, including $28 million for Entergy Gulf States. The refunds will be in the form of transmission credits that will be utilized over time as the GenCos take transmission service from Entergy. To the extent the Entergy companies are ordered to provide such refunds, these costs will qualify for inclusion in the Entergy companies' rates. The recovery of these costs is not automatic, however, especially at the retail level, where the majority of the cost recovery would occur. Entergy intends to pursue all regulatory and legal avenues available to it in order to have these orders reversed and have the affected interconnection agreements reinstated as agreed to originally by the generators.

Available Flowgate Capacity Proceeding

On December 17, 2004, the FERC issued an order initiating a hearing and investigation concerning the justness and reasonableness of the Available Flowgate Capacity (AFC) methodology, the methodology used to evaluate short-term transmission service requests under the domestic utility companies' open access transmission tariff, and establishing a refund effective date. In its order, the FERC indicated that although it "appreciates that Entergy is attempting to explore ways to improve transmission access on its system," it believed that an investigation was warranted to gather more evidence in light of the concerns raised by certain transmission customers and certain issues raised in a FERC audit report finding errors and problems with the predecessor methodology used by Entergy for evaluating short-term transmission requests, the Generator Operating Limits methodology. The FERC order indicates that the investigation will include an examination of (i) Entergy's implementation of the AFC program, (ii) whether Entergy's implementation has complied with prior FERC orders and open access transmission tariff provisions addressing the AFC program, and (iii) whether Entergy's provision of access to short-term transmission on its transmission system was just, reasonable, and not unduly discriminatory.

Entergy has submitted an Emergency Interim Request for Rehearing requesting the FERC to defer the hearing process and instead proceed initially with an independent audit of the AFC program and the expansion of the current process involving other market participants to address a broader range of issues. Entergy believes that this type of approach is a more efficient and effective mechanism for evaluating the AFC program. Following the completion of the independent audit and process involving other market participants, the FERC could determine whether other procedural steps are necessary. The FERC has not yet ruled on the Emergency Interim Request for Rehearing submitted by Entergy.

Entergy believes that it has complied with the provisions of its open access transmission tariff, including the provisions addressing the implementation of the AFC methodology; however, the ultimate scope of this proceeding cannot be predicted at this time. A hearing in the AFC proceeding is currently scheduled to commence in August 2005.

State and Local Rate Regulatory Risks

The rates that Entergy Gulf States charges for its services are an important item influencing its financial position, results of operations, and liquidity. Entergy Gulf States is closely regulated and the rates charged to its customers are determined in regulatory proceedings, except for a portion of its operations. Governmental agencies, the LPSC and the PUCT, are primarily responsible for approval of the rates charged to customers.

Entergy Gulf States is operating in Texas under the terms of a December 2001 settlement agreement approved by the PUCT. The settlement provided for a base rate freeze that has remained in effect during the delay in the implementation of retail open access in Entergy Gulf States' Texas service territory. In view of the PUCT order in July 2004 to further delay retail open access in the Texas service territory, Entergy Gulf States filed a retail electric rate case and fuel reconciliation proceeding with the PUCT in August 2004 seeking the following:

  • approval of a base rate increase of $42.6 million annually for the Texas retail jurisdiction;
  • approval to implement a $14.1 million per year rider to recover, over a 15-year period, $110.9 million of incurred costs related to its efforts to transition to a competitive retail market in accordance with the Texas restructuring law;
  • approval to implement a proposed $11.3 million franchise fee rider to recover payments to municipalities charging such fees; and
  • a requested return on equity of 11.5%.

In addition, Entergy Gulf States' fuel reconciliation filing made in conjunction with the base rate case sought to reconcile approximately $288 million in fuel and purchased power costs incurred during the period September 2003 through March 2004. In October 2004, the PUCT issued a written order in which it dismissed the rate case and fuel reconciliation proceeding indicating that Entergy Gulf States is still subject to a rate freeze based on an agreement, approved by PUCT order in 2001, stipulating that a rate freeze would remain in effect until retail open access commenced in Entergy Gulf States' service territory, unless the rate freeze is lifted by the PUCT prior thereto. Entergy Gulf States believes the PUCT has misinterpreted the settlement and has appealed the PUCT order to the Travis County District Court and intends to pursue other available remedies.

Dismissal of Entergy Gulf States' rate case does not preclude it from seeking recovery of the transition to competition costs when the rate freeze is no longer in effect. Similarly, the dismissal of the rate case does not preclude Entergy Gulf States from seeking the reconciliation of fuel and purchased power costs of $288 million for the period September 2003 through March 2004 when, at the appropriate time, similar costs are reconciled in the future. As discussed above, in February 2005, bills were submitted in the Texas Legislature that would clarify that Entergy Gulf States is no longer subject to a rate freeze and specify that retail open access will not commence in Entergy Gulf States' Texas service territory until the PUCT certifies a power region.

In September 2004, the LPSC consolidated various dockets that were the subject of settlement discussions between the LPSC staff and Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana. The LPSC directed its staff to continue the settlement discussions and submit any proposed settlement to the LPSC for its consideration. In January 2005, Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana filed testimony with the LPSC in support of a proposed settlement that currently includes an offer to refund $76 million to Entergy Gulf States' Louisiana customers, with no immediate change in current base rates. If the LPSC approves the proposed settlement, Entergy Gulf States will be regulated under a three-year formula rate plan that, among other provisions, establishes a ROE mid-point of 10.65% and permits Entergy Gulf States to recover incremental capacity costs without filing a traditional base rate proceeding. The settlement resolves all issues in, and will result in the dismissal of, Entergy Gulf States' fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth annual earnings reviews, Entergy Gulf States' ninth post-merger earnings review and revenue requirement analysis, a fuel review for Entergy Gulf States, dockets established to consider issues concerning power purchases for both Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana for the summers of 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004, and a docket concerning retail issues arising under the Entergy System Agreement. The settlement does not include the System Agreement case pending at FERC. The LPSC has solicited comments on the proposed settlement from the parties to the various proceedings at issue in the proposed settlement. The proposed settlement is scheduled to be presented to the LPSC for consideration on March 23, 2005. Refer to Note 2 to the domestic utility and System Entergy financial statements for details of the proceedings included in the proposed settlement.

In July 2004, Entergy Gulf States filed with the LPSC an application for a change in its gas base rates and charges seeking an increase of $9.1 million. Entergy Gulf States also is seeking approval of certain proposed rate design, rate schedule, and policy changes. Discovery is underway, and a decision is expected during the third quarter of 2005.

In addition to rate proceedings, Entergy Gulf States' fuel costs recovered from customers are subject to regulatory scrutiny. Entergy Gulf States' retail rate matters and proceedings, including fuel cost recovery-related issues, are discussed in Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

Industrial, Commercial, and Wholesale Customers

Entergy Gulf States' large industrial and commercial customers continually explore ways to reduce their energy costs. In particular, cogeneration is an option available to a portion of Entergy Gulf States' industrial customer base. Entergy Gulf States responds by working with industrial and commercial customers and negotiating electric service contracts to provide competitive rates that match specific customer needs and load profiles. Despite these actions, Entergy Gulf States expects to lose one large industrial customer to cogeneration in 2005. Current sales to that customer account for approximately $12 million of Entergy Gulf States' net revenue annually. Entergy Gulf States actively participates in economic development, customer retention, and reclamation activities to increase industrial and commercial demand, from both new and existing customers. Entergy Gulf States does not currently expect additional significant losses to cogeneration because of the current economics of the electricity markets and Entergy Gulf States' marketing efforts in retaining industrial customers.

Market and Credit Risks

Entergy Gulf States has certain market and credit risks inherent in its business operations. Market risks represent the risk of changes in the value of commodity and financial instruments, or in future operating results or cash flows, in response to changing market conditions. Credit risk is risk of loss from nonperformance by suppliers, customers, or financial counterparties to a contract or agreement.

Interest Rate and Equity Price Risk - Decommissioning Trust Funds

Entergy Gulf States' nuclear decommissioning trust funds expose it to fluctuations in equity prices and interest rates. The NRC requires Entergy Gulf States to maintain trusts to fund the costs of decommissioning River Bend. The funds are invested primarily in equity securities; fixed-rate, fixed-income securities; and cash and cash equivalents. Management believes that its exposure to market fluctuations will not affect results of operations for the River Bend trust funds because of the application of regulatory accounting principles. The decommissioning trust funds are discussed more thoroughly in Notes 1, 8, and 12 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

Nuclear Matters

Entergy Gulf States owns and operates, through an affiliate, the River Bend nuclear power plant. Entergy Gulf States is, therefore, subject to the risks related to owning and operating a nuclear plant. These include risks from the use, storage, handling, and disposal of high-level and low-level radioactive materials, limitations on the amounts and types of insurance commercially available for losses in connection with nuclear operations, and technological and financial uncertainties related to decommissioning nuclear plants at the end of their licensed lives, including the sufficiency of funds in decommissioning trusts. In the event of an unanticipated early shutdown of River Bend, Entergy Gulf States may be required to provide additional funds or credit support to satisfy regulatory requirements for decommissioning.

Environmental Risks

Entergy Gulf States' facilities and operations are subject to regulation by various governmental authorities having jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances and hazardous and solid wastes, and other environmental matters. Management believes that Entergy Gulf States is in substantial compliance with environmental regulations currently applicable to its facilities and operations. Because environmental regulations are subject to change, future compliance costs cannot be precisely estimated.

Litigation Risks

The states of Louisiana and Texas in which Entergy Gulf States operates have proven to be unusually litigious environments. Judges and juries in these states have demonstrated a willingness to grant large verdicts, including punitive damages, to plaintiffs in personal injury, property damage, and business tort cases. Entergy Gulf States uses legal and appropriate means to contest litigation threatened or filed against it, but the litigation environment in these states poses a business risk.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of Entergy Gulf States' financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to apply appropriate accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that can have a significant effect on reported financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Management has identified the following accounting policies and estimates as critical because they are based on assumptions and measurements that involve a high degree of uncertainty, and the potential for future changes in the assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that would have a material effect on the presentation of Entergy Gulf States' financial position or results of operations.

Nuclear Decommissioning Costs

Regulations require Entergy Gulf States to decommission the River Bend nuclear power plant after the facility is taken out of service, and money is collected and deposited in trust funds during the facility's operating life in order to provide for this obligation. Entergy Gulf States conducts periodic decommissioning cost studies (typically updated every three to five years) to estimate the costs that will be incurred to decommission the facility. The following key assumptions have a significant effect on these estimates:

  • Cost Escalation Factors - Entergy Gulf States' decommissioning study includes an assumption that decommissioning costs will escalate over present cost levels by an annual factor averaging approximately CPI-U to 4.5%. A 50 basis point change in this assumption could change the ultimate cost of decommissioning a facility by as much as 11%.
  • Timing - The date of the plant's retirement must be estimated and an assumption must be made whether decommissioning will begin immediately upon plant retirement, or whether the plant will be held in "safestore" status for later decommissioning, as permitted by applicable regulations. While the effect of these assumptions cannot be determined with precision, assuming either license extension or use of a "safestore" status can possibly decrease the present value of these obligations. As discussed in Note 8 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements, Entergy Gulf States recorded revisions in 2004 to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for River Bend to reflect changes in assumptions regarding license renewal. Under these license renewal assumptions, decommissioning of nuclear plants is assumed to occur at a date later than the original license expiration, thereby lowering the estimate of the decommissioning cost liability. The revised license renewal assumptions for the unregulated portion of Entergy Gulf States increased income in 2004 by $17 million net-of-tax for the excess of the reduction in the liability over the amount of undepreciated asset retirement cost at the time of adoption of SFAS 143. For the regulated portion of Entergy Gulf States, the revised assumptions had no effect on net income because, as discussed further below, any amounts recorded related to SFAS 143 are offset by the recording of regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities when projected decommissioning costs are collected in rates. Future revisions to appropriately reflect changes needed to the estimate of decommissioning costs will affect net income for the unregulated portion of Entergy Gulf States. Any increase in the liability recorded due to such changes are capitalized and depreciated over the asset's remaining economic life in accordance with SFAS 143.
  • Spent Fuel Disposal - Federal regulations require the DOE to provide a permanent repository for the storage of spent nuclear fuel, and legislation has been passed by Congress to develop this repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Until this site is available, however, nuclear plant operators must provide for interim spent fuel storage on the nuclear plant site, which can require the construction and maintenance of dry cask storage sites or other facilities. The costs of developing and maintaining these facilities can have a significant effect (as much as 16% of estimated decommissioning costs). Entergy Gulf States' decommissioning studies include cost estimates for spent fuel storage. However, these estimates could change in the future based on the timing of the opening of the Yucca Mountain facility, the schedule for shipments to that facility when it is opened, or other factors.
  • Technology and Regulation - To date, there is limited practical experience in the United States with actual decommissioning of large nuclear facilities. As experience is gained and technology changes, cost estimates could also change. If regulations regarding nuclear decommissioning were to change, this could have a potentially significant effect on cost estimates. The effect of these potential changes is not presently determinable. Entergy Gulf States' decommissioning cost studies assume current technologies and regulations.

Entergy Gulf States collects the projected costs of decommissioning River Bend through rates charged to customers for the portion of the plant subject to cost-based ratemaking. The amounts collected through rates, which are based upon decommissioning cost studies, are deposited in decommissioning trust funds. In December 2002, decommissioning collections from customers for the Louisiana-regulated portion of River Bend were suspended as a result of the settlement with the LPSC of Entergy Gulf States' fourth through eighth earnings reviews. If decommissioning cost study estimates are changed and approved by regulators, collections from customers would also change.

Approximately half of River Bend is not subject to cost-based ratemaking. When Entergy Gulf States acquired the 30% share of River Bend formerly owned by Cajun, Entergy Gulf States obtained decommissioning trust funds of $132 million, which have since grown to $158 million. Entergy Gulf States believes that these funds will be sufficient to cover the costs of decommissioning this portion of River Bend, and no further collections or deposits are being made for these costs.

SFAS 143

Entergy Gulf States implemented SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," effective January 1, 2003. Nuclear decommissioning costs comprise substantially all of Entergy Gulf States' asset retirement obligations, and the measurement and recording of Entergy Gulf States' decommissioning obligations changed significantly with the implementation of SFAS 143. The most significant differences in the measurement of these obligations are outlined below:

  • Recording of full obligation - SFAS 143 requires that the fair value of an asset retirement obligation be recorded when it is incurred. This caused the recorded decommissioning obligation of Entergy Gulf States to increase significantly, as Entergy Gulf States had previously only recorded this obligation as the related costs were collected from customers, and as earnings were recorded on the related trust funds.
  • Fair value approach - SFAS 143 requires that these obligations be measured using a fair value approach. Among other things, this entails the assumption that the costs will be incurred by a third party and will therefore include appropriate profit margins and risk premiums. Entergy Gulf States' decommissioning studies had been based on Entergy Gulf States performing the work and did not include any such margins or premiums.
  • Discount rate - SFAS 143 requires that these obligations be discounted using a credit-adjusted risk-free rate.

The net effect of implementing SFAS 143 for the portion of River Bend subject to cost-based ratemaking was recorded as a regulatory asset, with no resulting impact on Entergy Gulf States' net income. Entergy Gulf States recorded this regulatory asset because its existing rate mechanism is based on the original or historical cost standard that allows Entergy Gulf States to recover all ultimate costs of decommissioning existing assets from current and future customers. Upon implementation of SFAS 143 in 2003, assets and liabilities increased as a result of increasing the asset retirement obligation by $129 million to its fair value as determined under SFAS 143, reducing accumulated depreciation by $63 million, and recording the related regulatory asset of $32 million. The net effect of implementing SFAS 143 for the portion of River Bend not subject to cost-based ratemaking resulted in an earnings decrease of $21 million net-of-tax as a result of a one-time cumulative effect of accounting change.

In the third quarter of 2004, Entergy Gulf States recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability in accordance with a new decommissioning cost study for River Bend that reflected an expected life extension for the plant. The revised estimate resulted in a $166.4 million reduction in decommissioning liability, along with a $31.3 million reduction in utility plant, a $49.6 million reduction in non-utility property, a $40.1 million reduction in the related regulatory asset, and a regulatory liability of $17.7 million. For the portion of River Bend not subject to cost-based ratemaking, the revised estimate resulted in the elimination of the asset retirement cost that had been recorded at the time of adoption of SFAS 143 with the remainder recorded as miscellaneous income of $27.7 million.

Application of SFAS 71

The application of SFAS 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation," has a significant and pervasive impact on accounting and reporting for Entergy Gulf States.

Entergy Gulf States' financial statements primarily reflect assets and costs based on existing cost-based ratemaking regulation in accordance with SFAS 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation." Under traditional ratemaking practice, Entergy Gulf States is granted a geographic franchise to sell electricity. In return, Entergy Gulf States must make investments and incur obligations to serve customers. Prudently incurred costs are recovered from customers along with a return on investment. Regulators may require Entergy Gulf States to defer collecting from customers some operating costs until a future date. These deferred costs are recorded as regulatory assets in the financial statements. In order to continue applying SFAS 71 to its financial statements, Entergy Gulf States' rates must be set on a cost-of-service basis by an authorized body and the rates must be charged to and collected from customers.

If the generation portion of a utility company moves toward competition, it is possible that generation rates will no longer be set on a cost-of-service basis. If that occurs, the generation portion of the business could be required to discontinue application of SFAS 71. The result of discontinuing application of SFAS 71 would be the removal of regulatory assets and liabilities from the balance sheet, and could include the recording of asset impairments. This result is because some of the costs or commitments incurred under a regulated pricing system might be impaired or not recovered in a competitive market. These costs are referred to as stranded costs.

Unbilled Revenue

As discussed in Note 1 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements, Entergy Gulf States records an estimate of the revenues earned for energy delivered since the latest customer billing. Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and a receivable, and the prior month's estimate is reversed. The difference between the estimate of the unbilled receivable at the beginning of the period and the end of the period is the amount of unbilled revenue recognized during the period. The estimate recorded is primarily based upon an estimate of customer usage during the unbilled period and the billed price to customers in that month, including fuel price in Entergy Gulf States' Louisiana jurisdiction. Therefore, revenue recognized may be affected by the estimated price and usage at the beginning and end of each period and fuel price fluctuations, in addition to changes in certain components of the calculation including changes to estimates such as line loss, which affects the estimate of unbilled customer usage, and assumptions regarding price such as the fuel cost recovery mechanism.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy sponsors defined benefit pension plans which cover substantially all employees. Additionally, Entergy currently provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for substantially all employees who reach retirement age while still working for Entergy. Entergy's reported costs of providing these benefits, as described in Note 10 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements, are impacted by numerous factors including the provisions of the plans, changing employee demographics, and various actuarial calculations, assumptions, and accounting mechanisms. Because of the complexity of these calculations, the long-term nature of these obligations, and the importance of the assumptions utilized, Entergy's estimate of these costs is a critical accounting estimate.

Assumptions

Key actuarial assumptions utilized in determining these costs include:

  • Discount rates used in determining the future benefit obligations;
  • Projected health care cost trend rates;
  • Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets; and
  • Rate of increase in future compensation levels.

Entergy reviews these assumptions on an annual basis and adjusts them as necessary. The falling interest rate environment and worse-than-expected performance of the financial equity markets over the past several years have impacted Entergy's funding and reported costs for these benefits. In addition, these trends have caused Entergy to make a number of adjustments to its assumptions.

In selecting an assumed discount rate to calculate benefit obligations, Entergy reviews market yields on high-quality corporate debt and matches these rates with Entergy's projected stream of benefit payments. Based on recent market trends, Entergy reduced its discount rate used to calculate benefit obligations from 6.75% in 2002 to 6.25% in 2003 and to 6% in 2004. Entergy reviews actual recent cost trends and projected future trends in establishing health care cost trend rates. Based on this review, Entergy increased its health care cost trend rate assumption used in calculating the December 31, 2004 accumulated postretirement benefit obligation to a 10% increase in health care costs in 2005 gradually decreasing each successive year, until it reaches a 4.5% annual increase in health care costs in 2011 and beyond.

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, Entergy reviews past long-term performance, asset allocations, and long-term inflation assumptions. Entergy targets an asset allocation for its pension plan assets of roughly 65% equity securities, 31% fixed income securities, and 4% other investments. The target allocation for Entergy's other postretirement benefit assets is 51% equity securities and 49% fixed income securities. Based on recent market trends, Entergy reduced its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used to calculate benefit obligations from 8.75% for 2002 and 2003 to 8.5% in 2004. The assumed rate of increase in future compensation levels used to calculate benefit obligations was 3.25% in 2002, 2003, and 2004.

Cost Sensitivity

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of pension cost to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands):


Actuarial Assumption

 

Change in
Assumption

 

Impact on 2004
Pension Cost

 

Impact on Projected
Benefit Obligation

 

 

Increase/(Decrease)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

(0.25%)

 

$1,994

 

$16,385

Rate of return on plan assets

 

(0.25%)

 

$1,134

 

-            

Rate of increase in compensation

 

0.25%

 

$726             

 

$4,157            

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of postretirement benefit cost to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands):



Actuarial Assumption

 


Change in
Assumption

 


Impact on 2004
Postretirement Benefit Cost

 

Impact on Accumulated
Postretirement Benefit
Obligation

 

 

Increase/(Decrease)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health care cost trend

 

0.25%

 

$847

 

$4,751

Discount rate

 

(0.25%)

 

$510

 

$5,677

Each fluctuation above assumes that the other components of the calculation are held constant.

Accounting Mechanisms

In accordance with SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," Entergy utilizes a number of accounting mechanisms that reduce the volatility of reported pension costs. Differences between actuarial assumptions and actual plan results are deferred and are amortized into cost only when the accumulated differences exceed 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets. If necessary, the excess is amortized over the average remaining service period of active employees.

Additionally, Entergy accounts for the impact of asset performance on pension expense over a twenty-quarter phase-in period through a "market-related" value of assets calculation. Since the market-related value of assets recognizes investment gains or losses over a twenty-quarter period, the future value of assets will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recognized. As a result, the losses that the pension plan assets experienced in 2002 may have an adverse impact on pension cost in future years depending on whether the actuarial losses at each measurement date exceed the 10% corridor in accordance with SFAS 87.

Costs and Funding

Total pension cost for Entergy Gulf States in 2004 was $0.4 million. Entergy Gulf States anticipates 2005 pension cost to increase to $7.3 million due to decrease in the discount rate (from 6.25% to 6.00%) and the expected rate of return (from 8.75% to 8.5%) used to calculate benefit obligations. Entergy Gulf States contributed $17 thousand to its pension plan in 2004, and anticipates making $18.9 million in contributions in 2005. The rise in pension funding requirements is due to declining interest rates and the phased-in effect of asset underperformance from 2000 to 2002, partially offset by the Pension Funding Equity Act relief passed in April 2004.

At December 31, 2003 and 2004, Entergy Gulf States' accumulated benefit obligation was less than plan assets, therefore there was no additional minimum pension liability required to be recognized. Net income for 2004, 2003, and 2002 was not impacted.

Total postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs for Entergy Gulf States in 2004 were $17.6 million, including $4.4 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies. Entergy Gulf States expects 2005 postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs to be approximately $19.6 million, including $5.1 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies. The increase in postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs is due to the decrease in the discount rate (from 6.25% to 6.00%) and an increase in the health care cost trend rate used to calculate benefit obligations.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Entergy Gulf States, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related statements of income, retained earnings and comprehensive income, and cash flows (pages 194 through 198 and applicable items in pages 284 through 348) for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 5 and Note 8 to the notes to respective financial statements, in 2003 Entergy Gulf States, Inc. adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 8, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on management's assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

New Orleans, Louisiana
March 8, 2005

 

ENTERGY GULF STATES, INC.
INCOME STATEMENTS
 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
    2004   2003   2002
    (In Thousands)
             
OPERATING REVENUES            
Domestic electric   $2,821,296    $2,579,916    $2,141,873 
Natural gas   61,088    59,821    42,006 
TOTAL   2,882,384    2,639,737    2,183,879 
             
OPERATING EXPENSES            
Operation and Maintenance:            
  Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and            
   gas purchased for resale   772,914    693,612    692,901 
  Purchased power   969,779    838,498    368,140 
  Nuclear refueling outage expenses   15,969    14,045    12,190 
  Other operation and maintenance   445,413    457,428    438,259 
Decommissioning   13,645    14,268    3,980 
Taxes other than income taxes   118,081    117,009    120,295 
Depreciation and amortization   197,234    199,583    204,202 
Other regulatory credits - net   (10,070)   (2,476)   (7,818)
TOTAL   2,522,965    2,331,967    1,832,149 
             
OPERATING INCOME   359,419    307,770    351,730 
             
OTHER INCOME (DEDUCTIONS)            
Allowance for equity funds used during construction   13,027    15,855    11,010 
Interest and dividend income   15,753    17,902    8,866 
Miscellaneous - net   36,180    (109,389)   3,560 
TOTAL   64,960    (75,632)   23,436 
             
INTEREST AND OTHER CHARGES  
Interest on long-term debt   125,356    148,516    139,343 
Other interest - net   8,242    8,827    5,497 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction   (9,771)   (13,349)   (9,749)
TOTAL   123,827    143,994    135,091 
             
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND            
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE   300,552    88,144    240,075 
             
Income taxes   108,288    24,249    65,997 
             
INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT            
OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE   192,264    63,895    174,078 
             
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING            
CHANGE (net of income taxes of $12,713)     (21,333)  
             
NET INCOME   192,264    42,562    174,078 
             
Preferred dividend requirements and other   4,472    4,701    4,888 
             
EARNINGS APPLICABLE TO            
COMMON STOCK   $187,792    $37,861    $169,190 
             
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.            
             

 

ENTERGY GULF STATES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
    For the Years Ended December 31,
    2004   2003   2002
    (In Thousands)
             
OPERATING ACTIVITIES            
Net income   $192,264    $42,562    $174,078 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by
operating activities:
           
  Reserve for regulatory adjustments   24,112    12,605    11,147 
  Other regulatory credits - net   (10,070)   (2,476)   (7,818)
  Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning   210,879    213,851    208,182 
  Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits   57,908    24,574    (11,576)
  Cumulative effect of accounting change   -    21,333    - 
  Changes in working capital:            
    Receivables   14,774    (96,409)   18,155 
    Fuel inventory   1,205    (1,469)   4,617 
    Accounts payable   59,846    (17,013)   83,428 
    Taxes accrued   99,955    12,618    (24,740)
    Interest accrued   (3,834)   (1,900)   (4,544)
    Deferred fuel costs   78,200    59,165    65,556 
    Other working capital accounts   7,426    11,874    (19,551)
  Provision for estimated losses and reserves   (13,844)   115,878    1,478 
  Changes in other regulatory assets   (10,060)   3,983    (51,490)
  Other   (59,303)   26,787    53,732 
Net cash flow provided by operating activities   649,458    425,963    500,654 
             
INVESTING ACTIVITIES            
Construction expenditures   (357,720)   (348,507)   (355,334)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction   13,027    15,855    11,010 
Nuclear fuel purchases   (45,085)   (39,959)   (21,820)
Proceeds from sale/leaseback of nuclear fuel   38,800    38,029    21,923 
Decommissioning trust contributions and realized            
  change in trust assets   (12,070)   (11,428)   (12,488)
Changes in other temporary investments - net   23,579    (23,579)   44,643 
Other regulatory investments   (49,875)   (77,050)   (39,390)
Net cash flow used in investing activities   (389,344)   (446,639)   (351,456)
             
FINANCING ACTIVITIES            
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt   472,039    1,032,682    337,481 
Retirement of long-term debt   (829,000)   (1,048,129)   (194,057)
Redemption of preferred stock   (3,450)   (3,450)   (1,858)
Dividends paid:            
  Common stock   (94,300)   (68,100)   (91,200)
  Preferred stock   (4,459)   (4,701)   (4,888)
Net cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities   (459,170)   (91,698)   45,478 
             
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   (199,056)   (112,374)   194,676 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   206,030    318,404    123,728 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $6,974    $206,030    $318,404 
             
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:            
Cash paid/(received) during the period for:            
  Interest - net of amount capitalized   $130,491    $152,655    $143,961 
  Income taxes   ($28,169)   ($30,987)   $98,734 
             
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.            

 

ENTERGY GULF STATES, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
         
        December 31,
    2004   2003
  (In Thousands)
       
CURRENT ASSETS            
Cash and cash equivalents:            
  Cash       $5,627    $20,754 
  Temporary cash investments - at cost,            
   which approximates market       1,347    185,276 
     Total cash and cash equivalents       6,974    206,030 
Other temporary investments         23,579 
Accounts receivable:            
  Customer       124,801    115,729 
  Allowance for doubtful accounts       (2,687)   (4,856)
  Associated companies       13,980    76,726 
  Other       40,697    27,243 
  Accrued unbilled revenues       137,719    114,442 
     Total accounts receivable       314,510    329,284 
Deferred fuel costs       90,124    118,449 
Accumulated deferred income taxes       14,339    6,116 
Fuel inventory - at average cost       49,658    50,863 
Materials and supplies - at average cost       101,922    99,357 
Prepayments and other       20,556    51,236 
TOTAL       598,083    884,914 
             
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS        
Decommissioning trust funds       290,952    267,917 
Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation)       94,052    139,911 
Other       22,012    21,852 
TOTAL       407,016    429,680 
             
UTILITY PLANT        
Electric       8,418,119    8,208,394 
Property under capital lease         11,009 
Natural gas       78,627    69,180 
Construction work in progress       331,703    325,888 
Nuclear fuel under capital lease       71,279    63,684 
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT       8,899,728    8,678,155 
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization       4,047,182    3,953,275 
UTILITY PLANT - NET       4,852,546    4,724,880 
             
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS        
Regulatory assets:            
  SFAS 109 regulatory asset - net       444,799    442,062 
  Other regulatory assets       285,017    320,363 
Long-term receivables       23,228    19,375 
Other       44,713    33,588 
TOTAL       797,757    815,388 
             
TOTAL ASSETS       $6,655,402    $6,854,862 
             
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.            
 
 
 
ENTERGY GULF STATES, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  December 31,
    2004   2003
  (In Thousands)
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES        
Currently maturing long-term debt       $98,000   $354,000
Accounts payable:            
  Associated companies       153,069   84,394
  Other       147,337   156,166
Customer deposits       53,229   47,044
Taxes accrued       22,882   -
Nuclear refueling outage costs       -   8,238
Interest accrued       32,742   36,576
Obligations under capital leases       33,518   34,075
Other       19,912   14,755
TOTAL       560,689   735,248
             
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES        
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued       1,533,804   1,422,776
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits       138,616   144,323
Obligations under capital leases       37,711   40,618
Other regulatory liabilities       34,009   13,885
Decommissioning and retirement cost liabilities       152,095   298,785
Transition to competition       79,098   79,098
Regulatory reserves       81,455   57,343
Accumulated provisions       66,875   75,868
Long-term debt       1,891,478   1,989,613
Preferred stock with sinking fund       17,400   20,852
Other       229,408   233,985
TOTAL       4,261,949   4,377,146
             

Commitments and Contingencies

       
         
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY        
Preferred stock without sinking fund       47,327   47,327
Common stock, no par value, authorized 200,000,000            
  shares; issued and outstanding 100 shares in 2004 and 2003       114,055   114,055
Paid-in capital       1,157,486   1,157,484
Retained earnings       513,182   419,690
Accumulated other comprehensive income       714   3,912
TOTAL       1,832,764   1,742,468
             
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY       $6,655,402   $6,854,862
             
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.            

 

ENTERGY GULF STATES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                             
        For the Years Ended December 31,
        2004   2003   2002
        (In Thousands)
RETAINED EARNINGS                            
Retained Earnings - Beginning of period       $419,690        $449,929        $371,939     
                             
  Add - Net Income       192,264    $192,264    42,562    $42,562    174,078    $174,078
                             
  Deduct:                            
    Dividends declared on common stock       94,300        68,100        91,200     
    Preferred dividend requirements and other       4,472    4,472    4,701    4,701    4,888    4,888
      Total       98,772        72,801        96,088     
                             
Retained Earnings - End of period       $513,182        $419,690        $449,929     
                             
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE                            
INCOME (Net of Taxes):                            
Balance at beginning of period:                            
  Accumulated derivative instrument fair value changes       $3,912        $3,286        $ -     
                             
Net derivative instrument fair value changes                            
 arising during the period       (3,198)   (3,198)   626    626    3,286    3,286
                             
Balance at end of period:                            
  Accumulated derivative instrument fair value changes       $714        $3,912        $3,286     
Comprehensive Income           $184,594        $38,487        $172,476
                             
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.                            
                             

 

ENTERGY GULF STATES, INC.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON
                     
    2004   2003   2002   2001   2000
    (In Thousands)
                     
Operating revenues   $2,882,384   $2,639,737   $2,183,879   $2,648,560   $2,511,240
Net Income   $192,264   $45,262   $174,078   $179,444   $180,343
Total assets   $6,655,402   $6,854,862   $6,599,533   $6,209,741   $6,134,017
Long-term obligations (1)   $1,946,589   $2,051,083   $2,096,329   $2,130,245   $1,978,149
                     
(1) Included long-term debt (excluding currently maturing debt), preferred stock with sinking fund, and noncurrent capital lease obligations.
                     
    2004   2003   2002   2001   2000
    (Dollars In Millions)
Electric Operating Revenues:                    
  Residential   $881   $829   $700   $788   $717
  Commercial   672   614   502   587   505
  Industrial   976   853   695   946   871
  Governmental   37   39   34   38   33
    Total retail   2,566   2,335   1,931   2,359   2,126
  Sales for resale:                    
    Associated companies   52   42   28   73   94
    Non-associated companies   160   150   139   146   113
  Other   43   53   44   13   138
    Total   $2,821   $2,580   $2,142   $2,591   $2,471
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh):                    
  Residential   9,803   9,739   9,502   9,059   9,405
  Commercial   8,444   8,174   7,894   7,668   7,660
  Industrial   16,596   15,417   15,887   16,658   17,960
  Governmental   432   475   477   452   450
    Total retail   35,275   33,805   33,760   33,837   35,475
  Sales for resale:                    
    Associated companies   1,528   1,185   708   1,087   1,381
    Non-associated companies   3,172   3,358   4,391   3,305   3,248
    Total   39,975   38,348   38,859   38,229   40,104
                     
                     

ENTERGY LOUISIANA, INC.

MANAGEMENT'S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Results of Operations

Net Income

2004 Compared to 2003

Net income decreased $18.7 million primarily due to lower net revenue, partially offset by lower other operation and maintenance expenses.

2003 Compared to 2002

Net income increased slightly primarily due to higher net revenue and lower interest charges, almost entirely offset by higher other operation and maintenance expenses, higher depreciation and amortization expenses, and higher taxes other than income taxes.

Net Revenue

2004 Compared to 2003

Net revenue, which is Entergy Louisiana's measure of gross margin, consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related, and purchased power expenses and 2) other regulatory credits. Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2004 to 2003.

   

(In Millions)

     

2003 net revenue

 

$973.7 

Price applied to unbilled sales

 

(31.9)

Deferred fuel cost revisions

 

(29.4)

Rate refund provisions

 

(12.2)

Volume/weather

 

17.0 

Summer capacity charges

 

11.8 

Other

 

2.3 

2004 net revenue

 

$931.3 

The price applied to the unbilled sales variance is due to a decrease in the fuel price included in unbilled sales in 2004 caused primarily by the effect of nuclear plant outages in 2003 on average fuel costs.

The deferred fuel cost revisions variance resulted from a revised unbilled sales pricing estimate made in the first quarter of 2003 to more closely align the fuel component of that pricing with expected recoverable fuel costs.

Rate refund provisions caused a decrease in net revenue due to additional provisions recorded in 2004 compared to 2003 for potential rate actions and refunds.

The volume/weather variance is due to a total increase of 620 GWh in weather-adjusted usage in all sectors, partially offset by the effect of milder weather on billed sales in the residential and commercial sectors.

The summer capacity charges variance is due to the amortization in 2003 of deferred capacity charges for the summer of 2001 compared to the absence of the amortization in 2004. The amortization of these capacity charges began in August 2002 and ended in July 2003.

Gross operating revenues, fuel and purchased power expenses, and other regulatory credits

Gross operating revenues increased primarily due to:

  • an increase of $98.0 million in fuel cost recovery revenues due to higher fuel rates; and
  • an increase due to volume/weather, as discussed above.

The increase was partially offset by the following:

  • a decrease of $31.9 million in the price applied to unbilled sales, as discussed above;
  • a decrease of $12.2 million in rate refund provisions, as discussed above; and
  • a decrease of $5.2 million in gross wholesale revenue due to decreased sales to affiliated systems.

Fuel and purchased power expenses increased primarily due to:

  • an increase in the recovery from customers of deferred fuel costs; and
  • an increase in the market price of natural gas.

Other regulatory credits increased primarily due to:

  • the deferral in 2004 of $14.3 million of capacity charges related to generation resource planning as allowed by the LPSC;
  • the amortization in 2003 of $11.8 million of deferred capacity charges, as discussed above; and
  • the deferral in 2004 of $11.4 million related to Entergy's voluntary severance program, in accordance with a proposed stipulation with the LPSC staff.

2003 Compared to 2002

Net revenue, which is Entergy Louisiana's measure of gross margin, consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related, and purchased power expenses and 2) other regulatory charges (credits). Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2003 to 2002.

   

(In Millions)

     

2002 net revenue

 

$922.9 

Deferred fuel cost revisions

 

59.1 

Asset retirement obligation

 

8.2 

Volume

 

(16.2)

Vidalia settlement

 

(9.2)

Other

 

8.9 

2003 net revenue

 

$973.7 

The deferred fuel cost revisions variance resulted from a revised unbilled sales pricing estimate made in December 2002 and a further revision made in the first quarter of 2003 to more closely align the fuel component of that pricing with expected recoverable fuel costs.

The asset retirement obligation variance was due to the implementation of SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," adopted in January 2003. See "Critical Accounting Estimates" for more details on SFAS 143. The increase was offset by decommissioning expense and had no effect on net income.

The volume variance was due to a decrease in electricity usage in the service territory. Billed usage decreased 1,868 GWh in the industrial sector including the loss of a large industrial customer to cogeneration.

See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below for more details regarding the September 2002 settlement related to the Vidalia contract.

Gross operating revenues, fuel and purchased power expenses, and other regulatory charges (credits)

Gross operating revenues increased primarily due to:

  • an increase of $277.2 million in fuel cost recovery revenues due to higher fuel rates; and
  • an increase of $94.7 million in gross wholesale revenue due to increased sales to affiliated systems.

Fuel and purchased power expenses increased primarily due to an increase in the market prices of natural gas and purchased power.

Other regulatory credits increased primarily due to:

  • an increase of $8.2 million due to the change in accounting for asset retirement obligations in compliance with SFAS 143, adopted in January 2003. This increase has no effect on net income; and
  • an increase of $5.9 million due to the deferral of capacity charges in the third quarter of 2003 as allowed by the LPSC related to generation resource planning.

Other Income Statement Variances

2004 Compared to 2003

Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to voluntary severance program accruals of $19.7 million in 2003, partially offset by an increase of $9.1 million in customer service support costs.

2003 Compared to 2002

Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to:

  • voluntary severance program accruals of $19.7 million; and
  • an increase of $13.4 million in benefit costs.

Decommissioning expenses increased $10.1 million primarily due to the implementation of SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," adopted in January 2003. See "Critical Accounting Estimates" for more details on SFAS 143. The increase in decommissioning expense was offset by regulatory credits and interest and dividend income and had no effect on net income.

Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to the franchise tax adjustments of $10.8 million recorded in 2002 as a result of a favorable court decision that allowed Entergy Louisiana to receive a refund for certain franchise taxes previously expensed and paid under protest.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to an increase in plant in service.

Interest charges decreased primarily due to decreased interest on long-term debt of $25.5 million due to the redemption of $150 million of First Mortgage Bonds in June 2003 and the redemption of $187 million of First Mortgage Bonds from April through December of 2002, partially offset by the issuance of $150 million of First Mortgage Bonds in March 2002.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rates for 2004, 2003, and 2002 were 38.4%, 40.0%, and 36.9%, respectively. See Note 3 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for a reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35.0% to the effective income tax rate.  Tax reserves not expected to reverse within the next year are reflected as non-current taxes accrued on the balance sheet.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

Cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 were as follows:

2004

2003

2002

(In Thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

$8,787 

$311,800 

$42,408 

Cash flow provided by (used in):

Operating activities

424,718 

413,939 

1,035,777 

Investing activities

(243,231)

(268,372)

(212,333)

Financing activities

(44,225)

(448,580)

(554,052)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

137,262 

(303,013)

269,392 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$146,049 

$8,787 

$311,800 

Operating Activities

Cash flow from operations increased $10.8 million in 2004 primarily due to the increased collection of deferred fuel costs and the receipt of an income tax payment through Entergy's inter-company tax allocation process. The increase was almost entirely offset by money pool activity.

In 2003, the domestic utility companies and System Energy filed, with the IRS, a change in tax accounting method notification for their respective calculations of cost of goods sold. The adjustment implemented a simplified method of allocation of overhead to the production of electricity, which is provided under the IRS capitalization regulations. The cumulative adjustment placing these companies on the new methodology resulted in a $505 million deduction for Entergy Louisiana on Entergy's 2003 income tax return. There was no cash benefit from the method change in 2003. In 2004 Entergy Louisiana realized $100 million in cash tax benefit from the method change. This tax accounting method change is an issue across the utility industry and will likely be challenged by the IRS on audit.  As of December 31, 2004, Entergy Louisiana has a net operating loss (NOL) carryforward for tax purposes of $195.7 million, principally resulting from the change in tax accounting method related to cost of goods sold.  If the tax accounting method change is sustained, Entergy Louisiana expects to utilize the NOL carryforward through 2005.

Cash flow from operations decreased $621.8 million in 2003 as a result of Entergy Louisiana changing its method of accounting for tax purposes related to its wholesale electric power contracts, including the contract to purchase power from the Vidalia project (the contract is discussed in Note 8 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements). The new tax accounting method provided a cumulative cash flow benefit of approximately $790 million through 2004, which is expected to reverse in the years 2005 through 2031. The election did not reduce book income tax expense. The timing of the reversal of this benefit depends on several variables, including the price of power. In a settlement approved by the LPSC, Entergy Louisiana will keep a portion of the benefit in exchange for crediting customer rates. The credit will be $11 million annually through at least 2010. See Part I, Item 1 for additional details concerning the settlement.

Entergy Louisiana reduced its indebtedness and preferred stock with a portion of the cash from the tax benefit. In accordance with the terms of the settlement, Entergy Louisiana requested SEC approval to return up to $350 million of common equity capital to Entergy Corporation in order to maintain Entergy Louisiana's capital structure. In December 2002, Entergy Louisiana repurchased $120 million of common stock from Entergy Corporation and, at the time of settlement, paid a dividend of $122.6 million pursuant to the SEC approval. The provisions of the settlement provide that the LPSC shall not recognize or use Entergy Louisiana's use of this cash in setting any of Entergy Louisiana's rates. Therefore, to the extent Entergy Louisiana's use of the proceeds would ordinarily have reduced its rate base, no change in rate base shall be reflected for ratemaking purposes. The SEC approval for additional return of equity capital is now expired.

Entergy Louisiana's receivables from or (payables to) the money pool were as follows as of December 31 for each of the following years:

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$40,549

 

($41,317)

 

$18,854

 

$3,812

Money pool activity used $81.9 million of Entergy Louisiana's operating cash flow in 2004, provided $60.2 million in 2003, and used $15.0 million in 2002. See Note 4 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for a description of the money pool.

Investing Activities

The decrease of $25.1 million in net cash used by investing activities in 2004 was primarily due to decreased spending on customer service projects, partially offset by increases in spending on transmission projects and fossil plant projects.

The increase of $56.0 million in net cash used by investing activities in 2003 was primarily due to increased spending on customer service, transmission, and nuclear projects.

Financing Activities

The decrease of $404.4 million in net cash used by financing activities in 2004 was primarily due to:

  • the net issuance of $98.0 million of long-term debt in 2004 compared to the retirement of $261.0 million in 2003;
  • a principal payment of $14.8 million in 2004 for the Waterford Lease Obligation compared to a principal payment of $35.4 million in 2003; and
  • a decrease of $29.0 million in common stock dividends paid.

The decrease of $105.5 million in net cash used by financing activities in 2003 was primarily due to:

  • a decrease of $125.9 million in common stock dividends paid; and
  • the repurchase of $120 million of common stock from Entergy Corporation in 2002.

The decrease in net cash used in 2003 was partially offset by the following:

  • the retirement in 2003 of $150 million of 8.5% Series First Mortgage Bonds compared to the net retirement of $134.6 million of First Mortgage Bonds in 2002; and
  • principal payments of $35.4 million in 2003 for the Waterford 3 Lease Obligation compared to principal payments of $15.9 million in 2002.

See Note 5 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for details of long-term debt.

Uses of Capital

Entergy Louisiana requires capital resources for:

  • construction and other capital investments;
  • debt and preferred stock maturities;
  • working capital purposes, including the financing of fuel and purchased power costs; and
  • dividend and interest payments.

Following are the amounts of Entergy Louisiana's planned construction and other capital investments, existing debt and lease obligations, and other purchase obligations:

 

2005

 

2006-2007

 

2008-2009

 

After 2009

 

Total

 

(In Millions)

Planned construction and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

capital investment (1)

$455

 

$472

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

$927

Long-term debt

$55

 

$-

 

$7

 

$924

 

$986

Operating leases

$10

 

$11

 

$6

 

$2

 

$29

Purchase obligations (2)

$639

 

$1,120

 

$980

 

$4,691

 

$7,430

Nuclear fuel lease obligations (3)

$23

 

$9

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

$32

(1)

Includes approximately $130 to $160 million annually for maintenance capital, which is planned spending on routine capital projects that are necessary to support reliability of service, equipment or systems and to support normal customer growth.

(2)

Purchase obligations represent the minimum purchase obligation or cancellation charge for contractual obligations to purchase goods or services. For Entergy Louisiana almost all of the total consists of unconditional fuel and purchased power obligations, including its obligations under the Vidalia purchased power agreement and the Unit Power Sales Agreement, both of which are discussed in Note 8 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

(3)

It is expected that additional financing under the leases will be arranged as needed to acquire additional fuel, to pay interest, and to pay maturing debt. If such additional financing cannot be arranged, however, the lessee in each case must repurchase sufficient nuclear fuel to allow the lessor to meet its obligations.

In addition to these contractual obligations, Entergy Louisiana expects to contribute $2.6 million to its pension plans and $8.5 million to other postretirement plans in 2005.

The planned capital investment estimate for Entergy Louisiana reflects capital required to support existing business and customer growth. The estimated capital expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints, environmental compliance, market volatility, economic trends, business restructuring, and the ability to access capital. Management provides more information on long-term debt and preferred stock maturities in Notes 5 and 6 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

In January 2004, Entergy Louisiana signed a definitive agreement to acquire the 718 MW Perryville power plant for $170 million. The agreement has subsequently been amended to allow the current plant owner to retain the interconnection facilities associated with the plant, resulting in a decrease in the acquisition price to $162 million. As a result of the amended terms, the FERC issued an order in October 2004 disclaiming jurisdiction over the acquisition. This order currently is subject to rehearing by the FERC. The plant is owned by a subsidiary of Cleco Corporation, which subsidiary submitted a bid in response to Entergy's Fall 2002 request for proposals for supply-side resources. The signing of the agreement followed a voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by the plant's owner. Entergy expects that Entergy Louisiana will own 100 percent of the Perryville plant, and that Entergy Louisiana will sell 75 percent of the output to Entergy Gulf States under a long-term cost-of-service power purchase agreement. In addition, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States executed an interim power purchase agreement with the plant's owner through the date of the acquisition's closing (as long as that occurs by December 2005) for 100 percent of the output of the Perryville power plant. In April 2004, the bankruptcy court approved Entergy Louisiana's agreement to acquire the plant. In March 2004, Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana filed with the LPSC for its approval of the acquisition and long-term cost-of-service power purchase agreement. Entergy is seeking approval from the LPSC of cost recovery for the acquisition, giving consideration to the need for the power and the prudence of Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States in engaging in the transaction. Hearings are scheduled for March 2005. Assuming regulatory approval by the LPSC, Entergy Louisiana expects the Perryville acquisition to close in mid-2005.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary, Entergy Louisiana dividends its earnings to Entergy Corporation at a percentage determined monthly. In addition, all of Entergy Louisiana's retained earnings are currently available for distribution.

Sources of Capital

Entergy Louisiana's sources to meet its capital requirements include:

  • internally generated funds;
  • cash on hand;
  • debt or preferred stock issuances; and
  • bank financing under new and existing facilities.

Entergy Louisiana issued $285 million of first mortgage bonds in 2004 as follows:

Issue Date

 

Description

 

Maturity

 

Amount

           

(In Thousands)

             

March 2004

 

5.50% Series

 

April 2019

 

$100,000

October 2004

 

6.40% Series

 

October 2034

 

70,000

October 2004

 

5.09% Series

 

November 2014

 

115,000

           

$285,000

Entergy Louisiana retired $187.2 million of long-term debt in 2004 as follows:

Retirement Date

 

Description

 

Maturity

 

Amount

(In Thousands)

             

November 2004

 

6.50% Series

 

March 2008

 

$115,000

November 2004

 

9.00% Series

 

September 2045

 

72,165

           

$187,165

Entergy Louisiana may refinance or redeem debt and preferred stock prior to maturity, to the extent market conditions and interest and dividend rates are favorable.

All debt and common and preferred stock issuances by Entergy Louisiana require prior regulatory approval. Preferred stock and debt issuances are also subject to issuance tests set forth in corporate charters, bond indentures, and other agreements. Entergy Louisiana has sufficient capacity under these tests to meet its foreseeable capital needs.

In July 2004, Entergy Louisiana renewed its 364-day credit facility and Entergy New Orleans entered into a separate credit facility with the same lender. Both facilities will expire in April 2005. Entergy Louisiana can borrow up to $15 million and Entergy New Orleans can borrow up to $14 million under their respective credit facilities, but at no time can the total amount borrowed under these facilities by the two companies combined exceed $15 million. As of December 31, 2004, no borrowings were outstanding under these facilities. Borrowings and securities issuances by Entergy Louisiana are limited to amounts authorized by the SEC. The current short-term borrowing limitation, including borrowings under the money pool, is $225 million. Under its SEC Orders and without further SEC authorization, Entergy Louisiana cannot incur additional indebtedness or issue other securities unless (a) it and Entergy Corporation maintain a common equity ratio of at least 30% and (b) with the exception of money pool borrowings, the security to be issued (if rated) and all outstanding securities of Entergy Louisiana, as well as all outstanding securities of Entergy Corporation, that are rated, are rated investment grade. See Note 4 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for further discussion of Entergy Louisiana's short-term borrowing limits.

Significant Factors and Known Trends

Utility Restructuring

In November 2001, the LPSC decided not to move forward with retail open access for any customers at this time. The LPSC instead directed its staff to hold collaborative group meetings concerning open access from time to time, and to have the LPSC staff monitor developments in neighboring states and to report to the LPSC regarding the progress of retail access developments in those states. In September 2004, in response to a study funded by certain industrial customers that evaluated a limited industrial-only retail choice program, the LPSC asked the LPSC staff to solicit comments and obtain information from utilities, customers, and other interested parties concerning the potential costs and benefits of a limited choice program, the impact of such a program on other customers, as well as issues such as stranded costs and transmission service.  Comments from interested parties were filed with the LPSC on January 14, 2005. The LPSC has not established a procedural framework for consideration of the comments. At this time, it is not certain what further action, if any, the LPSC might take in response to the information it received.

At FERC, the pace of restructuring at the wholesale level has begun but has been delayed. It is too early to predict the ultimate effects of changes in United States energy markets. Restructuring issues are complex and are continually affected by events at the national, regional, state, and local levels. However, these changes may result, in the long-term, in fundamental changes in the way traditional integrated utilities and holding company systems, like the Entergy system, conduct their business. Some of these changes may be positive for Entergy, while others may not.

State Rate Regulation

The rates that Entergy Louisiana charges for its services are an important item influencing its financial position, results of operations, and liquidity. Entergy Louisiana is closely regulated and the rates charged to its customers are determined in regulatory proceedings. A governmental agency, the LPSC, is primarily responsible for approval of the rates charged to customers.

In January 2005, Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana filed testimony with the LPSC in support of a proposed settlement with the LPSC that would resolve, among other dockets, dockets established to consider issues concerning power purchases for both Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana for the summers of 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. The proposed settlement currently includes an offer to refund $14 million to Entergy Louisiana's customers. The LPSC has solicited comments on the proposed settlement from the parties to the various proceedings at issue in the proposed settlement. The proposed settlement is scheduled to be presented to the LPSC for consideration on March 23, 2005.

In January 2004, Entergy Louisiana made a rate filing with the LPSC requesting a base rate increase of approximately $167 million. In that filing, Entergy Louisiana noted that approximately $73 million of the base rate increase was attributable to the acquisition of a generating station and certain power purchase agreements that, based on current natural gas prices, would produce fuel and purchased power savings for customers that substantially mitigate the impact of the requested base rate increase. The filing also requested an allowed ROE of 11.4%. Entergy Louisiana's previously authorized ROE mid-point currently in effect is 10.5%. Hearings concluded in December 2004. Based on evidence submitted at the hearing, the LPSC staff is recommending approximately a $7 million base rate increase. The LPSC staff proposed the implementation of a formula rate plan that includes a provision for the recovery of incremental capacity costs, including those related to the proposed Perryville acquisition, without filing a traditional base rate proceeding. A decision by the LPSC is expected in mid- to late-March 2005 on these issues.

In addition to rate proceedings, Entergy Louisiana's fuel costs recovered from customers are subject to regulatory scrutiny. This regulatory risk represents Entergy Louisiana's largest potential exposure to price changes in the commodity markets.

Entergy Louisiana's retail rate matters and proceedings, including fuel cost recovery-related issues, are discussed in Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

System Agreement Proceedings

The domestic utility companies historically have engaged in the coordinated planning, construction, and operation of generating and transmission facilities under the terms of an agreement called the System Agreement that has been approved by the FERC. Litigation involving the System Agreement is being pursued by the LPSC at both the FERC and before itself. These proceedings include challenges to the allocation of costs as defined by the System Agreement, raise questions of imprudence by the domestic utility companies in their execution of the System Agreement, and seek support for local regulatory authority over System Agreement issues.

In February 2004, a FERC ALJ issued an Initial Decision in the LPSC-initiated proceeding at the FERC. The Initial Decision decided some issues in favor of the relief sought by the LPSC, and decided some issues against the relief sought by the LPSC. Several parties, including Entergy, the LPSC, the APSC, the MPSC, the City Council, and the FERC Staff, filed briefs on exceptions in response to the ALJ's Initial Decision. Entergy's exceptions to the ALJ's Initial Decision include: the practical effect of the Initial Decision is full production cost equalization, which was rejected in the Initial Decision and previously has been rejected by the FERC; resource planning for the Entergy System would be impeded if the Initial Decision were adopted; the remedy in the Initial Decision is inconsistent with the history, structure, and precedent regarding the System Agreement; the Initial Decision's remedy ignores the historical pattern of production cost disparities on the Entergy System and would result in substantial, sudden transfers of costs between groups of Entergy customers; the numerical standards proposed in the Initial Decision are arbitrary and are so complex that they will be difficult to implement; the Initial Decision improperly rejected Entergy's resource planning remedy; the Initial Decision erroneously determined that the full costs of the Vidalia project should be included in Entergy Louisiana's production costs for purposes of calculating relative production costs; and the Initial Decision erroneously adopted a new method of calculating reserve sharing costs rather than the current method.

If the FERC grants the relief requested by the LPSC in the proceeding, the relief may result in a material increase in the total production costs the FERC allocates to companies whose costs currently are projected to be less than the Entergy System average, and a material decrease in the total production costs the FERC allocates to companies whose costs currently are projected to exceed that average.   If the FERC adopts the ALJ's Initial Decision, the amount of production costs that would be reallocated among the domestic utility companies would be determined through consideration of each domestic utility company's relative total production cost expressed as a percentage of Entergy System average total production cost. The ALJ's Initial Decision would reallocate production costs of the domestic utility companies whose percent of Entergy System average production cost are outside an upper or lower bandwidth. This would be accomplished by payments from domestic utility companies whose production costs are below Entergy System average production cost to domestic utility companies whose production costs are above Entergy System average production cost.

An assessment of the potential effects of the ALJ's Initial Decision requires assumptions regarding the future total production cost of each domestic utility company, which assumptions include the mix of solid fuel and gas-fired generation available to each company and the costs of natural gas and purchased power.  Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States are more dependent upon gas-fired generation than Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, or Entergy New Orleans. Of these, Entergy Arkansas is the least dependent upon gas-fired generation.  Therefore, increases in natural gas prices likely will increase the amount by which Entergy Arkansas' total production costs are below the average production costs of the domestic utility companies.  Considerable uncertainty exists regarding future gas prices. Annual average Henry Hub gas prices have varied significantly over recent years, ranging from $1.72/mmBtu to $5.85/mmBtu for the 1995-2004 period, and averaging $3.43/mmBtu during the ten-year period 1995-2004 and $4.58/mmBtu during the five-year period 2000-2004.  Recent market conditions have resulted in gas prices that have averaged $5.85/mmBtu for the twelve months ended December 2004. Based upon analyses considering the effect on future production costs if the FERC adopts the ALJ's Initial Decision, the following potential annual production cost reallocations among the domestic utility companies could result assuming annual average gas prices range from $6.39/mmBtu in 2005 declining to $4.97/mmBtu by 2009:

 


Range of Annual Payments
or (Receipts)

 

Average Annual
Payments or (Receipts)
for 2005-2009 Period

 

(In Millions)

 

(In Millions)

       

Entergy Arkansas

$154 to $281 

 

$215                 

Entergy Gulf States

($130) to ($15)

 

($63)                

Entergy Louisiana

($199) to ($98)

 

($141)

Entergy Mississippi

($16) to $8 

 

$1                 

Entergy New Orleans

($17) to ($5)

 

($12)               

Management believes that any changes in the allocation of production costs resulting from a FERC decision and related retail proceedings should result in similar rate changes for retail customers. Although the outcome and timing of the FERC, APSC, and other proceedings cannot be predicted at this time, Entergy Louisiana does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these proceedings will have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operation.

In February 2004, the APSC issued an "Order of Investigation," in which it discusses the negative effect that implementation of the FERC ALJ's Initial Decision would have on Entergy Arkansas' customers. The APSC order establishes an investigation into whether Entergy Arkansas' continued participation in the System Agreement is in the best interest of its customers, and whether there are steps that Entergy Arkansas or the APSC can take "to protect [Entergy Arkansas' customers] from future attempts by Louisiana, or any other Entergy retail regulator, to shift its high costs to Arkansas." Entergy Arkansas filed testimony in response to the APSC's Order of Investigation. The testimony emphasizes that the ALJ's Initial Decision is not a final order by the FERC; briefly discusses some of the aspects of the Initial Decision that are included in Entergy's exceptions filed with the FERC; emphasizes that Entergy will seek to reverse the production cost-related portions of the Initial Decision; and states that Entergy Arkansas believes that it is premature, before the FERC makes a decision, for Entergy Arkansas to determine whether its continued participation in the System Agreement is appropriate.

In April 2004, the APSC commenced the investigation into Entergy Louisiana's Vidalia purchased power contract and requested historical documents, records, and information from Entergy Arkansas, which Entergy Arkansas has provided to the APSC. Also in April 2004, the APSC issued an order directing Entergy Arkansas to show cause why Entergy Arkansas should not have to indemnify and hold its customers harmless from any adverse financial effects related to Entergy Louisiana's pending acquisition of the Perryville power plant, or show that the Perryville unit will produce economic benefits for Entergy Arkansas' customers. Entergy Arkansas filed a response in May 2004 stating that Entergy will seek to reverse the production cost-related portions of the ALJ's Initial Decision in the System Agreement proceeding at the FERC, that the Perryville acquisition is part of Entergy's request for proposal generation planning process, that Entergy Arkansas is not in a position to indemnify its retail customers from actions taken by the FERC, and that the Perryville acquisition is expected to reduce the domestic utility companies' overall production costs. Procedural schedules have not been established in these APSC investigations.

In April 2004, the City Council issued a resolution directing Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana to notify the City Council and obtain prior approval for any action that would materially modify, amend, or terminate the System Agreement for one or more of the domestic utility companies. Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana appealed to state court the City Council's resolution on the basis that the imposition of this requirement with respect to the System Agreement, a FERC-approved tariff, exceeds the City Council's jurisdiction and authority. In July 2004, the City Council answered the appeal and filed a third party demand and counterclaim against Entergy, the domestic utility companies, Entergy Services, and System Energy, seeking a declaratory judgment that Entergy and its subsidiaries cannot terminate the System Agreement until obligations owed under a March 2003 rate case settlement are satisfied. In August 2004, Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana, as well as the named third party defendants, filed pleadings objecting to the City Council's third party demand and counterclaim on various grounds, including federal preemption. In February 2005, the state court issued an oral decision dismissing the City Council's claims for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and prematurity.

The LPSC instituted a companion ex-parte System Agreement investigation to litigate several of the System Agreement issues that the LPSC is litigating before the FERC in the previously discussed System Agreement proceeding. This companion proceeding will require the LPSC to interpret various provisions of the System Agreement, including those relating to minimum-run and must-run units, the propriety of the methods used for billing and dispatch on the Entergy System, and the use of a rolling, twelve-month average of system peaks for allocating certain costs. In addition, by this companion proceeding the LPSC is questioning whether Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States were prudent for not seeking changes to the System Agreement previously, so as to lower costs imposed upon their ratepayers and to increase costs imposed upon ratepayers of other domestic utility companies. The LPSC staff has filed testimony suggesting that the remedy for the alleged imprudence of Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States should be a reduction in allowed rate of return on common equity of 100 basis points. The domestic utility companies have challenged the propriety of the LPSC's litigating System Agreement issues. Nevertheless, on January 16, 2002 the LPSC affirmed a decision of its ALJ upholding the LPSC staff's right to litigate System Agreement issues at the LPSC, rather than before the FERC. The procedural schedule is suspended at this time and an evidentiary hearing is not scheduled. An unrelated case between the LPSC and Entergy Louisiana raised the question of whether a state regulator is preempted by federal law from reviewing and interpreting FERC rate schedules that are part of the System Agreement, and from subsequently enforcing that interpretation. The LPSC interpreted a System Agreement rate schedule in the unrelated case, and then sought to enforce its interpretation. The Louisiana Supreme Court affirmed. In 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Entergy Louisiana's favor and reversed the decisions of the LPSC and the Louisiana Supreme Court.

Transmission

In 2000, FERC issued an order encouraging utilities to voluntarily place their transmission facilities under the control of independent RTOs (regional transmission organizations) by December 15, 2001. Delays in implementing the FERC order have occurred due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that utility companies, other stakeholders, and federal and state regulators continue to work to resolve various issues related to the establishment of such RTOs.

In April 2004, Entergy filed a proposal with the FERC to commit voluntarily to retain an independent entity (Independent Coordinator of Transmission or ICT) to oversee the granting of transmission or interconnection service on Entergy's transmission system, to implement a transmission pricing structure that ensures that Entergy's retail native load customers are required to pay for only those upgrades necessary to reliably serve their needs, and to have the ICT serve as the security coordinator for the Entergy region. Assuming applicable regulatory support and approvals can be obtained, Entergy proposed to contract with the ICT to oversee the granting of transmission service on the Entergy system as well as the implementation of the proposed weekly procurement process (WPP). The proposal was structured to not transfer control of Entergy's transmission system to the ICT, but rather to vest with the ICT broad oversight authority over transmission planning and operations.

Entergy also proposed to have the ICT administer a transmission expansion pricing protocol that will increase the efficiency of transmission pricing on the Entergy system and that will be designed to protect Entergy's native load customers from bearing the cost of transmission upgrades not required to reliably serve these customers' needs. Entergy intends for the ICT to determine whether transmission upgrades associated with new requests for service should be funded directly by the party requesting such service or by a broader group of transmission customers, including Entergy's native load customers. This determination would be made in accordance with protocols approved by the FERC, and any party contesting such determination, including Entergy, would be required to seek review at the FERC. Several technical conferences regarding the ICT proposal, or various components thereof, were held in 2004. Entergy has also responded to discovery requests that resulted from these conferences.

In January 2005, Entergy filed a petition for declaratory order with the FERC requesting that the FERC provide guidance on two important issues: (1) whether the functions performed by the ICT will cause it to become a "public utility" under the Federal Power Act or the "transmission provider" under Entergy's open access transmission tariff; and (2) whether Entergy's transmission pricing proposal, as administered by the ICT, satisfies the FERC's transmission pricing policy. The petition also indicates that, subject to the outcome of the petition and obtaining support of Entergy's retail regulators, Entergy would be willing to have the ICT perform the following additional functions: (a) grant or deny requests for transmission service; (b) calculate available flowgate capacity; (c) administer Entergy's OASIS; and (d) perform an enhanced planning function (integrating the plans of Entergy and other potential transmission owners to identify regional synergies.) Comments and interventions on the petition were filed by market participants and retail regulators on February 4, 2005. In their individual comments, the APSC, LPSC, and City Council supported Entergy's position that the ICT would not become a "public utility" or "transmission provider" and that the transmission pricing proposal satisfies the FERC's transmission pricing policy. Certain other parties urged the FERC to reject the petition for declaratory order or, in the alternative, that the FERC assert jurisdiction over the ICT and determine that Entergy's proposed pricing policy is inconsistent with FERC's current pricing policy. FERC action on the petition is expected during the first half of 2005.

In March 2004, the APSC initiated a proceeding to review Entergy's proposal and compare the benefits of such a proposal to the alternative of Entergy joining the Southwest Power Pool RTO. The APSC sought comments from all interested parties on this issue. Various parties, including the APSC General Staff, filed comments opposing the ICT proposal. A public hearing has not been scheduled by the APSC at this time, although Entergy Arkansas has responded to various APSC data requests. In May 2004, Entergy Mississippi filed a petition for review with the MPSC requesting MPSC support for the ICT proposal. A hearing in that proceeding was held in August 2004. Additionally, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States have filed an application with the LPSC requesting that the LPSC find that the ICT proposal is a prudent and appropriate course of action. A hearing on the transmission pricing aspects of the ICT proposal is scheduled for May 2005, with a separate hearing on the WPP portion of the proposal currently scheduled for August 2005.

Interconnection Orders

The domestic utility companies (except Entergy New Orleans) are currently defendants to several complaints and rehearing requests before the FERC in which independent generation entities (GenCos) are seeking a refund of monies that the GenCos had previously paid to the Entergy companies for facilities necessary to connect their generation facilities to Entergy's transmission system. The FERC has issued initial orders in response to two of the complaints and in certain other dockets ordering Entergy to refund approximately $100 million in expenses and tax obligations previously paid by the GenCos, including $3 million for Entergy Louisiana. The refunds will be in the form of transmission credits that will be utilized over time as the GenCos take transmission service from Entergy.

In addition, Entergy Louisiana was recently directed, effective as of March 2001, to provide transmission credits, with interest, associated with a specific generator that asserted to the FERC that it retained in its contract for interconnection a right to execute the latest form of Entergy's standard interconnection agreement in lieu of its existing contract, which thereby would apply FERC's most recent interconnection cost allocation policies to that generator. Following an ALJ's Initial Decision and an order affirming such decision by FERC, approximately $15 million in expenses and tax obligations previously paid by the generator have been ordered refunded in the form of transmission credits, to be utilized over time and applied to Entergy transmission service bills incurred after March 2001. Entergy Louisiana has sought rehearing of the FERC's order.

To the extent the Entergy companies are ordered to provide such refunds, these costs will qualify for inclusion in the Entergy companies' rates. The recovery of these costs is not automatic, however, especially at the retail level, where the majority of the cost recovery would occur. Entergy intends to pursue all regulatory and legal avenues available to it in order to have these orders reversed and have the affected interconnection agreements reinstated as agreed to originally by the generators.

Available Flowgate Capacity Proceeding

On December 17, 2004, the FERC issued an order initiating a hearing and investigation concerning the justness and reasonableness of the Available Flowgate Capacity (AFC) methodology, the methodology used to evaluate short-term transmission service requests under the domestic utility companies' open access transmission tariff, and establishing a refund effective date. In its order, the FERC indicated that although it "appreciates that Entergy is attempting to explore ways to improve transmission access on its system," it believed that an investigation was warranted to gather more evidence in light of the concerns raised by certain transmission customers and certain issues raised in a FERC audit report finding errors and problems with the predecessor methodology used by Entergy for evaluating short-term transmission requests, the Generator Operating Limits methodology. The FERC order indicates that the investigation will include an examination of (i) Entergy's implementation of the AFC program, (ii) whether Entergy's implementation has complied with prior FERC orders and open access transmission tariff provisions addressing the AFC program, and (iii) whether Entergy's provision of access to short-term transmission on its transmission system was just, reasonable, and not unduly discriminatory.

Entergy has submitted an Emergency Interim Request for Rehearing requesting the FERC to defer the hearing process and instead proceed initially with an independent audit of the AFC program and the expansion of the current process involving other market participants to address a broader range of issues. Entergy believes that this type of approach is a more efficient and effective mechanism for evaluating the AFC program. Following the completion of the independent audit and process involving other market participants, the FERC could determine whether other procedural steps are necessary. The FERC has not yet ruled on the Emergency Interim Request for Rehearing submitted by Entergy.

Entergy believes that it has complied with the provisions of its open access transmission tariff, including the provisions addressing the implementation of the AFC methodology; however, the ultimate scope of this proceeding cannot be predicted at this time. A hearing in the AFC proceeding is currently scheduled to commence in August 2005.

Industrial and Commercial Customers

Entergy Louisiana's large industrial and commercial customers continually explore ways to reduce their energy costs. In particular, cogeneration is an option available to a portion of Entergy Louisiana's industrial customer base. Entergy Louisiana responds by working with industrial and commercial customers and negotiating electric service contracts to provide competitive rates that match specific customer needs and load profiles. Despite these actions, Entergy Louisiana lost a large industrial customer to cogeneration in late 2002. The customer accounted for approximately 2% of its net revenue in 2001. Entergy Louisiana actively participates in economic development, customer retention, and reclamation activities to increase industrial and commercial energy demand, from both existing and new customers. Entergy Louisiana does not currently expect additional significant losses to cogeneration because of the current economics of the electricity markets and Entergy Louisiana's marketing efforts in retaining industrial customers.

Market and Credit Risks

Entergy Louisiana has certain market and credit risks inherent in its business operations. Market risks represent the risk of changes in the value of commodity and financial instruments, or in future operating results or cash flows, in response to changing market conditions. Credit risk is risk of loss from nonperformance by suppliers, customers, or financial counterparties to a contract or agreement.

Interest Rate and Equity Price Risk - Decommissioning Trust Funds

Entergy Louisiana's nuclear decommissioning trust funds expose it to fluctuations in equity prices and interest rates. The NRC requires Entergy Louisiana to maintain trusts to fund the costs of decommissioning Waterford 3. The funds are invested primarily in equity securities; fixed-rate, fixed-income securities; and cash and cash equivalents. Management believes that its exposure to market fluctuations will not affect results of operations for the Waterford 3 trust funds because of the application of regulatory accounting principles. The decommissioning trust funds are discussed more thoroughly in Notes 1, 8, and 12 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

Nuclear Matters

Entergy Louisiana owns and operates, through an affiliate, the Waterford 3 nuclear power plant. Entergy Louisiana is, therefore, subject to the risks related to owning and operating a nuclear plant. These include risks from the use, storage, handling and disposal of high-level and low-level radioactive materials, limitations on the amounts and types of insurance commercially available for losses in connection with nuclear operations, and technological and financial uncertainties related to decommissioning nuclear plants at the end of their licensed lives, including the sufficiency of funds in decommissioning trusts. In the event of an unanticipated early shutdown of Waterford 3, Entergy Louisiana may be required to provide additional funds or credit support to satisfy regulatory requirements for decommissioning.

In August 2001, the NRC issued a bulletin requesting all pressurized water reactor owners and operators to report on the structural integrity of their reactor vessel head penetration nozzles to justify continued operations past December 31, 2001. These types of reactors are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking of the reactor vessel head nozzles. Waterford is a pressurized water reactor. To date, there has been no primary side stress corrosion cracking identified in the Waterford reactor vessel head. Inspections of the Waterford reactor vessel head will continue during planned refueling outages.

Environmental Risks

Entergy Louisiana's facilities and operations are subject to regulation by various governmental authorities having jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances and hazardous and solid wastes, and other environmental matters. Management believes that Entergy Louisiana is in substantial compliance with environmental regulations currently applicable to its facilities and operations. Because environmental regulations are subject to change, future compliance costs cannot be precisely estimated.

Litigation Risks

The state of Louisiana has proven to be an unusually litigious environment. Judges and juries in Louisiana have demonstrated a willingness to grant large verdicts, including punitive damages, to plaintiffs in personal injury, property damage, and business tort cases. Entergy Louisiana uses legal and appropriate means to contest litigation threatened or filed against it, but the litigation environment poses a business risk.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of Entergy Louisiana's financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to apply appropriate accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that can have a significant effect on reported financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Management has identified the following accounting policies and estimates as critical because they are based on assumptions and measurements that involve a high degree of uncertainty, and the potential for future changes in the assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that would have a material effect on the presentation of Entergy Louisiana's financial position or results of operations.

Nuclear Decommissioning Costs

Regulations require Entergy Louisiana to decommission the Waterford 3 nuclear power plant after the facility is taken out of service, and money is collected and deposited in trust funds during the facility's operating life in order to provide for this obligation. Entergy Louisiana conducts periodic decommissioning cost studies (typically updated every three to five years) to estimate the costs that will be incurred to decommission the facility. The following key assumptions have a significant effect on these estimates:

  • Cost Escalation Factors - Entergy Louisiana's decommissioning studies include an assumption that decommissioning costs will escalate over present cost levels by an annual factor averaging approximately 4.4%. A 50 basis point change in this assumption could change the ultimate cost of decommissioning a facility by as much as 11%.
  • Timing - The date of the plant's retirement must be estimated and an assumption must be made whether decommissioning will begin immediately upon plant retirement, or whether the plant will be held in "safestore" status for later decommissioning, as permitted by applicable regulations. While the effect of these assumptions cannot be determined with precision, assuming either license extension or use of a "safestore" status can possibly decrease the present value of these obligations.
  • Spent Fuel Disposal - Federal regulations require the DOE to provide a permanent repository for the storage of spent nuclear fuel, and legislation has been passed by Congress to develop this repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Until this site is available, however, nuclear plant operators must provide for interim spent fuel storage on the nuclear plant site, which can require the construction and maintenance of dry cask storage sites or other facilities. The costs of developing and maintaining these facilities can have a significant effect (as much as 16% of estimated decommissioning costs). Entergy Louisiana's decommissioning studies include cost estimates for spent fuel storage. However, these estimates could change in the future based on the timing of the opening of the Yucca Mountain facility, the schedule for shipments to that facility when it is opened, or other factors.
  • Technology and Regulation - To date, there is limited practical experience in the United States with actual decommissioning of large nuclear facilities. As experience is gained and technology changes, cost estimates could also change. If regulations regarding nuclear decommissioning were to change, this could have a potentially significant effect on cost estimates. The effect of these potential changes is not presently determinable. Entergy Louisiana's decommissioning cost studies assume current technologies and regulations.

Entergy Louisiana collects substantially all of the projected costs of decommissioning Waterford 3 through rates charged to customers. The amounts collected through rates, which are based upon decommissioning cost studies, are deposited in decommissioning trust funds. These collections plus earnings on the trust fund investments are estimated to be sufficient to fund the future decommissioning costs. If decommissioning cost study estimates are changed and approved by regulators, collections from customers would also change.

SFAS 143

Entergy Louisiana implemented SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," effective January 1, 2003. Nuclear decommissioning costs comprise substantially all of Entergy Louisiana's asset retirement obligations, and the measurement and recording of Entergy Louisiana's decommissioning obligations changed significantly with the implementation of SFAS 143. The most significant differences in the measurement of these obligations are outlined below:

  • Recording of full obligation - SFAS 143 requires that the fair value of an asset retirement obligation be recorded when it is incurred. This caused the recorded decommissioning obligation of Entergy Louisiana to increase significantly, as Entergy Louisiana had previously only recorded this obligation as the related costs were collected from customers, and as earnings were recorded on the related trust funds.
  • Fair value approach - SFAS 143 requires that these obligations be measured using a fair value approach. Among other things, this entails the assumption that the costs will be incurred by a third party and will therefore include appropriate profit margins and risk premiums. Entergy Louisiana's decommissioning studies had been based on Entergy Louisiana performing the work, and did not include any such margins or premiums.
  • Discount rate - SFAS 143 requires that these obligations be discounted using a credit-adjusted risk-free rate.

The net effect of implementing SFAS 143 for Entergy Louisiana was recorded as a regulatory asset, with no resulting impact on Entergy Louisiana's net income. Entergy Louisiana recorded this regulatory asset because its existing rate mechanism is based on the original or historical cost standard that allows Entergy Louisiana to recover all ultimate costs of decommissioning existing assets from current and future customers. Upon implementation of SFAS 143 in 2003, assets and liabilities increased by $305 million as a result of recording the asset retirement obligation at its fair value of $305 million as determined under SFAS 143, increasing total utility plant by $99 million, reducing accumulated depreciation by $82 million, and recording the related regulatory asset of $124 million.

Unbilled Revenue

As discussed in Note 1 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements, Entergy Louisiana records an estimate of the revenues earned for energy delivered since the latest customer billing. Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and a receivable, and the prior month's estimate is reversed. The difference between the estimate of the unbilled receivable at the beginning of the period and the end of the period is the amount of unbilled revenue recognized during the period. The estimate recorded is primarily based upon an estimate of customer usage during the unbilled period and the billed price to customers in that month, including fuel price. Therefore, revenue recognized may be affected by the estimated price and usage at the beginning and end of each period and fuel price fluctuations, in addition to changes in certain components of the calculation including changes to estimates such as line loss, which affects the estimate of unbilled customer usage, and assumptions regarding price such as the fuel cost recovery mechanism.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy sponsors defined benefit pension plans which cover substantially all employees. Additionally, Entergy currently provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for substantially all employees who reach retirement age while still working for Entergy. Entergy's reported costs of providing these benefits, as described in Note 10 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements, are impacted by numerous factors including the provisions of the plans, changing employee demographics, and various actuarial calculations, assumptions, and accounting mechanisms. Because of the complexity of these calculations, the long-term nature of these obligations, and the importance of the assumptions utilized, Entergy's estimate of these costs is a critical accounting estimate.

Assumptions

Key actuarial assumptions utilized in determining these costs include:

  • Discount rates used in determining the future benefit obligations;
  • Projected health care cost trend rates;
  • Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets; and
  • Rate of increase in future compensation levels.

Entergy reviews these assumptions on an annual basis and adjusts them as necessary. The falling interest rate environment and worse-than-expected performance of the financial equity markets over the past several years have impacted Entergy's funding and reported costs for these benefits. In addition, these trends have caused Entergy to make a number of adjustments to its assumptions.

In selecting an assumed discount rate to calculate benefit obligations, Entergy reviews market yields on high-quality corporate debt and matches these rates with Entergy's projected stream of benefit payments. Based on recent market trends, Entergy reduced its discount rate used to calculate benefit obligations from 6.75% in 2002 to 6.25% in 2003 and to 6% in 2004. Entergy reviews actual recent cost trends and projected future trends in establishing health care cost trend rates. Based on this review, Entergy increased its health care cost trend rate assumption used in calculating the December 31, 2004 accumulated postretirement benefit obligation to a 10% increase in health care costs in 2005 gradually decreasing each successive year, until it reaches a 4.5% annual increase in health care costs in 2011 and beyond.

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, Entergy reviews past long-term performance, asset allocations, and long-term inflation assumptions. Entergy targets an asset allocation for its pension plan assets of roughly 65% equity securities, 31% fixed income securities, and 4% other investments. The target allocation for Entergy's other postretirement benefit assets is 51% equity securities and 49% fixed income securities. Based on recent market trends, Entergy reduced its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used to calculate benefit obligations from 8.75% for 2002 and 2003 to 8.5% in 2004. The assumed rate of increase in future compensation levels used to calculate benefit obligations was 3.25% in 2002, 2003, and 2004.

Cost Sensitivity

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of pension cost to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands):


Actuarial Assumption

 

Change in
Assumption

 

Impact on 2004
Pension Cost

 

Impact on Projected
Benefit Obligation

 

 

Increase/(Decrease)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

(0.25%)

 

$1,061

 

$12,385

Rate of return on plan assets

 

(0.25%)

 

$786             

 

-             

Rate of increase in compensation

 

0.25%

 

$523             

 

$3,018            

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of postretirement benefit cost to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands):



Actuarial Assumption

 


Change in
Assumption

 


Impact on 2004
Postretirement Benefit Cost

 

Impact on Accumulated
Postretirement Benefit
Obligation

 

 

                                      Increase/(Decrease)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health care cost trend

 

0.25%

 

$416

 

$2,407

Discount rate

 

(0.25%)

 

$234

 

$3,033

Each fluctuation above assumes that the other components of the calculation are held constant.

Accounting Mechanisms

In accordance with SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," Entergy utilizes a number of accounting mechanisms that reduce the volatility of reported pension costs. Differences between actuarial assumptions and actual plan results are deferred and are amortized into cost only when the accumulated differences exceed 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets. If necessary, the excess is amortized over the average remaining service period of active employees.

Additionally, Entergy accounts for the impact of asset performance on pension expense over a twenty-quarter phase-in period through a "market-related" value of assets calculation. Since the market-related value of assets recognizes investment gains or losses over a twenty-quarter period, the future value of assets will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recognized. As a result, the losses that the pension plan assets experienced in 2002 may have an adverse impact on pension cost in future years depending on whether the actuarial losses at each measurement date exceed the 10% corridor in accordance with SFAS 87.

Costs and Funding

Total pension cost for Entergy Louisiana in 2004 was $3.3 million. Entergy Louisiana anticipates 2005 pension cost to increase to $6.8 million due to decrease in the discount rate (from 6.25% to 6.00%) and the expected rate of return (from 8.75% to 8.5%) used to calculate benefit obligations. Entergy Louisiana contributed $3.9 million to its pension plan in 2004 and anticipates making $2.6 million in contributions in 2005. The decrease in pension funding requirements is due to the Pension Funding Equity Act relief passed in April 2004, partially offset by declining interest rates and the phased-in effect of asset underperformance from 2000 to 2002.

Entergy Louisiana's accumulated benefit obligation at December 31, 2004, and 2002 exceeded plan assets. As a result, Entergy Louisiana was required to recognize an additional minimum liability as prescribed by SFAS 87 in those years. At December 31, 2003, Entergy Louisiana's accumulated benefit obligation was less than plan assets, therefore there was no additional minimum pension liability required to be recognized. At December 31, 2004, Entergy Louisiana recorded an additional pension minimum liability of $38.9 million; an offsetting intangible asset of $4.8 million, and a regulatory asset of $34.1 million. Net income for 2004, 2003, and 2002 was not impacted by the additional minimum pension liability.

Total postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs for Entergy Louisiana in 2004 were $12.3 million, including $2.8 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies. Entergy Louisiana expects 2005 postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs to approximate $12.7 million, including $3.2 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies. The increase in postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs is due to the decrease in the discount rate (from 6.25% to 6.00%) and an increase in the health care cost trend rate used to calculate benefit obligations.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Entergy Louisiana, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Entergy Louisiana, Inc. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related statements of income, retained earnings, and cash flows (pages 219 through 224 and applicable items in pages 284 through 348) for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Entergy Louisiana, Inc. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 5 and Note 8 to the notes to respective financial statements, in 2003 Entergy Louisiana, Inc. adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 8, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on management's assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
March 8, 2005

ENTERGY LOUISIANA, INC.

INCOME STATEMENTS

For the Years Ended December 31,

2004

2003

2002

(In Thousands)

OPERATING REVENUES

Domestic electric

$2,226,986 

$2,165,570 

$1,815,352 

OPERATING EXPENSES

Operation and Maintenance:

  Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and

   gas purchased for resale

671,549 

525,645 

436,568 

  Purchased power

667,893 

668,337 

438,627 

  Nuclear refueling outage expenses

13,633 

11,130 

11,502 

  Other operation and maintenance

367,824 

376,770 

340,803 

Decommissioning

21,958 

20,569 

10,422 

Taxes other than income taxes

68,999 

70,084 

60,698 

Depreciation and amortization

197,380 

192,972 

182,871 

Other regulatory charges (credits) - net

(43,765)

(2,160)

17,219 

TOTAL

1,965,471 

1,863,347 

1,498,710 

OPERATING INCOME

261,515 

302,223 

316,642 

OTHER INCOME

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

7,494 

6,900 

5,195 

Interest and dividend income

8,209 

8,820 

7,668 

Miscellaneous - net

(929)

(3,100)

(3,244)

TOTAL

14,774 

12,620 

9,619 

INTEREST AND OTHER CHARGES

Interest on long-term debt

70,210 

73,227 

98,242 

Other interest - net

3,931 

3,529 

2,425 

Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction

(4,822)

(5,475)

(3,880)

TOTAL

69,319 

71,281 

96,787 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

206,970 

243,562 

229,474 

Income taxes

79,475 

97,408 

84,765 

NET INCOME

127,495 

146,154 

144,709 

Preferred dividend requirements and other

6,714 

6,714 

6,714 

EARNINGS APPLICABLE TO

COMMON STOCK

$120,781 

$139,440 

$137,995 

See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.

 

ENTERGY LOUISIANA, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Years Ended December 31,

2004

2003

2002

(In Thousands)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income

$127,495 

$146,154 

$144,709 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by
operating activities:

  Reserve for regulatory adjustments

14,076 

1,858 

  Other regulatory charges (credits) - net

(43,765)

(2,160)

17,219 

  Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning

219,338 

213,541 

193,293 

  Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits

75,078 

859,157 

39,849 

  Changes in working capital:

    Receivables

(36,185)

(4,418)

(68,936)

    Accounts payable

(36,862)

49,028 

7,370 

    Taxes accrued

89,079 

(804,805)

779,590 

    Interest accrued

(1,791)

(10,324)

(3,971)

    Deferred fuel costs

21,955 

(56,211)

(41,891)

    Other working capital accounts

20,693 

10,395 

(118,718)

  Provision for estimated losses and reserves

6,119 

12,194 

5,818 

  Changes in other regulatory assets

(14,456)

59,169 

(23,879)

  Other

(16,056)

(59,639)

105,324 

Net cash flow provided by operating activities

424,718 

413,939 

1,035,777 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Construction expenditures

(240,283)

(257,754)

(209,826)

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

7,494 

6,900 

5,195 

Nuclear fuel purchases

(41,525)

(50,473)

Proceeds from the sale/leaseback of nuclear fuel

41,525 

50,473 

Decommissioning trust contributions and realized

 change in trust assets

(12,615)

(17,506)

(13,854)

Changes in other investments - net

2,173 

(12)

6,152 

Net cash flow used in investing activities

(243,231)

(268,372)

(212,333)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt

282,745 

144,679 

Retirement of long-term debt

(203,756)

(296,366)

(300,617)

Repurchase of common stock

(120,000)

Dividends paid:

  Common stock

(116,500)

(145,500)

(271,400)

  Preferred stock

(6,714)

(6,714)

(6,714)

Net cash flow used in financing activities

(44,225)

(448,580)

(554,052)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

137,262 

(303,013)

269,392 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

8,787 

311,800 

42,408 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$146,049 

$8,787 

$311,800 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Cash paid/(received) during the period for:

  Interest - net of amount capitalized

$73,170 

$84,089 

$99,998 

  Income taxes

($70,650)

$35,128 

($781,540)

See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.

 

ENTERGY LOUISIANA, INC.

BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS

December 31,

2004

2003

(In Thousands)

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents:

  Cash

$3,875

$8,787

  Temporary cash investments - at cost,

   which approximates market

142,174

-

     Total cash and cash equivalents

146,049

8,787

Accounts receivable:

  Customer

88,154

93,393

  Allowance for doubtful accounts

(3,135)

(4,487)

  Associated companies

43,121

9,074

  Other

13,070

12,334

  Accrued unbilled revenues

143,453

138,164

     Total accounts receivable

284,663

248,478

Deferred fuel costs

8,654

30,609

Accumulated deferred income taxes

12,712

-

Materials and supplies - at average cost

77,665

74,349

Deferred nuclear refueling outage costs

5,605

19,226

Prepayments and other

6,861

67,623

TOTAL

542,209

449,072

OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS

Investment in affiliates - at equity

14,230

14,230

Decommissioning trust funds

172,083

151,996

Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation)

21,176

21,307

Other

4

2,177

TOTAL

207,493

189,710

UTILITY PLANT

Electric

5,985,889

5,836,914

Property under capital lease

250,964

250,102

Construction work in progress

188,848

172,405

Nuclear fuel under capital lease

31,655

65,066

TOTAL UTILITY PLANT

6,457,356

6,324,487

Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization

2,799,936

2,686,778

UTILITY PLANT - NET

3,657,420

3,637,709

DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS

Regulatory assets:

  SFAS 109 regulatory asset - net

132,686

156,111

  Other regulatory assets

302,456

217,689

Long-term receivables

10,736

1,511

Other

25,994

22,737

TOTAL

471,872

398,048

TOTAL ASSETS

$4,878,994

$4,674,539

See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.

         
         
         

ENTERGY LOUISIANA, INC.

BALANCE SHEETS

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

December 31,

2004

2003

(In Thousands)

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Currently maturing long-term debt

$55,000

$14,809

Accounts payable:

  Associated companies

57,681

101,191

  Other

128,523

121,875

Customer deposits

66,963

61,215

Accumulated deferred income taxes

-

566

Taxes accrued

7,268

-

Interest accrued

18,438

20,229

Obligations under capital leases

22,753

35,506

Other

10,428

5,110

TOTAL

367,054

360,501

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued

1,805,410

1,728,156

Accumulated deferred investment tax credits

96,130

101,258

Obligations under capital leases

8,903

29,560

Other regulatory liabilities

51,260

39,026

Decommissioning liabilities

347,255

325,298

Accumulated provisions

92,653

86,534

Long-term debt

930,695

887,687

Other

106,815

47,981

TOTAL

3,439,121

3,245,500

Commitments and Contingencies
         

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Preferred stock without sinking fund

100,500

100,500

Common stock, no par value, authorized 250,000,000

 shares; issued 165,173,180 shares in 2004 and 2003

1,088,900

1,088,900

Capital stock expense and other

(1,718)

(1,718)

Retained earnings

5,137

856

Less - treasury stock, at cost (18,202,573 shares in 2004 and 2003)

120,000

120,000

TOTAL

1,072,819

1,068,538

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

$4,878,994

$4,674,539

See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.

 

ENTERGY LOUISIANA, INC.

STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS

For the Years Ended December 31,

2004

2003

2002

(In Thousands)

Retained Earnings, January 1

$856

$6,916

$140,321

  Add:

    Net income

127,495

146,154

144,709

  Deduct:

    Dividends declared:

    Preferred stock

6,714

6,714

6,714

    Common stock

116,500

145,500

271,400

      Total

123,214

152,214

278,114

Retained Earnings, December 31

$5,137

$856

$6,916

See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.

 

ENTERGY LOUISIANA, INC.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

(In Thousands)

Operating revenues

$2,226,986

$2,165,570

$1,815,352

$1,901,913

$2,062,437

Net Income

$127,495

$146,154

$144,709

$132,550

$162,679

Total assets

$4,878,994

$4,674,539

$4,753,704

$4,149,701

$4,289,409

Long-term obligations (1)

$939,598

$917,247

$919,319

$1,197,473

$1,411,345

(1) Included long-term debt (excluding currently maturing debt), preferred stock with sinking fund (for the year 2000 only), and noncurrent capital lease obligations.

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

(Dollars In Millions)

Electric Operating Revenues:

  Residential

$770

$739

$638

$658 

$717

  Commercial

501

473

403

429 

441

  Industrial

779

723

637

760 

767

  Governmental

38

41

36

39 

39

    Total retail

2,088

1,976

1,714

1,886 

1,964

  Sales for resale:

    Associated companies

96

102

8

25 

21

    Non-associated companies

13

12

11

23 

40

  Other

30

76

82

(32)

38

    Total

$2,227

$2,166

$1,815

$1,902 

$2,063

Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh):

  Residential

8,842

8,795

8,780

8,255 

8,648

  Commercial

5,762

5,622

5,538

5,369 

5,367

  Industrial

13,140

12,870

14,738

14,402 

15,184

  Governmental

439

491

510

498 

481

    Total retail

28,183

27,778

29,566

28,524 

29,680

  Sales for resale:

    Associated companies

1,129

1,344

146

381 

228

    Non-associated companies

122

132

139

334 

554

    Total

29,434

29,254

29,851

29,239 

30,462

 

ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.

MANAGEMENT'S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Results of Operations

Net Income

2004 Compared to 2003

Net income increased $6.4 million primarily due to higher net revenue, partially offset by higher other operation and maintenance expenses and higher taxes other than income taxes.

2003 Compared to 2002

Net income increased $14.7 million primarily due to higher net revenue, partially offset by higher other operation and maintenance expenses and depreciation and amortization expenses, and lower interest income.

Net Revenue

2004 Compared to 2003

Net revenue, which is Entergy Mississippi's measure of gross margin, consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related, and purchased power expenses and 2) other regulatory charges (credits). Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2004 to 2003.

   

(In Millions)

     

2003 net revenue

 

$426.6 

Volume/weather

 

6.4 

Net wholesale revenue

 

5.0 

Other

 

5.5 

2004 net revenue

 

$443.5 

The volume/weather variance resulted from an increase of 247 GWh in weather-adjusted usage, partially offset by the effect of milder weather on billed sales.

The net wholesale revenue variance resulted from an increase in energy available for resale sales, partially offset by a decrease in the average price of energy supplied for affiliated sales.

Gross operating revenues, fuel and purchased power expenses, and other regulatory charges (credits)

Gross operating revenues increased primarily due to an increase of $174.0 million in fuel cost recovery revenues due to higher fuel rates and an increase of $26.3 million in gross wholesale revenue. The increase was partially offset by a decrease of $37.6 million in Grand Gulf revenue as a result of the cessation of the Grand Gulf Accelerated Tariff in July 2003.

Fuel and purchased power expenses increased primarily due to the over-recovery of fuel and purchased power costs as a result of higher fuel rates. Entergy Mississippi's fuel rates include an energy cost recovery rider to recover projected energy costs. Actual fuel and purchased power costs were lower than those projected in the computation of the energy cost factors for the third quarter of 2004 which contributed to the over-recovery of fuel and purchased power costs. The MPSC has allowed Entergy Mississippi to refund these over-recoveries in the second and third quarters of 2005. The energy cost recovery rider is discussed in more detail in Note 2 to the domestic and System Energy financial statements.

Other regulatory charges (credits) have no material effect on net income due to recovery and/or refund of such expenses. Other regulatory credits increased primarily due to the under-recovery through the Grand Gulf rider of Grand Gulf capacity charges.

2003 Compared to 2002

Net revenue, which is Entergy Mississippi's measure of gross margin, consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related, and purchased power expenses and 2) other regulatory charges (credits). Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2003 to 2002.

   

(In Millions)

     

2002 net revenue

 

$380.2 

Base rates

 

48.3 

Other

 

(1.9)

2003 net revenue

 

$426.6 

The increase in base rates was effective January 2003 as approved by the MPSC.

Gross operating revenue, fuel and purchased power expenses, and other regulatory charges (credits)

Gross operating revenues increased primarily due to an increase in base rates effective January 2003 and an increase of $29.7 million in fuel cost recovery revenues due to quarterly changes in the fuel factor resulting from the increases in market prices of natural gas and purchased power. This increase was partially offset by a decrease of $35.9 million in gross wholesale revenue as a result of decreased generation and purchases that resulted in less energy available for resale sales.

Fuel and fuel-related expenses decreased primarily due to the decreased recovery of fuel and purchased power costs and decreased generation, partially offset by an increase in the market price of purchased power.

Other regulatory charges increased primarily due to over-recovery of capacity charges related to the Grand Gulf rate rider and the cessation of the Grand Gulf Accelerated Recovery Tariff that was suspended in July 2003.

Other Income Statement Variances

2004 Compared to 2003

Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to:

  • an increase of $6.6 million in customer service support costs; and
  • an increase of $3.7 million in benefit costs.

The increase was partially offset by the absence of the voluntary severance program accruals of $7.1 million that occurred in 2003.

Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to a higher assessment of ad valorem and franchise taxes compared to the same period in 2003.

2003 Compared to 2002

Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to:

  • voluntary severance program accruals of $7.1 million; and
  • an increase of $4.4 million in benefit costs.

The increases were partially offset by a decrease of $4.0 million in plant maintenance expense due to outage costs at a fossil plant in 2002.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased due to an increase in plant in service.

Interest and dividend income decreased as result of carrying charges associated with under-recovery of fuel and purchased power costs during 2002.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rates for 2004, 2003, and 2002 were 33.5%, 33.9%, and 25.4%, respectively. See Note 3 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for a reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35.0% to the effective income tax rate.  Tax reserves not expected to reverse within the next year are reflected as non-current taxes accrued on the balance sheet.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

Cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 were as follows:

2004

2003

2002

(In Thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

$63,838 

$147,721 

$54,048 

Cash flow provided by (used in):

Operating activities

258,179 

253,288 

156,868 

Investing activities

(151,505)

(264,495)

(135,122)

Financing activities

(90,116)

(72,676)

71,927 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

16,558 

(83,883)

93,673 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$80,396 

$63,838 

$147,721 

Operating Activities

Cash flow from operations increased by $4.9 million in 2004 primarily due to money pool activity and an increase in recovery of deferred fuel and purchased power costs, partially offset by an $12 million income tax payment in 2004 compared to a $78 million income tax refund in 2003 and an increase in the account receivable balance as a result of the timing of customer collections.

Cash flow from operations increased by $96.4 million in 2003 primarily due to a $78 million income tax refund and increased net income, partially offset by money pool activity.

Entergy Mississippi's receivables from or (payables to) the money pool were as follows as of December 31 for each of the following years:

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$21,584

 

$22,076

 

$8,702

 

$11,505

Money pool activity provided $0.5 million of Entergy Mississippi's operating cash flows in 2004, used $13.4 million of its operating cash flows in 2003, and provided $2.8 million of its operating cash flows in 2002. See Note 4 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for a description of the money pool.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities decreased $113.0 million in 2004 primarily due to:

  • cash used in 2003 for other regulatory investments of $72.6 million as a result of under-recovered fuel and purchased power costs;
  • a decrease of $25.6 million in capital expenditures in 2004 due to decreased spending on customer care projects and less transmission upgrade work requested by merchant generators; and
  • the maturity in 2004 of $7.5 million of other temporary investments that had been made in 2003, which provided cash in 2004.

Net cash used in investing activities increased $129.4 in 2003 primarily due to cash used for other regulatory investments of $72.6 million as a result of under-recovered fuel and purchased power costs and other temporary cash investments of $18.6 million that provided cash in 2002 upon maturity.

In May 2003, Entergy Mississippi filed and the MPSC approved a change in Entergy Mississippi's energy cost recovery rider. Under the MPSC's order, Entergy Mississippi deferred until 2004 the collection of fuel under-recoveries for the first and second quarters of 2003 that would have been collected in the third and fourth quarters of 2003, respectively. The deferred amount of $77.6 million plus carrying charges was collected over a twelve-month period that began in January 2004.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities increased $17.4 million in 2004 primarily due to an increase of $15.1 million in dividends paid.

Net cash used in financing activities increased $144.6 million in 2003 primarily due to a decrease in net issuances of long-term debt.

See Note 5 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for details on long-term debt.

Uses of Capital

Entergy Mississippi requires capital resources for:

  • construction and other capital investments;
  • debt and preferred stock maturities;
  • working capital purposes, including the financing of fuel and purchased power costs; and
  • dividend and interest payments.

Following are the amounts of Entergy Mississippi's planned construction and other capital investments, and existing debt obligations:

 

2005

 

2006-2007

 

2008-2009

 

After 2009

 

Total

 

(In Millions)

Planned construction and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

capital investment (1)

$147

 

$381

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

$528

Long-term debt

-

 

-

 

$100

 

$595

 

$695

Operating leases

$7

 

$10

 

$6

 

$11

 

$34

Purchase obligations (2)

$190

 

$361

 

$336

 

$2,059

 

$2,946

(1)

Includes approximately $120 to $140 million annually for maintenance capital, which is planned spending on routine capital projects that are necessary to support reliability of service, equipment or systems, and to support normal customer growth.

(2)

Purchase obligations represent the minimum purchase obligation or cancellation charge for contractual obligations to purchase goods or services. For Entergy Mississippi almost all of the total consists of unconditional fuel and purchased power obligations, including its obligations under the Unit Power Sales Agreement, which is discussed in Note 8 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

In addition to these contractual obligations, Entergy Mississippi expects to contribute $3.4 million to its pension plans and $4.2 million to other postretirement plans in 2005.

The planned capital investment estimate for Entergy Mississippi reflects capital required to support existing business, customer growth, and the anticipated acquisition of additional generation supply resources. The estimated capital expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints, environmental compliance, market volatility, economic trends, and the ability to access capital. Management provides more information on long-term debt and preferred stock maturities in Notes 5 and 6 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary, Entergy Mississippi dividends its earnings to Entergy Corporation at a percentage determined monthly. Entergy Mississippi's long-term debt indentures restrict the amount of retained earnings available for the payment of cash dividends or other distributions on its common and preferred stock. As of December 31, 2004, Entergy Mississippi had restricted retained earnings unavailable for distribution to Entergy Corporation of $68.5 million.

Sources of Capital

Entergy Mississippi's sources to meet its capital requirements include:

  • internally generated funds;
  • cash on hand;
  • debt or preferred stock issuances; and
  • bank financing under new or existing facilities.

The following table lists First Mortgage Bonds issued by Entergy Mississippi in 2004:

Issue Date

 

Description

 

Maturity

 

Amount

           

(In Thousands)

             

April 2004

 

6.25% Series

 

April 2034

 

$100,000

April 2004

 

4.65% Series

 

May 2011

 

80,000

           

$180,000

The following table lists First Mortgage Bonds retired by Entergy Mississippi in 2004:

Retirement Date

 

Description

 

Maturity

 

Amount

(In Thousands)

             

May 2004

 

6.20% Series

 

May 2004

 

$75,000

May 2004

 

6.45% Series

 

April 2008

 

80,000

May 2004

 

7.70% Series

 

July 2023

 

60,000

           

$215,000

In September 2004, Entergy Mississippi arranged the issuance of $16 million of Mississippi Business Finance Corporation 4.60% Series Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds (Entergy Mississippi, Inc. Project) Series 2004 due April 2022. The proceeds from this issuance were used to redeem prior to maturity, $7.9 million of 7.0% Series Washington County Bonds due April 2022 and $8.1 million of 7.0% Series Warren County, Mississippi Bonds due April 2022.

Entergy Mississippi may refinance or redeem debt and preferred stock prior to maturity, to the extent market conditions and interest and dividend rates are favorable.

All debt and common and preferred stock issuances by Entergy Mississippi require prior regulatory approval. Preferred stock and debt issuances are also subject to issuance tests set forth in corporate charters, bond indentures, and other agreements. Entergy Mississippi has sufficient capacity under these tests to meet its foreseeable capital needs.

Entergy Mississippi has a 364-day credit facility available expiring May 2005 in the amount of $25 million of which none was drawn at December 31, 2004. Borrowings and securities issuances by Entergy Mississippi are limited to amounts authorized by the SEC. The current short-term borrowing limitation, including borrowings under the money pool, is $160 million. Under its SEC Orders and without further SEC authorization, Entergy Mississippi cannot incur additional indebtedness or issue other securities unless (a) it and Entergy Corporation maintain a common equity ratio of at least 30% and (b) with the exception of money pool borrowings, the security to be issued (if rated) and all outstanding securities of Entergy Mississippi, as well as all outstanding securities of Entergy Corporation, that are rated, are rated investment grade. See Note 4 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for further discussion of Entergy Mississippi's short-term borrowing limits.

Significant Factors and Known Trends

Utility Restructuring

The MPSC has recommended not pursuing open access at this time. At FERC, the pace of restructuring at the wholesale level has begun but has been delayed. It is too early to predict the ultimate effects of changes in U.S. energy markets. Restructuring issues are complex and are continually affected by events at the national, regional, state, and local levels. However, these changes may result, in the long-term, in fundamental changes in the way traditional integrated utilities and holding company systems, like the Entergy system, conduct their business. Some of these changes may be positive for Entergy, while others may not be.

State and Local Rate Regulation

The rates that Entergy Mississippi charges for electricity significantly influence its financial position, results of operations, and liquidity. Entergy Mississippi is closely regulated and the rates charged to its customers are determined in regulatory proceedings. A governmental agency, the MPSC, is primarily responsible for approval of the rates charged to customers.

As discussed in Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements, Entergy Mississippi made its annual formula rate plan filing with the MPSC in March 2004 based on a 2003 test year. In April 2004, the MPSC approved a joint stipulation entered into between the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff and Entergy Mississippi that provides for no change in rates based on an adjusted return on common equity mid-point of 10.77%, establishing an allowed annual regulatory earnings range of 9.3% to 12.2%.

In December 2002, the MPSC issued a final order approving a joint stipulation entered into by Entergy Mississippi and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff in October 2002. The final order resulted in a $48.2 million rate increase effective January 2003.

Entergy Mississippi's fuel costs recovered from customers are subject to regulatory scrutiny. Entergy Mississippi's retail rate matters and proceedings, including fuel cost recovery-related issues are discussed more thoroughly in Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

System Agreement Proceedings

The domestic utility companies historically have engaged in the coordinated planning, construction, and operation of generating and transmission facilities under the terms of an agreement called the System Agreement that has been approved by the FERC. Litigation involving the System Agreement is being pursued by the LPSC at both the FERC and before itself. These proceedings include challenges to the allocation of costs as defined by the System Agreement, raise questions of imprudence by the domestic utility companies in their execution of the System Agreement, and seek support for local regulatory authority over System Agreement issues. Regarding the proceeding at the LPSC, Entergy believes that state and local regulators are preempted by federal law from reviewing and deciding System Agreement issues for themselves. An unrelated case between the LPSC and Entergy Louisiana raised the question of whether a state regulator is preempted by federal law from reviewing and interpreting FERC rate schedules that are part of the System Agreement, and from subsequently enforcing that interpretation. The LPSC interpreted a System Agreement rate schedule in the unrelated case, and then sought to enforce its interpretation. The Louisiana Supreme Court affirmed the LPSC's decision. In 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Entergy Louisiana's favor and reversed the decisions of the LPSC and the Louisiana Supreme Court.

In February 2004, a FERC ALJ issued an Initial Decision in the LPSC-initiated proceeding at the FERC. The Initial Decision decided some issues in favor of the relief sought by the LPSC, and decided some issues against the relief sought by the LPSC. Several parties, including Entergy, the LPSC, the APSC, the MPSC, the City Council, and the FERC Staff, filed briefs on exceptions in response to the ALJ's Initial Decision. Entergy's exceptions to the ALJ's Initial Decision include: the practical effect of the Initial Decision is full production cost equalization, which was rejected in the Initial Decision and previously has been rejected by the FERC; resource planning for the Entergy System would be impeded if the Initial Decision were adopted; the remedy in the Initial Decision is inconsistent with the history, structure, and precedent regarding the System Agreement; the Initial Decision's remedy ignores the historical pattern of production cost disparities on the Entergy System and would result in substantial, sudden transfers of costs between groups of Entergy customers; the numerical standards proposed in the Initial Decision are arbitrary and are so complex that they will be difficult to implement; the Initial Decision improperly rejected Entergy's resource planning remedy; the Initial Decision erroneously determined that the full costs of the Vidalia project should be included in Entergy Louisiana's production costs for purposes of calculating relative production costs; and the Initial Decision erroneously adopted a new method of calculating reserve sharing costs rather than the current method.

If the FERC grants the relief requested by the LPSC in the proceeding, the relief may result in a material increase in the total production costs the FERC allocates to companies whose costs currently are projected to be less than the Entergy System average, and a material decrease in the total production costs the FERC allocates to companies whose costs currently are projected to exceed that average.   If the FERC adopts the ALJ's Initial Decision, the amount of production costs that would be reallocated among the domestic utility companies would be determined through consideration of each domestic utility company's relative total production cost expressed as a percentage of Entergy System average total production cost. The ALJ's Initial Decision would reallocate production costs of the domestic utility companies whose percent of Entergy System average production cost are outside an upper or lower bandwidth. This would be accomplished by payments from domestic utility companies whose production costs are below Entergy System average production cost to domestic utility companies whose production costs are above Entergy System average production cost.

An assessment of the potential effects of the ALJ's Initial Decision requires assumptions regarding the future total production cost of each domestic utility company, which assumptions include the mix of solid fuel and gas-fired generation available to each company and the costs of natural gas and purchased power.  Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States are more dependent upon gas-fired generation than Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, or Entergy New Orleans. Of these, Entergy Arkansas is the least dependent upon gas-fired generation.  Therefore, increases in natural gas prices likely will increase the amount by which Entergy Arkansas' total production costs are below the average production costs of the domestic utility companies.  Considerable uncertainty exists regarding future gas prices. Annual average Henry Hub gas prices have varied significantly over recent years, ranging from $1.72/mmBtu to $5.85/mmBtu for the 1995-2004 period, and averaging $3.43/mmBtu during the ten-year period 1995-2004 and $4.58/mmBtu during the five-year period 2000-2004.  Recent market conditions have resulted in gas prices that have averaged $5.85/mmBtu for the twelve months ended December 2004. Based upon analyses considering the effect on future production costs if the FERC adopts the ALJ's Initial Decision, the following potential annual production cost reallocations among the domestic utility companies could result assuming annual average gas prices range from $6.39/mmBtu in 2005 declining to $4.97/mmBtu by 2009:

 


Range of Annual Payments
or (Receipts)

 

Average Annual
Payments or (Receipts)
for 2005-2009 Period

 

(In Millions)

 

(In Millions)

       

Entergy Arkansas

$154 to $281 

 

$215                 

Entergy Gulf States

($130) to ($15)

 

($63)                

Entergy Louisiana

($199) to ($98)

 

($141)

Entergy Mississippi

($16) to $8 

 

$1                 

Entergy New Orleans

($17) to ($5)

 

($12)               

Management believes that any changes in the allocation of production costs resulting from a FERC decision and related retail proceedings should result in similar rate changes for retail customers. Although the outcome and timing of the FERC, APSC, and other proceedings cannot be predicted at this time, Entergy Mississippi does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these proceedings will have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operation.

In February 2004, the APSC issued an "Order of Investigation," in which it discusses the negative effect that implementation of the FERC ALJ's Initial Decision would have on Entergy Arkansas' customers. The APSC order establishes an investigation into whether Entergy Arkansas' continued participation in the System Agreement is in the best interest of its customers, and whether there are steps that Entergy Arkansas or the APSC can take "to protect [Entergy Arkansas' customers] from future attempts by Louisiana, or any other Entergy retail regulator, to shift its high costs to Arkansas." Entergy Arkansas filed testimony in response to the APSC's Order of Investigation. The testimony emphasizes that the ALJ's Initial Decision is not a final order by the FERC; briefly discusses some of the aspects of the Initial Decision that are included in Entergy's exceptions filed with the FERC; emphasizes that Entergy will seek to reverse the production cost-related portions of the Initial Decision; and states that Entergy Arkansas believes that it is premature, before the FERC makes a decision, for Entergy Arkansas to determine whether its continued participation in the System Agreement is appropriate.

In April 2004, the APSC commenced the investigation into Entergy Louisiana's Vidalia purchased power contract and requested historical documents, records, and information from Entergy Arkansas, which Entergy Arkansas has provided to the APSC. Also in April 2004, the APSC issued an order directing Entergy Arkansas to show cause why Entergy Arkansas should not have to indemnify and hold its customers harmless from any adverse financial effects related to Entergy Louisiana's pending acquisition of the Perryville power plant, or show that the Perryville unit will produce economic benefits for Entergy Arkansas' customers. Entergy Arkansas filed a response in May 2004 stating that Entergy will seek to reverse the production cost-related portions of the ALJ's Initial Decision in the System Agreement proceeding at the FERC, that the Perryville acquisition is part of Entergy's request for proposal generation planning process, that Entergy Arkansas is not in a position to indemnify its retail customers from actions taken by the FERC, and that the Perryville acquisition is expected to reduce the domestic utility companies' overall production costs. Procedural schedules have not been established in these APSC investigations.

In April 2004, the City Council issued a resolution directing Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana to notify the City Council and obtain prior approval for any action that would materially modify, amend, or terminate the System Agreement for one or more of the domestic utility companies. Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana appealed to state court the City Council's resolution on the basis that the imposition of this requirement with respect to the System Agreement, a FERC-approved tariff, exceeds the City Council's jurisdiction and authority. In July 2004, the City Council answered the appeal and filed a third party demand and counterclaim against Entergy, the domestic utility companies, Entergy Services, and System Energy, seeking a declaratory judgment that Entergy and its subsidiaries cannot terminate the System Agreement until obligations owed under a March 2003 rate case settlement are satisfied. In August 2004, Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana, as well as the named third party defendants, filed pleadings objecting to the City Council's third party demand and counterclaim on various grounds, including federal preemption. In February 2005, the state court issued an oral decision dismissing the City Council's claims for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and prematurity.

Transmission

In 2000, FERC issued an order encouraging utilities to voluntarily place their transmission facilities under the control of independent RTOs (regional transmission organizations) by December 15, 2001. Delays in implementing the FERC order have occurred due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that utility companies, other stakeholders, and federal and state regulators continue to work to resolve various issues related to the establishment of such RTOs.

In April 2004, Entergy filed a proposal with the FERC to commit voluntarily to retain an independent entity (Independent Coordinator of Transmission or ICT) to oversee the granting of transmission or interconnection service on Entergy's transmission system, to implement a transmission pricing structure that ensures that Entergy's retail native load customers are required to pay for only those upgrades necessary to reliably serve their needs, and to have the ICT serve as the security coordinator for the Entergy region. Assuming applicable regulatory support and approvals can be obtained, Entergy proposed to contract with the ICT to oversee the granting of transmission service on the Entergy system as well as the implementation of the proposed weekly procurement process (WPP). The proposal was structured to not transfer control of Entergy's transmission system to the ICT, but rather to vest with the ICT broad oversight authority over transmission planning and operations.

Entergy also proposed to have the ICT administer a transmission expansion pricing protocol that will increase the efficiency of transmission pricing on the Entergy system and that will be designed to protect Entergy's native load customers from bearing the cost of transmission upgrades not required to reliably serve these customers' needs. Entergy intends for the ICT to determine whether transmission upgrades associated with new requests for service should be funded directly by the party requesting such service or by a broader group of transmission customers, including Entergy's native load customers. This determination would be made in accordance with protocols approved by the FERC, and any party contesting such determination, including Entergy, would be required to seek review at the FERC. Several technical conferences regarding the ICT proposal, or various components thereof, were held in 2004. Entergy has also responded to discovery requests that resulted from these conferences.

In January 2005, Entergy filed a petition for declaratory order with the FERC requesting that the FERC provide guidance on two important issues: (1) whether the functions performed by the ICT will cause it to become a "public utility" under the Federal Power Act or the "transmission provider" under Entergy's open access transmission tariff; and (2) whether Entergy's transmission pricing proposal, as administered by the ICT, satisfies the FERC's transmission pricing policy. The petition also indicates that, subject to the outcome of the petition and obtaining support of Entergy's retail regulators, Entergy would be willing to have the ICT perform the following additional functions: (a) grant or deny requests for transmission service; (b) calculate available flowgate capacity; (c) administer Entergy's OASIS; and (d) perform an enhanced planning function (integrating the plans of Entergy and other potential transmission owners to identify regional synergies.) Comments and interventions on the petition were filed by market participants and retail regulators on February 4, 2005. In their individual comments, the APSC, LPSC, and City Council supported Entergy's position that the ICT would not become a "public utility" or "transmission provider" and that the transmission pricing proposal satisfies the FERC's transmission pricing policy. Certain other parties urged the FERC to reject the petition for declaratory order or, in the alternative, that the FERC assert jurisdiction over the ICT and determine that Entergy's proposed pricing policy is inconsistent with FERC's current pricing policy. FERC action on the petition is expected during the first half of 2005.

In March 2004, the APSC initiated a proceeding to review Entergy's proposal and compare the benefits of such a proposal to the alternative of Entergy joining the Southwest Power Pool RTO. The APSC sought comments from all interested parties on this issue. Various parties, including the APSC General Staff, filed comments opposing the ICT proposal. A public hearing has not been scheduled by the APSC at this time, although Entergy Arkansas has responded to various APSC data requests. In May 2004, Entergy Mississippi filed a petition for review with the MPSC requesting MPSC support for the ICT proposal. A hearing in that proceeding was held in August 2004. Additionally, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States have filed an application with the LPSC requesting that the LPSC find that the ICT proposal is a prudent and appropriate course of action. A hearing on the transmission pricing aspects of the ICT proposal is scheduled for May 2005, with a separate hearing on the WPP portion of the proposal currently scheduled for August 2005.

Interconnection Orders

The domestic utility companies (except Entergy New Orleans) are currently defendants to several complaints and rehearing requests before the FERC in which independent generation entities (GenCos) are seeking a refund of monies that the GenCos had previously paid to the Entergy companies for facilities necessary to connect their generation facilities to Entergy's transmission system. The FERC has issued initial orders in response to two of the complaints and in certain other dockets ordering Entergy to refund approximately $100 million in expenses and tax obligations previously paid by the GenCos, including $27 million for Entergy Mississippi. The refunds will be in the form of transmission credits that will be utilized over time as the GenCos take transmission service from Entergy. To the extent the Entergy companies are ordered to provide such refunds, these costs will qualify for inclusion in the Entergy companies' rates. The recovery of these costs is not automatic, however, especially at the retail level, where the majority of the cost recovery would occur. Entergy intends to pursue all regulatory and legal avenues available to it in order to have these orders reversed and have the affected interconnection agreements reinstated as agreed to originally by the generators.

Available Flowgate Capacity Proceeding

On December 17, 2004, the FERC issued an order initiating a hearing and investigation concerning the justness and reasonableness of the Available Flowgate Capacity (AFC) methodology, the methodology used to evaluate short-term transmission service requests under the domestic utility companies' open access transmission tariff, and establishing a refund effective date. In its order, the FERC indicated that although it "appreciates that Entergy is attempting to explore ways to improve transmission access on its system," it believed that an investigation was warranted to gather more evidence in light of the concerns raised by certain transmission customers and certain issues raised in a FERC audit report finding errors and problems with the predecessor methodology used by Entergy for evaluating short-term transmission requests, the Generator Operating Limits methodology. The FERC order indicates that the investigation will include an examination of (i) Entergy's implementation of the AFC program, (ii) whether Entergy's implementation has complied with prior FERC orders and open access transmission tariff provisions addressing the AFC program, and (iii) whether Entergy's provision of access to short-term transmission on its transmission system was just, reasonable, and not unduly discriminatory.

Entergy has submitted an Emergency Interim Request for Rehearing requesting the FERC to defer the hearing process and instead proceed initially with an independent audit of the AFC program and the expansion of the current process involving other market participants to address a broader range of issues. Entergy believes that this type of approach is a more efficient and effective mechanism for evaluating the AFC program. Following the completion of the independent audit and process involving other market participants, the FERC could determine whether other procedural steps are necessary. The FERC has not yet ruled on the Emergency Interim Request for Rehearing submitted by Entergy.

Entergy believes that it has complied with the provisions of its open access transmission tariff, including the provisions addressing the implementation of the AFC methodology; however, the ultimate scope of this proceeding cannot be predicted at this time. A hearing in the AFC proceeding is currently scheduled to commence in August 2005.

Market and Credit Risks

Entergy Mississippi has certain market and credit risks inherent in its business operations. Market risks represent the risk of changes in the value of commodity and financial instruments, or in future operating results or cash flows, in response to changing market conditions. Credit risk is risk of loss from nonperformance by suppliers, customers, or financial counterparties to a contract or agreement.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of Entergy Mississippi's financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to apply appropriate accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that can have a significant effect on reported financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Management has identified the following accounting policies and estimates as critical because they are based on assumptions and measurements that involve a high degree of uncertainty, and there is the potential for future changes in the assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that would have a material impact on the presentation of Entergy Mississippi's financial position or results of operations.

Unbilled Revenue

As discussed in Note 1 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements, Entergy Mississippi records an estimate of the revenues earned for energy delivered since the latest customer billing. Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and a receivable, and the prior month's estimate is reversed. The difference between the estimate of the unbilled receivable at the beginning of the period and the end of the period is the amount of unbilled revenue recognized during the period. The estimate recorded is primarily based upon an estimate of customer usage during the unbilled period and the billed price to customers in that month. Therefore, revenue recognized may be affected by the estimated price and usage at the beginning and end of each period, in addition to changes in certain components of the calculation including changes to estimates such as line loss, which affects the estimate of unbilled customer usage, and assumptions regarding price such as the fuel cost recovery mechanism.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy sponsors defined benefit pension plans which cover substantially all employees. Additionally, Entergy provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for substantially all employees who reach retirement age while still working for Entergy. Entergy's reported costs of providing these benefits, as described in Note 10 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements, are impacted by numerous factors including the provisions of the plans, changing employee demographics, and various actuarial calculations, assumptions, and accounting mechanisms. Because of the complexity of these calculations, the long-term nature of these obligations, and the importance of the assumptions utilized, Entergy's estimate of these costs is a critical accounting estimate.

Assumptions

Key actuarial assumptions utilized in determining these costs include:

  • Discount rates used in determining the future benefit obligations;
  • Projected health care cost trend rates;
  • Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets; and
  • Rate of increase in future compensation levels.

Entergy reviews these assumptions on an annual basis and adjusts them as necessary. The falling interest rate environment and worse-than-expected performance of the financial equity markets over the past several years have impacted Entergy's funding and reported costs for these benefits. In addition, these trends have caused Entergy to make a number of adjustments to its assumptions.

In selecting an assumed discount rate to calculate benefit obligations, Entergy reviews market yields on high-quality corporate debt and matches these rates with Entergy's projected stream of benefit payments. Based on recent market trends, Entergy reduced its discount rate used to calculate benefit obligations from 6.75% in 2002 to 6.25% in 2003 and to 6% in 2004. Entergy reviews actual recent cost trends and projected future trends in establishing health care cost trend rates. Based on this review, Entergy increased its health care cost trend rate assumption used in calculating the December 31, 2004 accumulated postretirement benefit obligation to a 10% increase in health care costs in 2005 gradually decreasing each successive year, until it reaches a 4.5% annual increase in health care costs in 2011 and beyond.

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, Entergy reviews past long-term performance, asset allocations, and long-term inflation assumptions. Entergy targets an asset allocation for its pension plan assets of roughly 65% equity securities, 31% fixed income securities, and 4% other investments. The target allocation for Entergy's other postretirement benefit assets is 51% equity securities and 49% fixed income securities. Based on recent market trends, Entergy reduced its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used to calculate benefit obligations from 8.75% for 2002 and 2003 to 8.5% in 2004. The assumed rate of increase in future compensation levels used to calculate benefit obligations was 3.25% in 2002, 2003, and 2004.

Cost Sensitivity

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of pension cost to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands):


Actuarial Assumption

 

Change in
Assumption

 

Impact on 2004
Pension Cost

 

Impact on Projected
Benefit Obligation

 

 

                                    Increase/(Decrease)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

(0.25%)

 

$598

 

$6,213

Rate of return on plan assets

 

(0.25%)

 

$420

 

                      -

Rate of increase in compensation

 

0.25%

 

$271

 

$1,463

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of postretirement benefit cost to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands):



Actuarial Assumption

 


Change in
Assumption

 


Impact on 2004
Postretirement Benefit Cost

 

Impact on Accumulated
Postretirement Benefit
Obligation

 

 

                                        Increase/(Decrease)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health care cost trend

 

0.25%

 

$174

 

$1,161

Discount rate

 

(0.25%)

 

$110

 

$1,519

Each fluctuation above assumes that the other components of the calculation are held constant.

Accounting Mechanisms

In accordance with SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," Entergy utilizes a number of accounting mechanisms that reduce the volatility of reported pension costs. Differences between actuarial assumptions and actual plan results are deferred and are amortized into cost only when the accumulated differences exceed 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets. If necessary, the excess is amortized over the average remaining service period of active employees.

Additionally, Entergy accounts for the impact of asset performance on pension expense over a twenty-quarter phase-in period through a "market-related" value of assets calculation. Since the market-related value of assets recognizes investment gains or losses over a twenty-quarter period, the future value of assets will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recognized. As a result, the losses that the pension plan assets experienced in 2002 may have an adverse impact on pension cost in future years depending on whether the actuarial losses at each measurement date exceed the 10% corridor in accordance with SFAS 87.

Costs and Funding

Total pension cost for Entergy Mississippi in 2004 was $2.1 million. Entergy anticipates 2005 pension cost to increase to $4.4 million due to decrease in the discount rate (from 6.25% to 6.00%) and the expected rate of return (from 8.75% to 8.5%) used to calculate benefit obligations. Entergy Mississippi contributed $1.8 million to its pension plan in 2004, and anticipates making $3.4 million in contributions in 2005. The rise in pension funding requirements is due to declining interest rates and the phased-in effect of asset underperformance from 2000 to 2002, partially offset by the Pension Funding Equity Act relief passed in April 2004.

Entergy Mississippi's accumulated benefit obligation at December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 exceeded plan assets. As a result, Entergy Mississippi was required to recognize an additional minimum liability as prescribed by SFAS 87. At December 31, 2004, Entergy Mississippi increased its additional minimum liability to $23.5 million from $7.3 million at December 31, 2003. Entergy Mississippi increased its intangible asset for the unrecognized prior service cost to $3.3 million at December 31, 2004 from $0.9 million at December 31, 2003. Entergy Mississippi also increased the regulatory asset to $20.2 million at December 31, 2004 from $6.4 million at December 31, 2003. Net income for 2004, 2003, and 2002 was not impacted.

Total postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs for Entergy Mississippi in 2004 were $3.8 million, including $1.7 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies. Entergy Mississippi expects 2005 postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs to approximate $4.2 million, including $1.9 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies. The increase in postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs is due to the decrease in the discount rate (from 6.25% to 6.00%) and an increase in the health care cost trend rate used to calculate benefit obligations.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Entergy Mississippi, Inc. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related statements of income, retained earnings, and cash flows (pages 240 through 244 and applicable items in pages 284 through 348) for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Entergy Mississippi, Inc. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 8, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on management's assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
March 8, 2005

ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.
INCOME STATEMENTS
 
    For the Years Ended December 31,
    2004   2003   2002
    (In Thousands)
             
OPERATING REVENUES            
Domestic electric   $1,213,629    $1,035,360    $991,095 
             
OPERATING EXPENSES            
Operation and Maintenance:            
  Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and            
   gas purchased for resale   335,271    155,168    318,350 
  Purchased power   436,013    449,971    315,963 
  Other operation and maintenance   178,007    174,192    170,052 
Taxes other than income taxes   53,443    47,734    47,993 
Depreciation and amortization   65,452    62,984    55,409 
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net   (1,171)   3,664    (23,438)
TOTAL   1,067,015    893,713    884,329 
             
OPERATING INCOME   146,614    141,647    106,766 
             
OTHER INCOME            
Allowance for equity funds used during construction   4,402    4,576    3,844 
Interest and dividend income   2,550    1,030    4,213 
Miscellaneous - net   (1,508)   (2,242)   (2,572)
TOTAL   5,444    3,364    5,485 
             
INTEREST AND OTHER CHARGES      
Interest on long-term debt   41,681    43,879    42,580 
Other interest - net   2,956    3,585    2,884 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction   (3,116)   (3,942)   (3,467)
TOTAL   41,521    43,522    41,997 
             
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES   110,537    101,489    70,254 
             
Income taxes   37,040    34,431    17,846 
             
NET INCOME   73,497    67,058    52,408 
             
Preferred dividend requirements and other   3,369    3,369    3,369 
             
EARNINGS APPLICABLE TO            
COMMON STOCK   $70,128    $63,689    $49,039 
             
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
     
    For the Years Ended December 31,
    2004   2003   2002
    (In Thousands)
             
OPERATING ACTIVITIES            
Net income   $73,497    $67,058    $52,408 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by
operating activities:
           
  Other regulatory charges (credits) - net   (1,171)   3,664    (23,438)
  Depreciation and amortization   65,452    62,984    55,409 
  Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits   61,829    34,836    (7,940)
  Changes in working capital:            
    Receivables   (14,894)   (23,179)   (2,000)
    Fuel inventory   940    575    (828)
    Accounts payable   432    1,244    16,736 
    Taxes accrued   (27,759)   74,487    (2,670)
    Interest accrued   (1,285)   (5,922)   2,027 
    Deferred fuel costs   111,871    21,669    67,981 
    Other working capital accounts   2,684    11,255    (22,897)
  Provision for estimated losses and reserves   2,789    (1,137)   386 
  Changes in other regulatory assets   9,401    (9,061)   (6,028)
  Other   (25,607)   14,815    27,722 
Net cash flow provided by operating activities   258,179    253,288    156,868 
             
INVESTING ACTIVITIES            
Construction expenditures   (163,413)   (188,995)   (157,532)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction   4,402    4,576    3,844 
Changes in other temporary investments - net   7,506    (7,506)   18,566 
Other regulatory investments   -    (72,570)   - 
Net cash flow used in investing activities   (151,505)   (264,495)   (135,122)
             
FINANCING ACTIVITIES            
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt   178,510    292,393    167,596 
Retirement of long-term debt   (218,457)   (330,000)   (65,000)
Dividends paid:            
  Common stock   (46,800)   (31,700)   (27,300)
  Preferred stock   (3,369)   (3,369)   (3,369)
Net cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities   (90,116)   (72,676)   71,927 
             
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   16,558    (83,883)   93,673 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   63,838    147,721    54,048 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $80,396    $63,838    $147,721 
             
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:            
Cash paid/(received) during the period for:            
  Interest - net of amount capitalized   $43,824    $51,126    $40,572 
  Income taxes   $11,995    ($78,091)   $28,440 
             

 

ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
 
    December 31,
  2004   2003
  (In Thousands)
         
CURRENT ASSETS        
Cash and cash equivalents:        
  Cash   $4,716    $6,381 
  Temporary cash investment - at cost,        
   which approximates market   75,680    57,457 
     Total cash and cash equivalents   80,396    63,838 
Other temporary investments     7,506 
Accounts receivable:        
  Customer   68,821    59,729 
  Allowance for doubtful accounts   (1,126)   (1,375)
  Associated companies   22,616    25,935 
  Other   12,133    6,400 
  Accrued unbilled revenues   34,348    31,209 
     Total accounts receivable   136,792    121,898 
Deferred fuel costs     89,078 
Accumulated deferred income taxes   27,924   
Fuel inventory - at average cost   4,137    5,077 
Materials and supplies - at average cost   18,414    17,682 
Prepayments and other   15,413    9,583 
TOTAL   283,076    314,662 
         
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS        
Investment in affiliates - at equity   5,531    5,531 
Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation)   6,465    6,466 
TOTAL   11,996    11,997 
         
UTILITY PLANT         
Electric   2,385,465    2,243,852 
Property under capital lease   95    136 
Construction work in progress   89,921    108,829 
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT   2,475,481    2,352,817 
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization   870,188    837,492 
UTILITY PLANT - NET   1,605,293    1,515,325 
         
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS        
Regulatory assets:        
  SFAS 109 regulatory asset - net   17,628    28,964 
  Other regulatory assets   82,674    58,287 
Long-term receivable   4,510   
Other   31,009    23,117 
TOTAL   135,821    110,368 
         
TOTAL ASSETS   $2,036,186    $1,952,352 
         
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.        
 
 
 
ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
    December 31,
  2004   2003
  (In Thousands)
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES        
Currently maturing long-term debt   $ -    $75,000 
Accounts payable:        
  Associated companies   65,806    62,705 
  Other   25,543    28,212 
Customer deposits   37,333    33,861 
Taxes accrued   40,106    39,041 
Accumulated deferred income taxes     7,120 
Interest accrued   12,487    13,772 
Deferred fuel costs   22,793   
Obligations under capital leases   43    41 
Other   8,341    2,567 
TOTAL   212,452    262,319 
         
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES        
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued   438,321    385,395 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits   13,687    15,092 
Obligations under capital leases   52    95 
Accumulated provisions   12,718    9,929 
Long-term debt   695,073    654,956 
Other   76,071    60,082 
TOTAL   1,235,922    1,125,549 
         

Commitments and Contingencies

       
         
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY        
Preferred stock without sinking fund   50,381    50,381 
Common stock, no par value, authorized 15,000,000        
 shares; issued and outstanding 8,666,357 shares in 2004 and 2003   199,326    199,326 
Capital stock expense and other   (59)   (59)
Retained earnings   338,164    314,836 
TOTAL   587,812    564,484 
         
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   $2,036,186    $1,952,352 
         
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.        

 

ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.
STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS
 
    For the Years Ended December 31,
    2004   2003   2002
    (In Thousands)
             
Retained Earnings, January 1   $314,836   $282,847   $261,108
             
  Add:            
    Net income   73,497   67,058   52,408
             
  Deduct:            
    Dividends declared:            
      Preferred stock   3,369   3,369   3,369
      Common stock   46,800   31,700   27,300
        Total   50,169   35,069   30,669
             
Retained Earnings, December 31   $338,164   $314,836   $282,847
             
             
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.            

 

ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON
                     
    2004   2003   2002   2001   2000
    (In Thousands)
                     
Operating revenues   $1,213,629   $1,035,360   $991,095   $1,093,741   $937,371
Net Income   $73,497   $67,058   $52,408   $39,620   $38,973
Total assets   $2,036,186   $1,952,352   $1,832,372   $1,683,026   $1,683,939
Long-term obligations (1)   $695,125   $655,051   $510,240   $589,937   $584,678
                     
(1) Included long-term debt (excluding currently maturing debt) and noncurrent capital lease obligations.
                     
    2004   2003   2002   2001   2000
    (Dollars In Millions)
Electric Operating Revenues:                    
  Residential   $467   $410   $375   $391   $341
  Commercial   397   342   310   328   275
  Industrial   204   174   165   191   161
  Governmental   38   32   29   31   26
    Total retail   1,106   958   879   941   803
  Sales for resale:                    
    Associated companies   39   21   63   111   83
    Non-associated companies   30   21   15   21   27
  Other   39   35   34   22   25
    Total   $1,214   $1,035   $991   $1,095   $938
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh):                    
  Residential   5,085   5,092   5,092   4,867   4,976
  Commercial   4,518   4,476   4,445   4,322   4,307
  Industrial   2,977   2,939   2,910   3,051   3,188
  Governmental   398   384   382   381   376
    Total retail   12,978   12,891   12,829   12,621   12,847
  Sales for resale:                    
    Associated companies   305   112   1,123   1,728   1,276
    Non-associated companies   393   331   197   289   313
    Total   13,676   13,334   14,149   14,638   14,436
                     
                     

ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.

MANAGEMENT'S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Results of Operations

Net Income (Loss)

2004 Compared to 2003

Net income increased $20.2 million primarily due to higher net revenue.

2003 Compared to 2002

Entergy New Orleans had net income of $7.9 million in 2003 compared to a net loss in 2002. The increase was due to higher net revenue and lower interest expense, partially offset by higher other operation and maintenance expenses and depreciation and amortization expenses.

Net Revenue

2004 Compared to 2003

Net revenue, which is Entergy New Orleans' measure of gross margin, consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related, and purchased power expenses and 2) other regulatory credits. Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2004 to 2003.

   

(In Millions)

     

2003 net revenue

 

$208.3 

Base rates

 

10.6 

Volume/weather

 

8.3 

2004 deferrals

 

7.5 

Price applied to unbilled electric sales

 

3.7 

Other

 

0.6 

2004 net revenue

 

$239.0 

The increase in base rates was effective June 2003. The rate increase is discussed in Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

The volume/weather variance is primarily due to increased billed electric usage of 162 GWh in the industrial service sector. The increase was partially offset by milder weather in the residential and commercial sectors.

The 2004 deferrals variance is due to the deferral of voluntary severance plan and fossil plant maintenance expenses in accordance with a stipulation approved by the City Council in August 2004. The stipulation allows for the recovery of these costs through amortization of a regulatory asset. The voluntary severance plan and fossil plant maintenance expenses are being amortized over a five-year period that became effective January 2004 and January 2003, respectively. The formula rate plan is discussed in Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

The price applied to unbilled electric sales variance is due to an increase in the fuel price applied to unbilled sales.

Gross operating revenues, fuel and purchased power expenses, and other regulatory credits

Gross operating revenues increased primarily due to an increase in gross wholesale revenue as a result of an increase of $32.4 million in sales to affiliates and an increase of $28.7 million in fuel revenues due to higher fuel rates, in addition to the net revenue items mentioned above.

Fuel and purchased power expenses increased primarily due to an increase in electricity generated and power purchased coupled with an increase in the market prices of natural gas and purchased power.

Other regulatory credits increased primarily due to a stipulation approved by the City Council in August 2004, as discussed above.

2003 Compared to 2002

Net revenue, which is Entergy New Orleans' measure of gross margin, consists of operating revenues net of: 1) fuel, fuel-related, and purchased power expenses and 2) other regulatory credits. Following is an analysis of the change in net revenue comparing 2003 to 2002.

   

(In Millions)

     

2002 net revenue

 

$183.7 

Base rates

 

15.9 

Rate refund provisions

 

9.1 

Other

 

(0.4)

2003 net revenue

 

$208.3 

The increase in base rates was effective June 2003. The rate increase is discussed in Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

Rate refund provisions increased net revenue due to larger accruals for potential rate actions and refunds in 2002.

Gross operating revenues and fuel and purchased power expenses

Gross operating revenues increased primarily due to an increase of $78.4 million in sales to affiliates. The increase was also attributable to a base rate increase and an increase in the market price of natural gas.

Fuel and purchased power expenses increased primarily due to an increase in the market price of natural gas.

Other Income Statement Variances

2004 Compared to 2003

Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased slightly primarily due to the $4.7 million voluntary severance program accruals in 2003. The decrease was offset by increases in customer service support costs and maintenance and outage costs at fossil plants.

The increase in miscellaneous income is primarily due to an asbestos insurance settlement in April 2004.

Interest on long-term debt decreased primarily due to long-term debt refinancing in the third quarter of 2003.

2003 Compared to 2002

Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to the following:

  • voluntary severance program accruals of $4.7 million;
  • an increase of $2.7 million in benefit costs;
  • an increase of $2.2 million in billing, customer inquiry, and collection costs; and
  • an increase of $2.0 million in fossil plant maintenance outage costs.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased due to an increase in plant in service.

Miscellaneous income decreased primarily due to a gain on the sale of property at a non-operating plant site in 2002.

Other interest decreased primarily due to interest accrued in 2002 for potential rate actions and refunds and a true-up of those accruals in May 2003.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rates for 2004, 2003, and 2002 were 37.5%, 42.8%, and 64.7%, respectively. See Note 3 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for a reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35% to the effective income tax rate.  Tax reserves not expected to reverse within the next year are reflected as non-current taxes accrued on the balance sheet.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

Cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 were as follows:

2004

2003

2002

(In Thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

$4,669 

$66,247 

$38,184 

Cash flow provided by (used in):

Operating activities

63,577 

7,194 

72,143 

Investing activities

(49,280)

(64,806)

(41,647)

Financing activities

(11,012)

(3,966)

(2,433)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

3,285 

(61,578)

28,063 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$7,954 

$4,669 

$66,247 

Operating Activities

Cash flow from operations increased $56.4 million in 2004 primarily due to increased net income and the timing of collections of receivables.

Cash flow from operations decreased $64.9 million in 2003 primarily due to decreased fuel cost recoveries and the timing of collection of receivables due to an increase in retail customer receivable days outstanding.

Entergy New Orleans' receivables from the money pool were as follows as of December 31 for each of the following years:

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$1,413

 

$1,783

 

$3,500

 

$9,208

Money pool activity provided $0.4 million of Entergy New Orleans' operating cash flow in 2004, provided $1.7 million in 2003, and provided $5.7 million in 2002. See Note 4 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for a description of the money pool.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities decreased $15.5 million in 2004 primarily due to capital expenditures related to a turbine inspection project at a fossil plant in 2003 and decreased customer service spending.

Net cash used in investing activities increased $23.2 million in 2003 compared to 2002 primarily due to the maturity of $14.9 million of other temporary investments in 2002 and increased construction expenditures due to increased customer service spending.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities increased $7.0 million in 2004 primarily due to the costs and expenses related to refinancing $75 million of long-term debt in 2004 and an increase of $2.2 million in common stock dividends paid.

Net cash used in financing activities increased $1.5 million in 2003 primarily due to additional common stock dividends paid of $2.2 million.

In July 2003, Entergy New Orleans issued $30 million of 3.875% Series First Mortgage Bonds due August 2008 and $70 million of 5.25% Series First Mortgage Bonds due August 2013. The proceeds from these issuances were used to redeem, prior to maturity, $30 million of 7% Series First Mortgage Bonds due July 2008, $40 million of 8% Series bonds due March 2006, and $30 million of 6.65% Series First Mortgage Bonds due March 2004. The issuances and redemptions are not shown on the cash flow statement because the proceeds from the issuances were placed in a trust for use in the redemptions and never held as cash by Entergy New Orleans.

See Note 5 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for details on long-term debt.

Uses of Capital

Entergy New Orleans requires capital resources for:

  • construction and other capital investments;
  • debt and preferred stock maturities;
  • working capital purposes, including the financing of fuel and purchased power costs; and
  • dividend and interest payments.

Following are the amounts of Entergy New Orleans' planned construction and other capital investments and existing debt obligations:

 

2005

 

2006-2007

 

2008-2009

 

After 2009

 

Total

 

(In Millions)

Planned construction and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

capital investment (1)

$47

 

$96

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

$143

Long-term debt

$30

 

$-

 

$30

 

$170

 

$230

Purchase obligations (2)

$182

 

$346

 

$200

 

$1,215

 

$1,943

(1)

Consists almost entirely of maintenance capital, which is planned spending on routine capital projects that are necessary to support reliability of service, equipment or systems and to support normal customer growth.

(2)

Purchase obligations represent the minimum purchase obligation or cancellation charge for contractual obligations to purchase goods or services. For Entergy New Orleans almost all of the total consists of unconditional fuel and purchased power obligations, including its obligations under the Unit Power Sales Agreement, which is discussed in Note 8 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

In addition to these contractual obligations, Entergy New Orleans expects to contribute $15.7 million to its pension plans and $4.4 million to other postretirement plans in 2005.

The planned capital investment estimate for Entergy New Orleans reflects capital required to support existing business. The estimated capital expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints, environmental compliance, market volatility, economic trends, and the ability to access capital. Management provides more information on long-term debt and preferred stock maturities in Notes 5 and 6 and to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary, Entergy New Orleans dividends its earnings to Entergy Corporation at a percentage determined monthly. In addition, all of Entergy New Orleans' retained earnings are currently available for distribution.

Sources of Capital

Entergy New Orleans' sources to meet its capital requirements include:

  • internally generated funds;
  • cash on hand;
  • debt or preferred stock issuances; and
  • bank financing under new or existing facilities.

Entergy New Orleans issued $75 million of First Mortgage Bonds in 2004 as follows:

Issue Date

 

Description

 

Maturity

 

Amount

           

(In Thousands)

             

August 2004

 

5.60% Series

September 2024

 

$35,000 

August 2004

 

5.65% Series

 

September 2029

 

40,000 

           

$75,000 

Proceeds from the issuances in August 2004 were used to retire or redeem the following First Mortgage Bonds:

Retirement Date

 


Description

 


Maturity

 


Amount

(In Thousands)

             

September 2004

 

7.55% Series

 

September 2023

 

$30,000

September 2004

 

8.00% Series

 

March 2023

 

45,000

           

$75,000

In July 2004, Entergy New Orleans entered into a credit facility and Entergy Louisiana renewed its credit facility with the same lender. Both facilities will expire in April 2005. Entergy New Orleans can borrow up to $14 million and Entergy Louisiana can borrow up to $15 million under their respective credit facilities, but at no time can the total amount borrowed by the two companies combined exceed $15 million. As of December 31, 2004, no borrowings were outstanding under the facilities.

Entergy New Orleans may refinance or redeem debt and preferred stock prior to maturity, to the extent market conditions and interest and dividend rates are favorable.

All debt and common and preferred stock issuances by Entergy New Orleans require prior regulatory approval. Preferred stock and debt issuances are also subject to issuance tests set forth in corporate charters, bond indentures, and other agreements. Entergy New Orleans has sufficient capacity under these tests to meet its foreseeable capital needs.

Short-term borrowings by Entergy New Orleans, including borrowings under the money pool, are limited to an amount authorized by the SEC, $100 million. Under restrictions contained in its articles of incorporation, Entergy New Orleans could incur approximately $40 million of new unsecured debt as of December 31, 2004. Under its SEC Order and without further SEC authorization, Entergy New Orleans cannot incur additional short-term indebtedness unless (a) it and Entergy Corporation maintain a common equity ratio of at least 30% and (b) with the exception of money pool borrowings, the security to be issued (if rated) and all outstanding securities of Entergy New Orleans (other than preferred stock), as well as all outstanding securities of Entergy Corporation, that are rated, are rated investment grade. See Note 4 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for further discussion of Entergy New Orleans' short-term borrowing limits.

Significant Factors and Known Trends

State and Local Rate Regulatory Risks

The rates that Entergy New Orleans charges for electricity and natural gas significantly influence its financial position, results of operations, and liquidity. Entergy New Orleans is closely regulated and the rates charged to its customers are determined in regulatory proceedings. A governmental agency, the City Council, is primarily responsible for approval of the rates charged to customers.

In May 2003, the City Council approved a resolution allowing for a total increase of $30.2 million in electric and gas base rates effective June 1, 2003.  In April 2004, Entergy New Orleans made filings with the City Council as required by the earnings review process prescribed by the Gas and Electric Formula Rate Plans approved by the City Council in 2003. The filings sought an increase in Entergy New Orleans' electric revenues of $1.2 million and an increase in Entergy New Orleans' gas revenues of $32,000. The Council Advisors and intervenors reviewed the filings, and filed their recommendations in July 2004. In August 2004, in accordance with the City Council's requirements for the formula rate plans, Entergy New Orleans made a filing with the City Council reflecting the parties' concurrence that no change in Entergy New Orleans' electric or gas rates is warranted. Later in August 2004, the City Council approved an unopposed settlement among Entergy New Orleans, the Council Advisors, and the intervenors in connection with the Gas and Electric Formula Rate Plans. In accordance with the resolution approving the settlement agreement, Entergy New Orleans' gas and electric base rates remain unchanged from levels set in May 2003. The resolution ordered Entergy New Orleans to defer $3.9 million relating to voluntary severance plan costs allocated to its electric operations and $1.0 million allocated to its gas operations, which amounts were accrued on its books in 2003, and to record on its books regulatory assets in those amounts to be amortized over five years effective January 2004. Entergy New Orleans also was ordered to defer $6.0 million of fossil plant maintenance expense incurred in 2003 and to record on its books a regulatory asset in that amount to be amortized over a five-year period effective January 2003.

Entergy New Orleans will file its formula rate plan for the year ended December 31, 2004 by May 1, 2005 and also intends to file for an extension of the formula rate plan by September 1, 2005. If the formula rate plan is not extended by the City Council, the rate adjustments in effect based on the December 31, 2004 test year shall continue.

In May 2003, the City Council approved implementation of a generation performance-based rate calculation in the electric fuel adjustment clause under which Entergy New Orleans receives 10% of calculated fuel and purchased power cost savings in excess of $20 million, based on a defined benchmark, subject to a 13.25% return on equity limitation for electric operations as provided for in the electric formula rate plan. Entergy New Orleans bears 10% of any "negative" fuel and purchased power cost savings. In October 2004, Entergy New Orleans' annual evaluation report was submitted for the period June 2003 through May 2004. Additional savings associated with the first year generation performance-based rate calculation was $71 million of which Entergy New Orleans' share was $5.1 million.

In April 1999, a group of ratepayers filed a complaint against Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Corporation, Entergy Services, and Entergy Power in state court in Orleans Parish purportedly on behalf of all Entergy New Orleans ratepayers. The plaintiffs seek treble damages for alleged injuries arising from the defendants' alleged violations of Louisiana's antitrust laws in connection with certain costs passed on to ratepayers in Entergy New Orleans' fuel adjustment filings with the City Council. In particular, plaintiffs allege that Entergy New Orleans improperly included certain costs in the calculation of fuel charges and that Entergy New Orleans imprudently purchased high-cost fuel from other Entergy affiliates. Plaintiffs allege that Entergy New Orleans and the other defendant Entergy companies conspired to make these purchases to the detriment of Entergy New Orleans' ratepayers and to the benefit of Entergy's shareholders, in violation of Louisiana's antitrust laws. Plaintiffs also seek to recover interest and attorneys' fees. Entergy filed exceptions to the plaintiffs' allegations, asserting, among other things, that jurisdiction over these issues rests with the City Council and FERC. In March 2004, the plaintiffs supplemented and amended their petition. If necessary, at the appropriate time, Entergy will also raise its defenses to the antitrust claims. The suit in state court has been stayed by stipulation of the parties pending a decision by the City Council in the proceeding discussed in the next paragraph.

Plaintiffs also filed this complaint with the City Council in order to initiate a review by the City Council of the plaintiffs' allegations and to force restitution to ratepayers of all costs they allege were improperly and imprudently included in the fuel adjustment filings. Testimony was filed on behalf of the plaintiffs in this proceeding asserting, among other things, that Entergy New Orleans and other defendants have engaged in fuel procurement and power purchasing practices and included costs in Entergy New Orleans' fuel adjustment that could have resulted in New Orleans customers being overcharged by more than $100 million over a period of years. Hearings were held in February and March 2002. In February 2004, the City Council approved a resolution that resulted in a refund to customers of $11.3 million, including interest, during the months of June through September 2004. The resolution concludes, among other things, that the record does not support an allegation that Entergy New Orleans' actions or inactions, either alone or in concert with Entergy or any of its affiliates, constituted a misrepresentation or a suppression of the truth made in order to obtain an unjust advantage of Entergy New Orleans, or to cause loss, inconvenience, or harm to its ratepayers. The plaintiffs have appealed the City Council resolution to the state court in Orleans Parish. Oral argument on the plaintiffs' appeal was conducted in February 2005.

In addition to rate proceedings, Entergy New Orleans' fuel costs recovered from customers are subject to regulatory scrutiny.

Entergy New Orleans' retail and wholesale rate matters and proceedings, including fuel cost recovery- related issues, are discussed more thoroughly in Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

System Agreement Proceedings

The domestic utility companies historically have engaged in the coordinated planning, construction, and operation of generating and transmission facilities under the terms of an agreement called the System Agreement that has been approved by the FERC. Litigation involving the System Agreement is being pursued by the LPSC at both the FERC and before itself. These proceedings include challenges to the allocation of costs as defined by the System Agreement, raise questions of imprudence by the domestic utility companies in their execution of the System Agreement, and seek support for local regulatory authority over System Agreement issues. Regarding the proceeding at the LPSC, Entergy believes that state and local regulators are preempted by federal law from reviewing and deciding System Agreement issues for themselves. An unrelated case between the LPSC and Entergy Louisiana raised the question of whether a state regulator is preempted by federal law from reviewing and interpreting FERC rate schedules that are part of the System Agreement, and from subsequently enforcing that interpretation. The LPSC interpreted a System Agreement rate schedule in the unrelated case, and then sought to enforce its interpretation. The Louisiana Supreme Court affirmed the LPSC's decision. In 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Entergy Louisiana's favor and reversed the decisions of the LPSC and the Louisiana Supreme Court.

In February 2004, a FERC ALJ issued an Initial Decision in the LPSC-initiated proceeding at the FERC. The Initial Decision decided some issues in favor of the relief sought by the LPSC, and decided some issues against the relief sought by the LPSC. Several parties, including Entergy, the LPSC, the APSC, the MPSC, the City Council, and the FERC Staff, filed briefs on exceptions in response to the ALJ's Initial Decision. Entergy's exceptions to the ALJ's Initial Decision include: the practical effect of the Initial Decision is full production cost equalization, which was rejected in the Initial Decision and previously has been rejected by the FERC; resource planning for the Entergy System would be impeded if the Initial Decision were adopted; the remedy in the Initial Decision is inconsistent with the history, structure, and precedent regarding the System Agreement; the Initial Decision's remedy ignores the historical pattern of production cost disparities on the Entergy System and would result in substantial, sudden transfers of costs between groups of Entergy customers; the numerical standards proposed in the Initial Decision are arbitrary and are so complex that they will be difficult to implement; the Initial Decision improperly rejected Entergy's resource planning remedy; the Initial Decision erroneously determined that the full costs of the Vidalia project should be included in Entergy Louisiana's production costs for purposes of calculating relative production costs; and the Initial Decision erroneously adopted a new method of calculating reserve sharing costs rather than the current method.

If the FERC grants the relief requested by the LPSC in the proceeding, the relief may result in a material increase in the total production costs the FERC allocates to companies whose costs currently are projected to be less than the Entergy System average, and a material decrease in the total production costs the FERC allocates to companies whose costs currently are projected to exceed that average.   If the FERC adopts the ALJ's Initial Decision, the amount of production costs that would be reallocated among the domestic utility companies would be determined through consideration of each domestic utility company's relative total production cost expressed as a percentage of Entergy System average total production cost. The ALJ's Initial Decision would reallocate production costs of the domestic utility companies whose percent of Entergy System average production cost are outside an upper or lower bandwidth. This would be accomplished by payments from domestic utility companies whose production costs are below Entergy System average production cost to domestic utility companies whose production costs are above Entergy System average production cost.

An assessment of the potential effects of the ALJ's Initial Decision requires assumptions regarding the future total production cost of each domestic utility company, which assumptions include the mix of solid fuel and gas-fired generation available to each company and the costs of natural gas and purchased power.  Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States are more dependent upon gas-fired generation than Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, or Entergy New Orleans. Of these, Entergy Arkansas is the least dependent upon gas-fired generation.  Therefore, increases in natural gas prices likely will increase the amount by which Entergy Arkansas' total production costs are below the average production costs of the domestic utility companies.  Considerable uncertainty exists regarding future gas prices. Annual average Henry Hub gas prices have varied significantly over recent years, ranging from $1.72/mmBtu to $5.85/mmBtu for the 1995-2004 period, and averaging $3.43/mmBtu during the ten-year period 1995-2004 and $4.58/mmBtu during the five-year period 2000-2004.  Recent market conditions have resulted in gas prices that have averaged $5.85/mmBtu for the twelve months ended December 2004. Based upon analyses considering the effect on future production costs if the FERC adopts the ALJ's Initial Decision, the following potential annual production cost reallocations among the domestic utility companies could result assuming annual average gas prices range from $6.39/mmBtu in 2005 declining to $4.97/mmBtu by 2009:

 


Range of Annual Payments
or (Receipts)

 

Average Annual
Payments or (Receipts)
for 2005-2009 Period

 

(In Millions)

 

(In Millions)

       

Entergy Arkansas

$154 to $281 

 

$215                 

Entergy Gulf States

($130) to ($15)

 

($63)                

Entergy Louisiana

($199) to ($98)

 

($141)

Entergy Mississippi

($16) to $8 

 

$1                 

Entergy New Orleans

($17) to ($5)

 

($12)               

Management believes that any changes in the allocation of production costs resulting from a FERC decision and related retail proceedings should result in similar rate changes for retail customers. Although the outcome and timing of the FERC, APSC, and other proceedings cannot be predicted at this time, Entergy New Orleans does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these proceedings will have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operation.

In February 2004, the APSC issued an "Order of Investigation," in which it discusses the negative effect that implementation of the FERC ALJ's Initial Decision would have on Entergy Arkansas' customers. The APSC order establishes an investigation into whether Entergy Arkansas' continued participation in the System Agreement is in the best interest of its customers, and whether there are steps that Entergy Arkansas or the APSC can take "to protect [Entergy Arkansas' customers] from future attempts by Louisiana, or any other Entergy retail regulator, to shift its high costs to Arkansas." Entergy Arkansas filed testimony in response to the APSC's Order of Investigation. The testimony emphasizes that the ALJ's Initial Decision is not a final order by the FERC; briefly discusses some of the aspects of the Initial Decision that are included in Entergy's exceptions filed with the FERC; emphasizes that Entergy will seek to reverse the production cost-related portions of the Initial Decision; and states that Entergy Arkansas believes that it is premature, before the FERC makes a decision, for Entergy Arkansas to determine whether its continued participation in the System Agreement is appropriate.

In April 2004, the APSC commenced the investigation into Entergy Louisiana's Vidalia purchased power contract and requested historical documents, records, and information from Entergy Arkansas, which Entergy Arkansas has provided to the APSC. Also in April 2004, the APSC issued an order directing Entergy Arkansas to show cause why Entergy Arkansas should not have to indemnify and hold its customers harmless from any adverse financial effects related to Entergy Louisiana's pending acquisition of the Perryville power plant, or show that the Perryville unit will produce economic benefits for Entergy Arkansas' customers. Entergy Arkansas filed a response in May 2004 stating that Entergy will seek to reverse the production cost-related portions of the ALJ's Initial Decision in the System Agreement proceeding at the FERC, that the Perryville acquisition is part of Entergy's request for proposal generation planning process, that Entergy Arkansas is not in a position to indemnify its retail customers from actions taken by the FERC, and that the Perryville acquisition is expected to reduce the domestic utility companies' overall production costs. Procedural schedules have not been established in these APSC investigations.

In April 2004, the City Council issued a resolution directing Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana to notify the City Council and obtain prior approval for any action that would materially modify, amend, or terminate the System Agreement for one or more of the domestic utility companies. Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana appealed to state court the City Council's resolution on the basis that the imposition of this requirement with respect to the System Agreement, a FERC-approved tariff, exceeds the City Council's jurisdiction and authority. In July 2004, the City Council answered the appeal and filed a third party demand and counterclaim against Entergy, the domestic utility companies, Entergy Services, and System Energy, seeking a declaratory judgment that Entergy and its subsidiaries cannot terminate the System Agreement until obligations owed under a March 2003 rate case settlement are satisfied. In August 2004, Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana, as well as the named third party defendants, filed pleadings objecting to the City Council's third party demand and counterclaim on various grounds, including federal preemption. In February 2005, the state court issued an oral decision dismissing the City Council's claims for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and prematurity.

Transmission

In 2000, FERC issued an order encouraging utilities to voluntarily place their transmission facilities under the control of independent RTOs (regional transmission organizations) by December 15, 2001. Delays in implementing the FERC order have occurred due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that utility companies, other stakeholders, and federal and state regulators continue to work to resolve various issues related to the establishment of such RTOs.

In April 2004, Entergy filed a proposal with the FERC to commit voluntarily to retain an independent entity (Independent Coordinator of Transmission or ICT) to oversee the granting of transmission or interconnection service on Entergy's transmission system, to implement a transmission pricing structure that ensures that Entergy's retail native load customers are required to pay for only those upgrades necessary to reliably serve their needs, and to have the ICT serve as the security coordinator for the Entergy region. Assuming applicable regulatory support and approvals can be obtained, Entergy proposed to contract with the ICT to oversee the granting of transmission service on the Entergy system as well as the implementation of the proposed weekly procurement process (WPP). The proposal was structured to not transfer control of Entergy's transmission system to the ICT, but rather to vest with the ICT broad oversight authority over transmission planning and operations.

Entergy also proposed to have the ICT administer a transmission expansion pricing protocol that will increase the efficiency of transmission pricing on the Entergy system and that will be designed to protect Entergy's native load customers from bearing the cost of transmission upgrades not required to reliably serve these customers' needs. Entergy intends for the ICT to determine whether transmission upgrades associated with new requests for service should be funded directly by the party requesting such service or by a broader group of transmission customers, including Entergy's native load customers. This determination would be made in accordance with protocols approved by the FERC, and any party contesting such determination, including Entergy, would be required to seek review at the FERC. Several technical conferences regarding the ICT proposal, or various components thereof, were held in 2004. Entergy has also responded to discovery requests that resulted from these conferences.

In January 2005, Entergy filed a petition for declaratory order with the FERC requesting that the FERC provide guidance on two important issues: (1) whether the functions performed by the ICT will cause it to become a "public utility" under the Federal Power Act or the "transmission provider" under Entergy's open access transmission tariff; and (2) whether Entergy's transmission pricing proposal, as administered by the ICT, satisfies the FERC's transmission pricing policy. The petition also indicates that, subject to the outcome of the petition and obtaining support of Entergy's retail regulators, Entergy would be willing to have the ICT perform the following additional functions: (a) grant or deny requests for transmission service; (b) calculate available flowgate capacity; (c) administer Entergy's OASIS; and (d) perform an enhanced planning function (integrating the plans of Entergy and other potential transmission owners to identify regional synergies.) Comments and interventions on the petition were filed by market participants and retail regulators on February 4, 2005. In their individual comments, the APSC, LPSC, and City Council supported Entergy's position that the ICT would not become a "public utility" or "transmission provider" and that the transmission pricing proposal satisfies the FERC's transmission pricing policy. Certain other parties urged the FERC to reject the petition for declaratory order or, in the alternative, that the FERC assert jurisdiction over the ICT and determine that Entergy's proposed pricing policy is inconsistent with FERC's current pricing policy. FERC action on the petition is expected during the first half of 2005.

In March 2004, the APSC initiated a proceeding to review Entergy's proposal and compare the benefits of such a proposal to the alternative of Entergy joining the Southwest Power Pool RTO. The APSC sought comments from all interested parties on this issue. Various parties, including the APSC General Staff, filed comments opposing the ICT proposal. A public hearing has not been scheduled by the APSC at this time, although Entergy Arkansas has responded to various APSC data requests. In May 2004, Entergy Mississippi filed a petition for review with the MPSC requesting MPSC support for the ICT proposal. A hearing in that proceeding was held in August 2004. Additionally, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States have filed an application with the LPSC requesting that the LPSC find that the ICT proposal is a prudent and appropriate course of action. A hearing on the transmission pricing aspects of the ICT proposal is scheduled for May 2005, with a separate hearing on the WPP portion of the proposal currently scheduled for August 2005.

Available Flowgate Capacity Proceeding

On December 17, 2004, the FERC issued an order initiating a hearing and investigation concerning the justness and reasonableness of the Available Flowgate Capacity (AFC) methodology, the methodology used to evaluate short-term transmission service requests under the domestic utility companies' open access transmission tariff, and establishing a refund effective date. In its order, the FERC indicated that although it "appreciates that Entergy is attempting to explore ways to improve transmission access on its system," it believed that an investigation was warranted to gather more evidence in light of the concerns raised by certain transmission customers and certain issues raised in a FERC audit report finding errors and problems with the predecessor methodology used by Entergy for evaluating short-term transmission requests, the Generator Operating Limits methodology. The FERC order indicates that the investigation will include an examination of (i) Entergy's implementation of the AFC program, (ii) whether Entergy's implementation has complied with prior FERC orders and open access transmission tariff provisions addressing the AFC program, and (iii) whether Entergy's provision of access to short-term transmission on its transmission system was just, reasonable, and not unduly discriminatory.

Entergy has submitted an Emergency Interim Request for Rehearing requesting the FERC to defer the hearing process and instead proceed initially with an independent audit of the AFC program and the expansion of the current process involving other market participants to address a broader range of issues. Entergy believes that this type of approach is a more efficient and effective mechanism for evaluating the AFC program. Following the completion of the independent audit and process involving other market participants, the FERC could determine whether other procedural steps are necessary. The FERC has not yet ruled on the Emergency Interim Request for Rehearing submitted by Entergy.

Entergy believes that it has complied with the provisions of its open access transmission tariff, including the provisions addressing the implementation of the AFC methodology; however, the ultimate scope of this proceeding cannot be predicted at this time. A hearing in the AFC proceeding is currently scheduled to commence in August 2005.

Market and Credit Risks

Entergy New Orleans has certain market and credit risks inherent in its business. Market risks represent the risk of changes in the value of commodity and financial instruments, or in future operating results or cash flows, in response to changing market conditions. Credit risk is risk of loss from nonperformance by suppliers, customers, or financial counterparties to a contract or agreement.

Environmental Risks

Entergy New Orleans' facilities and operations are subject to regulation by various governmental authorities having jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances and hazardous solid wastes, and other environmental matters. Management believes that Entergy New Orleans is in substantial compliance with environmental regulations currently applicable to its facilities and operations. Because environmental regulations are subject to change, future compliance costs cannot be precisely estimated.

Litigation Risks

The territory in which Entergy New Orleans operates has proven to be an unusually litigious environment. Judges and juries in New Orleans have demonstrated a willingness to grant large verdicts, including punitive damages, to plaintiffs in personal injury, property damage, and business tort cases. Entergy New Orleans uses legal and appropriate means to contest litigation threatened or filed against it, but the litigation environment poses a significant business risk.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of Entergy New Orleans' financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to apply appropriate accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that can have a significant effect on reported financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Management has identified the following accounting policies and estimates as critical because they are based on assumptions and measurements that involve a high degree of uncertainty, and there is the potential for future changes in the assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that would have a material impact on the presentation of Entergy New Orleans' financial position or results of operations.

Unbilled Revenue

As discussed in Note 1 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements, Entergy New Orleans records an estimate of the revenues earned for energy delivered since the latest customer billing. Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and a receivable, and the prior month's estimate is reversed. The difference between the estimate of the unbilled receivable at the beginning of the period and the end of the period is the amount of unbilled revenue recognized during the period. The estimate recorded is primarily based upon an estimate of customer usage during the unbilled period and the billed price to customers in that month, including fuel price. Therefore, revenue recognized may be affected by the estimated price and usage at the beginning and end of each period and fuel price fluctuations, in addition to changes in certain components of the calculation including changes to estimates such as line loss, which affects the estimate of unbilled customer usage, and assumptions regarding price such as the fuel cost recovery mechanism.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy sponsors defined benefit pension plans which cover substantially all employees. Additionally, Entergy provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for substantially all employees who reach retirement age while still working for Entergy. Entergy's reported costs of providing these benefits, as described in Note 10 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements, are impacted by numerous factors including the provisions of the plans, changing employee demographics, and various actuarial calculations, assumptions, and accounting mechanisms. Because of the complexity of these calculations, the long-term nature of these obligations, and the importance of the assumptions utilized, Entergy's estimate of these costs is a critical accounting estimate.

Assumptions

Key actuarial assumptions utilized in determining these costs include:

  • Discount rates used in determining the future benefit obligations;
  • Projected health care cost trend rates;
  • Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets; and
  • Rate of increase in future compensation levels.

Entergy reviews these assumptions on an annual basis and adjusts them as necessary. The falling interest rate environment and worse-than-expected performance of the financial equity markets over the past several years have impacted Entergy's funding and reported costs for these benefits. In addition, these trends have caused Entergy to make a number of adjustments to its assumptions.

In selecting an assumed discount rate to calculate benefit obligations, Entergy reviews market yields on high-quality corporate debt and matches these rates with Entergy's projected stream of benefit payments. Based on recent market trends, Entergy reduced its discount rate used to calculate benefit obligations from 6.75% in 2002 to 6.25% in 2003 and to 6% in 2004. Entergy reviews actual recent cost trends and projected future trends in establishing health care cost trend rates. Based on this review, Entergy increased its health care cost trend rate assumption used in calculating the December 31, 2004 accumulated postretirement benefit obligation to a 10% increase in health care costs in 2005 gradually decreasing each successive year, until it reaches a 4.5% annual increase in health care costs in 2011 and beyond.

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, Entergy reviews past long-term performance, asset allocations, and long-term inflation assumptions. Entergy targets an asset allocation for its pension plan assets of roughly 65% equity securities, 31% fixed income securities, and 4% other investments. The target allocation for Entergy's other postretirement benefit assets is 51% equity securities and 49% fixed income securities. Based on recent market trends, Entergy reduced its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used to calculate benefit obligations from 8.75% for 2002 and 2003 to 8.5% in 2004. The assumed rate of increase in future compensation levels used to calculate benefit obligations was 3.25% in 2002, 2003, and 2004.

Cost Sensitivity

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of pension cost to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands):


Actuarial Assumption

 

Change in
Assumption

 

Impact on 2004
Pension Cost

 

Impact on Projected
Benefit Obligation

 

 

                                      Increase/(Decrease)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

(0.25%)

 

$227

 

$2,694             

Rate of return on plan assets

 

(0.25%)

 

$73               

 

-             

Rate of increase in compensation

 

0.25%

 

$113               

 

$718            

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of postretirement benefit cost to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands):



Actuarial Assumption

 


Change in
Assumption

 


Impact on 2004
Postretirement Benefit Cost

 

Impact on Accumulated
Postretirement Benefit
Obligation

 

 

                                        Increase/(Decrease)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health care cost trend

 

0.25%

 

$157                      

 

$973               

Discount rate

 

(0.25%)

 

$50                      

 

$1,279               

Each fluctuation above assumes that the other components of the calculation are held constant.

Accounting Mechanisms

In accordance with SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," Entergy utilizes a number of accounting mechanisms that reduce the volatility of reported pension costs. Differences between actuarial assumptions and actual plan results are deferred and are amortized into cost only when the accumulated differences exceed 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets. If necessary, the excess is amortized over the average remaining service period of active employees.

Additionally, Entergy accounts for the impact of asset performance on pension expense over a twenty-quarter phase-in period through a "market-related" value of assets calculation. Since the market-related value of assets recognizes investment gains or losses over a twenty-quarter period, the future value of assets will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recognized. As a result, the losses that the pension plan assets experienced in 2002 may have an adverse impact on pension cost in future years depending on whether the actuarial losses at each measurement date exceed the 10% corridor in accordance with SFAS 87.

Costs and Funding

Total pension cost for Entergy New Orleans in 2004 was $4.6 million. Entergy New Orleans anticipates 2005 pension cost to decrease to $4.2 million. Entergy New Orleans contributed $2.1 million to its pension plan in 2004, and anticipates making $15.7 million in contributions in 2005. The rise in pension funding requirements is due to declining interest rates and the phased-in effect of asset underperformance from 2000 to 2002, partially offset by the Pension Funding Equity Act relief passed in April 2004.

Entergy New Orleans' accumulated benefit obligation at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 exceeded plan assets. As a result, Entergy New Orleans was required to recognize an additional minimum liability as prescribed by SFAS 87. At December 31, 2004 Entergy New Orleans increased its additional minimum liability to $16.9 million from $13.1 million at December 31, 2003. Entergy New Orleans decreased its intangible asset for the unrecognized prior service cost to $1.7 million at December 31, 2004 from $2.8 million at December 31, 2003. Entergy New Orleans increased the regulatory asset to $15.2 million at December 31, 2004 from $10.3 million at December 31, 2003. Net income for 2004, 2003, and 2002 were not impacted.

Total postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs for Entergy New Orleans in 2004 were $4.3 million, including $1.3 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies. Entergy New Orleans expects 2005 postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs to approximate $4.2 million, including $1.4 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Entergy New Orleans, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Entergy New Orleans, Inc. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related statements of operations, retained earnings, and cash flows (pages 261 through 266 and applicable items in pages 284 through 348) for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Entergy New Orleans, Inc. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 8, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on management's assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
March 8, 2005

ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
             
  For the Years Ended December 31,
    2004   2003   2002
    (In Thousands)
             
OPERATING REVENUES            
Domestic electric   $588,457    $527,660    $424,527 
Natural gas   147,411    126,356    83,347 
TOTAL   735,868    654,016    507,874 
             
OPERATING EXPENSES            
Operation and Maintenance:            
  Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and            
   gas purchased for resale   245,301    214,735    163,323 
  Purchased power   256,190    231,787    158,191 
  Other operation and maintenance   107,874    108,217    98,511 
Taxes other than income taxes   43,577    42,198    40,099 
Depreciation and amortization   29,657    30,004    27,699 
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net   (4,670)   (843)   2,701 
TOTAL   677,929    626,098    490,524 
             
OPERATING INCOME   57,939    27,918    17,350 
             
OTHER INCOME            
Allowance for equity funds used during construction   1,378    2,085    1,835 
Interest and dividend income   720    825    689 
Miscellaneous - net   270    (1,453)   584 
TOTAL   2,368    1,457    3,108 
             
INTEREST AND OTHER CHARGES      
Interest on long-term debt   15,357    17,436    18,011 
Other interest - net   1,253    350    4,939 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction   (1,243)   (2,145)   (1,840)
TOTAL   15,367    15,641    21,110 
             
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES   44,940    13,734    (652)
             
Income taxes   16,868    5,875    (422)
             
NET INCOME (LOSS)   28,072    7,859    (230)
             
Preferred dividend requirements and other   965    965    965 
             
EARNINGS (LOSS) APPLICABLE TO            
COMMON STOCK   $27,107    $6,894    ($1,195)
             
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.            

 

ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
    For the Years Ended December 31,
    2004   2003   2002
    (In Thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES            
Net income (loss)   $28,072    $7,859    ($230)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by
operating activities:
           
  Other regulatory charges (credits) - net   (4,670)   (843)   2,701 
  Depreciation and amortization   29,657    30,004    27,699 
  Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits   39,782    15,401    6,729 
  Changes in working capital:            
    Receivables   9,162    (41,308)   10,540 
    Fuel inventory   1,399    (2,296)   (203)
    Accounts payable   (3,014)   17,817    18,070 
    Taxes accrued   (13,056)   1,372    5,603 
    Interest accrued   (1,455)   (276)   (544)
    Deferred fuel costs   (5,279)   (12,162)   4,686 
    Other working capital accounts   2,121    (7,553)   (4,971)
  Provision for estimated losses and reserves   (1,305)   (1,634)   (3,348)
  Changes in other regulatory assets   (5,380)   (9,473)   (3,061)
  Other   (12,457)   10,286    8,472 
Net cash flow provided by operating activities   63,577    7,194    72,143 
             
INVESTING ACTIVITIES            
Construction expenditures   (51,264)   (66,285)   (58,341)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction   1,378    2,085    1,835 
Changes in other temporary investments - net   606    (606)   14,859 
Net cash flow used in investing activities   (49,280)   (64,806)   (41,647)
             
FINANCING ACTIVITIES            
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt   72,640    -    24,332 
Retirement of long-term debt   (77,487)   -    (25,000)
Dividends paid:            
  Common stock   (5,200)   (3,001)   (800)
  Preferred stock   (965)   (965)   (965)
Net cash flow used in financing activities   (11,012)   (3,966)   (2,433)
             
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   3,285    (61,578)   28,063 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   4,669    66,247    38,184 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $7,954    $4,669    $66,247 
             
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:            
Cash paid/(received) during the period for:            
  Interest - net of amount capitalized   $16,172    $17,427    $19,961 
  Income taxes   ($5,736)   ($13,530)   ($37,929)
             
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.            

 

ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
 
  December 31,
  2004   2003
  (In Thousands)
         
CURRENT ASSETS        
Cash and cash equivalents:        
  Cash   $2,998    $28 
  Temporary cash investments - at cost,        
   which approximates market   4,956    4,641 
     Total cash and cash equivalents   7,954    4,669 
Other temporary investments     606 
Accounts receivable:        
  Customer   47,356    44,663 
  Allowance for doubtful accounts   (3,492)   (3,104)
  Associated companies   12,223    24,697 
  Other   7,329    10,057 
  Accrued unbilled revenues   24,848    21,113 
     Total accounts receivable   88,264    97,426 
Deferred fuel   2,559   
Accumulated deferred income taxes     460 
Fuel inventory - at average cost   4,181    5,580 
Materials and supplies - at average cost   9,150    8,660 
Prepayments and other   3,467    8,050 
TOTAL   115,575    125,451 
         
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS        
Investment in affiliates - at equity   3,259    3,259 
         
UTILITY PLANT        
Electric   699,072    666,122 
Natural gas   183,728    167,011 
Construction work in progress   33,273    45,061 
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT   916,073    878,194 
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization   435,519    420,745 
UTILITY PLANT - NET   480,554    457,449 
         
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS        
Regulatory assets:        
  Other regulatory assets   40,354    27,222 
Long term receivables   2,492    - 
Other   20,540    16,246 
TOTAL   63,386    43,468 
         
TOTAL ASSETS   $662,774    $629,627 
         
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.        
 
 
 
ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  December 31,
  2004   2003
  (In Thousands)
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES        
Currently maturing long-term debt   $30,000   $ -
Accounts payable:        
  Associated companies   30,563   35,008
  Other   44,149   42,718
Customer deposits   17,187   15,575
Taxes accrued   2,592   -
Accumulated deferred income taxes   1,906   -
Interest accrued   4,757   6,212
Deferred fuel costs   -   2,720
Energy Efficiency Program provision   6,611   6,356
Other   3,477   2,088
TOTAL   141,242   110,677
         
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES        
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued   47,062   39,486
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits   3,997   4,441
SFAS 109 regulatory liability - net   46,406   40,543
Other regulatory liabilities   -   954
Accumulated provisions   9,323   10,628
Pension liability   36,845   30,585
Long-term debt   199,902   229,217
Other   3,755   10,761
TOTAL   347,290   366,615
         

Commitments and Contingencies

       
         
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY        
Preferred stock without sinking fund   19,780   19,780
Common stock, $4 par value, authorized 10,000,000        
 shares; issued and outstanding 8,435,900 shares in 2004        
 and 2003   33,744   33,744
Paid-in capital   36,294   36,294
Retained earnings   84,424   62,517
TOTAL   174,242   152,335
         
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   $662,774   $629,627
         
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.        

 

ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS
 
    For the Years Ended December 31,
    2004   2003   2002
    (In Thousands)
             
Retained Earnings, January 1   $62,517   $58,624   $60,619 
             
  Add:            
    Net income (loss)   28,072   7,859   (230)
             
  Deduct:            
    Dividends declared:            
    Preferred stock   965   965   965 
    Common stock   5,200   3,001   800 
      Total   6,165   3,966   1,765 
             
Retained Earnings, December 31   $84,424   $62,517   $58,624 
             
             
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.            

 

ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON
                     
    2004   2003   2002   2001   2000
    (In Thousands)
                     
Operating revenues   $735,868   $654,016   $507,874    $630,850    $640,290
Net Income (loss)   $28,072   $7,859   ($230)   ($2,195)   $16,518
Total assets   $662,774   $629,627   $584,705    $566,037    $559,231
Long-term obligations (1)   $199,902   $229,217   $229,191    $299,097    $199,031
                     
(1) Includes long-term debt (excluding currently maturing debt).
                     
    2004   2003   2002   2001   2000
    (Dollars In Millions)
Electric Operating Revenues:                    
  Residential   $184   $178   $170   $190   $188
  Commercial   171   162   154   186   171
  Industrial   34   27   25   32   25
  Governmental   70   68   66   81   73
    Total retail   459   435   415   489   457
  Sales for resale:                    
    Associated companies   118   85   7   10   32
    Non-associated companies   2   2   2   3   9
  Other   9   6   1   1   17
    Total   $588   $528   $425   $503   $515
Billed Electric Energy Sales (GWh):                    
  Residential   2,139   2,133   2,158   1,981   2,178
  Commercial   2,316   2,262   2,255   2,185   2,260
  Industrial   575   413   409   414   384
  Governmental   1,025   1,036   1,053   1,017   1,058
    Total retail   6,055   5,844   5,875   5,597   5,880
  Sales for resale:                    
    Associated companies   1,514   1,312   144   115   570
    Non-associated companies   25   28   32   59   141
    Total   7,594   7,184   6,051   5,771   6,591
                     
                     

 

SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.

MANAGEMENT'S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

System Energy's principal asset consists of a 90% ownership and leasehold interest in Grand Gulf. The capacity and energy from its 90% interest is sold under the Unit Power Sales Agreement to its only four customers, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans. System Energy's operating revenues are derived from the allocation of the capacity, energy, and related costs associated with its 90% interest in Grand Gulf 1 pursuant to the Unit Power Sales Agreement. Payments under the Unit Power Sales Agreement are System Energy's only source of operating revenues.

Results of Operations

Net Income

2004 Compared to 2003

Net income remained relatively unchanged, decreasing $0.06 million in 2004.

2003 Compared to 2002

Net income increased $2.7 million in 2003 primarily due to lower interest charges primarily resulting from lower interest expense associated with the Grand Gulf sale-leaseback. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in rate base in 2003 resulting in lower operating income. The decrease in rate base was due to the normal depreciation of Grand Gulf.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rates for 2004, 2003, and 2002 were 42.4%, 41.7%, and 42.4%, respectively. See Note 3 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for a reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35.0% to the effective income tax rate.  Tax reserves not expected to reverse within the next year are reflected as non-current taxes accrued on the balance sheet.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

Cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 were as follows:

2004

2003

2002

(In Thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

$52,536 

$113,159 

$49,579 

Cash flow provided by (used in):

Operating activities

332,928 

100,817 

225,639 

Investing activities

(45,053)

(45,065)

(28,873)

Financing activities

(124,056)

(116,375)

(133,186)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

163,819 

(60,623)

63,580 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$216,355 

$52,536 

$113,159 

Operating Activities

Cash flow from operations increased by $232.1 million in 2004 primarily due to income tax refunds of $70.6 million in 2004 compared to income tax payments of $230.9 million in 2003. The increase was partially offset by money pool activity, as discussed below.

In 2003, the domestic utility companies and System Energy filed, with the IRS, a change in tax accounting method notification for their respective calculations of cost of goods sold. The adjustment implemented a simplified method of allocation of overhead to the production of electricity, which is provided under the IRS capitalization regulations. The cumulative adjustment placing these companies on the new methodology resulted in a $430 million deduction for System Energy on Entergy's 2003 income tax return. There was no cash benefit from the method change in 2003. In 2004 System Energy realized $144 million in cash tax benefit from the method change. This tax accounting method change is an issue across the utility industry and will likely be challenged by the IRS on audit.

Cash flow from operations decreased by $124.8 million in 2003 primarily due to the following:

  • an increase in federal income taxes paid of $74.0 million in 2003 compared to 2002;
  • the cessation of the Entergy Mississippi GGART. System Energy collected $21.7 million in 2003 and $40.8 million in 2002 from Entergy Mississippi in conjunction with the GGART, which provided for the acceleration of Entergy Mississippi's Grand Gulf purchased power obligation. The MPSC authorized cessation of the GGART effective July 1, 2003. See Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for further discussion of the GGART; and
  • money pool activity, as discussed below.

System Energy's receivables from the money pool were as follows as of December 31 for each of the following years:

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$61,592

 

$19,064

 

$7,046

 

$13,853

Money pool activity used $42.5 million of System Energy's operating cash flows in 2004, used $12.0 million in 2003, and provided $6.8 million in 2002. See Note 4 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for a description of the money pool.

Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities was practically unchanged in 2004 compared to 2003 primarily because an increase in construction expenditures caused by a reclassification of inventory items to capital was significantly offset by the maturity of $6.5 million of other temporary investments that had been made in 2003, which provided cash in 2004.

The increase of $16.2 million in net cash used in investing activities in 2003 was primarily due to the following:

  • the maturity in 2002 of $22.4 million of other temporary investments that had been made in 2001, which provided cash in 2002;
  • an increase in decommissioning trust contributions and realized change in trust assets of $8.2 million in 2003 compared to 2002; and
  • other temporary investments of $6.5 million made in 2003.

Partially offsetting the increases in net cash used in investing activities was a decrease in construction expenditures of $22.1 million in 2003 compared to 2002 primarily due to the power uprate project in 2002.

Financing Activities

The increase of $7.7 million in net cash used in financing activities in 2004 was primarily due to $5.5 million in costs related to System Energy refunding bonds associated with its Grand Gulf Lease Obligation in May 2004 and the retirement of $ 7.6 million of long-term debt 2004. The increase was partially offset by a decrease of $5.0 million in the January 2004 principal payment made on the Grand Gulf sale-leaseback compared to the January 2003 principal payment .

The decrease of $16.8 million in net cash used in financing activities in 2003 was primarily due to a decrease of $19.5 million in the January 2003 principal payment made on the Grand Gulf sale-leaseback compared to the January 2002 principal payment.

See Note 5 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for details of long-term debt.

Uses of Capital

System Energy requires capital resources for:

  • construction and other capital investments;
  • debt maturities;
  • working capital purposes, including the financing of fuel costs; and
  • dividend and interest payments.

Following are the amounts of System Energy's planned construction and other capital investments, existing debt and lease obligations, and other purchase obligations:

 

2005

 

2006-2007

 

2008-2009

 

After 2009

 

Total

 

(In Millions)

Planned construction and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

capital investment

$38

 

$81      

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

$119

Long-term debt

$29

 

$125

 

$62

 

$659

 

$875

Nuclear fuel lease obligations (1)

$28

 

$38      

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

$66       

(1)

It is expected that additional financing under the leases will be arranged as needed to acquire additional fuel, to pay interest, and to pay maturing debt. If such additional financing cannot be arranged, however, the lessee in each case must repurchase sufficient nuclear fuel to allow the lessor to meet its obligations.

System Energy expects to contribute $9.3 million to pension plans and $1.7 million to other postretirement plans in 2005.

The planned capital investment estimate for System Energy reflects capital required to support the existing business of System Energy. Management provides more information on long-term debt and preferred stock maturities in Notes 5 and 6 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary, System Energy dividends its earnings to Entergy Corporation at a percentage determined monthly. Currently, all of System Energy's retained earnings are available for distribution.

Sources of Capital

System Energy's sources to meet its capital requirements include:

  • internally generated funds;
  • cash on hand;
  • debt issuances; and
  • bank financing under new or existing facilities.

System Energy had three-year letters of credit in place that were scheduled to expire in March 2003 securing certain of its obligations related to the sale-leaseback of a portion of Grand Gulf. System Energy replaced the letters of credit before their expiration with new three-year letters of credit totaling approximately $198 million that were backed by cash collateral. In December 2003, System Energy replaced the cash-backed letters of credit with syndicated bank letters of credit. In December 2004 System Energy amended these letters of credit and they now expire in May 2009.

System Energy may refinance or redeem debt prior to maturity, to the extent market conditions and interest and dividend rates are favorable.

All debt and common stock issuances by System Energy require prior regulatory approval. Debt issuances are also subject to issuance tests set forth in bond indentures and other agreements. System Energy has sufficient capacity under these tests to meet its foreseeable capital needs.

Borrowings and securities issuances by System Energy are limited to amounts authorized by the SEC. The current short-term borrowing limitation, including borrowings under the money pool, is $140 million. Under its SEC Orders and without further SEC authorization, System Energy cannot incur additional short-term indebtedness unless (a) it and Entergy Corporation maintain a common equity ratio of at least 30% and (b) with the exception of money pool borrowings, the security to be issued (if rated) and all outstanding securities of System Energy, as well as all outstanding securities of Entergy Corporation, that are rated, are rated investment grade. See Note 4 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for further discussion of System Energy's short-term borrowing limits.

Significant Factors and Known Trends

Market Risks

Interest Rate and Equity Price Risk - Decommissioning Trust Funds

System Energy's nuclear decommissioning trust funds expose it to fluctuations in equity prices and interest rates. The NRC requires System Energy to maintain trusts to fund the costs of decommissioning Grand Gulf. The funds are invested primarily in equity securities; fixed-rate, fixed-income securities; and cash and cash equivalents. Management believes that its exposure to market fluctuations will not affect results of operations for the Grand Gulf trust funds because of the application of regulatory accounting principles. The decommissioning trust funds are discussed more thoroughly in Notes 1, 8, and 12 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

Nuclear Matters

System Energy owns and operates, through an affiliate, Grand Gulf. System Energy is, therefore, subject to the risks related to owning and operating a nuclear plant. These include risks from the use, storage, handling and disposal of high-level and low-level radioactive materials, limitations on the amounts and types of insurance commercially available for losses in connection with nuclear operations, and technological and financial uncertainties related to decommissioning nuclear plants at the end of their licensed lives, including the sufficiency of funds in decommissioning trusts. In the event of an unanticipated early shutdown of Grand Gulf, System Energy may be required to provide additional funds or credit support to satisfy regulatory requirements for decommissioning.

Litigation Risks

The states in which System Energy's customers operate have proven to be unusually litigious environments. Judges and juries in these states have demonstrated a willingness to grant large verdicts, including punitive damages, to plaintiffs in personal injury, property damage, and business tort cases. System Energy uses legal and appropriate means to contest litigation threatened or filed against it, but the litigation environment poses a significant business risk.

Environmental Risks

System Energy's facilities and operations are subject to regulation by various governmental authorities having jurisdiction over air quality, water quality, control of toxic substances and hazardous and solid wastes, and other environmental matters. Management believes that System Energy is in substantial compliance with environmental regulations currently applicable to its facilities and operations. Because environmental regulations are subject to change, future compliance costs cannot be precisely estimated.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of System Energy's financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to apply appropriate accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that can have a significant effect on reported financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Management has identified the following accounting policies and estimates as critical because they are based on assumptions and measurements that involve a high degree of uncertainty, and there is the potential for future changes in the assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that would have a material impact on the presentation of System Energy's financial position or results of operations.

Nuclear Decommissioning Costs

Regulations require that Grand Gulf be decommissioned after the facility is taken out of service, and funds are collected and deposited in trust funds during the facility's operating life in order to provide for this obligation. System Energy conducts periodic decommissioning cost studies (typically updated every three to five years) to estimate the costs that will be incurred to decommission the facility. See Note 8 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for details regarding System Energy's most recent study and the obligations recorded by System Energy related to decommissioning. The following key assumptions have a significant effect on these estimates:

  • Cost Escalation Factors - System Energy's decommissioning studies include an assumption that decommissioning costs will escalate over present cost levels by an annual factor averaging approximately 5.5%. A 50 basis point change in this assumption could change the ultimate cost of decommissioning a facility by as much as 11%.
  • Timing - The date of the plant's retirement must be estimated and an assumption must be made whether decommissioning will begin immediately upon plant retirement, or whether the plant will be held in "safestore" status for later decommissioning, as permitted by applicable regulations. System Energy's decommissioning studies for Grand Gulf assume immediate decommissioning upon expiration of the original plant license. While the impact of these assumptions cannot be determined with precision, assuming either license extension or use of a "safestore" status can possibly decrease the present value of these obligations.
  • Spent Fuel Disposal - Federal regulations require the DOE to provide a permanent repository for the storage of spent nuclear fuel, and legislation has been passed by Congress to develop this repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. However, until this site is available, nuclear plant operators must provide for interim spent fuel storage on the nuclear plant site, which can require the construction and maintenance of dry cask storage sites or other facilities. The costs of developing and maintaining these facilities can have a significant impact (as much as 16% of estimated decommissioning costs). System Energy's decommissioning studies include cost estimates for spent fuel storage. However, these estimates could change in the future based on the timing of the opening of the Yucca Mountain facility, the schedule for shipments to that facility when it is opened, or other factors.
  • Technology and Regulation - To date, there is limited practical experience in the United States with actual decommissioning of large nuclear facilities. As experience is gained and technology changes, cost estimates could also change. If regulations regarding nuclear decommissioning were to change, this could have a potentially significant impact on cost estimates. The impact of these potential changes is not presently determinable. System Energy's decommissioning cost studies assume current technologies and regulations.

System Energy collects the costs of decommissioning Grand Gulf through rates charged to its customers. The amounts collected through rates, which are based upon decommissioning cost studies, are deposited in decommissioning trust funds. These collections plus earnings on the trust fund investments are estimated to be sufficient to fund the future decommissioning costs.

The obligation recorded by System Energy for decommissioning costs is reported in the line item entitled "Decommissioning." Prior to the implementation of SFAS 143, the amount recorded for this obligation was comprised of collections from customers and earnings on the trust funds.

SFAS 143

System Energy implemented SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," effective January 1, 2003. Nuclear decommissioning costs are System Energy's only asset retirement obligations, and the measurement and recording of System Energy's decommissioning obligations outlined above changed significantly with the implementation of SFAS 143. The most significant differences in the measurement of these obligations are outlined below:

  • Recording of full obligation - SFAS 143 requires that the fair value of an asset retirement obligation be recorded when it is incurred. This caused the recorded decommissioning obligation of System Energy to increase significantly, as System Energy had previously only recorded this obligation as the related costs were collected from customers, and as earnings were recorded on the related trust funds.
  • Fair value approach - SFAS 143 requires that these obligations be measured using a fair value approach. Among other things, this entails the assumption that the costs will be incurred by a third party and will therefore include appropriate profit margins and risk premiums. System Energy's decommissioning studies to date have been based on System Energy performing the work, and have not included any such margins or premiums. Inclusion of these items increases cost estimates.
  • Discount rate - SFAS 143 requires that these obligations be discounted using a credit-adjusted risk-free rate.

The net effect of implementing this standard for System Energy was recorded as a regulatory asset, with no resulting impact on System Energy's net income. System Energy recorded this regulatory asset because its existing rate mechanism is based on a cost standard that allows System Energy to recover all ultimate costs of decommissioning from its customers. Upon implementation, assets and liabilities increased by $138 million in 2003 as a result of recording the asset retirement obligation at its fair value of $292 million as determined under SFAS 143, reversing the previously recorded decommissioning liability of $154 million, increasing utility plant by $82 million, increasing accumulated depreciation by $36 million, and recording the related regulatory asset of $92 million.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy sponsors defined benefit pension plans which cover substantially all employees. Additionally, Entergy provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for substantially all employees who reach retirement age while still working for Entergy. Entergy's reported costs of providing these benefits, as described in Note 10 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements, are impacted by numerous factors including the provisions of the plans, changing employee demographics, and various actuarial calculations, assumptions, and accounting mechanisms. Because of the complexity of these calculations, the long-term nature of these obligations, and the importance of the assumptions utilized, Entergy's estimate of these costs is a critical accounting estimate.

Assumptions

Key actuarial assumptions utilized in determining these costs include:

  • Discount rates used in determining the future benefit obligations;
  • Projected health care cost trend rates;
  • Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets; and
  • Rate of increase in future compensation levels.

Entergy reviews these assumptions on an annual basis and adjusts them as necessary. The falling interest rate environment and worse-than-expected performance of the financial equity markets over the past several years have impacted Entergy's funding and reported costs for these benefits. In addition, these trends have caused Entergy to make a number of adjustments to its assumptions.

In selecting an assumed discount rate to calculate benefit obligations, Entergy reviews market yields on high-quality corporate debt and matches these rates with Entergy's projected stream of benefit payments. Based on recent market trends, Entergy reduced its discount rate used to calculate benefit obligations from 6.75% in 2002 to 6.25% in 2003 and to 6% in 2004. Entergy reviews actual recent cost trends and projected future trends in establishing health care cost trend rates. Based on this review, Entergy increased its health care cost trend rate assumption used in calculating the December 31, 2004 accumulated postretirement benefit obligation to a 10% increase in health care costs in 2005 gradually decreasing each successive year, until it reaches a 4.5% annual increase in health care costs in 2011 and beyond.

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, Entergy reviews past long-term performance, asset allocations, and long-term inflation assumptions. Entergy targets an asset allocation for its pension plan assets of roughly 65% equity securities, 31% fixed income securities, and 4% other investments. The target allocation for Entergy's other postretirement benefit assets is 51% equity securities and 49% fixed income securities. Based on recent market trends, Entergy reduced its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used to calculate benefit obligations from 8.75% for 2002 and 2003 to 8.5% in 2004. The assumed rate of increase in future compensation levels used to calculate benefit obligations was 3.25% in 2002, 2003, and 2004.

Cost Sensitivity

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of pension cost to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands):


Actuarial Assumption

 

Change in
Assumption

 

Impact on 2004
Pension Cost

 

Impact on Projected
Benefit Obligation

 

 

Increase/(Decrease)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

(0.25%)

 

$433

 

$4,249

Rate of return on plan assets

 

(0.25%)

 

$130

 

-            

Rate of increase in compensation

 

0.25%

 

$204

 

$1,421

The following chart reflects the sensitivity of postretirement benefit cost to changes in certain actuarial assumptions (dollars in thousands):



Actuarial Assumption

 


Change in
Assumption

 


Impact on 2004
Postretirement Benefit Cost

 

Impact on Accumulated
Postretirement Benefit
Obligation

 

 

Increase/(Decrease)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health care cost trend

 

0.25%

 

$154

 

$756

Discount rate

 

(0.25%)

 

$111

 

$866

Each fluctuation above assumes that the other components of the calculation are held constant.

Accounting Mechanisms

In accordance with SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," Entergy utilizes a number of accounting mechanisms that reduce the volatility of reported pension costs. Differences between actuarial assumptions and actual plan results are deferred and are amortized into cost only when the accumulated differences exceed 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets. If necessary, the excess is amortized over the average remaining service period of active employees.

Additionally, Entergy accounts for the impact of asset performance on pension expense over a twenty-quarter phase-in period through a "market-related" value of assets calculation. Since the market-related value of assets recognizes investment gains or losses over a twenty-quarter period, the future value of assets will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recognized. As a result, the losses that the pension plan assets experienced in 2002 may have an adverse impact on pension cost in future years depending on whether the actuarial losses at each measurement date exceed the 10% corridor in accordance with SFAS 87.

Costs and Funding

Total pension cost for System Energy in 2004 was $4.6 million. System Energy anticipates 2005 pension cost to increase to $4.8 million due to decrease in the discount rate (from 6.25% to 6.00%) and the expected rate of return (from 8.75% to 8.5%) used to calculate benefit obligations. System Energy contributed $3.7 million to its pension plan in 2004, and anticipates making $9.2 million in contributions in 2005. The rise in pension funding requirements is due to declining interest rates and the phased-in effect of asset underperformance from 2000 to 2002, offset by the Pension Funding Equity Act relief passed in April 2004.

System Energy's accumulated benefit obligation at December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 exceeded plan assets. As a result, System Energy was required to recognize an additional minimum liability as prescribed by SFAS 87. At December 31, 2004 System Energy increased its additional minimum liability to $7.7 million from $7.4 million at December 31, 2003. System Energy decreased its intangible asset to $0.2 million at December 31, 2004 from $0.4 million at December 31, 2003. System Energy increased its regulatory asset to $15.2 million at December 31, 2004, from $7.0 million at December 31, 2003. Net income for 2004, 2003, and 2002 was not impacted.

Total postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs for System Energy in 2004 were $1.5 million, including $0.8 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies. System Energy expects 2005 postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs to approximate $1.7 million, including $1 million in savings due to the estimated effect of future Medicare Part D subsidies. The increase in postretirement health care and life insurance benefit costs is due to the decrease in the discount rate (from 6.25% to 6.00%) and an increase in the health care cost trend rate used to calculate benefit obligations.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholder
System Energy Resources, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of System Energy Resources, Inc. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related statements of income, retained earnings, and cash flows (pages 277 through 282 and applicable items in pages 284 through 348) for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of System Energy Resources, Inc. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 8 to the notes to respective financial statements, in 2003 System Energy Resources, Inc. adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 8, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on management's assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
March 8, 2005

SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
INCOME STATEMENTS
 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
    2004   2003   2002
    (In Thousands)
             
OPERATING REVENUES            
Domestic electric   $545,381    $583,820    $602,486 
             
OPERATING EXPENSES            
Operation and Maintenance:            
  Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and            
   gas purchased for resale   38,337    43,132    36,456 
  Nuclear refueling outage expenses   12,655    12,695    10,723 
  Other operation and maintenance   96,809    105,333    98,264 
Decommissioning   23,434    21,799    16,055 
Taxes other than income taxes   24,364    25,521    25,992 
Depreciation and amortization   127,081    109,528    112,093 
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net   (10,433)   27,400    53,769 
TOTAL   312,247    345,408    353,352 
             
OPERATING INCOME   233,134    238,412    249,134 
             
OTHER INCOME            
Allowance for equity funds used during construction   1,544    1,140    2,449 
Interest and dividend income   6,870    7,556    2,857 
Miscellaneous - net   841    (1,194)   826 
TOTAL   9,255    7,502    6,132 
             
INTEREST AND OTHER CHARGES      
Interest on long-term debt   58,561    62,802    73,891 
Other interest - net   367    1,818    2,748 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction   (500)   (554)   (902)
TOTAL   58,428    64,066    75,737 
             
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES   183,961    181,848    179,529 
             
Income taxes   78,013    75,845    76,177 
             
NET INCOME   $105,948    $106,003    $103,352 
             
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.            

 

 

 

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SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
             
    For the Years Ended December 31,
    2004   2003   2002
    (In Thousands)
             
OPERATING ACTIVITIES            
Net income   $105,948    $106,003    $103,352 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by
operating activities:
           
  Other regulatory charges (credits) - net   (10,433)   27,400    53,769 
  Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning   150,515    131,327    128,148 
  Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits   (178,535)   (35,207)   (38,246)
  Changes in working capital:            
    Receivables   (41,067)   (8,025)   5,719 
    Accounts payable   (5,324)   (1,232)   14,767 
    Taxes accrued   328,617    (123,317)   (43,112)
    Interest accrued   13,375    (12,904)   (4,568)
    Other working capital accounts   2,763    1,463    (6,108)
  Provision for estimated losses and reserves   (1,404)   2,914    163 
  Changes in other regulatory assets   31,453    26,307    52,448 
  Other   (62,980)   (13,912)   (40,693)
Net cash flow provided by operating activities   332,928    100,817    225,639 
             
INVESTING ACTIVITIES            
Construction expenditures   (32,303)   (18,195)   (40,306)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction   1,544    1,140    2,449 
Nuclear fuel purchases   (45,497)   -    (43,140)
Proceeds from sale/leaseback of nuclear fuel   45,677    -    43,140 
Decommissioning trust contributions and realized            
 change in trust assets   (20,956)   (21,528)   (13,370)
Changes in other temporary investments - net   6,482    (6,482)   22,354 
Net cash flow used in investing activities   (45,053)   (45,065)   (28,873)
             
FINANCING ACTIVITIES            
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt    -    -    69,505 
Retirement of long-term debt   (13,973)   (11,375)   (100,891)
Other financing activities   (5,483)   -    - 
Dividends paid:            
  Common stock   (104,600)   (105,000)   (101,800)
Net cash flow used in financing activities   (124,056)   (116,375)   (133,186)
             
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   163,819    (60,623)   63,580 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   52,536    113,159    49,579 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $216,355    $52,536    $113,159 
             
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:            
Cash paid/(received) during the period for:            
  Interest - net of amount capitalized   $40,000    $73,636    $77,190 
  Income taxes   ($70,595)   $230,919    $156,957 
             
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.            
             

 

SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
             
        December 31,
    2004   2003
  (In Thousands)
             
CURRENT ASSETS            
Cash and cash equivalents:            
  Cash       $399   $2,918
  Temporary cash investments - at cost,            
   which approximates market       215,956   49,618
     Total cash and cash equivalents       216,355   52,536
Other temporary investments       -   6,482
Accounts receivable:            
  Associated companies       111,588   72,477
  Other       3,733   1,777
     Total accounts receivable       115,321   74,254
Materials and supplies - at average cost       53,427   63,047
Deferred nuclear refueling outage costs       9,510   2,979
Prepayments and other       1,007   1,031
TOTAL       395,620   200,329
             
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS        
Decommissioning trust funds       205,083   172,916
             
UTILITY PLANT        
Electric       3,232,314   3,205,895
Property under capital lease       469,993   466,521
Construction work in progress       28,743   31,344
Nuclear fuel under capital lease       65,572   47,242
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT       3,796,622   3,751,002
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization       1,780,450   1,672,658
UTILITY PLANT - NET       2,016,172   2,078,344
             
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS        
Regulatory assets:            
  SFAS 109 regulatory asset - net       96,047   115,633
  Other regulatory assets       296,305   301,233
Other       19,578   12,269
TOTAL       411,930   429,135
             
TOTAL ASSETS       $3,028,805   $2,880,724
             
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.            
 
 
 
SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
             
        December 31,
    2004   2003
  (In Thousands)
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES        
Currently maturing long-term debt       $25,266   $6,348
Accounts payable:            
  Associated companies       3,880   -
  Other       21,051   30,255
Taxes accrued       46,468   55,585
Accumulated deferred income taxes       3,477   942
Interest accrued       42,998   29,623
Obligations under capital leases       27,716   31,266
Other       1,621   1,971
TOTAL       172,477   155,990
             
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES        
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued       421,466   290,964
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits       75,612   79,088
Obligations under capital leases       37,855   15,976
Other regulatory liabilities       210,863   213,093
Decommissioning       335,893   312,459
Accumulated provisions       2,378   3,782
Long-term debt       849,593   882,401
Other       28,084   33,735
TOTAL       1,961,744   1,831,498
             

Commitments and Contingencies

           
         
SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY        
Common stock, no par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares;            
 issued and outstanding 789,350 shares in 2004 and 2003       789,350   789,350
Retained earnings       105,234   103,886
TOTAL       894,584   893,236
             
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY       $3,028,805   $2,880,724
             
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.            
             

 

SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS
 
    For the Years Ended December 31,
    2004   2003   2002
    (In Thousands)
             
Retained Earnings, January 1   $103,886   $102,883   $101,331
             
  Add:            
    Net income   105,948   106,003   103,352
             
  Deduct:            
    Dividends declared   104,600   105,000   101,800
             
Retained Earnings, December 31   $105,234   $103,886   $102,883
             
             
See Notes to Respective Financial Statements.            

 

SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON
                     
    2004   2003   2002   2001   2000
    (Dollars In Thousands)
                     
Operating revenues   $545,381   $583,820   $602,486   $535,027   $620,032
Net Income   $105,948   $106,003   $103,352   $116,355   $82,372
Total assets   $3,028,805   $2,880,724   $2,915,898   $2,964,041   $3,369,048
Long-term obligations (1)   $887,448   $898,377   $942,701   $865,439   $1,122,178
Electric energy sales (GWh)   9,212   9,812   9,053   8,921   7,567
                     
(1) Included long-term debt (excluding currently maturing debt) and noncurrent capital lease obligations.
                     
                     

 

ENTERGY ARKANSAS, ENTERGY GULF STATES, ENTERGY LOUISIANA, ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, AND SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES

NOTES TO RESPECTIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

The accompanying separate financial statements of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans (the "domestic utility companies") and System Energy are included in this document and result from these companies having registered securities with the SEC. These companies maintain accounts in accordance with FERC and other regulatory guidelines. Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to current classifications, with no effect on net income or shareholders' equity.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of the domestic utility companies' and System Energy's financial statements, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Adjustments to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities may be necessary in the future to the extent that future estimates or actual results are different from the estimates used.

Revenues and Fuel Costs

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy Mississippi generate, transmit, and distribute electric power primarily to retail customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, respectively. Entergy Gulf States generates, transmits, and distributes electric power primarily to retail customers in Texas and Louisiana. Entergy Gulf States also distributes gas to retail customers in and around Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Entergy New Orleans sells both electric power and gas to retail customers in the City of New Orleans, except for Algiers, where Entergy Louisiana is the electric power supplier.

Entergy recognizes revenue from electric power and gas sales when it delivers power or gas to its customers. To the extent that deliveries have occurred but a bill has not been issued, the domestic utility companies accrue an estimate of the revenues for energy delivered since the latest billings. Entergy calculates the estimate based upon several factors including billings through the last billing cycle in a month, actual generation in the month, historical line loss factors, and prices in effect in the domestic utility companies' various jurisdictions. Each month the estimated unbilled revenue amounts are recorded as revenue and a receivable, and the prior month's estimate is reversed. Therefore, changes in price and volume differences resulting from factors such as weather affect the calculation of unbilled revenues from one period to the next, and may result in variability in reported revenues from one period to the next as prior estimates are so recorded and reversed.

The domestic utility companies' rate schedules include either fuel adjustment clauses or fixed fuel factors, which allow either current recovery in billings to customers or deferral of fuel costs until the costs are billed to customers. Because the fuel adjustment clause mechanism allows monthly adjustments to recover fuel costs, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans, and the Louisiana portion of Entergy Gulf States include a component of fuel cost recovery in their unbilled revenue calculations. Where the fuel component of revenues is billed based on a pre-determined fuel cost (fixed fuel factor), the fuel factor remains in effect until changed as part of a general rate case, fuel reconciliation, or fixed fuel factor filing. Entergy Mississippi's fuel factor includes an energy cost rider that is adjusted quarterly. As discussed in Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements, the MPSC approved Entergy Mississippi's deferral of the refund of fuel over-recoveries for the third quarter of 2004 that would have been refunded in the first quarter of 2005. The deferred amount plus carrying charges will be refunded in the second and third quarters of 2005. In the case of Entergy Arkansas and the Texas portion of Entergy Gulf States, their fuel under-recoveries are treated as regulatory investments in the cash flow statements because those companies are allowed by their regulatory jurisdictions to recover the fuel cost regulatory asset over longer than a twelve-month period, and the companies earn a carrying charge on the under-recovered balances.

System Energy's operating revenues are intended to recover from Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans operating expenses and capital costs attributable to Grand Gulf. The capital costs are computed by allowing a return on System Energy's common equity funds allocable to its net investment in Grand Gulf, plus System Energy's effective interest cost for its debt allocable to its investment in Grand Gulf.

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment is stated at original cost. The original cost of plant retired or removed, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation. Normal maintenance, repairs, and minor replacement costs are charged to operating expenses. Substantially all of the domestic utility companies' and System Energy's plant is subject to mortgage liens.

Electric plant includes the portions of Grand Gulf and Waterford 3 that have been sold and leased back. For financial reporting purposes, these sale and leaseback arrangements are reflected as financing transactions.

Net property, plant, and equipment by company and functional category, as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, is shown below:


2004

 

Entergy
Arkansas

 

Entergy
Gulf States

 

Entergy
Louisiana

 

Entergy
Mississippi

 

Entergy
New Orleans

 

System
Energy

   

(In Millions)

Production

                       

      Nuclear

 

$951

 

$1,627

 

$1,543

 

$-

 

$-

 

$1,866

      Other

 

269

 

529

 

197

 

221

 

12

 

-

Transmission

 

646

 

708

 

385

 

406

 

29

 

8

Distribution

 

1,283

 

1,339

 

1,000

 

713

 

337

 

-

Other

 

216

 

247

 

269

 

175

 

70

 

16

Construction work in progress

 

226

 

332

 

189

 

90

 

33

 

29

Nuclear fuel (leased and owned)

 

106

 

71

 

32

 

-

 

-

 

66

Asset retirement obligation

 

24

 

-

 

42

 

-

 

-

 

31

Property, plant, and equipment - net

 

$3,721

 

$4,853

 

$3,657

 

$1,605

 

$481

 

$2,016


2003

 

Entergy
Arkansas

 

Entergy
Gulf States

 

Entergy
Louisiana

 

Entergy
Mississippi

 

Entergy
New Orleans

 

System
Energy

   

(In Millions)

Production

                       

      Nuclear

 

$940

 

$1,638

 

$1,593

 

$-

 

$-

 

$1,941

      Other

 

326

 

583

 

205

 

228

 

17

 

-

Transmission

 

636

 

647

 

369

 

380

 

26

 

9

Distribution

 

1,184

 

1,197

 

923

 

632

 

294

 

-

Other

 

214

 

238

 

266

 

166

 

75

 

17

Construction work in progress

 

239

 

326

 

172

 

109

 

45

 

31

Nuclear fuel (leased and owned)

 

110

 

64

 

65

 

-

 

-

 

47

Asset retirement obligation

 

45

 

32

 

45

 

-

 

-

 

33

Property, plant, and equipment - net

 

$3,694

 

$4,725

 

$3,638

 

$1,515

 

$457

 

$2,078

Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis at rates based on the estimated service lives of the various classes of property. Depreciation rates on average depreciable property are shown below:

   

Entergy
Arkansas

 

Entergy
Gulf States

 

Entergy
Louisiana

 

Entergy
Mississippi

 

Entergy
New Orleans

 

System
Energy

                         

2004

 

3.2%

 

2.1%

 

2.9%

 

2.5%

 

2.8%

 

2.9%

2003

 

3.2%

 

2.2%

 

3.0%

 

2.5%

 

3.1%

 

2.8%

2002

 

3.2%

 

2.4%

 

3.0%

 

2.5%

 

3.1%

 

2.8%

Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) for Entergy Gulf States is reported net of accumulated depreciation of $125.1 million and $122.7 million as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Jointly-Owned Generating Stations

Certain Entergy subsidiaries jointly own electric generating facilities with third parties. The investments and expenses associated with these generating stations are recorded by the Entergy subsidiaries to the extent of their respective undivided ownership interests. As of December 31, 2004, the subsidiaries' investment and accumulated depreciation in each of these generating stations were as follows:



Generating Stations

 



Fuel-Type

 

Total
Megawatt
Capability (1)

 



Ownership

 



Investment

 


Accumulated
Depreciation

                 

(In Millions)

Entergy Arkansas -

                     

 Independence

Unit 1

 

Coal

 

815

 

31.50%

 

$117

 

$73

 

Common Facilities

 

Coal

     

15.75%

 

$31

 

$18

 White Bluff

Units 1 and 2

 

Coal

 

1,635

 

57.00%

 

$428

 

$264

Entergy Gulf States -

                     

 Roy S. Nelson

Unit 6

 

Coal

 

550

 

60.90%

 

$403

 

$241

 Big Cajun 2

Unit 3

 

Coal

 

575

 

42.00%

 

$233

 

$128

Entergy Mississippi -

                     

 Independence

Units 1 and 2 and Common Facilities

 

Coal

 

1,630

 

25.00%

 

$232

 

$116

System Energy -

                     

 Grand Gulf

Unit 1

 

Nuclear

 

1,270

 

90.00%(2)

 

$3,702

 

$1,780

(1)

"Total Megawatt Capability" is the dependable load carrying capability as demonstrated under actual operating conditions based on the primary fuel (assuming no curtailments) that each station was designed to utilize.

(2)

Includes an 11.5% leasehold interest held by System Energy. System Energy's Grand Gulf lease obligations are discussed in Note 9 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

Nuclear Refueling Outage Costs

The domestic utility companies and System Energy record nuclear refueling outage costs in accordance with regulatory treatment and the matching principle. These refueling outage expenses are incurred to prepare the units to operate for the next operating cycle without having to be taken off line. Except for the River Bend plant, the costs are deferred during the outage and amortized over the period to the next outage. In accordance with the regulatory treatment of the River Bend plant, the costs are accrued in advance and included in the cost of service used to establish retail rates. Entergy Gulf States relieves the accrued liability when it incurs costs during the next River Bend outage.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)

AFUDC represents the approximate net composite interest cost of borrowed funds and a reasonable return on the equity funds used for construction. Although AFUDC increases both the plant balance and earnings, it is realized in cash through depreciation provisions included in rates.

Income Taxes

Entergy Corporation and the majority of its subsidiaries file a U.S. consolidated federal income tax return. Income taxes are allocated to the subsidiaries in proportion to their contribution to consolidated taxable income. SEC regulations require that no Entergy subsidiary pay more taxes than it would have paid if a separate income tax return had been filed. In accordance with SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," deferred income taxes are recorded for all temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and for certain credits available for carryforward.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates in the period in which the law or rate was enacted.

Investment tax credits are deferred and amortized based upon the average useful life of the related property, in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Application of SFAS 71

The domestic utility companies and System Energy currently account for the effects of regulation pursuant to SFAS 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation." This statement applies to the financial statements of a rate-regulated enterprise that meet three criteria. The enterprise must have rates that (i) are approved by a body empowered to set rates that bind customers (its regulator); (ii) are cost-based; and (iii) can be charged to and collected from customers. These criteria may also be applied to separable portions of a utility's business, such as the generation or transmission functions, or to specific classes of customers. If an enterprise meets these criteria, it capitalizes costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the rate actions of its regulator make it probable that those costs will be recovered in future revenue. Such capitalized costs are reflected as regulatory assets in the accompanying financial statements. A significant majority of Entergy's regulatory assets, net of related regulatory and deferred tax liabilities, earn a return on investment during their recovery periods. SFAS 71 requires that rate-regulated enterprises assess the probability of recovering their regulatory assets at each balance sheet date. When an enterprise concludes that recovery of a regulatory asset is no longer probable, the regulatory asset must be removed from the entity's balance sheet.

SFAS 101, "Accounting for the Discontinuation of Application of FASB Statement No. 71," specifies how an enterprise that ceases to meet the criteria for application of SFAS 71 for all or part of its operations should report that event in its financial statements. In general, SFAS 101 requires that the enterprise report the discontinuation of the application of SFAS 71 by eliminating from its balance sheet all regulatory assets and liabilities related to the applicable segment. Additionally, if it is determined that a regulated enterprise is no longer recovering all of its costs and therefore no longer qualifies for SFAS 71 accounting, it is possible that an impairment may exist that could require further write-offs of plant assets.

EITF 97-4: "Deregulation of the Pricing of Electricity - Issues Related to the Application of FASB Statements No. 71 and 101" specifies that SFAS 71 should be discontinued at a date no later than when the effects of a transition to competition plan for all or a portion of the entity subject to such plan are reasonably determinable. Additionally, EITF 97-4 promulgates that regulatory assets to be recovered through cash flows derived from another portion of the entity that continues to apply SFAS 71 should not be written off; rather, they should be considered regulatory assets of the segment that will continue to apply SFAS 71.

See Note 2 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for discussion of transition to competition activity in the retail regulatory jurisdictions served by the domestic utility companies. Only Texas currently has an enacted retail open access law, but Entergy believes that significant issues remain to be addressed by regulators, and the enacted law does not provide sufficient detail to reasonably determine the impact on Entergy Gulf States' regulated operations.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Entergy considers all unrestricted highly liquid debt instruments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Investments with original maturities of more than three months are classified as other temporary investments on the balance sheet.

Investments

Entergy applies the provisions of SFAS 115, "Accounting for Investments for Certain Debt and Equity Securities," in accounting for investments in decommissioning trust funds. As a result, Entergy records the decommissioning trust funds at their fair value on the consolidated balance sheet. Because of the ability of the domestic utility companies and System Energy to recover decommissioning costs in rates and in accordance with the regulatory treatment for decommissioning trust funds, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States (for the regulated portion of River Bend), Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy have recorded an offsetting amount of unrealized gains/(losses) on investment securities in other regulatory liabilities/assets. For the nonregulated portion of River Bend, Entergy Gulf States has recorded an offsetting amount of unrealized gains/(losses) in other deferred credits. See Note 12 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for details on the decommissioning trust funds.

Derivatives and Hedging

SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," requires that all derivatives be recognized in the balance sheet, either as assets or liabilities, at fair value, unless they meet the normal purchase, normal sales criteria. The changes in the fair value of recognized derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and the type of hedge transaction.

Contracts for commodities that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold in the ordinary course of business, including certain purchases and sales of power and fuel, are not classified as derivatives. These contracts are exempted under the normal purchase, normal sales criteria of SFAS 133. Revenues and expenses from these contracts are reported on a gross basis in the appropriate revenue and expense categories as the commodities are received or delivered.

For other contracts for commodities in which Entergy is hedging the variability of cash flows related to a variable-rate asset, liability, or forecasted transactions that qualify as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of such derivative instruments are reported in other comprehensive income. To qualify for hedge accounting, the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item must be documented to include the risk management objective and strategy and, at inception and on an ongoing basis, the effectiveness of the hedge in offsetting the changes in the cash flows of the item being hedged. Gains or losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are reclassified as earnings in the periods in which earnings are affected by the variability of the cash flows of the hedged item. The ineffective portions of all hedges are recognized in current-period earnings.

Fair Values

The estimated fair values of the domestic utility companies' and System Energy's financial instruments and derivatives are determined using bid prices and market quotes. Considerable judgment is required in developing the estimates of fair value. Therefore, estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the domestic utility companies and System Energy could realize in a current market exchange. Gains or losses realized on financial instruments held by regulated businesses may be reflected in future rates and therefore do not accrue to the benefit or detriment of stockholders.

The domestic utility companies and System Energy consider the carrying amounts of most of their financial instruments classified as current assets and liabilities to be a reasonable estimate of their fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. Additional information regarding financial instruments and their fair values is included in Notes 5 and 6 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The domestic utility companies and System Energy periodically review their long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that recoverability of these assets is uncertain. Generally, the determination of recoverability is based on the net cash flows expected to result from such operations and assets. Projected net cash flows depend on the future operating costs associated with the assets, the efficiency and availability of the assets and generating units, and the future market and price for energy over the remaining life of the assets.

River Bend AFUDC

The River Bend AFUDC gross-up is a regulatory asset that represents the incremental difference imputed by the LPSC between the AFUDC actually recorded by Gulf States Utilities on a net-of-tax basis during the construction of River Bend and what the AFUDC would have been on a pre-tax basis. The imputed amount was only calculated on that portion of River Bend that the LPSC allowed in rate base and is being amortized over the estimated remaining economic life of River Bend.

Transition to Competition Liabilities

In conjunction with electric utility industry restructuring activity in Texas, regulatory mechanisms were established to mitigate potential stranded costs. Texas restructuring legislation allowed depreciation on transmission and distribution assets to be directed toward generation assets. The liability recorded as a result of this mechanism is classified as "transition to competition" deferred credits on the balance sheet for Entergy Gulf States.

Reacquired Debt

The premiums and costs associated with reacquired debt of the domestic utility companies and System Energy (except that portion allocable to the deregulated operations of Entergy Gulf States) are being amortized over the life of the related new issuances, in accordance with ratemaking treatment.

Entergy Gulf States' Deregulated Operations

Entergy Gulf States does not apply regulatory accounting principles to its wholesale jurisdiction, Louisiana retail deregulated portion of River Bend, and the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun. The Louisiana retail deregulated portion of River Bend is operated under a deregulated asset plan representing a portion (approximately 16%) of River Bend plant costs, generation, revenues, and expenses established under a 1992 LPSC order. The plan allows Entergy Gulf States to sell the electricity from the deregulated assets to Louisiana retail customers at 4.6 cents per kWh or off-system at higher prices, with certain provisions for sharing such incremental revenue above 4.6 cents per kWh between ratepayers and shareholders.

The results of these deregulated operations before interest charges for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 are as follows:

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

(In Thousands)

           

Operating revenues

$280,279

 

$273,150

 

$209,752

Operating expenses

         

          Fuel, operation, and maintenance

197,275

 

177,385

 

158,927

          Depreciation and accretion

30,653

 

47,566

 

40,092

Total operating expense

227,928

 

224,951

 

199,019

Operating income

52,351

 

48,199

 

10,733

Income tax expense

20,414

 

17,722

 

4,503

Net income from deregulated utility operations

$31,937

 

$30,477

 

$6,230

The net investment associated with these deregulated operations as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 was approximately $830 and $838 million, respectively.

New Accounting Pronouncements

During 2004, Entergy adopted the provisions of FSP 106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003," which is discussed further in Note 10 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

SFAS 151, "Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4" and SFAS 153, "Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets", were also issued during the fourth quarter of 2004 and are effective for Entergy in 2006 and 2005, respectively. Entergy does not expect the impact of the adoption of these standards to be material.

During 2003, Entergy adopted the provisions of the following accounting standards: SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," which is discussed further in Note 8 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements; FIN 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities," which is discussed further in Note 5 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements; and SFAS 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity." SFAS 150, which became effective July 1, 2003, requires mandatorily redeemable financial instruments to be classified and treated as liabilities in the presentation of financial position and results of operations. The only effect of implementing SFAS 150 for Entergy is the inclusion of long-term debt and preferred stock with sinking fund under the liabilities caption in Entergy's balance sheet. Entergy's results of operations and cash flows were not affected by this standard.

During 2003, Entergy also adopted the provisions of the following accounting standards: SFAS 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" and related interpretations by the Derivatives Implementation Group, and FIN 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others". The adoption of these standards did not have a material effect on Entergy's financial statements.

NOTE 2. RATE AND REGULATORY MATTERS

Electric Industry Restructuring and the Continued Application of SFAS 71

Although Arkansas and Texas enacted retail open access laws, the retail open access law in Arkansas has now been repealed. Retail open access in Entergy Gulf States' service territory in Texas has been delayed. Entergy believes that significant issues remain to be addressed by Texas regulators, and the enacted law does not provide sufficient detail to allow Entergy Gulf States to reasonably determine the impact on Entergy Gulf States' regulated operations. Entergy therefore continues to apply regulatory accounting principles to the retail operations of all of the domestic utility companies. Following is a summary of the status of retail open access in the domestic utility companies' retail service territories.

Arkansas

(Entergy Arkansas)

In April 1999, the Arkansas legislature enacted Act 1556, the Arkansas Electric Consumer Choice Act, providing for competition in the electric utility industry through retail open access. In December 2001, the APSC recommended to the Arkansas General Assembly that legislation be enacted during the 2003 legislative session to either repeal Act 1556 or further delay retail open access until at least 2010. In February 2003, the Arkansas legislature voted to repeal Act 1556 and the repeal was signed into law by the governor.

Texas

(Entergy Gulf States)

As ordered by the PUCT, in January 2003, Entergy Gulf States filed its proposal for an interim solution (retail open access without a FERC-approved RTO), which among other elements, included:

  • the recommendation that retail open access in Entergy Gulf States' Texas service territory, including corporate unbundling, occur by January 1, 2004, or else be delayed until at least January 1, 2007. If retail open access is delayed past January 1, 2004, Entergy Gulf States requested authorization to separate into two bundled utilities, one subject to the retail jurisdiction of the PUCT and one subject to the retail jurisdiction of the LPSC.
  • the recommendation that Entergy's transmission organization, possibly with the oversight of another entity, will continue to serve as the transmission authority for purposes of retail open access in Entergy Gulf States' service territory.
  • the recommendation that the decision points be identified that would require prior to January 1, 2004, the PUCT's determination, based upon objective criteria, whether to proceed with further efforts toward retail open access in Entergy Gulf States' Texas service territory.

After considering the proposal, in an April 2003 order the PUCT set forth a sequence of proceedings and activities designed to initiate an interim solution. These proceedings and activities included initiating a proceeding to certify an independent organization to administer market protocols and ensure nondiscriminatory access to transmission and distribution systems.

In July 2004 the PUCT denied Entergy's application to certify Entergy's transmission organization as an independent organization under Texas law. In its order, the PUCT also ordered: the cessation of efforts to develop an interim solution for retail open access in Entergy Gulf States' Texas service territory, termination of the pilot project in that territory, and a delay in retail open access in that territory until either a FERC-approved RTO is in place or some other independent transmission entity is certified under Texas law. Several parties have appealed the termination of the pilot program aspect of the order, claiming the issue was not properly a part of the proceeding.

In February 2005, bills were filed in the Texas legislature that would clarify that Entergy Gulf States is no longer operating under a rate freeze and specify that retail open access will not commence in Entergy Gulf States' territory until the PUCT certifies a power region.

Louisiana

(Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana)

In November 2001, the LPSC decided not to move forward with retail open access for any customers at this time. The LPSC instead directed its staff to hold collaborative group meetings concerning open access from time to time, and to have the LPSC staff monitor developments in neighboring states and to report to the LPSC regarding the progress of retail access developments in those states. In September 2004, in response to a study funded by certain industrial customers that evaluated a limited industrial-only retail choice program, the LPSC asked the LPSC staff to solicit comments and obtain information from utilities, customers, and other interested parties concerning the potential costs and benefits of a limited choice program, the impact of such a program on other customers, as well as issues such as stranded costs and transmission service.  Comments from interested parties were filed with the LPSC on January 14, 2005. The LPSC has not established a procedural framework for consideration of the comments. At this time, it is not certain what further action, if any, the LPSC might take in response to the information it received.

Mississippi

(Entergy Mississippi)

In May 2000, after two years of studies and hearings, the MPSC announced that it was suspending its docket studying the opening of the state's retail electricity markets to competition. The MPSC based its decision on its finding that competition could raise the electric rates paid by residential and small commercial customers. The final decision regarding the introduction of retail competition ultimately lies with the Mississippi Legislature. Management cannot predict when, or if, Mississippi will deregulate its retail electricity market.

New Orleans

(Entergy New Orleans)

Entergy New Orleans filed an electric transition to competition plan in September 1997. No procedural schedule has been established for consideration of that plan by the City Council.

Regulatory Assets

Other Regulatory Assets

The domestic utility companies and System Energy are subject to the provisions of SFAS 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation." Regulatory assets represent probable future revenues associated with certain costs that are expected to be recovered from customers through the ratemaking process. In addition to the regulatory assets that are specifically disclosed on the face of the balance sheets, the tables below provide detail of "Other regulatory assets" included on the balance sheets of the domestic utility companies and System Energy as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 (in millions).


2004

 

Entergy
Arkansas

 

Entergy
Gulf States

 

Entergy
Louisiana

 

Entergy
Mississippi

 

Entergy
New Orleans

 

System
Energy

Asset Retirement Obligation - recovery dependent upon timing of decommissioning (Note 8)

 



$141.2

 



$- 

 



$141.6

 



$- 

 



$- 

 



$97.3

Deferred distribution expenses - recovered through May 2008

 


 


 


 


 


4.9

 


Deferred fossil plant maintenance expenses - recovered through December 2007 (Note 2)

 



 



 



 



 



3.6

 



Deferred fuel - non-current - recovered through rate riders when rates are redetermined annually

 



13.7

 



 



 



8.1

 



 



Depreciation re-direct - recovery begins at start of retail open access
(Note 1)

 



 



79.1

 



 



 



 



DOE Decom. and Decontamination Fees - recovered through fuel rates until December 2006 (Note 8)

 



13.1

 



2.3

 



5.0

 



 



 



4.9

Incremental ice storm costs - recovered until 2032

 


14.2

 


 


 


 


 


Low-level radwaste - recovery timing dependent upon pending lawsuit

 


16.2

 


3.1

 


 


 


 


Pension costs (Note 10)

 

70.8

 

 

34.1

 

20.2

 

15.2

 

7.4

Postretirement benefits - recovered through 2013 (Note 10)

 


19.1

 


 


 


 


 


Provision for storm damages - recovered through cost of service

 


29.0

 


57.1

 


41.7

 


 


 


Removal costs - recovered through depreciation rates (Note 8)

 


34.9

 


0.9

 


 


32.7

 


1.3

 


17.1

Resource planning - recovery timing will be determined by the LPSC in a base rate proceeding (Note 2)

 



 



 



25.4

 



 



 



River Bend AFUDC - recovered through August 2025 (Note 1)

 


 


37.5

 


 


 


 


Sale-leaseback deferral - recovered through June 2014 (Note 9)

 


 


 


 


 


 


127.3

Spindletop gas storage facility - recovered through 2032

 


 


42.3

 


 


 


 


Unamortized loss on reaquired debt - recovered over term of debt

 


37.0

 


43.4

 


27.4

 


15.6

 


4.6

 


41.8

Other - various

 

11.0

 

19.3

 

27.3

 

6.1

 

10.8

 

0.5

Total

 

$400.2

 

$285.0

 

$302.5

 

$82.7

 

$40.4

 

$296.3


2003

 

Entergy
Arkansas

 

Entergy
Gulf States

 

Entergy
Louisiana

 

Entergy
Mississippi

 

Entergy
New Orleans

 

System
Energy

Asset Retirement Obligation (Note 8)

 

$203.7

 

$36.2

 

$132.3

 

$-

 

$-

 

$92.7

Deferred fuel - non-current

 

17.1

 

-

 

-

 

11.1

 

-

 

-

Depreciation re-direct (Note 1)

 

-

 

79.1

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

DOE Decom. and Decontamination Fees (Note 8)

 


17.1

 


3.0

 


6.5

 


-

 


-

 


6.4

Incremental ice storm costs

 

14.7

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

Low-level radwaste

 

16.2

 

3.1

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

Pension costs (Note 10)

 

41.7

 

-

 

-

 

6.4

 

10.4

 

7.1

Postretirement benefits (Note 10)

 

21.5

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

Provision for storm damages

 

25.3

 

57.4

 

40.9

 

3.5

 

-

 

-

Removal costs (Note 8)

 

26.6

 

4.2

 

-

 

24.4

 

2.1

 

15.1

Resource planning (Note 2)

 

-

 

-

 

5.8

 

-

 

-

 

-

River Bend AFUDC (Note 1)

 

-

 

39.4

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

Sale-leaseback deferral (Note 9)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

131.7

Spindletop gas storage facility

 

-

 

38.0

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

Unamortized loss on reaquired debt

 

38.3

 

46.6

 

24.0

 

11.8

 

1.7

 

41.9

1994 FERC Settlement (Note 2)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

4.0

Other

 

15.3

 

13.4

 

8.2

 

1.1

 

13.0

 

2.3

Total

 

$437.5

 

$320.4

 

$217.7

 

$58.3

 

$27.2

 

$301.2

Deferred fuel costs

The domestic utility companies are allowed to recover certain fuel and purchased power costs through fuel mechanisms included in electric rates that are recorded as fuel cost recovery revenues. The difference between revenues collected and the current fuel and purchased power costs is recorded as "Deferred fuel costs" on the domestic utility companies' financial statements. The table below shows the amount of deferred fuel costs as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 that Entergy expects to recover or (refund) through the fuel mechanisms of the domestic utility companies, subject to subsequent regulatory review.

 

2004

 

2003

 

(In Millions)

       

Entergy Arkansas

$7.4 

 

$10.6 

Entergy Gulf States

$90.1 

 

$118.4 

Entergy Louisiana

$8.7 

 

$30.6 

Entergy Mississippi

($22.8)

 

$89.1 

Entergy New Orleans

$2.6 

 

($2.7)

Entergy Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas' rate schedules include an energy cost recovery rider to recover fuel and purchased energy costs in monthly bills. The rider utilizes prior calendar year energy costs and projected energy sales for the twelve-month period commencing on April 1 of each year to develop an annual energy cost rate. The energy cost rate includes a true-up adjustment reflecting the over-recovery or under-recovery, including carrying charges, of the energy cost for the prior calendar year.

In March 2004, Entergy Arkansas filed with the APSC its energy cost recovery rider for the period April 2004 through March 2005. The filed energy cost rate, which accounts for 12 percent of a typical residential customer's bill using 1,000 kWh per month, increased 16 percent due primarily to the elimination of a credit contained in the prior year's rate to refund previously over-recovered fuel costs. Also included in the current year's energy cost calculation is a decrease in rates of $3.9 million as a result of the operation of a revised energy allocation method between the retail and wholesale sectors resulting from the APSC's approval of a life-of-resources power purchase agreement with Entergy New Orleans.

Entergy Gulf States (Texas)

In the Texas jurisdiction, Entergy Gulf States' rate schedules include a fixed fuel factor to recover fuel and purchased power costs, including carrying charges, not recovered in base rates. Under the current methodology, semi-annual revisions of the fixed fuel factor may be made in March and September based on the market price of natural gas. Entergy Gulf States will likely continue to use this methodology until the start of retail open access, which has been delayed. The amounts collected under Entergy Gulf States' fixed fuel factor and any interim surcharge implemented until the date retail open access commences are subject to fuel reconciliation proceedings before the PUCT. In the Texas jurisdiction, Entergy Gulf States' deferred electric fuel costs are $78.6 million as of December 31, 2004, which includes the following:

   

Amount

   

(In Millions)

Under-recovered fuel costs for the period 9/03 - 7/04 to be recovered through an interim fuel surcharge over a six-month period beginning in January 2005

 



$27.8      

Items to be addressed as part of unbundling

 

$29.0      

Imputed capacity charges

 

$ 9.3      

Other

 

$12.5      

The PUCT has ordered that the imputed capacity charges be excluded from fuel rates and therefore recovered through base rates. Entergy Gulf States filed a retail electric rate case and fuel proceeding with the PUCT in August 2004. As discussed below, the PUCT dismissed the rate case and fuel reconciliation proceeding in October 2004 indicating that Entergy Gulf States is still subject to a rate freeze based on the current PUCT-approved settlement agreement stipulating that a rate freeze would remain in effect until retail open access commenced in Entergy Gulf States' service territory, unless the rate freeze is lifted by the PUCT prior thereto. Without a Texas base rate proceeding, it is possible that Entergy Gulf States will not be allowed to recover imputed capacity charges in Texas retail rates in the future. Entergy Gulf States believes the PUCT has misinterpreted the settlement and has appealed the PUCT order to the Travis County District Court and also intends to pursue other available remedies as discussed in "Electric Industry Restructuring and the Continued Application of SFAS 71." The dismissal of the rate case does not preclude Entergy Gulf States from seeking the reconciliation of fuel and purchased power costs of $288 million incurred from September 2003 through March 2004 when, at the appropriate time, similar costs are reconciled in the future.

In January 2001, Entergy Gulf States filed with the PUCT a fuel reconciliation case covering the period from March 1999 through August 2000. Entergy Gulf States was reconciling approximately $583 million of fuel and purchased power costs. As part of this filing, Entergy Gulf States requested authority to collect $28 million, plus interest, of under-recovered fuel and purchased power costs. In August 2002, the PUCT reduced Entergy Gulf States' request to approximately $6.3 million, including interest through July 31, 2002. Approximately $4.7 million of the total reduction to the requested surcharge relates to nuclear fuel costs that the PUCT deferred ruling on at that time. In October 2002, Entergy Gulf States appealed the PUCT's final order in Texas District Court. In its appeal, Entergy Gulf States is challenging the PUCT's disallowance of approximately $4.2 million related to imputed capacity costs and its disallowance related to costs for energy delivered from the 30% non-regulated share of River Bend. The case was argued before the Travis County Texas District Court in August 2003 and the Travis County District Court judge affirmed the PUCT's order. In October 2003, Entergy Gulf States appealed this decision to the Court of Appeals. Oral argument before the appellate court occurred in September 2004 and the matter is still pending.

In September 2003, Entergy Gulf States filed an application with the PUCT to implement an $87.3 million interim fuel surcharge, including interest, to collect under-recovered fuel and purchased power expenses incurred from September 2002 through August 2003. Hearings were held in October 2003 and the PUCT issued an order in December 2003 allowing for the recovery of $87 million. The surcharge was collected over a twelve-month period that began in January 2004.

In March 2004, Entergy Gulf States filed with the PUCT a fuel reconciliation case covering the period September 2000 through August 2003. Entergy Gulf States is reconciling $1.43 billion of fuel and purchased power costs on a Texas retail basis. This amount includes $8.6 million of under-recovered costs that Entergy Gulf States is asking to reconcile and roll into its fuel over/under-recovery balance to be addressed in the next appropriate fuel proceeding. This case involves imputed capacity and River Bend payment issues similar to those decided adversely in the January 2001 proceeding, discussed above, which is now on appeal. On January 31, 2005, the ALJs issued a Proposal for Decision that recommends disallowing $10.7 million (excluding interest) related to these two issues. A final PUCT decision is expected in the first quarter of 2005.

In September 2004, Entergy Gulf States filed an application with the PUCT to implement a $27.8 million interim fuel surcharge, including interest, to collect under-recovered fuel and purchased power expenses incurred from September 2003 through July 2004. Entergy Gulf States proposed to collect the surcharge over a six-month period beginning January 2005. In December 2004, the PUCT approved the surcharge consistent with Entergy Gulf States' request. Amounts collected though the interim fuel surcharge, which will be implemented over the six-month period commencing January 2005, are subject to final reconciliation in a future fuel reconciliation proceeding.

Entergy Gulf States (Louisiana) and Entergy Louisiana

In Louisiana, Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana recover electric fuel and purchased power costs for the upcoming month based upon the level of such costs from the prior month. In Louisiana, Entergy Gulf States' purchased gas adjustments include estimates for the billing month adjusted by a surcharge or credit for deferred fuel expense arising from monthly reconciliations of actual fuel costs incurred with fuel cost revenues billed to customers.

In August 2000, the LPSC authorized its staff to initiate a proceeding to audit the fuel adjustment clause filings of Entergy Louisiana pursuant to a November 1997 LPSC general order. The time period that is the subject of the audit is January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2001. In September 2003, the LPSC staff issued its audit report and recommended a disallowance with regard to one item. The issue relates to the alleged failure to uprate Waterford 3 in a timely manner, a claim that also has been raised in the summer 2001, 2002, and 2003 purchased power proceedings. The LPSC staff has quantified the possible disallowance as between $7.6 and $14 million. Entergy Louisiana notified the LPSC that it will contest the recommendation. The procedural schedule in the case has been suspended. A status conference for the purpose of establishing a new procedural schedule will be set when the current hearings in the Power Purchase Agreement proceedings at the FERC are concluded. The FERC hearings in that matter concluded in November 2004. If the LPSC approves the proposed settlement (discussed below under "Retail Rate Proceedings"), the issue of a proposed imprudence disallowance relating to the uprate will be resolved and will no longer be at issue in this proceeding.

In January 2003, the LPSC authorized its staff to initiate a proceeding to audit the fuel adjustment clause filings of Entergy Gulf States and its affiliates pursuant to a November 1997 LPSC general order. The audit will include a review of the reasonableness of charges flowed by Entergy Gulf States through its fuel adjustment clause in Louisiana for the period January 1, 1995 through December 31, 2002. Discovery is underway, but a detailed procedural schedule extending beyond the discovery stage has not yet been established, and the LPSC staff has not yet issued its audit report.

Entergy Mississippi

Entergy Mississippi's rate schedules include an energy cost recovery rider which is adjusted quarterly to reflect accumulated over- or under-recoveries from the second prior quarter. In May 2003, Entergy Mississippi filed and the MPSC approved a change in Entergy Mississippi's energy cost recovery rider. Under the MPSC's order, Entergy Mississippi deferred until 2004 the collection of fuel under-recoveries for the first and second quarters of 2003 that would have been collected in the third and fourth quarters of 2003, respectively. The deferred amount of $77.6 million plus carrying charges was collected through the energy cost recovery rider over a twelve-month period that began in January 2004.

In January 2005, the MPSC approved a change in Entergy Mississippi's energy cost recovery rider. Entergy Mississippi's fuel over-recoveries for the third quarter of 2004 of $21.3 million will be deferred from the first quarter 2005 energy cost recovery rider adjustment calculation. The deferred amount of $21.3 million plus carrying charges will be refunded through the energy cost recovery rider in the second and third quarters of 2005 at a rate of 45% and 55%, respectively.

Entergy New Orleans

Entergy New Orleans' electric rate schedules include a fuel adjustment tariff designed to reflect no more than targeted fuel and purchased power costs adjusted by a surcharge or credit for deferred fuel expense arising from monthly reconciliations, including carrying charges. Entergy New Orleans' gas rate schedules include estimates for the billing month adjusted by a surcharge or credit for deferred fuel expense arising from monthly reconciliations, including carrying charges.

In June and November 2004, the City Council passed resolutions implementing a package of measures developed by Entergy New Orleans and the Council Advisors to protect customers from potential gas price spikes during the 2004 - 2005 winter heating season. These measures include: maintaining Entergy New Orleans' financial hedging plan for its purchase of wholesale gas, and deferral of collection of up to $6.2 million of gas costs associated with a cap on the purchased gas adjustment in November and December 2004 and in the event that the average residential customer's gas bill were to exceed a threshold level. The deferrals resulting from these caps will receive accelerated recovery over a seven-month period beginning in April 2005.

In November 2004, the City Council directed Entergy New Orleans to confer with the Council Advisors regarding possible modification of the current gas cost collection mechanism in order to address concerns regarding its fluctuations particularly during the winter heating season.

Retail Rate Proceedings

Filings with the APSC (Entergy Arkansas)

Retail Rates

No significant retail rate proceedings are pending in Arkansas at this time.

Filings with the PUCT and Texas Cities (Entergy Gulf States)

Retail Rates

Entergy Gulf States is operating in Texas under the terms of a December 2001 settlement agreement approved by the PUCT. The settlement provided for a base rate freeze that has remained in effect during the delay in the implementation of retail open access in Entergy Gulf States' Texas service territory. In view of the PUCT order in July 2004 to further delay retail open access in the Texas service territory, Entergy Gulf States filed a retail electric rate case and fuel reconciliation proceeding with the PUCT in August 2004 seeking the following:

  • approval of a base rate increase of $42.6 million annually for the Texas retail jurisdiction;
  • approval to implement a $14.1 million per year rider to recover, over a 15-year period, $110.9 million of incurred costs related to its efforts to transition to a competitive retail market in accordance with the Texas restructuring law;
  • approval to implement a proposed $11.3 million franchise fee rider to recover payments to municipalities charging such fees; and
  • a requested return on equity of 11.5%.

In addition, Entergy Gulf States' fuel reconciliation filing made in conjunction with the base rate case sought to reconcile approximately $288 million in fuel and purchased power costs incurred during the period September 2003 through March 2004. In October 2004, the PUCT issued a written order in which it dismissed the rate case and fuel reconciliation proceeding indicating that Entergy Gulf States is still subject to a rate freeze based on a PUCT-approved agreement in 2001 stipulating that a rate freeze would remain in effect until retail open access commenced in Entergy Gulf States' service territory, unless the rate freeze is lifted by the PUCT prior thereto. Entergy Gulf States believes the PUCT has misinterpreted the settlement and has appealed the PUCT order to the Travis County District Court and intends to pursue other available remedies.

In February 2005, bills were filed in the Texas legislature that would clarify that Entergy Gulf States is no longer operating under a rate freeze and specify that retail open access will not commence in Entergy Gulf States' territory until the PUCT certifies a power region.

Recovery of River Bend Costs

In March 1998, the PUCT disallowed recovery of $1.4 billion of company-wide abeyed River Bend plant costs, which have been held in abeyance since 1988. Entergy Gulf States appealed the PUCT's decision on this matter to the Travis County District Court in Texas. In April 2002, the Travis County District Court issued an order affirming the PUCT's order on remand disallowing recovery of the abeyed plant costs. Entergy Gulf States appealed this ruling to the Third District Court of Appeals. In July 2003, the Third District Court of Appeals unanimously affirmed the judgment of the Travis County District Court. After considering the progress of the proceeding in light of the decision of the Court of Appeals, Entergy Gulf States accrued for the loss that would be associated with a final, non-appealable decision disallowing the abeyed plant costs. The net carrying value of the abeyed plant costs was $107.7 million at the time of the Court of Appeals decision. Accrual of the $107.7 million loss was recorded in the second quarter of 2003 as miscellaneous other income (deductions) and reduced net income by $65.6 million after-tax. In September 2004, the Texas Supreme Court denied Entergy Gulf States' petition for review, and Entergy Gulf States filed a motion for rehearing. In February 2005, the Texas Supreme Court denied the motion for rehearing, and the proceeding is now final.

Filings with the LPSC

Proposed Settlement (Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana)

In September 2004, the LPSC consolidated various dockets that were the subject of settlement discussions between the LPSC staff and Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana. The LPSC directed its staff to continue the settlement discussions and submit any proposed settlement to the LPSC for its consideration. In January 2005, Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana filed testimony with the LPSC in support of a proposed settlement that currently includes an offer to refund $76 million to Entergy Gulf States' Louisiana customers, with no immediate change in current base rates and to refund $14 million to Entergy Louisiana's customers. If the LPSC approves the proposed settlement, Entergy Gulf States will be regulated under a three-year formula rate plan that, among other provisions, establishes a ROE mid-point of 10.65% and permits Entergy Gulf States to recover incremental capacity costs without filing a traditional base rate proceeding. The settlement resolves all issues in, and will result in the dismissal of, Entergy Gulf States' fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth annual earnings reviews, Entergy Gulf States' ninth post-merger earnings review and revenue requirement analysis, a fuel review for Entergy Gulf States, dockets established to consider issues concerning power purchases for Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana for the summers of 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004, and a docket concerning retail issues arising under the Entergy System Agreement. The settlement does not include the System Agreement case pending at FERC. The LPSC has solicited comments on the proposed settlement from the parties to the various proceedings at issue in the proposed settlement. The proposed settlement is scheduled to be presented to the LPSC for consideration on March 23, 2005.

Annual Earnings Reviews (Entergy Gulf States)

In May 2002, Entergy Gulf States filed its ninth and last required post-merger analysis with the LPSC. The filing included an earnings review filing for the 2001 test year that resulted in a rate decrease of $11.5 million, which was implemented effective June 2002. In its latest testimony, in December 2003, the LPSC staff recommended a rate refund of $30.6 million and a prospective rate reduction of approximately $50 million. Hearings concluded in May 2004. Should the LPSC approve the proposed settlement discussed above, the ninth post-merger analysis would be resolved.

In December 2002, the LPSC approved a settlement between Entergy Gulf States and the LPSC staff pursuant to which Entergy Gulf States agreed to make a base rate refund of $16.3 million, including interest, and to implement a $22.1 million prospective base rate reduction effective January 2003. The settlement discharged any potential liability for claims that relate to Entergy Gulf States' fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth post-merger earnings reviews, with the exception of certain issues related to the calculation of the River Bend Deregulated Asset Plan percentage. Entergy Gulf States made the refund in February 2003. Should the LPSC approve the proposed settlement discussed above, the outstanding issue in these proceedings would be resolved.

Retail Rates

(Entergy Gulf States)

In July 2004, Entergy Gulf States filed with the LPSC an application for a change in its rates and charges seeking an increase of $9.1 million in gas base rates in order to allow Entergy Gulf States an opportunity to earn a fair and reasonable rate of return. Entergy Gulf States also is seeking approval of certain proposed rate design, rate schedule, and policy changes. Discovery is underway, and a decision is expected during the third quarter of 2005.

(Entergy Louisiana)

In January 2004, Entergy Louisiana made a rate filing with the LPSC requesting a base rate increase of approximately $167 million. In that filing, Entergy Louisiana noted that approximately $73 million of the base rate increase was attributable to the acquisition of a generating station and certain power purchase agreements that, based on current natural gas prices, would produce fuel and purchased power savings for customers that substantially mitigate the impact of the requested base rate increase. The filing also requested an allowed ROE midpoint of 11.4%. Entergy Louisiana's previously authorized ROE mid-point currently in effect is 10.5%. Hearings concluded in December 2004. Based on the evidence submitted at the hearing, the LPSC staff is recommending approximately a $7 million base rate increase. The LPSC staff proposed the implementation of a formula rate plan that includes a provision for the recovery of incremental capacity costs, including those related to the proposed Perryville acquisition, without filing a traditional base rate proceeding. A decision by the LPSC is expected in mid- to late-March 2005 on these issues.

Filings with the MPSC (Entergy Mississippi)

Formula Rate Plan Filings

Entergy Mississippi is operating under a December 2002 order issued by the MPSC. The order endorsed a new power management rider schedule designed to more efficiently collect capacity portions of purchased power costs. Also, the order provides for improvements in the return on equity formula and more robust performance measures for Entergy Mississippi's formula rate plan. Under the provisions of Entergy Mississippi's formula rate plan, a bandwidth is placed around the benchmark ROE, and if Entergy Mississippi earns outside of the bandwidth (as well as outside of a range-of-no-change at each edge of the bandwidth), then Entergy Mississippi's rates will be adjusted, though on a prospective basis only. Under Mississippi law and Entergy Mississippi's formula rate plan, however, if Entergy Mississippi's earned ROE is above the top of the range-of-no-change at the top of the formula rate plan bandwidth, then Entergy Mississippi's "Allowed ROE" for the next twelve-month period is the point halfway between such earned ROE and the top of the bandwidth; and Entergy Mississippi's retail rates are set at that halfway-point ROE level. In the situation where Entergy Mississippi's earned ROE is not above the top of the range-of-no-change at the top of the bandwidth, then Entergy Mississippi's "Allowed ROE" for the next twelve-month period is the top of the range-of-no-change at the top of the bandwidth.

Entergy Mississippi made its annual formula rate plan filing with the MPSC in March 2004 based on a 2003 test year. In April 2004, the MPSC approved a joint stipulation entered into between the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff and Entergy Mississippi that provides for no change in rates based on a performance adjusted ROE mid-point of 10.77%, establishing an allowed regulatory earnings range of 9.3% to 12.2%.

Grand Gulf Accelerated Recovery Tariff (GGART)

In September 1998, FERC approved the GGART for Entergy Mississippi's allocable portion of Grand Gulf, which was filed with FERC in August 1998. The GGART provided for the acceleration of Entergy Mississippi's Grand Gulf purchased power obligation over the period October 1, 1998 through June 30, 2004. In May 2003, the MPSC authorized the cessation of the GGART effective July 1, 2003. Entergy Mississippi filed notice of the change with FERC, and the FERC approved the filing on July 30, 2003. Entergy Mississippi accelerated a total of $168.4 million of Grand Gulf purchased power obligation costs under the GGART over the period October 1, 1998 through June 30, 2003.

Filings with the City Council (Entergy New Orleans)

Formula Rate Plans

In May 2003, the City Council approved a resolution allowing for a total increase of $30.2 million in electric and gas base rates effective June 1, 2003.  In April 2004, Entergy New Orleans made filings with the City Council as required by the earnings review process prescribed by the Gas and Electric Formula Rate Plans approved by the City Council in 2003. The filings sought an increase in Entergy New Orleans' electric revenues of $1.2 million and an increase in Entergy New Orleans' gas revenues of $32,000. The Council Advisors and intervenors reviewed the filings, and filed their recommendations in July 2004. In August 2004, in accordance with the City Council's requirements for the formula rate plans, Entergy New Orleans made a filing with the City Council reflecting the parties' concurrence that no change in Entergy New Orleans' electric or gas rates is warranted. Later in August 2004, the City Council approved an unopposed settlement among Entergy New Orleans, the Council Advisors, and the intervenors in connection with the Gas and Electric Formula Rate Plans. In accordance with the resolution approving the settlement agreement, Entergy New Orleans' gas and electric base rates remain unchanged from levels set in May 2003. The resolution ordered Entergy New Orleans to defer $3.9 million relating to voluntary severance plan costs allocated to its electric operations and $1.0 million allocated to its gas operations, which amounts were accrued on its books in 2003, and to record on its books regulatory assets in those amounts to be amortized over five years effective January 2004. Entergy New Orleans also was ordered to defer $6.0 million of fossil plant maintenance expense incurred in 2003 and to record on its books a regulatory asset in that amount to be amortized over a five-year period effective January 2003.

Entergy New Orleans will file its formula rate plan for the year ended December 31, 2004 by May 31, 2005 and also intends to file for an extension of the formula rate plan by September 1, 2005. If the formula rate plan is not extended by the City Council, the rate adjustments in effect based on the December 31, 2004 test year shall continue.

In May 2003, the City Council approved implementation of a generation performance-based rate calculation in the electric fuel adjustment clause under which Entergy New Orleans receives 10% of calculated fuel and purchased power cost savings in excess of $20 million, based on a defined benchmark, subject to a 13.25% return on equity limitation for electric operations as provided for in the electric formula rate plan. Entergy New Orleans bears 10% of any "negative" fuel and purchased power cost savings. In October 2004, Entergy New Orleans' annual evaluation report was submitted for the period June 2003 through May 2004. Savings associated with the first year generation performance-based rate calculation was $71 million of which Entergy New Orleans' share was $5.1 million.

Fuel Adjustment Clause Litigation

In April 1999, a group of ratepayers filed a complaint against Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Corporation, Entergy Services, and Entergy Power in state court in Orleans Parish purportedly on behalf of all Entergy New Orleans ratepayers. The plaintiffs seek treble damages for alleged injuries arising from the defendants' alleged violations of Louisiana's antitrust laws in connection with certain costs passed on to ratepayers in Entergy New Orleans' fuel adjustment filings with the City Council. In particular, plaintiffs allege that Entergy New Orleans improperly included certain costs in the calculation of fuel charges and that Entergy New Orleans imprudently purchased high-cost fuel from other Entergy affiliates. Plaintiffs allege that Entergy New Orleans and the other defendant Entergy companies conspired to make these purchases to the detriment of Entergy New Orleans' ratepayers and to the benefit of Entergy's shareholders, in violation of Louisiana's antitrust laws. Plaintiffs also seek to recover interest and attorneys' fees. Entergy filed exceptions to the plaintiffs' allegations, asserting, among other things, that jurisdiction over these issues rests with the City Council and FERC. In March 2004, the plaintiffs supplemented and amended their petition. If necessary, at the appropriate time, Entergy will also raise its defenses to the antitrust claims. The suit in state court has been stayed by stipulation of the parties pending a decision by the City Council in the proceeding discussed in the next paragraph.

Plaintiffs also filed this complaint with the City Council in order to initiate a review by the City Council of the plaintiffs' allegations and to force restitution to ratepayers of all costs they allege were improperly and imprudently included in the fuel adjustment filings. Testimony was filed on behalf of the plaintiffs in this proceeding asserting, among other things, that Entergy New Orleans and other defendants have engaged in fuel procurement and power purchasing practices and included costs in Entergy New Orleans' fuel adjustment that could have resulted in Entergy New Orleans customers being overcharged by more than $100 million over a period of years. Hearings were held in February and March 2002. In February 2004, the City Council approved a resolution that resulted in a refund to customers of $11.3 million, including interest, during the months of June through September 2004. The resolution concludes, among other things, that the record does not support an allegation that Entergy New Orleans' actions or inactions, either alone or in concert with Entergy or any of its affiliates, constituted a misrepresentation or a suppression of the truth made in order to obtain an unjust advantage of Entergy New Orleans, or to cause loss, inconvenience or harm to its ratepayers. Management believes that it has adequately provided for the liability associated with this proceeding. The plaintiffs have appealed the City Council resolution to the state court in Orleans Parish. Oral argument on the plaintiffs' appeal was conducted in February 2005.

Purchased Power for Summer 2001, 2002 and 2003 (Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana)

In March 2001, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States filed applications with the LPSC for authorization to participate in contracts that would be executed by the Entergy System to meet the summer peak load requirements for the summer of 2001. In May 2001, the LPSC determined that 24% of Entergy Louisiana's and Entergy Gulf States' costs relating to summer 2001 purchases should be categorized as capacity charges. Subsequently, the LPSC raised certain prudence issues related to the 2001 purchases. The administrative law judge (ALJ) presiding over the case issued a Preliminary Recommendation regarding prudence issues primarily associated with the power uprates at the Waterford 3 and Grand Gulf nuclear units. In the event that such decision becomes final, additional calculations would be required to determine the potential refund obligation for the periods 2001, 2002 and 2003. The ALJ also concluded that Entergy should be permitted the opportunity to recover the expenses of the uprates through appropriate rate proceedings.

In March 2002 and 2003, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States filed an application with the LPSC for the approval of capacity and energy purchases for the summers of 2002 and 2003, respectively, similar to the applications filed for the summers of 2000 and 2001. The LPSC ordered that 14% of Entergy Louisiana's and Entergy Gulf States' costs relating to summer 2002 purchases be categorized as capacity charges, and that 11% of Entergy Louisiana's and Entergy Gulf States' costs relating to summer 2003 power purchases, the price of which was stated on the basis of $/MWh, be categorized as capacity charges. The LPSC did not allow the capacity charges to be set up as a regulatory asset, but authorized Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States to include these costs in any base rate case for their respective test years. Prudence issues relating to summer 2002 and 2003 purchases were resolved in subsequent settlements approved by the LPSC. In the event that the LPSC adopts the ALJ's recommendation relating to potential uprates at nuclear facilities in the summer 2001 case, and such decision becomes final following an appeal or the expiration of appeal delays, these settlements reserve the LPSC's right to propose in a future case disallowances relating to the effect that such uprates would have had on the summer 2002 and summer 2003 firm energy contracts, while Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana reserve their right to oppose any such proposal.

No refunds were ordered in the summer 2002 settlement, although with respect to the capacity costs to be incurred pursuant to a particular purchased power contract, Entergy Louisiana agreed in the settlement to forgo recovery of approximately $0.8 million in 2002, $1.3 million in 2003, and $1.0 million in 2004, and Entergy Gulf States agreed to forgo recovery of approximately $0.5 million in 2002, $0.9 million in 2003, and $0.7 million in 2004. All other purchases for the summers of 2002 and 2003 were found to be prudent. Issues relating to the reasonableness of the long-term planning process were moved from the summer 2002 case into a separate sub-docket. In the summer 2003 settlement, the LPSC also reserved its right to investigate any alleged imprudence regarding the System's decision to spin off the ISES and Ritchie generating units to an unregulated affiliate, Entergy Power, Inc.

Should the LPSC approve the proposed settlement discussed above, all issues arising out of the purchased power cases for the summers of 2001, 2002, and 2003 would be resolved.

FERC Settlement (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

In November 1994, FERC approved an agreement settling a long-standing dispute involving income tax allocation procedures of System Energy. In accordance with the agreement, System Energy refunded a total of approximately $62 million, plus interest, to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans through June 2004. System Energy also reclassified from utility plant to other deferred debits approximately $81 million of other Grand Gulf costs. Although such costs were excluded from rate base, System Energy amortized and recovered these costs over a 10-year period. Interest on the $62 million refund and the loss of the return on the $81 million of other Grand Gulf costs reduced Entergy's and System Energy's net income by approximately $10 million annually.

NOTE 3. INCOME TAXES

Income tax expenses for 2004, 2003, and 2002 consist of the following:

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

System

2004

Arkansas

Gulf States

Louisiana

Mississippi

New Orleans

Energy

(In Thousands)

Current:

 Federal (a)(b)

$14,490 

$42,436 

$2,439 

($23,568)

($19,259)

$222,622 

 State (a)(b)

8,727 

7,944 

1,957 

(1,221)

(3,655)

33,926 

  Total (a)(b)

23,217 

50,380 

4,396 

(24,789)

(22,914)

256,548 

Deferred -- net

70,674 

63,615 

80,207 

63,234 

40,226 

(175,059)

Investment tax credit

 adjustments -- net

(4,827)

(5,707)

(5,128)

(1,405)

(444)

(3,476)

 Recorded income tax expense

$89,064 

$108,288 

$79,475 

$37,040 

$16,868 

$78,013 

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

System

2003

Arkansas

Gulf States

Louisiana

Mississippi

New Orleans

Energy

(In Thousands)

Current:

 Federal (a)

$40,632 

($11,535)

($745,724)

($2,969)

($7,655)

$95,670 

 State (a)

16,306 

(1,503)

(16,243)

2,565 

(1,871)

15,382 

  Total (a)

56,938 

(13,038)

(761,967)

(404)

(9,526)

111,052 

Deferred -- net

53,309 

36,652 

864,656 

36,240 

15,853 

(31,731)

Investment tax credit

 adjustments -- net

(4,951)

(12,078)

(5,281)

(1,405)

(452)

(3,476)

 Recorded income tax expense

$105,296 

$11,536 

$97,408 

$34,431 

$5,875 

$75,845 

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

System

2002

Arkansas

Gulf States

Louisiana

Mississippi

New Orleans

Energy

(In Thousands)

Current:

 Federal (a)

$13,206 

$66,227 

$43,048 

$21,817 

($7,103)

$99,429 

 State (a)

3,243 

11,345 

1,867 

3,969 

(47)

14,994 

  Total (a)

16,449 

77,572 

44,915 

25,786 

(7,150)

114,423 

Deferred -- net

59,963 

(4,210)

45,253 

(6,529)

7,196 

(34,770)

Investment tax credit

 adjustments -- net

(5,008)

(7,365)

(5,403)

(1,411)

(468)

(3,476)

 Recorded income tax expense

$71,404 

$65,997 

$84,765 

$17,846 

($422)

$76,177 

(a)

Entergy Louisiana's actual cash taxes paid/(refunded) were $(70,650) in 2004, $35,128 in 2003, and $(781,540) in 2002. Entergy Louisiana's mark-to-market tax accounting election significantly reduced taxes paid in 2002. In 2001, Entergy Louisiana changed its method of accounting for tax purposes related to its wholesale electric power contracts. The most significant of these is the contract to purchase power from the Vidalia project (the contract is discussed in Note 8 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements). The new tax accounting method has provided a cumulative cash flow benefit of approximately $790 million through 2004, which is expected to reverse in the years 2005 through 2031. The election did not reduce book income tax expense. The timing of the reversal of this benefit depends on several variables, including the price of power. Approximately half of the consolidated cash flow benefit of the election occurred in 2001 and the remainder occurred in 2002. In accordance with Entergy's intercompany tax allocation agreement, the cash flow benefit for Entergy Louisiana occurred in the fourth quarter of 2002.

   
(b) In 2003, the domestic utility companies and System Energy filed, with the IRS, a change in tax accounting method notification for their respective calculations of cost of goods sold. The adjustment implemented a simplified method of allocation of overhead to the production of electricity, which is provided under the IRS capitalization regulations. The cumulative adjustment placing these companies on the new methodology resulted in a $1.171 billion deduction for Entergy Arkansas, a $674 million deduction for Entergy Gulf States, a $505 million deduction for Entergy Louisiana, a $145 million deduction for Entergy Mississippi, a $31 million deduction for Entergy New Orleans, and a $430 million deduction for System Energy on Entergy's 2003 income tax return. There was no cash benefit from the method change in 2003. In 2004, Entergy Arkansas realized $173 million, Entergy Gulf States realized $69 million, Entergy Louisiana realized $100 million, Entergy Mississippi realized $36 million, and System Energy realized $144 million in cash tax benefit from the method change. This tax accounting method change is an issue across the utility industry and will likely be challenged by the IRS on audit. Entergy believes that its contingency provision established in its financial statements will sufficiently cover its risk associated with this issue.

Total income taxes differ from the amounts computed by applying the statutory income tax rate to income before taxes. The reasons for the differences for the years 2004, 2003, and 2002 are:

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

System

2004

Arkansas

Gulf States

Louisiana

Mississippi

New Orleans

Energy

(In Thousands)

Computed at statutory rate (35%)

$80,946 

$105,194 

$72,440 

$38,688 

$15,729 

$64,386 

Increases (reductions) in tax

    resulting from:

State income taxes net of

    federal income tax effect

12,204 

8,289 

6,411 

3,845 

1,158 

7,665 

Regulatory differences -

    utility plant items

13,775 

6,951 

10,052 

(1,482)

1,373 

10,528 

Amortization of investment

    tax credits

(4,827)

(5,316)

(5,128)

(1,405)

(444)

(3,476)

Flow-through/permanent

    differences

(9,127)

(7,080)

(3,576)

(2,114)

(878)

(993)

Other -- net

(3,907)

250 

(724)

(492)

(70)

(97)

 Total income taxes

$89,064 

$108,288 

$79,475 

$37,040 

$16,868 

$78,013 

Effective Income Tax Rate

38.5%

36.0%

38.4%

33.5%

37.5%

42.4%

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

System

2003

Arkansas

Gulf States

Louisiana

Mississippi

New Orleans

Energy

(In Thousands)

Computed at statutory rate (35%)

$80,957 

$18,934 

$85,247 

$35,522 

$4,807 

$63,647 

Increases (reductions) in tax

    resulting from:

State income taxes net of

    federal income tax effect

12,987 

473 

7,764 

3,000 

21 

7,765 

Regulatory differences -

    utility plant items

15,994 

13,260 

10,568 

(930)

2,045 

11,530 

Amortization of investment

    tax credits

(4,951)

(8,797)

(5,281)

(1,404)

(452)

(3,476)

Flow-through/permanent

    differences

1,090 

(10,625)

(2,012)

(1,112)

(625)

(420)

Benefit of Entergy Corp. expenses

(1,145)

(888)

(3,408)

Other -- net

364 

(821)

1,122 

(645)

79 

207 

 Total income taxes

$105,296 

$11,536 

$97,408 

$34,431 

$5,875

$75,845

Effective Income Tax Rate

45.5%

21.3%

40.0%

33.9%

42.8%

41.7%

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

System

2002

Arkansas

Gulf States

Louisiana

Mississippi

New Orleans

Energy

(In Thousands)

Computed at statutory rate (35%)

$72,467 

$84,064 

$80,317 

$24,589 

($228)

$62,836 

Increases (reductions) in tax

    resulting from:

State income taxes net of

    federal income tax effect

8,784 

6,401 

6,065 

2,069 

551 

7,049 

Regulatory differences -

    utility plant items

10,615 

2,738 

6,875 

(3,032)

1,125 

11,453 

Amortization of investment

    tax credits

(5,008)

(6,528)

(5,403)

(1,411)

(468)

(3,476)

Flow-through/permanent

    differences

(10,687)

(15,000)

(1,878)

(1,453)

(538)

(1,183)

Benefit of Entergy Corp. expenses

(3,428)

(3,830)

(180)

(2,331)

(434)

(191)

Other -- net

(1,339)

(1,848)

(1,031)

(585)

(430)

(311)

 Total income taxes

$71,404 

$65,997 

$84,765 

$17,846 

($422)

$76,177 

Effective Income Tax Rate

34.5%

27.5%

36.9%

25.4%

64.7%

42.4%

Significant components of net deferred and long-term accrued tax liabilities as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

System

2004

Arkansas

Gulf States

Louisiana

Mississippi

New Orleans

Energy

(In Thousands)

Deferred and Long-term Accrued Tax Liabilities:

   Net regulatory assets/(liabilities)

($128,594)

($479,158)

($169,675)

($22,864)

$44,867 

($223,391)

   Plant-related basis differences - net

(1,237,303)

(1,388,391)

(921,976)

(389,558)

(103,733)

(471,026)

   Power purchase agreements

(971,676)

   Rate refunds

(39,163)

(17,736)

(49,124)

(14,375)

   Deferred fuel

(2,899)

(36,017)

(1,286)

(6,424)

(3,873)

   Other reserves

2,686 

(33,916)

27,421 

5,856 

(323)

(80,597)

   Other

(80,980)

(20,781)

(68,381)

(16,516)

(2,982)

(11,851)

      Total

(1,486,253)

(1,958,263)

(2,123,309)

(478,630)

(80,419)

(786,865)

Deferred Tax Assets:

   Accumulated deferred investment

      tax credit

26,936 

34,359 

36,989 

5,235 

1,538 

28,922 

   Sale and leaseback

82,410 

-

144,745 

   NOL carryforward

300,249 

164,749 

164,840 

34,642 

18,973 

   Unbilled/Deferred revenues

17,001 

10,193 

-

   Pension-related items

14,499 

13,039 

10,656 

6,737 

   Reserve for regulatory adjustments

131,112 

   Rate refund

32,932 

170,222 

   Customer deposits

40,880 

33,425 

17,479 

15,777 

91 

   Nuclear decommissioning

12,070 

2,833 

   Other

11,801 

10,721 

13,021 

2,386 

193 

11,296 

    Total

391,936 

438,798 

330,611 

68,233 

31,451 

361,922 

Net deferred tax liability

($1,094,317)

($1,519,465)

($1,792,698)

($410,397)

($48,968)

($424,943)

 

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

Entergy

System

2003

Arkansas

Gulf States

Louisiana

Mississippi

New Orleans

Energy

(In Thousands)

Deferred and Long-term Accrued Tax Liabilities:

   Net regulatory assets/(liabilities)

($157,147)

($478,254)

($195,074)

($34,738)

$38,834 

($246,519)

   Plant-related basis differences, net

(798,641)

(1,095,206)

(806,955)

(284,550)

(74,041)

(332,197)

   Power purchase agreements

(945,495)

   Deferred fuel

(4,154)

(45,762)

(40,091)

(1,109)

   Long term taxes accrued

(26,611)

(55,155)

(52,646)

(17,491)

(57,239)

   Other

(85,528)

(26,012)

(67,272)

(21,806)

(1,728)

(11,497)

    Total

(1,072,081)

(1,700,389)

(2,014,796)

(433,831)

(55,535)

(647,452)

Deferred Tax Assets:

   Accumulated deferred investment

      tax credit

28,836 

36,192 

38,962 

5,773

1,709 

30,251 

   Sale and leaseback

83,539 

139,595 

   NOL carryforward

104,489 

   Unbilled/Deferred revenues

-

11,959 

7,357

   Pension-related items

5,453 

11,474 

12,562

9,324 

7,354 

   Reserve for regulatory adjustments

138,933 

   Rate refund

2,351 

23,184 

789 

379 

3,977 

170,222 

   Customer deposits

37,778 

35,840 

16,804 

18,085 

84 

   Nuclear decommissioning

13,171 

2,833 

   Other

6,399 

26,147 

26,096 

9,722 

1,415 

8,124 

    Total

93,988 

283,729 

286,074 

41,316 

16,509 

355,546 

Net deferred tax liability

($978,093)

($1,416,660)

($1,728,722)

($392,515)

($39,026)

($291,906)

As of December 31, 2004, federal net operating loss carryforwards were $766.9 million for Entergy Arkansas, $447.5 million for Entergy Gulf States, $195.7 million for Entergy Louisiana, $40.9 million for Entergy Mississippi, and $54.9 million for Entergy New Orleans. If the federal net operating loss carryforwards are not utilized, they will expire in the year 2023.

As of December 31, 2004, state net operating loss carryforwards were $1.9 billion for Entergy Louisiana, $278 million for Entergy Gulf States, $11 million for Entergy New Orleans, and $638 million for Entergy Arkansas. If the state net operating loss carryforwards are not utilized, they will expire in the years 2016 through 2018 for Entergy Louisiana, 2018 for Entergy Gulf States, 2018 for Entergy New Orleans, and 2008 for Entergy Arkansas.

NOTE 4. LINES OF CREDIT AND SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

The short-term borrowings of Entergy's subsidiaries are limited to amounts authorized by the SEC. The current limits authorized are effective through November 30, 2007. In addition to borrowing from commercial banks, Entergy's subsidiaries are authorized under the SEC order to borrow from Entergy's money pool. The money pool is an inter-company borrowing arrangement designed to reduce Entergy's subsidiaries' dependence on external short-term borrowings. Borrowings from the money pool and external borrowings combined may not exceed the SEC authorized limits. Under the SEC Order and without further SEC authorization, the domestic utility companies and System Energy cannot incur additional short-term indebtedness unless (a) the issuer and Entergy Corporation maintain a common equity ratio of at least 30% and (b) with the exception of money pool borrowings, the security to be issued (if rated) and all outstanding securities of the issuer (other than preferred stock of Entergy Gulf States and Entergy New Orleans), as well as all outstanding securities of Entergy Corporation, that are rated, are rated investment grade.

The following are the SEC authorized limits for short-term borrowings and the outstanding short-term borrowings from the money pool for the domestic utility companies and System Energy as of December 31, 2004:

 

Authorized

 

Borrowings

 

(In Millions)

Entergy Arkansas

$235

 

-           

Entergy Gulf States

$340

 

$59.7

Entergy Louisiana

$225

 

-           

Entergy Mississippi

$160

 

-           

Entergy New Orleans

$100

 

-           

System Energy

$140

 

-           

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans each have 364-day credit facilities available as follows:


Company

 


Expiration Date

 

Amount of
Facility

 

Amount Drawn as of
Dec. 31, 2004

             

Entergy Arkansas

 

April 2005

 

$85 million

 

-

Entergy Louisiana

 

April 2005

 

$15 million(a)

 

-

Entergy Mississippi

 

May 2005

 

$25 million

 

-

Entergy New Orleans

 

April 2005

 

$14 million(a)

 

-

(a) The combined amount borrowed by Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans under these facilities at any one time cannot exceed $15 million.

The 364-day credit facilities have variable interest rates and the average commitment fee is 0.13%. The Entergy Arkansas facility requires it to maintain total shareholder's equity of at least 25% of its total assets.

NOTE 5. LONG - TERM DEBT (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

Long-term debt as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 consisted of:

 

2004

 

2003

 

(In Thousands)

Entergy Arkansas

     

      Mortgage Bonds:

     

             6.125% Series due July 2005

$100,000 

 

$100,000 

             5.4% Series due May 2018

150,000 

 

150,000 

             5.0% Series due July 2018

115,000 

 

115,000 

             7.0% Series due October 2023

175,000 

 

175,000 

             6.7% Series due April 2032

100,000 

 

100,000 

             6.0% Series due November 2032

100,000 

 

100,000 

             5.9% Series due June 2033

100,000 

 

100,000 

             6.38% Series due November 2034

60,000 

 

             Total mortgage bonds

900,000 

 

840,000 

       

      Governmental Bonds (a):

     

             6.3% Series due 2016, Pope County (h)

19,500 

 

19,500 

             5.6% Series due 2017, Jefferson County

45,500 

 

45,500 

             6.3% Series due 2018, Jefferson County (h)

9,200 

 

9,200 

             6.3% Series due 2020, Pope County

120,000 

 

120,000 

             6.25% Series due 2021, Independence County (h)

45,000 

 

45,000 

             5.05% Series due 2028, Pope County (b)

47,000 

 

47,000 

             Total governmental bonds

286,200 

 

286,200 

       

Other Long-Term Debt

     

       Long-term DOE Obligation (c)

156,332 

 

154,409 

       8.5% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures

 

61,856 

       Unamortized Premium and Discount - Net

(4,390)

 

(4,708)

       Other

621 

 

621 

       

Total Long-Term Debt

1,338,763 

 

1,338,378 

Less Amount Due Within One Year

147,000 

 

Long-Term Debt Excluding Amount Due Within One Year

$1,191,763 

 

$1,338,378 

       

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (d)

$1,224,942 

 

$1,235,278 

       

 

2004

 

2003

 

(In Thousands)

Entergy Gulf States

     

     Mortgage Bonds:

     

            8.25% Series due April 2004

$- 

 

$292,000 

            6.77% Series due August 2005

98,000 

 

98,000 

            Libor + 0.9% Series due June 2007

 

275,000 

            5.2% Series due December 2007

 

200,000 

            3.6% Series due June 2008

325,000 

 

325,000 

            Libor + 0.4% Series due December 2009

225,000 

 

            4.875% Series due November 2011

200,000 

 

            6.0% Series due December 2012

140,000 

 

140,000 

            5.6% Series due December 2014

50,000 

 

            5.25% Series due August 2015

200,000 

 

200,000 

            6.2% Series due July 2033

240,000 

 

240,000 

            Total mortgage bonds

1,478,000 

 

1,770,000 

       

      Governmental Bonds (a):

     

            5.45% Series due 2010, Calcasieu Parish

22,095 

 

22,095 

            6.75% Series due 2012, Calcasieu Parish

48,285 

 

48,285 

            6.7% Series due 2013, Pointe Coupee Parish

17,450 

 

17,450 

            5.7% Series due 2014, Iberville Parish

21,600 

 

21,600 

            7.7% Series due 2014, West Feliciana Parish

94,000 

 

94,000 

            5.8% Series due 2015, West Feliciana Parish

28,400 

 

28,400 

            7.0% Series due 2015, West Feliciana Parish

39,000 

 

39,000 

            7.5% Series due 2015, West Feliciana Parish

41,600 

 

41,600 

            9.0% Series due 2015, West Feliciana Parish

45,000 

 

45,000 

            5.8% Series due 2016, West Feliciana Parish

20,000 

 

20,000 

            5.65% Series due 2028, West Feliciana Parish (e)

 

62,000 

            6.6% Series due 2028, West Feliciana Parish

40,000 

 

40,000 

            Total governmental bonds

417,430 

 

479,430 

       

 Other Long-Term Debt

     

        8.75% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures

87,629 

 

87,629 

        Unamortized Premium and Discount - Net

(2,397)

 

(2,596)

        Other

8,816 

 

9,150 

       

Total Long-Term Debt

1,989,478 

 

2,343,613 

Less Amount Due Within One Year

98,000 

 

354,000 

Long-Term Debt Excluding Amount Due Within One Year

$1,891,478 

 

$1,989,613 

       

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (d)

$1,999,249 

 

$2,438,997 

       

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

(In Thousands)

Entergy Louisiana

     

      Mortgage Bonds:

     

              6.5% Series due March 2008

$- 

 

$115,000 

              5.09% Series due November 2014

115,000 

 

              5.5% Series due April 2019

100,000 

 

              7.6% Series due April 2032

150,000 

 

150,000 

              6.4% Series due October 2034

70,000 

 

              Total mortgage bonds

435,000 

 

265,000 

       

      Governmental Bonds (a):

     

              7.5% Series due 2021, St. Charles Parish (h)

50,000 

 

50,000 

              7.0% Series due 2022, St. Charles Parish (h)

24,000 

 

24,000 

              7.05% Series due 2022, St. Charles Parish (h)

20,000 

 

20,000 

              5.95% Series due 2023, St. Charles Parish (h)

25,000 

 

25,000 

              6.2% Series due 2023, St. Charles Parish (h)

33,000 

 

33,000 

              6.875% Series due 2024, St. Charles Parish (h)

20,400 

 

20,400 

              6.375% Series due 2025, St. Charles Parish

16,770 

 

16,770 

              5.35% Series due 2029, St. Charles Parish (i)

 

              Auction Rate due 2030, St. Charles Parish (h)

60,000 

 

60,000 

              4.9% Series due 2030, St. Charles Parish (f) (g)

55,000 

 

55,000 

              Total governmental bonds

304,170 

 

304,170 

       

Other Long-Term Debt:

     

      Waterford 3 Lease Obligation 7.45% (Note 9)

247,725 

 

262,534 

      9.0% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures

 

72,165 

      Unamortized Premium and Discount - Net

(1,200)

 

(1,373)

       

Total Long-Term Debt

985,695 

 

902,496 

Less Amount Due Within One Year

55,000 

 

14,809 

Long-Term Debt Excluding Amount Due Within One Year

$930,695 

 

$887,687 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (d)

$762,782 

 

$668,700 

 

2004

 

2003

 

(In Thousands)

Entergy Mississippi

     

     Mortgage Bonds:

     

            6.2% Series due May 2004

$- 

 

$75,000 

            6.45% Series due April 2008

 

80,000 

            4.35% Series due April 2008

100,000 

 

100,000 

            4.65% Series due May 2011

80,000 

 

            5.15% Series due February 2013

100,000 

 

100,000 

            4.95% Series due June 2018

95,000 

 

95,000 

            7.7% Series due July 2023

 

60,000 

            6.0% Series due November 2032

75,000 

 

75,000 

            7.25% Series due December 2032

100,000 

 

100,000 

            6.25% Series due April 2034

100,000 

 

            Total mortgage bonds

650,000 

 

685,000 

       

     Governmental Bonds (a):

     

            7.0% Series due 2022, Warren County

 

8,095 

            7.0% Series due 2022, Washington County

 

7,935 

            4.60% Series due 2022, Mississippi Business Finance Corp.

16,030 

 

            Auction Rate due 2022, Independence County (h)

30,000 

 

30,000 

            Total governmental bonds

46,030 

 

46,030 

       

Other Long-Term Debt:

     

      Unamortized Premium and Discount - Net

(957)

 

(1,074)

       

Total Long-Term Debt

695,073 

 

729,956 

Less Amount Due Within One Year

 

75,000 

Long-Term Debt Excluding Amount Due Within One Year

$695,073 

 

$654,956 

       

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (d)

$716,201 

 

$771,402 

 

2004

 

2003

 

(In Thousands)

Entergy New Orleans

     

      Mortgage Bonds:

     

             8.125% Series due July 2005

$30,000 

 

$30,000 

             3.875% Series due August 2008

30,000 

 

30,000 

             5.25% Series due August 2013

70,000 

 

70,000 

             6.75% Series due October 2017

25,000 

 

25,000 

             8.0% Series due March 2023

 

45,000 

             7.55% Series due September 2023

 

30,000 

             5.6% Series due September 2024

35,000 

 

             5.65% Series due September 2029

40,000 

 

             Total mortgage bonds

230,000 

 

230,000 

       

Other Long-Term Debt:

     

      Unamortized Premium and Discount - Net

(98)

 

(783)

       

Total Long-Term Debt

229,902 

 

229,217 

Less Amount Due Within One Year

30,000 

 

Long-Term Debt Excluding Amount Due Within One Year

$199,902 

 

$229,217 

     

 

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (d)

$231,957 

 

$239,816 

 

2004

 

2003

 

(In Thousands)

System Energy

     

       Mortgage Bonds:

     

             4.875% Series due October 2007

$70,000 

 

$70,000 

             Total mortgage bonds

70,000 

 

70,000 

       

       Governmental Bonds (a):

     

             5.875% Series due 2022, Mississippi Business Finance Corp.

216,000 

 

216,000 

             5.9% Series due 2022, Mississippi Business Finance Corp.

102,975 

 

102,975 

             7.3% Series due 2025, Claiborne County

 

7,625 

             6.2% Series due 2026, Claiborne County

90,000 

 

90,000 

             Total governmental bonds

408,975 

 

416,600 

       
Other Long-Term Debt:      
          Grand Gulf Lease Obligation 5.01% (Note 9)

397,119 

 

403,468 

          Unamortized Premium and Discount - Net

(1,235)

 

(1,319)

       

Total Long-Term Debt

874,859 

 

888,749 

Less Amount Due Within One Year

25,266 

 

6,348 

Long-Term Debt Excluding Amount Due Within One Year

$849,593 

 

$882,401 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (d)

$470,187 

 

$489,436 

(a)

Consists of pollution control revenue bonds and environmental revenue bonds.

(b)

The bonds are subject to mandatory tender for purchase from the holders at 100% of the principal amount outstanding on September 1, 2005 and can then be remarketed.

(c)

Pursuant to the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, Entergy's nuclear owner/licensee subsidiaries have contracts with the DOE for spent nuclear fuel disposal service. The contracts include a one-time fee for generation prior to April 7, 1983. Entergy Arkansas is the only Entergy company that generated electric power with nuclear fuel prior to that date and includes the one-time fee, plus accrued interest, in long-term debt.

(d)

The fair value excludes lease obligations and long-term DOE obligations, and includes debt due within one year. It is determined using bid prices reported by dealer markets and by nationally recognized investment banking firms.

(e)

The bonds had a mandatory tender date of September 1, 2004. Entergy Gulf States purchased the bonds from the holders, pursuant to the mandatory tender provision, and has not remarketed the bonds at this time.

(f)

On June 1, 2002, Entergy Louisiana remarketed $55 million St. Charles Parish Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds due 2030, resetting the interest rate to 4.9% through May 2005.

(g)

The bonds are subject to mandatory tender for purchase from the holders at 100% of the principal amount outstanding on June 1, 2005 and can then be remarketed.

(h)

The bonds are secured by a series of collateral first mortgage bonds.

(i)

The bonds in the principal amount of $110.95 million had a mandatory tender date of October 1, 2003. Entergy Louisiana purchased the bonds from the holders, pursuant to the mandatory tender provision, and has not remarketed the bonds at this time.

The annual long-term debt maturities (excluding lease obligations) for debt outstanding as of December 31, 2004, for the next five years are as follows:

   

Entergy
Arkansas

 

Entergy
Gulf States

 

Entergy
Louisiana

 

Entergy
Mississippi

 

Entergy
New Orleans

 

System
Energy

   

(In Thousands)

                         

2005

 

$147,000

 

$98,000

 

$55,000

 

-

 

$30,000

 

-

2006

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

2007

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

$70,000

2008

 

$621

 

$325,000

 

-

 

$100,000

 

$30,000

 

-

2009

 

-

 

$225,000

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

The long-term securities issuances of Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and System Energy are limited to amounts authorized by the SEC. Under their SEC orders and without further SEC authorization, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy Mississippi cannot incur additional indebtedness or issue other securities unless (a) the issuer and Entergy Corporation maintain a common equity ratio of at least 30% and (b) the security to be issued (if rated) and all its outstanding securities of the issuer (other than preferred stock of Entergy Gulf States), as well as all outstanding securities of Entergy Corporation, that are rated, are rated investment grade.

Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures and Implementation of FIN 46 (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, and Entergy Louisiana)

Entergy implemented FASB Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" effective December 31, 2003. FIN 46 requires existing unconsolidated variable interest entities to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries if the entities do not effectively disperse risks among their investors. Variable interest entities (VIEs), generally, are entities that do not have sufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its operations without additional financial support from its equity interest holders and/or the group of equity interest holders are collectively not able to exercise control over the entity. The primary beneficiary is the party that absorbs a majority of the entity's expected losses, receives a majority of its expected residual returns, or both as a result of holding the variable interest. A company may have an interest in a VIE through ownership or other contractual rights or obligations.

Entergy Louisiana Capital I, Entergy Arkansas Capital I, and Entergy Gulf States Capital I (Trusts) were established as financing subsidiaries of Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Arkansas, and Entergy Gulf States, respectively, (the parent company or companies, collectively) for the purposes of issuing common and preferred securities. The Trusts issued Cumulative Quarterly Income Preferred Securities (Preferred Securities) to the public and issued common securities to their parent companies. Proceeds from such issues were used to purchase junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (Debentures) from the parent company. The Debentures held by each Trust are its only assets. Each Trust uses interest payments received on the Debentures owned by it to make cash distributions on the Preferred Securities and common securities. The parent companies fully and unconditionally guaranteed payment of distributions on the Preferred Securities issued by the respective Trusts. Prior to the application of FIN 46, each parent company consolidated its interest in its Trust. Because each parent company's share of expected losses of its Trust is limited to its investment in its Trust, the parent companies are not considered the primary beneficiaries and therefore de-consolidated their interest in the Trusts upon application of FIN 46 with no significant impacts to the financial statements. The parent companies' investment in the Trusts and the Debentures issued by each parent company are included in Other Property and Investments and Long-Term Debt, respectively.

Tax Exempt Bond Audit (Entergy Louisiana)

In November 2000, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began an audit of certain Tax Exempt Bonds issued by St. Charles Parish, State of Louisiana (the Issuer). The Bonds were issued to finance previously unfinanced acquisition costs expended by Entergy Louisiana to acquire certain radioactive solid waste disposal facilities (the Facilities) at the Waterford Steam Electric Generating Station. In January 2002, the IRS issued a preliminary adverse determination that the Bonds were not tax exempt. The stated basis for this determination was that radioactive waste did not constitute "solid waste" within the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and therefore the Facilities did not qualify as solid waste disposal facilities. In a "technical advice memorandum," issued in October 2004 to the parish, the IRS National Office concurred with the preliminary adverse determination. The Issuer and Entergy Louisiana intend to continue to vigorously contest this matter.

NOTE 6. PREFERRED STOCK (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans)

The number of shares authorized and outstanding and dollar value of preferred stock for Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 are presented below. Only the two Entergy Gulf States series "with sinking fund" contain mandatory redemption requirements. All other series of the U.S. Utilities are redeemable at Entergy's option at the call prices presented. Dividends paid on all of Entergy's preferred stock series are eligible for the dividends received deduction. The dividends received deduction is limited by Internal Revenue Code section 244 for the following preferred stock series: Entergy Arkansas 4.72%, Entergy Gulf States 4.40%, Entergy Louisiana 4.96%, Entergy Mississippi 4.56%, and Entergy New Orleans 4.75%.

 

Shares
Authorized
and Outstanding

 


Dollars
(In Thousands)

 

Call Price Per
Share as of
December 31,

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

Entergy Arkansas Preferred Stock

                 

    Without sinking fund:

                 

        Cumulative, $100 par value:

                 

             4.32% Series

70,000

 

70,000

 

$7,000

 

$7,000

 

$103.65

             4.72% Series

93,500

 

93,500

 

9,350

 

9,350

 

$107.00

             4.56% Series

75,000

 

75,000

 

7,500

 

7,500

 

$102.83

             4.56% 1965 Series

75,000

 

75,000

 

7,500

 

7,500

 

$102.50

             6.08% Series

100,000

 

100,000

 

10,000

 

10,000

 

$102.83

             7.32% Series

100,000

 

100,000

 

10,000

 

10,000

 

$103.17

             7.80% Series

150,000

 

150,000

 

15,000

 

15,000

 

$103.25

             7.40% Series

200,000

 

200,000

 

20,000

 

20,000

 

$102.80

             7.88% Series

150,000

 

150,000

 

15,000

 

15,000

 

$103.00

        Cumulative, $0.01 par value:

                 

             $1.96 Series (a)

600,000

 

600,000

 

15,000

 

15,000

 

$25.00

                    Total without sinking fund

1,613,500

 

1,613,500

 

$116,350

 

$116,350

   

 

Shares
Authorized
and Outstanding

 


Dollars
(In Thousands)

 

Call Price Per
Share as of
December 31,

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

Entergy Gulf States Preferred Stock

                 

Preferred Stock

                 

    Authorized 6,000,000 shares,
    $100 par value, cumulative

                 

       Without sinking fund:

                 

             4.40% Series

51,173

 

51,173

 

$5,117

 

$5,117

 

$108.00

             4.50% Series

5,830

 

5,830

 

583

 

583

 

$105.00

             4.40% 1949 Series

1,655

 

1,655

 

166

 

166

 

$103.00

             4.20% Series

9,745

 

9,745

 

975

 

975

 

$102.82

             4.44% Series

14,804

 

14,804

 

1,480

 

1,480

 

$103.75

             5.00% Series

10,993

 

10,993

 

1,099

 

1,099

 

$104.25

             5.08% Series

26,845

 

26,845

 

2,685

 

2,685

 

$104.63

             4.52% Series

10,564

 

10,564

 

1,056

 

1,056

 

$103.57

             6.08% Series

32,829

 

32,829

 

3,283

 

3,283

 

$103.34

             7.56% Series

308,830

 

308,830

 

30,883

 

30,883

 

$101.80

                  Total without sinking fund

473,268

 

473,268

 

$47,327

 

$47,327

   
                   

       With sinking fund:

                 

             Adjustable Rate-A, 7.0% (b)

84,000

 

96,020

 

$8,400

 

$9,602

 

$100.00

             Adjustable Rate-B, 7.0% (b)

90,000

 

112,500

 

9,000

 

11,250

 

$100.00

                    Total with sinking fund

174,000

 

208,520

 

$17,400

 

$20,852

   
                   

Fair Value of Preferred Stock with Sinking Fund (c)

       


$15,286

 


$15,354

   

 

Shares
Authorized
and Outstanding

 


Dollars
(In Thousands)

 

Call Price Per
Share as of
December 31,

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

Entergy Louisiana Preferred Stock

                 

     Without sinking fund:

                 

         Cumulative, $100 par value:

                 

               4.96% Series

60,000

 

60,000

 

$6,000

 

$6,000

 

$104.25

               4.16% Series

70,000

 

70,000

 

7,000

 

7,000

 

$104.21

               4.44% Series

70,000

 

70,000

 

7,000

 

7,000

 

$104.06

               5.16% Series

75,000

 

75,000

 

7,500

 

7,500

 

$104.18

               5.40% Series

80,000

 

80,000

 

8,000

 

8,000

 

$103.00

               6.44% Series

80,000

 

80,000

 

8,000

 

8,000

 

$102.92

               7.84% Series

100,000

 

100,000

 

10,000

 

10,000

 

$103.78

               7.36% Series

100,000

 

100,000

 

10,000

 

10,000

 

$103.36

         Cumulative, $25 par value:

                 

               8.00% Series

1,480,000

 

1,480,000

 

37,000

 

37,000

 

$25.00

                     Total without sinking fund

2,115,000

 

2,115,000

 

$100,500

 

$100,500

   

 

 

Shares
Authorized
and Outstanding

 


Dollars
(In Thousands)

 

Call Price Per
Share as of
December 31,

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

Entergy Mississippi Preferred Stock

                 

    Without sinking fund:

                 

         Cumulative, $100 par value:

                 

                4.36% Series

59,920

 

59,920

 

$5,992

 

$5,992

 

$103.86

                4.56% Series

43,887

 

43,887

 

4,389

 

4,389

 

$107.00

                4.92% Series

100,000

 

100,000

 

10,000

 

10,000

 

$102.88

                7.44% Series

100,000

 

100,000

 

10,000

 

10,000

 

$102.81

                8.36% Series

200,000

 

200,000

 

20,000

 

20,000

 

$100.00

                       Total without sinking fund

503,807

 

503,807

 

$50,381

 

$50,381

   

 

Shares
Authorized
and Outstanding

 


Dollars
(In Thousands)

 

Call Price Per
Share as of
December 31,

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

Entergy New Orleans Preferred Stock

                 

    Without sinking fund:

                 

        Cumulative, $100 par value:

                 

              4.75% Series

77,798

 

77,798

 

$7,780

 

$7,780

 

$105.00

              4.36% Series

60,000

 

60,000

 

6,000

 

6,000

 

$104.58

              5.56% Series

60,000

 

60,000

 

6,000

 

6,000

 

$102.59

                     Total without sinking fund

197,798

 

197,798

 

$19,780

 

$19,780

   

(a)

The total dollar value represents the liquidation value of $25 per share.

(b)

Represents weighted-average annualized rates for 2004 and 2003.

(c)

Fair values were determined using bid prices reported by dealer markets and by nationally recognized investment banking firms. There is an additional disclosure of fair value of financial instruments in Note 11 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

Entergy Gulf States' preferred stock with sinking fund retirements were 34,500 shares in 2004 and 2003, and 18,579 shares in 2002.

Entergy Gulf States has annual sinking fund requirements of $3.45 million through 2009 for its preferred stock outstanding. Entergy Gulf States has the annual non-cumulative option to redeem, at par, additional amounts of certain series of its outstanding preferred stock.

NOTE 7. COMMON EQUITY (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans

Dividend Restrictions

Provisions within the Articles of Incorporation or pertinent indentures and various other agreements relating to the long-term debt and preferred stock of the domestic utility companies and System Energy restrict the payment of cash dividends or other distributions on their common and preferred stock. Additionally, PUHCA prohibits Entergy Corporation's subsidiaries from making loans or advances to Entergy Corporation. As of December 31, 2004, Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi had restricted retained earnings unavailable for distribution to Entergy Corporation of $394.9 million and $68.5 million, respectively.

NOTE 8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The domestic utility companies and System Energy are involved in a number of legal, tax, and regulatory proceedings before various courts, regulatory commissions, and governmental agencies in the ordinary course of their business. While management is unable to predict the outcome of such proceedings, it is not expected that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on Entergy Arkansas', Entergy Gulf States', Entergy Louisiana's, Entergy Mississippi's, Entergy New Orleans', or System Energy's results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.

Vidalia Purchased Power Agreement (Entergy Louisiana)

Entergy Louisiana has an agreement extending through the year 2031 to purchase energy generated by a hydroelectric facility known as the Vidalia project. Entergy Louisiana made payments under the contract of approximately $147.7 million in 2004, $112.6 million in 2003, and $104.2 million in 2002. If the maximum percentage (94%) of the energy is made available to Entergy Louisiana, current production projections would require estimated payments of approximately $125.3 million in 2005, and a total of $3.5 billion for the years 2006 through 2031. Entergy Louisiana currently recovers the costs of the purchased energy through its fuel adjustment clause. In an LPSC-approved settlement related to tax benefits from the tax treatment of the Vidalia contract, Entergy Louisiana agreed to credit rates by $11 million each year for up to ten years, beginning in October 2002.  The provisions of the settlement also provide that the LPSC shall not recognize or use Entergy Louisiana's use of the cash benefits from the tax treatment in setting any of Entergy Louisiana's rates.  Therefore, to the extent Entergy Louisiana's use of the proceeds would ordinarily have reduced its rate base, no change in rate base shall be reflected for ratemaking purposes.

System Fuels (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

The domestic utility companies that are owners of System Fuels have made loans to System Fuels to finance its fuel procurement, delivery, and storage activities. The following loans outstanding to System Fuels as of December 31, 2004 mature in 2008:


Owner

 

Ownership
Percentage

 

Loan Outstanding
at December 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy Arkansas

 

35%

 

$11.0 million

Entergy Louisiana

 

33%

 

$14.2 million

Entergy Mississippi

 

19%

 

$5.5 million                 

Entergy New Orleans

 

13%

 

$3.3 million                 

Nuclear Insurance (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

Third Party Liability Insurance

The Price-Anderson Act provides insurance for the public in the event of a nuclear power plant accident. The costs of this insurance are borne by the nuclear power industry. Originally passed by Congress in 1957 and most recently amended in 1988, the Price-Anderson Act requires nuclear power plants to show evidence of financial protection in the event of a nuclear accident. This protection must consist of two levels:

1.

The primary level is private insurance underwritten by American Nuclear Insurers and provides liability insurance coverage of $300 million. If this amount is not sufficient to cover claims arising from the accident, the second level, Secondary Financial Protection, applies. An industry-wide aggregate limitation of $300 million exists for domestically-sponsored terrorist acts. There is no limitation for foreign-sponsored terrorist acts.

   

2.

Within the Secondary Financial Protection level, each nuclear plant must pay a retrospective premium, equal to its proportionate share of the loss in excess of the primary level, up to a maximum of $100.6 million per reactor per incident. This consists of a $95.8 million maximum retrospective premium plus a five percent surcharge that may be applied, if needed, at a rate that is presently set at $10 million per year per nuclear power reactor. There are no domestically- or foreign-sponsored terrorism limitations.

Currently, 104 nuclear reactors are participating in the Secondary Financial Protection program - 103 operating reactors and one closed reactor that still stores used nuclear fuel on site. The product of the maximum retrospective premium assessment to the nuclear power industry and the number of nuclear power reactors provides over $10 billion in insurance coverage to compensate the public in the event of a nuclear power reactor accident.

Entergy Arkansas has two licensed reactors and Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy each have one licensed reactor (10% of Grand Gulf is owned by a non-affiliated company (SMEPA), which would share on a pro-rata basis in any retrospective premium assessment under the Price-Anderson Act).

An additional but temporary contingent liability exists for all nuclear power reactor owners because of a previous Nuclear Worker Tort (long-term bodily injury caused by exposure to nuclear radiation while employed at a nuclear power plant) insurance program that was in place from 1988 to 1998. The maximum premium assessment exposure to each reactor is $3 million and will only be applied if such claims exceed the program's accumulated reserve funds. This contingent premium assessment feature will expire with the Nuclear Worker Tort program's expiration, which is scheduled for 2008.

Property Insurance

Entergy's nuclear owner/licensee subsidiaries are members of certain mutual insurance companies that provide property damage coverage, including decontamination and premature decommissioning expense, to the members' nuclear generating plants. These programs are underwritten by Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited (NEIL). As of December 31, 2004, the domestic utility companies and System Energy were insured against such losses per the following structures:

ANO 1 and 2, Grand Gulf, River Bend, and Waterford 3

  • Primary Layer (per plant) - $500 million per occurrence
  • Excess Layer (per plant) - $100 million per occurrence
  • Blanket Layer (shared among all plants) - $1.0 billion per occurrence
  • Total limit - $1.6 billion per occurrence
  • Deductibles:
    • $5.0 million per occurrence - Turbine/generator damage
    • $5.0 million per occurrence - Other than turbine/generator damage

Note: ANO 1 and 2 share in the Primary Layer with one policy in common.

In addition, Waterford 3 and Grand Gulf are also covered under NEIL's Accidental Outage Coverage program. This coverage provides certain fixed indemnities in the event of an unplanned outage that results from a covered NEIL property damage loss, subject to a deductible. The following summarizes this coverage as of December 31, 2003:

Waterford 3

  • $2.95 million weekly indemnity
  • $413 million maximum indemnity
  • Deductible: 26 week waiting period

Grand Gulf

  • $100,000 weekly indemnity
  • $14 million maximum indemnity
  • Deductible: 26 week waiting period

Under the property damage and accidental outage insurance programs, Entergy's nuclear plants could be subject to assessments should losses exceed the accumulated funds available from NEIL. As of December 31, 2004, the maximum amount of such possible assessments per occurrence were $15.1 million for Entergy Arkansas, $11.1 million for Entergy Gulf States, $13.0 million for Entergy Louisiana, $0.06 million for Entergy Mississippi, $0.06 million for Entergy New Orleans, and $11.5 million for System Energy.

Entergy maintains property insurance for its nuclear units in excess of the NRC's minimum requirement of $1.06 billion per site for nuclear power plant licensees. NRC regulations provide that the proceeds of this insurance must be used, first, to render the reactor safe and stable, and second, to complete decontamination operations. Only after proceeds are dedicated for such use and regulatory approval is secured would any remaining proceeds be made available for the benefit of plant owners or their creditors.

In the event that one or more acts of domestically-sponsored terrorism causes property damage under one or more or all nuclear insurance policies issued by NEIL (including, but not limited to, those described above) within 12 months from the date the first property damage occurs, the maximum recovery under all such nuclear insurance policies shall be an aggregate of $3.24 billion plus the additional amounts recovered for such losses from reinsurance, indemnity, and any other sources applicable to such losses. There is no aggregate limit involving one or more acts of foreign-sponsored terrorism.

Nuclear Decommissioning and Other Retirement Costs (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, System Energy)

SFAS 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," which was implemented effective January 1, 2003, requires the recording of liabilities for all legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the normal operation of those assets.

These liabilities are recorded at their fair values (which is the present values of the estimated future cash outflows) in the period in which they are incurred, with an accompanying addition to the recorded cost of the long-lived asset. The asset retirement obligation is accreted each year through a charge to expense, to reflect the time value of money for this present value obligation. The amounts added to the carrying amounts of the long-lived assets are depreciated over the useful lives of the assets. The net effect of implementing this standard for the rate-regulated business of the domestic utility companies and System Energy was recorded as a regulatory asset, with no resulting impact on Entergy's net income. Entergy recorded these regulatory assets because existing rate mechanisms in each jurisdiction are based on the principle that Entergy will recover all ultimate costs of decommissioning from customers. As a result of this treatment, SFAS 143 is expected to be earnings neutral to the rate-regulated business of the domestic utility companies and System Energy.

Upon implementation of SFAS 143 in 2003, assets and liabilities increased $1.1 billion for the U.S. Utility segment as a result of recording the asset retirement obligations at their fair values of $1.1 billion as determined under SFAS 143, increasing utility plant by $287 million, reducing accumulated depreciation by $361 million and recording the related regulatory assets of $422 million. The implementation of SFAS 143 for the portion of River Bend not subject to cost-based ratemaking decreased earnings in the first quarter of 2003 by $21 million net-of-tax as a result of a cumulative effect of accounting change. In accordance with ratemaking treatment and as required by SFAS 71, the depreciation provisions for the domestic utility companies and System Energy include a component for removal costs that are not asset retirement obligations under SFAS 143. In accordance with regulatory accounting principles, the domestic utility companies and System Energy have recorded regulatory assets (liabilities) in the following amounts to reflect their estimates of the difference between estimated incurred removal costs and estimated removal costs recovered in rates previously recorded as a component of accumulated depreciation:

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

(In Millions)

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy Arkansas

 

$34.9 

 

$26.6 

Entergy Gulf States

 

$0.9 

 

$4.2 

Entergy Louisiana

 

($34.6)

 

($26.8)

Entergy Mississippi

 

$32.7 

 

$24.4 

Entergy New Orleans

 

$1.3 

 

$2.1 

System Energy

 

$17.1 

 

$15.1 

The cumulative decommissioning liabilities and expenses recorded in 2004 by Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy were as follows:

 


Liabilities as of
December 31, 2003

 



Accretion

 

Change in Cash Flow Estimate

 


Liabilities as of
December 31, 2004

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANO 1 and ANO 2

$567.5

 

$32.9

 

($107.7)

 

$492.7

River Bend

$298.8

 

$19.7

 

($166.4)

 

$152.1

Waterford 3

$325.3

 

$22.0

 

-     

 

$347.3

Grand Gulf

$312.5

 

$23.4

 

-     

 

$335.9

Entergy periodically reviews and updates estimated decommissioning costs. The actual decommissioning costs may vary from the estimates because of regulatory requirements, changes in technology, and increased costs of labor, materials, and equipment.

In the first quarter of 2004, Entergy Arkansas recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability in accordance with a new decommissioning cost study for ANO 1 and 2 as a result of revised decommissioning costs and changes in assumptions regarding the timing of when the decommissioning of the plants will begin. The revised estimate resulted in a $107.7 million reduction in its decommissioning liability, along with a $19.5 million reduction in utility plant and an $88.2 million reduction in the related regulatory asset.

In the third quarter of 2004, Entergy Gulf States recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability in accordance with a new decommissioning cost study for River Bend that reflected an expected life extension for the plant. The revised estimate resulted in a $166.4 million reduction in decommissioning liability, along with a $31.3 million reduction in utility plant, a $49.6 million reduction in non-utility property, a $40.1 million reduction in the related regulatory asset, and a regulatory liability of $17.7 million. For the portion of River Bend not subject to cost-based ratemaking, the revised estimate resulted in the elimination of the asset retirement cost that had been recorded at the time of adoption of SFAS 143 with the remainder recorded as miscellaneous other income of $27.7 million.

If SFAS 143 had been applied by Entergy Gulf States for the portion of River Bend not subject to cost-based ratemaking during prior periods, the following impacts would have resulted:

 

 

Year Ended
December 31,
2002

 

 

 

Entergy Gulf States

 

 

Earnings applicable to common stock - as reported

 

$169,190 

Pro forma effect of SFAS 143

 

($2,227)      

Earnings applicable to common stock - pro forma

 

$166,963 

Entergy maintains decommissioning trust funds that are committed to meeting the costs of decommissioning the nuclear power plants. The fair values of the decommissioning trust funds and asset retirement obligation-related regulatory assets of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy as of December 31, 2004 are as follows:

 

 

Decommissioning
Trust Fair Values

 

Regulatory
Assets

 

 

(In Millions)

 

 

 

 

 

ANO 1 & ANO 2

 

$383.8

 

$141.2

River Bend

 

$291.0

 

-       

Waterford 3

 

$172.1

 

$141.6

Grand Gulf

 

$205.1

 

$97.3       

The Energy Policy Act of 1992 contains a provision that assesses domestic nuclear utilities with fees for the decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) of the DOE's past uranium enrichment operations. Annual assessments in 2004 were $4.4 million for Entergy Arkansas, $1.1 million for Entergy Gulf States, $1.6 million for Entergy Louisiana, and $1.8 million for System Energy 2004. The Energy Policy Act calls for cessation of annual D&D assessments not later than October 24, 2007. At December 31, 2004, two years of assessments were remaining. D&D fees are included in other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities and, as of December 31, 2004, recorded liabilities were $8.8 million for Entergy Arkansas, $1.9 million for Entergy Gulf States, $3.3 million for Entergy Louisiana, and $3.3 million for System Energy. Regulatory assets in the financial statements offset these liabilities, with the exception of Entergy Gulf States' 30% non-regulated portion. These assessments are recovered through rates in the same manner as fuel costs.

Income Taxes

Entergy is currently under audit by the IRS with respect to tax returns for tax periods subsequent to 1995 and through 2001, and is subject to audit by the IRS and other taxing authorities for subsequent tax periods.  The amount and timing of any tax assessments resulting from these audits are uncertain, and could have a material effect on Entergy's financial position and results of operations.  Entergy believes that the contingency provisions established in its financial statements will sufficiently cover the risk associated with tax matters.  Certain material audit matters as to which management believes there is a reasonable possibility of a future tax assessment are discussed below.  See Note 3 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements for additional discussion of income taxes.

Depreciable Property Lives

During the years 1997 through 2004, Entergy subsidiaries, Entergy Services, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy Resources reflected changes in tax depreciation methods with respect to certain types of depreciable property (e.g. street lighting, billing meters, and various generation plant equipment). As of December 31, 2004, the cumulative effect of these changes results in additional depreciation deductions generating a cash flow benefit of $45 million for Entergy Arkansas, $38 million for Entergy Gulf States, $32 million for Entergy Louisiana, $19 million for Entergy Mississippi, $6 million for Entergy New Orleans, and $12 million for System Energy. As of December 31, 2004, the related IRS interest exposure if the deduction is ultimately disallowed is $13 million for Entergy Arkansas, $11 million for Entergy Gulf States, $9 million for Entergy Louisiana, $6 million for Entergy Mississippi, $2 million for Entergy New Orleans, and $3 million for System Energy. This benefit reverses over time and will also fluctuate with each year's addition to those types of assets. Due to the temporary nature of the tax benefit, the potential interest charge represents the total net exposure of the domestic utility companies and System Energy.

For the years under audit, 1996-2001, the IRS challenged Entergy's classification of these assets and proposed adjustments to the depreciation deductions taken. Entergy disagrees with the position of the IRS and has protested the disallowance of these deductions to the Office of IRS Appeals. Entergy expects to receive a Notice of Deficiency in 2005 for this item, and plans to vigorously contest this matter. Entergy believes that the contingency provision established in its financial statements sufficiently covers the risk associated with this item.

Mark to Market of Certain Power Contracts

In 2001, Entergy Louisiana changed its method of accounting for tax purposes related to its wholesale electric power contracts.  The most significant of these is the contract to purchase power from the Vidalia hydroelectric project.  The new tax accounting method has provided a cumulative cash flow benefit of approximately $790 million as of December 31, 2004.  The related IRS interest exposure is $93 million at December 31, 2004.   This benefit is expected to reverse in the years 2005 through 2031.  The election did not reduce book income tax expense.  The timing of the reversal of this benefit depends on several variables, including the price of power.  Due to the temporary nature of the tax benefit, the potential interest charge represents Entergy's net earnings exposure.  Entergy Louisiana's 2001 tax return is currently under examination by the IRS, though no adjustments have yet been proposed with respect to the mark to market election.  Entergy believes that the contingency provision established in its financial statements will sufficiently cover the risk associated with this issue.

CashPoint Bankruptcy (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans)

In 2003 the domestic utility companies entered an agreement with CashPoint Network Services (CashPoint) under which CashPoint was to manage a network of payment agents through which Entergy's utility customers could pay their bills. The payment agent system allows customers to pay their bills at various commercial or governmental locations, rather than sending payments by mail. Approximately one-third of Entergy's utility customers use payment agents.

On April 19, 2004, CashPoint failed to pay funds due to the domestic utility companies that had been collected through payment agents. The domestic utility companies then obtained a temporary restraining order from the Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, State of Louisiana, enjoining CashPoint from distributing funds belonging to Entergy, except by paying those funds to Entergy. On April 22, 2004, a petition for involuntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy was filed against CashPoint by other creditors in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. In response to these events, the domestic utility companies expanded an existing contract with another company to manage all of their payment agents. The domestic utility companies filed proofs of claim in the CashPoint bankruptcy proceeding in September 2004. Although Entergy cannot precisely determine at this time the amount that CashPoint owes to the domestic utility companies that may not be repaid, it has accrued an estimate of loss based on current information. If no cash is repaid to the domestic utility companies, an event Entergy does not believe is likely, the current estimates of maximum exposure to loss are approximately as follows:

 

 

       Amount

 

 

     (In Millions)

 

 

 

Entergy Arkansas

 

$1.8

Entergy Gulf States

 

$7.7

Entergy Louisiana

 

$8.8

Entergy Mississippi

 

$4.3

Entergy New Orleans

 

$2.4

Environmental Issues (Entergy Gulf States)

Entergy Gulf States has been designated as a PRP for the cleanup of certain hazardous waste disposal sites. As of December 31, 2004, Entergy Gulf States does not expect the remaining clean-up costs to exceed its recorded liability of $1.5 million for the remaining sites at which the EPA has designated Entergy Gulf States as a PRP.

City Franchise Ordinances (Entergy New Orleans)

Entergy New Orleans provides electric and gas service in the City of New Orleans pursuant to franchise ordinances. These ordinances contain a continuing option for the city to purchase Entergy New Orleans' electric and gas utility properties.

Waterford 3 Lease Obligations (Entergy Louisiana)

On September 28, 1989, Entergy Louisiana entered into three identical transactions for the sale and leaseback of undivided interests (aggregating approximately 9.3%) in Waterford 3. In July 1997, Entergy Louisiana caused the lessors to issue $307.6 million aggregate principal amount of Waterford 3 Secured Lease Obligation Bonds, 8.09% Series due 2017, to refinance the outstanding bonds originally issued to finance the purchase of the undivided interests by the lessors. The lease payments were reduced to reflect the lower interest costs. Upon the occurrence of certain events, Entergy Louisiana may be obligated to pay amounts sufficient to permit the termination of the lease transactions and may be required to assume the outstanding bonds issued to finance, in part, the lessors' acquisition of the undivided interests in Waterford 3.

Employment Litigation (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans, System Energy, or their affiliates, are defendants in numerous lawsuits filed by former employees asserting that they were wrongfully terminated and/or discriminated against on the basis of age, race, sex, and/or other protected characteristics. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, System Energy, and their affiliates are vigorously defending these suits and deny any liability to the plaintiffs. Nevertheless, no assurance can be given as to the outcome of these cases.

Asbestos and Hazardous Material Litigation (Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans)

Numerous lawsuits have been filed in federal and state courts in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi primarily by contractor employees in the 1950-1980 timeframe against Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Mississippi as premises owners of power plants, for damages caused by alleged exposure to asbestos or other hazardous material. Many other defendants are named in these lawsuits as well. Presently, there are approximately 480 lawsuits involving approximately 10,000 claims. Management believes that adequate provisions have been established to cover any exposure. Additionally, negotiations continue with insurers to recover more reimbursement, while new coverage is being secured to minimize anticipated future potential exposures. Management believes that loss exposure has been and will continue to be handled successfully so that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not be material, in the aggregate, to its financial position or results of operation.

Grand Gulf - Related Agreements

Capital Funds Agreement (System Energy)

System Energy has entered into agreements with Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans whereby they are obligated to purchase their respective entitlements of capacity and energy from System Energy's 90% interest in Grand Gulf, and to make payments that, together with other available funds, are adequate to cover System Energy's operating expenses. System Energy would have to secure funds from other sources, including Entergy Corporation's obligations under the Capital Funds Agreement, to cover any shortfalls from payments received from Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans under these agreements.

Unit Power Sales Agreement (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

System Energy has agreed to sell all of its 90% share of capacity and energy from Grand Gulf to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans in accordance with specified percentages (Entergy Arkansas-36%, Entergy Louisiana-14%, Entergy Mississippi-33%, and Entergy New Orleans-17%) as ordered by FERC. Charges under this agreement are paid in consideration for the purchasing companies' respective entitlement to receive capacity and energy and are payable irrespective of the quantity of energy delivered so long as the unit remains in commercial operation. The agreement will remain in effect until terminated by the parties and the termination is approved by FERC, most likely upon Grand Gulf's retirement from service. Monthly obligations are based on actual capacity and energy costs. The average monthly payments for 2004 under the agreement are approximately $16.6 million for Entergy Arkansas, $6.7 million for Entergy Louisiana, $13.7 million for Entergy Mississippi, and $8.1 million for Entergy New Orleans.

Availability Agreement (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans are individually obligated to make payments or subordinated advances to System Energy in accordance with stated percentages (Entergy Arkansas-17.1%, Entergy Louisiana-26.9%, Entergy Mississippi-31.3%, and Entergy New Orleans-24.7%) in amounts that, when added to amounts received under the Unit Power Sales Agreement or otherwise, are adequate to cover all of System Energy's operating expenses as defined, including an amount sufficient to amortize the cost of Grand Gulf 2 over 27 years. (See Reallocation Agreement terms below.) System Energy has assigned its rights to payments and advances to certain creditors as security for certain obligations. Since commercial operation of Grand Gulf 1, payments under the Unit Power Sales Agreement have exceeded the amounts payable under the Availability Agreement. Accordingly, no payments under the Availability Agreement have ever been required. If Entergy Arkansas or Entergy Mississippi fails to make its Unit Power Sales Agreement payments, and System Energy is unable to obtain funds from other sources, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans could become subject to claims or demands by System Energy or its creditors for payments or advances under the Availability Agreement (or the assignments thereof) equal to the difference between their required Unit Power Sales Agreement payments and their required Availability Agreement payments.

Reallocation Agreement (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

System Energy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans entered into the Reallocation Agreement relating to the sale of capacity and energy from Grand Gulf and the related costs, in which Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans agreed to assume all of Entergy Arkansas' responsibilities and obligations with respect to Grand Gulf under the Availability Agreement. FERC's decision allocating a portion of Grand Gulf 1 capacity and energy to Entergy Arkansas supersedes the Reallocation Agreement as it relates to Grand Gulf 1. Responsibility for any Grand Gulf 2 amortization amounts has been individually allocated (Entergy Louisiana-26.23%, Entergy Mississippi-43.97%, and Entergy New Orleans-29.80%) under the terms of the Reallocation Agreement. However, the Reallocation Agreement does not affect Entergy Arkansas' obligation to System Energy's lenders under the assignments referred to in the preceding paragraph. Entergy Arkansas would be liable for its share of such amounts if Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans were unable to meet their contractual obligations. No payments of any amortization amounts will be required so long as amounts paid to System Energy under the Unit Power Sales Agreement, including other funds available to System Energy, exceed amounts required under the Availability Agreement, which is expected to be the case for the foreseeable future.

Reimbursement Agreement (System Energy)

In December 1988, System Energy entered into two separate, but identical, arrangements for the sale and leaseback of an approximate aggregate 11.5% ownership interest in Grand Gulf. In connection with the equity funding of the sale and leaseback arrangements, letters of credit are required to be maintained to secure certain amounts payable for the benefit of the equity investors by System Energy under the leases. The current letters of credit are effective until May 29, 2009.

Under the provisions of the reimbursement agreement relating to the letters of credit, System Energy has agreed to a number of covenants regarding the maintenance of certain capitalization and fixed charge coverage ratios.  System Energy agreed, during the term of the reimbursement agreement, to maintain a ratio of debt to total liabilities and equity less than or equal to 70%. In addition, System Energy must maintain, with respect to each fiscal quarter during the term of the reimbursement agreement, a ratio of adjusted net income to interest expense of at least 1.50 times earnings.  As of December 31, 2004, System Energy's debt ratio was approximately 32.5%, and its fixed charge coverage ratio for 2004 was approximately 4.12, calculated, in each case, as prescribed in the reimbursement agreement.

 

NOTE 9. LEASES (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and System Energy)

General

As of December 31, 2004 the domestic utility companies had capital leases and non-cancelable operating leases for equipment, buildings, vehicles, and fuel storage facilities (excluding nuclear fuel leases and the sale and leaseback transactions) with minimum lease payments as follows:

Capital Leases


Year

 

Entergy
Arkansas

 

Entergy
Mississippi

   

(In Thousands)

         

2005

 

$9,610

 

$50

2006

 

5,682

 

42

2007

 

3,427

 

11

2008

 

1,754

 

-

2009

 

237

 

-

Years thereafter

 

2,606

 

-

Minimum lease payments

 

23,316

 

103

Less: Amount representing interest

 

3,386

 

2

Present value of net minimum lease payments

 

$19,930

 

$101

Operating Leases


Year

Entergy
Arkansas

Entergy
Gulf States

Entergy
Louisiana

Entergy
Mississippi

(In Thousands)

2005

$23,743

$26,744

$9,974

$7,421

2006

20,029

23,942

5,647

6,596

2007

17,563

17,223

5,109

3,552

2008

14,977

9,742

3,546

3,039

2009

8,622

9,108

2,346

2,676

Years thereafter

54,339

115,216

2,524

11,068

Minimum lease payments

$139,273

$201,975

$29,146

$34,352

Rental Expense


Year

Entergy
Arkansas

Entergy
Gulf States

Entergy
Louisiana

Entergy
Mississippi

(In Millions)

2004

$17.4

$24.4

$11.9

$3.4

2003

$19.4

$26.5

$13.8

$5.4

2002

$20.8

$25.8

$13.6

$5.4

In addition to the above rental expense, railcar operating lease payments and oil tank facilities lease payments are recorded in fuel expense in accordance with regulatory treatment. Railcar operating lease payments were $9.3 million in 2004, $6.8 million in 2003, and $8.3 million in 2002 for Entergy Arkansas and $2.0 million in 2004, $1.8 million in 2003, and $2.0 million in 2002 for Entergy Gulf States. Oil tank facilities lease payments for Entergy Mississippi were $3.2 million for 2004 and $3.1 million for each of the years 2003 and 2002.

Nuclear Fuel Leases

As of December 31, 2004, arrangements to lease nuclear fuel existed in an aggregate amount up to $150 million for Entergy Arkansas, $105 million for Entergy Gulf States, $80 million for Entergy Louisiana, and $110 million for System Energy. As of December 31, 2004, the unrecovered cost base of nuclear fuel leases amounted to approximately $93.9 million for Entergy Arkansas, $71.2 million for Entergy Gulf States, $31.7 million for Entergy Louisiana, and $65.6 million for System Energy. The lessors finance the acquisition and ownership of nuclear fuel through loans made under revolving credit agreements, the issuance of commercial paper, and the issuance of intermediate-term notes. The credit agreements for Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy each have a termination date of October 30, 2006. The termination dates may be extended from time to time with the consent of the lenders. The intermediate-term notes issued pursuant to these fuel lease arrangements have varying maturities through February 15, 2009. It is expected that additional financing under the leases will be arranged as needed to acquire additional fuel, to pay interest, and to pay maturing debt. However, if such additional financing cannot be arranged, the lessee in each case must repurchase sufficient nuclear fuel to allow the lessor to meet its obligations in accordance with the fuel lease.

Lease payments are based on nuclear fuel use. The table below represents the total nuclear fuel lease payments (principal and interest) as well as the separate interest component charged to operations in 2004, 2003, and 2002:

2004

2003

2002

Lease
Payments


Interest

Lease
Payments


Interest

Lease
Payments


Interest

(In Millions)

Entergy Arkansas

$53.0

$4.3

$49.9

$3.3

$49.6

$3.2

Entergy Gulf States

29.7

3.2

27.8

3.0

29.2

3.0

Entergy Louisiana

36.1

2.5

32.3

2.4

32.9

2.6

System Energy

27.8

2.8

32.0

3.1

26.1

2.5

Total

$146.6

$12.8

$142.0

$11.8

$137.8

$11.3

Sale and Leaseback Transactions

Waterford 3 Lease Obligations (Entergy Louisiana)

In 1989, Entergy Louisiana sold and leased back 9.3% of its interest in Waterford 3 for the aggregate sum of $353.6 million. The lease has an approximate term of 28 years. The lessors financed the sale-leaseback through the issuance of Waterford 3 Secured Lease Obligation Bonds. The lease payments made by Entergy Louisiana are sufficient to service the debt.

In 1994, Entergy Louisiana did not exercise its option to repurchase the 9.3% interest in Waterford 3. As a result, Entergy Louisiana issued $208.2 million of non-interest bearing first mortgage bonds as collateral for the equity portion of certain amounts payable under the lease.

In 1997, the lessors refinanced the outstanding bonds used to finance the purchase of Waterford 3 at lower interest rates, which reduced the annual lease payments.

Upon the occurrence of certain events, Entergy Louisiana may be obligated to assume the outstanding bonds used to finance the purchase of the unit and to pay an amount sufficient to withdraw from the lease transaction. Such events include lease events of default, events of loss, deemed loss events, or certain adverse "Financial Events." "Financial Events" include, among other things, failure by Entergy Louisiana, following the expiration of any applicable grace or cure period, to maintain (i) total equity capital (including preferred stock) at least equal to 30% of adjusted capitalization, or (ii) a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.50 computed on a rolling 12 month basis.

As of December 31, 2004, Entergy Louisiana's total equity capital (including preferred stock) was 51.33% of adjusted capitalization and its fixed charge coverage ratio for 2004 was 3.76.

As of December 31, 2004, Entergy Louisiana had future minimum lease payments (reflecting an overall implicit rate of 7.45%) in connection with the Waterford 3 sale and leaseback transactions, which are recorded as long-term debt, as follows:

   

(In Thousands)

     

2005

 

$14,554

2006

 

18,261

2007

 

18,754

2008

 

22,606

2009

 

32,452

Years thereafter

 

334,062

Total

 

440,689

Less: Amount representing interest

 

192,964

Present value of net minimum lease payments

 

$247,725

Grand Gulf Lease Obligations (System Energy)

In December 1988, System Energy sold 11.5% of its undivided ownership interest in Grand Gulf for the aggregate sum of $500 million. Subsequently, System Energy leased back its interest in the unit for a term of 26 1/2 years. System Energy has the option of terminating the lease and repurchasing the 11.5% interest in the unit at certain intervals during the lease. Furthermore, at the end of the lease term, System Energy has the option of renewing the lease or repurchasing the 11.5% interest in Grand Gulf.

In May 2004 System Energy caused the Grand Gulf lessors to refinance the outstanding bonds that they had issued to finance the purchase of their undivided interest in Grand Gulf. The refinancing is at a lower interest rate, and System Energy's lease payments have been reduced to reflect the lower interest costs.

System Energy is required to report the sale-leaseback as a financing transaction in its financial statements. For financial reporting purposes, System Energy expenses the interest portion of the lease obligation and the plant depreciation. However, operating revenues include the recovery of the lease payments because the transactions are accounted for as a sale and leaseback for ratemaking purposes. Consistent with a recommendation contained in a FERC audit report, System Energy recorded as a net regulatory asset the difference between the recovery of the lease payments and the amounts expensed for interest and depreciation and is recording this difference as a regulatory asset or liability on an ongoing basis, resulting in a zero net balance at the end of the lease term. The amount of this net regulatory asset was $75.4 million and $83.2 million as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

As of December 31, 2004, System Energy had future minimum lease payments (reflecting an implicit rate of 5.01%), which are recorded as long-term debt as follows:

   

(In Thousands)

     

2005

 

$45,423

2006

 

46,019

2007

 

46,552

2008

 

47,128

2009

 

47,760

Years thereafter

 

302,402

Total

 

535,284

Less: Amount representing interest

 

138,165

Present value of net minimum lease payments

 

$397,119

NOTE 10. RETIREMENT AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

Pension Plans

Entergy's domestic utility companies and System Entergy participate in two of Entergy's pension plans: "Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees" and "Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees." Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension costs in accordance with contribution guidelines established by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, Entergy's domestic utility companies and System Energy recognized an additional minimum pension liability for the excess of the accumulated benefit obligation over the fair market value of plan assets. In accordance with SFAS 87, an offsetting intangible asset, up to the amount of any unrecognized prior service cost, was also recorded, with the remaining offset to the liability recorded as a regulatory asset, reflective of the recovery mechanism for pension costs in Entergy's jurisdictions. Entergy's domestic utility companies' and System Energy's pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of its jurisdictions. Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension plans.

Components of Net Pension Cost

Total 2004, 2003, and 2002 pension cost of the domestic utility companies and System Energy, including amounts capitalized, included the following components:


2004

Entergy
Arkansas

Entergy
Gulf States

Entergy
Louisiana

Entergy
Mississippi

Entergy
New Orleans

System
Energy

(In Thousands)

Service cost - benefits earned
  during the period


$11,941 


$9,693 


$7,009 


$3,615 


$1,569 


$3,386 

Interest cost on projected
  benefit obligation


35,846 


28,471 


21,790 


11,915 


4,465 


5,189 

Expected return on assets

(36,913)

(39,682)

(27,510)

(14,716)

(2,568)

(4,556)

Amortization of transition asset

(319)

Amortization of prior service cost

1,662 

1,511 

650 

513 

226 

67 

Recognized net loss

3,952 

405 

1,344

794 

898 

788 

Net pension cost

$16,488 

$398 

$3,283 

$2,121 

$4,590 

$4,555 


2003

Entergy
Arkansas

Entergy
Gulf States

Entergy
Louisiana

Entergy
Mississippi

Entergy
New Orleans

System
Energy

(In Thousands)

Service cost - benefits earned
  during the period


$11,156 


$8,788 


$6,369 


$3,411 


$1,539 


$3,142 

Interest cost on projected
  benefit obligation


33,009 


27,708 


20,028 


11,339 


3,958 


4,200 

Expected return on assets

(38,712)

(41,784)

(28,919)

(15,434)

(2,616)

(3,944)

Amortization of transition asset

(319)

Amortization of prior service cost

1,737 

1,931 

789 

584 

236 

73 

Recognized net loss

256 

150 

83 

27 

Curtailment loss

5,305 

2,133 

2,748 

1,065 

129 

944 

Special termination benefits

5,543 

2,857 

2,619 

811 

367 

1,720 

Net pension cost

$18,294 

$1,783 

$3,634 

$1,859 

$3,613 

$5,843 


2002

Entergy
Arkansas

Entergy
Gulf States

Entergy
Louisiana

Entergy
Mississippi

Entergy
New Orleans

System
Energy

(In Thousands)

Service cost - benefits earned
  during the period


$9,787 


$7,391 


$5,901 


$2,971 


$1,414 


$2,616 

Interest cost on projected
  benefit obligation


31,058 


27,737 


19,747 


11,013 


4,126 


3,735 

Expected return on assets

(40,514)

(43,827)

(30,300)

(16,197)

(2,763)

(3,775)

Amortization of transition asset

(319)

Amortization of prior service cost

1,743 

1,923 

744 

705 

269 

72 

Net pension cost (income)

$2,074 

($6,776)

($3,908)

($1,508)

$3,046 

$2,329 

Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004 and 2003


2004

Entergy
Arkansas

Entergy
Gulf States

Entergy
Louisiana

Entergy
Mississippi

Entergy
New Orleans

System
Energy

(In Thousands)

Change in Projected Benefit

Obligation (PBO)

Balance at 12/31/03

$565,004 

$467,707 

$340,212 

$190,184 

$67,866 

$79,033 

Service cost

11,941 

9,693 

7,009 

3,615 

1,569 

3,386 

Interest cost

35,846 

28,471 

21,790 

11,915 

4,465 

5,189 

Actuarial loss

46,590 

17,687 

32,309 

13,200 

8,169 

9,175 

Benefits paid

(34,565)

(27,348)

(22,218)

(12,771)

(3,719)

(1,784)

Balance at 12/31/04

$624,816 

$496,210 

$379,102 

$206,143 

$78,350 

$94,999 

Change in Plan Assets

Fair value of assets at 12/31/03

$423,214 

$448,490 

$316,669 

$169,958 

$29,565 

$45,375 

Actual return on plan assets

39,265 

42,380 

31,046 

16,268 

2,849 

8,667 

Employer contributions

5,342 

17 

3,907 

1,823 

2,118 

3,742 

Benefits paid

(34,565)

(27,348)

(22,218)

(12,771)

(3,719)

(1,784)

Fair value of assets at 12/31/04

$433,256 

$463,539 

$329,404 

$175,278 

$30,813 

$56,000 

Funded status

($191,560)

($32,671)

($49,698)

($30,865)

($47,537)

($38,999)

Amounts not yet recognized

in the balance sheet

Unrecognized transition asset

(277)

Unrecognized prior service cost

8,177 

5,938 

3,762 

2,692 

1,263 

286 

Unrecognized net loss

133,821 

38,628 

75,962 

36,825 

26,357 

20,298 

Prepaid/(accrued) pension cost

recognized in the balance sheet

($49,562)

$11,895 

$30,026 

$8,652 

($19,917)

($18,692)

Amounts recognized in

the balance sheet

Prepaid/(accrued) pension liability

($49,562)

$11,895 

$30,026 

$8,652 

($19,917)

($18,692)

Additional minimum pension liability

(81,161)

(38,871)

(23,492)

(16,928)

(7,678)

Intangible asset

10,313 

4,759 

3,308 

1,698 

247 

Regulatory asset

70,848 

34,112 

20,184 

15,230 

7,431 

Net amount recognized

($49,562)

$11,895 

$30,026 

$8,652 

($19,917)

($18,692)


2003

Entergy
Arkansas

Entergy
Gulf States

Entergy
Louisiana

Entergy
Mississippi

Entergy
New Orleans

System
Energy

(In Thousands)

Change in Projected Benefit

Obligation (PBO)

Balance at 12/31/02

$476,276 

$420,644 

$297,144 

$167,175 

$57,085 

$59,418 

Service cost

11,156 

8,788 

6,369 

3,411 

1,539 

3,142 

Interest cost

33,009 

27,708 

20,028 

11,339 

3,958 

4,200 

Amendment

121 

96 

Actuarial loss

62,444 

31,342 

30,844 

17,133 

7,417 

9,984 

Benefits paid

(28,445)

(25,611)

(19,332)

(10,634)

(2,559)

(366)

Curtailment loss

4,900 

1,883 

2,540 

944 

59 

930 

Special termination benefits

5,543 

2,857 

2,619 

811 

367 

1,720 

Balance at 12/31/03

$565,004 

$467,707 

$340,212 

$190,184 

$67,866 

$79,033 

Change in Plan Assets

Fair value of assets at 12/31/02

$367,080 

$380,999 

$261,785 

$144,947 

$32,384 

$34,041 

Actual return on plan assets

84,579 

93,102 

74,216 

35,645 

(260)

11,700 

Benefits paid

(28,445)

(25,611)

(19,332)

(10,634)

(2,559)

(366)

Fair value of assets at 12/31/03

$423,214 

$448,490 

$316,669 

$169,958 

$29,565 

$45,375 

Funded status

($141,790)

($19,217)

($23,543)

($20,226)

($38,301)

($33,658)

Amounts not yet recognized

in the balance sheet

Unrecognized transition asset

(596)

Unrecognized prior service cost

9,839 

7,449 

4,412 

3,206 

1,489 

353 

Unrecognized net loss

93,535 

24,044 

48,533 

25,970 

19,367 

16,021 

Prepaid/(accrued) pension cost

recognized in the balance sheet

($38,416)

$12,276 

$29,402 

$8,950 

($17,445)

($17,880)

Amounts recognized in

the balance sheet:

Prepaid/(accrued) pension liability

($38,416)

$12,276 

$29,402 

$8,950 

($17,445)

($17,880)

Additional minimum pension liability

(54,948)

(7,301)

(13,140)

(7,426)

Intangible asset

13,291 

937 

2,774 

365 

Regulatory asset

41,657 

6,364 

10,366 

7,061 

Net amount recognized

($38,416)

$12,276 

$29,402 

$8,950 

($17,445)

($17,880)

Other Postretirement Benefits

The domestic utility companies and System Energy also currently provide health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees. Substantially all employees may become eligible for these benefits if they reach retirement age while still working for Entergy. Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its postretirement benefit plans.

Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted SFAS 106, which required a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions. At January 1, 1993, the actuarially determined accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) earned by retirees and active employees was estimated to be approximately $241.4 million for Entergy (other than Entergy Gulf States) and $128 million for Entergy Gulf States. Such obligations are being amortized over a 20-year period that began in 1993.

Entergy Arkansas, the portion of Entergy Gulf States regulated by the PUCT, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans have received regulatory approval to recover SFAS 106 costs through rates. Entergy Arkansas began recovery in 1998, pursuant to an APSC order. This order also allowed Entergy Arkansas to amortize a regulatory asset (representing the difference between SFAS 106 costs and cash expenditures for other postretirement benefits incurred for a five-year period that began January 1, 1993) over a 15-year period that began in January 1998.

The LPSC ordered the portion of Entergy Gulf States regulated by the LPSC and Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions. However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies' accounting for postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted.

Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, the portion of Entergy Gulf States regulated by the PUCT, and System Energy fund postretirement benefit obligations collected in rates. System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, postretirement benefits associated with Grand Gulf. Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Gulf States continue to recover a portion of these benefits regulated by the LPSC and FERC on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost

Total 2004, 2003, and 2002 other postretirement benefit costs of the domestic utility companies and System Energy, including amounts capitalized and deferred, included the following components:


2004

 

Entergy
Arkansas

 

Entergy
Gulf States

 

Entergy
Louisiana

 

Entergy
Mississippi

 

Entergy
New Orleans

 

System
Energy

 

 

(In Thousands)

Service cost - benefits earned
  during the period

 


$3,860 

 


$5,328 

 


$2,371 

 


$1,213 

 


$662 

 


$1,389 

Interest cost on APBO

 

10,075 

 

11,050 

 

6,641 

 

3,222 

 

3,204 

 

1,430 

Expected return on assets

 

(6,210) 

 

(4,995) 

 

 

(2,554) 

 

(2,263) 

 

(1,362) 

Amortization of transition
  obligation

 


1,068 

 


4,589 

 


1,202 

 


431 

 


2,121 

 


15 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

27 

 

 

98 

 

16 

 

38 

 

(361) 

Recognized net loss

 

3,937 

 

1,620 

 

2,003 

 

1,503 

 

522 

 

358 

Net other postretirement benefit
  cost

 


$12,757 

 


$17,592 

 


$12,315 

 


$3,831 

 


$4,284 

 


$1,469 


2003

 

Entergy
Arkansas

 

Entergy
Gulf States

 

Entergy
Louisiana

 

Entergy
Mississippi

 

Entergy
New Orleans

 

System
Energy

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost - benefits earned
  during the period

 


$6,560 

 


$5,701 

 


$3,322 

 


$1,866 

 


$948 

 


$1,553 

Interest cost on APBO

 

10,637 

 

11,314 

 

6,780 

 

3,459 

 

3,436 

 

1,352 

Expected return on assets

 

(4,859)

 

(4,349)

 

 

(2,186)

 

(2,010)

 

(1,088)

Amortization of transition
  obligation

 


3,327 

 


5,307 

 


2,238 

 


1,301 

 


2,449 

 


135 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

143 

 

163 

 

82 

 

51 

 

52 

 

(140)

Recognized net loss

 

3,497 

 

1,575 

 

1,496 

 

1,160 

 

475 

 

350 

Curtailment loss

9,276 

6,301 

5,041 

1,259 

996 

2,524 

Special termination benefits

794 

512 

452 

73 

28 

284 

Net other postretirement benefit
  cost

 


$29,375 

 


$26,524 

 


$19,411 

 


$6,983 

 


$6,374 

 


$4,970 


2002

 

Entergy
Arkansas

 

Entergy
Gulf States

 

Entergy
Louisiana

 

Entergy
Mississippi

 

Entergy
New Orleans

 

System
Energy

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost - benefits earned
  during the period

 


$5,429 

 


$4,153 

 


$3,137 

 


$1,513 

 


$889 

 


$1,300 

Interest cost on APBO

 

9,448 

 

9,734 

 

6,242 

 

3,099 

 

3,264 

 

1,150 

Expected return on assets

 

(3,889)

 

(4,232)

 

 

(2,088)

 

(1,959)

 

(1,023)

Amortization of transition
  obligation

 


3,954 

 


5,803 

 


2,971 

 


1,502 

 


2,678 

 


220 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

245 

 

278 

 

141 

 

87 

 

89 

 

24 

Recognized net (gain)/loss

 

873 

 

135 

 

75 

 

335 

 

(55)

 

11 

Net other postretirement benefit
  cost

 


$16,060 

 


$15,871 

 


$12,566 

 


$4,448 

 


$4,906 

 


$1,682 

Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004 and 2003:


2004

Entergy
Arkansas

Entergy
Gulf States

Entergy
Louisiana

Entergy
Mississippi

Entergy
New Orleans

System
Energy

(In Thousands)

Change in APBO

Balance at 12/31/03

$187,259 

$194,205 

$112,675 

$57,786 

$55,062 

$25,466 

Service cost

3,860 

5,328 

2,371 

1,213 

662 

1,389 

Interest cost

10,075 

11,050 

6,641 

3,222 

3,204 

1,430 

Actuarial loss

10,714 

9,086 

8,175 

6,787 

3,624 

1,441 

Benefits paid

(15,964)

(13,832)

(9,843)

(5,307)

(5,967)

(1,719)

Plan amendments (a)

(18,279)

(6,406)

(5,546)

(6,894)

(2,582)

(1,125)

Plan participant contributions

1,693 

1,833 

1,323 

771 

846 

20 

Balance at 12/31/04

179,358 

201,264 

115,796 

57,578 

54,849 

26,902 

Change in Plan Assets

Fair value of assets at 12/31/03

$68,876 

$59,511 

$- 

$28,932 

$33,158 

$16,821 

Actual return on plan assets

5,657 

4,773 

2,154 

2,340 

1,495 

Employer contributions

16,729 

14,540 

8,520 

5,521 

4,870 

4,691 

Plan participant contributions

1,693 

1,833 

1,323 

771 

846 

20 

Benefits paid

(15,964)

(13,832)

(9,843)

(5,307)

(5,967)

(1,719)

Fair value of assets at 12/31/04

$76,991 

$66,825 

$- 

$32,071 

$35,247 

$21,308 

Funded status

($102,367)

($134,439)

($115,796)

($25,507)

($19,602)

($5,594)

Amounts not yet recognized

in the balance sheet

Unrecognized transition obligation

6,567 

30,310 

3,057 

2,810 

13,929 

119 

Unrecognized prior service cost

(4,013)

919 

(1,015) 

418 

(2,805)

Unrecognized net loss

79,185 

57,089 

44,723 

28,429 

15,620 

9,699 

Prepaid/(accrued) postretirement benefit cost recognized in the
balance sheet



($20,628)



($47,040)



($67,097)



$4,717



$10,365 



$1,419 

(a)

Reflects plan design changes, including a change in participation assumption for certain bargaining employees at Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi, effective January 1, 2004.


2003

Entergy
Arkansas

Entergy
Gulf States

Entergy
Louisiana

Entergy
Mississippi

Entergy
New Orleans

System
Energy

(In Thousands)

Change in APBO

Balance at 12/31/02

$164,258 

$167,678 

$107,398 

$53,398 

$54,646 

$21,410 

Service cost

6,560 

5,701 

3,322 

1,866 

948 

1,553 

Interest cost

10,637 

11,314 

6,780 

3,459 

3,436 

1,352 

Actuarial loss

20,340 

24,731 

13,445 

6,004 

4,536 

3,104 

Benefits paid

(11,523)

(11,411)

(7,816)

(4,040)

(4,761)

(616)

Plan amendments (a)

(14,561)

(11,479)

(16,862)

(4,659)

(5,146)

(4,260)

Plan participant contributions

1,905 

1,663 

1,126 

604 

750 

78 

Curtailment loss

8,849 

5,496 

4,830 

1,081 

625 

2,561 

Special termination benefits

794 

512 

452 

73 

28 

284 

Balance at 12/31/03

$187,259 

$194,205 

$112,675 

$57,786 

$55,062 

$25,466 

Change in Plan Assets

Fair value of assets at 12/31/02

$49,076 

$50,001 

$- 

$23,420 

$28,490 

$13,569 

Actual return on plan assets

6,290 

6,587 

2,979 

2,614 

1,475 

Benefits paid

(11,523)

(11,411)

(7,816)

(4,040)

(4,761)

(616)

Employer contributions

23,128 

12,671 

6,690 

5,969 

6,065 

2,315 

Plan participant contributions

1,905 

1,663 

1,126 

604 

750 

78 

Fair value of assets at 12/31/03

$68,876 

$59,511 

$- 

$28,932 

$33,158 

$16,821 

Funded status

($118,383)

($134,694)

($112,675)

($28,854)

($21,904)

($8,645)

Amounts not yet recognized

in the balance sheet

Unrecognized transition obligation

21,928 

41,305 

10,822 

9,136 

19,088 

134 

Unrecognized prior service cost

(2,040)

Unrecognized net loss

71,855 

49,401 

38,551 

22,745 

12,595 

8,748 

Prepaid/(accrued) postretirement

benefit cost recognized in the

balance sheet

($24,600)

($43,988)

($63,302)

$3,027 

$9,779 

($1,803)

(a)

Reflects plan design changes, including a change in the participation assumption for non-bargaining employees effective August 1, 2003.

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans' Assets

Entergy's pension and postretirement plans weighted-average asset allocations by asset category at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

 

Pension

 

Postretirement

 

2004

 

2003

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic Equity Securities

46%

 

56%

 

38%

 

37%

International Equity Securities

21%

 

14%

 

14%

 

0%

Fixed Income Securities

31%

 

28%

 

47%

 

60%

Other

2%

 

2%

 

1%

 

3%

Entergy's trust asset investment strategy is to invest the assets in a manner whereby long-term earnings on the assets (plus cash contributions) provide adequate funding for retiree benefit payments. The mix of assets is based on an optimization study that identifies asset allocation targets in order to achieve the maximum return for an acceptable level of risk, while minimizing the expected contributions and pension and postretirement expense.

In the optimization study, Entergy formulates assumptions (or hires a consultant to provide such analysis) about characteristics, such as expected asset class investment returns, volatility (risk), and correlation coefficients among the various asset classes. The future market assumptions used in the optimization study are determined by examining historical market characteristics of the various asset classes, and making adjustments to reflect future conditions expected to prevail over the study period.

The optimization analysis utilized in Entergy's latest study produced the following approved asset class target allocations.

 

Pension

 

Postretirement

 

 

 

 

Domestic Equity Securities

45%

 

37%

International Equity Securities

20%

 

14%

Fixed Income Securities

31%

 

49%

Other (Cash and GACs)

4%           

 

0%          

These allocation percentages combined with each asset class' expected investment return produced an aggregate return expectation for the five years following the study of 7.6% for pension assets, 5.4% for taxable postretirement assets, and 7.2% for non-taxable postretirement assets. These returns are not inconsistent with Entergy's disclosed expected pre-tax return on assets of 8.5% over the life of the respective liabilities.

Since precise allocation targets are inefficient to manage security investments, the following ranges were established to produce an acceptable economically efficient plan to manage to targets:

 

Pension

 

Postretirement

 

 

 

 

Domestic Equity Securities

45% to 55%

 

32% to 42%

International Equity Securities

15% to 25%

 

9% to 19%

Fixed Income Securities

25% to 35%

 

44% to 54%

Other

0% to 10%

 

0% to 5%

Accumulated Pension Benefit Obligation

The accumulated benefit obligation for the domestic utility companies and System Entergy as December 31, 2004 and 2003 was:

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

(In Thousands)

Entergy Arkansas

 

$558,283

 

$509,382

Entergy Gulf States

 

$449,986

 

$426,320

Entergy Louisiana

 

$341,681

 

$309,066

Entergy Mississippi

 

$189,119

 

$174,245

Entergy New Orleans

 

$69,202

 

$59,610

System Energy

 

$79,641

 

$64,661

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Based upon the assumptions used to measure the company's pension and postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2004, and including pension and postretirement benefits attributable to estimated future employee service, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid over the next ten years will be as follows:

Estimated Future
Pension Benefits
Payments

 

Entergy
Arkansas

 

Entergy
Gulf States

 

Entergy
Louisiana

 

Entergy
Mississippi

 

Entergy
New Orleans

 

System
Energy

   

(In Thousands)

Year(s)

                       

2005

 

$34,240

 

$26,852

 

$21,707

 

$12,630

 

$3,634

 

$1,764

2006

 

$34,660

 

$27,037

 

$21,790

 

$12,771

 

$3,648

 

$1,783

2007

 

$35,332

 

$27,358

 

$21,956

 

$13,000

 

$3,676

 

$1,814

2008

 

$36,266

 

$27,885

 

$22,290

 

$13,326

 

$3,731

 

$1,859

2009

 

$37,674

 

$28,718

 

$22,840

 

$13,821

 

$3,823

 

$1,927

2010 - 2014

 

$227,605

 

$167,679

 

$130,644

 

$82,964

 

$21,870

 

$11,552

Estimated Future
Other Postretirement
Benefits Payments

 

Entergy
Arkansas

 

Entergy
Gulf States

 

Entergy
Louisiana

 

Entergy
Mississippi

 

Entergy
New Orleans

 

System
Energy

   

(In Thousands)

Year(s)

                       

2005

 

$13,588

 

$12,638

 

$8,528

 

$4,127

 

$4,565

 

$1,311

2006

 

$12,989

 

$12,280

 

$8,182

 

$3,849

 

$4,162

 

$1,390

2007

 

$13,362

 

$12,901

 

$8,402

 

$3,993

 

$4,268

 

$1,464

2008

 

$13,500

 

$13,381

 

$8,545

 

$4,095

 

$4,353

 

$1,522

2009

 

$13,707

 

$13,808

 

$8,642

 

$4,133

 

$4,443

 

$1,620

2010 - 2014

 

$67,855

 

$74,755

 

$43,297

 

$22,011

 

$21,774

 

$9,788

Contributions

The domestic utility companies and System Energy expect to contribute the following to the pension and other postretirement plans in 2005:

   

Entergy
Arkansas

 

Entergy
Gulf States

 

Entergy
Louisiana

 

Entergy
Mississippi

 

Entergy
New Orleans

 

System
Energy

   

(In Thousands)

Pension Contributions

 

$20,560

 

$18,948

 

$2,622

 

$3,416

 

$15,667

 

$9,266

Other Postretirement
  Contributions

 


$16,063

 


$14,317

 


$8,528

 


$4,159

 


$4,436

 


$1,732

Additional Information

The change in the minimum pension liability had no effect on other comprehensive income at the domestic utility companies and System Energy in 2004 or 2003. The change in the minimum pension liability included in regulatory assets at each of the domestic utility companies and System Energy was as follows for 2004 and 2003:


 

Entergy Arkansas

 

Entergy Gulf States

 

Entergy
Louisiana

 

Entergy
Mississippi

 

Entergy
New Orleans

 

System
Energy

   

(In Thousands)

2004

 

$29,191

 

$-

 

$34,112 

 

$13,820 

 

$4,865

 

$370

2003

 

$22,600

 

$-

 

($38,755)

 

($3,446)

 

$7,395

 

$7,061

Actuarial Assumptions

The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the APBO of the domestic utility companies and System Energy was 10% for 2005, gradually decreasing each successive year until it reaches 4.5% in 2011 and beyond. The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the Net Other Postretirement Benefit Cost of the domestic utility companies and System Energy was 10% for 2004, gradually decreasing each successive year until it reaches 4.5% in 2010 and beyond. A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate for 2004 would have the following effects:

 

 

1 Percentage Point Increase

 

1 Percentage Point Decrease

2004

 



Impact on the
APBO

 

Impact on the
sum of service
costs and
interest cost

 



Impact on the
APBO

 

Impact on the
sum of service
costs and
interest cost

 

 

Increase (Decrease)
(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entergy Arkansas

 

$14,980

 

$1,548

 

($13,825)

 

($1,378)

Entergy Gulf States

 

$19,685

 

$2,205

 

($17,932)

 

($1,918)

Entergy Louisiana

 

$9,930

 

$1,021

 

($9,146)

 

($907)

Entergy Mississippi

 

$4,785

 

$479

 

($4,418)

 

($428)

Entergy New Orleans

 

$3,998

 

$362

 

($3,726)

 

($327)

System Energy

 

$3,152

 

$448

 

($2,821)

 

($384)

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the pension PBO and the SFAS 106 APBO for 2004, 2003, and 2002 were as follows:

2004

 

2003

 

2002

Weighted-average discount rate:

 

 

 

 

 

     Pension

6.00%

 

6.25%

 

6.75%

    Other postretirement

6.00%

 

6.71%

 

6.75%

Weighted-average rate of increase
  in future compensation levels


3.25%

 


3.25%

 


3.25%

Expected long-term rate of
  return on plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

    Taxable assets

5.50%

 

5.50%

 

5.50%

    Non-taxable assets

8.50%

 

8.75%

 

8.75%

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs for 2004, 2003, and 2002 were as follows:

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average discount rate

    Pension

6.25%

 

6.75%

 

7.50%

    Other postretirement

6.71%

6.75%

7.50%

Weighted-average rate of increase
  in future compensation levels


3.25%

 


3.25%

 


4.60%

Expected long-term rate of
  return on plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

    Taxable assets

5.50%

 

5.50%

 

5.50%

    Non-taxable assets

8.75%

 

8.75%

 

9.00%

The domestic utility companies' and System Energy's remaining pension transition assets are being amortized over the greater of the remaining service period of active participants or 15 years ending in 2005, and their SFAS 106 transition obligations are being amortized over 20 years ending in 2012.

Voluntary Severance Program

In the second half of 2003, the domestic utility companies and System Energy offered a voluntary severance program to certain groups of employees. As a result of this program, in the fourth quarter 2003 the domestic utility companies and System Energy recorded additional pension and postretirement costs (including amounts capitalized) of $53.9 million for special termination benefits and plan curtailment charges. These amounts are included in the net pension cost and net postretirement benefit cost for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003

In December 2003, the President signed the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 into law. The Act introduces a prescription drug benefit under Medicare (Part D), starting in 2006, as well as a federal subsidy to employers who provide a retiree prescription drug benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. At December 2003, specific authoritative guidance on the accounting for the federal subsidy was pending. As allowed by Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position No. FAS 106-1, Entergy elected to record an estimate of the effects of the Act in accounting for its postretirement benefit plans at December 31, 2003, under SFAS 106 and in providing disclosures required by SFAS No. 132 (revised 2003), Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits. At December 31, 2003, based on actuarial analysis of prescription drug benefits, estimated future Medicare subsidies were expected to reduce the December 31, 2003 Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation by $56 million. For the year ended December 31, 2003 the impact of the Act on net postretirement benefit cost was immaterial, as it reflected only one month's impact of the Act.

In 2004, Entergy continued to record the expected effects of the Act in accounting for its postretirement benefit plans. In mid-2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Staff Position No. FAS 106-2, Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, which was effective for Entergy's June 30, 2004 interim reporting.

In August 2004, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued proposed regulations to implement the new Medicare law. A ruling from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was issued in late January 2005 with final guidance expected later this year.

The actuarially estimated effect of future Medicare subsidies was as follows:

 

 

Entergy

 

Entergy

 

Entergy

 

Entergy

 

Entergy

 

System

 

 

Arkansas

 

Gulf States

 

Louisiana

 

Mississippi

 

New Orleans

 

Energy

 

 

Increase (Decrease)
(In Thousands)

Impact on 12/31/2003 APBO 

 

($28,824)

 

($25,603)

 

($16,194)

 

($9,888)

 

($8,035)

 

($3,811)

Impact on 12/31/2004 APBO

 

($35,928)

 

($31,846)

 

($20,085)

 

($12,227)

 

($9,742)

 

($4,982)

Impact on 2004 other postretirement benefit cost

 


($4,999)

 


($4,405)

 


($2,752)

 


($1,657)

 


($1,248)

 


($815)

NOTE 11. RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVES

Market and Commodity Risks

In the normal course of business, the domestic utility companies and System Energy are exposed to a number of market and commodity risks including power price risk, fuel price risk, foreign currency exchange rate risk, and equity price and interest rate risks. Market risk is the potential loss that the domestic utility companies and System Energy may incur as a result of changes in the market or fair value of a particular instrument or commodity. All financial and commodity-related instruments, including derivatives, are subject to market risk.

The domestic utility companies and System Energy manage these risks through both contractual arrangements and derivatives. Contractual risk management tools include long-term power and fuel purchase agreements. The domestic utility companies and System Energy also use a variety of commodity and financial derivatives, including natural gas and electricity futures, forwards and options, and foreign currency forwards to manage the following risks:

  • power price risk resulting from Entergy's short position during the summer months;
  • fuel price risk for spot market gas purchases; and
  • foreign currency exchange rate risk resulting from Euro-denominated nuclear fuel acquisition contracts.

Gains and losses realized from derivative transactions used to manage power and fuel price risk are included in fuel costs recovered through rates. Accordingly, these gains and losses are accounted for as regulatory assets and liabilities prior to transaction maturity. Power price risk is managed primarily through the purchase of short-term forward contracts that are accounted for as normal purchases. Any option premiums paid to manage power price risk are booked with an offsetting regulatory asset or liability. The volume of these purchases is based on Entergy's demand forecast.

Entergy manages fuel price risk for its Louisiana jurisdictions (Entergy Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans, and the Louisiana portion of Entergy Gulf States) and Entergy Mississippi primarily through the purchase of short-term swaps. These swaps are marked-to-market with offsetting regulatory assets or liabilities. The notional volumes of these swaps are based on a portion of projected purchases of gas for the summer (electric generation) and winter (gas distribution at Entergy Gulf States and Entergy New Orleans) peak seasons.

Entergy Gulf States manages foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with the acquisition of nuclear fuel through the purchase of forwards that are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The notional volumes of these forwards are based on forecasted purchases and the realized gain or loss from these forwards is included in the capitalized cost of the applicable batches of nuclear fuel. Gains totaling approximately $6.4 million were realized during 2004 on the maturity of cash flow hedges. These realized gains resulted from foreign currency hedges related to Euro-denominated nuclear fuel acquisition contracts, and related gains or losses, when realized, are included in the capitalized cost of nuclear fuel. The ineffective portion of the change in the value of Entergy Gulf States' cash flow hedges during 2004 was insignificant. Entergy Gulf States has no outstanding cash flow hedges as of December 31, 2004.

NOTE 12. DECOMMISSIONING TRUST FUNDS

Entergy Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas holds debt and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale, in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts. The securities held at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows:

2004

Fair
Value

Total
Unrealized
Gains

Total
Unrealized
Losses

(In Millions)

Equity

$189.5

$66.6

$1.6

Debt Securities

194.3

4.3

1.9

    Total

$383.8

$70.9

$3.5

2003

Equity

$168.3

$47.2

$-

Debt Securities

192.2

7.0

1.2

    Total

$360.5

$54.2

$1.2

The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows at December 31, 2004:

Equity Securities

Debt Securities

Fair
Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

(In Millions)

Less than 12 months

$0.7

$-

$87.4

$1.6

More than 12 months

12.2

1.6

12.2

0.3

    Total

$12.9

$1.6

$99.6

$1.9

The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, at December 31, 2004 is as follows:

Fair
Value

(In Millions)

less than 1 year

$32.5

1 year - 5 years

128.3

5 years - 10 years

30.2

10 years - 15 years

3.3

15 years - 20 years

-

20 years+

-

  Total

$194.3

During the year ended December 31, 2004, the proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $1.7 million with gross gains of $17,098 and gross losses of $18,274.

Entergy Gulf States

Entergy Gulf States holds debt and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale, in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts. The securities held at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows:

2004

Fair
Value

Total
Unrealized
Gains

Total
Unrealized
Losses

(In Millions)

Equity

$138.1

$20.4

$0.8

Debt Securities

152.9

8.8

0.2

  Total

$291.0

$29.2

$1.0

2003

Equity

$119.4

$8.0

$0.2

Debt Securities

148.5

10.4

1.0

  Total

$267.9

$18.4

$1.2

The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows at December 31, 2004:

Equity Securities

Debt Securities

Fair
Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

(In Millions)

Less than 12 months

$0.6

$-

$10.0

$0.1

More than 12 months

10.5

0.8

2.3

0.1

  Total

$11.1

$0.8

$12.3

$0.2

The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, at December 31, 2004 is as follows:

Fair
Value

(In Millions)

less than 1 year

$8.7

1 year - 5 years

42.0

5 years - 10 years

51.3

10 years - 15 years

37.7

15 years - 20 years

11.0

20 years+

2.2

  Total

$152.9

During the year ended December 31, 2004, the proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $2.9 million with gross gains of $790 and gross losses of $98,852.

Entergy Louisiana

Entergy Louisiana holds debt and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale, in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts. The securities held at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows:

2004

Fair
Value

Total
Unrealized
Gains

Total
Unrealized
Losses

(In Millions)

Equity

$92.5

$17.1

$2.5

Debt Securities

79.6

2.8

0.8

  Total

$172.1

$19.9

$3.3

2003

Equity

$74.6

$6.0

$-

Debt Securities

77.4

3.3

0.1

  Total

$152.0

$9.3

$0.1

The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows at December 31, 2004:

Equity Securities

Debt Securities

Fair
Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

(In Millions)

Less than 12 months

$0.3

$-

$28.9

$0.6

More than 12 months

15.5

2.5

8.2

0.2

  Total

$15.8

$2.5

$37.1

$0.8

The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, at December 31, 2004 is as follows:

Fair
Value

(In Millions)

less than 1 year

$38.8

1 year - 5 years

17.6

5 years - 10 years

12.4

10 years - 15 years

4.8

15 years - 20 years

6.0

20 years+

-

  Total

$79.6

During the year ended December 31, 2004, the proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $4.3 million with gross gains of $244,250 and gross losses of $25,882.

System Energy

System Energy holds debt and equity securities, classified as available-for-sale, in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts. The securities held at December 31 2004 and 2003 are summarized as follows:

2004

Fair
Value

Total
Unrealized
Gains

Total
Unrealized
Losses

(In Millions)

Equity

$127.0

$15.0

$7.2

Debt Securities

78.1

1.9

0.6

  Total

$205.1

$16.9

$7.8

2003

Equity

$103.4

$5.5

$9.9

Debt Securities

69.5

2.6

0.3

  Total

$172.9

$8.1

$10.2

The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale equity and debt securities, summarized by investment type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position, are as follows at December 31, 2004:

Equity Securities

Debt Securities

Fair
Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

(In Millions)

Less than 12 months

$0.4

$-

$40.4

$0.5

More than 12 months

50.4

7.2

2.0

0.1

  Total

$50.8

$7.2

$42.4

$0.6

The fair value of debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, at December 31, 2004 is as follows:

Fair
Value

(In Millions)

less than 1 year

$4.8

1 year - 5 years

22.4

5 years - 10 years

30.0

10 years - 15 years

7.9

15 years - 20 years

6.9

20 years+

6.1

  Total

$78.1

During the year ended December 31, 2004, the proceeds from the dispositions of securities amounted to $7.5 million and gross gains of $32,362 and gross losses of $58,755.

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, System Energy

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, System Energy evaluate unrealized gains and losses at the end of each period to determine whether an other than temporary impairment has occurred. This analysis considers the length of time that a security has been in a loss position, the current performance of that security, and whether decommissioning costs are recovered in rates. No significant impairments were recorded in 2004 and 2003 as a result of these evaluations.

Due to the regulatory treatment of decommissioning collections and trust fund earnings, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, System Energy record regulatory assets or liabilities for unrealized gains and losses on trust investments. For the unregulated portion of River Bend, Entergy Gulf States has recorded an offsetting amount of unrealized gains or losses in other deferred credits.

NOTE 13. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

Each domestic utility company purchases electricity from and sells electricity to the other domestic utility companies, and System Energy under rate schedules filed with FERC. The domestic utility companies and System Energy purchase fuel from System Fuels; receive management, technical, advisory, operating, and administrative services from Entergy Services; and receive management, technical, and operating services from Entergy Operations. Pursuant to SEC rules under PUHCA and the Federal Power Act, these transactions are on an "at cost" basis. In addition, Entergy Power sells electricity to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy New Orleans, and RS Cogen sells electricity to Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans.

As described in Note 1 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements, all of System Energy's operating revenues consist of billings to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans.

Additionally, as described in Note 4 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements, the domestic utility companies and System Energy participate in the Entergy's money pool and earn interest income from the money pool. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans also receive interest income from System Fuels, Inc.

The tables below contain the various affiliate transactions of the domestic utility companies, System Energy, and other Entergy affiliates.

Intercompany Revenues

 

 

Entergy
Arkansas

 

Entergy
Gulf States

 

Entergy
Louisiana

 

Entergy
Mississippi

 

Entergy
New Orleans

 

System
Energy

 

 

(In Millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004

 

$256.8

 

$52.5

 

$96.6

 

$47.6

 

$117.8

 

$545.4

2003

 

$242.3

 

$42.8

 

$102.4

 

$27.6

 

$85.5

 

$583.8

2002

 

$172.6

 

$28.8

 

$8.8

 

$70.6

 

$7.1

 

$602.5

Intercompany Operating Expenses

 

 

Entergy
Arkansas

 

Entergy
Gulf States

 

Entergy
Louisiana

 

Entergy
Mississippi

 

Entergy
New Orleans

 

System
Energy

 

 

 

 

(In Millions)

 

 

(1)

 

 

 

(2)

 

 

 

(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004

 

$467.5

 

$558.2

 

$491.8

 

$484.4

 

$228.4

 

$109.4

2003

 

$460.6

 

$438.6

 

$444.6

 

$458.6

 

$211.2

 

$118.0

2002

 

$456.7

 

$321.2

 

$389.7

 

$298.6

 

$166.7

 

$109.0

(1)

Includes $2.3 million in 2004, $0.1 million in 2003, and $0.7 million in 2002 for power purchased from Entergy Power.

(2)

Includes power purchased from Entergy Power and RS Cogen LLC in 2004 of $9.1 million and $33.0 million, respectively, and in 2003 of $5.9 million and $19.1 million, respectively.

(3)

Includes power purchased from Entergy Power and RS Cogen LLC in 2004 of $9.0 million and $10.6 million, respectively, and in 2003 of $5.7 million and $6.9 million, respectively.

Intercompany Interest Income

 

 

Entergy
Arkansas

 

Entergy
Gulf States

 

Entergy
Louisiana

 

Entergy
Mississippi

 

Entergy
New Orleans

 

System
Energy

 

 

(In Millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004

 

$0.6

 

$0.4

 

$1.1

 

$0.6

 

$0.2

 

$0.6

2003

 

$0.6

 

$0.4

 

$1.2

 

$0.3

 

$0.2

 

$0.1

2002

 

$1.0

 

$0.3

 

$0.7

 

$0.4

 

$0.2

 

$0.9

NOTE 14. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

The business of the domestic utility companies and System Energy is subject to seasonal fluctuations with the peak periods occurring during the third quarter. Operating results for the four quarters of 2004 and 2003 were:

Operating Revenue

 

 

Entergy
Arkansas

 

Entergy
Gulf States

 

Entergy
Louisiana

 

Entergy
Mississippi

 

Entergy
New Orleans

 

System
Energy

 

 

(In Thousands)

2004:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  First Quarter

 

$363,461 

 

$638,996 

 

$488,046 

 

$236,829 

 

$169,767 

 

$127,168 

  Second Quarter

 

$405,509 

 

$685,313 

 

$555,511 

 

$289,573 

 

$186,337 

 

$132,720 

  Third Quarter

 

$481,103 

 

$840,630 

 

$668,240 

 

$390,337 

 

$200,036 

 

$144,052 

  Fourth Quarter

 

$403,072 

 

$717,445 

 

$515,189 

 

$296,890 

 

$179,728 

 

$141,441 

2003:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  First Quarter

 

$362,749 

 

$584,354 

 

$462,361

 

$227,369 

 

$140,907 

 

$141,985

  Second Quarter

 

$394,884 

 

$700,635 

 

$569,580

 

$261,899 

 

$154,065 

 

$144,764

  Third Quarter

 

$469,925 

 

$777,182 

 

$646,503

 

$309,739 

 

$203,751 

 

$141,239

  Fourth Quarter

 

$362,112 

 

$577,566 

 

$487,126

 

$236,353 

 

$155,293 

 

$155,832

Operating Income (Loss)

 

 

Entergy
Arkansas

 

Entergy
Gulf States

 

Entergy
Louisiana

 

Entergy
Mississippi

 

Entergy
New Orleans

 

System
Energy

 

 

(In Thousands)

2004:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  First Quarter

 

$48,566 

 

$88,312 

 

$48,318 

 

$22,724

 

$15,487 

 

$57,767 

  Second Quarter

 

$80,669 

 

$101,832 

 

$84,357 

 

$42,157

 

$22,880 

 

$59,585 

  Third Quarter

 

$123,910 

 

$127,838 

 

$87,130 

 

$52,003

 

$24,450 

 

$59,601 

  Fourth Quarter

 

$40,590 

 

$41,437 

 

$41,710 

 

$29,730

 

($4,878)

 

$56,181 

2003:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  First Quarter

 

$67,130 

 

$75,693 

 

$89,362 

 

$30,096 

 

($1,887)

 

$55,739

  Second Quarter

 

$92,939 

 

$99,150 

 

$91,304 

 

$44,625 

 

$17,311 

 

$54,029

  Third Quarter

 

$135,790 

 

$146,063 

 

$108,232 

 

$53,173 

 

$28,230 

 

$65,791

  Fourth Quarter

 

$1,330 

 

($13,136)

 

$13,325 

 

$13,753 

 

($15,736)

 

$62,853

Net Income (Loss)

 

 

Entergy
Arkansas

 

Entergy
Gulf States

 

Entergy
Louisiana

 

Entergy
Mississippi

 

Entergy
New Orleans

 

System
Energy

 

 

(In Thousands)

2004:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  First Quarter

 

$19,276 

 

$41,728 

 

$21,211 

 

$8,637 

 

$7,114 

 

$24,664 

  Second Quarter

 

$43,277 

 

$55,591 

 

$43,713 

 

$20,808 

 

$12,319 

 

$25,532 

  Third Quarter

 

$67,944 

 

$82,456 

 

$45,496 

 

$27,873 

 

$13,189 

 

$27,505 

  Fourth Quarter

 

$11,713 

 

$12,489 

 

$17,075 

 

$16,179 

 

($4,550)

 

$28,247 

2003:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  First Quarter

 

$27,145 

 

$11,792(a)

 

$43,807 

 

$12,316 

 

($4,327)

 

$23,735

  Second Quarter

 

$47,537 

 

($20,124)

 

$45,713 

 

$22,350 

 

$9,580 

 

$22,820

  Third Quarter

 

$69,319 

 

$82,283 

 

$57,863 

 

$25,804 

 

$14,118 

 

$28,515

  Fourth Quarter

 

($17,992)

 

($31,389)

 

($1,229)

 

$6,588 

 

($11,512)

 

$30,933

(a)

Entergy Gulf States' net income before the cumulative effect of accounting change for the first quarter of 2003 was $33,125.

 

Item 2. Properties

            Information regarding the registrant's properties is included in Part I. Item 1. - Business under the sections titled "Property" in this report.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

            Details of the registrant's material environmental regulation and proceedings and other regulatory proceedings and litigation that are pending or those terminated in the fourth quarter of 2004 are discussed in Part I. Item 1. - Business under the sections titled "Retail Rate Regulation", "Wholesale Rate Matters", "Environmental Regulation", and "Litigation" in this report.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

            During the fourth quarter of 2004, no matters were submitted to a vote of the security holders of Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy Resources.

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF ENTERGY CORPORATION

Directors

            Information required by this item concerning directors of Entergy Corporation is set forth under the heading "Proposal 1--Election of Directors" contained in the Proxy Statement of Entergy Corporation, (the "Proxy Statement"), to be filed in connection with its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 13, 2005, ("Annual Meeting"), and is incorporated herein by reference. Information required by this item concerning officers and directors of the remaining registrants is reported in Part III of this document.

Executive Officers

Name

Age

Position

Period

J. Wayne Leonard (a)

54

Chief Executive Officer and Director of Entergy Corporation

1999-Present

Richard J. Smith (a)

53

Group President, Utility Operations of Entergy Corporation,
  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana,
  Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans

2001-Present

Director of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy
  Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans

2001-Present

Senior Vice President, Transition Management of Entergy
  Corporation

2000-2001

Leo P. Denault (a)

45

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
  Entergy Corporation

2004-Present

Director of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy
  Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and
  System Energy

2004-Present

Vice President , Corporate Development and Strategic
  Planning of Entergy Services, Inc.

1999-2004

Curtis L. Hebert, Jr. (a)

42

Executive Vice President, External Affairs of Entergy
  Corporation

2001-Present

Chairman and Commissioner of the Federal Energy
  Regulatory Commission

1997-2001

Mark T. Savoff (a)

48

Executive Vice President of Entergy Corporation

2004-Present

Director of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy
  Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans

2004-Present

Executive Vice President of Entergy Services, Inc.

2003-Present

President, General Electric Power Systems - GE Nuclear
  Energy, San Jose, CA

2000-2003

Robert D. Sloan (a)

57

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of
  Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf
  States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy
  New Orleans, and System Energy

2004-Present

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of
  Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf
  States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and
  Entergy New Orleans

2003-2004

Vice President, General Counsel of GE Industrial Systems,
  Plainville, CT

1998-2003

Gary J. Taylor (a)

51

Executive Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer of
  Entergy Corporation

2004-Present

Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of System
  Energy

2003-Present

Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of
  Entergy Operations, Inc.

2000-2003

Nathan E. Langston (a)

56

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of
  Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf
  States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy
  New Orleans, and System Energy

2001-Present

Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Entergy
  Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States,
  Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New
  Orleans, and System Energy

1998-2001

William E. Madison (a)

58

Senior Vice President - Human Resources and
  Administration of Entergy Corporation

2002-Present

Senior Vice President - Human Resources and
  Administration of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States,
  Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New
  Orleans

2001-Present

Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer,
  Avis Group Holdings, Inc. - Garden City, New York

2000-2001

President, US Region and Vice President, Global Human
  Resource Strategy, E.I. DuPont de Nemours, Wilmington,
  Delaware

1997-2000

(a)

In addition, this officer is an executive officer and/or director of various other wholly owned subsidiaries of Entergy Corporation and its operating companies.

            Each officer of Entergy Corporation is elected yearly by the Board of Directors.

 

 

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrants' Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

Entergy Corporation

            The shares of Entergy Corporation's common stock are listed on the New York Stock, Chicago Stock, and Pacific Exchanges under the ticker symbol ETR.

            Entergy Corporation's stock price as of February 28, 2005 was $69.12. The high and low prices of Entergy Corporation's common stock for each quarterly period in 2004 and 2003 were as follows:

 

2004

 

2003

 

High

 

Low

 

High

 

Low

 

(In Dollars)

               

First

60.20

 

56.01

 

49.55

 

42.26

Second

59.92

 

50.64

 

54.38

 

45.90

Third

61.98

 

54.43

 

54.99

 

47.75

Fourth

68.67

 

60.08

 

57.24

 

51.06

            Consecutive quarterly cash dividends on common stock were paid to stockholders of Entergy Corporation in 2004 and 2003. In 2004, dividends of $0.45 per share were paid in the first three quarters, and a dividend of $0.54 per share was paid in the fourth quarter. In 2003, dividends of $0.35 per share were paid in the first and second quarters, and dividends of $0.45 per share were paid in the third and fourth quarters.

            As of February 28, 2005, there were 51,561 stockholders of record of Entergy Corporation.

            Entergy Corporation's future ability to pay dividends is discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements. In addition to the restrictions described in Note 7, PUHCA provides that, without approval of the SEC, the unrestricted, undistributed retained earnings of any Entergy Corporation subsidiary are not available for distribution to Entergy Corporation's common stockholders until such earnings are made available to Entergy Corporation through the declaration of dividends by such subsidiaries.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use Of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (1)

Period

 

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased

 

Average Price
Paid
per Share

 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of a Publicly
Announced Plan

 

Maximum
$ Amount
of Shares that
May Yet to be
Purchased
Under the Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10/01/2004-10/31/2004

 

2,135,000

 

$62.05

 

2,135,000

 

$1,293,054,803 

11/01/2004-11/30/2004

 

2,931,000

 

$65.55

 

2,931,000

 

$1,124,355,785 

12/01/2004-12/31/2004

 

4,183,800

 

$66.24

 

4,183,800

 

$999,999,962(2)

Total

 

9,249,800

 

$65.04

 

9,249,800

 

 

(1)

In accordance with Entergy's stock-based compensation plans, Entergy periodically grants stock options to its employees, which may be exercised to obtain shares of Entergy's common stock. According to the plans, these shares can be newly issued shares, treasury stock, or shares purchased on the open market. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for additional discussion of the stock-based compensation plan. Entergy's management has been authorized to repurchase on the open market shares up to an amount sufficient to fund the exercise of grants under the plans, and this authorization does not have an expiration date. In August 2004, Entergy announced a program under which Entergy Corporation will repurchase up to $1.5 billion of its common stock. The program extends through the end of 2006. This repurchase program is incremental to the existing authority to repurchase shares to fund the exercise of employee stock options. The amount of repurchases under the program may vary as a result of material changes in business results or capital spending, or as a result of material new investment opportunities.

   

(2)

Maximum amount of shares that may yet be repurchased relates only to the $1.5 billion plan and does not include an estimate of the amount of shares that may be purchased to fund the exercise of grants under the stock-based compensation plans.

Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy

            There is no market for the common stock of Entergy Corporation's wholly owned subsidiaries. Cash dividends on common stock paid by the domestic utility companies and System Energy to Entergy Corporation during 2004 and 2003, were as follows:

   

2004

 

2003

   

(In Millions)

         

Entergy Arkansas

 

$85.8

 

$69.6

Entergy Gulf States

 

$94.3

 

$68.1

Entergy Louisiana

 

$116.5

 

$145.5

Entergy Mississippi

 

$46.8

 

$31.7

Entergy New Orleans

 

$5.2

 

$3.0

System Energy

 

$104.6

 

$105.0

            Information with respect to restrictions that limit the ability of the domestic utility companies and System Energy to pay dividends is presented in Note 7 to the domestic utility companies and System Energy financial statements.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

            Refer to "SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON OF ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES, ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC., ENTERGY GULF STATES, INC., ENTERGY LOUISIANA, INC., ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC., ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC., and SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC." which follow each company's financial statements in this report, for information with respect to selected financial data and certain operating statistics.

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

            Refer to "MANAGEMENT'S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES, ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC., ENTERGY GULF STATES, INC., ENTERGY LOUISIANA, INC., ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC., ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC., and SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC."

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

            Refer to "MANAGEMENT'S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Significant Factors and Known Trends - Market and Credit Risks OF ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES, ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC., ENTERGY GULF STATES, INC., ENTERGY LOUISIANA, INC., ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC., ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC., and SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC."

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

            Refer to "TABLE OF CONTENTS - Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Gulf States, Inc., Entergy Louisiana, Inc., Entergy Mississippi, Inc., Entergy New Orleans, Inc., and System Energy Resources, Inc."

Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants On Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

            No event that would be described in response to this item has occurred with respect to Entergy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, or System Energy.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

            As of December 31, 2004, evaluations were performed under the supervision and with the participation of Entergy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy (individually "Registrant" and collectively the "Registrants") management, including their respective Chief Executive Officers (CEO) and Chief Financial Officers (CFO). The evaluations assessed the effectiveness of the Registrants' disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the evaluations, each CEO and CFO has concluded that, as to the Registrant or Registrants for which they serve as CEO or CFO, the Registrants' disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by each Registrant in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

            The managements of Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy Resources (individually "Registrant" and collectively the "Registrants") are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Registrants. Each Registrant's internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the preparation and fair presentation of each Registrant's financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

            All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

            Each Registrant's management assessed the effectiveness of each Registrant's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004. In making this assessment, each management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework.

            Based on each management's assessment and the criteria set forth by COSO, each Registrant's management believes that each Registrant maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004.

            The Registrants' registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on each management's assessment of each Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Attestation Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries
New Orleans, Louisiana

We have audited management's assessment, included in the accompanying Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (the "Company") maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management's assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management's assessment that Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also in our opinion, Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004 of the Company and our report dated March 8, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
March 8, 2005

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
New Orleans, Louisiana

We have audited management's assessment, included in the accompanying Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that Entergy Arkansas, Inc. (the "Company") maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management's assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management's assessment that Entergy Arkansas, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also in our opinion, Entergy Arkansas, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004 of the Company and our report dated March 8, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
March 8, 2005

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Entergy Gulf States, Inc.
New Orleans, Louisiana

We have audited management's assessment, included in the accompanying Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that Entergy Gulf States, Inc. (the "Company") maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management's assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management's assessment that Entergy Gulf States, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also in our opinion, Entergy Gulf States, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004 of the Company and our report dated March 8, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
March 8, 2005

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Entergy Louisiana, Inc.
New Orleans, Louisiana

We have audited management's assessment, included in the accompanying Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that Entergy Louisiana, Inc. (the "Company") maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management's assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management's assessment that Entergy Louisiana, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also in our opinion, Entergy Louisiana, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004 of the Company and our report dated March 8, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
March 8, 2005

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
New Orleans, Louisiana

We have audited management's assessment, included in the accompanying Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that Entergy Mississippi, Inc. (the "Company") maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management's assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management's assessment that Entergy Mississippi, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also in our opinion, Entergy Mississippi, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004 of the Company and our report dated March 8, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
March 8, 2005

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Entergy New Orleans, Inc.
New Orleans, Louisiana

We have audited management's assessment, included in the accompanying Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that Entergy New Orleans, Inc. (the "Company") maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management's assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management's assessment that Entergy New Orleans, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also in our opinion, Entergy New Orleans, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004 of the Company and our report dated March 8, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
March 8, 2005

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
System Energy Resources, Inc.
New Orleans, Louisiana

We have audited management's assessment, included in the accompanying Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that System Energy Resources, Inc. (the "Company") maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management's assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management's assessment that System Energy Resources, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also in our opinion, System Energy Resources, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004 of the Company and our report dated March 8, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
March 8, 2005

 

Item 9B. Other Information

            On March 9, 2005 Entergy Corporation borrowed $15 million under its $965 million, 3-year credit facility, dated as of May 13, 2004, among Entergy Corporation, Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and LC Issuing Bank, ABN AMRO Bank, N.V., as LC Issuing Bank, and several banks party thereto (the 3-Year Facility).  Entergy Corporation described material terms of the 3-Year Facility in its Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004, and filed the agreement as Exhibit 4(d).

            In addition to the 3-Year Facility, Entergy Corporation also maintains (i) a $500 million, 5-year credit facility, dated as of December 14, 2004, among Entergy Corporation, Citibank, N.A., as bank and administrative agent, and several banks party thereto (the 5-Year Facility); and (ii) Credit Agreements, dated as of May 31, 2002 and November 24, 2003, among Entergy Corporation, Bayerische Hypo-und Vereinsbank AG, New York Branch, as Bank, and Bayerische Hypo-und Vereinsbank AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (the Hypo Term Loans).  The table below includes the borrowings outstanding and capacity available under these facilities as of March 7, 2005.


Facility


Capacity


Borrowings

Letters
of Credit

Capacity
Available

 

(In Millions)

         

3-Year Facility

$965      

$403       

$50        

$512        

5-Year Facility

$500      

$75       

-        

$425        

Hypo Term Loans

$95      

$95       

-        

-        

 

 

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrants (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

            All officers and directors listed below held the specified positions with their respective companies as of the date of filing this report, unless otherwise noted.

Name

Age

Position

Period

ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.

Directors

Hugh T. McDonald

46

President and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Arkansas

2000-Present

Director of Entergy Arkansas

2000-Present

Senior Vice President, Retail of Entergy Services, Inc.

1999-2000

Leo P. Denault

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Mark T. Savoff

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Richard J. Smith

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Officers

Jay A. Lewis

43

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer - Utility Operations Group  of  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana,  Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans

2004-Present

Director, Accounting Policy and Research of Entergy Services, Inc.

1999 - 2004

Leo P. Denault

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Curtis L. Hebert, Jr.

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Nathan E. Langston

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

J. Wayne Leonard

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

William E. Madison

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Hugh T. McDonald

See information under the Entergy Arkansas Directors Section above.

Mark T. Savoff

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Robert D. Sloan

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Richard J. Smith

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Gary J. Taylor

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

ENTERGY GULF STATES, INC.

Directors

E. Renae Conley

47

Director of Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana

2000-Present

President and Chief Executive Officer - LA of Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana

2000-Present

Vice President, Investor Relations of Entergy Services

1999-2000

Joseph F. Domino

56

Director of Entergy Gulf States

1999-Present

President and Chief Executive Officer - TX of Entergy Gulf States

1998-Present

Leo P. Denault

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Mark T. Savoff

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Richard J. Smith

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Officers

E. Renae Conley

See information under the Entergy Gulf States Directors Section above.

Leo P. Denault

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Joseph F. Domino

See information under the Entergy Gulf States Directors Section above.

Curtis L. Hebert, Jr.

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Nathan E. Langston

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

J. Wayne Leonard

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Jay A. Lewis

See information under the Entergy Arkansas Officers Section above.

William E. Madison

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Mark T. Savoff

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Robert D. Sloan

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Richard J. Smith

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Gary J. Taylor

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

ENTERGY LOUISIANA, INC.

Directors

E. Renae Conley

See information under the Entergy Gulf States Directors Section above.

Leo P. Denault

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Mark T. Savoff

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Richard J. Smith

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Officers

E. Renae Conley

See information under the Entergy Gulf States Directors Section above.

Leo P. Denault

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Curtis L. Hebert, Jr.

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Nathan E. Langston

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

J. Wayne Leonard

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Jay A. Lewis

See information under the Entergy Arkansas Officers Section above.

William E. Madison

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Mark T. Savoff

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Robert D. Sloan

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Richard J. Smith

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Gary J. Taylor

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.

Directors

Carolyn C. Shanks

43

President and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy Mississippi

1999-Present

Director of Entergy Mississippi

1999-Present

Leo P. Denault

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Mark T. Savoff

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Richard J. Smith

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Officers

Leo P. Denault

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Curtis L. Hebert, Jr.

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Nathan E. Langston

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

J. Wayne Leonard

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Jay A. Lewis

See information under the Entergy Arkansas Officers Section above.

William E. Madison

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Mark T. Savoff

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Carolyn C. Shanks

See information under the Entergy Mississippi Directors Section above.

Robert D. Sloan

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Richard J. Smith

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Gary J. Taylor

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.

Directors

Daniel F. Packer

57

Chief Executive Officer Entergy New Orleans

1998-Present

President of Entergy New Orleans

1997-Present

Director of Entergy New Orleans

1996-Present

Leo P. Denault

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Mark T. Savoff

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Richard J. Smith

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Officers

Leo P. Denault

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Curtis L. Hebert, Jr.

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Nathan E. Langston

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

J. Wayne Leonard

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Jay A. Lewis

See information under the Entergy Arkansas Officers Section above.

William E. Madison

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Daniel F. Packer

See information under the Entergy New Orleans Directors Section above.

Mark T. Savoff

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Robert D. Sloan

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Richard J. Smith

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Gary J. Taylor

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.

Directors

Gary J. Taylor

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Leo P. Denault

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Steven C. McNeal

Director of System Energy

2004-Present

Vice President and Treasurer of Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi,  Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy

1998-Present

Officers

Theodore Bunting

46

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer - Nuclear Operations of System Energy

2004 - Present

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Entergy Arkansas,   Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and    Entergy New Orleans

2002 - 2004

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer - Operations of Entergy Services

2000 - 2002

Director, Utility Operations of Entergy Services

1999 - 2000

Leo P. Denault

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Curtis L. Hebert, Jr.

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Nathan E. Langston

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

J. Wayne Leonard

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

William E. Madison

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Mark T. Savoff

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Robert D. Sloan

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Richard J. Smith

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

Gary J. Taylor

See information under the Entergy Corporation Officers Section in Part I.

            Each director and officer of the applicable Entergy company is elected yearly to serve by the unanimous consent of the sole stockholder, Entergy Corporation, at its annual meeting.

Corporate Governance Guidelines and Committee Charters

            Each of the Audit, Corporate Governance and Personnel Committees of Entergy Corporation's Board of Directors operates under a written charter. In addition, the full Board has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines. Each charter and the guidelines are available through Entergy's website (www.entergy.com) or upon written request.

Audit Committee of the Entergy Corporation Board

            The following directors are members of the Audit Committee of Entergy Corporation's Board of Directors:

Steven V. Wilkinson (Chairman)
Kathleen A. Murphy
James R. Nichols
William A. Percy, II
Bismark A. Steinhagen

All Audit Committee members are independent. For purposes of independence of members of the Audit Committee, an independent director also may not accept directly or indirectly any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee from Entergy or be affiliated with Entergy as defined in SEC rules. All Audit Committee members possess the level of financial literacy and accounting or related financial management expertise required by the NYSE rules. Steven V. Wilkinson qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert," as that term is defined in the SEC rules.

Code of Ethics

            The Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Members of the Board of Directors. The code is available through Entergy's website (www.entergy.com) or upon written request. The Board has also adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Employees, that includes Special Provision Relating to Principal Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Employees is to be read in conjunction with Entergy's omnibus code of integrity under which Entergy operates called the Code of Entegrity as well as system policies. All employees are required to abide by the Codes. Non-bargaining employees are required to acknowledge annually that they understand and abide by the Code of Entegrity. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Employees and the Code of Entegrity are available through Entergy's website (www.entergy.com) or upon written request.

Source of Nominations to the Board of Directors; Nominating Procedure

            The Corporate Governance Committee has adopted a policy on consideration of potential director nominees. The Committee will consider nominees from a variety of sources, including nominees suggested by shareholders, executive officers, fellow board members, or a third party firm retained for that purpose. It applies the same procedures to all nominees regardless of the source of the nomination.

            Any party wishing to make a nomination should provide a written resume of the proposed candidate, detailing relevant experience and qualifications, as well as a list of references. The Committee will review the resume and may contact references. It will decide based on the resume and references whether to proceed to a more detailed investigation. If the Committee determines that a more detailed investigation of the candidate is warranted, it will invite the candidate for a personal interview, conduct a background check on the candidate, and assess the ability of the candidate to provide any special skills or characteristics identified by the Committee or the Board.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

            Information called for by this item concerning the directors and officers of Entergy Corporation is set forth in the Proxy Statement of Entergy Corporation to be filed in connection with its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 13, 2005, under the heading "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance", which information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

ENTERGY CORPORATION

            Information called for by this item concerning the directors and officers of Entergy Corporation is set forth in the Proxy Statement under the headings "Executive Compensation Tables", "General Information About Nominees", "Director Compensation", and "Comparison of Five Year Cumulative Total Return", all of which information is incorporated herein by reference.

ENTERGY ARKANSAS, ENTERGY GULF STATES, ENTERGY LOUISIANA, ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, AND SYSTEM ENERGY

Summary Compensation Table

            The following table includes the Chief Executive Officer, the four other most highly compensated executive officers in office as of December 31, 2004, and two additional executive officers who would have been included in the table but retired or resigned during the year at Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy (collectively, the "Named Executive Officers"). This determination was based on total annual base salary and bonuses from all Entergy sources earned by each officer for the year 2004. See Item 10, "Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrants," for information on the principal positions of the Named Executive Officers in the table below.

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy

            As shown in Item 10, most Named Executive Officers are employed by several Entergy companies. Because it would be impracticable to allocate such officers' salaries among the various companies, the table below includes the aggregate compensation paid by all Entergy companies.

                   

Long-Term Compensation

   
       

Annual Compensation

 

Awards

 

Payouts

   



Name

 



Year

 



Salary

 



Bonus

 

(a) Other
Annual
Comp.

 

Restricted
Stock
Awards

 

Securities
Underlying
Options

 

(d)
LTIP
Payouts

 

(e) All
Other
Comp.

                                 

E. Renae Conley

 

2004

 

$345,912

 

$272,220

 

$18,867

 

(b)

 

18,400 shares

 

$724,200

 

$30,537

CEO-Entergy Louisiana

 

2003

 

334,453

 

200,000

 

31,087

 

(b)

 

33,092

 

460,088

 

15,413

CEO-LA-Entergy Gulf
 States

 

2002

 

321,500

 

320,000

 

88,946

 

(b)

 

40,000

 

331,114

 

15,211

                                 

Leo P. Denault

 

2004

 

$463,631

 

$490,000

 

$15,330

 

(b)

 

40,000 shares

 

$557,634

 

$29,518

   

2003

 

286,824

 

217,402

 

4,551

 

(b)

 

30,600

 

190,170

 

13,308

   

2002

 

275,834

 

210,000

 

15,750

 

(b)

 

20,500

 

153,202

 

13,041

                                 

Joseph F. Domino

 

2004

 

$274,242

 

$172,813

 

$28,787

 

(b)

 

18,189 shares

 

$304,164

 

$12,214

CEO-TX-Entergy Gulf
 States

 

2003

 

265,626

 

200,765

 

46,480

 

(b)

 

10,500

 

190,170

 

11,912

   

2002

 

255,295

 

210,070

 

63,361

 

(b)

 

22,000

 

153,202

 

13,568

                                 

Donald C. Hintz (f)

 

2004

 

$348,847

 

$236,798

 

$204,941

 

(b)

 

20,000 shares

 

$2,136,390

 

$8,465,499

   

2003

 

660,793

 

605,115

 

80,295

 

(b)

 

140,000

 

1,748,333

 

33,797

   

2002

 

629,423

 

754,800

 

206,963

 

(b)

 

160,000

 

1,408,470

 

34,318

                                 

J. Wayne Leonard

 

2004

 

$1,088,769

 

$1,540,000

 

$46,344

 

(b)

 

220,000 shares

 

$4,634,880

 

$48,199

   

2003

 

1,038,461

 

1,197,800

 

26,152

 

(b)

 

195,000

 

2,944,560

 

73,639

   

2002

 

962,500

 

1,450,400

 

5,257

 

(b)

 

330,600

 

2,372,160

 

20,517

                                 

Hugh T. McDonald

 

2004

 

$288,847

 

$197,400

 

$25,927

 

(b)

 

10,000 shares

 

$304,164

 

$12,596

CEO-Entergy Arkansas

 

2003

 

264,201

 

195,000

 

32,276

 

(b)

 

21,199

 

190,170

 

12,134

   

2002

 

247,373

 

185,000

 

56,295

 

(b)

 

22,000

 

182,854

 

14,867

                                 

Daniel F. Packer

 

2004

 

$260,748

 

$164,375

 

$27,090

 

(b)

 

10,000 shares

 

$304,164

 

$11,122

CEO-Entergy New Orleans

 

2003

 

253,628

 

190,000

 

58,519

 

(b)

 

8,000

 

190,170

 

3,204

   

2002

 

244,776

 

95,000

 

17,705

 

(b)

 

20,000

 

153,202

 

13,469

                                 

Mark T. Savoff

 

2004

 

$500,001

 

$490,000

 

$24,607

 

(b)

 

31,800 shares

 

$405,552

 

$21,293

   

2003

 

19,231

 

-

 

51,485

 

(b)

 

-

 

-

 

865

                                 

Carolyn C. Shanks

 

2004

 

$283,885

 

$213,900

 

$14,297

 

(b)

 

10,000 shares

 

$304,164

 

$11,800

CEO-Entergy Mississippi

 

2003

 

263,758

 

195,000

 

92,825

 

$152,160 (b)(c)

 

14,000

 

190,170

 

12,132

   

2002

 

252,478

 

200,000

 

77,460

 

(b)

 

20,000

 

153,202

 

14,138

                                 

Richard J. Smith

 

2004

 

$494,806

 

$490,000

 

$11,840

 

(b)

 

63,600 shares

 

$1,231,140

 

$56,186

   

2003

 

473,019

 

380,867

 

64,371

 

(b)

 

72,777

 

674,795

 

23,128

   

2002

 

443,269

 

466,200

 

28,862

 

(b)

 

95,000

 

454,664

 

20,699

                                 

Gary J. Taylor

 

2004

 

$414,356

 

$411,600

 

$29,170

 

(b)

 

40,000 shares

 

$1,013,880

 

$9,987

CEO-System Energy

 

2003

 

394,615

 

316,400

 

78,575

 

(b)

 

26,900

 

539,836

 

7,240

   

2002

 

342,788

 

277,925

 

48,892

 

(b)

 

34,600

 

336,056

 

16,156

                                 

C. John Wilder (f)

 

2004

 

$106,174

 

$ -

 

$5,358

 

(b)

 

- shares

 

$ -

 

$5,171

   

2003

 

568,731

 

461,153

 

153,373

 

(b)

 

80,000

 

779,082

 

51,614

   

2002

 

521,923

 

549,080

 

156,683

 

(b)

 

131,366

 

627,634

 

24,459

(a)

2004 Other Annual Compensation includes the following:

(1)

Payments for personal financial counseling as follows: Ms. Conley $10,000; Mr. Denault $7,615; Mr. Domino $7,725; Mr. Hintz $10,643; Mr. Leonard $15,000; Mr. McDonald $4,500; Mr. Packer $7,871; Ms. Shanks $3,500; Mr. Smith $7,800; Mr. Taylor $9,762; and Mr. Wilder $1,856.

(2)

Payments for annual physical exams as follows: Ms. Conley $2,319; Mr. Denault $2,729; Mr. Domino $2,729; Mr. Hintz $1,404; Mr. Leonard $7,389; Mr. Packer $4,161; Mr. Savoff $3,681; Mr. Smith $1,594; and Mr. Taylor $2,246.

(3)

Personal use of company aircraft as follows: Mr. Domino $1,210; Mr. Hintz $2,442; Mr. Leonard $8,473; Mr. McDonald $1,176; Mr. Packer $855; Ms. Shanks $1,694; Mr. Smith $924; Mr. Taylor $6,203; and Mr. Wilder $1,178.

(4)

Payments for club dues as follows: Mr. Domino $5,056; Mr. Hintz $2,165; Mr. Leonard $68; Mr. McDonald $9,621; Mr. Packer $5,130; Ms. Shanks $4,708; Mr. Taylor $938; and Mr. Wilder $204.

(5)

A relocation payment to Mr. Savoff for $20,926.

(6)

Travel expenses related to volunteer service to Mr. Domino for $3,727.

(7)

Home security monitoring to Ms. Shanks for $180.

(8)

Tax gross up payments as follows: Ms. Conley $6,548; Mr. Denault $4,986; Mr. Domino $8,140; Mr. Hintz $188,287; Mr. Leonard $15,414; Mr. McDonald $10,630; Mr. Packer $9,073; Ms. Shanks $4,215; Mr. Smith $1,522; Mr. Taylor $10,021; and Mr. Wilder $2,120.

(b)

Performance unit (equivalent to shares of Entergy common stock) awards in 2004 are reported under the "Long-Term Incentive Plan Awards" table, and reference is made to this table for information on the aggregate number of performance units awarded during 2004 and the vesting schedule for such units. At December 31, 2004, the number and value of the aggregate performance unit holdings were as follows: Ms. Conley 19,600 units, $1,324,764; Mr. Denault 33,400 units, $2,257,506; Mr. Domino 10,000 units, $675,900; Mr. Hintz 25,500 units, $1,723,545; Mr. Leonard 165,600 units, $11,192,904; Mr. McDonald 10,000 units, $675,900; Mr. Packer 10,000 units, $675,900; Mr. Savoff 33,100 units, $2,237,229; Ms. Shanks 13,000 units, $878,670; Mr. Smith 41,500 units, $2,804,985; and Mr. Taylor 40,300 units, $2,723,877. Accumulated dividends are paid on performance units when vested. The value of performance unit holdings as of December 31, 2004 is determined by multiplying the total number of units held by the closing market price of Entergy common stock on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions on December 31, 2004 ($67.59 per share). The value of units for which restrictions were lifted in 2004, 2003 and 2002, and the applicable portion of accumulated cash dividends, are reported in the LTIP payouts column in the above table.

(c)

In addition to the performance units granted under the Equity Ownership Plan, Ms. Shanks was granted 3,000 restricted units in 2003. Restrictions will be lifted on 1,200 units in 2006 and the remaining 1,800 units in 2011, based on continued service with Entergy. Accumulated dividends will not be paid. The value Ms. Shanks may realize is dependent upon both the number of units that vest and the future market price of Entergy common stock.

(d)

Amounts include the value of performance units that vested in 2004, 2003 and 2002 (see note (b) above) under Entergy's Equity Ownership Plan.

(e)

All Other Compensation includes the following:

(1)

2004 benefit accruals under the Defined Contribution Restoration Plan as follows: Ms. Conley $21,930; Mr. Denault $20,808; Mr. Domino $3,511; Mr. Hintz $3,535; Mr. Leonard $39,222; Mr. McDonald $3,898; Mr. Packer $2,865; Mr. Savoff $12,510; Ms. Shanks $3,098; Mr. Smith $47,409; Mr. Taylor $5,091; and Mr. Wilder $956.

(2)

2004 employer contributions to the System Savings Plan as follows: Ms. Conley $8,607; Mr. Denault $8,710; Mr. Domino $8,703; Mr. Hintz $7,994; Mr. Leonard $8,977; Mr. McDonald $8,698; Mr. Packer $8,257; Mr. Savoff $8,783; Ms. Shanks $8,702; Mr. Smith $8,777; Mr. Taylor $4,896; and Mr. Wilder $4,215.

(3)

A 2004 lump sum award made under the System Executive Retirement Plan to Mr. Hintz in the amount of $8,453,970. For a description of the System Executive Retirement Plan, see the discussion under "Executive Retirement and Benefit Plans - System Executive Retirement Plan."

(f)

Mr. Hintz retired in April 2004. Mr. Wilder resigned in February 2004.

Option Grants in 2004

            The following table summarizes option grants during 2004 to the Named Executive Officers. The absence, in the table below, of any Named Executive Officer indicates that no options were granted to such officer.

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy

                   

Potential Realizable

   

Individual Grants

 

Value

   

Number of

 

% of Total

         

at Assumed Annual

   

Securities

 

Options

         

Rates of Stock

   

Underlying

 

Granted to

 

Exercise

     

Price Appreciation

   

Options

 

Employees

 

Price (per

 

Expiration

 

for Option Term(b)

Name

 

Granted (a)

 

in 2004

 

share) (a)

 

Date

 

5%

 

10%

                         

E. Renae Conley

 

18,400

 

1.0%

 

$58.60

 

3/02/14

 

$678,099

 

$1,718,437

Leo P. Denault

 

40,000

 

2.1%

 

58.60

 

3/02/14

 

1,474,129

 

3,735,732

Joseph F. Domino

 

10,000

 

0.5%

 

58.60

 

3/02/14

 

368,532

 

933,933

   

4,610 (c)

 

0.2%

 

59.02

 

1/28/09

 

73,874

 

162,917

   

1,601 (c)

 

0.1%

 

65.22

 

1/28/09

 

24,022

 

52,055

   

1,308 (c)

 

0.1%

 

65.26

 

1/28/09

 

19,637

 

42,554

   

670 (c)

 

0.1%

 

65.25

 

1/25/11

 

15,546

 

35,490

Donald C. Hintz

 

20,000

 

1.1%

 

58.60

 

3/02/14

 

737,065

 

1,867,866

J. Wayne Leonard

 

220,000

 

11.6%

 

58.60

 

3/02/14

 

8,107,710

 

20,546,528

Hugh T. McDonald

 

10,000

 

0.5%

 

58.60

 

3/02/14

 

368,532

 

933,933

Daniel F. Packer

 

10,000

 

0.5%

 

58.60

 

3/02/14

 

368,532

 

933,933

Mark T. Savoff

 

31,800

 

1.7%

 

58.60

 

3/02/14

 

1,171,933

 

2,969,907

Carolyn C. Shanks

 

10,000

 

0.5%

 

58.60

 

3/02/14

 

368,532

 

933,933

Richard J. Smith

 

63,600

 

3.4%

 

58.60

 

3/02/14

 

2,343,865

 

5,939,814

Gary J. Taylor

 

40,000

 

2.1%

 

58.60

 

3/02/14

 

1,474,129

 

3,735,732

(a)

Options were granted on March 2, 2004, pursuant to the Equity Ownership Plan. All options granted on this date have an exercise price equal to the closing price of Entergy common stock on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions on March 2, 2004. These options will vest in equal increments, annually, over a three-year period beginning in 2005, based on continued service with Entergy.

(b)

Calculation based on the market price of the underlying securities assuming the market price increases over the option period and assuming annual compounding. The column presents estimates of potential values based on simple mathematical assumptions. The actual value, if any, a Named Executive Officer may realize is dependent upon the market price on the date of option exercise.

(c)

During 2004, Mr. Domino converted presently exercisable stock options into Entergy stock and reload stock options. He accomplished this by exercising stock options, paying the exercise price and all applicable taxes for these shares by surrendering shares of Entergy stock. Additional options, as indicated above, were granted pursuant to the reload feature of this "stock for stock" exercise method. Under the reload mechanism, eligible participants are granted an additional number of options equal to the number of shares surrendered to pay the exercise price. The reloaded stock options vest immediately and have an exercise price equal to the price of Entergy common stock on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions on the date of exercise of the original options. The reloaded options retain the original grant's expiration date. The reload feature was removed from the Equity Ownership Plan as approved by the Stockholders in May 2003. Reloads are no longer available for options granted after February 13, 2003.

Aggregated Option Exercises in 2004 and December 31, 2004 Option Values

The following table summarizes the number and value of all unexercised options held by the Named Executive Officers. The absence, in the table below, of any Named Executive Officer indicates that no options are held by such officer.

           

Number of

   
           

Securities Underlying

 

Value of Unexercised

           

Unexercised Options

 

In-the-Money Options

   

Shares Acquired

 

Value

 

as of December 31, 2004

 

as of December 31, 2004 (b)

Name

 

on Exercise

 

Realized (a)

 

Exercisable

 

Unexercisable

 

Exercisable

 

Unexercisable

                         

E. Renae Conley

 

-

 

$ -

 

85,858

 

47,734

 

$2,376,930

 

$881,007

Leo P. Denault

 

-

 

-

 

42,322

 

53,368

 

896,883

 

687,797

Joseph F. Domino

 

14,667

 

464,974

 

39,975

 

24,334

 

925,393

 

441,831

Donald C. Hintz

 

147,588

 

4,552,699

 

630,000

 

-

 

17,776,875

 

-

J. Wayne Leonard

 

-

 

-

 

1,201,600

 

460,200

 

41,668,356

 

7,840,180

Hugh T. McDonald

 

-

 

-

 

42,665

 

25,334

 

1,128,347

 

464,971

Daniel F. Packer

 

-

 

-

 

30,799

 

22,001

 

859,748

 

386,004

Mark T. Savoff

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

31,800

 

-

 

285,882

Carolyn C. Shanks

 

21,467

 

572,052

 

17,999

 

26,001

 

453,296

 

478,564

Richard J. Smith

 

-

 

-

 

150,537

 

120,268

 

3,720,385

 

1,947,463

Gary J. Taylor

 

13,333

 

293,326

 

58,699

 

69,468

 

1,620,626

 

1,073,323

C. John Wilder

 

222,430

 

3,649,306

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

(a)

Based on the difference between the closing price of Entergy's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions on the exercise date and the option exercise price.

(b)

Based on the difference between the closing price of Entergy's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions on December 31, 2004, and the option exercise price.

Long-Term Incentive Plan Awards in 2004

The following table summarizes the awards of performance units (equivalent to shares of Entergy common stock) granted under the Equity Ownership Plan in 2004 to the Named Executive Officers.

Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Stock Price-Based Plans (# of units) (a) (b)


Name

Number of
Units

Performance Period Until
Maturation or Payout


Threshold


Target


Maximum

E. Renae Conley

8,000

1/1/04-12/31/06

400

3,200

8,000

Leo P. Denault

15,800

1/1/04-12/31/06

700

6,322

15,800

Joseph F. Domino

4,000

1/1/04-12/31/06

200

1,600

4,000

Donald C. Hintz

3,600

1/1/04-12/31/06

200

1,456

3,600

J. Wayne Leonard

85,200

1/1/04-12/31/06

3,500

34,100

85,200

Hugh T. McDonald

4,000

1/1/04-12/31/06

200

1,600

4,000

Daniel F. Packer

4,000

1/1/04-12/31/06

200

1,600

4,000

Mark T. Savoff

16,500

1/1/04-12/31/06

700

6,600

16,500

Carolyn C. Shanks

4,000

1/1/04-12/31/06

200

1,600

4,000

Richard J. Smith

16,500

1/1/04-12/31/06

700

6,600

16,500

Gary J. Taylor

16,500

1/1/04-12/31/06

700

6,600

16,500

(a)

Performance units awarded will vest at the end of a three-year period, subject to the attainment of approved performance goals for Entergy. Actual awards are based upon the achievement of the cumulative result of these goals for the performance period. The value any Named Executive Officer may realize is dependent upon the number of units that vest, the future market price of Entergy common stock, and the dividends paid during the performance period.

(b)

The threshold, target, and maximum levels correspond to the achievement of 10%, 100%, and 250%, respectively, of Equity Ownership Plan goals. Achievement of a threshold, target, or maximum level would result in the award of the number of units indicated in the respective column. Achievement of a level between these three specified levels would result in the award of a number of units calculated by means of interpolation.

Executive Retirement and Benefit Plans

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy

            The Named Executive Officers are eligible to participate in three types of non-qualified retirement benefit plans. The first type of plan is one that provides retirement income, and includes the qualified retirement plan combined with the Pension Equalization Plan, the Supplemental Retirement Plan, and the System Executive Retirement Plan. In these plans, an executive is typically enrolled in one or more plans but only paid the amount due under the plan that provides the highest benefit, except that participants in the Supplemental Retirement Plan are also eligible for benefits under the Pension Equalization Plan. The second type of plan provides for payments in the event of a change in control, and includes the System Executive Continuity Plans. Finally, the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan and the Equity Ownership Plan allow for deferral of earned income.

Qualified Retirement Plan Combined with Pension Equalization Plan. Entergy Corporation has a tax-qualified defined benefit plan, which, combined with a non-qualified Pension Equalization Plan (PEP), provides for a retirement benefit calculated by multiplying the number of years of employment by 1.5%, which is then multiplied by the final average pay as defined in the plans, and currently includes base salary plus annual bonus. The normal form of benefit for a single executive employee is a lifetime annuity and for a married executive employee is a reduced benefit with a 50% surviving spouse annuity. Retirement benefits are not subject to any deduction for social security.

            The maximum benefit under the qualified pension plan is limited by Sections 401 and 415 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; however, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy have elected to participate in the PEP sponsored by Entergy Corporation. Under the PEP, certain executives, including the Named Executive Officers, would receive an additional amount to compensate for the benefit that would have been payable under the qualified pension plan, except for the Internal Revenue Code Sections 401 and 415 limitations discussed above. The PEP also includes as earnings for purposes of calculating PEP benefits a Named Executive Officer's Executive Annual Incentive Plan bonus and any base salary or bonus the Named Executive Officer elects to defer.

            As of December 31, 2004, the credited actual years of service under the combined plans were for Ms. Conley (5), Mr. Denault (5), Mr. Domino (34), Mr. Leonard (6), Mr. McDonald (22), Mr. Packer (22), Mr. Savoff (1), Ms. Shanks (21), Mr. Smith (5), and Mr. Taylor (4). Because they entered into PEP agreements granting additional years of service, the total credited years of service under the PEP were for Ms. Conley (22), Mr. Smith (28), and Mr. Taylor (23). Mr. Hintz retired during 2004 with 32 years of service.

            The following table shows the annual retirement benefits that would be paid at normal retirement (age 65 or later) and includes covered compensation for the executive officers included in the salary column of the Summary Compensation Table above.

Retirement Income Plan Table

Annual

                   

Covered

 

Years of Service

Compensation

 

15

 

20

 

25

 

30

 

35

                     

$200,000

 

$45,000

 

$60,000

 

$75,000

 

$90,000

 

$105,000

300,000

 

67,500

 

90,000

 

112,500

 

135,000

 

157,500

400,000

 

90,000

 

120,000

 

150,000

 

180,000

 

210,000

500,000

 

112,500

 

150,000

 

187,500

 

225,000

 

262,500

750,000

 

168,750

 

225,000

 

281,250

 

337,500

 

393,750

1,000,000

 

225,000

 

300,000

 

375,000

 

450,000

 

525,000

1,250,000

 

281,250

 

375,000

 

468,750

 

562,500

 

656,250

1,500,000

 

337,500

 

450,000

 

562,500

 

675,000

 

787,500

Supplemental Retirement Plan (SRP). Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy participate in the Supplemental Retirement Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries. Executives may participate in the SRP, which is an unfunded defined benefit plan, at the invitation of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy. Mr. Packer is the only named executive officer who is currently a participant in the plan. The SRP provides that, under certain circumstances, a participant may receive a monthly retirement benefit payment for 120 months. The amount of monthly payment shall not exceed 2.5% of the participant's average basic annual pay (as defined in the SRP).

System Executive Retirement Plan (SERP). This executive plan is an unfunded defined benefit plan for participating executives, including all of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table (except for Mr. Leonard, who receives non-qualified supplemental retirement benefits under the terms of his retention contract, which are described below). Executive officers can choose, at retirement, between the retirement benefits paid under the SERP or those payable under the non-qualified supplemental retirement plans discussed above, and in which they participate. SERP benefits are calculated by multiplying the covered pay times the maximum pay replacement ratios of 55%, 60% or 65% (dependent on job rating at retirement) that are attained at 30 years of credited service. The current maximum pay replacement ratio at 20 years of credited service for Ms. Conley, Mr. Denault, Mr. Savoff, Mr. Smith and Mr. Taylor is 50%. The current maximum pay replacement ratio at 20 years of credited service for Mr. Domino, Mr. McDonald, Mr. Packer and Ms. Shanks is 45%. The ratios are reduced for each year of employment below 30 years. The normal form of benefit for a single employee is a lifetime annuity, and for a married employee is a reduced benefit with a 50% surviving spouse annuity. These retirement payments may be offset by any and all defined benefit plan payments from the Company and from prior employers. These payments are not subject to social security offsets.

            Receipt of benefits under any of the supplemental retirement plans described above is contingent upon several factors. The participant must agree, without the specific consent of the Entergy company for which such participant was last employed, not to take employment after retirement with any entity that is in competition with, or similar in nature to, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy or any affiliate thereof. Eligibility for benefits is forfeitable for various reasons, including violation of an agreement with Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy, or for resignation or termination of employment for any reason before or after normal retirement age and without the employer's permission.

            The credited years of service for the Named Executive Officers under the SERP are as follows: Ms. Conley (5), Mr. Denault (5), Mr. Domino (34), Mr. McDonald (22), Mr. Packer (22), Mr. Savoff (1), Ms. Shanks (21), Mr. Smith (5), and Mr. Taylor (14). Mr. Hintz retired in 2004 with 32 credited years of service under the SERP.

            Upon retirement, and subject to existing deferral elections and the provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, executives are able to receive the value of their SERP, SRP, or PEP benefit paid either as a lump sum or a series of annual payments. The following table shows the annual retirement benefits that would be paid at normal retirement (age 65 or later) under the SERP.

System Executive Retirement Plan Table (1)

Annual

                   

Covered

 

Years of Service

Compensation

 

10

 

15

 

20

 

25

 

30+

                     

$250,000

 

$75,000

 

$112,500

 

$125,000

 

$137,500

 

$150,000

500,000

 

150,000

 

225,000

 

250,000

 

275,000

 

300,000

750,000

 

225,000

 

337,500

 

375,000

 

412,500

 

450,000

1,000,000

 

300,000

 

450,000

 

500,000

 

550,000

 

600,000

1,500,000

 

450,000

 

675,000

 

750,000

 

825,000

 

900,000

2,000,000

 

600,000

 

900,000

 

1,000,000

 

1,100,000

 

1,200,000

2,500,000

 

750,000

 

1,125,000

 

1,250,000

 

1,375,000

 

1,500,000

3,000,000

 

900,000

 

1,350,000

 

1,500,000

 

1,650,000

 

1,800,000

(1)

Covered pay includes the average of the highest three years of annual base pay and incentive awards earned by the executive during the ten years immediately preceding his retirement. Benefits shown are based on a target replacement ratio of 50% based on the years of service and covered compensation shown. The benefits for 10, 15, and 20 or more years of service at the 45% and 55% replacement levels would decrease (in the case of 45%) or increase (in the case of 55%) by the following percentages: 3.0%, 4.5%, and 5.0%, respectively.

System Executive Continuity Plans. All Named Executive Officers participate in one of Entergy's two System Executive Continuity Plans. However, if Mr. Leonard receives benefits under the change in control protections of his retention contract, which is described below, he will not also receive benefits under the Continuity Plans. Each plan provides severance pay and benefits under specified circumstances following a change in control. In the event a participant's employment is involuntarily terminated without cause or if a participant terminates for good reason during the change in control period, the named executive officers will be entitled to:

  • a cash severance payment equal to one to three times base salary and target bonus payable in a single sum distribution. The precise level of payment is determined by the participant's management level. The cash severance payment under the Continuity Plans is limited to 2.99 times base salary and applicable annual incentive bonus, except for participants (other than Mr. Leonard and Mr. Denault) who were entitled to receive a three times severance payment prior to March of 2004;

  •  
  • continued medical and dental insurance coverage for one to three years, but subject to offset for any similar coverage provided by the participant's new employer;

  •  
  • immediate vesting of performance awards, based upon an assumed achievement of applicable performance targets; and

  •  
  • payment of a "gross-up" payment to compensate for any excise taxes the participant might incur.

Participants in the Continuity Plans are subject to post-employment restrictive covenants, including noncompetition provisions that run for two years for Named Executive Officers but extend to three years if permissible under applicable law.

Deferred Compensation Plans. Executives are eligible to defer earned income through participation in Entergy's Executive Deferred Compensation Plan ("EDCP") or by purchasing phantom units of Entergy stock at fair market value under the Equity Ownership Plan ("EOP"). Executives may under the EDCP defer receipt of base salary, amounts due under the executive plans described above, annual bonuses, performance units, and approved incentive compensation such as restricted units and signing bonuses. The investment options available to executives under the EDCP are similar to those currently available under the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, except that executives may not invest in Entergy stock under the EDCP. Executives may under the EOP defer receipt of annual bonuses, performance units, restricted units, and pre-2003 option gains.

Compensation of Directors

            For information regarding compensation of the directors of Entergy Corporation, see the Proxy Statement under the heading "Director Compensation", which information is incorporated herein by reference. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy currently have no non-employee directors, and none of the current directors of these companies are compensated for their responsibilities as director.

            Retired non-employee directors of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans with a minimum of five years of service on the respective Boards of Directors are paid $200 a month for a term of years corresponding to the number of years of active service as directors. Retired non-employee directors with over ten years of service receive a lifetime benefit of $200 a month. Years of service as an advisory director are included in calculating this benefit. System Energy has no retired non-employee directors.

            Retired non-employee directors of Entergy Gulf States receive retirement benefits under a plan in which all directors who served continuously for a period of years will receive a percentage of their retainer fee in effect at the time of their retirement for life. The retirement benefit is 30 percent of the retainer fee for service of not less than five nor more than nine years, 40 percent for service of not less than ten nor more than fourteen years, and 50 percent for fifteen or more years of service. For those directors who retired prior to the retirement age, their benefits are reduced. The plan also provides disability retirement and optional hospital and medical coverage if the director has served at least five years prior to the disability. The retired director pays one-third of the premium for such optional hospital and medical coverage and Entergy Gulf States pays the remaining two-thirds. Years of service as an advisory director are included in calculating this benefit.

Executive Employment Contracts and Retention Agreements

Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy

            Upon completion of a transaction resulting in a change-in-control of Entergy (a "Merger"), benefits already accrued under Entergy's System Executive Retirement Plan, Supplemental Retirement Plan and Pension Equalization Plan, and awards granted under the EOP, will become fully vested if the participant is involuntarily terminated without "cause" or terminates employment for "good reason" (as such terms are defined in such plans).

Retention Agreement with Mr. Leonard - Mr. Leonard's retention agreement provides that if he terminates his employment following his attainment of age 55, with or without "good reason" and except for "cause," he will be entitled to a non-qualified supplemental retirement benefit in lieu of participation in the Company's non-qualified supplemental retirement plans such as the SERP, the SRP, or the PEP. Mr. Leonard will reach age 55 during the 2005 calendar year. If Mr. Leonard's employment is terminated by Entergy for "cause" at any time, before or after his attainment of age 55, he will forfeit his non-qualified supplemental retirement benefit. However, if Mr. Leonard were to leave without "cause" on or after his attainment of age 55, he would be entitled to receive this benefit, plus:

  • previously vested stock options (with 248,533 options vesting during 2005 in addition to those described in the "December 31, 2004 Option Values" table above), which must be exercised within 90 days of termination;

  •  
  • income earned in prior periods and deferred into available investment options, subject to his deferral elections and the provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. As of December 31, 2004, Mr. Leonard had credited to his deferral accounts 150,731 phantom units of Entergy Company stock and $146,250 in other deemed investment funds; and

  •  
  • other broad-based compensation and benefits generally available to terminated employees under plans or arrangements in which Mr. Leonard participates, in accordance with the terms and conditions of those plans and arrangements.

            Mr. Leonard's non-qualified supplemental retirement benefit is calculated as a single life annuity equal to 60% of his final monthly compensation (as defined under the SERP), reduced to account for benefits payable to Mr. Leonard under the Company's and a former employer's qualified pension plans. As of December 31, 2004, his final monthly compensation was $191,228 which amount would provide for a single life annuity of approximately $1,376,842 per year as his non-qualified supplemental retirement benefit, subject to the offsets described above. The benefit is payable in a single lump sum, or as periodic payments, at his discretion. If elected, periodic payments will be due for Mr. Leonard's life, and then a reduced benefit of 50% will be due for the life of his spouse.

            Upon attainment of 10 years of service with the Company, which will occur in 2008, Mr. Leonard would qualify for retirement under certain Company plans. At this point, he would become eligible to receive additional benefits comparable to those available to other retirees of the Company, such as accelerated vesting of stock options, an extended period to exercise those options, pro-rated payment of annual and long-term incentive awards, and continued health and welfare coverage to the extent available.

The retention agreement with Mr. Leonard further provides that, subject to certain forfeiture provisions, upon a termination of employment while a Merger is pending (a) by Entergy without "cause" or by Mr. Leonard for "good reason", as such terms are defined in the agreement, or (b) by reason of Mr. Leonard's death or disability:

  • Entergy will pay to him a lump sum cash severance payment equal to 2.99 times the sum of Mr. Leonard's base salary plus the lesser of (i) his target annual incentive award, or (ii) his applicable annual incentive award, each subject to the provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A;
     
  • Entergy will pay to him a pro rata annual incentive award, based on an assumed maximum annual achievement of applicable performance goals;
     
  • his non-qualified supplemental retirement benefit will fully vest, will be determined as if he had remained employed with Entergy until the attainment of age 55, and will commence upon his attainment of age 55, with certain adjustments in the case of death or disability;
     
  • he will be entitled to immediate payment of performance awards, based upon an assumed target achievement of applicable performance goals under most circumstances and an assumed maximum achievement of applicable performance goals in the case of a merger-related termination, as defined in the agreement;
     
  • all of his previously granted stock options will become fully vested and will remain outstanding for their full ten-year term; and
     
  • Entergy will pay to him a "gross-up" payment to compensate him for any excise taxes he might incur.

Employment Agreement with Ms. Shanks - The employment agreement with Ms. Shanks provides for her continued employment until 2011. During this period, Ms. Shanks will continue to participate in all executive plans, programs, and arrangements for which she is eligible. In October of 2011, Ms. Shanks will become a special project coordinator of Entergy Mississippi or another Entergy System company until 2016. During her tenure as special project coordinator, Ms. Shanks will continue to receive her same rate of annual base salary in effect immediately prior to her assumption of this post, but will forfeit an amount sufficient to fund this salary from amounts that would otherwise be credited to her non-qualified deferral accounts. Commencing in October of 2016, Ms. Shanks will be eligible to retire with all of the post-retirement compensation and benefits for which she is eligible.

            During the term of the agreement, Ms. Shanks may resign, or Entergy may terminate her for "cause," as defined in the agreement. In either of those events, Ms. Shanks is due no additional compensation or benefits under the agreement. If there is a "change in control" before October of 2011, she remains eligible for benefits under the System Executive Continuity Plan. If the change in control occurs while Ms. Shanks is a special project coordinator, and Entergy's obligations under this agreement are breached, she receives:

  • a cash payment equal to her remaining unpaid base salary;
     
  • all other benefits to which she would be entitled had she remained employed until the conclusion of the term of the agreement; and
     
  • all legal fees and expenses incurred in disputing in good faith any term of the agreement.

Retention agreement with Mr. Smith - The retention agreement with Mr. Smith provides that Mr. Smith will be paid a retention payment of approximately $525,000 on each of the first three anniversaries of the date on which a Merger is completed, if he remains employed on each of those dates. The agreement also provides that upon termination of employment while a Merger is pending and for three years after completion (a) by Mr. Smith for "good reason" or by Entergy without "cause", as such terms are defined in the agreement or (b) by reason of Mr. Smith's death or disability:

  • Entergy will pay to him a lump sum cash severance payment equal to the unpaid installments, if any, of the retention payments described above;
     
  • he will be entitled to immediate payment of performance awards based upon an assumed target achievement of applicable performance goals;
     
  • all of his stock options will become fully vested and will remain outstanding for their full ten-year term;
     
  • Entergy will pay to him a "gross-up" payment to compensate him for any excise taxes he might incur.

Personnel Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

            The compensation of Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy executive officers was set by the Personnel Committee of Entergy Corporation's Board of Directors, composed solely of Directors of Entergy Corporation.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

            Entergy Corporation owns 100% of the outstanding common stock of registrants Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy. The information with respect to persons known by Entergy Corporation to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of Entergy Corporation's outstanding common stock is included under the heading "Stockholders Who Own at Least Five Percent" in the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference. The registrants know of no contractual arrangements that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change in control of any of the registrants.

            As of December 31, 2004, the directors, the Named Executive Officers, and the directors and officers as a group for Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy, respectively, beneficially owned directly or indirectly common stock of Entergy Corporation as indicated:

 

Entergy Corporation
Common Stock

   
   

Amount of Nature of
Beneficial Ownership (a)

   




Name

 

Sole Voting
and
Investment
Power

 


Other
Beneficial
Ownership(b)

 



Entergy Corporation
Stock Equivalent Units (c)

             

Entergy Corporation

           

Maureen S. Bateman*

 

2,700

 

-

 

3,200

W. Frank Blount*

 

9,384

 

-

 

13,600

Simon D. deBree*

 

1,442

 

-

 

2,400

Claiborne P. Deming*

 

6,700

 

-

 

1,600

Leo P. Denault**

 

951

 

52,423

 

48,924

Alexis Herman*

 

900

 

-

 

800

Donald C. Hintz***

 

4,963

 

630,000

 

87,605

J. Wayne Leonard***

 

13,433

 

1,376,800

 

150,731

Robert v.d. Luft*

 

24,472

 

285,667

 

9,600

Kathleen A. Murphy* (e)

 

2,700

 

1,000

 

3,200

Dr. Paul W. Murrill* (d)

 

2,915

 

-

 

14,400

James R. Nichols* (e)

 

8,910

 

3,684

 

14,400

William A. Percy, II*

 

2,950

 

-

 

3,200

Dennis H. Reilley* (d)

 

600

 

-

 

4,000

Mark T. Savoff**

 

174

 

-

 

207

Robert D. Sloan**

 

309

 

4,033

 

217

Richard J. Smith**

 

1,658

 

190,538

 

56,875

Wm. Clifford Smith*

 

12,988

 

-

 

16,800

Bismark A. Steinhagen* (e)

 

9,424

 

2,623

 

24,000

C. John Wilder**

 

-

 

-

 

-

Steven V. Wilkinson*

 

750

 

-

 

800

All directors and executive

           

officers

 

118,815

 

2,979,314

 

537,451

   

Entergy Corporation
Common Stock

   
   

Amount of Nature of
Beneficial Ownership (a)

   




Name

 

Sole Voting
and
Investment
Power

 


Other
Beneficial
Ownership(b)

 



Entergy Corporation
Stock Equivalent Units (c)

             

Entergy Arkansas

           

Leo P. Denault***

 

951

 

52,423

 

48,924

Donald C Hintz**

 

4,963

 

630,000

 

87,605

J. Wayne Leonard**

 

13,433

 

1,376,800

 

150,731

Hugh T. McDonald***

 

4,733

 

53,999

 

25,967

Mark T. Savoff***

 

174

 

-

 

207

Richard J. Smith***

 

1,658

 

190,538

 

56,875

C. John Wilder**

 

-

 

-

 

-

All directors and executive

           

officers

 

37,483

 

2,759,540

 

451,418

             

Entergy Gulf States

           

E. Renae Conley***

 

1,843

 

107,192

 

40,402

Leo P. Denault***

 

951

 

52,423

 

48,924

Joseph F. Domino***

 

8,125

 

50,809

 

24,377

Donald C. Hintz**

 

4,963

 

630,000

 

87,605

J. Wayne Leonard**

 

13,433

 

1,376,800

 

150,731

Mark T. Savoff***

 

174

 

-

 

207

Richard J. Smith***

 

1,658

 

190,538

 

56,875

C. John Wilder**

 

-

 

-

 

-

All directors and executive

           

officers

 

42,718

 

2,863,542

 

490,230

             

Entergy Louisiana

           

E. Renae Conley***

 

1,843

 

107,192

 

40,402

Leo P. Denault***

 

951

 

52,423

 

48,924

Donald C. Hintz**

 

4,963

 

630,000

 

87,605

J. Wayne Leonard**

 

13,433

 

1,376,800

 

150,731

Mark T. Savoff***

 

174

 

-

 

207

Richard J. Smith***

 

1,658

 

190,538

 

56,875

C. John Wilder**

 

-

 

-

 

-

All directors and executive

           

officers

 

34,593

 

2,812,733

 

465,853

             

Entergy Mississippi

           

Leo P. Denault***

 

951

 

52,423

 

48,924

Donald C. Hintz**

 

4,963

 

630,000

 

87,605

J. Wayne Leonard**

 

13,433

 

1,376,800

 

150,731

Mark T. Savoff***

 

174

 

-

 

207

Carolyn C. Shanks***

 

4,999

 

29,333

 

15,698

Richard J. Smith***

 

1,658

 

190,538

 

56,875

C. John Wilder**

 

-

 

-

 

-

All directors and executive

           

officers

 

37,749

 

2,734,874

 

441,149

   

Entergy Corporation
Common Stock

   
   

Amount of Nature of
Beneficial Ownership (a)

   




Name

 

Sole Voting
and
Investment
Power

 


Other
Beneficial
Ownership(b)

 



Entergy Corporation
Stock Equivalent Units (c)

             

Entergy New Orleans

           

Leo P. Denault***

 

951

 

52,423

 

48,924

Donald C. Hintz**

 

4,963

 

630,000

 

87,605

J. Wayne Leonard**

 

13,433

 

1,376,800

 

150,731

Daniel F. Packer***

 

543

 

40,133

 

5,446

Mark T. Savoff***

 

174

 

-

 

207

Richard J. Smith***

 

1,658

 

190,538

 

56,875

C. John Wilder**

 

-

 

-

 

-

All directors and executive

           

officers

 

33,293

 

2,745,674

 

430,897

             

System Energy

           

Leo P. Denault***

 

951

 

52,423

 

48,924

Donald C. Hintz**

 

4,963

 

630,000

 

87,605

J. Wayne Leonard**

 

13,433

 

1,376,800

 

150,731

Steven C. McNeal*

 

5,237

 

19,000

 

3,624

Mark T. Savoff**

 

174

 

-

 

207

Richard J. Smith**

 

1,658

 

190,538

 

56,875

Gary J. Taylor***

 

1,198

 

79,200

 

12,094

C. John Wilder**

 

-

 

-

 

-

All directors and executive

           

officers

 

38,307

 

2,727,108

 

429,075

*

Director of the respective Company

**

Named Executive Officer of the respective Company

***

Director and Named Executive Officer of the respective Company

(a)

Based on information furnished by the respective individuals. Except as noted, each individual has sole voting and investment power. The number of shares of Entergy Corporation common stock owned by each individual and by all directors and executive officers as a group does not exceed one percent of the outstanding Entergy Corporation common stock.

(b)

Other Beneficial Ownership includes, for the Named Executive Officers, shares of Entergy Corporation common stock that may be acquired within 60 days after December 31, 2004, in the form of unexercised stock options awarded pursuant to the Equity Ownership Plan.

(c)

Represents the balances of stock equivalent units each executive holds under the deferral provisions of the Equity Ownership Plan and the Defined Contribution Restoration Plan. These units will be paid out in a combination of Entergy Corporation Common Stock and cash based on the value of Entergy Corporation Common Stock on the date of payout. The deferral period is determined by the individual and is at least two years from the award of the bonus. For directors of Entergy Corporation the stock equivalent units are part of the Service Award for Directors. All non-employee directors are credited with units for each year of service on the Board.

(d)

Dr. Murrill and Mr. Reilley have deferred receipt of an additional 5,100 shares and 2,100 shares, respectively.

(e)

Includes 1,000 shares in which Ms. Murphy has joint ownership, 2,623 shares for Mr. Steinhagen that are in his wife's name, and 3,684 shares for Mr. Nichols that are owned by a charitable foundation that he controls.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

            Entergy has two plans that grant stock options, equity awards, and incentive awards to key employees of the Entergy subsidiaries. The Equity Ownership Plan is a shareholder-approved stock-based compensation plan. The Equity Awards Plan is a Board-approved stock-based compensation plan. The following table summarizes information about Entergy's stock options awarded under these plans as of December 31, 2004.




Plan

Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options

Weighted Average Exercise Price


Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance (a)

             

Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders

 


5,327,272

 


$45.64

 


5,582,403

Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders

 


6,982,805

 


$39.02

 


-

Total

 

12,310,077

 

$41.88

 

5,582,403

(a)

Effective upon the May 9, 2003 stockholder re-approval of the Equity Ownership Plan, the Board directed that no further awards be issued under the Equity Awards Plan. As of May 9, 2003, 4,076,628 shares were available for issuance under the Equity Awards Plan.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

            During 2004, T. Baker Smith & Son, Inc. performed land-surveying services for, and received payments of approximately $735,856 from Entergy companies. Mr. Wm. Clifford Smith, a director of Entergy Corporation, is Chairman of the Board of T. Baker Smith & Son, Inc. Mr. Smith's children own 100% of the voting stock of T. Baker Smith & Son, Inc.

            See Item 10, "Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrants," for information on certain relationships and transactions required to be reported under this item.

            Entergy's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Employees provides that any waiver of that Code for executive officers, including a waiver of a conflict of interest, can be made only by the Board, or if the Board so chooses, by a committee of independent directors, and must be promptly disclosed to Entergy's shareholders. Entergy's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Members of the Board of Directors provides that any waiver of that Code, including any waiver of a conflict of interest, can be made only by the Board, following a recommendation by the Corporate Governance Committee, and must be promptly disclosed to Entergy's shareholders.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy)

            Aggregate fees billed to Entergy Corporation (consolidated), Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 by Deloitte & Touche LLP, the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and their respective affiliates (collectively, "Deloitte & Touche"), which includes Deloitte Consulting were as follows:

   

2004

 

2003

Entergy Corporation (consolidated)

       

Audit Fees

 

$6,289,500

 

$3,244,750

Audit-Related Fees (a)

 

950,900

 

690,665

         

Total audit and audit-related fees

 

7,240,400

 

3,935,415

Tax Fees (b)

 

62,820

 

119,802

All Other Fees (c)

 

-

 

5,000

         

Total Fees (d)

 

$7,303,220

 

$4,060,217

         

Entergy Arkansas

       

Audit Fees

 

$673,875

 

$402,200

Audit-Related Fees (a)

 

110,810

 

68,963

         

Total audit and audit-related fees

 

784,685

 

471,163

Tax Fees

 

-

 

-

All Other Fees (c)

 

-

 

-

         

Total Fees (d)

 

784,685

 

$471,163

         

Entergy Gulf States

       

Audit Fees

 

$1,403,875

 

$432,050

Audit-Related Fees (a)

 

110,810

 

79,026

         

Total audit and audit-related fees

 

1,514,685

 

511,076

Tax Fees

 

-

 

-

All Other Fees

 

-

 

-

         

Total Fees (d)

 

$1,514,685

 

$511,076

         

Entergy Louisiana

       

Audit Fees

 

$718,875

 

$355,800

Audit-Related Fees (a)

 

110,810

 

69,617

         

Total audit and audit-related fees

 

829,685

 

425,417

Tax Fees

 

-

 

-

All Other Fees

 

-

 

-

         

Total Fees (d)

 

$829,685

 

$425,417

   

2004

 

2003

Entergy Mississippi

       

Audit Fees

 

$708,875

 

$413,300

Audit-Related Fees (a)

 

110,810

 

53,204

         

Total audit and audit-related fees

 

819,685

 

466,504

Tax Fees

 

-

 

-

All Other Fees

 

-

 

-

         

Total Fees (d)

 

$819,685

 

$466,504

         

Entergy New Orleans

       

Audit Fees

 

$708,875

 

$365,800

Audit-Related Fees (a)

 

183,710

 

147,855

         

Total audit and audit-related fees

 

892,585

 

513,655

Tax Fees

 

-

 

-

All Other Fees (c)

 

-

 

-

         

Total Fees (d)

 

$892,585

 

$513,655

System Energy

       

Audit Fees

 

$598,750

 

$350,200

Audit-Related Fees (a)

 

38,500

 

8,800

         

Total audit and audit-related fees

 

637,250

 

359,000

Tax Fees

 

-

 

-

All Other Fees

 

-

 

-

         

Total Fees (d)

 

$637,250

 

$359,000

(a)

Includes fees for employee benefit plan audits, consultation on financial accounting and reporting, and other attestation services.

(b)

Includes fees for tax return review and tax compliance assistance.

(c)

Includes fees for assistance on regulatory matters. During 2003 the fees for other services were approved under the de minimis provision.

(d)

100% of fees paid in 2004 and 2003 were pre-approved by the Entergy Corporation Audit Committee.

Entergy Audit Committee Guidelines for Pre-approval of Independent Auditor Services

            The Audit Committee has adopted the following guidelines regarding the engagement of Entergy's independent auditor to perform services for Entergy:

1.

The independent auditor will provide the Audit Committee, for approval, an annual engagement letter outlining the scope of services proposed to be performed during the fiscal year, including audit services and other permissible non-audit services (e.g. audit related services, tax services, and all other services).

   

2.

For other permissible services not included in the engagement letter, Entergy management will submit a description of the proposed service, including a budget estimate, to the Audit Committee for pre-approval. Management and the independent auditor must agree that the requested service is consistent with the SEC's rules on auditor independence prior to submission to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee, at its discretion, will pre-approve permissible services and has established the following additional guidelines for permissible non-audit services provided by the independent auditor:

    • Aggregate non-audit service fees are targeted at fifty percent or less of the approved audit service fee.
    • All other services should only be provided by the independent auditor if it is the only qualified provider of that service or if the Audit Committee specifically requests the service.
   

3.

The Audit Committee will be informed quarterly as to the status of pre-approved services actually provided by the independent auditor.

   

4.

To ensure prompt handling of unexpected matters, the Audit Committee delegates to the Audit Committee Chair or its designee the authority to approve permissible services and fees. The Audit Committee Chair or designee will report action taken to the Audit Committee at the next scheduled Audit Committee meeting.

   

5.

The Vice President, Risk Management and General Auditor will be responsible for tracking all independent auditor fees and will report quarterly to the Audit Committee.

 

PART IV


Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a)1.

Financial Statements and Independent Auditors' Reports for Entergy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy are listed in the Table of Contents.

   

(a)2.

Financial Statement Schedules

Independent Auditor's Report on Financial Statement Schedules (see page 400)

Financial Statement Schedules are listed in the Index to Financial Statement Schedules (see page S-1)

   

(a)3.

Exhibits

Exhibits for Entergy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy are listed in the Exhibit Index (see page E-1). Each management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit hereto is identified as such by footnote in the Exhibit Index.

   

ENTERGY CORPORATION

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.

ENTERGY CORPORATION


By /s/ Nathan E. Langston
Nathan E. Langston, Senior Vice President
and Chief Accounting Officer

Date: March 9, 2005

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.

Signature

Title

Date

     
     

/s/ Nathan E. Langston
Nathan E. Langston

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)

March 9, 2005

 

J. Wayne Leonard (Chief Executive Officer and Director; Principal Executive Officer); Robert v.d. Luft (Chairman of the Board and Director); Leo P. Denault (Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Principal Financial Officer); Maureen S. Bateman, W. Frank Blount, Simon deBee, Claiborne P. Deming, Alexis M. Herman, Donald C. Hintz, Kathleen A. Murphy, Paul W. Murrill, James R. Nichols, William A. Percy, II, Dennis H. Reilley, Wm. Clifford Smith, Bismark A. Steinhagen, and Steven V. Wilkinson (Directors).

 

By: /s/ Nathan E. Langston
(Nathan E. Langston, Attorney-in-fact)

March 9, 2005

   

ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.

ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.


By /s/ Nathan E. Langston
Nathan E. Langston, Senior Vice President
and Chief Accounting Officer

Date: March 9, 2005

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.

Signature

Title

Date

     
     

/s/ Nathan E. Langston
Nathan E. Langston

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)

March 9, 2005

 

Hugh T. McDonald (Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director; Principal Executive Officer); Jay A. Lewis (Vice President, Chief Financial Officer - Utility Operations Group; Principal Financial Officer); Leo P. Denault, Mark T. Savoff, and Richard J. Smith (Directors).

 

By: /s/ Nathan E. Langston
(Nathan E. Langston, Attorney-in-fact)

March 9, 2005

 

ENTERGY GULF STATES, INC.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.

ENTERGY GULF STATES, INC.


By /s/ Nathan E. Langston
Nathan E. Langston, Senior Vice President
and Chief Accounting Officer

Date: March 9, 2005

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.

Signature

Title

Date

     
     

/s/ Nathan E. Langston
Nathan E. Langston

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)

March 9, 2005

 

Joseph F. Domino (Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer-Texas, and Director; Principal Executive Officer); E. Renae Conley (President, Chief Executive Officer-Louisiana, and Director; Principal Executive Officer); Jay A. Lewis (Vice President, Chief Financial Officer - Utility Operations Group; Principal Financial Officer); Leo P. Denault, Mark T. Savoff, and Richard J. Smith (Directors).

 

By: /s/ Nathan E. Langston
(Nathan E. Langston, Attorney-in-fact)

March 9, 2005

ENTERGY LOUISIANA, INC.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.

ENTERGY LOUISIANA, INC.


By /s/ Nathan E. Langston
Nathan E. Langston, Senior Vice President
and Chief Accounting Officer

Date: March 9, 2005

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.

Signature

Title

Date

     
     

/s/ Nathan E. Langston
Nathan E. Langston

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)

March 9, 2005

 

E. Renae Conley (Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director; Principal Executive Officer); Jay A. Lewis (Vice President, Chief Financial Officer - Utility Operations Group; Principal Financial Officer); Leo P. Denault, Mark T. Savoff, and Richard J. Smith (Directors).

 

By: /s/ Nathan E. Langston
(Nathan E. Langston, Attorney-in-fact)

March 9, 2005

 

 

ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.

ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.


By /s/ Nathan E. Langston
Nathan E. Langston, Senior Vice President
and Chief Accounting Officer

Date: March 9, 2005

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.

Signature

Title

Date

     
     

/s/ Nathan E. Langston
Nathan E. Langston

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)

March 9, 2005

 

Carolyn C. Shanks (Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director; Principal Executive Officer); Jay A. Lewis (Vice President, Chief Financial Officer - Utility Operations Group; Principal Financial Officer); Leo P. Denault, Mark T. Savoff, and Richard J. Smith (Directors).

 

By: /s/ Nathan E. Langston
(Nathan E. Langston, Attorney-in-fact)

March 9, 2005

 

ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.

ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.


By /s/ Nathan E. Langston
Nathan E. Langston, Senior Vice President
and Chief Accounting Officer

Date: March 9, 2005

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.

Signature

Title

Date

     
     

/s/ Nathan E. Langston
Nathan E. Langston

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)

March 9, 2005

 

 

Daniel F. Packer (Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director; Principal Executive Officer); Jay A. Lewis (Vice President, Chief Financial Officer - Utility Operations Group; Principal Financial Officer); Leo P. Denault, Mark T. Savoff, and Richard J. Smith (Directors).

 

By: /s/ Nathan E. Langston
(Nathan E. Langston, Attorney-in-fact)

March 9, 2005

 

SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof.

SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.


By /s/ Nathan E. Langston
Nathan E. Langston, Senior Vice President
and Chief Accounting Officer

Date: March 9, 2005

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. The signature of each of the undersigned shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to the above-named company and any subsidiaries thereof.

Signature

Title

Date

     
     

/s/ Nathan E. Langston
Nathan E. Langston

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)

March 9, 2005

 

Gary J. Taylor (Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director; Principal Executive Officer); Theodore H. Bunting, Jr. (Vice President, Chief Financial Officer - Nuclear Operations; Principal Financial Officer); Leo P. Denault and Steven C. McNeal (Directors).

 

By: /s/ Nathan E. Langston
(Nathan E. Langston, Attorney-in-fact)

March 9, 2005

EXHIBIT 23(a)

CONSENTS OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendments No. 3 and 5A on Form S-8 and their related prospectuses to Registration Statement No. 33-54298 of Entergy Corporation on Form S-4, Registration Statements No. 333-02503 and 333-22007 of Entergy Corporation on Form S-3 and Registration Statements No. 333-55692, 333-68950, 333-75097, 333-90914, and 333-98179 of Entergy Corporation on Form S-8 of our reports dated March 8, 2005, relating to the financial statements (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph regarding Entergy Corporation's change in 2003 in the method of accounting for asset retirement obligations and for consolidation of variable interest entities and the change in 2002 in the method of accounting for goodwill and intangible assets), financial statement schedules, and to management's report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Entergy Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2004.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No. 333-00103, 333-05045, and 333-109453 of Entergy Arkansas, Inc. on Form S-3 of our reports dated March 8, 2005, relating to the financial statements of Entergy Arkansas, Inc. (which report includes an explanatory paragraph regarding Entergy Arkansas, Inc.'s change in 2003 in the method of accounting for asset retirement obligations and for consolidation of variable interest entities), financial statement schedules, and to management's report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Entergy Arkansas, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2004.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No. 33-49739, 33-51181, 333-60957, and 333-109923 of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. on Form S-3 of our reports dated March 8, 2005, relating to the financial statements of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. (which report includes an explanatory paragraph regarding Entergy Gulf States, Inc.'s change in 2003 in the method of accounting for asset retirement obligations and for consolidation of variable interest entities), financial statement schedules, and to management's report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2004.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No. 333-00105, 333-01329, 333-03567, and 333-114174 of Entergy Louisiana, Inc. on Form S-3 of our reports dated March 8, 2005, relating to the financial statements of Entergy Louisiana, Inc. (which report includes an explanatory paragraph regarding Entergy Louisiana, Inc.'s change in 2003 in the method of accounting for asset retirement obligations and for consolidation of variable interest entities), financial statement schedules, and to management's report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Entergy Louisiana, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2004.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-110675 of Entergy Mississippi, Inc. on Form S-3 of our reports dated March 8, 2005, relating to the financial statements of Entergy Mississippi, Inc., financial statement schedules, and to management's report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Entergy Mississippi, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2004.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-113586 of Entergy New Orleans, Inc. on Form S-3 of our reports dated March 8, 2005, relating to the financial statements of Entergy New Orleans, Inc., financial statement schedules, and to management's report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Entergy New Orleans, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2004.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No. 33-47662, 33-61189, and 333-06717 of System Energy Resources, Inc. on Form S-3 of our reports dated March 8, 2005, relating to the financial statements of System Energy Resources, Inc. (which report includes an explanatory paragraph regarding System Energy Resources, Inc.'s change in 2003 in the method of accounting for asset retirement obligations) and to management's report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of System Energy Resources, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2004.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
March 10, 2005

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Entergy Corporation:

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Entergy Corporation (the "Corporation") and we have also audited the financial statements of Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Gulf States, Inc., Entergy Louisiana, Inc., Entergy Mississippi, Inc., and Entergy New Orleans, Inc. (collectively the "Companies"), as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, management's assessment of the effectiveness of the Corporation's and the respective Companies' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, and the effectiveness of the Corporation's and the respective Companies' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, and have issued our reports thereon dated March 8, 2005. Our report on the consolidated financial statements of the Corporation expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph regarding its change in 2003 in the method of accounting for asset retirement obligations and for consolidation of variable interest entities, and its change in 2002 in the method of accounting for goodwill and intangible assets. Our reports on the financial statements of Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Gulf States, Inc., and Entergy Louisiana, Inc., each express an unqualified opinion and include an explanatory paragraph regarding their change in 2003 in the method of accounting for asset retirement obligations and for consolidation of variable interest entities. The financial statements described above, and our respective reports thereon are included elsewhere in this 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedules of Entergy Corporation and the financial statement schedules of Entergy Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Gulf States, Inc., Entergy Louisiana, Inc., Entergy Mississippi, Inc., and Entergy New Orleans, Inc., listed in Item 15. These financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Corporation's and the respective Companies' managements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. (We did not audit the financial statements of Entergy-Koch, LP, the Corporation's investment in which is accounted for by use of the equity method. The Corporation's equity in earnings of unconsolidated equity affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2003 includes $180,110,000 for Entergy-Koch, LP, which earnings were audited by other auditors whose report, which as to 2003 included an explanatory paragraph concerning a change in accounting for inventory held for trading purposes and energy trading contracts not qualifying as derivatives, has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amount audited by other auditors included for such company, is based solely on the report of such other auditors.) In our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
March 8, 2005

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


Schedule

 

Page

     

I

Financial Statements of Entergy Corporation:

 
 

Statements of Income - For the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002

S-2

 

Statements of Cash Flows - For the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002

S-3

 

Balance Sheets, December 31, 2004 and 2003

S-4

 

Statements of Retained Earnings, Comprehensive Income, and Paid-In Capital for the
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002

S-5

II

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 2004, 2003 and 2002:

 
 

Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries

S-6

 

Entergy Arkansas, Inc.

S-7

 

Entergy Gulf States, Inc.

S-8

 

Entergy Louisiana, Inc.

S-9

 

Entergy Mississippi, Inc.

S-10

 

Entergy New Orleans, Inc.

S-11



    Schedules other than those listed above are omitted because they are not required, not applicable, or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

    Columns have been omitted from schedules filed because the information is not applicable.

 

ENTERGY CORPORATION
 
SCHEDULE I - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF ENTERGY CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
    For the Years Ended December 31,
    2004   2003   2002
    (In Thousands)
             
Income:            
  Equity in income of subsidiaries   $936,961     $945,514    $629,367 
  Interest on temporary investments   37,859     36,400    46,964 
     Total   974,820     981,914    676,331 
             
Other Expenses (Income) and Deductions:            
  Administrative and general expenses   23,643     16,844    41,126 
  Reimbursement on Subsidiary Stock Option Expenses   (49,481)    (14,419)  
  Income taxes (credit)   16,544     (7,916)   6,948 
  Taxes other than income   1,754     753    588 
  Interest   72,836     59,709    28,309 
     Total   65,296     54,971    76,971 
             
Net Income   $909,524     $926,943    $599,360 
             
See Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Notes to Financial            
Statements in Part II, Item 8.            

 

ENTERGY CORPORATION
 
SCHEDULE I - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF ENTERGY CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
         
    Year to Date December 31,
    2004   2003   2002
    (In Thousands)
Operating Activities:            
  Net income   $909,524    $926,943    $599,360 
  Noncash items included in net income:            
    Equity in earnings of subsidiaries   (936,961)   (945,514)   (629,367)
    Deferred income taxes   32,316    (2,811)   (4,803)
    Depreciation   237    591    912 
  Changes in working capital:            
    Receivables   38,007    (878)   1,430 
    Payables   (678)   (9,258)   4,898 
    Other working capital accounts   (237,727)   145,014    (480,711)
  Common stock dividends received from subsidiaries   825,022    424,993    618,400 
  Other   55,811    95,388    68,981 
    Net cash flow provided by operating activities   685,551    634,468    179,100 
             
Investing Activities:            
  Investment in subsidiaries   (99,502)   (254,894)   (256,212)
  Capital expenditures   (460)   874    (768)
  Changes in other temporary investments   10,328    (10,328)   4,782 
  Other   59,719    (59,719)   103 
    Net cash flow used in investing activities   (29,915)   (324,067)   (252,095)
             
Financing Activities:            
  Changes in credit line borrowings   50,000    (499,975)   245,000 
  Advances to subsidiaries   (13,312)   (7,254)   (6,460)
  Common stock dividends paid   (427,901)   (362,814)   (298,991)
  Repurchase of common stock   (1,017,996)   (8,135)   (118,499)
  Notes receivable to/from associated companies   510,113    (111,595)   (146,380)
  Issuance of common stock   170,237    217,521    130,061 
  Issuance of long-term debt     534,362    265,330 
    Net cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities   (728,859)   (237,890)   70,061 
             
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   (73,223)   72,511    (2,934)
             
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   80,398    7,887    10,821 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $7,175    $80,398    $7,887 
             
See Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Notes to Financial Statements            
in Part II, Item 8.            
             

 

ENTERGY CORPORATION
 
SCHEDULE I - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF ENTERGY CORPORATION
BALANCE SHEETS
   
  December 31,
    2004   2003
ASSETS   (In Thousands)
Current Assets:        
  Cash and cash equivalents:        
    Temporary cash investments - at cost,        
     which approximates market   $7,175    $80,398 
        Total cash and cash equivalents   7,175    80,398 
  Other temporary investments   -    10,328 
  Notes receivable - associated companies   116,855    626,968 
  Accounts receivable - associated companies   8,506    44,639 
  Other   62,017    53,549 
      Total   194,553    815,882 
         
Investment in Wholly-owned Subsidiaries   8,734,507    8,607,556 
         
Deferred Debits and Other Assets   556,643    606,760 
         
       Total   $9,485,703    $10,030,198 
         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY        
Current Liabilities:        
  Accounts payable:        
    Associated companies   $2,190    $2,433 
    Other   1,308    745 
  Other current liabilities   11,536    188,779 
      Total   15,034    191,957 
         
Deferred Credits and Noncurrent Liabilities   223,982    234,558 
         
Long-term debt   950,000    900,025 
         
Shareholders' Equity:        
  Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized        
   500,000,000 shares; issued 248,174,087 shares        
   in 2004 and in 2003   2,482    2,482 
  Paid-in capital   4,835,375    4,767,615 
  Retained earnings   4,984,302    4,502,508 
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (93,453)   (7,795)
  Less cost of treasury stock (31,345,028 shares in        
   2004 and 19,276,445 shares in 2003)   1,432,019    561,152 
      Total common shareholders' equity   8,296,687    8,703,658 
         
      Total   $9,485,703    $10,030,198 
         
See Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Notes to Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8.        

 

ENTERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS, COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, AND PAID-IN CAPITAL
 
                             
        For the Years Ended December 31,
        2004   2003   2002
        (In Thousands)
                             
RETAINED EARNINGS                            
                             
Retained Earnings - Beginning of period       $4,502,508        $3,938,693        $3,638,448    
                             
  Add: Earnings applicable to common stock       909,524    $909,524    926,943    $926,943    599,360   $599,360 
                             
  Deduct:                            
    Dividends declared on common stock       427,740        362,941        299,031    
    Capital stock and other expenses       (10)       187        84    
      Total       427,730        363,128        299,115    
                             
Retained Earnings - End of period       $4,984,302        $4,502,508       
$3,938,693
   
                             
                             
                             
                             
                             
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Net of taxes):                            
Balance at beginning of period:                            
  Accumulated derivative instrument fair value changes       ($25,811)       $17,313        ($17,973)    
  Other accumulated comprehensive (loss) items       18,016        (39,673)       (70,821)    
    Total       (7,795)       (22,360)       (88,794)    
                             
Net derivative instrument fair value changes                            
 arising during the period       (115,600)   (115,600)   (43,124)   (43,124)   35,286   35,286 
                             
Foreign currency translation adjustments       1,882    1,882    4,169    4,169    65,948   (15,487)
                             
Minimum pension liability adjustment       2,762    2,762    1,153    1,153    (10,489)   (10,489)
                             
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)       25,298     25,298    52,367    52,367    (24,311)   (24,311)
                             
Balance at end of period:                            
  Accumulated derivative instrument fair value changes       ($141,411)       ($25,811)       17,313    
  Other accumulated comprehensive (loss) items       47,958        18,016        (39,673)    
    Total       ($93,453)       ($7,795)       ($22,360)    
Comprehensive Income           $823,866        $941,508        $584,359 
                             
                             
                             
PAID-IN CAPITAL                            
                             
Paid-in Capital - Beginning of period       $4,767,615        $4,666,753        $4,662,704     
                             
  Add:                            
    Common stock issuances related to stock plans       67,760        100,862        4,049     
                             
Paid-in Capital - End of period      
$4,835,375 
     
$4,767,615 
     
$4,666,753 
   
                             
                             
                             
See Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Notes to Financial                            
Statements in Part II, Item 8.                            
                             
                             

 

ENTERGY CORPORATION
 
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002
(In Thousands)
   
Column A   Column B   Column C   Column D   Column E
            Other    
        Additions   Changes    
            Deductions    
    Balance at       from   Balance
    Beginning   Charged to   Provisions   at End
Description   of Period   Income   (Note 1)   of Period
Year ended December 31, 2004                
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Deducted from Assets--                
    Doubtful Accounts   $25,976     $5,479   $7,697   $23,758 
  Accumulated Provisions Not                
    Deducted from Assets:                
    Property insurance   ($123,313)   $49,950   $50,762   ($124,125)
    Injuries and damages (Note 2)   34,189    667,983   88,739   613,433 
    Environmental   26,514     26,653   35,729   17,438 
      Total   ($62,610)   $744,586   $175,230   $506,746 
                 
Year ended December 31, 2003                
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Deducted from Assets--                
    Doubtful Accounts   $27,285     $12,598   $13,907   $25,976 
  Accumulated Provisions Not                
    Deducted from Assets:                
    Property insurance   ($93,941)   $108,221   $137,593   ($123,313)
    Injuries and damages (Note 2)   30,629     29,255   25,695   34,189 
    Environmental   26,488     11,621   11,595   26,514 
      Total   ($36,824)   $149,097   $174,883   ($62,610)
                 
Year ended December 31, 2002                
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Deducted from Assets--                
    Doubtful Accounts   $28,355     $13,024   $14,094   $27,285 
  Accumulated Provisions Not                
    Deducted from Assets:                
    Property insurance   ($203,537)   $211,210   $101,614   ($93,941)
    Injuries and damages (Note 2)   29,385     26,667   25,423   30,629 
    Environmental   34,802     39,368   47,682   26,488 
      Total   ($139,350)   $277,245   $174,719   ($36,824)
___________                
Notes:                
(1) Deductions from provisions represent losses or expenses for which the respective provisions were created. In the case of the provision for doubtful accounts, such deductions are reduced by recoveries of amounts previously written off.
 
(2) Injuries and damages provision is provided to absorb all current expenses as appropriate and for the estimated cost of settling claims for injuries and damages. 

 

ENTERGY ARKANSAS, INC.
 
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002
(In Thousands)
   
Column A   Column B   Column C   Column D   Column E
            Other    
        Additions   Changes    
            Deductions    
    Balance at       from   Balance
    Beginning   Charged to   Provisions   at End
Description   of Period   Income   (Note 1)   of Period
Year ended December 31, 2004                
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Deducted from Assets--                
    Doubtful Accounts   $9,020    $3,030   $1,011   $11,039 
  Accumulated Provisions Not                
    Deducted from Assets:                
    Property insurance   ($25,283)   $10,476   $14,220   ($29,027)
    Injuries and damages (Note 2)   3,353    2,849   3,589   2,613 
    Environmental   1,729    1,761   1,925   1,565 
      Total   ($20,201)   $15,086   $19,734   ($24,849)
                 
Year ended December 31, 2003                
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Deducted from Assets--                
    Doubtful Accounts   $8,031    $2,626   $1,637   $9,020 
  Accumulated Provisions Not                
    Deducted from Assets:                
    Property insurance   ($13,789)   $31,452   $42,946   ($25,283)
    Injuries and damages (Note 2)   2,700    2,950   2,297   3,353 
    Environmental   1,624    2,280   2,175   1,729 
      Total   ($9,465)   $36,682   $47,418   ($20,201)
                 
Year ended December 31, 2002                
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Deducted from Assets--                
    Doubtful Accounts   $5,837    $2,194   $-   $8,031 
  Accumulated Provisions Not                
    Deducted from Assets:                
    Property insurance   ($178,715)   $183,438   $18,512   ($13,789)
    Injuries and damages (Note 2)   2,890    3,129   3,319   2,700 
    Environmental   6,910    1,999   7,285   1,624 
      Total   ($168,915)   $188,566   $29,116   ($9,465)
___________                
Notes:                
(1) Deductions from provisions represent losses or expenses for which the respective provisions were created. In the case of the provision for doubtful accounts, such deductions are reduced by recoveries of amounts previously written off.
 
(2) Injuries and damages provision is provided to absorb all current expenses as appropriate and for the estimated cost of settling claims for injuries and damages.

 

ENTERGY GULF STATES, INC.
 
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002
(In Thousands)
                 
Column A   Column B   Column C   Column D   Column E
            Other    
        Additions   Changes    
            Deductions    
    Balance at       from   Balance
    Beginning   Charged to   Provisions   at End
Description   of Period   Income   (Note 1)   of Period
Year ended December 31, 2004                
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Deducted from Assets--                
    Doubtful Accounts   $4,856    $889   $3,058   $2,687 
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Not Deducted from Assets--                
    Property insurance   ($57,353)   $7,673   $7,453   ($57,133)
    Injuries and damages (Note 2)   11,554    12,288   14,872   8,970 
    Environmental   14,711    20,201   30,430   4,482 
      Total   ($31,088)   $40,162   $52,755   ($43,681)
                 
Year ended December 31, 2003                
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Deducted from Assets--                
    Doubtful Accounts   $5,893    $4,484   $5,521   $4,856 
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Not Deducted from Assets--                
    Property insurance   ($45,287)   $26,988   $39,054   ($57,353)
    Injuries and damages (Note 2)   8,284    8,805   5,535   11,554 
    Environmental   15,417    3,319   4,025   14,711 
      Total   ($21,586)   $39,112   $48,614   ($31,088)
                 
Year ended December 31, 2002                
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Deducted from Assets--                
    Doubtful Accounts   $3,696    $3,961   $1,764   $5,893 
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Not Deducted from Assets--                
    Property insurance   ($8,721)   $4,486   $41,052   ($45,287)
    Injuries and damages (Note 2)   6,773    7,684   6,173   8,284 
    Environmental   18,716    34,296   37,595   15,417 
      Total   $16,768    $46,466   $84,820   ($21,586)
___________                
Notes:                
(1) Deductions from provisions represent losses or expenses for which the respective provisions were created. In the case of the provision for doubtful accounts, such deductions are reduced by recoveries of amounts previously written off.
 
(2) Injuries and damages provision is provided to absorb all current expenses as appropriate and for the estimated cost of settling claims for injuries and damages.

 

ENTERGY LOUISIANA, INC.
 
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002
(In Thousands)
 
Column A   Column B   Column C   Column D   Column E
            Other    
        Additions   Changes    
            Deductions    
    Balance at       from   Balance
    Beginning   Charged to   Provisions   at End
Description   of Period   Income   (Note 1)   of Period
Year ended December 31, 2004                
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Deducted from Assets--                
    Doubtful Accounts   $4,487    $473   $1,825   $3,135 
  Accumulated Provisions Not                
    Deducted from Assets:                
    Property insurance   ($40,878)   $20,146   $20,973   ($41,705)
    Injuries and damages (Note 2)   8,537    6,188   4,329   10,396 
    Environmental   7,245    2,589   1,770   8,064 
      Total   ($25,096)   $28,923   $27,072   ($23,245)
                 
Year ended December 31, 2003                
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Deducted from Assets--                
    Doubtful Accounts   $4,090    $2,152   $1,755   $4,487 
  Accumulated Provisions Not                
    Deducted from Assets:                
    Property insurance   ($39,048)   $36,691   $38,521   ($40,878)
    Injuries and damages (Note 2)   9,114    5,256   5,833   8,537 
    Environmental   8,157    2,441   3,353   7,245 
      Total   ($21,777)   $44,388   $47,707   ($25,096)
                 
Year ended December 31, 2002                
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Deducted from Assets--                
    Doubtful Accounts   $2,909    $1,181   $-   $4,090 
  Accumulated Provisions Not                
    Deducted from Assets:                
    Property insurance   ($26,575)   $14,064   $26,537   ($39,048)
    Injuries and damages (Note 2)   9,829    4,750   5,465   9,114 
    Environmental   8,127    1,843   1,813   8,157 
      Total   ($8,619)   $20,657   $33,815   ($21,777)
                 
___________                
Notes:                
(1) Deductions from provisions represent losses or expenses for which the respective provisions were created. In the case of the provision for doubtful accounts, such deductions are reduced by recoveries of amounts previously written off. 
 
(2) Injuries and damages provision is provided to absorb all current expenses as appropriate and for the estimated cost of settling claims for injuries and damages. 

 

ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, INC.
 
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002
(In Thousands)
   
Column A   Column B   Column C   Column D   Column E
            Other    
        Additions   Changes    
            Deductions    
    Balance at       from   Balance
    Beginning   Charged to   Provisions   at End
Description   of Period   Income   (Note 1)   of Period
Year ended December 31, 2004                
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Deducted from Assets--                
    Doubtful Accounts   $1,375    $357   $606   $1,126 
  Accumulated Provisions Not                
    Deducted from Assets:                
    Property insurance   ($3,481)   $10,916   $4,962   $2,473 
    Injuries and damages (Note 2)   5,414    2,938   2,803   5,549 
    Environmental   495    1,236   841   890 
      Total   $2,428    $15,090   $8,606   $8,912 
                 
Year ended December 31, 2003                
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Deducted from Assets--                
    Doubtful Accounts   $1,633    $587   $845   $1,375 
  Accumulated Provisions Not                
    Deducted from Assets:                
    Property insurance   ($2,937)   $12,323   $12,867   ($3,481)
    Injuries and damages (Note 2)   7,928    7,410   9,924   5,414 
    Environmental   667    1,482   1,654   495 
      Total   $5,658    $21,215   $24,445   $2,428 
                 
Year ended December 31, 2002                
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Deducted from Assets--                
    Doubtful Accounts   $1,232    $1,063   $662   $1,633 
  Accumulated Provisions Not                
    Deducted from Assets:                
    Property insurance   $1,279    $8,882   $13,098   ($2,937)
    Injuries and damages (Note 2)   6,306    5,526   3,904   7,928 
    Environmental   487    886   706   667 
      Total   $8,072    $15,294   $17,708   $5,658 
                 
___________                
Notes:                
(1) Deductions from provisions represent losses or expenses for which the respective provisions were created. In the case of the provision for doubtful accounts, such deductions are reduced by recoveries of amounts previously written off. 
 
(2) Injuries and damages provision is provided to absorb all current expenses as appropriate and for the estimated cost of settling claims for injuries and damages.

 

ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, INC.
 
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002
(In Thousands)
   
Column A   Column B   Column C   Column D   Column E
            Other    
        Additions   Changes    
            Deductions    
    Balance at       from   Balance
    Beginning   Charged to   Provisions   at End
Description   of Period   Income   (Note 1)   of Period
Year ended December 31, 2004                
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Deducted from Assets--                
    Doubtful Accounts   $3,104   $612   $224   $3,492
  Accumulated Provisions Not                
    Deducted from Assets:                
    Property insurance   $3,682   $739   $3,154   $1,267
    Injuries and damages (Note 2)   4,077   3,231   2,043   5,265
    Environmental   663   866   763   766
      Total   $8,422   $4,836   $5,960   $7,298
                 
Year ended December 31, 2003                
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Deducted from Assets--                
    Doubtful Accounts   $4,774   $2,479   $4,149   $3,104
  Accumulated Provisions Not                
    Deducted from Assets:                
    Property insurance   $7,120   $767   $4,205   $3,682
    Injuries and damages (Note 2)   2,603   2,514   1,040   4,077
    Environmental   623   428   388   663
      Total   $10,346   $3,709   $5,633   $8,422
                 
Year ended December 31, 2002                
  Accumulated Provisions                
    Deducted from Assets--                
    Doubtful Accounts   $4,273   $501   $-   $4,774
  Accumulated Provisions Not                
    Deducted from Assets:                
    Property insurance   $9,195   $340   $2,415   $7,120
    Injuries and damages (Note 2)   3,587   5,578   6,562   2,603
    Environmental   562   344   283   623
      Total   $13,344   $6,262   $9,260   $10,346
                 
___________                
Notes:                
(1) Deductions from provisions represent losses or expenses for which the respective provisions were created. In the case of the provision for doubtful accounts, such deductions are reduced by recoveries of amounts previously written off. 
 
(2) Injuries and damages provision is provided to absorb all current expenses as appropriate and for the estimated cost of settling claims for injuries and damages.

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

The following exhibits indicated by an asterisk preceding the exhibit number are filed herewith. The balance of the exhibits have heretofore been filed with the SEC, respectively, as the exhibits and in the file numbers indicated and are incorporated herein by reference. The exhibits marked with a (+) are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed herewith and required to be identified as such by Item 14 of Form 10-K. Reference is made to a duplicate list of exhibits being filed as a part of this Form 10-K, which list, prepared in accordance with Item 102 of Regulation S-T of the SEC, immediately precedes the exhibits being physically filed with this Form 10-K.

(3) (i) Articles of Incorporation

Entergy Corporation

(a) --

Certificate of Incorporation of Entergy Corporation dated December 31, 1993 (A-1(a) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-8059).

System Energy

(b) --

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of System Energy and amendments thereto through April 28, 1989 (A-1(a) to Form U-1 in 70-5399).

Entergy Arkansas

(c) --

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Entergy Arkansas effective November 12, 1999 (3(i)(c)1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 in 1-10764).

Entergy Gulf States

(d) --

Restated Articles of Incorporation of Entergy Gulf States effective November 17, 1999 (3(i)(d)1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 in 1-27031).

Entergy Louisiana

(e) --

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Entergy Louisiana effective November 15, 1999 (3(a) to Form S-3 in 333-93683).

Entergy Mississippi

(f) --

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Entergy Mississippi effective November 12, 1999 (3(i)(f)1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 in 0-320).

Entergy New Orleans

(g) --

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Entergy New Orleans effective November 15, 1999 (3(a) to Form S-3 in 333-95599).

(3) (ii) By-Laws

(a) --

By-Laws of Entergy Corporation as amended May 13, 2004, and as presently in effect (3(ii)(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 in 1-11299).

   

(b) --

By-Laws of System Energy effective July 6, 1998, and as presently in effect (3(f) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998 in 1-9067).

   

(c) --

By-Laws of Entergy Arkansas effective November 26, 1999, and as presently in effect (3(ii)(c) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 in 1-10764).

   

(d) --

By-Laws of Entergy Gulf States effective November 26, 1999, and as presently in effect (3(ii)(d) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 19991-27031).

   

(e) --

By-Laws of Entergy Louisiana effective November 26, 1999, and as presently in effect (3(b) to Form S-3 in File No. 333-93683).

   

(f) --

By-Laws of Entergy Mississippi effective November 26, 1999, and as presently in effect (3(ii)(f) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 in 0-320).

   

(g) --

By-Laws of Entergy New Orleans effective November 30, 1999, and as presently in effect (3(b) to Form S-3 in File No. 333-95599).

(4) Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders, Including Indentures

Entergy Corporation

(a) 1 --

See (4)(b) through (4)(g) below for instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of System Energy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans.

   

*(a) 2 --

Credit Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2002, among Entergy Corporation, as Borrower, Bayerische Hypo- und Vereinsbank AG, New York Branch, as Bank, and Bayerische Hypo-und Vereinsbank AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent.

   

*(a) 3 --

First Amendment dated as of June 6, 2003, to the Credit Agreement dated May 31, 2002.

   

(a) 4 --

Credit Agreement, dated as of November 24, 2003, among Entergy Corporation, as Borrower, Bayerische Hypo-und Vereinsbank AG, New York Branch, as Bank, and Bayerische Hypo-und Vereinsbank AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (4(a)11 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 1-11299).

   

(a) 5 --

Credit Agreement, dated as of May 13, 2004, among Entergy Corporation, the Banks (Citibank, N.A., ABN AMRO Bank N.V., BNP Paribas, J. P. Morgan Chase Bank, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Barclays Bank PLC, Calyon New York Branch, KeyBank National Association, Morgan Stanley Bank, The Bank of New York, Wachovia Bank, N.A., Credit Suisse First Boston (Cayman Islands Branch), Mellon Bank, N.A., Regions Bank, Societe Generale, Union Bank of California, N.A., Bayerische Hypo-und Vereinsbank AG (New York Branch), Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, KBC Bank N.V., Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB, Mizuho Corporate Bank Limited, The Bank of Nova Scotia, UFJ Bank Limited, and West LB AG, New York Branch, Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and LC Issuing Bank, and ABN AMRO Bank, N.V., as LC Issuing Bank (4(d) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 in 1-11299).

   

(a) 6 --

Credit Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2004, among Entergy Corporation, the Banks (Citibank, N.A., ABN AMRO Bank N.V., BNP Paribas, J. P. Morgan Chase Bank, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Barclays Bank PLC, Calyon New York Branch, KeyBank National Association, Morgan Stanley Bank, The Bank of New York, Wachovia Bank, N.A., Credit Suisse First Boston (Cayman Islands Branch), Mellon Bank, N.A., Regions Bank, Societe Generale, Union Bank of California, N.A., Bayerische Hypo-und Vereinsbank AG (New York Branch), Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, KBC Bank N.V., Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB, Mizuho Corporate Bank Limited, The Bank of Nova Scotia, and West LB AG, New York Branch, Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and LC Issuing Bank, and ABN AMRO Bank, N.V., as LC Issuing Bank (99 to Form 8-K dated December 20, 2004 in 1-11299).

   

(a) 7 --

Indenture, dated as of December 1, 2002, between Entergy Corporation and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (10(a)4 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 in 1-11299).

   

(a) 8 --

Officer' Certificate for Entergy Corporation relating to 7.75% Senior Notes due December 15, 2009 (10(a)5 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 in 1-11299).

   

(a) 9 --

Officer' Certificate for Entergy Corporation relating to 6.17% Senior Notes due March 15, 2008 (4(c) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 in 1-11299).

   

(a) 10 --

Officer' Certificate for Entergy Corporation relating to 7.06% Senior Notes due March 15, 2011 (4(d) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 in 1-11299).

   

(a) 11 --

Officer' Certificate for Entergy Corporation relating to 6.58% Senior Notes due May 15, 2010 (4(d) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 in 1-11299).

   

(a) 12 --

Officer' Certificate for Entergy Corporation relating to 6.13% Senior Notes due September 15, 2008 (4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 in 1-11299).

   

(a) 13 --

Officer' Certificate for Entergy Corporation relating to 6.23% Senior Notes due March 15, 2008 (4(a)9 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 in 1-11299).

   

(a) 14 --

Officer' Certificate for Entergy Corporation relating to 6.90% Senior Notes due November 15, 2010 (4(a)10 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 in 1-11299).

System Energy

(b) 1 --

Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of June 15, 1977, as amended by twenty-two Supplemental Indentures (A-1 in 70-5890 (Mortgage); B and C to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5890 (First); B to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6259 (Second); 20(a)-5 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1981 in 1-3517 (Third); A-1(e)-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6985 (Fourth); B to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7021 (Fifth); B to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7021 (Sixth); A-3(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7026 (Seventh); A-3(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7158 (Eighth); B to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7123 (Ninth); B-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7272 (Tenth); B-2 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7272 (Eleventh); B-3 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7272 (Twelfth); B-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7382 (Thirteenth); B-2 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7382 (Fourteenth); A-2(c) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7946 (Fifteenth); A-2(c) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7946 (Sixteenth); A-2(d) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7946 (Seventeenth); A-2(e) to Rule 24 Certificate dated May 4, 1993 in 70-7946 (Eighteenth); A-2(g) to Rule 24 Certificate dated May 6, 1994 in 70-7946 (Nineteenth); A-2(a)(1) to Rule 24 Certificate dated August 8, 1996 in 70-8511 (Twentieth); A-2(a)(2) to Rule 24 Certificate dated August 8, 1996 in 70-8511 (Twenty-first); and A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 4, 2002 in 70-9753 (Twenty-second)).

   

(b) 2 --

Facility Lease No. 1, dated as of December 1, 1988, between Meridian Trust Company and Stephen M. Carta (Steven Kaba, successor), as Owner Trustees, and System Energy (B-2(c)(1) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 9, 1989 in 70-7561), as supplemented by Lease Supplement No. 1 dated as of April 1, 1989 (B-22(b) (1) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 21, 1989 in 70-7561), Lease Supplement No. 2 dated as of January 1, 1994 (B-3(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 31, 1994 in 70-8215), and Lease Supplement No. 3 dated as of May 1, 2004 (B-3(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 4, 2004 in 70-10182).

   

(b) 3 --

Facility Lease No. 2, dated as of December 1, 1988 between Meridian Trust Company and Stephen M. Carta (Steven Kaba, successor), as Owner Trustees, and System Energy (B-2(c)(2) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 9, 1989 in 70-7561), as supplemented by Lease Supplement No. 1 dated as of April 1, 1989 (B-22(b) (2) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 21, 1989 in 70-7561), Lease Supplement No. 2 dated as of January 1, 1994 (B-4(d) Rule 24 Certificate dated January 31, 1994 in 70-8215), and Lease Supplement No. 3 dated as of May 1, 2004 (B-4(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 4, 2004 in 70-10182).

Entergy Arkansas

*(c) 1 --

Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of October 1, 1944, as amended by sixty-three Supplemental Indentures (7(d) in 2-5463 (Mortgage); 7(b) in 2-7121 (First); 7(c) in 2-7605 (Second); 7(d) in 2-8100 (Third); 7(a)-4 in 2-8482 (Fourth); 7(a)-5 in 2-9149 (Fifth); 4(a)-6 in 2-9789 (Sixth); 4(a)-7 in 2-10261 (Seventh); 4(a)-8 in 2-11043 (Eighth); 2(b)-9 in 2-11468 (Ninth); 2(b)-10 in 2-15767 (Tenth); D in 70-3952 (Eleventh); D in 70-4099 (Twelfth); 4(d) in 2-23185 (Thirteenth); 2(c) in 2-24414 (Fourteenth); 2(c) in 2-25913 (Fifteenth); 2(c) in 2-28869 (Sixteenth); 2(d) in 2-28869 (Seventeenth); 2(c) in 2-35107 (Eighteenth); 2(d) in 2-36646 (Nineteenth); 2(c) in 2-39253 (Twentieth); 2(c) in 2-41080 (Twenty-first); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5151 (Twenty-second); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5257 (Twenty-third); C to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5343 (Twenty-fourth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5404 (Twenty-fifth); C to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5502 (Twenty-sixth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5556 (Twenty-seventh); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5693 (Twenty-eighth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6078 (Twenty-ninth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6174 (Thirtieth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6246 (Thirty-first); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6498 (Thirty-second); A-4b-2 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6326 (Thirty-third); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6607 (Thirty-fourth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6650 (Thirty-fifth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate dated December 1, 1982 in 70-6774 (Thirty-sixth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate dated February 17, 1983 in 70-6774 (Thirty-seventh); A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated December 5, 1984 in 70-6858 (Thirty-eighth); A-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7127 (Thirty-ninth); A-7 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7068 (Fortieth); A-8(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated July 6, 1989 in 70-7346 (Forty-first); A-8(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated February 1, 1990 in 70-7346 (Forty-second); 4 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1990 in 1-10764 (Forty-third); A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated November 30, 1990 in 70-7802 (Forty-fourth); A-2(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 24, 1991 in 70-7802 (Forty-fifth); 4(d)(2) in 33-54298 (Forty-sixth); 4(c)(2) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 in 1-10764 (Forty-seventh); 4(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1993 in 1-10764 (Forty-eighth); 4(c) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1993 in 1-10764 (Forty-ninth); 4(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993 in 1-10764 (Fiftieth); 4(c) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993 in 1-10764 (Fifty-first); 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1994 in 1-10764 (Fifty-second); C-2 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1995 (Fifty-third); C-2(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1996 (Fifty-fourth); 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000 in 1-10764 (Fifty-fifth); 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 in 1-10764 (Fifty-sixth); C-2(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 2001 (Fifty-seventh); 4(c)1 to Form 10-K for the year December 31, 2002 in 1-10764 (Fifty-eighth); 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 in 1-10764 (Fifty-ninth); 4(f) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 in 1-10764 (Sixtieth); 4(h) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 in 1-10764 (Sixty-first); 4(e) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 in 1-10764 (Sixty-second); and (Sixty-third)).

Entergy Gulf States

(d) 1 --

Indenture of Mortgage, dated September 1, 1926, as amended by certain Supplemental Indentures (B-a-I-1 in Registration No. 2-2449 (Mortgage); 7-A-9 in Registration No. 2-6893 (Seventh); B to Form 8-K dated September 1, 1959 (Eighteenth); B to Form 8-K dated February 1, 1966 (Twenty-second); B to Form 8-K dated March 1, 1967 (Twenty-third); C to Form 8-K dated March 1, 1968 (Twenty-fourth); B to Form 8-K dated November 1, 1968 (Twenty-fifth); B to Form 8-K dated April 1, 1969 (Twenty-sixth); 2-A-8 in Registration No. 2-66612 (Thirty-eighth); 4-2 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-27031 (Forty-eighth); 4-2 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988 in 1-27031 (Fifty-second); 4 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991 in 1-27031 (Fifty-third); 4 to Form 8-K dated July 29, 1992 in 1-27031 (Fifth-fourth); 4 to Form 10-K dated December 31, 1992 in 1-27031 (Fifty-fifth); 4 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1993 in 1-27031 (Fifty-sixth); 4-2 to Amendment No. 9 to Registration No. 2-76551 (Fifty-seventh); 4(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,1999 in 1-27031 (Fifty-eighth); A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 23, 2000 in 70-8721 (Fifty-ninth); A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 10, 2001 in 70-9751 (Sixtieth); A-2(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated November 18, 2002 in 70-9751 (Sixty-first); A-2(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated December 6, 2002 in 70-9751 (Sixty-second); A-2(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 16, 2003 in 70-9751 (Sixty-third); A-2(e) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 27, 2003 in 70-9751 (Sixty-fourth); A-2(f) to Rule 24 Certificate dated July 11, 2003 in 70-9751 (Sixty-fifth); A-2(g) to Rule 24 Certificate dated July 28, 2003 in 70-9751 (Sixty-sixth); A-3(i) to Rule 24 Certificate dated November 4, 2004 in 70-10158 (Sixty-seventh); A-3(ii) to Rule 24 Certificate dated November 23, 2004 in 70-10158 (Sixty-eighth); and A-3(iii) to Rule 24 Certificate dated February 16, 2005 in 70-10158 (Sixty-ninth)).

   

(d) 2 --

Indenture, dated March 21, 1939, accepting resignation of The Chase National Bank of the City of New York as trustee and appointing Central Hanover Bank and Trust Company as successor trustee (B-a-1-6 in Registration No. 2-4076).

   

(d) 3 --

Indenture for Unsecured Subordinated Debt Securities relating to Trust Securities, dated as of January 15, 1997 (A-11(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated February 6, 1997 in 70-8721).

   

(d) 4 --

Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of Entergy Gulf States Capital I dated January 28, 1997 of Series A Preferred Securities (A-13(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated February 6, 1997 in 70-8721).

   

(d) 5 --

Guarantee Agreement between Entergy Gulf States, Inc. (as Guarantor) and The Bank of New York (as Trustee) dated as of January 28, 1997 with respect to Entergy Gulf States Capital I's obligation on its 8.75% Cumulative Quarterly Income Preferred Securities, Series A (A-14(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated February 6, 1997 in 70-8721).

Entergy Louisiana

(e) 1 --

Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of April 1, 1944, as amended by fifty-nine Supplemental Indentures (7(d) in 2-5317 (Mortgage); 7(b) in 2-7408 (First); 7(c) in 2-8636 (Second); 4(b)-3 in 2-10412 (Third); 4(b)-4 in 2-12264 (Fourth); 2(b)-5 in 2-12936 (Fifth); D in 70-3862 (Sixth); 2(b)-7 in 2-22340 (Seventh); 2(c) in 2-24429 (Eighth); 4(c)-9 in 2-25801 (Ninth); 4(c)-10 in 2-26911 (Tenth); 2(c) in 2-28123 (Eleventh); 2(c) in 2-34659 (Twelfth); C to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-4793 (Thirteenth); 2(b)-2 in 2-38378 (Fourteenth); 2(b)-2 in 2-39437 (Fifteenth); 2(b)-2 in 2-42523 (Sixteenth); C to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5242 (Seventeenth); C to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5330 (Eighteenth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5449 (Nineteenth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5550 (Twentieth); A-6(a) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5598 (Twenty-first); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5711 (Twenty-second); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5919 (Twenty-third); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6102 (Twenty-fourth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6169 (Twenty-fifth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6278 (Twenty-sixth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6355 (Twenty-seventh); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6508 (Twenty-eighth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6556 (Twenty-ninth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6635 (Thirtieth); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6834 (Thirty-first); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6886 (Thirty-second); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6993 (Thirty-third); C-2 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6993 (Thirty-fourth); C-3 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-6993 (Thirty-fifth); A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7166 (Thirty-sixth); A-2(a) in 70-7226 (Thirty-seventh); C-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7270 (Thirty-eighth); 4(a) to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1988 in 1-8474 (Thirty-ninth); A-2(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7553 (Fortieth); A-2(d) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7553 (Forty-first); A-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7822 (Forty-second); A-3(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7822 (Forty-third); A-2(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7822 (Forty-fourth); A-3(c) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7822 (Forty-fifth); A-2(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 7, 1993 in 70-7822 (Forty-sixth); A-3(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 4, 1993 in 70-7822 (Forth-seventh); A-3(e) to Rule 24 Certificate dated December 21, 1993 in 70-7822 (Forty-eighth); A-3(f) to Rule 24 Certificate dated August 1, 1994 in 70-7822 (Forty-ninth); A-4(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 28, 1994 in 70-7653 (Fiftieth); A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 4, 1996 in 70-8487 (Fifty-first); A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 3, 1998 in 70-9141 (Fifty-second); A-2(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 9, 1999 in 70-9141 (Fifty-third); A-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated July 6, 1999 in 70-9141 (Fifty-fourth); A-2(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 2, 2000 in 70-9141 (Fifty-fifth); A-2(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 4, 2002 in 70-9141 (Fifty-sixth); A-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated March 30, 2004 in 70-10086 (Fifty-seventh); A-3(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 15, 2004 in 70-10086 (Fifty-eighth); and A-3(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 26, 2004 in 70-10086 (Fifty-ninth)).

   

(e) 2 --

Facility Lease No. 1, dated as of September 1, 1989, between First National Bank of Commerce, as Owner Trustee, and Entergy Louisiana (4(c)-1 in Registration No. 33-30660), as supplemented by Lease Supplement No. 1 dated as of July 1, 1997 (attached to Refunding Agreement No. 1, dated as of June 27, 1997, with such Refunding Agreement filed as Exhibit 2 to Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 14, 1997 in 1-8474).

   

(e) 3 --

Facility Lease No. 2, dated as of September 1, 1989, between First National Bank of Commerce, as Owner Trustee, and Entergy Louisiana (4(c)-2 in Registration No. 33-30660), as supplemented by Lease Supplemental No. 1 dated as of July 1, 1997 (attached to Refunding Agreement No. 2, dated as of June 27, 1997, with such Refunding Agreement filed as Exhibit 3 to Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 14, 1997 in 1-8474).

   

(e) 4 --

Facility Lease No. 3, dated as of September 1, 1989, between First National Bank of Commerce, as Owner Trustee, and Entergy Louisiana (4(c)-3 in Registration No. 33-30660), as supplemented by Lease Supplemental No. 1 dated as of July 1, 1997 (attached to Refunding Agreement No. 3, dated as of June 27, 1997, with such Refunding Agreement filed as Exhibit 4 to Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 14, 1997 in 1-8474).

Entergy Mississippi

(f) 1 --

Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of February 1, 1988, as amended by twenty-four Supplemental Indentures (A-2(a)-2 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7461 (Mortgage); A-2(b)-2 in 70-7461 (First); A-5(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7419 (Second); A-4(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7554 (Third); A-1(b)-1 to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7737 (Fourth); A-2(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated November 24, 1992 in 70-7914 (Fifth); A-2(e) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 22, 1993 in 70-7914 (Sixth); A-2(g) to Form U-1 in 70-7914 (Seventh); A-2(i) to Rule 24 Certificate dated November 10, 1993 in 70-7914 (Eighth); A-2(j) to Rule 24 Certificate dated July 22, 1994 in 70-7914 (Ninth); (A-2(l) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 21, 1995 in 70-7914 (Tenth); A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 27, 1997 in 70-8719 (Eleventh); A-2(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 16, 1998 in 70-8719 (Twelfth); A-2(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated May 12, 1999 in 70-8719 (Thirteenth); A-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 8, 1999 in 70-8719 (Fourteenth); A-2(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated February 24, 2000 in 70-8719 (Fifteenth); A-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated February 9, 2001 in 70-9757 (Sixteenth); A-2(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 31, 2002 in 70-9757 (Seventeenth); A-2(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated December 2, 2002 in 70-9757 (Eighteenth); A-2(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated February 6, 2003 in 70-9757 (Nineteenth); A-2(e) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 4, 2003 in 70-9757 (Twentieth); A-2(f) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 6, 2003 in 70-9757 (Twenty-first); A-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 8, 2004 in 70-10157 (Twenty-second); A-3(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 29, 2004 in 70-10157 (Twenty-third); and A-3(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 4, 2004 in 70-10157 (Twenty-fourth)).

Entergy New Orleans

(g) 1 --

Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of May 1, 1987, as amended by thirteen Supplemental Indentures (A-2(c) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7350 (Mortgage); A-5(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7350 (First); A-4(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7448 (Second); 4(f)4 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 in 0-5807 (Third); 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993 in 0-5807 (Fourth); 4(a) to Form 8-K dated April 26, 1995 in 0-5807 (Fifth); 4(a) to Form 8-K dated March 22, 1996 in 0-5807 (Sixth); 4(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998 in 0-5807 (Seventh); 4(d) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000 in 0-5807 (Eighth); C-5(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 2000 (Ninth); 4(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 in 0-5807 (Tenth); 4(k) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 in 0-5807 (Eleventh); 4(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 in 0-5807 (Twelfth); and 4(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 in 0-5807 (Thirteenth)).

(10) Material Contracts

Entergy Corporation

(a) 1 --

Agreement, dated April 23, 1982, among certain System companies, relating to System Planning and Development and Intra-System Transactions (10(a)1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).

   

(a) 2 --

Middle South Utilities (now Entergy Corporation) System Agency Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)2 in 2-41080).

   

(a) 3 --

Amendment, dated February 10, 1971, to Middle South Utilities System Agency Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)4 in 2-41080).

   

(a) 4 --

Amendment, dated May 12, 1988, to Middle South Utilities System Agency Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)4 in 2-41080).

   

(a) 5 --

Middle South Utilities System Agency Coordination Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)3 in 2-41080).

   

(a) 6 --

Service Agreement with Entergy Services, dated as of April 1, 1963 (5(a)5 in 2-41080).

   

(a) 7 --

Amendment, dated April 27, 1984, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(a)7 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-3517).

   

(a) 8 --

Amendment, dated January 1, 2000, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(a)12 for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).

   

*(a) 9 --

Amendment, dated March 1, 2004, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services.

   

(a) 10 --

Availability Agreement, dated June 21, 1974, among System Energy and certain other System companies (B to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 24, 1974 in 70-5399).

   

(a) 11 --

First Amendment to Availability Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1977 (B to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 24, 1977 in 70-5399).

   

(a) 12 --

Second Amendment to Availability Agreement, dated as of June 15, 1981 (E to Rule 24 Certificate dated July 1, 1981 in 70-6592).

   

(a) 13 --

Third Amendment to Availability Agreement, dated as of June 28, 1984 (B-13(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated July 6, 1984 in 70-6985).

   

(a) 14 --

Fourth Amendment to Availability Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1989 (A to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 8, 1989 in 70-5399).

   

(a) 15 --

Eighteenth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement, dated as of September 1, 1986, with United States Trust Company of New York and Gerard F. Ganey, as Trustees (C-2 to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 1, 1986 in 70-7272).

   

(a) 16 --

Nineteenth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement, dated as of September 1, 1986, with United States Trust Company of New York and Gerard F. Ganey, as Trustees (C-3 to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 1, 1986 in 70-7272).

   

(a) 17 --

Twenty-sixth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1992, with United States Trust Company of New York and Gerard F. Ganey, as Trustees (B-2(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated November 2, 1992 in 70-7946).

   

(a) 18 --

Twenty-seventh Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement, dated as of April 1, 1993, with United States Trust Company of New York and Gerard F. Ganey as Trustees (B-2(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated May 4, 1993 in 70-7946).

   

(a) 19 --

Twenty-ninth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement, dated as of April 1, 1994, with United States Trust Company of New York and Gerard F. Ganey as Trustees (B-2(f) to Rule 24 Certificate dated May 6, 1994 in 70-7946).

   

(a) 20 --

Thirtieth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement, dated as of August 1, 1996, among System Energy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans, and United States Trust Company of New York and Gerard F. Ganey, as Trustees (B-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated August 8, 1996 in 70-8511).

   

(a) 21 --

Thirty-first Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement, dated as of August 1, 1996, among System Energy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans, and United States Trust Company of New York and Gerard F. Ganey, as Trustees (B-2(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated August 8, 1996 in 70-8511).

   

(a) 22 --

Thirty-fourth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2002, among System Energy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans, The Bank of New York and Douglas J. MacInnes (B-2(a)(1) to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 4, 2001 in 70-9753).

   

(a) 23 --

Thirty-fifth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2003, among System Energy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans, and Union Bank of California, N.A (10(a)25 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 in 1-11299).

   

*(a) 24 --

First Amendment to Thirty-fifth Assignment of Availability Agreement, Consent and Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2004.

   

(a) 25 --

Capital Funds Agreement, dated June 21, 1974, between Entergy Corporation and System Energy (C to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 24, 1974 in 70-5399).

   

(a) 26 --

First Amendment to Capital Funds Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1989 (B to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 8, 1989 in 70-5399).

   

(a) 27 --

Eighteenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment, dated as of September 1, 1986, with United States Trust Company of New York and Gerard F. Ganey, as Trustees (D-2 to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 1, 1986 in 70-7272).

   

(a) 28 --

Nineteenth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment, dated as of September 1, 1986, with United States Trust Company of New York and Gerard F. Ganey, as Trustees (D-3 to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 1, 1986 in 70-7272).

   

(a) 29 --

Twenty-sixth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment, dated as of October 1, 1992, with United States Trust Company of New York and Gerard F. Ganey, as Trustees (B-3(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated November 2, 1992 in 70-7946).

   

(a) 30 --

Twenty-seventh Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment, dated as of April 1, 1993, with United States Trust Company of New York and Gerard F. Ganey, as Trustees (B-3(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated May 4, 1993 in 70-7946).

   

(a) 31 --

Twenty-ninth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment, dated as of April 1, 1994, with United States Trust Company of New York and Gerard F. Ganey, as Trustees (B-3(f) to Rule 24 Certificate dated May 6, 1994 in 70-7946).

   

(a) 32 --

Thirtieth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment, dated as of August 1, 1996, among Entergy Corporation, System Energy and United States Trust Company of New York and Gerard F. Ganey, as Trustees (B-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated August 8, 1996 in 70-8511).

   

(a) 33 --

Thirty-first Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment, dated as of August 1, 1996, among Entergy Corporation, System Energy and United States Trust Company of New York and Gerard F. Ganey, as Trustees (B-3(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated August 8, 1996 in 70-8511).

   

(a) 34 --

Thirty-fourth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment, dated as of September 1, 2002, among Entergy Corporation, System Energy, The Bank of New York and Douglas J. MacInnes (B-3(a)(1) to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 4, 2002 in 70-9753).

   

(a) 35 --

Thirty-fifth Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment, dated as of December 22, 2003, among Entergy Corporation, System Energy, and Union Bank of California, N.A (10(a)38 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 in 1-11299).

   

(a) 36 --

First Amendment to Supplementary Capital Funds Agreements and Assignments, dated as of June 1, 1989, by and between Entergy Corporation, System Energy, Deposit Guaranty National Bank, United States Trust Company of New York and Gerard F. Ganey (C to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 8, 1989 in 70-7026).

   

(a) 37 --

First Amendment to Supplementary Capital Funds Agreements and Assignments, dated as of June 1, 1989, by and between Entergy Corporation, System Energy, United States Trust Company of New York and Gerard F. Ganey (C to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 8, 1989 in 70-7123).

   

(a) 38 --

First Amendment to Supplementary Capital Funds Agreement and Assignment, dated as of June 1, 1989, by and between Entergy Corporation, System Energy and Chemical Bank (C to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 8, 1989 in 70-7561).

   

(a) 39 --

Reallocation Agreement, dated as of July 28, 1981, among System Energy and certain other System companies (B-1(a) in 70-6624).

   

(a) 40 --

Joint Construction, Acquisition and Ownership Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1980, between System Energy and SMEPA (B-1(a) in 70-6337), as amended by Amendment No. 1, dated as of May 1, 1980 (B-1(c) in 70-6337) and Amendment No. 2, dated as of October 31, 1980 (1 to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 30, 1981 in 70-6337).

   

(a) 41 --

Operating Agreement dated as of May 1, 1980, between System Energy and SMEPA (B(2)(a) in 70-6337).

   

(a) 42 --

Assignment, Assumption and Further Agreement No. 1, dated as of December 1, 1988, among System Energy, Meridian Trust Company and Stephen M. Carta, and SMEPA (B-7(c)(1) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 9, 1989 in 70-7561).

   

(a) 43 --

Assignment, Assumption and Further Agreement No. 2, dated as of December 1, 1988, among System Energy, Meridian Trust Company and Stephen M. Carta, and SMEPA (B-7(c)(2) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 9, 1989 in 70-7561).

   

(a) 44 --

Substitute Power Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1980, among Entergy Mississippi, System Energy and SMEPA (B(3)(a) in 70-6337).

   

(a) 45 --

Grand Gulf Unit No. 2 Supplementary Agreement, dated as of February 7, 1986, between System Energy and SMEPA (10(aaa) in 33-4033).

   

(a) 46 --

Compromise and Settlement Agreement, dated June 4, 1982, between Texaco, Inc. and Entergy Louisiana (28(a) to Form 8-K dated June 4, 1982 in 1-3517).

   

(a) 47 --

Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1982, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans (10(a)39 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).

   

(a) 48 --

First Amendment to Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 28, 1984, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans (19 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1984 in 1-3517).

   

(a) 49 --

Revised Unit Power Sales Agreement (10(ss) in 33-4033).

   

(a) 50 --

Middle South Utilities Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement, dated April 28, 1988 (D-1 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1987).

   

(a) 51 --

First Amendment, dated January 1, 1990, to the Middle South Utilities Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-2 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1989).

   

(a) 52 --

Second Amendment dated January 1, 1992, to the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1992).

   

(a) 53 --

Third Amendment dated January 1, 1994 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1993).

   

(a) 54 --

Fourth Amendment dated April 1, 1997 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-5 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1996).

   

(a) 55 --

Guaranty Agreement between Entergy Corporation and Entergy Arkansas, dated as of September 20, 1990 (B-1(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 27, 1990 in 70-7757).

   

(a) 56 --

Guarantee Agreement between Entergy Corporation and Entergy Louisiana, dated as of September 20, 1990 (B-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 27, 1990 in 70-7757).

   

(a) 57 --

Guarantee Agreement between Entergy Corporation and System Energy, dated as of September 20, 1990 (B-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 27, 1990 in 70- 7757).

   

(a) 58 --

Loan Agreement between Entergy Operations and Entergy Corporation, dated as of September 20, 1990 (B-12(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 15, 1990 in 70-7679).

   

(a) 59 --

Loan Agreement between Entergy Power and Entergy Corporation, dated as of August 28, 1990 (A-4(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 6, 1990 in 70-7684).

   

(a) 60 --

Loan Agreement between Entergy Corporation and Entergy Systems and Service, Inc., dated as of December 29, 1992 (A-4(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7947).

   

+(a) 61 --

Executive Financial Counseling Program of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (10(a)64 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 62 --

Amended and Restated Executive Annual Incentive Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective January 1, 2003 (10(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 63 --

Equity Ownership Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (A-4(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated May 24, 1991 in 70-7831).

   

+(a) 64 --

Amendment No. 1 to the Equity Ownership Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (10(a)71 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 in 1-3517).

   

+(a) 65 --

Amended and Restated 1998 Equity Ownership Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 66 --

Supplemental Retirement Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, as amended effective January 1, 2000 (10(a)70 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 67 --

Amendment, effective December 28, 2001, to the Supplemental Retirement Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (10(a)71 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 68 --

Defined Contribution Restoration Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, as amended effective January 1, 2000 (10(a)72 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 69 --

Amendment, effective December 28, 2001, to the Defined Contribution Restoration Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (10(a)73 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 70 --

Executive Disability Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (10(a)74 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 71 --

Amended and Restated Executive Deferred Compensation Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, dated June 10, 2003 (10(d) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 72 --

Equity Awards Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective as of August 31, 2000 (10(a)77 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 73 --

Amendment, effective December 7, 2001, to the Equity Awards Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (10(a)78 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 74 --

Amendment, effective December 10, 2001, to the Equity Awards Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (10(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 75 --

Restatement of System Executive Continuity Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective as of March 8, 2004 (10(d) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 in 1-11299).

   

*+(a) 76 --

First Amendment of the System Executive Continuity Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective December 29, 2004.

   

+(a) 77 --

System Executive Continuity Plan II of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective March 8, 2004 (10(e) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 in 1-11299).

   

*+(a) 78 --

First Amendment of the System Executive Continuity Plan II of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective December 29, 2004.

   

+(a) 79 --

Post-Retirement Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, as amended effective January 1, 2000 (10(a)80 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 80 --

Amendment, effective December 28, 2001, to the Post-Retirement Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (10(a)81 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 81 --

Pension Equalization Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, as amended effective January 1, 2000 (10(a)82 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 82 --

Amendment, effective December 28, 2001, to the Pension Equalization Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (10(a)83 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 83 --

Service Recognition Program for Non-Employee Outside Directors of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective January 1, 2000 (10(a)84 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 84 --

Executive Income Security Plan of Gulf States Utilities Company, as amended effective March 1, 1991 (10(a)86 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 85 --

System Executive Retirement Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries, effective January 1, 2000 (10(a)87 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 86 --

Amendment, effective December 28, 2001, to the System Executive Retirement Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (10(a)88 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 87 --

Retention Agreement effective October 27, 2000 between J. Wayne Leonard and Entergy Corporation (10(a)81 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 88 --

Amendment to Retention Agreement effective March 8, 2004 between J. Wayne Leonard and Entergy Corporation (10(c) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 89 --

Retention Agreement effective January 22, 2001 between Richard J. Smith and Entergy Services, Inc (10(a)87 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 90 --

Employment Agreement effective August 7, 2001 between Curt L. Hebert and Entergy Corporation (10(a)97 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 91 --

Agreement of Limited Partnership of Entergy-Koch, LP among EKLP, LLC, EK Holding I, LLC, EK Holding II, LLC and Koch Energy, Inc. dated January 31, 2001 (10(a)94 to Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2000 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 92 --

Employment Agreement effective April 15, 2003 between Robert D. Sloan and Entergy Services (10(c) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 93 --

Employment Agreement effective November 24, 2003 between Mark T. Savoff and Entergy Services (10(a)99 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 94 --

Employment Agreement effective February 9, 1999 between Leo P. Denault and Entergy Services (10(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 95 --

Amendment to Employment Agreement effective March 5, 2004 between Leo P. Denault and Entergy Corporation (10(b) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 96 --

Shareholder Approval of Future Severance Agreements Policy, effective March 8, 2004 (10(f) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 in 1-11299).

   

(a) 97 --

Consulting Agreement effective May 4, 2004 between Hintz & Associates, LLC and Entergy Services, Inc. (10(d) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 98 --

Form of Stock Option Grant Agreement Letter, as of December 31, 2004 (99.1 to Form 8-K dated January 26, 2005 in 1-11299).

   

+(a) 99 --

Form of Long Term Incentive Plan Performance Unit Grand Letter, as of December 31, 2004 (99.2 to Form 8-K dated January 26, 2005 in 1-11299).

   

*+(a) 100 --

Summary of Executive Officer and Director Compensation.

   

*+(a) 101 --

Terms of Restricted Stock Grants for Outside Directors.

System Energy

(b) 1 through
(b) 15 -- See 10(a)10 through 10(a)24 above.
 
(b) 16 through
(b) 29 -- See 10(a)25 through 10(a)38 above.
 

(b) 30 --

Reallocation Agreement, dated as of July 28, 1981, among System Energy and certain other System companies (B-1(a) in 70-6624).

   

(b) 31 --

Joint Construction, Acquisition and Ownership Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1980, between System Energy and SMEPA (B-1(a) in 70-6337), as amended by Amendment No. 1, dated as of May 1, 1980 (B-1(c) in 70-6337) and Amendment No. 2, dated as of October 31, 1980 (1 to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 30, 1981 in 70-6337).

   

(b) 32 --

Operating Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1980, between System Energy and SMEPA (B(2)(a) in 70-6337).

   

(b) 33 --

Amended and Restated Installment Sale Agreement, dated as of February 15, 1996, between System Energy and Claiborne County, Mississippi (B-6(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated March 4, 1996 in 70-8511).

   

(b) 34 --

Loan Agreement, dated as of October 15, 1998, between System Energy and Mississippi Business Finance Corporation (B-6(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated November 12, 1998 in 70-8511).

   

(b) 35 --

Loan Agreement, dated as of May 15, 1999, between System Energy and Mississippi Business Finance Corporation (B-6(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 8, 1999 in 70-8511).

   

(b) 36 --

Facility Lease No. 1, dated as of December 1, 1988, between Meridian Trust Company and Stephen M. Carta (Stephen J. Kaba, successor), as Owner Trustees, and System Energy (B-2(c)(1) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 9, 1989 in 70-7561), as supplemented by Lease Supplement No. 1 dated as of April 1, 1989 (B-22(b) (1) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 21, 1989 in 70-7561), Lease Supplement No. 2 dated as of January 1, 1994 (B-3(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 31, 1994 in 70-8215), and Lease Supplement No. 3 dated as of May 1, 2004 (B-3(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 4, 2004 in 70-10182).

   

(b) 37 --

Facility Lease No. 2, dated as of December 1, 1988 between Meridian Trust Company and Stephen M. Carta (Stephen J. Kaba, successor), as Owner Trustees, and System Energy (B-2(c)(2) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 9, 1989 in 70-7561), as supplemented by Lease Supplement No. 1 dated as of April 1, 1989 (B-22(b) (2) to Rule 24 Certificate dated April 21, 1989 in 70-7561), Lease Supplement No. 2 dated as of January 1, 1994 (B-4(d) Rule 24 Certificate dated January 31, 1994 in 70-8215), and Lease Supplement No. 3 dated as of May 1, 2004 (B-4(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 4, 2004 in 70-10182).

   

(b) 38 --

Assignment, Assumption and Further Agreement No. 1, dated as of December 1, 1988, among System Energy, Meridian Trust Company and Stephen M. Carta, and SMEPA (B-7(c)(1) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 9, 1989 in 70-7561).

   

(b) 39 --

Assignment, Assumption and Further Agreement No. 2, dated as of December 1, 1988, among System Energy, Meridian Trust Company and Stephen M. Carta, and SMEPA (B-7(c)(2) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 9, 1989 in 70-7561).

   

(b) 40 --

Collateral Trust Indenture, dated as of May 1, 2004, among GG1C Funding Corporation, System Energy, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (A-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 4, 2004 in 70-10182), as supplemented by Supplemental Indenture No. 1 dated May 1, 2004, (A-4(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 4, 2004 in 70-10182).

   

(b) 41 --

Substitute Power Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1980, among Entergy Mississippi, System Energy and SMEPA (B(3)(a) in 70-6337).

   

(b) 42 --

Grand Gulf Unit No. 2 Supplementary Agreement, dated as of February 7, 1986, between System Energy and SMEPA (10(aaa) in 33-4033).

   

(b) 43 --

Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1982, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans (10(a)39 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).

   

(b) 44 --

First Amendment to the Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 28, 1984, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans (19 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1984 in 1-3517).

   

(b) 45 --

Revised Unit Power Sales Agreement (10(ss) in 33-4033).

   

(b) 46 --

Fuel Lease, dated as of February 24, 1989, between River Fuel Funding Company #3, Inc. and System Energy (B-1(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated March 3, 1989 in 70-7604).

   

(b) 47 --

System Energy's Consent, dated January 31, 1995, pursuant to Fuel Lease, dated as of February 24, 1989, between River Fuel Funding Company #3, Inc. and System Energy (B-1(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated February 13, 1995 in 70-7604).

   

(b) 48 --

Sales Agreement, dated as of June 21, 1974, between System Energy and Entergy Mississippi (D to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 26, 1974 in 70-5399).

   

(b) 49 --

Service Agreement, dated as of June 21, 1974, between System Energy and Entergy Mississippi (E to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 26, 1974 in 70-5399).

   

(b) 50 --

Partial Termination Agreement, dated as of December 1, 1986, between System Energy and Entergy Mississippi (A-2 to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 8, 1987 in 70-5399).

   

(b) 51 --

Middle South Utilities, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement, dated April 28, 1988 (D-1 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1987).

   

(b) 52 --

First Amendment, dated January 1, 1990 to the Middle South Utilities Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-2 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1989).

   

(b) 53 --

Second Amendment dated January 1, 1992, to the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1992).

   

(b) 54 --

Third Amendment dated January 1, 1994 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1993).

   

(b) 55 --

Fourth Amendment dated April 1, 1997 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-5 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1996).

   

(b) 56 --

Service Agreement with Entergy Services, dated as of July 16, 1974, as amended (10(b)43 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988 in 1-9067).

   

*(b) 57 --

Amendment, dated January 1, 2004, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services.

   

*(b) 58 --

Amendment, dated March 1, 2004, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services.

   

(b) 59 --

Operating Agreement between Entergy Operations and System Energy, dated as of June 6, 1990 (B-3(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 15, 1990 in 70-7679).

   

(b) 60 --

Guarantee Agreement between Entergy Corporation and System Energy, dated as of September 20, 1990 (B-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 27, 1990 in 70-7757).

   

(b) 61 --

Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2003, among System Energy Resources, Inc., Union Bank of California, N.A., as administrating bank and funding bank, Keybank National Association, as syndication agent, Banc One Capital Markets, Inc., as documentation agent, and the Banks named therein, as Participating Banks (10(b)63 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 in 1-9067).

   

*(b) 62 --

Amendment to Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2003

   

*(b) 63 --

First Amendment and Consent, dated as of May 3, 2004, to Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement.

   

(b) 64 --

Second Amendment and Consent, dated as of December 17, 2004, to Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement (99 to Form 8-K dated December 22, 2004 in 1-9067).

Entergy Arkansas

(c) 1 --

Agreement, dated April 23, 1982, among Entergy Arkansas and certain other System companies, relating to System Planning and Development and Intra-System Transactions (10(a) 1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).

   

(c) 2 --

Middle South Utilities System Agency Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)2 in 2-41080).

   

(c) 3 --

Amendment, dated February 10, 1971, to Middle South Utilities System Agency Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)4 in 2-41080).

   

(c) 4 --

Amendment, dated May 12, 1988, to Middle South Utilities System Agency Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)4 in 2-41080).

   

(c) 5 --

Middle South Utilities System Agency Coordination Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)3 in 2-41080).

   

(c) 6 --

Service Agreement with Entergy Services, dated as of April 1, 1963 (5(a)5 in 2-41080).

   

(c) 7 --

Amendment, dated April 27, 1984, to Service Agreement, with Entergy Services (10(a)7 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-3517).

   

(c) 8 --

Amendment, dated January 1, 2000, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(a)12 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 in 1-10764).

   

*(c) 9 --

Amendment, dated March 1, 2004, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services.

   
(c) 10 through
(c) 24 -- See 10(a)10 through 10(a)24 above.
 

(c) 25 --

Agreement, dated August 20, 1954, between Entergy Arkansas and the United States of America (SPA)(13(h) in 2-11467).

   

(c) 26 --

Amendment, dated April 19, 1955, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated August 20, 1954 (5(d)2 in 2-41080).

   

(c) 27 --

Amendment, dated January 3, 1964, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated August 20, 1954 (5(d)3 in 2-41080).

   

(c) 28 --

Amendment, dated September 5, 1968, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated August 20, 1954 (5(d)4 in 2-41080).

   

(c) 29 --

Amendment, dated November 19, 1970, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated August 20, 1954 (5(d)5 in 2-41080).

   

(c) 30 --

Amendment, dated July 18, 1961, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated August 20, 1954 (5(d)6 in 2-41080).

   

(c) 31 --

Amendment, dated December 27, 1961, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated August 20, 1954 (5(d)7 in 2-41080).

   

(c) 32 --

Amendment, dated January 25, 1968, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated August 20, 1954 (5(d)8 in 2-41080).

   

(c) 33 --

Amendment, dated October 14, 1971, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated August 20, 1954 (5(d)9 in 2-43175).

   

(c) 34 --

Amendment, dated January 10, 1977, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated August 20, 1954 (5(d)10 in 2-60233).

   

(c) 35 --

Agreement, dated May 14, 1971, between Entergy Arkansas and the United States of America (SPA) (5(e) in 2-41080).

   

(c) 36 --

Amendment, dated January 10, 1977, to the United States of America (SPA) Contract, dated May 14, 1971 (5(e)1 in 2-60233).

   

(c) 37 --

Contract, dated May 28, 1943, Amendment to Contract, dated July 21, 1949, and Supplement to Amendment to Contract, dated December 30, 1949, between Entergy Arkansas and McKamie Gas Cleaning Company; Agreements, dated as of September 30, 1965, between Entergy Arkansas and former stockholders of McKamie Gas Cleaning Company; and Letter Agreement, dated June 22, 1966, by Humble Oil & Refining Company accepted by Entergy Arkansas on June 24, 1966 (5(k)7 in 2-41080).

   

(c) 38 --

Fuel Lease, dated as of December 22, 1988, between River Fuel Trust #1 and Entergy Arkansas (B-1(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7571).

   

(c) 39 --

White Bluff Operating Agreement, dated June 27, 1977, among Entergy Arkansas and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and City Water and Light Plant of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas (B-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 30, 1977 in 70-6009).

   

(c) 40 --

White Bluff Ownership Agreement, dated June 27, 1977, among Entergy Arkansas and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and City Water and Light Plant of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas (B-1(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 30, 1977 in 70-6009).

   

(c) 41 --

Agreement, dated June 29, 1979, between Entergy Arkansas and City of Conway, Arkansas (5(r)3 in 2-66235).

   

(c) 42 --

Transmission Agreement, dated August 2, 1977, between Entergy Arkansas and City Water and Light Plant of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas (5(r)3 in 2-60233).

   

(c) 43 --

Power Coordination, Interchange and Transmission Service Agreement, dated as of June 27, 1977, between Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and Entergy Arkansas (5(r)4 in 2-60233).

   

(c) 44 --

Independence Steam Electric Station Operating Agreement, dated July 31, 1979, among Entergy Arkansas and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and City Water and Light Plant of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas and City of Conway, Arkansas (5(r)6 in 2-66235).

   

(c) 45 --

Amendment, dated December 4, 1984, to the Independence Steam Electric Station Operating Agreement (10(c)51 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-10764).

   

(c) 46 --

Independence Steam Electric Station Ownership Agreement, dated July 31, 1979, among Entergy Arkansas and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and City Water and Light Plant of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas and City of Conway, Arkansas (5(r)7 in 2-66235).

   

(c) 47 --

Amendment, dated December 28, 1979, to the Independence Steam Electric Station Ownership Agreement (5(r)7(a) in 2-66235).

   

(c) 48 --

Amendment, dated December 4, 1984, to the Independence Steam Electric Station Ownership Agreement (10(c)54 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-10764).

   

(c) 49 --

Owner's Agreement, dated November 28, 1984, among Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, other co-owners of the Independence Station (10(c)55 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-10764).

   

(c) 50 --

Consent, Agreement and Assumption, dated December 4, 1984, among Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, other co-owners of the Independence Station and United States Trust Company of New York, as Trustee (10(c)56 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-10764).

   

(c) 51 --

Power Coordination, Interchange and Transmission Service Agreement, dated as of July 31, 1979, between Entergy Arkansas and City Water and Light Plant of the City of Jonesboro, Arkansas (5(r)8 in 2-66235).

   

(c) 52 --

Power Coordination, Interchange and Transmission Agreement, dated as of June 29, 1979, between City of Conway, Arkansas and Entergy Arkansas (5(r)9 in 2-66235).

   

(c) 53 --

Agreement, dated June 21, 1979, between Entergy Arkansas and Reeves E. Ritchie (10(b)90 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1980 in 1-10764).

   

(c) 54 --

Reallocation Agreement, dated as of July 28, 1981, among System Energy and certain other System companies (B-1(a) in 70-6624).

   

(c) 55 --

Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1982, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans (10(a)39 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).

   

(c) 56 --

First Amendment to Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 28, 1984, between System Energy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans (19 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1984 in 1-3517).

   

(c) 57 --

Revised Unit Power Sales Agreement (10(ss) in 33-4033).

   

(c) 58 --

Contract For Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel and/or High-Level Radioactive Waste, dated June 30, 1983, among the DOE, System Fuels and Entergy Arkansas (10(b)57 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1983 in 1-10764).

   

(c) 59 --

Middle South Utilities, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement, dated April 28, 1988 (D-1 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1987).

   

(c) 60 --

First Amendment, dated January 1, 1990, to the Middle South Utilities, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-2 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1989).

   

(c) 61 --

Second Amendment dated January 1, 1992, to the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1992).

   

(c) 62 --

Third Amendment dated January 1, 1994, to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1993).

   

(c) 63 --

Fourth Amendment dated April 1, 1997 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-5 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1996).

   

(c) 64 --

Assignment of Coal Supply Agreement, dated December 1, 1987, between System Fuels and Entergy Arkansas (B to Rule 24 letter filing dated November 10, 1987 in 70-5964).

   

(c) 65 --

Coal Supply Agreement, dated December 22, 1976, between System Fuels and Antelope Coal Company (B-1 in 70-5964), as amended by First Amendment (A to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-5964); Second Amendment (A to Rule 24 letter filing dated December 16, 1983 in 70-5964); and Third Amendment (A to Rule 24 letter filing dated November 10, 1987 in 70-5964).

   

(c) 66 --

Operating Agreement between Entergy Operations and Entergy Arkansas, dated as of June 6, 1990 (B-1(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 15, 1990 in 70-7679).

   

(c) 67 --

Guaranty Agreement between Entergy Corporation and Entergy Arkansas, dated as of September 20, 1990 (B-1(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 27, 1990 in 70-7757).

   

(c) 68 --

Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Independence Unit 2 between Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Power, dated as of August 28, 1990 (B-3(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 6, 1990 in 70-7684).

   

(c) 69 --

Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Ritchie Unit 2 between Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Power, dated as of August 28, 1990 (B-4(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 6, 1990 in 70-7684).

   

(c) 70 --

Ritchie Steam Electric Station Unit No. 2 Operating Agreement between Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Power, dated as of August 28, 1990 (B-5(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 6, 1990 in 70-7684).

   

(c) 71 --

Ritchie Steam Electric Station Unit No. 2 Ownership Agreement between Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Power, dated as of August 28, 1990 (B-6(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 6, 1990 in 70-7684).

   

(c) 72 --

Power Coordination, Interchange and Transmission Service Agreement between Entergy Power and Entergy Arkansas, dated as of August 28, 1990 (10(c)71 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990 in 1-10764).

   

(c) 73 --

Loan Agreement dated June 15, 1993, between Entergy Arkansas and Independence Country, Arkansas (B-1(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated July 9, 1993 in 70-8171).

   

(c) 74 --

Loan Agreement dated June 15, 1994, between Entergy Arkansas and Jefferson County, Arkansas (B-1(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 30, 1994 in 70-8405).

   

(c) 75 --

Loan Agreement dated June 15, 1994, between Entergy Arkansas and Pope County, Arkansas (B-1(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-8405).

   

(c) 76 --

Loan Agreement dated November 15, 1995, between Entergy Arkansas and Pope County, Arkansas (10(c)96 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995 in 1-10764).

   

(c) 77 --

Loan Agreement dated December 1, 1997, between Entergy Arkansas and Jefferson County, Arkansas (10(c)100 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 in 1-10764).

   

(c) 78 --

Refunding Agreement, dated December 1, 2001, between Entergy Arkansas and Pope Country, Arkansas (10(c)81 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 in 1-10764).

Entergy Gulf States

(d) 1 --

Guaranty Agreement, dated August 1, 1992, between Entergy Gulf States and Hibernia National Bank, relating to Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds of the Industrial Development Board of the Parish of Calcasieu, Inc. (Louisiana) (10-1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 in 1-27031).

   

(d) 2 --

Guaranty Agreement, dated January 1, 1993, between Entergy Gulf States and Hancock Bank of Louisiana, relating to Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds of the Parish of Pointe Coupee (Louisiana) (10-2 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 in 1-27031).

   

(d) 3 --

Deposit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 1983 between Entergy Gulf States, Morgan Guaranty Trust Co. as Depositary and the Holders of Depository Receipts, relating to the Issue of 900,000 Depositary Preferred Shares, each representing 1/2 share of Adjustable Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series E-$100 Par Value (4-17 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1983 in 1-27031).

   

(d) 4 --

Agreement effective February 1, 1964, between Sabine River Authority, State of Louisiana, and Sabine River Authority of Texas, and Entergy Gulf States, Central Louisiana Electric Company, Inc., and Louisiana Power & Light Company, as supplemented (B to Form 8-K dated May 6, 1964, A to Form 8-K dated October 5, 1967, A to Form 8-K dated May 5, 1969, and A to Form 8-K dated December 1, 1969 in 1-27031).

   

(d) 5 --

Joint Ownership Participation and Operating Agreement regarding River Bend Unit 1 Nuclear Plant, dated August 20, 1979, between Entergy Gulf States, Cajun, and SRG&T; Power Interconnection Agreement with Cajun, dated June 26, 1978, and approved by the REA on August 16, 1979, between Entergy Gulf States and Cajun; and Letter Agreement regarding CEPCO buybacks, dated August 28, 1979, between Entergy Gulf States and Cajun (2, 3, and 4, respectively, to Form 8-K dated September 7, 1979 in 1-27031).

   

(d) 6 --

Ground Lease, dated August 15, 1980, between Statmont Associates Limited Partnership (Statmont) and Entergy Gulf States, as amended (3 to Form 8-K dated August 19, 1980 and A-3-b to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1983 in 1-27031).

   

(d) 7 --

Lease and Sublease Agreement, dated August 15, 1980, between Statmont and Entergy Gulf States, as amended (4 to Form 8-K dated August 19, 1980 and A-3-c to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1983 in 1-27031).

   

(d) 8 --

Lease Agreement, dated September 18, 1980, between BLC Corporation and Entergy Gulf States (1 to Form 8-K dated October 6, 1980 in 1-27031).

   

(d) 9 --

Joint Ownership Participation and Operating Agreement for Big Cajun, between Entergy Gulf States, Cajun Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., and Sam Rayburn G&T, Inc, dated November 14, 1980 (6 to Form 8-K dated January 29, 1981 in 1-27031); Amendment No. 1, dated December 12, 1980 (7 to Form 8-K dated January 29, 1981 in 1-27031); Amendment No. 2, dated December 29, 1980 (8 to Form 8-K dated January 29, 1981 in 1-27031).

   

(d) 10 --

Agreement of Joint Ownership Participation between SRMPA, SRG&T and Entergy Gulf States, dated June 6, 1980, for Nelson Station, Coal Unit #6, as amended (8 to Form 8-K dated June 11, 1980, A-2-b to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1982; and 10-1 to Form 8-K dated February 19, 1988 in 1-27031).

   

(d) 11 --

Agreements between Southern Company and Entergy Gulf States, dated February 25, 1982, which cover the construction of a 140-mile transmission line to connect the two systems, purchase of power and use of transmission facilities (10-31 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1981 in 1-27031).

   

(d) 12 --

Transmission Facilities Agreement between Entergy Gulf States and Mississippi Power Company, dated February 28, 1982, and Amendment, dated May 12, 1982 (A-2-c to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1982 in 1-27031) and Amendment, dated December 6, 1983 (10-43 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1983 in 1-27031).

   

(d) 13 --

First Amended Power Sales Agreement, dated December 1, 1985 between Sabine River Authority, State of Louisiana, and Sabine River Authority, State of Texas, and Entergy Gulf States, Central Louisiana Electric Co., Inc., and Louisiana Power and Light Company (10-72 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1985 in 1-27031).

   

+(d) 14 --

Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors of Entergy Gulf States and Varibus Corporation, as amended January 8, 1987, and effective January 1, 1987 (10-77 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1986 in 1-27031). Amendment dated December 4, 1991 (10-3 to Amendment No. 8 in Registration No. 2-76551).

   

+(d) 15 --

Trust Agreement for Deferred Payments to be made by Entergy Gulf States pursuant to the Executive Income Security Plan, by and between Entergy Gulf States and Bankers Trust Company, effective November 1, 1986 (10-78 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1986 in 1-27031).

   

+(d) 16 --

Trust Agreement for Deferred Installments under Entergy Gulf States' Management Incentive Compensation Plan and Administrative Guidelines by and between Entergy Gulf States and Bankers Trust Company, effective June 1, 1986 (10-79 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1986 in 1-27031).

   

+(d) 17 --

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan for Officers, Nonemployee Directors and Designated Key Employees, effective December 1, 1985, as amended, continued and completely restated effective as of March 1, 1991 (10-3 to Amendment No. 8 in Registration No. 2-76551).

   

+(d) 18 --

Trust Agreement for Entergy Gulf States' Nonqualified Directors and Designated Key Employees by and between Entergy Gulf States and First City Bank, Texas-Beaumont, N.A. (now Texas Commerce Bank), effective July 1, 1991 (10-4 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 in 1-27031).

   

(d) 19 --

Lease Agreement, dated as of June 29, 1987, among GSG&T, Inc., and Entergy Gulf States related to the leaseback of the Lewis Creek generating station (10-83 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988 in 1-27031).

   

(d) 20 --

Nuclear Fuel Lease Agreement between Entergy Gulf States and River Bend Fuel Services, Inc. to lease the fuel for River Bend Unit 1, dated February 7, 1989 (10-64 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988 in 1-27031).

   

(d) 21 --

Trust and Investment Management Agreement between Entergy Gulf States and Morgan Guaranty and Trust Company of New York (the "Decommissioning Trust Agreement) with respect to decommissioning funds authorized to be collected by Entergy Gulf States, dated March 15, 1989 (10-66 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988 in 1-27031).

   

(d) 22 --

Amendment No. 2 dated November 1, 1995 between Entergy Gulf States and Mellon Bank to Decommissioning Trust Agreement (10(d)31 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995 in 1-27031).

   

*(d) 23 --

Amendment No. 3 dated March 5, 1998 between Entergy Gulf States and Mellon Bank to Decommissioning Trust Agreement.

   

*(d) 24 --

Amendment No. 4 dated December 17, 2003 between Entergy Gulf States and Mellon Bank to Decommissioning Trust Agreement.

   

(d) 25 --

Partnership Agreement by and among Conoco Inc., and Entergy Gulf States, CITGO Petroleum Corporation and Vista Chemical Company, dated April 28, 1988 (10-67 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1988 in 1-27031).

   

+(d) 26 --

Gulf States Utilities Company Executive Continuity Plan, dated January 18, 1991 (10-6 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990 in 1-27031).

   

+(d) 27 --

Trust Agreement for Entergy Gulf States' Executive Continuity Plan, by and between Entergy Gulf States and First City Bank, Texas-Beaumont, N.A. (now Texas Commerce Bank), effective May 20, 1991 (10-5 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992 in 1-27031).

   

+(d) 28 --

Gulf States Utilities Board of Directors' Retirement Plan, dated February 15, 1991 (10-8 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990 in 1-27031).

   

(d) 29 --

Operating Agreement between Entergy Operations and Entergy Gulf States, dated as of December 31, 1993 (B-2(f) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-8059).

   

(d) 30 --

Guarantee Agreement between Entergy Corporation and Entergy Gulf States, dated as of December 31, 1993 (B-5(a) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-8059).

   

(d) 31 --

Service Agreement with Entergy Services, dated as of December 31, 1993 (B-6(c) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-8059).

   

(d) 32 --

Amendment, dated January 1, 2000, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(d)31 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 in 1-27031).

   

*(d) 33 --

Amendment, dated March 1, 2004, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services.

   

(d) 34 --

Third Amendment, dated January 1, 1994, to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1993).

   

(d) 35 --

Fourth Amendment, dated April 1, 1997, to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-5 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1996).

   

(d) 36 --

Agreement as to Expenses and Liabilities between Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Gulf States Capital I, dated as of January 28, 1997 (10(d)52 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 in 1-27031).

   

(d) 37 --

Refunding Agreement dated as of May 1, 1998 between Entergy Gulf States and Parish of Iberville, State of Louisiana (B-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated May 29, 1998 in 70-8721).

   

(d) 38 --

Refunding Agreement dated as of May 1, 1998 between Entergy Gulf States and Industrial Development Board of the Parish of Calcasieu, Inc. (B-3(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 29, 1999 in 70-8721).

   

(d) 39 --

Refunding Agreement (Series 1999-A) dated as of September 1, 1999 between Entergy Gulf States and Parish of West Feliciana, State of Louisiana (B-3(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 8, 1999 in 70-8721).

   

(d) 40 --

Refunding Agreement (Series 1999-B) dated as of September 1, 1999 between Entergy Gulf States and Parish of West Feliciana, State of Louisiana (B-3(d) to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 8, 1999 in 70-8721).

Entergy Louisiana

(e) 1 --

Agreement, dated April 23, 1982, among Entergy Louisiana and certain other System companies, relating to System Planning and Development and Intra-System Transactions (10(a)1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982, in 1-3517).

   

(e) 2 --

Middle South Utilities System Agency Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)2 in 2-41080).

   

(e) 3 --

Amendment, dated as of February 10, 1971, to Middle South Utilities System Agency Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)4 in 2-41080).

   

(e) 4 --

Amendment, dated May 12, 1988, to Middle South Utilities System Agency Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)4 in 2-41080).

   

(e) 5 --

Middle South Utilities System Agency Coordination Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)3 in 2-41080).

   

(e) 6 --

Service Agreement with Entergy Services, dated as of April 1, 1963 (5(a)5 in 2-42523).

   

(e) 7 --

Amendment, dated as of April 27, 1984, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(a)7 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-3517).

   

(e) 8 --

Amendment, dated January 1, 2000, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(e)12 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 in 1-8474).

   

*(e) 9 --

Amendment, dated March 1, 2004, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services.

   
(e) 10 through
(e) 24 -- See 10(a)10 through 10(a)24 above.
   

(e) 25 --

Fuel Lease, dated as of January 31, 1989, between River Fuel Company #2, Inc., and Entergy Louisiana (B-1(b) to Rule 24 Certificate in 70-7580).

   

(e) 26 --

Reallocation Agreement, dated as of July 28, 1981, among System Energy and certain other System companies (B-1(a) in 70-6624).

   

(e) 27 --

Compromise and Settlement Agreement, dated June 4, 1982, between Texaco, Inc. and Entergy Louisiana (28(a) to Form 8-K dated June 4, 1982 in 1-8474).

   

(e) 28 --

Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1982, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans (10(a)39 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).

   

(e) 29 --

First Amendment to the Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 28, 1984, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans (19 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1984 in 1-3517).

   

(e) 30 --

Revised Unit Power Sales Agreement (10(ss) in 33-4033).

   

(e) 31 --

Middle South Utilities, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Tax Allocation Agreement, dated April 28, 1988 (D-1 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1987).

   

(e) 32 --

First Amendment, dated January 1, 1990, to the Middle South Utilities, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement, dated January 1, 1990 (D-2 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1989).

   

(e) 33 --

Second Amendment dated January 1, 1992, to the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1992).

   

(e) 34 --

Third Amendment dated January 1, 1994 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1993).

   

(e) 35 --

Fourth Amendment dated April 1, 1997 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-5 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1996).

   

(e) 36 --

Contract for Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel and/or High-Level Radioactive Waste, dated February 2, 1984, among DOE, System Fuels and Entergy Louisiana (10(d)33 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-8474).

   

(e) 37 --

Operating Agreement between Entergy Operations and Entergy Louisiana, dated as of June 6, 1990 (B-2(c) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 15, 1990 in 70-7679).

   

(e) 38 --

Guarantee Agreement between Entergy Corporation and Entergy Louisiana, dated as of September 20, 1990 (B-2(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated September 27, 1990 in 70-7757).

   

(e) 39 --

Installment Sale Agreement, dated July 20, 1994, between Entergy Louisiana and St. Charles Parish, Louisiana (B-6(e) to Rule 24 Certificate dated August 1, 1994 in 70-7822).

   

(e) 40 --

Installment Sale Agreement, dated November 1, 1995, between Entergy Louisiana and St. Charles Parish, Louisiana (B-6(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated December 19, 1995 in 70-8487).

   

(e) 41 --

Refunding Agreement (Series 1999-A), dated as of June 1, 1999, between Entergy Louisiana and Parish of St. Charles, State of Louisiana (B-6(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated July 6, 1999 in 70-9141).

   

(e) 42 --

Refunding Agreement (Series 1999-B), dated as of June 1, 1999, between Entergy Louisiana and Parish of St. Charles, State of Louisiana (B-6(b) to Rule 24 Certificate dated July 6, 1999 in 70-9141).

   

(e) 43 --

Refunding Agreement (Series 1999-C), dated as of October 1, 1999, between Entergy Louisiana and Parish of St. Charles, State of Louisiana (B-11(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 15, 1999 in 70-9141).

Entergy Mississippi

(f) 1 --

Agreement dated April 23, 1982, among Entergy Mississippi and certain other System companies, relating to System Planning and Development and Intra-System Transactions (10(a)1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).

   

(f) 2 --

Middle South Utilities System Agency Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)2 in 2-41080).

   

(f) 3 --

Amendment, dated February 10, 1971, to Middle South Utilities System Agency Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)4 in 2-41080).

   

(f) 4 --

Amendment, dated May 12, 1988, to Middle South Utilities System Agency Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)4 in 2-41080).

   

(f) 5 --

Middle South Utilities System Agency Coordination Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)3 in 2-41080).

   

(f) 6 --

Service Agreement with Entergy Services, dated as of April 1, 1963 (D in 37-63).

   

(f) 7 --

Amendment, dated April 27, 1984, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(a)7 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-3517).

   

(f) 8 --

Amendment, dated January 1, 2000, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(f)12 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 in 1-31508).

   

*(f) 9 --

Amendment, dated March 1, 2004, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services.

   
(f) 10 through
(f) 24 -- See 10(a)10 through 10(a)24 above.
   

(f) 25 --

Loan Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2004, between Entergy Mississippi and Mississippi Business Finance Corporation (B-3(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated October 4, 2004 in 70-10157).

   

(f) 26 --

Refunding Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1999, between Entergy Mississippi and Independence County, Arkansas (B-6(a) to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 8, 1999 in 70-8719).

   

(f) 27 --

Substitute Power Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1980, among Entergy Mississippi, System Energy and SMEPA (B-3(a) in 70-6337).

   

(f) 28 --

Amendment, dated December 4, 1984, to the Independence Steam Electric Station Operating Agreement (10(c)51 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 0-375).

   

(f) 29 --

Amendment, dated December 4, 1984, to the Independence Steam Electric Station Ownership Agreement (10(c)54 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 0-375).

   

(f) 30 --

Owners Agreement, dated November 28, 1984, among Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi and other co-owners of the Independence Station (10(c)55 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 0-375).

   

(f) 31 --

Consent, Agreement and Assumption, dated December 4, 1984, among Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, other co-owners of the Independence Station and United States Trust Company of New York, as Trustee (10(c)56 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 0-375).

   

(f) 32 --

Reallocation Agreement, dated as of July 28, 1981, among System Energy and certain other System companies (B-1(a) in 70-6624).

   

+(f) 33 --

Post-Retirement Plan (10(d)24 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1983 in 0-320).

   

(f) 34 --

Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1982, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans (10(a)39 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).

   

(f) 35 --

First Amendment to the Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 28, 1984, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans (19 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1984 in 1-3517).

   

(f) 36 --

Revised Unit Power Sales Agreement (10(ss) in 33-4033).

   

(f) 37 --

Sales Agreement, dated as of June 21, 1974, between System Energy and Entergy Mississippi (D to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 26, 1974 in 70-5399).

   

(f) 38 --

Service Agreement, dated as of June 21, 1974, between System Energy and Entergy Mississippi (E to Rule 24 Certificate dated June 26, 1974 in 70-5399).

   

(f) 39 --

Partial Termination Agreement, dated as of December 1, 1986, between System Energy and Entergy Mississippi (A-2 to Rule 24 Certificate dated January 8, 1987 in 70-5399).

   

(f) 40 --

Middle South Utilities, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement, dated April 28, 1988 (D-1 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1987).

   

(f) 41 --

First Amendment dated January 1, 1990 to the Middle South Utilities Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Tax Allocation Agreement (D-2 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1989).

   

(f) 42 --

Second Amendment dated January 1, 1992, to the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1992).

   

(f) 43 --

Third Amendment dated January 1, 1994 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1993).

   

(f) 44 --

Fourth Amendment dated April 1, 1997 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-5 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1996).

   

+(f) 45 --

Employment Agreement effective July 24, 2003 between Carolyn C. Shanks and Entergy Mississippi (10(f)48 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 in 1-31508).

Entergy New Orleans

(g) 1 --

Agreement, dated April 23, 1982, among Entergy New Orleans and certain other System companies, relating to System Planning and Development and Intra-System Transactions (10(a)1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).

   

(g) 2 --

Middle South Utilities System Agency Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)2 in 2-41080).

   

(g) 3 --

Amendment dated as of February 10, 1971, to Middle South Utilities System Agency Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)4 in 2-41080).

   

(g) 4 --

Amendment, dated May 12, 1988, to Middle South Utilities System Agency Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)4 in 2-41080).

   

(g) 5 --

Middle South Utilities System Agency Coordination Agreement, dated December 11, 1970 (5(a)3 in 2-41080).

   

(g) 6 --

Service Agreement with Entergy Services dated as of April 1, 1963 (5(a)5 in 2-42523).

   

(g) 7 --

Amendment, dated as of April 27, 1984, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(a)7 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1984 in 1-3517).

   

(g) 8 --

Amendment, dated January 1, 2000, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services (10(g)12 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 in 0-5807).

   

*(g) 9 --

Amendment, dated March 1, 2004, to Service Agreement with Entergy Services.

   
(g) 10 through
(g) 24 -- See 10(a)10 through 10(a)24 above.
   

(g) 25 --

Reallocation Agreement, dated as of July 28, 1981, among System Energy and certain other System companies (B-1(a) in 70-6624).

   

(g) 26 --

Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1982, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans (10(a)39 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1982 in 1-3517).

   

(g) 27 --

First Amendment to the Unit Power Sales Agreement, dated as of June 28, 1984, between System Energy and Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi and Entergy New Orleans (19 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1984 in 1-3517).

   

(g) 28 --

Revised Unit Power Sales Agreement (10(ss) in 33-4033).

   

(g) 29 --

Transfer Agreement, dated as of June 28, 1983, among the City of New Orleans, Entergy New Orleans and Regional Transit Authority (2(a) to Form 8-K dated June 24, 1983 in 1-1319).

   

(g) 30 --

Middle South Utilities, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement, dated April 28, 1988 (D-1 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1987).

   

(g) 31 --

First Amendment, dated January 1, 1990, to the Middle South Utilities, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-2 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1989).

   

(g) 32 --

Second Amendment dated January 1, 1992, to the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1992).

   

(g) 33 --

Third Amendment dated January 1, 1994 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-3(a) to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1993).

   

(g) 34 --

Fourth Amendment dated April 1, 1997 to Entergy Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (D-5 to Form U5S for the year ended December 31, 1996).

(12) Statement Re Computation of Ratios

*(a)

Entergy Arkansas' Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends, as defined.

   

*(b)

Entergy Gulf States' Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends, as defined.

   

*(c)

Entergy Louisiana's Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends, as defined.

   

*(d)

Entergy Mississippi's Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends, as defined.

   

*(e)

Entergy New Orleans' Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends, as defined.

   

*(f)

System Energy's Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges, as defined.

*(21) Subsidiaries of the Registrants

(23) Consents of Experts and Counsel

*(a)

The consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP is contained herein at page 398.

   

*(b)

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.

*(24) Powers of Attorney

(31) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications

*(a)

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Corporation.

   

*(b)

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Corporation.

   

*(c)

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Arkansas.

   

*(d)

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Gulf States.

   

*(e)

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana.

   

*(f)

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Mississippi.

   

*(g)

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy New Orleans.

   

*(h)

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for System Energy.

   

*(i)

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans.

   

*(j)

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification for System Energy.

(32) Section 1350 Certifications

*(a)

Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Corporation.

   

*(b)

Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Corporation.

   

*(c)

Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Arkansas.

   

*(d)

Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Gulf States.

   

*(e)

Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Gulf States and Entergy Louisiana.

   

*(f)

Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Mississippi.

   

*(g)

Section 1350 Certification for Entergy New Orleans.

   

*(h)

Section 1350 Certification for System Energy.

   

*(i)

Section 1350 Certification for Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Gulf States, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans.

   

*(j)

Section 1350 Certification for System Energy.

(99) Additional Exhibits

*(a)

Entergy-Koch, LP Financial Statements for the years 2004, 2003, and 2002.

_________________
* Filed herewith.
+ Management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.