IDACORP INC - Quarter Report: 2013 March (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
X | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES | |||
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013 | ||||
OR | ||||
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES | ||||
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the transition period from __________ to __________ | ||||
Exact name of registrants as specified | I.R.S. Employer | |||
Commission File | in their charters, address of principal | Identification | ||
Number | executive offices, zip code and telephone number | Number | ||
1-14465 | IDACORP, Inc. | 82-0505802 | ||
1-3198 | Idaho Power Company | 82-0130980 | ||
1221 W. Idaho Street | ||||
Boise, Idaho 83702-5627 | ||||
(208) 388-2200 | ||||
State of Incorporation: Idaho | ||||
None | ||||
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report. |
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.
IDACORP, Inc.: Yes X No __ Idaho Power Company: Yes X No __
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically and posted on their corporate Web sites, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit and post such files).
IDACORP, Inc.: Yes X No ___ Idaho Power Company: Yes X No ___
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are large accelerated filers, accelerated filers, non-accelerated filers, or smaller reporting companies. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):
IDACORP, Inc.:
Large accelerated filer X Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company
Idaho Power Company:
Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer X Smaller reporting company
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are shell companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
IDACORP, Inc.: Yes No X Idaho Power Company: Yes No X
Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of April 26, 2013:
IDACORP, Inc.: 50,232,852
Idaho Power Company: 39,150,812, all held by IDACORP, Inc.
This combined Form 10-Q represents separate filings by IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company. Information contained herein relating to an individual registrant is filed by that registrant on its own behalf. Idaho Power Company makes no representations as to the information relating to IDACORP, Inc.’s other operations.
Idaho Power Company meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction (H)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this report on Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format.
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS | ||||
Page | ||||
Commonly Used Terms | ||||
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements | ||||
Part I. Financial Information | ||||
Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited) | ||||
IDACORP, Inc.: | ||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income | ||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income | ||||
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | ||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity | ||||
Idaho Power Company: | ||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income | ||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income | ||||
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | ||||
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | ||||
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | ||||
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | ||||
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | ||||
Item 4. Controls and Procedures | ||||
Part II. Other Information: | ||||
Item 1. Legal Proceedings | ||||
Item 1A. Risk Factors | ||||
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | ||||
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures | ||||
Item 5. Other Information | ||||
Item 6. Exhibits | ||||
Signatures | ||||
Exhibit Index |
2
COMMONLY USED TERMS | ||
The following select abbreviations, terms, or acronyms are commonly used or found in multiple locations in this report: | ||
ADITC | - | Accumulated Deferred Investment Tax Credits |
AFUDC | - | Allowance for Funds Used During Construction |
AMI | - | Advanced Metering Infrastructure |
BCC | - | Bridger Coal Company, a joint venture of IERCo |
BLM | - | U.S. Bureau of Land Management |
CAA | - | Clean Air Act |
CO2 | - | Carbon Dioxide |
CSPP | - | Cogeneration and Small Power Production |
CWA | - | Clean Water Act |
EGUs | - | Electric Utility Steam Generating Units |
EIS | - | Environmental Impact Statement |
EPA | - | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
FCA | - | Fixed Cost Adjustment |
FERC | - | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
FIP | - | Federal Implementation Plan |
GHG | - | Greenhouse Gas |
HAPs | - | Hazardous Air Pollutants |
HCC | - | Hells Canyon Complex |
IDACORP | - | IDACORP, Inc., an Idaho corporation |
Idaho Power | - | Idaho Power Company, an Idaho corporation |
Idaho ROE | - | Idaho-jurisdiction return on year-end equity |
Ida-West | - | Ida-West Energy, a subsidiary of IDACORP, Inc. |
IERCo | - | Idaho Energy Resources Co., a subsidiary of Idaho Power Company |
IESCo | - | IDACORP Energy Services Co., a subsidiary of IDACORP, Inc. |
IFS | - | IDACORP Financial Services, a subsidiary of IDACORP, Inc. |
IPUC | - | Idaho Public Utilities Commission |
IRP | - | Integrated Resource Plan |
kW | - | Kilowatt |
MD&A | - | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
MW | - | Megawatt |
MWh | - | Megawatt-hour |
NOx | - | Nitrous Oxide |
O&M | - | Operations and Maintenance |
OATT | - | Open Access Transmission Tariff |
OPUC | - | Oregon Public Utility Commission |
PCA | - | Power Cost Adjustment |
PURPA | - | Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 |
REC | - | Renewable Energy Certificate |
SEC | - | U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |
SIP | - | State Implementation Plan |
SMSP | - | Senior Management Security Plan I and II |
SO2 | - | Sulfur Dioxide |
SRBA | - | Snake River Basin Adjudication |
Valmy | - | North Valmy Steam Electric Generating Plant |
WPSC | - | Wyoming Public Service Commission |
3
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS |
In addition to the historical information contained in this report, this report contains (and oral communications made by IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company may contain) statements that relate to future events and expectations, such as statements regarding projected or future financial performance, cash flows, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure or ratios, strategic goals, challenges, objectives, and plans for future operations. Such statements constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, or future events or performance, often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "projects," "may result," "may continue," or similar expressions, are not statements of historical facts and may be forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve estimates, assumptions, risks, and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or outcomes may differ materially from the results discussed in the statements. In addition to any assumptions and other factors and matters referred to specifically in connection with such forward-looking statements, factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements include those factors set forth in this report, IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, particularly Item 1A - “Risk Factors” and Part II, Item 7 - “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," subsequent reports filed by IDACORP and Idaho Power with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the following important factors:
• | Idaho Power's rate design and the effect of regulatory decisions by the Idaho and Oregon public utilities commissions, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and other regulators affecting Idaho Power's ability to recover costs and earn a return; |
• | changes in residential, commercial, and industrial growth and demographic patterns within Idaho Power's service area, the loss or change in the business of significant customers, and the availability and use of energy efficiency and conservation programs, and the associated impact on loads and load growth; |
• | the impacts of changes in economic conditions, including the potential for changes in customer demand for electricity, revenue from sales of excess power, financial soundness of counterparties and suppliers, and collections; |
• | unseasonable or severe weather conditions, wildfires, and other natural phenomena, which affect customer demand, hydroelectric generation levels, infrastructure repair costs, and the ability and cost to procure fuel for generation plants or purchased power to serve customers; |
• | advancement of new technologies that reduce loads or render Idaho Power's generation facilities obsolete; |
• | adoption of or changes in, and costs of compliance with, laws, regulations, and policies relating to the environment, natural resources, and endangered species, and the ability to recover those costs through rates; |
• | variable hydrological conditions and over-appropriation of surface and groundwater in the Snake River basin, which can impact the amount of generation from Idaho Power's hydroelectric facilities; |
• | the ability to purchase fuel and power from suppliers on favorable payment terms and prices, particularly in the event of unanticipated power demands, lack of physical availability, transportation constraints, or a credit downgrade; |
• | accidents, fires, explosions, and mechanical breakdowns that may occur while operating and maintaining an electric system, which can cause unplanned outages, reduce generating output, damage the companies’ assets or operations, subject the companies to third-party claims for property damage, personal injury, or loss of life, or result in the imposition of civil, criminal, or regulatory fines or penalties; |
• | the ability to obtain debt and equity financing or refinance existing debt when necessary and on favorable terms, which can be affected by factors such as credit ratings, volatility in the financial markets (including as a result of European sovereign debt issues) and interest rate fluctuations, decisions by the Idaho or Oregon public utility commissions, and the companies' past or projected financial performance; |
• | reductions in credit ratings, which could adversely impact access to capital markets and would require the posting of additional collateral to counterparties pursuant to existing power purchase and credit arrangements; |
• | the ability to buy and sell power, transmission capacity, and fuel in the markets and the availability to enter into financial and physical commodity hedges with creditworthy counterparties, including the impact of federal legislation on counterparties' willingness to transact, market liquidity, and hedging costs, which may affect fuel and power availability and pricing, and the failure of any such risk management and hedging strategies to work as intended; |
• | changes in or implementation of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and other mandatory reliability, security, and other requirements for system infrastructure, which could result in penalties and increase costs; |
4
• | disruptions or outages of Idaho Power's generation or transmission systems or the western interconnected transmission system; |
• | the costs and operational challenges of integrating an increasing volume of mandated purchased intermittent wind power or other renewable energy sources into Idaho Power's resource portfolio; |
• | changes in actuarial assumptions, the interest rate environment, and the actual return on plan assets for pension and other post-retirement plans, which can affect future pension and other post-retirement plan funding obligations, costs, and liabilities; |
• | the ability to continue to pay dividends under the terms of the companies' credit arrangements and regulatory limitations, and whether the companies' boards of directors will continue to declare dividends based on the boards of directors’ periodic consideration of factors affecting IDACORP's and Idaho Power's dividend policies; |
• | changes in tax laws or related regulations or new interpretations of applicable laws by federal, state, or local taxing jurisdictions, the availability of tax credits, and the tax rates payable by IDACORP shareholders on common stock dividends; |
• | employee workforce factors, including the operational and financial costs of unionization or the attempt to unionize all or part of the companies' workforce, the impact of an aging workforce, the cost and ability to retain skilled workers, and the ability to adjust the labor cost structure when necessary; |
• | failure to comply with state and federal laws, policies, and regulations, including new interpretations and enforcement initiatives by regulatory and oversight bodies, which may result in penalties and increase the cost of compliance, the nature and extent of investigations and audits, and the cost of remediation; |
• | the inability to obtain or cost of obtaining and complying with required governmental permits and approvals, licenses, rights-of-way, and siting for transmission and generation projects and hydroelectric facilities; |
• | the cost and outcome of litigation, dispute resolution, regulatory proceedings, and penalties, and the ability to recover those costs or the costs of operational changes through insurance or rates, or from third parties; |
• | the failure of information systems or the failure to secure information system data, security breaches, or the direct or indirect effect on the companies' business resulting from cyber attacks, terrorist incidents or the threat of terrorist incidents, and acts of war; |
• | adoption of or changes in accounting policies and principles, including the potential adoption of all or a portion of International Financial Reporting Standards, changes in accounting estimates, and new Securities and Exchange Commission or New York Stock Exchange requirements, or new interpretations of existing requirements; and |
• | unusual or unanticipated changes in normal business operations, including unusual maintenance or repairs, or the failure to successfully implement technology solutions. |
Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, nor can it assess the impact of any such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. IDACORP and Idaho Power disclaim any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether in response to new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
5
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
IDACORP, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(unaudited)
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
(thousands of dollars except for per share amounts) | ||||||||
Operating Revenues: | ||||||||
Electric utility: | ||||||||
General business | $ | 232,219 | $ | 197,429 | ||||
Off-system sales | 15,900 | 27,708 | ||||||
Other revenues | 16,249 | 15,346 | ||||||
Total electric utility revenues | 264,368 | 240,483 | ||||||
Other | 560 | 657 | ||||||
Total operating revenues | 264,928 | 241,140 | ||||||
Operating Expenses: | ||||||||
Electric utility: | ||||||||
Purchased power | 42,857 | 34,277 | ||||||
Fuel expense | 49,166 | 32,751 | ||||||
Power cost adjustment | (14,711 | ) | 9,008 | |||||
Other operations and maintenance | 79,785 | 78,514 | ||||||
Energy efficiency programs | 4,470 | 4,477 | ||||||
Depreciation | 31,910 | 30,542 | ||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 8,172 | 8,100 | ||||||
Total electric utility expenses | 201,649 | 197,669 | ||||||
Other | 3,846 | 3,611 | ||||||
Total operating expenses | 205,495 | 201,280 | ||||||
Operating Income | 59,433 | 39,860 | ||||||
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction | 3,615 | 7,616 | ||||||
Earnings of Unconsolidated Equity-Method Investments | 107 | 1,419 | ||||||
Other Income, Net | 826 | 1,461 | ||||||
Interest Expense: | ||||||||
Interest on long-term debt | 19,669 | 19,499 | ||||||
Other interest | 1,752 | 1,655 | ||||||
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction | (1,931 | ) | (3,949 | ) | ||||
Total interest expense, net | 19,490 | 17,205 | ||||||
Income Before Income Taxes | 44,491 | 33,151 | ||||||
Income Tax Expense | 11,111 | 8,333 | ||||||
Net Income | 33,380 | 24,818 | ||||||
Adjustment for loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | 153 | 112 | ||||||
Net Income Attributable to IDACORP, Inc. | $ | 33,533 | $ | 24,930 | ||||
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding - Basic (000’s) | 50,039 | 49,860 | ||||||
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted (000’s) | 50,064 | 49,905 | ||||||
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock: | ||||||||
Earnings Attributable to IDACORP, Inc. - Basic | $ | 0.67 | $ | 0.50 | ||||
Earnings Attributable to IDACORP, Inc. - Diluted | $ | 0.67 | $ | 0.50 | ||||
Dividends Declared Per Share of Common Stock | $ | 0.38 | $ | 0.33 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
6
IDACORP, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(unaudited)
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
(thousands of dollars) | ||||||||
Net Income | $ | 33,380 | $ | 24,818 | ||||
Other Comprehensive Income: | ||||||||
Net unrealized holding gains arising during the period, net of tax of $758 and $874 | 1,181 | 1,362 | ||||||
Unfunded pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $298 and $170 | 465 | 265 | ||||||
Total Comprehensive Income | 35,026 | 26,445 | ||||||
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | 153 | 112 | ||||||
Comprehensive Income Attributable to IDACORP, Inc. | $ | 35,179 | $ | 26,557 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
7
IDACORP, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
March 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||
(thousands of dollars) | ||||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Current Assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 24,460 | $ | 26,527 | ||||
Receivables: | ||||||||
Customer (net of allowance of $1,468 and $1,551, respectively) | 78,806 | 66,111 | ||||||
Other (net of allowance of $178 and $322, respectively) | 24,330 | 23,608 | ||||||
Income taxes receivable | 1,848 | 1,753 | ||||||
Accrued unbilled revenues | 39,731 | 51,448 | ||||||
Materials and supplies (at average cost) | 52,625 | 51,037 | ||||||
Fuel stock (at average cost) | 32,565 | 42,388 | ||||||
Prepayments | 11,199 | 12,823 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 31,885 | 56,532 | ||||||
Current regulatory assets | 84,263 | 30,078 | ||||||
Other | 2,540 | 4,948 | ||||||
Total current assets | 384,252 | 367,253 | ||||||
Investments | 181,255 | 189,020 | ||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment: | ||||||||
Utility plant in service | 4,940,837 | 4,915,772 | ||||||
Accumulated provision for depreciation | (1,723,796 | ) | (1,703,159 | ) | ||||
Utility plant in service - net | 3,217,041 | 3,212,613 | ||||||
Construction work in progress | 312,638 | 298,470 | ||||||
Utility plant held for future use | 7,101 | 7,101 | ||||||
Other property, net of accumulated depreciation | 17,739 | 17,847 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment - net | 3,554,519 | 3,536,031 | ||||||
Other Assets: | ||||||||
American Falls and Milner water rights | 16,585 | 17,909 | ||||||
Company-owned life insurance | 22,774 | 22,646 | ||||||
Regulatory assets | 1,103,110 | 1,132,960 | ||||||
Long-term receivables (net of allowance of $1,260 and $1,260, respectively) | 4,437 | 4,437 | ||||||
Other | 48,912 | 49,260 | ||||||
Total other assets | 1,195,818 | 1,227,212 | ||||||
Total | $ | 5,315,844 | $ | 5,319,516 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
8
IDACORP, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
March 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||
(thousands of dollars) | ||||||||
Liabilities and Equity | ||||||||
Current Liabilities: | ||||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt | $ | 1,064 | $ | 71,064 | ||||
Notes payable | 83,750 | 69,700 | ||||||
Accounts payable | 65,309 | 90,165 | ||||||
Income taxes accrued | 154 | 1,005 | ||||||
Interest accrued | 24,157 | 22,311 | ||||||
Accrued compensation | 26,741 | 42,343 | ||||||
Current regulatory liabilities | 19,406 | 30,277 | ||||||
Other | 34,827 | 24,438 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 255,408 | 351,303 | ||||||
Other Liabilities: | ||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 892,356 | 894,616 | ||||||
Regulatory liabilities | 363,424 | 355,362 | ||||||
Pension and other postretirement benefits | 430,625 | 423,409 | ||||||
Other | 59,003 | 65,228 | ||||||
Total other liabilities | 1,745,408 | 1,738,615 | ||||||
Long-Term Debt | 1,535,627 | 1,466,632 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||
Equity: | ||||||||
IDACORP, Inc. shareholders’ equity: | ||||||||
Common stock, no par value (shares authorized 120,000,000; 50,232,758 and 50,158,486 shares issued, respectively) | 835,418 | 834,922 | ||||||
Retained earnings | 955,409 | 940,968 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (15,470 | ) | (17,116 | ) | ||||
Treasury stock (941 and 1,817 shares at cost, respectively) | (16 | ) | (21 | ) | ||||
Total IDACORP, Inc. shareholders’ equity | 1,775,341 | 1,758,753 | ||||||
Noncontrolling interests | 4,060 | 4,213 | ||||||
Total equity | 1,779,401 | 1,762,966 | ||||||
Total | $ | 5,315,844 | $ | 5,319,516 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. |
9
IDACORP, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
(thousands of dollars) | ||||||||
Operating Activities: | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 33,380 | $ | 24,818 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 33,195 | 31,875 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits | 10,478 | 5,008 | ||||||
Changes in regulatory assets and liabilities | (13,681 | ) | 15,586 | |||||
Pension and postretirement benefit plan expense | 7,673 | 7,673 | ||||||
Contributions to pension and postretirement benefit plans | (1,322 | ) | (35,203 | ) | ||||
Earnings of unconsolidated equity-method investments | (107 | ) | (1,419 | ) | ||||
Distributions from unconsolidated equity-method investments | 7,631 | 9,050 | ||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | (3,615 | ) | (7,616 | ) | ||||
Other non-cash adjustments to net income, net | 419 | 827 | ||||||
Change in: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable | (15,158 | ) | (717 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | (32,519 | ) | (23,215 | ) | ||||
Taxes accrued/receivable | 7,840 | 10,352 | ||||||
Other current assets | 21,577 | (160 | ) | |||||
Other current liabilities | 4,993 | 4,812 | ||||||
Other assets | (1,089 | ) | 305 | |||||
Other liabilities | (5,716 | ) | (4,326 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 53,979 | 37,650 | ||||||
Investing Activities: | ||||||||
Additions to property, plant and equipment | (51,976 | ) | (48,382 | ) | ||||
Investments in affordable housing | — | (350 | ) | |||||
Distributions from affordable housing investments | 1,448 | — | ||||||
Other | 1,837 | (249 | ) | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (48,691 | ) | (48,981 | ) | ||||
Financing Activities: | ||||||||
Retirement of long-term debt | (1,064 | ) | (1,064 | ) | ||||
Dividends on common stock | (19,303 | ) | (16,800 | ) | ||||
Net change in short-term borrowings | 14,050 | 8,800 | ||||||
Issuance of common stock | 255 | 2,487 | ||||||
Acquisition of treasury stock | (2,121 | ) | (2,062 | ) | ||||
Other | 828 | 1,014 | ||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (7,355 | ) | (7,625 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (2,067 | ) | (18,956 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period | 26,527 | 27,813 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period | $ | 24,460 | $ | 8,857 | ||||
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: | ||||||||
Cash paid during the period for: | ||||||||
Income taxes | $ | — | $ | 198 | ||||
Interest (net of amount capitalized) | $ | 17,014 | $ | 14,943 | ||||
Non-cash investing activities: | ||||||||
Additions to property, plant and equipment in accounts payable | $ | 17,646 | $ | 21,241 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
10
IDACORP, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity
(unaudited)
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
(thousands of dollars) | ||||||||
Common Stock | ||||||||
Balance at beginning of period | $ | 834,922 | $ | 828,389 | ||||
Issued | 255 | 2,487 | ||||||
Other | 241 | 420 | ||||||
Balance at end of period | 835,418 | 831,296 | ||||||
Retained Earnings | ||||||||
Balance at beginning of period | 940,968 | 840,916 | ||||||
Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc. | 33,533 | 24,930 | ||||||
Common stock dividends ($0.38 and $0.33 per share) | (19,092 | ) | (16,519 | ) | ||||
Balance at end of period | 955,409 | 849,327 | ||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income | ||||||||
Balance at beginning of period | (17,116 | ) | (11,622 | ) | ||||
Unrealized gain on securities (net of tax) | 1,181 | 1,362 | ||||||
Unfunded pension liability adjustment (net of tax) | 465 | 265 | ||||||
Balance at end of period | (15,470 | ) | (9,995 | ) | ||||
Treasury Stock | ||||||||
Balance at beginning of period | (21 | ) | (29 | ) | ||||
Issued | 2,126 | 2,031 | ||||||
Acquired | (2,121 | ) | (2,062 | ) | ||||
Balance at end of period | (16 | ) | (60 | ) | ||||
Total IDACORP, Inc. shareholders’ equity at end of period | 1,775,341 | 1,670,568 | ||||||
Noncontrolling Interests | ||||||||
Balance at beginning of period | 4,213 | 4,040 | ||||||
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | (153 | ) | (112 | ) | ||||
Balance at end of period | 4,060 | 3,928 | ||||||
Total equity at end of period | $ | 1,779,401 | $ | 1,674,496 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
11
Idaho Power Company
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(unaudited)
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
(thousands of dollars) | ||||||||
Operating Revenues: | ||||||||
General business | $ | 232,219 | $ | 197,429 | ||||
Off-system sales | 15,900 | 27,708 | ||||||
Other revenues | 16,249 | 15,346 | ||||||
Total operating revenues | 264,368 | 240,483 | ||||||
Operating Expenses: | ||||||||
Operation: | ||||||||
Purchased power | 42,857 | 34,277 | ||||||
Fuel expense | 49,166 | 32,751 | ||||||
Power cost adjustment | (14,711 | ) | 9,008 | |||||
Other operations and maintenance | 79,785 | 78,514 | ||||||
Energy efficiency programs | 4,470 | 4,477 | ||||||
Depreciation | 31,910 | 30,542 | ||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 8,172 | 8,100 | ||||||
Total operating expenses | 201,649 | 197,669 | ||||||
Income from Operations | 62,719 | 42,814 | ||||||
Other Income (Expense): | ||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 3,615 | 7,616 | ||||||
Earnings of unconsolidated equity-method investments | 2,634 | 4,293 | ||||||
Other expense, net | (2,158 | ) | (1,479 | ) | ||||
Total other income | 4,091 | 10,430 | ||||||
Interest Charges: | ||||||||
Interest on long-term debt | 19,669 | 19,499 | ||||||
Other interest | 1,648 | 1,560 | ||||||
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction | (1,931 | ) | (3,949 | ) | ||||
Total interest charges | 19,386 | 17,110 | ||||||
Income Before Income Taxes | 47,424 | 36,134 | ||||||
Income Tax Expense | 13,378 | 10,315 | ||||||
Net Income | $ | 34,046 | $ | 25,819 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
12
Idaho Power Company
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(unaudited)
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
(thousands of dollars) | ||||||||
Net Income | $ | 34,046 | $ | 25,819 | ||||
Other Comprehensive Income: | ||||||||
Net unrealized holding gains arising during the period, net of tax of $758 and $874 | 1,181 | 1,362 | ||||||
Unfunded pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $298 and $170 | 465 | 265 | ||||||
Total Comprehensive Income | $ | 35,692 | $ | 27,446 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
13
Idaho Power Company
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
March 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||
(thousands of dollars) | ||||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Electric Plant: | ||||||||
In service (at original cost) | $ | 4,940,837 | $ | 4,915,772 | ||||
Accumulated provision for depreciation | (1,723,796 | ) | (1,703,159 | ) | ||||
In service - net | 3,217,041 | 3,212,613 | ||||||
Construction work in progress | 312,638 | 298,470 | ||||||
Held for future use | 7,101 | 7,101 | ||||||
Electric plant - net | 3,536,780 | 3,518,184 | ||||||
Investments and Other Property | 124,355 | 128,145 | ||||||
Current Assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 16,842 | 17,251 | ||||||
Receivables: | ||||||||
Customer (net of allowance of $1,468 and $1,551, respectively) | 78,806 | 66,111 | ||||||
Other (net of allowance of $178 and $322, respectively) | 24,144 | 20,618 | ||||||
Income taxes receivable | — | 2,559 | ||||||
Accrued unbilled revenues | 39,731 | 51,448 | ||||||
Materials and supplies (at average cost) | 52,625 | 51,037 | ||||||
Fuel stock (at average cost) | 32,565 | 42,388 | ||||||
Prepayments | 11,031 | 12,688 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 24,128 | 48,774 | ||||||
Current regulatory assets | 84,263 | 30,078 | ||||||
Other | 2,541 | 4,950 | ||||||
Total current assets | 366,676 | 347,902 | ||||||
Deferred Debits: | ||||||||
American Falls and Milner water rights | 16,585 | 17,909 | ||||||
Company-owned life insurance | 22,774 | 22,646 | ||||||
Regulatory assets | 1,103,110 | 1,132,960 | ||||||
Other | 47,649 | 47,965 | ||||||
Total deferred debits | 1,190,118 | 1,221,480 | ||||||
Total | $ | 5,217,929 | $ | 5,215,711 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
14
Idaho Power Company
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
March 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||
(thousands of dollars) | ||||||||
Capitalization and Liabilities | ||||||||
Capitalization: | ||||||||
Common stock equity: | ||||||||
Common stock, $2.50 par value (50,000,000 shares authorized; 39,150,812 shares outstanding) | $ | 97,877 | $ | 97,877 | ||||
Premium on capital stock | 712,258 | 712,258 | ||||||
Capital stock expense | (2,097 | ) | (2,097 | ) | ||||
Retained earnings | 849,664 | 834,732 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (15,470 | ) | (17,116 | ) | ||||
Total common stock equity | 1,642,232 | 1,625,654 | ||||||
Long-term debt | 1,535,627 | 1,466,632 | ||||||
Total capitalization | 3,177,859 | 3,092,286 | ||||||
Current Liabilities: | ||||||||
Long-term debt due within one year | 1,064 | 71,064 | ||||||
Notes payable | 16,600 | — | ||||||
Accounts payable | 64,205 | 89,651 | ||||||
Accounts payable to affiliates | 576 | 252 | ||||||
Income taxes accrued | 751 | — | ||||||
Interest accrued | 24,157 | 22,311 | ||||||
Accrued compensation | 26,675 | 42,282 | ||||||
Current regulatory liabilities | 19,406 | 30,277 | ||||||
Other | 34,423 | 23,813 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 187,857 | 279,650 | ||||||
Deferred Credits: | ||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 1,000,892 | 1,001,877 | ||||||
Regulatory liabilities | 363,424 | 355,362 | ||||||
Pension and other postretirement benefits | 430,625 | 423,409 | ||||||
Other | 57,272 | 63,127 | ||||||
Total deferred credits | 1,852,213 | 1,843,775 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||
Total | $ | 5,217,929 | $ | 5,215,711 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. |
15
Idaho Power Company
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
(thousands of dollars) | ||||||||
Operating Activities: | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 34,046 | $ | 25,819 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 33,047 | 31,723 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits | 11,753 | 25,114 | ||||||
Changes in regulatory assets and liabilities | (13,681 | ) | 15,586 | |||||
Pension and postretirement benefit plan expense | 7,673 | 7,673 | ||||||
Contributions to pension and postretirement benefit plans | (1,322 | ) | (35,203 | ) | ||||
Earnings of unconsolidated equity-method investments | (2,634 | ) | (4,293 | ) | ||||
Distributions from unconsolidated equity-method investments | 6,856 | 9,050 | ||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | (3,615 | ) | (7,616 | ) | ||||
Other non-cash adjustments to net income, net | (226 | ) | 559 | |||||
Change in: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable | (17,671 | ) | (863 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable | (32,389 | ) | (22,998 | ) | ||||
Taxes accrued/receivable | 11,321 | (4,564 | ) | |||||
Other current assets | 21,610 | (61 | ) | |||||
Other current liabilities | 4,988 | 4,813 | ||||||
Other assets | (1,089 | ) | 305 | |||||
Other liabilities | (5,346 | ) | (4,105 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 53,321 | 40,939 | ||||||
Investing Activities: | ||||||||
Additions to utility plant | (51,976 | ) | (48,382 | ) | ||||
Other | 1,837 | (248 | ) | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (50,139 | ) | (48,630 | ) | ||||
Financing Activities: | ||||||||
Retirement of long-term debt | (1,064 | ) | (1,064 | ) | ||||
Dividends on common stock | (19,113 | ) | (16,570 | ) | ||||
Net change in short term borrowings | 16,600 | 1,500 | ||||||
Capital contribution from parent | — | 7,500 | ||||||
Other | (14 | ) | — | |||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (3,591 | ) | (8,634 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (409 | ) | (16,325 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period | 17,251 | 19,316 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period | $ | 16,842 | $ | 2,991 | ||||
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: | ||||||||
Cash (received) paid during the period for: | ||||||||
Income taxes | $ | (2,491 | ) | $ | (3,008 | ) | ||
Interest (net of amount capitalized) | $ | 16,910 | $ | 14,848 | ||||
Non-cash investing activities: | ||||||||
Additions to property, plant and equipment in accounts payable | $ | 17,646 | $ | 21,241 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
16
IDACORP, INC. AND IDAHO POWER COMPANY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is a combined report of IDACORP, Inc. (IDACORP) and Idaho Power Company (Idaho Power). Therefore, these Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements apply to both IDACORP and Idaho Power. However, Idaho Power makes no representation as to the information relating to IDACORP’s other operations.
Nature of Business
IDACORP is a holding company formed in 1998 whose principal operating subsidiary is Idaho Power. Idaho Power is an electric utility with a service territory covering approximately 24,000 square miles in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. Idaho Power's utility operations are regulated primarily by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the state regulatory commissions of Idaho and Oregon. Idaho Power is the parent of Idaho Energy Resources Co. (IERCo), a joint venturer in Bridger Coal Company (BCC), which mines and supplies coal to the Jim Bridger generating plant owned in part by Idaho Power.
IDACORP’s other wholly-owned subsidiaries include IDACORP Financial Services, Inc. (IFS), an investor in affordable housing and other real estate investments; Ida-West Energy Company (Ida-West), an operator of small hydroelectric generation projects that satisfy the requirements of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA); and IDACORP Energy Services Co. (IESCo), which is the former limited partner of, and current successor by merger to, IDACORP Energy L.P., a marketer of energy commodities that wound down operations in 2003.
Regulation of Utility Operations
IDACORP's and Idaho Power's financial statements reflect the effects of the different ratemaking principles followed by the jurisdictions regulating Idaho Power. The application of accounting principles related to regulated operations sometimes results in Idaho Power recording expenses and revenues in a different period than when an unregulated enterprise would otherwise record expenses and revenues. In these instances, the amounts are deferred as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities on the balance sheet and recorded on the income statement when recovered or returned in rates. Additionally, regulators can impose regulatory liabilities upon a regulated company for amounts previously collected from customers and for amounts that are expected to be refunded to customers. The effects of applying these regulatory accounting principles to Idaho Power's operations are discussed in more detail in Note 3.
Financial Statements
In the opinion of management of IDACORP and Idaho Power, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly each company's consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2013, consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, and consolidated cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012. These adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. These financial statements do not contain the complete detail or footnote disclosure concerning accounting policies and other matters that would be included in full-year financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. A change in management's estimates or assumptions could have a material impact on IDACORP's or Idaho Power's respective financial condition and results of operations during the period in which such change occurred.
Management Estimates
Management makes estimates and assumptions when preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These estimates and assumptions include those related to rate regulation, retirement benefits, contingencies, litigation, asset impairment, income taxes, unbilled revenues, and bad debt. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic factors that are difficult to predict and are beyond management's control. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
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Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts on the IDACORP condensed consolidated statements of income have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. In the current year, the allowance for equity funds used during construction has been classified to a separate line item. Previously, such amounts had been classified within the line item captioned "Other Income, Net." In addition, the components of the line item "Other interest, net of AFUDC" have been expanded to present a separate line item for the portion attributable to the allowance for borrowed funds used during construction. Previously reported net income, cash flows, and shareholders' equity were not affected by these reclassifications. Also, prior year amounts related to prepayments and related to proceeds from sales of emission allowances and renewable energy certificates on the IDACORP and Idaho Power condensed consolidated statements of cash flows have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
IDACORP management identified certain operating expenses, primarily consisting of Senior Management Security Plan expense, totaling $2.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2012, which had been erroneously reported as a reduction to "Other Income, net" in the previously issued IDACORP financial statements rather than as a reduction to "Operating Income." Accordingly, such classification has been corrected in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of income for the three months ended March 31, 2012, by including these costs within "Other" operating expenses. Such items had no effect on the previously issued condensed consolidated financial statements of Idaho Power and the previously issued condensed consolidated balance sheet, condensed consolidated statement of cash flows, or condensed consolidated statement of equity of IDACORP.
2. INCOME TAXES
In accordance with interim reporting requirements, IDACORP and Idaho Power use an estimated annual effective tax rate for computing their provisions for income taxes. An estimate of annual income tax expense (or benefit) is made each interim period using estimates for annual pre-tax income, income tax adjustments, and tax credits. The estimated annual effective tax rates do not include discrete events such as tax law changes, examination settlements, or method changes. Discrete events are recorded in the interim period in which they occur. The estimated annual effective tax rate is applied to year-to-date pre-tax income to determine income tax expense (or benefit) for the interim period consistent with the annual estimate. In subsequent interim periods, income tax expense (or benefit) for the period is computed as the difference between the year-to-date amount reported for the previous interim period and the current period's year-to-date amount.
Income Tax Expense
The following table provides a summary of income tax expense for the three months ended March 31 (in thousands of dollars):
IDACORP | Idaho Power | |||||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||
Income tax at statutory rates (federal and state) | $ | 17,456 | $ | 13,006 | $ | 18,543 | $ | 14,128 | ||||||||
Additional accumulated deferred investment tax credit amortization | — | (825 | ) | — | (825 | ) | ||||||||||
Other (1) | (6,345 | ) | (3,848 | ) | (5,165 | ) | (2,988 | ) | ||||||||
Income tax expense | $ | 11,111 | $ | 8,333 | $ | 13,378 | $ | 10,315 | ||||||||
Effective tax rate | 24.9 | % | 25.1 | % | 28.2 | % | 28.5 | % |
(1) "Other" is primarily comprised of Idaho Power's regulatory flow-through tax adjustments, which are listed in the rate reconciliation table in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
The increase in first quarter 2013 income tax expense as compared to the same period in 2012 was primarily due to greater pre-tax earnings at Idaho Power. Net regulatory flow-through tax adjustments at Idaho Power were higher for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012, primarily due to an increase in the capitalized repairs deduction estimate.
Based on its estimate of 2013 return on year-end equity in the Idaho jurisdiction (Idaho ROE), Idaho Power did not record any additional accumulated deferred investment tax credit (ADITC) amortization in the first quarter of 2013, as compared to $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012. See Note 3 for a discussion of Idaho Power's regulatory authority for use of additional ADITC amortization.
18
3. REGULATORY MATTERS
Recent and Pending Regulatory Matters
Included below is a summary of recently concluded or pending regulatory matters and proceedings, including notable proceedings that had an impact on the comparability of rates and revenues during the first quarter of 2013 compared to the first quarter of 2012, and that may continue to have an impact on future results.
Idaho and Oregon General Rate Cases and Base Rate Adjustments
On June 1, 2011, Idaho Power filed a general rate case with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC). On December 30, 2011, the IPUC issued an order approving a settlement stipulation in the general rate case that provided for a 7.86 percent authorized rate of return on an Idaho-jurisdiction rate base of approximately $2.36 billion. The approved settlement stipulation resulted in a $34.0 million overall increase in Idaho Power's annual Idaho-jurisdictional base rate revenues, with new rates effective January 1, 2012. Neither the order nor the settlement stipulation specified an authorized rate of return on equity.
On July 29, 2011, Idaho Power filed a general rate case and proposed rate schedules with the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC). Idaho Power, the OPUC Staff, and other interested parties executed and filed a partial settlement stipulation on February 1, 2012, resolving most matters in the general rate case. The settlement stipulation provided for a $1.8 million base rate increase, a return on equity of 9.9 percent, and an overall rate of return of 7.757 percent in the Oregon jurisdiction. On February 23, 2012, the OPUC issued an order adopting the settlement stipulation, with new rates effective March 1, 2012. All open issues in the general rate case have been resolved.
On June 29, 2012, the IPUC issued an order approving a $58.1 million increase in annual Idaho-jurisdiction base rates, effective July 1, 2012, for inclusion of the investment and associated costs of the Langley Gulch natural gas-fired power plant in rates. The order also provided for a $335.9 million increase in Idaho rate base. On September 20, 2012, the OPUC issued an order approving an approximately $3.0 million increase in annual Oregon jurisdiction base rates, effective October 1, 2012, for inclusion of the investment and associated costs of the plant in Oregon rates.
Settlement Stipulation — Investment Tax Credits and Idaho Sharing Mechanism
On December 27, 2011, the IPUC issued an order, separate from the then-pending Idaho general rate case proceeding, approving a settlement stipulation that provides as follows:
• | if Idaho Power's actual Idaho ROE for 2012, 2013, or 2014 is less than 9.5 percent, then Idaho Power may amortize additional ADITC to help achieve a minimum 9.5 percent Idaho ROE in the applicable year. Idaho Power would be permitted to amortize additional ADITC in an aggregate amount up to $45 million over the three-year period, but could use no more than $25 million in 2012; |
• | if Idaho Power's actual Idaho ROE for 2012, 2013, or 2014 exceeds 10.0 percent, the amount of Idaho Power's Idaho-jurisdiction earnings exceeding a 10.0 percent and up to and including a 10.5 percent Idaho ROE for the applicable year would be shared equally between Idaho Power and its Idaho customers in the form of a rate reduction to become effective at the time of the subsequent year's PCA adjustment; and |
• | if Idaho Power's actual Idaho ROE for 2012, 2013, or 2014 exceeds 10.5 percent, the amount of Idaho Power's Idaho-jurisdiction earnings exceeding a 10.5 percent Idaho ROE for the applicable year would be allocated 75 percent to Idaho Power's Idaho customers as a reduction to the pension regulatory asset and 25 percent to Idaho Power. |
The settlement stipulation provides that the Idaho ROE thresholds (9.5 percent, 10.0 percent, and 10.5 percent) will be automatically adjusted prospectively in the event the IPUC approves a change to Idaho Power's authorized return on equity as part of a general rate case proceeding seeking a rate change effective prior to January 1, 2015. The automatic adjustments would be as follows: (a) the 9.5 percent Idaho ROE trigger in the settlement stipulation would be replaced by the percentage equal to 95 percent of the new authorized rate of return on equity; (b) the 10.0 percent Idaho ROE trigger in the settlement stipulation would be re-established at the new authorized rate of return on equity; and (c) the 10.5 percent Idaho ROE trigger in the settlement stipulation would be replaced by the percentage equal to 105 percent of the new authorized rate of return on equity.
19
Revenue Sharing Under January 2010 and December 2011 Idaho Settlement Agreements
On March 2, 2012, Idaho Power filed an application with the IPUC requesting authority to share revenues with customers based on year-end 2011 financial results, in accordance with the terms of regulatory settlement agreements authorized in January 2010 and December 2011. Idaho Power's revenue-sharing arrangements had two components: (1) a power cost adjustment mechanism component, which reduced net rates by $27.1 million effective June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013, and (2) a pension balancing account component, which resulted in a $20.3 million net reduction to Idaho Power's pension regulatory asset (reducing Idaho customers' future obligation). Idaho Power recorded the $27.1 million revenue reduction as a regulatory liability, and the $20.3 million pension regulatory asset reduction, in 2011. On May 31, 2012, the IPUC approved Idaho Power's March 2, 2012 application requesting a corresponding adjustment to Idaho-jurisdiction rates, effective for the period from June 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013.
Idaho Power's 2012 Idaho ROE exceeded 10.5 percent, triggering the sharing mechanism of the December 2011 settlement stipulation for 2012. For 2012, Idaho Power recorded a $7.2 million provision against revenues, to be refunded to Idaho customers through the Idaho power cost adjustment (PCA) mechanism during the 2013-2014 PCA collection period, and an additional $14.6 million of pension expense, to benefit Idaho customers by reducing the amount of deferred pension expense that will be collected from customers in the future.
Annual Idaho PCA Mechanism Filing
Idaho Power has PCA mechanisms in its Idaho and Oregon jurisdictions that address the volatility of power supply costs and provide for annual adjustments to the rates charged to retail customers. The PCA tracks Idaho Power’s actual net power supply costs (primarily fuel and purchased power less off-system sales) and compares these amounts to net power supply costs currently being recovered in retail rates. In the Idaho jurisdiction, the annual PCA adjustments are based on (a) a forecast component, based on a forecast of net power supply costs in the coming year as compared to net power supply costs in base rates, and (b) a true-up component, based on the difference between the previous year’s actual net power supply costs and the previous year’s forecast. The latter component also includes a balancing mechanism so that, over time, the actual collection or refund of authorized true-up dollars matches the amounts authorized.
On April 15, 2013, Idaho Power filed an application with the IPUC requesting a $140.4 million increase in Idaho PCA rates, effective for the 2013-2014 PCA collection period from June 1, 2013 to May 31, 2014. However, to lessen the single-year rate impact on customers of the PCA rate increase, Idaho Power's application included a proposal to defer $52.5 million of the PCA rate increase for inclusion in the June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015 PCA collection period. The existing PCA mechanism includes a 1.0 percent carrying charge on the amount that would be, if approved, deferred to the 2014-2015 PCA collection period. While the PCA mechanism contemplates the ability to spread the recovery of a single year's PCA amount over multiple years, the IPUC has historically approved recovery of PCA amounts in most instances over a single PCA collection period.
Previously, in May 2012, the IPUC issued an order approving Idaho Power's April 2012 application requesting a $43.0 million increase to Idaho PCA rates, effective for the period from June 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013. That PCA rate increase was offset by $27.1 million to be shared with customers pursuant to the revenue sharing orders described above, resulting in a net rate increase of $15.9 million for these orders.
Annual Idaho Fixed Cost Adjustment Filing
The fixed cost adjustment (FCA) is designed to remove Idaho Power’s disincentive to invest in energy efficiency programs by separating (or decoupling) the recovery of fixed costs from the variable kilowatt-hour charge and linking it instead to a set amount per customer. The FCA is adjusted each year to collect, or refund, the difference between the allowed fixed-cost recovery amount and the actual fixed costs recovered by Idaho Power during the year. On March 15, 2013, Idaho Power filed an application with the IPUC requesting a decrease in the FCA rate, from $10.3 million to $8.9 million, effective for the period from June 1, 2013 to May 31, 2014.
Annual Idaho Demand-Side Management Prudence and Cost Recovery Filings
On April 3, 2013, Idaho Power filed an application with the IPUC requesting an order finding Idaho Power's 2012 expenditures of $25.9 million in energy efficiency rider funds, $6.0 million in custom efficiency program incentives in a regulatory asset account, and $14.5 million of demand response program incentives included in the 2013 PCA, as prudently incurred demand-side management program expenses. Separately, on April 15, 2013, Idaho Power filed an application with the IPUC for an accounting order authorizing transfer of the regulatory asset account associated with custom efficiency program expenditures for collection through the energy efficiency rider mechanism, effective June 1, 2013, for expenditures incurred during 2011 and
20
thereafter, so that it may commence collection of those expenditures through the rider mechanism. As of March 31, 2013, the Idaho-jurisdiction regulatory asset for custom efficiency program expenditures was $14.0 million. A determination and order from the IPUC on each application is pending.
4. LONG-TERM DEBT
As of March 31, 2013, IDACORP had approximately $539 million remaining on a shelf registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that can be used for the issuance of debt securities or IDACORP common stock.
In May 2010, Idaho Power filed a registration statement with the SEC for the offer and sale of up to $500 million of first mortgage bonds and debt securities. On June 17, 2010, Idaho Power entered into a selling agency agreement with ten banks named in the agreement in connection with the potential issuance and sale from time to time of up to $500 million aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds. Idaho Power has concluded the following issuances under the selling agency agreement, utilizing the full available amount registered for offer and sale under the registration statement:
• | On August 30, 2010, Idaho Power issued $100 million of 3.40% first mortgage bonds, medium-term notes, Series I, maturing on November 1, 2020, and $100 million of 4.85% first mortgage bonds, medium-term notes, Series I, maturing on August 15, 2040. |
• | On April 13, 2012, Idaho Power issued $75 million of 2.95% first mortgage bonds, medium-term notes, Series I, maturing on April 1, 2022, and $75 million of 4.30% first mortgage bonds, medium-term notes, Series I, maturing on April 1, 2042. |
• | On April 8, 2013, Idaho Power issued $75 million of 2.50% first mortgage bonds, medium-term notes, Series I, maturing on April 1, 2023, and $75 million of 4.00% first mortgage bonds, medium-term notes, Series I, maturing on April 1, 2043. |
Idaho Power intends to use a portion of the net proceeds of the April 2013 sale of first mortgage bonds to satisfy its obligations upon maturity of $70 million in principal amount of 4.25% first mortgage bonds due in October 2013. As a result, the $70 million in principal amount of 4.25% first mortgage bonds due in October 2013 are reported as long-term debt in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, instead of as current maturities of long-term debt.
5. NOTES PAYABLE
Credit Facilities
IDACORP and Idaho Power have in place credit facilities that may be used for general corporate purposes and commercial paper backup. IDACORP's credit facility consists of a revolving line of credit not to exceed the aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding of $125 million, including swingline loans in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $15 million, and letters of credit in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $50 million. Idaho Power's credit facility consists of a revolving line of credit, through the issuance of loans and standby letters of credit, not to exceed the aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding of $300 million, including swingline loans in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $30 million. IDACORP and Idaho Power have the right to request an increase in the aggregate principal amount of the facilities to $150 million and $450 million, respectively, in each case subject to certain conditions.
The IDACORP and Idaho Power credit facilities have similar terms and conditions. The interest rates for any borrowings under the facilities are based on either (1) a floating rate that is equal to the highest of the prime rate, federal funds rate plus 0.5 percent, or LIBOR rate plus 1.0 percent, or (2) the LIBOR rate, plus, in each case, an applicable margin. The margin is based on IDACORP's or Idaho Power's, as applicable, senior unsecured long-term indebtedness credit rating by Moody's Investors Service, Inc., Standard and Poor's Ratings Services, and Fitch Rating Services, Inc., as set forth on a schedule to the credit agreements. Under their respective credit facilities, the companies pay a facility fee on the commitment based on the respective company's credit rating for senior unsecured long-term debt securities. While the credit facilities provide for an original maturity date of October 26, 2016, the credit agreements grant IDACORP and Idaho Power the right to request up to two one-year extensions, in each case subject to certain conditions. On October 12, 2012, IDACORP and Idaho Power executed First Extension Agreements with each of the lenders, extending the maturity dates under both credit facilities to October 26, 2017. No other terms of the credit facilities, including the amount of permitted borrowings under the credit agreements, were affected by the extension.
21
At March 31, 2013, no loans were outstanding under either IDACORP's or Idaho Power's facilities. At March 31, 2013, Idaho Power had regulatory authority to incur up to $450 million in principal amount of short-term indebtedness at any one time outstanding. Balances (in thousands of dollars) and interest rates of IDACORP’s and Idaho Power's short-term borrowings were as follows at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
March 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Idaho Power | IDACORP | Total | Idaho Power | IDACORP | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Commercial paper outstanding | $ | 16,600 | $ | 67,150 | $ | 83,750 | $ | — | $ | 69,700 | $ | 69,700 | ||||||||||||
Weighted-average annual interest rate | 0.44 | % | 0.43 | % | 0.43 | % | — | % | 0.50 | % | 0.50 | % |
6. COMMON STOCK
IDACORP Common Stock
During the three months ended March 31, 2013, IDACORP issued an aggregate of 74,272 shares of common stock pursuant to the IDACORP, Inc. 2000 Long-Term Incentive and Compensation Plan. Effective July 1, 2012, IDACORP instructed the plan administrators of the IDACORP, Inc. Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan and Idaho Power Company Employee Savings Plan to use market purchases of IDACORP common stock, as opposed to original issuance of common stock from IDACORP, to acquire shares of IDACORP common stock for the plans. However, IDACORP may determine at any time to resume original issuances of common stock under those plans.
IDACORP enters into sales agency agreements as a means of selling its common stock from time to time pursuant to a continuous equity program. IDACORP's current sales agency agreement is with BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC. As of March 31, 2013, there were 3 million shares remaining available to be sold under the current sales agency agreement. No shares were issued under the sales agency agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2013.
Restrictions on Dividends
A covenant under IDACORP’s credit facility and Idaho Power’s credit facility requires IDACORP and Idaho Power to maintain leverage ratios of consolidated indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization, as defined therein, of no more than 65 percent at the end of each fiscal quarter. Idaho Power’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock held by IDACORP and IDACORP’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock are limited to the extent payment of such dividends would violate the covenants in their respective credit facilities or Idaho Power’s Revised Code of Conduct. At March 31, 2013, the leverage ratios for IDACORP and Idaho Power were 48 percent and 49 percent, respectively. Based on these restrictions, IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s dividends were limited to $902 million and $805 million, respectively, at March 31, 2013. There are additional facility covenants, subject to exceptions, that prohibit or restrict specified investments or acquisitions, mergers, or the sale or disposition of property without consent; the creation of specified forms of liens; and any agreements restricting dividend payments to the company from any material subsidiary. At March 31, 2013, IDACORP and Idaho Power were in compliance with all facility covenants.
Idaho Power’s Revised Policy and Code of Conduct relating to transactions between and among Idaho Power, IDACORP, and other affiliates, which was approved by the IPUC in April 2008, provides that Idaho Power will not pay any dividends to IDACORP that will reduce Idaho Power’s common equity capital below 35 percent of its total adjusted capital without IPUC approval. At March 31, 2013, Idaho Power's common equity capital was 52 percent of its total adjusted capital. Further, Idaho Power must obtain approval of the OPUC before it could directly or indirectly loan funds or issue notes or give credit on its books to IDACORP.
Idaho Power’s articles of incorporation contain restrictions on the payment of dividends on its common stock if preferred stock dividends are in arrears. As of the date of this report, Idaho Power has no preferred stock outstanding.
In addition to contractual restrictions on the amount and payment of dividends, the Federal Power Act prohibits the payment of dividends from "capital accounts." The term "capital accounts" is undefined in the Federal Power Act but could be interpreted to limit the payment of dividends by Idaho Power to the amount of Idaho Power's retained earnings.
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7. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The table below presents the computation of IDACORP’s basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except for per share amounts).
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
Numerator: | ||||||||
Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc. | $ | 33,533 | $ | 24,930 | ||||
Denominator: | ||||||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic | 50,039 | 49,860 | ||||||
Effect of dilutive securities: | ||||||||
Options | 4 | 5 | ||||||
Restricted Stock | 21 | 40 | ||||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted | 50,064 | 49,905 | ||||||
Basic earnings per share | $ | 0.67 | $ | 0.50 | ||||
Diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.67 | $ | 0.50 |
8. COMMITMENTS
Purchase Obligations
IDACORP's and Idaho Power's purchase obligations outside of the ordinary course of business did not change materially during the three months ended March 31, 2013, except for the impact of the termination of four power purchase agreements resulting from either uncured breach by the respective counterparties or pursuant to IPUC-approved settlement arrangements between the parties. Termination of the contracts reduced Idaho Power's contractual payment obligations by approximately $322 million over the 15-year to 20-year lives of the contracts.
Guarantees
Idaho Power has agreed to guarantee a portion of the performance of reclamation activities and obligations at BCC, of which IERCo owns a one-third interest. This guarantee, which is renewed annually, was $74 million at March 31, 2013, representing IERCo's one-third share of BCC's total reclamation obligation. BCC has a reclamation trust fund set aside specifically for the purpose of paying these reclamation costs. At March 31, 2013, the value of the reclamation trust fund was $69 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the reclamation trust fund distributed approximately $9 million for reclamation activity costs associated with the BCC surface mine. BCC periodically assesses the adequacy of the reclamation trust fund and its estimate of future reclamation costs. To ensure that the reclamation trust fund maintains adequate reserves, BCC has the ability to add a per-ton surcharge to coal sales, all of which are made to the Jim Bridger plant. Starting in 2010, BCC began applying a nominal surcharge to coal sales in order to maintain adequate reserves in the reclamation trust fund. Because of the existence of the fund and the ability to apply a per-ton surcharge, the estimated fair value of this guarantee is minimal.
IDACORP and Idaho Power enter into financial agreements and power purchase and sale agreements that include indemnification provisions relating to various forms of claims or liabilities that may arise from the transactions contemplated by these agreements. Generally, a maximum obligation is not explicitly stated in the indemnification provisions and, therefore, the overall maximum amount of the obligation under such indemnification provisions cannot be reasonably estimated. IDACORP and Idaho Power periodically evaluate the likelihood of incurring costs under such indemnities based on their historical experience and the evaluation of the specific indemnities. As of March 31, 2013, management believes the likelihood is remote that IDACORP or Idaho Power would be required to perform under such indemnification provisions or otherwise incur any significant losses with respect to such indemnification obligations. Neither IDACORP nor Idaho Power has recorded any liability on their respective condensed consolidated balance sheets with respect to these indemnification obligations.
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9. CONTINGENCIES
IDACORP and Idaho Power have in the past and expect in the future to become involved in various claims, controversies, disputes, and other contingent matters, including the items described in this Note 9. Some of these claims, controversies, disputes, and other contingent matters involve litigation and regulatory or other contested proceedings. The ultimate resolution and outcome of litigation and regulatory proceedings is inherently difficult to determine, particularly where (a) the remedies or penalties sought are indeterminate, (b) the proceedings are in the early stages or the substantive issues have not been well developed, or (c) the matters involve complex or novel legal theories or a large number of parties. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, IDACORP and Idaho Power, as applicable, establish an accrual for legal proceedings when those matters proceed to a stage where they present loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. In such cases, there may be a possible exposure to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. IDACORP and Idaho Power monitor those matters for developments that could affect the likelihood of a loss and the accrued amount, if any, thereof, and adjust the amount as appropriate. If the loss contingency at issue is not both probable and reasonably estimable, IDACORP and Idaho Power do not establish an accrual and the matter will continue to be monitored for any developments that would make the loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. As of the date of this report, IDACORP's and Idaho Power's accruals for loss contingencies are not material to their financial statements as a whole; however, future accruals could be material in a given period. IDACORP's and Idaho Power's determination is based on currently available information, and estimates presented in financial statements and other financial disclosures involve significant judgment and may be subject to significant uncertainty. As available information changes, the matters for which IDACORP and Idaho Power are able to estimate the loss may change, and the estimates themselves may change. For matters that affect Idaho Power’s operations, Idaho Power intends to seek, to the extent permissible and appropriate, recovery through the ratemaking process of costs incurred.
Western Energy Proceedings
High prices for electricity, energy shortages, and blackouts in California and in western wholesale markets during 2000 and 2001 caused numerous purchasers of electricity in those markets to initiate proceedings seeking refunds or other forms of relief and the FERC to initiate its own investigations. Some of these proceedings remain pending before the FERC or are on appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Idaho Power and IESCo (as successor to IDACORP Energy L.P.) believe that settlement releases they have obtained will restrict potential claims that might result from the disposition of pending proceedings and predict that these matters will not have a material adverse effect on IDACORP's or Idaho Power's results of operations or financial condition. However, the settlements and associated FERC orders have not fully eliminated the potential for so-called "ripple claims" which involve potential claims for refunds from an upstream seller of power based on a finding that its downstream buyer was liable for refunds as a seller of power during the relevant period. The FERC characterized these ripple claims as "speculative." However, the FERC refused to dismiss Idaho Power and IESCo from the proceedings in the Pacific Northwest and refused to approve a settlement that provided for waivers of all claims in those proceedings, despite only limited objections from two market participants. Idaho Power and IESCo have petitioned for review of the FERC's decision in the D.C. Circuit. Based on its evaluation of the merits of such claims and the inability to estimate any potential exposure should the claims ultimately have merit, Idaho Power and IESCo have no remaining amount accrued for financial statement purposes relating to the proceedings. To the extent the availability of any ripple claims materializes, Idaho Power and IESCo will continue to vigorously defend their positions in the proceedings.
Water Rights - Snake River Basin Adjudication
Idaho Power holds water rights, acquired under applicable state law, for its hydroelectric projects. In addition, Idaho Power holds water rights for domestic, irrigation, commercial, and other necessary purposes related to project lands and other holdings within the states of Idaho and Oregon. Idaho Power's water rights for power generation are, to varying degrees, subordinated to future upstream appropriations for irrigation and other authorized consumptive uses. Over time, increased irrigation development and other consumptive uses within the Snake River watershed led to a reduction in flows of the Snake River. In the late 1970s and early 1980s these reduced flows resulted in a conflict between the exercise of Idaho Power's water rights at certain hydroelectric projects on the Snake River and upstream consumptive diversions. The Swan Falls Agreement, signed by Idaho Power and the State of Idaho on October 25, 1984, resolved the conflict and provided a level of protection for Idaho Power's hydropower water rights at specified projects on the Snake River through the establishment of minimum stream flows and an administrative process governing future development of water rights that may affect those minimum stream flows. In 1987, Congress enacted legislation directing the FERC to issue an order approving the Swan Falls settlement together with a finding that the agreement was neither inconsistent with the terms and conditions of Idaho Power's project licenses nor the Federal Power Act. The FERC entered an order implementing the legislation in March 1988.
The Swan Falls Agreement provided that the resolution and recognition of Idaho Power's water rights together with the State Water Plan provided a sound comprehensive plan for management of the Snake River watershed. The Swan Falls Agreement
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also recognized, however, that in order to effectively manage the waters of the Snake River basin, a general adjudication to determine the nature, extent, and priority of the rights of all water uses in the basin was necessary. Consistent with that recognition, in 1987 the State of Idaho initiated the Snake River Basin Adjudication (SRBA), and pursuant to the commencement order issued by the SRBA court that same year, all claimants to water rights within the basin were required to file water rights claims in the SRBA. Idaho Power has filed claims to its water rights and has been actively participating in the SRBA since its commencement. Questions concerning the effect of the Swan Falls Agreement on Idaho Power's water rights claims, including the nature and extent of the subordination of Idaho Power's rights to upstream uses, resulted in the filing of litigation in the SRBA in 2007 between Idaho Power and the State of Idaho. This litigation was resolved by the Framework Reaffirming the Swan Falls Settlement (Framework) signed by Idaho Power and the State of Idaho on March 25, 2009. In that Framework, the parties acknowledged that the effective management of Idaho's water resources remains critical to the public interest of the State of Idaho by sustaining economic growth, maintaining reasonable electric rates, protecting and preserving existing water rights, and protecting water quality and environmental values. The Framework further provided that the State of Idaho and Idaho Power would cooperate in exploring approaches to resolve issues of mutual concern relating to the management of Idaho's water resources. Idaho Power continues to work with the State of Idaho and other interested parties on these issues.
One such issue involves the management of the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA), a large underground aquifer in southeastern Idaho that is hydrologically connected to the Snake River. House Concurrent Resolution No. 28, adopted by the Idaho Legislature in 2007, directed the Idaho Water Resource Board to pursue the development of a comprehensive management plan for the ESPA, to include measures that would enhance aquifer levels, springs, and river flows on the eastern Snake River plain to the benefit of both agricultural development and hydropower generation. In May of 2007, the Idaho Water Resource Board appointed an advisory committee, charged with the responsibility of developing a management plan for the ESPA. Idaho Power was a member of that committee. In January 2009, the Idaho Water Resource Board, based on the committee's recommendations, adopted a Comprehensive Aquifer Management Plan (CAMP) for the ESPA. The Idaho Legislature approved the CAMP that same year. Idaho Power is a member of the CAMP Implementation Committee and continues to work with the Idaho Water Resource Board, other stakeholders, and the Idaho Legislature in exploring opportunities for implementation of the CAMP management plan.
Idaho Power also continues its active participation in the SRBA in seeking to ensure that its water rights are protected and that the operation of its hydroelectric projects is not adversely impacted. While Idaho Power cannot predict the outcome, as of the date of this report Idaho Power does not anticipate any material modification of its water rights as a result of the SRBA process.
Other Proceedings
IDACORP and Idaho Power are parties to legal claims and legal and regulatory actions and proceedings in the ordinary course of business that are in addition to those discussed above and, as noted above, records an accrual for associated loss contingencies when they are probable and reasonably estimable. As of the date of this report the companies believe that resolution of those matters will not have a material adverse effect on their respective consolidated financial statements. Idaho Power is also actively monitoring various environmental regulations that may have a significant impact on its future operations. Given uncertainties regarding the outcome, timing, and compliance plans for these environmental matters, Idaho Power is unable to estimate the financial impact of these regulations but does believe that future capital investment for infrastructure and modifications to its electric generating facilities to comply with these regulations could be significant.
10. BENEFIT PLANS
Idaho Power has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering most employees. The benefits under the plan are based on years of service and the employee’s final average earnings. In addition, Idaho Power has nonqualified defined benefit plans for certain senior management employees called the Senior Management Security Plan I and II (SMSP). Idaho Power also maintains a defined benefit postretirement plan (consisting of health care and death benefits) that is available to all employees who were enrolled in the active group plan at the time of retirement as well as their spouses and qualifying dependents. Idaho Power also has an Employee Savings Plan that complies with Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code and covers substantially all employees. Idaho Power matches specified percentages of employee contributions to the Employee Savings Plan.
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The table below shows the components of net periodic benefit costs for the pension, SMSP, and postretirement benefits plans for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of dollars).
Pension Plan | SMSP | Postretirement Benefits | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2013 | 2012 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 7,812 | $ | 6,441 | $ | 545 | $ | 538 | $ | 413 | $ | 351 | ||||||||||||
Interest cost | 7,936 | 7,892 | 814 | 805 | 743 | 818 | ||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | (8,698 | ) | (7,712 | ) | — | — | (595 | ) | (604 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Amortization of transition obligation | — | — | — | — | — | 510 | ||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost | 87 | 87 | 53 | 53 | (25 | ) | (105 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net loss | 4,252 | 3,463 | 710 | 382 | 169 | 143 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost | 11,389 | 10,171 | 2,122 | 1,778 | 705 | 1,113 | ||||||||||||||||||
Costs not recognized due to the effects of regulation (1) | (6,543 | ) | (5,389 | ) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost recognized for financial reporting (1) | $ | 4,846 | $ | 4,782 | $ | 2,122 | $ | 1,778 | $ | 705 | $ | 1,113 |
(1) Net periodic benefit costs for the pension plan are recognized for financial reporting based upon the authorization of each regulatory jurisdiction in which Idaho Power operates. Under IPUC order, income statement recognition of pension plan costs is deferred until costs are recovered through rates.
During the three months ended March 31, 2013, Idaho Power did not make any contributions to its defined benefit pension plan. Idaho Power's minimum required contributions to the pension plan are estimated to be zero in 2013, although Idaho Power may elect to make discretionary contributions above the minimum funding requirements or at times earlier than the required dates.
11. INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY SECURITIES
Investments in securities classified as available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, using either specific identification or average cost to determine the cost for computing gains or losses. Any unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities are included in other comprehensive income. The table below summarizes investments in equity securities by IDACORP and Idaho Power as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands of dollars).
March 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Unrealized Gain | Gross Unrealized Loss | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Gain | Gross Unrealized Loss | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||
Available-for-sale securities | $ | 8,731 | $ | — | $ | 33,322 | $ | 6,792 | $ | — | $ | 31,913 |
At the end of each reporting period, IDACORP and Idaho Power analyze securities in loss positions to determine whether they have experienced a decline in market value that is considered other-than-temporary. At March 31, 2013 and at December 31, 2012, no securities were in an unrealized loss position.
There were no sales of available-for-sale securities during the three months ended March 31, 2013 or 2012.
12. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Commodity Price Risk
Idaho Power is exposed to market risk relating to electricity, natural gas, and other fuel commodity prices, all of which are heavily influenced by supply and demand. Market risk may be influenced by market participants’ nonperformance of their contractual obligations and commitments, which affects the supply of or demand for the commodity. Idaho Power uses derivative instruments, such as physical and financial forward contracts, for both electricity and fuel to manage the risks relating to these commodity price exposures. The objective of Idaho Power’s energy purchase and sale activity is to meet the demand of retail electric customers, maintain appropriate physical reserves to ensure reliability, and make economic use of temporary surpluses that may develop.
All commodity-related derivative instruments not meeting the normal purchases and normal sales exception to derivative accounting are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet. Because of Idaho Power's PCA mechanisms, unrealized gains and losses associated with the changes in fair value of these derivative instruments are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities.
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With the exception of forward contracts for the purchase of natural gas for use at Idaho Power’s natural gas power generation facilities, Idaho Power’s physical forward contracts qualify for the normal purchases and normal sales exception.
All of Idaho Power's derivative instruments have been entered into for the purpose of economically hedging forecasted purchases and sales, though none of these instruments have been designated as cash flow hedges under derivative accounting guidance. Idaho Power offsets fair value amounts recognized on its balance sheet and applies collateral related to derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement. Idaho Power does not offset a counterparty's current derivative contracts with the counterparty's long-term derivative contracts, although Idaho Power's master netting arrangements would allow current and long-term positions to be offset in the event of default. Also, in the event of a default, Idaho Power's master netting arrangements would allow for the offsetting of all transactions executed under the master netting arrangement. These types of transactions may include non-derivative instruments, derivatives qualifying for scope exceptions, receivables and payables arising from settled positions, and other forms of non-cash collateral (such as letters of credit). These types of transactions are excluded from the offsetting presented in the derivative fair value and offsetting table below.
Derivative Instrument Summary
The table below presents the fair values and locations of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments recorded on the balance sheets and reconciles the gross amounts of derivatives recognized as assets and as liabilities to the net amounts presented in the balance sheets at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands of dollars).
Asset Derivatives | Liability Derivatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Location | Gross Fair Value | Amounts Offset | Net Assets | Gross Fair Value | Amounts Offset | Net Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial swaps | Other current assets | $ | 2,449 | $ | (804 | ) | $ | 1,645 | $ | 804 | $ | (804 | ) | $ | — | |||||||||||
Financial swaps | Other current liabilities | 349 | (349 | ) | — | 1,245 | (1,064 | ) | (1) | 181 | ||||||||||||||||
Forward contracts | Other current assets | 91 | — | 91 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Long-term: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Forward contracts | Other assets | 189 | — | 189 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 3,078 | $ | (1,153 | ) | $ | 1,925 | $ | 2,049 | $ | (1,868 | ) | $ | 181 | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial swaps | Other current assets | $ | 5,122 | $ | (1,683 | ) | (1) | $ | 3,439 | $ | 978 | $ | (978 | ) | $ | — | ||||||||||
Financial swaps | Other current liabilities | 320 | (320 | ) | — | 1,372 | (319 | ) | 1,053 | |||||||||||||||||
Forward contracts | Other current assets | 155 | (4 | ) | 151 | 4 | (4 | ) | — | |||||||||||||||||
Forward contracts | Other current liabilities | — | — | — | 2 | — | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
Long-term: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial swaps | Other assets | 96 | — | 96 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Forward contracts | Other assets | 189 | — | 189 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 5,882 | $ | (2,007 | ) | $ | 3,875 | $ | 2,356 | $ | (1,301 | ) | $ | 1,055 |
(1) Current liability derivatives and current asset derivatives amounts offset include $715 thousand of collateral receivable and $705 thousand of collateral payable for the periods ending March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
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The table below presents the gains and losses on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of dollars).
Location of Realized Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income | Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income (1) | |||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||||
Financial swaps | Off-system sales | $ | 1,472 | $ | 4,439 | |||||
Financial swaps | Purchased power | (14 | ) | (993 | ) | |||||
Financial swaps | Fuel expense | 1,116 | (84 | ) | ||||||
Financial swaps | Other operations and maintenance | 11 | (45 | ) | ||||||
Forward contracts | Fuel expense | 68 | — |
(1) Excludes unrealized gains or losses on derivatives, which are recorded on the balance sheet as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities.
Settlement gains and losses on electricity swap contracts are recorded on the income statement in off-system sales or purchased power depending on the forecasted position being economically hedged by the derivative contract. Settlement gains and losses on both financial and physical contracts for natural gas are reflected in fuel expense. Settlement gains and losses on diesel derivatives are recorded in other operations and maintenance expense. See Note 13 for additional information concerning the determination of fair value for Idaho Power’s assets and liabilities from price risk management activities.
The table below presents the volumes of derivative commodity forward contracts and swaps outstanding at March 31, 2013 and 2012.
March 31, | |||||||
Commodity | Units | 2013 | 2012 | ||||
Electricity purchases | MWh | 95,040 | 256,200 | ||||
Electricity sales | MWh | 785,400 | 1,417,270 | ||||
Natural gas purchases | MMBtu | 10,215,641 | 10,082,392 | ||||
Natural gas sales | MMBtu | 424,870 | 913,379 | ||||
Diesel purchases | Gallons | 625,798 | 807,978 |
Credit Risk
At March 31, 2013, Idaho Power did not have material credit risk exposure from financial instruments, including derivatives. Idaho Power monitors credit risk exposure through reviews of counterparty credit quality, corporate-wide counterparty credit exposure, and corporate-wide counterparty concentration levels. Idaho Power manages these risks by establishing appropriate credit and concentration limits on transactions with counterparties and requiring contractual guarantees, cash deposits, or letters of credit from counterparties or their affiliates, as deemed necessary. Idaho Power’s physical power contracts are commonly under Western Systems Power Pool agreements, physical gas contracts are usually under North American Energy Standards Board contracts, and financial transactions are usually under International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. contracts. These contracts contain adequate assurance clauses requiring collateralization if a counterparty has debt that is downgraded below investment grade by at least one rating agency.
Credit-Contingent Features
Certain of Idaho Power's derivative instruments contain provisions that require Idaho Power's unsecured debt to maintain an investment grade credit rating from Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services. If Idaho Power's unsecured debt were to fall below investment grade, it would be in violation of these provisions, and the counterparties to the derivative instruments could request immediate payment or demand immediate and ongoing full overnight collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position at March 31, 2013, was $2.1 million. Idaho Power posted $1.5 million of cash collateral related to this amount. If the credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements were triggered on March 31, 2013, Idaho Power would have been required to post $2.3 million of additional cash collateral to its counterparties.
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13. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
IDACORP and Idaho Power have categorized their financial instruments into a three-level fair value hierarchy, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure the financial instruments fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:
• Level 1: Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that IDACORP and Idaho Power has the ability to access.
• Level 2: Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on the following:
a) Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
b) Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets;
c) Pricing models whose inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and
d) Pricing models whose inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
IDACORP and Idaho Power Level 2 inputs are based on quoted market prices adjusted for location using corroborated, observable market data.
• Level 3: Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
An item recorded at fair value is reclassified between levels when changes in the nature of valuation inputs cause the item to no longer meet the criteria for the level in which it was previously categorized.
Idaho Power’s derivatives are contracts entered into as part of its management of loads and resources. Electricity swaps are valued on the Intercontinental Exchange with quoted prices in an active market. Natural gas and diesel derivative valuations are performed using New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) pricing, adjusted for location basis, which are also quoted under NYMEX. Trading securities consist of employee-directed investments held in a Rabbi Trust and are related to an executive deferred compensation plan. Available-for-sale securities are related to the SMSP and are held in a Rabbi Trust and are actively traded money market and equity funds with quoted prices in active markets. Notes receivable are related to Ida-West and are valued based on unobservable inputs, including discounted cash flows, which are partially based on forecasted hydroelectric conditions. Long-term debt is not traded on an exchange and is valued using quoted rates for similar debt in active markets. There were no material changes in valuation techniques or inputs during the three months ended March 31, 2013 or the year ended December 31, 2012.
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The table below presents information about IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands of dollars). IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy. There were no material transfers between levels for the periods presented.
March 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives | $ | — | $ | 1,925 | $ | — | $ | 1,925 | $ | 2,201 | $ | 1,674 | $ | — | $ | 3,875 | ||||||||||||||||
Money market funds | 100 | — | — | 100 | 100 | — | — | 100 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trading securities: Equity securities | 948 | — | — | 948 | 2,478 | — | — | 2,478 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Available-for-sale securities: Equity securities | 33,322 | — | — | 33,322 | 31,913 | — | — | 31,913 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives | $ | 181 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 181 | $ | — | $ | 1,055 | $ | — | $ | 1,055 |
The table below presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments that are not reported at fair value, as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. Cash and cash equivalents, deposits, customer and other receivables, notes payable, accounts payable, interest accrued, and taxes accrued are reported at their carrying value as these are a reasonable estimate of their fair value. The estimated fair values for long-term debt are based upon quoted market prices of similar issues or the same issues in an inactive market. The estimated fair values for notes receivable are based upon discounted cash flow analysis.
March 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||||||||||
Carrying | Estimated | Carrying | Estimated | |||||||||||||
Amount | Fair Value | Amount | Fair Value | |||||||||||||
(thousands of dollars) | ||||||||||||||||
IDACORP | ||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Notes receivable (1) | $ | 3,097 | $ | 3,097 | $ | 3,097 | $ | 3,097 | ||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt (1) | 1,536,691 | 1,744,529 | 1,537,696 | 1,819,213 | ||||||||||||
Idaho Power | ||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt (1) | $ | 1,536,691 | $ | 1,744,529 | $ | 1,537,696 | $ | 1,819,213 |
(1) Notes receivable and long-term debt are categorized as Level 3 and Level 2, respectively, of the fair value hierarchy, as defined earlier in this Note 13.
14. SEGMENT INFORMATION
IDACORP’s only reportable segment is utility operations. The utility operations segment’s primary source of revenue is the regulated operations of Idaho Power. Idaho Power’s regulated operations include the generation, transmission, distribution, purchase, and sale of electricity. This segment also includes income from IERCo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Idaho Power that is also subject to regulation and is a one-third owner of BCC, an unconsolidated joint venture.
IDACORP’s other operating segments are below the quantitative and qualitative thresholds for reportable segments and are included in the “All Other” category in the table below. This category is comprised of IFS’s investments in affordable housing developments and historic rehabilitation projects, Ida-West’s joint venture investments in small hydroelectric generation projects, the remaining activities of IESCo, and IDACORP’s holding company expenses.
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The table below summarizes the segment information for IDACORP’s utility operations and the total of all other segments, and reconciles this information to total enterprise amounts (in thousands of dollars).
Utility Operations | All Other | Eliminations | Consolidated Total | |||||||||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2013: | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 264,368 | $ | 560 | $ | — | $ | 264,928 | ||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to IDACORP, Inc. | 34,046 | (513 | ) | — | 33,533 | |||||||||||
Total assets as of March 31, 2013 | 5,217,929 | 110,519 | (12,604 | ) | 5,315,844 | |||||||||||
Three months ended March 31, 2012: | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 240,483 | $ | 657 | $ | — | $ | 241,140 | ||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to IDACORP, Inc. | 25,819 | (889 | ) | — | 24,930 |
15. CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Comprehensive income includes net income, unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale marketable securities, and amounts related to the SMSP. The table below presents changes in components of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), net of tax, during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of dollars). Items in parentheses indicate reductions to AOCI.
Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities | Defined Benefit Pension Items | Total | ||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||
Balance at beginning of period | $ | 4,136 | $ | (21,252 | ) | $ | (17,116 | ) | ||||
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | 1,181 | — | 1,181 | |||||||||
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI | — | 465 | 465 | |||||||||
Net current-period other comprehensive income | 1,181 | 465 | 1,646 | |||||||||
Balance at end of period | $ | 5,317 | $ | (20,787 | ) | $ | (15,470 | ) | ||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 | ||||||||||||
Balance at beginning of period | $ | 2,569 | $ | (14,191 | ) | $ | (11,622 | ) | ||||
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | 1,362 | — | 1,362 | |||||||||
Amounts reclassified out of AOCI | — | 265 | 265 | |||||||||
Net current-period other comprehensive income | 1,362 | 265 | 1,627 | |||||||||
Balance at end of period | $ | 3,931 | $ | (13,926 | ) | $ | (9,995 | ) |
The table below presents amounts reclassified out of components of AOCI and the income statement location of those amounts reclassified during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of dollars). Items in parentheses indicate increases to net income.
Details About AOCI | Amount Reclassified from AOCI | |||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
Amortization of defined benefit pension items (1) | ||||||||
Prior service cost | $ | 53 | $ | 53 | ||||
Net loss | 710 | 382 | ||||||
Total before tax | 763 | 435 | ||||||
Tax benefit (2) | (298 | ) | (170 | ) | ||||
Net of tax | 465 | 265 | ||||||
Total reclassification for the period | $ | 465 | $ | 265 |
(1) Amortization of these items is included in IDACORP's condensed consolidated income statements in other operating expenses and in Idaho Power's condensed consolidated income statements in other expense, net.
(2) The tax benefit is included in income tax expense in the condensed consolidated income statements of both IDACORP and Idaho Power.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
IDACORP, Inc.
Boise, Idaho
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of IDACORP, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2013, and the related condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of IDACORP, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 21, 2013, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Boise, Idaho
May 2, 2013
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
Idaho Power Company
Boise, Idaho
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Idaho Power Company and subsidiary (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2013, and the related condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013 and 2012. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Idaho Power Company and subsidiary as of December 31, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, retained earnings, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 21, 2013, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Boise, Idaho
May 2, 2013
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Megawatt-hours (MWh) and dollar amounts in tables, other than earnings per share, are in thousands unless otherwise indicated.)
INTRODUCTION
In Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A), the general financial condition and results of operations for IDACORP, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, IDACORP) and Idaho Power Company and its subsidiary (collectively, Idaho Power) are discussed. While reading the MD&A, please refer to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of IDACORP and Idaho Power, and the notes thereto. This discussion updates the MD&A included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and should also be read in conjunction with the information in that report. The results of operations for an interim period generally will not be indicative of results for the full year, particularly in light of the seasonality of Idaho Power's sales volumes, as discussed below.
IDACORP is a holding company formed in 1998 whose principal operating subsidiary is Idaho Power. IDACORP’s common stock is listed and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “IDA.” Idaho Power is an electric utility with a service territory covering approximately 24,000 square miles in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. Idaho Power provided electric service to approximately 502,000 general business customers as of March 31, 2013. As a regulated utility, many of Idaho Power's fundamental business decisions are subject to the approval of governmental agencies. Idaho Power is under the retail jurisdiction (as to rates, service, accounting, and other general matters of utility operation) of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) and the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC), which determine the rates that Idaho Power charges to its general business customers. Also, as a public utility under the Federal Power Act, Idaho Power has authority to charge market-based rates for wholesale energy sales under its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) tariff and to provide transmission services under its FERC open access transmission tariff (OATT). Idaho Power uses general rate cases, cost adjustment mechanisms, and subject-specific filings to recover its costs of providing service and the costs of its energy efficiency and demand-side resources programs, and to seek to earn a return on investment.
Idaho Power generates revenues and cash flows primarily from the sale and distribution of electricity to customers in its Idaho and Oregon service territories, as well as from the wholesale sale and transmission of electricity. Idaho Power’s revenues and income from operations are subject to fluctuations during the year due to the impacts of seasonal weather conditions on demand for electricity, availability of water for hydroelectric generation, price changes, customer usage patterns (which are affected in large part by the condition of the local economy), and the availability and price of purchased power and fuel. Idaho Power experiences its highest retail energy sales during the summer irrigation and cooling season, with a lower peak in the winter that generally results from heating demand. IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s financial condition are also affected by regulatory decisions through which Idaho Power seeks to recover its costs on a timely basis and earn an authorized return on investment, and by the ability to obtain financing through the issuance of debt and/or equity securities.
IDACORP’s other subsidiaries include IDACORP Financial Services, Inc. (IFS), an investor in affordable housing and other real estate investments; Ida-West Energy Company, an operator of small hydroelectric generation projects that satisfy the requirements of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA); and IDACORP Energy Services Co., which is the former limited partner of, and successor by merger to, IDACORP Energy L.P., a marketer of energy commodities that wound down operations in 2003. Idaho Power is the parent of Idaho Energy Resources Co. (IERCo), a joint venturer in Bridger Coal Company (BCC), which mines and supplies coal to the Jim Bridger generating plant owned in part by Idaho Power.
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EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
Brief Overview of First Quarter 2013 Financial Results
IDACORP's earnings were $0.67 per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, compared to $0.50 per diluted share for the same quarter in 2012. IDACORP's results in the first quarter of 2013 were positively impacted by general rate increases implemented during 2012, most notably the inclusion of the Langley Gulch power plant in Idaho rates in July 2012 and in Oregon rates in October 2012, as well as increased sales volumes largely resulting from abnormally cold winter temperatures. These results, including a quantification of their respective impacts, are discussed in detail below.
Overview of General Factors and Trends Affecting Results of Operations and Financial Condition
IDACORP's and Idaho Power's results of operations and financial condition are affected by regulatory, economic, and other factors, many of which are described below.
Timely Regulatory Cost Recovery: The price that Idaho Power is authorized to charge for its electric service is a critical factor in determining IDACORP's and Idaho Power's results of operations and financial condition. Because of the significant impact of ratemaking decisions, and in furtherance of its goal of advancing a purposeful regulatory strategy, Idaho Power has focused on timely recovery of its costs through filings with the company's regulators, and on the prudent management of expenses and investments. Effective implementation of Idaho Power's regulatory strategy is particularly important in a climate of slow economic recovery that continues to put pressure on regulators to limit rate increases or otherwise take actions to mitigate the impact of rate increases on customers. The number of regulatory filings and activity during the period from 2010 to 2012 exceeded historical averages and was driven by Idaho Power's regulatory strategy. In light of the regulatory orders Idaho Power has received in recent years, Idaho Power does not plan to seek rate relief through a general rate case during 2013. Instead, during 2013 Idaho Power will continue its focus on optimizing business operations and processes and will monitor the need for and timing of its next general rate cases in Idaho and Oregon.
Particularly notable rate proceedings that have impacted results for the first quarter of 2013 compared to the first quarter of 2012 are listed below. Additional important regulatory matters are also discussed in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 or in "Regulatory Matters" in this MD&A or Note 3 - "Regulatory Matters" to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report.
Proceeding | Description | Status |
Langley Gulch Power Plant | Request for recovery of and return on Idaho Power's investment in the Langley Gulch power plant, including operating costs | IPUC approved a $58.1 million increase in rates, effective July 1, 2012; OPUC approved a $3.0 million increase in rates effective October 1, 2012 |
Idaho Jurisdiction Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) | Annual Idaho-jurisdiction PCA mechanism rate change | IPUC approved a $43.0 million increase in rates, effective for the period from June 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013 (1) |
Revenue Sharing | Rate adjustment pursuant to January 2010 and December 2011 settlement agreements (2) | IPUC approved a $27.1 million decrease in rates, effective for the period from June 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013 (2) |
Idaho Depreciation for Non-AMI Meters | Application for removal from rates of accelerated depreciation expense associated with non-advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) metering equipment | IPUC approved a $10.6 million decrease in rates and associated depreciation expense, effective June 1, 2012 |
(1) The rate change for the Idaho PCA was partially offset by the Idaho revenue-sharing order issued in 2012 (see footnote (2) below) pursuant to regulatory settlement agreements approved in January 2010 and December 2011.
(2) This revenue-sharing arrangement, which relates to financial results for 2011, had two components: (a) a PCA mechanism component, which reduced net rates by $27.1 million, and (b) a pension balancing account component, which resulted in a $20.3 million net reduction to Idaho Power's pension regulatory asset (reducing Idaho customers' future obligation). Idaho Power recorded the $27.1 million revenue reduction and $20.3 million pension regulatory asset reduction in 2011.
In addition to the rate changes listed in the table above, in December 2011 the IPUC approved a settlement stipulation that permits Idaho Power to amortize additional accumulated deferred investment tax credits (ADITC) to help achieve a minimum 9.5 percent rate of return on year-end equity in the Idaho jurisdiction (Idaho ROE) in 2012, 2013, and 2014, subject to prescribed limits and conditions. Based on its 2012 Idaho ROE, Idaho Power did not amortize any additional ADITC in 2012.
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As of the date of this report, Idaho Power also does not expect to amortize any additional ADITC in 2013. The settlement stipulation also provides for the sharing between the company and customers of Idaho-jurisdictional earnings in excess of specified levels of Idaho ROE. The specific terms of the settlement stipulation are described in "Regulatory Matters" in this MD&A and in Note 3 - "Regulatory Matters" to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report. While providing no assurance that Idaho Power will obtain a 9.5 percent Idaho ROE in any of the years, IDACORP and Idaho Power believe the ability to amortize additional ADITC under the settlement stipulation provides an element of earnings stability for 2013 and 2014.
Economic Conditions and Customer/Load Growth: Idaho Power monitors a number of economic indicators, including employment rates, growth in customer numbers, and foreclosure rates and other housing-related data on both a national scale and within Idaho Power's service territory. Economic conditions can impact consumer demand for electricity, collectability of accounts, the volume of off-system sales, and the need to construct and improve infrastructure, purchase power, and implement programs to meet customer load demands. Idaho Power has observed what it believes to be a number of improvements in economic conditions during 2012 and into 2013. For example, after peaking at 10.0 percent in early 2011, the service area unemployment rate fell to 8.4 percent by the end of 2011 and 6.2 percent by the end of 2012 and was 6.0 percent by the end of March 2013, according to Idaho Department of Labor preliminary data. The housing market in Idaho Power's service territory has improved when measured by foreclosure rates and the market prices and available supply of housing. Further, a number of businesses have recently constructed, or are in the process of constructing, sizable facilities in Idaho Power's service territory, including both office and industrial complexes.
Idaho Power continues to predict that customer growth within its service territory in the next few years will be positive. For resource planning purposes, Idaho Power's 2013 IRP will include a forecasted annual customer growth rate more closely aligned with the 1.1 percent growth rate it experienced in 2012, an improvement over the 0.8 percent growth rate experienced the past 5 years, but less than the 2.6 percent growth realized over the past 20 years. The previous IRP in 2011 had included, in addition to long-term projections of demand, 60 MW of peak demand load for potential unidentified large-load customers. The 2013 IRP will exclude load growth from potential unidentified, large-load customers and will rely on long-term projections of demand only. This change was made in accordance with instructions from the OPUC. Idaho Power has historically received and continues to receive inquiries regarding service availability and costs from what would be considered large-load customers. Idaho Power has undertaken new economic development initiatives and is working with the state and local economic development agencies to attract new large customers to the service area.
Preliminary studies conducted in connection with Idaho Power's 2013 IRP, including a load and resource balance for the 2013 to 2032 period, indicate that under a scenario that excludes demand response programs and power capacity from the proposed Boardman-to Hemingway 500-kV transmission line, no peak-hour load deficit exists until 2016. This indicates some available near term capacity to accommodate growth. Should there be a significant increase in loads due to new large-load customers or increased general economic activity, near-term growth could exceed projections and Idaho Power may be required to adjust its infrastructure development plans accordingly.
Idaho Power also continues to manage costs while executing its three-part strategy of responsible planning, responsible development and protection of resources, and responsible energy use. Idaho Power plans to control operating and maintenance and capital costs through process and project reviews, through process improvement initiatives, and by empowering employees to identify means to reduce costs, build efficiencies, and enhance individual and enterprise performance. At the same time, Idaho Power has continued its efforts relating to large capital projects and on maintaining and replacing aging assets to plan and build for the future.
Weather Conditions and Associated Impacts: Weather and agricultural growing conditions have a significant impact on energy sales and the seasonality of those sales. Relatively low and high temperatures result in greater energy use for heating and cooling, respectively. During the agricultural growing season, which in large part occurs during the second and third quarters, irrigation customers use electricity to operate irrigation pumps. Idaho Power also has tiered rates and seasonal rates, which contribute to increased revenues during higher-load periods, most notably the third quarter of each year when customer demand is typically at its peak. As for weather-impacted results year-to-date, an abnormally cold winter in the first quarter of 2013 drove increased demand by retail customers for the operation of electric heating systems.
Idaho Power's hydroelectric facilities comprise nearly one-half of Idaho Power's nameplate generation capacity. The availability and volume of hydroelectric power depends on the amount of snow pack in the mountains upstream of Idaho Power's hydroelectric facilities, reservoir storage, springtime snow pack run-off, base flows in the Snake River, spring flows, rainfall, water leases and other water rights, and other weather and stream flow considerations. Idaho Power expects hydroelectric generation during 2013 to be in the range of 5.0 to 7.0 million megawatt-hours (MWh), based on reservoir storage levels and forecasted weather conditions as of the date of this report, compared to actual generation of 8.0 million
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MWh in 2012, 10.9 million MWh in 2011, and 7.3 million MWh in 2010. Median annual hydroelectric generation is 8.6 million MWh. When hydroelectric generation is reduced, Idaho Power must rely on more expensive generation sources and purchased power; however, most of the increase in power supply costs is collected from customers through its Idaho and Oregon PCA mechanisms. Conversely, in periods of greater hydroelectric generation most of the resulting decrease in power supply costs that typically occurs is returned to customers through the PCA mechanisms. In its PCA application filed with the IPUC on April 15, 2013, Idaho Power requested a $140.4 million increase in PCA rates, with the requested increase due in large part to unfavorable hydroelectric conditions during the 2012-2013 PCA year and a forecast of below average hydroelectric generating conditions during the 2013-2014 PCA year.
When favorable hydroelectric generating conditions exist for Idaho Power, they also may exist for other Pacific Northwest hydroelectric facility operators, thus increasing the available supply of lower-cost power and lowering regional wholesale market prices, which impacts the revenue Idaho Power receives from off-system sales of its excess power. Conversely, when hydroelectric generating conditions are poor, wholesale market prices may be higher due to lower supply, but Idaho Power would generally have less surplus energy available for sale into the wholesale markets at those times. Again, much of the adverse or favorable impact of these costs is addressed through the PCA mechanisms. In addition to the impact of hydroelectric generation conditions mentioned above, a portion of the PCA rate increase included in Idaho Power's April 2013 PCA application with the IPUC is attributable to the impact of lower wholesale market prices on off-system sales revenues.
Fuel and Purchased Power Expense: In addition to hydroelectric generation and power it purchases in the wholesale markets, Idaho Power relies significantly on coal and natural gas to fuel its generation facilities. Fuel costs are impacted by electricity sales volumes, the terms of contracts for fuel, Idaho Power's power generation capacity, the availability of hydroelectric generation resources, transmission capacity, energy market prices, and Idaho Power's hedging program for managing fuel costs. Operation of Idaho Power's Langley Gulch power plant, placed into operation in June 2012, has increased Idaho Power's use of natural gas as a generation fuel and thus its exposure to volatility in natural gas prices.
Purchased power costs are impacted by the terms of contracts for purchased power, the rate of expansion of alternative energy generation sources such as wind energy, and wholesale energy market prices. Idaho Power is obligated to purchase power from some PURPA generation projects at a specified price regardless of the then-current load demand or wholesale energy market prices. This increases the likelihood that Idaho Power will at times be required to reduce output from its lower-cost hydroelectric and fossil fuel-fired generation resources and may be required to sell in the wholesale power market the power it purchases from PURPA projects at a significant loss. Integration of intermittent, non-dispatchable resources (such as wind energy) into Idaho Power's portfolio also creates a number of complex operational risks and challenges that Idaho Power is working to address, including through evaluation of the results of a recent comprehensive wind integration study. Notably, integration of these sources of power into Idaho Power's portfolio does not eliminate Idaho Power's need to construct facilities and infrastructure that provide reliable power. For instance, at the time Idaho Power reached its all-time system peak demand of 3,245 MW on July 12, 2012, wind resources on Idaho Power's system, representing roughly 500 MW of capacity, were contributing only 14 MW of power due to lack of wind. Increases in federally mandated PURPA power purchases were a significant driver of increased power purchase costs during 2012, contributing to increases in customer rates.
The Idaho and Oregon PCA mechanisms mitigate in large part the potential adverse impacts to Idaho Power of fluctuations in Idaho Power's power supply costs, including substantially all of the Idaho-jurisdiction PURPA power purchase costs. Idaho Power also uses physical and financial forward contracts for both electricity and fuel and other hedging strategies in order to manage the risks relating to fuel and power price exposures.
Regulatory and Environmental Compliance Costs and Expenditures: Idaho Power is subject to extensive federal and state laws, policies, and regulations, as well as regulatory actions and audits, including FERC and North American Electric Reliability Corporation reliability requirements. Compliance with these requirements directly influences Idaho Power's operating environment and may significantly increase Idaho Power's operating costs. Further, potential monetary and non-monetary penalties for a violation of applicable laws or regulations may be substantial. Accordingly, Idaho Power has in place numerous compliance policies and initiatives, and frequently evaluates and updates those policies and initiatives.
In particular, environmental laws and regulations may, among other things, increase the cost of operating power generation plants and constructing new facilities, require that Idaho Power install additional pollution control devices at existing generating plants, or require that Idaho Power cease operating certain power generation plants. For instance, the Boardman coal-fired power plant, in which Idaho Power owns a 10-percent interest, is scheduled to cease coal-fired operations by the end of 2020, the decision for which was driven in large part by the substantial cost of environmental controls. Idaho Power expects to spend a considerable amount on environmental compliance and controls in the next decade. As legislation and regulations concerning greenhouse gas emissions develop, Idaho Power assesses, to the extent determinable, the potential impact on the costs to operate its power generation facilities, as well as the willingness or ability of joint owners of power plants to fund any
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required pollution control equipment upgrades in lieu of early plant retirements. To that end, in the first quarter of 2013 Idaho Power concluded cost studies and scenario analyses to assess the potential future investments necessary for the continued operation of the Jim Bridger and Valmy coal-fired generation facilities. Idaho Power published the results of the study in February 2013, concluding that planned investments in environmental controls at both plants are appropriate.
Other Notable Matters and Areas of Focus
Pension Plan Funding: From 2010 to 2012 Idaho Power contributed $123 million to its defined benefit pension plan. In May 2011 the IPUC authorized Idaho Power to increase its annual recovery and amortization of deferred pension costs from $5.4 million to $17.1 million. While Idaho Power does not anticipate that any cash contributions will be required in 2013, it does expect to make additional significant cash contributions to the pension plan in the future and may elect to make early contributions during 2013. While the IPUC's authorization to increase the annual recovery has decreased the adverse cash flow impacts of the contributions, the magnitude of the contributions relative to the annual cost recovery can still create a lag between the timing of expenditures and their recovery.
Water Management and Relicensing of the Hells Canyon Hydroelectric Project: Because of Idaho Power's reliance on stream flow in the Snake River and its tributaries, Idaho Power participates in numerous proceedings and venues that may affect its water rights, seeking to preserve the long-term availability of its rights for use at its hydroelectric projects. Also, Idaho Power is involved in renewing its federal license for the HCC, its largest hydroelectric generation source, and recently received a 30-year license renewal from the FERC for its Swan Falls hydroelectric project. Relicensing involves numerous environmental issues and substantial costs. Idaho Power is working with the states of Idaho and Oregon, federal and state regulatory authorities, and interested parties to address concerns and take appropriate measures relating to the relicensing of the HCC. However, given the number of parties and issues involved, Idaho Power's relicensing costs have been and will continue to be substantial, and the terms of, and costs associated with, any resulting license are not currently determinable.
Transmission Projects: Idaho Power continues to focus on expansion of its transmission system in an effort to enhance system reliability and access to wholesale markets. Its most notable transmission projects in progress include the proposed Boardman-to-Hemingway and Gateway West 500-kV transmission projects. In January 2012, Idaho Power entered into cost-sharing arrangements with third parties for the permitting phases of both projects. Construction of these projects cannot commence until all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements are met. Based on Idaho Power's assessment of the status and future milestones for the Boardman-to-Hemingway project, of which Idaho Power is the project manager, Idaho Power continues to believe that an in-service date prior to 2018 is unlikely.
Summary of First Quarter 2013 Financial Results
The following is a summary of Idaho Power's net income, net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc., and IDACORP's earnings per diluted share for the three-month period ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
Idaho Power net income | $ | 34,046 | $ | 25,819 | ||||
Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc. | $ | 33,533 | $ | 24,930 | ||||
Average outstanding shares – diluted (000’s) | 50,064 | 49,905 | ||||||
IDACORP, Inc. earnings per diluted share | $ | 0.67 | $ | 0.50 |
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The table below provides a reconciliation of net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc. for the three-month period ended March 31, 2013 to the same period in 2012 (items are in millions and are before tax unless otherwise noted):
Three months ended | ||||||||
Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc. - March 31, 2012 | $ | 24.9 | ||||||
Change in Idaho Power net income: | ||||||||
Rate changes, net of changes in power supply costs and PCA mechanisms | $ | 13.7 | ||||||
Increase in sales volumes, net of associated power supply costs and PCA mechanism impacts | 8.0 | |||||||
Other changes in operating revenues and expenses, net | (1.8 | ) | ||||||
Increase in Idaho Power operating income | 19.9 | |||||||
Decrease in allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) | (6.0 | ) | ||||||
Changes in other non-operating income and expense | (2.7 | ) | ||||||
Additional amortization of ADITC in 2012 | (0.8 | ) | ||||||
Increase in income tax expense | (2.2 | ) | ||||||
Total increase in Idaho Power net income | 8.2 | |||||||
Other net changes (net of tax) | 0.4 | |||||||
Net income attributable to IDACORP, Inc. - March 31, 2013 | $ | 33.5 |
IDACORP net income increased $8.6 million for the first quarter of 2013 when compared with the same period in the prior year. Idaho Power's operating income increased by $19.9 million over the comparative period. Increased rates related to the Langley Gulch power plant that took effect in 2012, combined with other rate changes, increased operating income by $13.7 million for the quarter. In addition, increased sales volumes, largely resulting from abnormally cold winter temperatures, drove operating income higher by $8.0 million. The rate impact of Langley Gulch was tempered by associated decreases in AFUDC of $6.0 million and increased depreciation and operating expenses related to the plant. Increases in other operating and maintenance expenses and income taxes and decreased non-operating income also partially offset the impact of increased sales volumes and rates.
Key Operating and Financial Metric Estimates for Full-Year 2013
IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s estimates, as of the date of this report, for 2013 full year metrics are as follows:
2013 Estimates | ||||
Current (1) | Previous (2) | |||
Idaho Power Operating & Maintenance Expense (millions) | No Change | $340-$350 | ||
Idaho Power Additional Amortization of ADITC (millions) | $0 | Less than $5 | ||
Idaho Power Capital Expenditures, excluding AFUDC (millions) | No Change | $245-$255 | ||
Idaho Power Hydroelectric Generation (million MWh) (3) | 5.0-7.0 | 6.0-8.0 | ||
(1) As of May 2, 2013. | ||||
(2) As of February 21, 2013, the date of filing of IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. | ||||
(3) Based on reservoir storage levels and forecasted weather conditions as of the date of this report. |
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This section of MD&A takes a closer look at the significant factors that affected IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2013. In this analysis, the results for the three months ended March 31, 2013 are compared to the same period in 2012. In MD&A, MWh and dollar amounts in tables, other than earnings per share, are in thousands unless otherwise indicated.
Utility Operations
The table below presents Idaho Power’s energy sales and supply (in thousands of MWh) for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||
General business sales | 3,348 | 3,178 | ||||
Off-system sales | 502 | 974 | ||||
Total energy sales | 3,850 | 4,152 | ||||
Hydroelectric generation | 1,510 | 2,568 | ||||
Coal generation | 1,657 | 1,205 | ||||
Natural gas and other generation | 227 | 12 | ||||
Total system generation | 3,394 | 3,785 | ||||
Purchased power | 721 | 645 | ||||
Line losses | (265 | ) | (278 | ) | ||
Total energy supply | 3,850 | 4,152 |
Sales Volume and Generation: In the first quarter of 2013, general business sales volume increased by 170 thousand MWh compared to the same period in the prior year, mostly as a result of increased residential customer usage. The comparative increase in residential customer usage is largely attributable to an abnormally cold winter, which increased demand for electricity to operate electric heating systems. Conversely, off-system sales volume decreased by 472 thousand MWh in the first quarter of 2013 as decreases in output from hydroelectric resources and an increase in customer load decreased surplus power available for sale.
Hydroelectric generation comprised 44 percent of Idaho Power's total system generation during the first quarter of 2013. The 1.1 million MWh decrease in hydroelectric generation in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 was primarily due to below normal water supply resulting in below normal hydroelectric generating conditions. The decrease in hydroelectric generation during the first quarter of 2013 led to an increased utilization of coal-fired and natural gas-fired generation. The commencement of operation of the Langley Gulch natural gas-fired power plant in the summer of 2012 replaced in part the decreased hydroelectric generation.
The increase in volume of purchased power in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 is attributable to increased mandated purchases of power under PURPA power purchase agreements. Idaho Power is required to purchase this power at established rates regardless of the need for the power or the current wholesale power market prices.
Idaho Power's system is dual peaking, with the larger peak demand occurring in the summer. The highest peak demand of 3,245 MW was set on July 12, 2012 while the highest winter peak demand of 2,527 MW was set on December 10, 2009. During these and other similar heavy load periods, Idaho Power's system is fully committed to serve loads and meet required operating reserves. When loads exceed Idaho Power's generation capacity, Idaho Power must rely on power obtained through purchase contracts (from which power may not be available when needed if the source is intermittent power such as wind) and third-party transmission and may be required to purchase power in the wholesale energy spot market.
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General Business Revenues: The table below presents Idaho Power’s general business revenues and MWh sales for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 and the number of customers as of March 31, 2013 and 2012.
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
Revenue | ||||||||
Residential | $ | 136,387 | $ | 112,546 | ||||
Commercial | 61,874 | 53,436 | ||||||
Industrial | 35,839 | 33,341 | ||||||
Irrigation | 773 | 673 | ||||||
Total | 234,873 | 199,996 | ||||||
Deferred revenue related to HCC relicensing AFUDC (1) | (2,654 | ) | (2,567 | ) | ||||
Total general business revenues | $ | 232,219 | $ | 197,429 | ||||
Volume of Sales (MWh) | ||||||||
Residential | 1,555 | 1,435 | ||||||
Commercial | 986 | 948 | ||||||
Industrial | 798 | 787 | ||||||
Irrigation | 9 | 8 | ||||||
Total MWh sales | 3,348 | 3,178 | ||||||
Number of customers at period end | ||||||||
Residential | 416,907 | 412,047 | ||||||
Commercial | 66,058 | 65,346 | ||||||
Industrial | 119 | 118 | ||||||
Irrigation | 19,046 | 18,765 | ||||||
Total customers | 502,130 | 496,276 |
(1) As part of its January 30, 2009 general rate case order, the IPUC allowed Idaho Power to recover AFUDC for the HCC relicensing asset even though the relicensing process is not yet complete and the relicensing asset has not been placed in service. Idaho Power is collecting approximately $10.7 million annually in the Idaho jurisdiction, but is deferring revenue recognition of the amounts collected until the license is issued and the asset is placed in service under the new license.
Changes in rates and changes in customer demand are the primary reasons for fluctuations in general business revenue from period to period. The table below presents the rate changes that significantly impacted revenue levels for the first quarter of 2013 when compared to the same period in 2012.
Description | Effective Date | Percentage Rate Increase (Decrease) | Annualized $ Impact (millions) | |||||
2012 Idaho PCA | 6/1/2012 | 5.1 | % | 43 | ||||
2012 Idaho non-AMI meter depreciation | 6/1/2012 | (1.3 | )% | (11 | ) | |||
2012 Idaho Langley Gulch | 7/1/2012 | 6.8 | % | 58 | ||||
2012 Oregon Langley Gulch | 10/1/2012 | 6.9 | % | 3 |
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The primary influences on customer demand for electricity are weather and economic conditions. Extreme temperatures increase sales to customers who use electricity for cooling and heating, and moderate temperatures decrease sales. Precipitation levels during the agricultural growing season also affect sales to customers who use electricity to operate irrigation pumps, with increased precipitation reducing electricity usage. Rates are also seasonally adjusted and based on a tiered rate structure that provides for higher rates during peak load periods. The seasonal and tiered rate structures contribute to seasonal fluctuations in revenues and earnings. Boise, Idaho weather-related information for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 is presented in the table below.
Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||
2013 | 2012 | Normal | |||||||
Heating degree-days (1) | 2,832 | 2,240 | 2,480 | ||||||
Cooling degree-days (1) | — | — | — | ||||||
(1) Heating and cooling degree-days are common measures used in the utility industry to analyze the demand for electricity and indicate when a customer would use electricity for heating and air conditioning. A degree-day measures how much the average daily temperature varies from 65 degrees. Each degree of temperature above 65 degrees is counted as one cooling degree-day, and each degree of temperature below 65 degrees is counted as one heating degree-day. While Boise, Idaho weather conditions are not necessarily representative of weather conditions throughout Idaho Power's service territory, the greater Boise area has the substantial majority of Idaho Power's customers. |
General business revenue increased $34.8 million for the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. Specific factors affecting general business revenues are discussed below.
• | Rates. Rate changes, including those shown in the table above, combined to increase general business revenue by $25.8 million in the quarter compared to the same period in 2012. The revenue impact of several of the rate changes was directly offset by associated changes in operating expenses. For example, depreciation expense related to Langley Gulch increased approximately $3 million in the quarter compared to the same quarter in the prior year, offsetting a portion of the associated rate increase. |
• | Usage. Abnormally cold winter temperatures drove higher usage per customer for the operation of electric heating units, which increased general business revenue for the quarter by $9.4 million compared to the same period in 2012. |
• | Customers. Customer growth drove an increase in overall MWh sales for the quarter and a $2.6 million increase in general business revenues when compared to the first quarter of 2012. Total customers increased 1.2 percent compared to the same period in 2012. The positive impact of customer growth was offset by a $3.0 million decrease in revenues for the comparative quarter resulting from the termination of service to Hoku Materials, Inc. during 2012 under an electric service agreement. Combined, these changes reduced general business revenues by $0.4 million in 2013 when compared to the same period in 2012. |
Off-System Sales: Off-system sales consist primarily of long-term sales contracts and opportunity sales of surplus system energy. The table below presents Idaho Power’s off-system sales for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
Revenue | $ | 15,900 | $ | 27,708 | ||||
MWh sold | 502 | 974 | ||||||
Revenue per MWh | $ | 31.67 | $ | 28.45 |
For the quarter, off-system sales revenue decreased by $11.8 million, or 43 percent, as compared to the same period in 2012. Off-system sales volumes decreased 48 percent for the quarter, as a result of decreased hydroelectric generation and increased system load when compared to the same period in 2012. The decreases in volume were partially offset by an 11 percent increase in average prices for the quarter.
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Other Revenues: The table below presents the components of other revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
Transmission services and other | $ | 11,779 | $ | 10,869 | ||||
Energy efficiency | 4,470 | 4,477 | ||||||
Total other revenues | $ | 16,249 | $ | 15,346 |
Other revenue increased $0.9 million for the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. Transmission wheeling revenues increased by approximately 20 percent over the same period in the prior year, mostly related to the increased need for purchased power throughout the region.
Most energy efficiency activities are funded through a rider mechanism on customer bills. Energy efficiency program expenditures funded through the rider are reported as an operating expense with an equal amount of revenues recorded in other revenues, resulting in no net impact on earnings. The cumulative variance between expenditures and amounts collected through the rider is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability pending future collection from or obligation to customers. A liability balance indicates that Idaho Power has collected more than it has spent and an asset balance indicates that Idaho Power has spent more than it has collected.
Purchased Power: The table below presents Idaho Power’s purchased power expenses and volumes for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
Expense | ||||||||
PURPA contracts | $ | 30,657 | $ | 23,757 | ||||
Other purchased power (including wheeling) | 12,200 | 10,520 | ||||||
Total purchased power expense | $ | 42,857 | $ | 34,277 | ||||
MWh purchased | ||||||||
PURPA contracts | 511 | 416 | ||||||
Other purchased power | 210 | 229 | ||||||
Total MWh purchased | 721 | 645 | ||||||
Cost per MWh from PURPA contracts | $ | 59.99 | $ | 57.11 | ||||
Cost per MWh from other sources | $ | 58.10 | $ | 45.94 | ||||
Weighted average - all sources | $ | 59.44 | $ | 53.14 |
The purchased power cost per MWh often exceeds the off-system sales revenue per MWh because Idaho Power generally needs to purchase more power during heavy load periods, which is higher priced energy, than during light load periods, which is lower priced energy, and conversely has less energy available for off-system sales during heavy load periods than light load periods. Also, in accordance with Idaho Power's risk management policy, Idaho Power may purchase or sell energy several months in advance of anticipated delivery. The regional energy market price is dynamic and additional energy purchase or sale transactions that Idaho Power makes at current market prices may be noticeably different than the advance purchase or sale transaction prices.
Purchased power expense increased $8.6 million, or 25 percent, in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. This increase was driven by the volume of mandated power purchases from cogeneration and small power production (CSPP) facilities pursuant to PURPA, which increased 23 percent for the quarter due to PURPA wind generation facilities providing more generation than in the prior year.
Substantially all PURPA power purchase costs are recovered through base rates and Idaho Power's PCA mechanisms; thus, the primary impact of the increased expense associated with PURPA power purchases is a corresponding increase in customer rates.
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Fuel Expense: The table below presents Idaho Power’s fuel expenses and generation at its thermal generating plants for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
Expense | ||||||||
Coal | $ | 40,316 | $ | 31,084 | ||||
Natural gas and other thermal | 8,850 | 1,667 | ||||||
Total fuel expense | $ | 49,166 | $ | 32,751 | ||||
MWh generated | ||||||||
Coal | 1,657 | 1,205 | ||||||
Natural gas and other thermal | 227 | 12 | ||||||
Total MWh generated | 1,884 | 1,217 | ||||||
Cost per MWh | ||||||||
Coal | $ | 24.33 | $ | 25.80 | ||||
Natural gas and other thermal | $ | 38.99 | $ | 138.92 | ||||
Weighted average, all sources | $ | 26.10 | $ | 26.91 |
Fuel expense increased $16.4 million, or 50 percent, in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, due principally to the following factors:
• | Idaho Power's Langley Gulch natural gas-fired power plant came on line at the end of the second quarter of 2012. Operation of the plant accounted for $4.8 million of the increase in fuel expense for the quarter. Idaho Power operated the plant primarily to serve peak load, to integrate intermittent resources, and for economic dispatch opportunities. The significant decrease in cost per MWh for natural gas and other thermal facilities shown in the table above is in large part attributable to the spreading of fixed costs of natural gas-fired plants over a greater volume of generation from those plants—most notably, operation of the Langley Gulch power plant. |
• | Generation from coal-fired facilities increased 37 percent for the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. During the quarter, higher wholesale power prices and lower hydroelectric generation when compared with the same period in the prior year increased Idaho Power's reliance on its coal-fired plants to meet customer loads. |
Most fuel supply contracts are subject to changes in published indexes that are closely related to materials and supplies, labor, and diesel costs. In addition to commodity (variable) costs, both natural gas and coal expense include costs that are more fixed in nature for items such as capacity charges, transportation, and fuel handling. Period to period variances in fuel expense per MWh (such as the cost per MWh for natural gas and other thermal in 2013 compared to 2012) are noticeably impacted by these fixed charges when generation output is substantially different between the two periods.
PCA Mechanisms: Idaho Power's power supply costs (primarily purchased power and fuel, less off-system sales) can vary significantly from year to year, primarily due to the impact of fluctuations in weather, system loads, and commodity markets. To address the volatility of power supply costs, Idaho Power has PCA mechanisms in both the Idaho and Oregon jurisdictions. These mechanisms allow Idaho Power to recover from or refund to customers most of the fluctuations in power supply costs. Because of these mechanisms, the primary financial impacts of power supply cost variations is that cash is paid out but recovery from customers does not occur until a future period, or cash that is collected is refunded to customers in a future period, resulting in fluctuations in operating cash flows from year to year.
The table below presents the components of the Idaho and Oregon PCA mechanisms for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.
Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
Idaho power supply cost (deferral) accrual | $ | (9,754 | ) | $ | 9,624 | |||
Oregon power supply cost deferral | — | (138 | ) | |||||
Amortization of prior year authorized balances | (4,957 | ) | (478 | ) | ||||
Total power cost adjustment expense | $ | (14,711 | ) | $ | 9,008 |
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The power supply deferrals or accruals represent the portion of that periods' power supply cost fluctuations deferred or accrued under the PCA mechanisms. When actual power supply costs are greater than the amount forecasted in PCA rates, which is anticipated for 2013, most of the excess cost is deferred. In 2012, power supply costs were accrued because actual power supply costs were less than the amount forecasted for inclusion in PCA rates.
The amortization of the prior year’s balances represents the amounts being collected or refunded in the current PCA year that were deferred or accrued in the prior PCA year (the true-up component of the PCA).
Other Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Expenses: Other O&M expense increased $1.3 million for the quarter as compared to the same period in 2012. The changes in other O&M expense were due to the following:
• | changes in labor and benefits costs, which increased $1.0 million for the quarter. These changes resulted from normal increases in employee wages and costs of providing employee benefits; and |
• | increased thermal plant O&M costs of $1.0 million for the quarter related to lower overall maintenance costs and consumable supplies in the prior year due to lower utilization of these plants during the comparable period of 2012. The lower utilization in 2012 was predominately driven by low wholesale energy prices in the region during that period. |
Income Taxes
Income Tax Expense: IDACORP's and Idaho Power's income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to the same period in 2012, increased $2.8 million and $3.1 million, respectively, primarily as a result of greater Idaho Power pre-tax earnings. For information relating to IDACORP's and Idaho Power's computation of income tax expense and estimated annual effective tax rate, see Note 2 - “Income Taxes” to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report.
Additional Amortization of ADITC: Idaho Power's December 2011 settlement stipulation with the IPUC and other parties provided for the availability of additional amortization of ADITC if Idaho Power's actual Idaho ROE is below 9.5 percent in any calendar year from 2012 to 2014. For information relating to Idaho Power's 2011 settlement stipulation, see Note 3 - “Regulatory Matters” to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report. In accordance with the settlement stipulation, Idaho Power has a total of $45 million of additional ADITC amortization available for use in 2013 and 2014. As of the date of this report, Idaho Power does not expect to record additional ADITC amortization for 2013 based on its estimate of 2013 Idaho ROE.
Bonus Depreciation: Bonus depreciation provides for the accelerated deduction of current capital expenditures from certain asset classes. For 2013, the deduction is equal to 50 percent of a qualifying asset's cost. Idaho Power has included an estimated bonus depreciation deduction in its current federal income tax provision.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Overview
IDACORP's and Idaho Power's operating cash flows are driven principally by Idaho Power's sales of electricity and transmission capacity. Significant uses of cash flows from operations include the purchase of fuel and power, other operating expenses, capital expenditures, pension plan contributions, and interest. Operating cash flows can be significantly influenced by factors such as weather conditions, rates and the outcome of regulatory proceedings, and economic conditions. As fuel and purchased power are significant uses of cash, and at the same time their prices can be volatile and difficult to predict, Idaho Power has regulatory mechanisms in place that provide for the deferral and recovery of the majority of the fluctuation in those costs. However, if actual costs rise above the level allowed in retail rates, deferral balances increase (reflected as a regulatory asset), negatively affecting operating cash flows until such time as those costs, with interest, are recovered from customers. Idaho Power uses operating and capital budgets to control operating costs and optimize capital expenditures, and funds its liquidity needs for capital expenditures through cash flows from operations, debt offerings, commercial paper markets, credit facilities, and capital contributions from IDACORP. Idaho Power seeks to recover its operating costs and earn a return on its capital expenditures through rates, periodically filing for rate adjustments for recovery of operating costs and capital investments to provide the opportunity to align Idaho Power's earned returns with those allowed by regulators.
Idaho Power continues to make significant infrastructure investments. Idaho Power estimates that total capital expenditures will be between $815 million and $835 million over the period from 2013 (inclusive of amounts incurred year-to-date in 2013) through 2015. A significant focus for 2013 will be to continue to control costs and to generate sufficient cash from operations to meet operating needs, contribute to capital expenditure requirements, and pay dividends to shareholders.
As of April 26, 2013, IDACORP's and Idaho Power's access to debt, equity, and credit arrangements included:
• | their respective $125 million and $300 million revolving credit facilities; |
• | IDACORP's shelf registration statement, which it may use for the issuance of debt securities and common stock, including up to 3.0 million shares of IDACORP common stock available for issuance under its continuous equity program. Approximately $539 million of debt and equity securities issuances remained available under the shelf registration statement; and |
• | IDACORP's and Idaho Power's issuance of commercial paper, which may be issued up to an amount equal to the available credit capacity under their respective credit facilities, and is used to meet short-term liquidity requirements. |
IDACORP and Idaho Power monitor capital markets with a view toward opportunistic debt and equity transactions where possible in light of future needs. IDACORP and Idaho Power expect to continue financing capital requirements during the remainder of 2013 with a combination of existing cash and operating cash flows generated by Idaho Power's utility business. IDACORP and Idaho Power believe that these amounts, together with access to the companies' credit facilities and commercial paper markets, will be sufficient to meet short-term obligations and debt maturities in 2013.
On April 8, 2013, Idaho Power issued $75 million of 2.50% first mortgage bonds due 2023 and $75 million of 4.00% first mortgage bonds due 2043. Idaho Power currently has outstanding $70 million in principal amount of its 4.25% first mortgage bonds due in October 2013, with no first mortgage bonds due thereafter until 2018. Idaho Power intends to use a portion of the net proceeds from its April 2013 issuance of first mortgage bonds to satisfy its obligations upon maturity of the 4.25% first mortgage bonds due in October 2013.
Idaho Power recently received orders from the IPUC, OPUC, and Wyoming Public Service Commission (WPSC) authorizing Idaho Power to issue and sell from time to time up to $500 million aggregate principal amount of debt securities and first mortgage bonds, subject to conditions specified in the orders.
Effective July 1, 2012, IDACORP discontinued original issuances of common stock and instructed the plan administrators to use market purchases of IDACORP common stock for purposes of acquiring IDACORP common stock for the IDACORP, Inc. Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan and the Idaho Power Company Employee Savings Plan. However, IDACORP may determine at any time to resume original issuances of common stock under those plans. IDACORP may also determine to issue common stock from time-to-time under its continuous equity program, depending on market conditions and capital needs. An important component of that determination will be IDACORP's and Idaho Power's capital structure.
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IDACORP and Idaho Power seek to maintain capital structures of approximately 50 percent debt and 50 percent equity, and maintaining this ratio influences IDACORP's and Idaho Power's debt and equity issuance decisions. As of March 31, 2013, IDACORP's and Idaho Power's capital structures were as follows:
IDACORP | Idaho Power | |||
Debt | 48% | 49% | ||
Equity | 52% | 51% |
Operating Cash Flows
IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s operating cash inflows for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were $54 million and $53 million, respectively, increases of $16 million and $12 million, respectively, compared to the same period in 2012. With the exception of cash flows related to income taxes, IDACORP’s operating cash flows are principally derived from the operating cash flows of Idaho Power. Significant items that affected the comparability of the companies' operating cash flows in the first three months of 2013 relative to the same period in 2012 were as follows:
• | Idaho Power made a $34 million cash contribution to its defined benefit pension plan in 2012, but has made no contributions in 2013; |
• | changes in regulatory assets and liabilities, mostly related to the relative amounts of power supply costs deferred under the Idaho PCA mechanism, reduced operating cash inflows flows by $29 million; and |
• | changes in working capital balances due primarily to timing. Fluctuations in fuel inventories increased cash flows by $18 million as fuel on hand decreased by $10 million during the first three months of 2013, due to increased thermal plant operation, compared with an $8 million increase in fuel inventories during the same period in 2012. The timing of collections of customer receivables balances reduced cash flows by $11 million as customer receivables increased by $13 million during the first three months of 2013 due to increased customer sales, compared with a $2 million increase in customer receivables during the same period in 2012. |
Investing Cash Flows
Investing activities consist primarily of capital expenditures related to new construction and improvements to Idaho Power’s generation, transmission, and distribution facilities. IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s investing cash outflows for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were $49 million and $50 million, respectively. Investing cash outflows for 2013 and 2012 were primarily for construction of utility infrastructure needed to address Idaho Power’s aging plant and equipment and customer growth.
Financing Cash Flows
Financing activities provide supplemental cash for both day-to-day operations and capital requirements as needed. Idaho Power funds liquidity needs for capital investment, working capital, managing commodity price risk, and other financial commitments through cash flows from operations, debt offerings, commercial paper markets, credit facilities, and capital contributions from IDACORP. IDACORP funds its cash requirements, such as payment of taxes, capital contributions to Idaho Power, and non-utility expenses allocated to IDACORP, through cash flows from operations, commercial paper markets, sales of common stock, and credit facilities.
IDACORP’s financing cash outflows for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were $7 million and Idaho Power’s financing cash outflows were $4 million for the same period. The following are significant items that affected financing cash flows in the first three months of 2013:
• IDACORP and Idaho Power paid cash dividends of approximately $19 million; and
• Idaho Power had net borrowings of $17 million of commercial paper, which was partially offset by a net decrease of $3 million in borrowings specific to IDACORP, for a consolidated net increase in borrowings totaling $14 million.
On June 17, 2010, Idaho Power entered into a Selling Agency Agreement with Banc of America Securities LLC, BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Mitsubishi UFJ Securities (USA), Inc., RBC Capital Markets Corporation, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC in connection with the potential issuance and sale from time to time of up to $500 million aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds under a shelf registration statement filed with
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the SEC. Idaho Power has concluded the following issuances under the selling agency agreement, using the full available amount under the registration statement and selling agency agreement:
• | On August 30, 2010, Idaho Power issued $100 million of 3.40% first mortgage bonds, medium-term notes, Series I, maturing on November 1, 2020, and $100 million of 4.85% first mortgage bonds, medium-term notes, Series I, maturing on August 15, 2040. |
• | On April 13, 2012, Idaho Power issued $75 million of 2.95% first mortgage bonds, medium-term notes, Series I, maturing on April 1, 2022, and $75 million of 4.30% first mortgage bonds, medium-term notes, Series I, maturing on April 1, 2042. |
• | On April 8, 2013, Idaho Power issued $75 million of 2.50% first mortgage bonds, medium-term notes, Series I, maturing on April 1, 2023, and $75 million of 4.00% first mortgage bonds, medium-term notes, Series I, maturing on April 1, 2043. |
Idaho Power intends to use a portion of the net proceeds of the April 2013 sale of first mortgage bonds to satisfy its obligations upon maturity of $70 million in principal amount of 4.25% first mortgage bonds due in October 2013.
Idaho Power's issuance of long-term indebtedness is subject to the approval of the IPUC, OPUC, and WPSC. The April 8, 2013 issuance of first mortgage bonds, together with issuances of first mortgage bonds in August 2010 and April 2012, utilized the full $500 million available under Idaho Power's registration statement filed with the SEC in May 2010 and the amount authorized for issuance by the IPUC, OPUC, and WPSC in orders issued during 2010. In light of full use of the available amount, Idaho Power filed applications with the IPUC, OPUC, and WPSC to renew its debt financing authority. In April 2013, Idaho Power received orders from the IPUC, OPUC, and WPSC authorizing Idaho Power to issue and sell from time to time up to $500 million in aggregate principal amount of debt securities and first mortgage bonds, subject to conditions specified in the orders. Authority from the IPUC is through April 9, 2015, though Idaho Power may request an extension by letter filed with the IPUC prior to that date. The OPUC's and WPSC's orders do not impose a time limitation for issuances, but the OPUC order does impose a number of other conditions, including a maximum interest rate limit of 7 percent.
Financing Programs
Shelf Registrations: IDACORP has an effective registration statement on file with the SEC that, as of the date of this report, can be used for the issuance of up to $539 million of debt securities and common stock. As of the date of this report, Idaho Power's registration statement, originally established for the offer and sale of up to $500 million of debt securities and first mortgage bonds, has been fully utilized.
The issuance of first mortgage bonds requires that Idaho Power meet interest coverage and security provisions set forth in the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust securing the bonds. Future issuances of first mortgage bonds are subject to satisfaction of covenants and security provisions set forth in the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust, market conditions, regulatory authorizations, and covenants contained in other financing agreements. The Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust limits the amount of additional first mortgage bonds that Idaho Power may issue to the sum of (a) the principal amount of retired first mortgage bonds and (b) 60 percent of total unfunded property additions, as defined in the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust. As of March 31, 2013, Idaho Power could issue approximately $1.4 billion of additional first mortgage bonds based on retired first mortgage bonds and total unfunded property additions. However, the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust further limits the maximum amount of first mortgage bonds at any one time outstanding to $2.0 billion, and as a result the maximum amount of first mortgage bonds Idaho Power could issue as of March 31, 2013 was limited to approximately $489 million. As a result of the issuance of additional first mortgage bonds in April 2013, described above, as of the date of this report the maximum amount of first mortgage bonds Idaho Power could issue was limited to approximately $339 million. Idaho Power may increase the $2.0 billion limit on the maximum amount of first mortgage bonds outstanding by filing a supplemental indenture with the trustee as provided in the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust.
Refer to Note 4 - “Long-Term Debt” to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report for more information regarding long-term financing arrangements.
Credit Facilities: IDACORP and Idaho Power have $125 million and $300 million credit facilities, respectively. Each of the credit facilities may be used for general corporate purposes and commercial paper back-up. IDACORP's facility permits borrowings under a revolving line of credit of up to $125 million at any one time outstanding, including swingline loans not to exceed $15 million at any time and letters of credit not to exceed $50 million at any time. IDACORP's facility may be increased, subject to specified conditions, to $150 million. Idaho Power's facility permits borrowings through the issuance of loans and standby letters of credit of up to $300 million at any one time outstanding, including swingline loans not to exceed $30 million at any one time. Idaho Power's facility may be increased, subject to specified conditions, to $450 million. The
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interest rates for any borrowings under the facilities are based on either (1) a floating rate that is equal to the highest of the prime rate, federal funds rate plus 0.5 percent, or LIBOR rate plus 1.0 percent, or (2) the LIBOR rate, plus, in each case, an applicable margin. The applicable margin is based on IDACORP's or Idaho Power's, as applicable, senior unsecured long-term indebtedness credit rating by Moody's Investors Service, Inc., Standard and Poor's Ratings Services, and Fitch Rating Services, Inc., as set forth on a schedule to the credit agreements. The companies also pay a facility fee based on the respective company's credit rating for senior unsecured long-term debt securities.
Each facility contains a covenant requiring each company to maintain a leverage ratio of consolidated indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization equal to or less than 65 percent as of the end of each fiscal quarter. In determining the leverage ratio, “consolidated indebtedness” broadly includes all indebtedness of the respective borrower and its subsidiaries, including, in some instances, indebtedness evidenced by certain hybrid securities (as defined in the credit agreement). “Consolidated total capitalization” is calculated as the sum of all consolidated indebtedness, consolidated stockholders' equity of the borrower and its subsidiaries, and the aggregate value of outstanding hybrid securities. At March 31, 2013, the leverage ratios for IDACORP and Idaho Power were 48 percent and 49 percent, respectively. IDACORP's and Idaho Power's ability to utilize the credit facilities is conditioned upon their continued compliance with the leverage ratio covenants included in the credit facilities, which could limit the ability of the companies to issue first mortgage bonds and debt securities. There are additional covenants, subject to exceptions, that prohibit certain mergers, acquisitions, and investments, restrict the creation of certain liens, and prohibit entering into any agreements restricting dividend payments from any material subsidiary. At March 31, 2013, IDACORP and Idaho Power were in compliance with all facility covenants. Further, IDACORP and Idaho Power do not believe they will be in violation or breach of their respective debt covenants during the remainder of 2013, but were circumstances to arise that may alter that view management would take appropriate action to mitigate any such issue.
The events of default under both facilities include, without limitation, non-payment of principal, interest, or fees; materially false representations or warranties; breach of covenants; bankruptcy or insolvency events; condemnation of property; cross-default to certain other indebtedness; failure to pay certain judgments; change of control; failure of IDACORP to own free and clear of liens the voting stock of Idaho Power; the occurrence of specified events or the incurring of specified liabilities relating to benefit plans; and the incurring of certain environmental liabilities, subject, in certain instances, to cure periods.
Upon any event of default relating to the voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy of IDACORP or Idaho Power or the appointment of a receiver, the obligations of the lenders to make loans under the applicable facility and to issue letters of credit will automatically terminate and all unpaid obligations will become due and payable. Upon any other event of default, the lenders holding greater than 50 percent of the outstanding loans or greater than 50 percent of the aggregate commitments (required lenders) or the administrative agent with the consent of the required lenders may terminate or suspend the obligations of the lenders to make loans under the facility and to issue letters of credit under the facility and/or declare the obligations to be due and payable. During an event of default under the facilities, the lenders may, at their option, increase the applicable interest rates then in effect and the letter of credit fee by 2.0 percentage points per annum. A ratings downgrade would result in an increase in the cost of borrowing, but would not result in a default or acceleration of the debt under the facilities. However, if Idaho Power's ratings are downgraded below investment grade, Idaho Power must extend or renew its authority for borrowings under its IPUC and OPUC regulatory orders.
While the credit facilities provide for an original maturity date of October 26, 2016, the credit agreements grant IDACORP and Idaho Power the right to request up to two one-year extensions, in each case subject to certain conditions. On October 12, 2012, IDACORP and Idaho Power executed First Extension Agreements with each of the lenders, extending the maturity date under both agreements to October 26, 2017. No other terms of the credit agreements, including the amount of permitted borrowings under the credit agreements, were affected by the extension.
Without additional approval from the IPUC, the OPUC, and the WPSC, the aggregate amount of short-term borrowings by Idaho Power at any one time outstanding may not exceed $450 million.
Commercial Paper: IDACORP and Idaho Power have commercial paper programs under which they may issue unsecured commercial paper notes up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time not to exceed the available capacity under their respective credit facilities, described above. IDACORP's and Idaho Power's credit facilities are available to the companies to support borrowings under their commercial paper programs. The commercial paper issuances are used to provide an additional financing source for the companies' short-term liquidity needs. The maturities of the commercial paper issuances will vary, but may not exceed 270 days from the date of issue. Individual instruments carry a fixed rate during their respective terms, although the interest rates are reflective of current market conditions, subjecting the companies to fluctuations in interest rates.
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Available Short-Term Liquidity: The table below outlines available short-term borrowing liquidity as of the dates specified.
March 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |||||||||||||||
IDACORP (2) | Idaho Power | IDACORP (2) | Idaho Power | |||||||||||||
Revolving credit facility | $ | 125,000 | $ | 300,000 | $ | 125,000 | $ | 300,000 | ||||||||
Commercial paper outstanding | (67,150 | ) | (16,600 | ) | (69,700 | ) | — | |||||||||
Identified for other use (1) | — | (24,245 | ) | — | (24,245 | ) | ||||||||||
Net balance available | $ | 57,850 | $ | 259,155 | $ | 55,300 | $ | 275,755 | ||||||||
(1) Port of Morrow and American Falls bonds that Idaho Power could be required to purchase prior to maturity under the optional or mandatory purchase provisions of the bonds, if the remarketing agent for the bonds is unable to sell the bonds to third parties. | ||||||||||||||||
(2) Holding company only. |
At April 26, 2013, IDACORP had no loans outstanding under its credit facility and $67.4 million of commercial paper outstanding, and Idaho Power had no loans outstanding under its credit facility and no commercial paper outstanding. The table below presents additional information about short-term commercial paper borrowing during the three months ended March 31, 2013.
Three months ended | ||||||||
March 31, 2013 | ||||||||
IDACORP (1) | Idaho Power | |||||||
Commercial paper: | ||||||||
Period end: | ||||||||
Amount outstanding | $ | 67,150 | $ | 16,600 | ||||
Weighted average interest rate | 0.43 | % | 0.44 | % | ||||
Daily average amount outstanding during the period | $ | 65,145 | $ | 8,500 | ||||
Weighted average interest rate during the period | 0.46 | % | 0.43 | % | ||||
Maximum month-end balance | $ | 67,150 | $ | 16,600 | ||||
(1) Holding company only. |
Impact of Credit Ratings on Liquidity and Collateral Obligations
IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s access to capital markets, including the commercial paper market, and their respective financing costs in those markets, may depend on their respective credit ratings. The table below outlines the ratings of Idaho Power’s and IDACORP’s securities, and the ratings outlook, by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and Moody’s Investors Service as of the date of this report.
S&P | Moody’s | |||||||
Idaho Power | IDACORP | Idaho Power | IDACORP | |||||
Corporate Credit Rating/Long-Term Issuer Rating | BBB | BBB | Baa 1 | Baa 2 | ||||
Senior Secured Debt | A- | None | A2 | None | ||||
Senior Unsecured Debt | BBB | None | Baa 1 | None | ||||
Short-Term Tax-Exempt Debt | BBB/A-2 | None | Baa 1/ VMIG-2 | None | ||||
Commercial Paper | A-2 | A-2 | P-2 | P-2 | ||||
Senior Unsecured Credit Facility | None | None | Baa 1 | Baa 2 | ||||
Rating Outlook | Stable | Stable | Stable | Stable | ||||
These security ratings reflect the views of the ratings agencies. An explanation of the significance of these ratings may be obtained from each rating agency. Such ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. Any rating can be revised upward or downward or withdrawn at any time by a rating agency if it decides that the circumstances warrant the change. Each rating agency has its own methodology for assigning ratings and, accordingly, each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
Idaho Power maintains margin agreements relating to its wholesale commodity contracts that allow performance assurance collateral to be requested of and/or posted with certain counterparties. As of March 31, 2013, Idaho Power had posted $1.5 million of performance assurance collateral. Should Idaho Power experience a reduction in its credit rating on its unsecured
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debt to below investment grade Idaho Power could be subject to requests by its wholesale counterparties to post additional performance assurance collateral, and counterparties to derivative instruments and other forward contracts could request immediate payment or demand immediate ongoing full daily collateralization on derivative instruments and contracts in net liability positions. Based upon Idaho Power’s current energy and fuel portfolio and market conditions as of March 31, 2013, the amount of additional collateral that could be requested upon a downgrade to below investment grade is approximately $2.8 million. To minimize capital requirements, Idaho Power actively monitors its portfolio exposure and the potential exposure to additional requests for performance assurance collateral through sensitivity analysis.
Capital Requirements
Idaho Power's construction expenditures, excluding AFUDC, were $50 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013. The table below presents Idaho Power's estimated cash requirements for construction, excluding AFUDC, for 2013 (including amounts incurred to date during 2013) through 2015 (in millions of dollars).
2013 | 2014-2015 | |||
Ongoing capital expenditures (excluding item listed below in this table) | $210-218 | $500-505 | ||
Jim Bridger plant selective catalytic reduction equipment | 35-37 | 70-75 | ||
Total | $245-255 | $570-580 |
Major Infrastructure Projects: Idaho Power is engaged in the development of a number of significant projects and has entered into arrangements with third parties concerning joint infrastructure development. The discussion below provides a summary of certain of these projects and notable developments since the discussion of these matters included in Part II, Item 7 - “MD&A - Capital Requirements” in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. The discussion below should be read in conjunction with that report.
Boardman-to-Hemingway Line: The Boardman-to-Hemingway line, a proposed 300-mile, 500-kV transmission project between a station near Boardman, Oregon and the Hemingway station near Boise, Idaho, would provide transmission service to meet future resource needs. In January 2012, Idaho Power entered into a joint funding agreement with PacifiCorp and the Bonneville Power Administration to jointly pursue permitting of the project. The joint funding agreement provides that Idaho Power's interest in the permitting phase of the project would be approximately 21 percent, and that during future negotiations relating to construction of the transmission line Idaho Power would seek to retain that percentage interest in the completed project. Idaho Power's estimated share of the cost of the permitting phase of the project is $13 million, including AFUDC. Total cost estimates for the project are between approximately $890 million and $940 million, including AFUDC. This cost estimate excludes the impacts of inflation and price changes of materials and labor resources that may occur following the date of the estimate. Idaho Power's share of the permitting phase of the project (excluding AFUDC) is included in the capital requirements table above. Construction costs beyond the permitting phase are not included in the table above.
In February 2013, Idaho Power filed its preliminary application for a site certificate with the Oregon Department of Energy. Issuance of a site certificate is required prior to commencement of construction of the transmission line. Additionally, other federal and state permitting activities continue to move forward, and Idaho Power continues to expect the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to issue a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) in mid-2013. The completion date of the project is subject to siting, permitting, regulatory approvals, in-service date requirements of the parties electing to construct the line, the terms of any resulting joint construction agreements, and other conditions. Based on Idaho Power's assessment of those and other factors, Idaho Power continues to expect that a project in-service date prior to 2018 is unlikely.
Gateway West Line: Idaho Power and PacifiCorp are pursuing the joint development of the Gateway West project, a 500-kV transmission project between a station located near Douglas, Wyoming and the Hemingway station. In January 2012, Idaho Power and PacifiCorp entered a new joint funding agreement for permitting of the project. Idaho Power's estimated cost for the permitting phase of the Gateway West project is approximately $24 million, including AFUDC. As of the date of this report, Idaho Power estimates the total cost for its share of the project (including both permitting and construction) to be between $150 million and $300 million, including AFUDC. Idaho Power's share of the permitting phase of the project (excluding AFUDC) is included in the capital requirements table above. Construction costs are not included in the table above. The BLM released for public comment its final EIS on April 26, 2013, and its current schedule provides for a record of decision to be issued before the end of 2013. The final EIS contemplates a potential phased decision that would allow additional time for stakeholders to provide further input on some of the segments, particularly those with social or environmental issues discussed in the final EIS. A phased approach may result in the need for additional analysis before a record of decision for the phased-in segment or segments in question would be issued, which could increase project costs.
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Changes to Capital Project Mix: At times, Idaho Power may seek to accelerate, scale back, modify, or eliminate projects, or seek alternative projects, to accommodate anticipated resource needs and to help ensure its ability to provide reliable electric service and meet load and transmission capacity obligations. Scaling back or eliminating a project due to regulatory challenges or other factors influencing the feasibility of a project may result in Idaho Power pursuing one or more separate, more costly projects. For instance, if Idaho Power were unable to secure permits or joint funding commitments to develop transmission infrastructure necessary to serve loads, it may terminate those projects and, as an alternative, develop additional generation facilities within areas where Idaho Power has available transmission capacity. Idaho Power's IRP seeks to address these potential alternatives and their associated risks and costs. Termination of a project carries with it the potential for a write-off of all or a significant portion of the costs associated with the project.
Valmy Coal-Fired Plant Third-Party Announcement: In April 2013, a bill introduced in the Nevada legislature, together with associated third-party news releases, outlined a proposed plan by NV Energy, Inc. to accelerate the retirement or divestiture of its coal-fired generating facilities and the construction of natural gas and renewable generation facilities. Idaho Power and NV Energy are fifty-percent co-owners of the Valmy coal-fired power plant in Nevada. The news releases suggested that NV Energy may seek to divest its ownership in its share of the Valmy plant by 2025, subject to a number of conditions, and indicated the potential for retirement or divestiture of its interests in other of NV Energy's coal-fired plants in the relative near-term. Idaho Power's consent is required prior to NV Energy taking certain actions related to the Valmy plant. Idaho Power has been in discussions with NV Energy regarding the legislation and announcement and plans to work with NV Energy on cost-effective long-term solutions for the Valmy plant.
Pension Plan Funding: From 2010 to 2012 Idaho Power contributed $123 million to its defined benefit pension plan. While Idaho Power does not anticipate that any mandatory cash contributions will be required in 2013, it does expect to make additional significant cash contributions to the pension plan in the future.
Contractual Obligations
During the three months ended March 31, 2013, IDACORP's and Idaho Power's contractual obligations, outside the ordinary course of business, did not change materially from the amounts disclosed in their Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, except for the termination of four power purchase agreements due to either uncured breach by the respective counterparties or pursuant to IPUC-approved settlement arrangements between the parties. Termination of the agreements reduced Idaho Power's contractual payment obligations by approximately $322 million over the 15-year to 20-year lives of the contracts.
Dividends
The amount and timing of dividends paid on IDACORP’s common stock are within the discretion of IDACORP’s board of directors. IDACORP's board of directors reviews the dividend rate periodically to determine its appropriateness in light of IDACORP’s current and long-term financial position and results of operations, capital requirements, rating agency requirements, contractual and regulatory restrictions, legislative and regulatory developments affecting the electric utility industry in general and Idaho Power in particular, competitive conditions, and any other factors the board of directors deems relevant. The ability of IDACORP to pay dividends on its common stock is dependent upon dividends paid to it by its subsidiaries, primarily Idaho Power. IDACORP has a dividend policy that provides for a target long-term dividend payout ratio of between 50 and 60 percent of sustainable IDACORP earnings, with the flexibility to achieve that payout ratio over time and to adjust the payout ratio or to deviate from the target payout ratio from time to time based on the various factors that drive the IDACORP board of directors' dividend decisions. Notwithstanding the dividend policy adopted by the IDACORP board of directors, the dividends IDACORP pays remain in the discretion of the board of directors who, when evaluating the dividend amount, will continue to take into account the foregoing factors, among others. For additional information relating to IDACORP and Idaho Power dividends, including additional restrictions on IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s payment of dividends, see Note 6 – “Common Stock” to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report.
On January 19, 2012, IDACORP's board of directors voted to increase the quarterly dividend, commencing with the dividend paid on February 29, 2012, to $0.33 per share of IDACORP common stock, from the prior quarterly dividend amount of $0.30 per share of IDACORP common stock. On September 20, 2012, IDACORP's board of directors voted to increase the quarterly dividend again in 2012, commencing with the dividend payable on November 30, 2012, to $0.38 per share of IDACORP common stock. As of the date of this report, IDACORP’s management continues to anticipate recommending to the board of directors an additional increase to the quarterly dividend in September 2013 of at least ten percent.
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Contingencies and Proceedings
IDACORP and Idaho Power are involved in a number of litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and administrative proceedings, and are subject to claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, that could affect their future results of operations and financial condition. Certain legal or administrative proceedings to which IDACORP or Idaho Power are parties or are otherwise involved, and certain actual or potential legal claims pertaining to Idaho Power, are described in Note 9 - "Contingencies" to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report. Except where noted in Note 9, in many instances, IDACORP and Idaho Power are unable to predict the outcomes of the matters or estimate the impact the proceedings may have on their financial positions, results of operations, or cash flows.
Idaho Power is also actively monitoring various environmental regulations that may have a significant impact on its future operations. Given uncertainties regarding the outcome, timing, and compliance plans for these environmental matters, Idaho Power is unable to determine the financial impact of these regulations but does believe that future capital investment for infrastructure and modifications to its electric generating facilities to comply with these regulations could be significant.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
IDACORP's and Idaho Power's off-balance sheet arrangements have not changed materially from those reported in MD&A in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
REGULATORY MATTERS
Introduction
As a regulated utility, many of Idaho Power's fundamental business decisions are subject to the approval of governmental agencies. Idaho Power is under the retail jurisdiction (as to rates, service, accounting, and other general matters of utility operation) of the IPUC and the OPUC, which determine the rates that Idaho Power charges to its retail customers. Idaho Power is also under the regulatory jurisdiction of the IPUC, the OPUC, and the WPSC as to the issuance of debt and equity securities. Also, as a public utility under the Federal Power Act, Idaho Power has authority to charge market-based rates for wholesale energy sales under its FERC tariff and to provide transmission services under its OATT. Idaho Power uses general rate cases, cost adjustment mechanisms, and subject-specific filings to recover its costs of providing service and the costs of its energy efficiency and demand-side management programs, seeking to earn a return on investment where permitted by regulators. Idaho Power remains focused on communicating with regulators the necessity of investments to better serve its customers, the prudence of the costs incurred, and the importance of a reasonable return on investment for IDACORP's shareholders.
Idaho Power filed general rate cases in Idaho and Oregon during 2011, as well as a single-issue rate case for the Langley Gulch power plant in Idaho and Oregon in 2012. These significant rate cases resulted in the resetting of base rates in both Idaho and Oregon during 2012. The outcomes of these and other significant proceedings are described in part in this report and further in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. In addition to the discussion below, which includes notable recent regulatory rate adjustments and mechanisms (including developments since the discussion of these matters in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012), refer to Note 3 - “Regulatory Matters” to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report for additional information and updates relating to Idaho Power's regulatory matters and recent regulatory filings and orders, including proceedings that impact the comparability of IDACORP's and Idaho Power's financial results during the first quarter of 2013 relative to the first quarter of 2012.
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Notable Rate Filings and Orders During 2013
During 2013, Idaho Power made the notable filings and received orders in notable pending rate matters summarized in the table below.
Description | Status | Estimated Annual Rate Impact (1) | Notes | |||
Power Cost Adjustment Mechanism - Idaho Filing | Filed April 15, 2013; Pending | Idaho Power requested a $140.4 million increase for the period from June 1, 2013 to May 31, 2014, but also proposed to defer $52.5 million of the increase to the June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015 PCA collection period. | The potential earnings impact of rate increases and decreases associated with the Idaho PCA mechanism is largely offset by associated increases and decreases in actual power supply costs and amortization of deferred power supply costs under the Idaho PCA mechanism. Thus, while the PCA rate change can have a significant impact on customer rates, the impact on Idaho Power's financial condition is largely limited to the timing of cash flows. The April 15, 2013 IPUC filing is discussed in more detail below. | |||
Fixed Cost Adjustment - Idaho Filing | Filed March 15, 2013; Pending | Idaho Power requested a $1.4 million decrease in the FCA. | The FCA is designed to remove Idaho Power’s disincentive to invest in energy efficiency programs by separating (or decoupling) the recovery of fixed costs from the volumetric kilowatt-hour charge and linking it instead to a set amount per customer. The FCA is adjusted each year to collect, or refund, the difference between the allowed fixed-cost recovery amount and the actual fixed costs recovered by Idaho Power during the year. | |||
Custom Efficiency Program - Idaho Order | The IPUC issued an order denying Idaho Power's application on March 21, 2013 | None - the IPUC's order did not authorize a change in rates. | On October 31, 2012, Idaho Power filed an application with the IPUC requesting authorization to begin amortization and collection of the 2011 portion of the regulatory asset associated with its custom efficiency program (a demand-side management program) over a four-year period, equal to approximately $2.9 million per year, including a carrying charge. See Note 3 - "Regulatory Matters" to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report for a description of Idaho Power's April 15, 2013 application requesting an accounting order from the IPUC authorizing transfer of custom efficiency program payments from a separate regulatory asset to the energy efficiency rider regulatory asset. |
(1) The annual amount collected in rates is typically not recovered on a straight-line basis (i.e., 1/12th per month), and is instead recovered in proportion to general business sales volumes.
Idaho ROE Support in 2013 and 2014 from December 2011 Regulatory Settlement Stipulation
In December 2011, the IPUC issued an order, separate from the then-pending Idaho general rate case proceeding, approving a settlement stipulation that provides as follows:
• | if Idaho Power's actual Idaho ROE for 2012, 2013, or 2014 is less than 9.5 percent, then Idaho Power may amortize additional ADITC to help achieve a minimum 9.5 percent Idaho ROE in the applicable year. Idaho Power would be permitted to amortize additional ADITC in an aggregate amount up to $45 million over the three-year period, but could use no more than $25 million in 2012; |
• | if Idaho Power's actual Idaho ROE for 2012, 2013, or 2014 exceeds 10.0 percent, the amount of Idaho Power's Idaho- jurisdictional earnings exceeding a 10.0 percent and up to and including a 10.5 percent Idaho ROE for the applicable year would be shared equally between Idaho Power and its Idaho customers in the form of a rate reduction to become effective at the time of the subsequent year's PCA adjustment; and |
• | if Idaho Power's actual Idaho ROE for 2012, 2013, or 2014 exceeds 10.5 percent, the amount of Idaho Power's Idaho- jurisdictional earnings exceeding a 10.5 percent Idaho ROE for the applicable year would be allocated 75 percent to Idaho Power's Idaho customers as a reduction to the pension regulatory asset and 25 percent to Idaho Power. |
The December 2011 settlement stipulation provides that the Idaho ROE thresholds (9.5 percent, 10.0 percent, and 10.5 percent) will be automatically adjusted prospectively in the event the IPUC approves a change to Idaho Power's authorized return on
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equity as part of a general rate case proceeding seeking a rate change effective prior to January 1, 2015. As Idaho Power's 2012 Idaho ROE exceeded 10.5 percent, Idaho Power did not amortize additional ADITC in 2012. While providing no assurance that Idaho Power will obtain a 9.5 percent Idaho ROE in any of the years, IDACORP and Idaho Power believe the ability to amortize additional ADITC under the settlement stipulation provides an element of earnings stability for 2013 and 2014.
Idaho Power's 2012 Idaho ROE exceeded 10.5 percent, triggering the sharing mechanism of the December 2011 settlement stipulation. For 2012, Idaho Power recorded a $7.2 million provision against current revenues, to be refunded to customers through a future rate reduction, and an additional $14.6 million of pension expense, to benefit Idaho customers by reducing the amount of deferred pension expense that will be collected from customers in the future. The $7.2 million rate adjustment was included in the annual PCA filing Idaho Power made in April 2013 and, if approved, would be in effect for the period from June 1, 2013 to May 31, 2014.
Change in Deferred Net Power Supply Costs and the Power Cost Adjustment Mechanism
Deferred power supply costs represent certain differences between Idaho Power's actual net power supply costs and the costs included in its retail rates, the latter being based on annual estimates of power supply costs. Deferred power supply costs are recorded on the balance sheets for future recovery or refund through customer rates. The table below summarizes the change in deferred net power supply costs during the three months ended March 31, 2013.
Idaho | Oregon (1) | Total | ||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2012 | $ | 34,571 | $ | 8,331 | $ | 42,902 | ||||||
Current period net power supply costs deferred | 9,754 | — | 9,754 | |||||||||
Prior amounts returned (recovered) through rates | 12,199 | (564 | ) | 11,635 | ||||||||
SO2 allowance and renewable energy certificate (REC) sales | 1 | (3 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||
Interest and other | 61 | 144 | 205 | |||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2013 | $ | 56,586 | $ | 7,908 | $ | 64,494 |
(1) Oregon power supply cost deferrals are subject to a statute that specifically limits rate amortizations of deferred costs to six percent of gross Oregon revenue per year (approximately $3 million). Deferrals are amortized sequentially.
Idaho Power's PCA mechanisms in its Idaho and Oregon jurisdictions address the volatility of power supply costs and provide for annual adjustments to the rates charged to retail customers. The PCA mechanism and associated financial impacts are described in "Results of Operations" in this MD&A.
On April 15, 2013, Idaho Power filed an application with the IPUC requesting a $140.4 million increase in Idaho PCA rates, effective for the June 1, 2013 to May 31, 2014 PCA collection period. However, to lessen the single-year rate impact on customers of the PCA rate increase, Idaho Power's application included a proposal to defer $52.5 million of the PCA rate increase for inclusion in the June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015 PCA collection period. The existing PCA mechanism includes a one-percent carrying charge on the amount that would be, if approved, deferred to the 2014-2015 PCA collection period. While the PCA mechanism contemplates the ability to spread the recovery of a single year's PCA amount over multiple years, the IPUC has in most instances approved recovery of PCA amounts over a single PCA collection period.
Drivers of the magnitude of the PCA rate increase that Idaho Power requested in its application were actual hydroelectric generation and market energy prices for the 2012-2013 PCA year (April 1, 2012 through March 31, 2013) at amounts less than forecast, decreased impact of revenue sharing with customers during 2013 compared to 2012, forecast below-average hydroelectric generating conditions during the 2013-2014 PCA year (April 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014), lower market energy prices for excess power that Idaho Power sells, and the expiration of other rate credits.
With the exception of power cost expenses incurred under PURPA and certain demand response program costs that are passed through to customers substantially in full, the PCA allows Idaho Power to pass through to customers 95 percent of the differences in actual net power supply expenses as compared to base power supply expenses, whether positive or negative. Thus, the primary financial statement impact of power supply cost deferrals is that cash is paid out but recovery of those costs from customers does not occur until a future period, impacting operating cash flows from year to year. If the IPUC were to accept Idaho Power's PCA application as submitted, including the proposed deferral of a portion of the PCA increase to the 2014-2015 PCA collection period, while it would reduce near-term cash flows, as of the date of this report IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power do not anticipate that such approval would have a material adverse impact on their respective financial condition or results of operations. IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power expect that the adverse near-term cash flow impact of the proposed deferral of a portion of the PCA increase to the 2014-2015 PCA collection period, if adopted by the IPUC, would be mitigated
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in part by the companies' current liquidity position (including as a result of the net proceeds from Idaho Power's previously reported issuance of debt securities in April 2013) and the availability of federal bonus depreciation.
Coal Unit Environmental Investment Analysis
In connection with its integrated resource planning process, in February 2013 Idaho Power filed with the IPUC and OPUC the results of cost studies and scenario analyses conducted to assess the potential future investments necessary for the continued operation of the Jim Bridger and Valmy coal-fired generation facilities. The Boardman plant was not included in the study because of the existing schedule to cease coal-fired operations at that plant by the end of 2020. In the analysis, the cost of future compliance was compared to the cost of replacement generation capacity provided by combined-cycle combustion turbine technology and conversion of the units to natural gas. Because of the uncertain nature of many of the future requirements, the analysis was performed under a range of fuel pricing assumptions, carbon cost assumptions, plant upgrade and retirement costs, environmental regulation assumptions, and replacement costs. Idaho Power concluded in its study that the Jim Bridger and Valmy plants should be retained in its resource portfolio and supports planned investments in environmental controls at those plants. This is particularly true in light of the desire to maintain a diversified portfolio of generation assets and fuel diversity that can mitigate risk associated with increases in natural gas prices. However, the study also concluded that in the event significant additional operating and maintenance or capital expenditures are necessary at the Valmy plant as a result of new environmental requirements, Idaho Power will conduct a further review to determine whether such investments are economically appropriate, and whether conversion of the facility to a natural-gas fired plant would be appropriate. Most significant actions related to the plant, including conversion to natural gas as a fuel source, would in most instances require consent of the Valmy plant's co-owner.
Authorization of Temporary Suspension of Two Demand Response Programs
Idaho Power had in place a number of demand response programs designed to reduce peak summer demand through the voluntary interruption of central air conditioners for residential customers, interruption of irrigation pumps, and reduction of commercial and industrial demand through a third-party demand response aggregator. In December 2012, Idaho Power filed an application with the IPUC requesting the temporary suspension during 2013 of two demand response programs that Idaho Power had previously implemented to reduce peak-hour loads. Included with the application was a discussion of the results of preliminary studies conducted in connection with Idaho Power's 2013 IRP, including a load and resource balance for the 2013 to 2032 period. After application of a number of assumptions, under a scenario that excludes demand response programs and power capacity from the proposed Boardman-to-Hemingway 500-kV transmission line, the peak-hour load and resource balance indicates no peak-hour load deficit until 2016. Under those assumptions the need for near-term peak-hour resources like demand response programs or new near-term supply-side resources does not exist. On April 2, 2013, the IPUC issued an order approving a settlement stipulation providing for the temporary suspension of the programs during 2013 and scheduling workshops to evaluate the programs for use in 2014 and thereafter.
Filing of 2012 Demand-Side Management Annual Report
On March 15, 2013, Idaho Power filed with the IPUC its demand-side management annual report for 2012. The report states that Idaho Power's total expenditures on demand-side management-related activities increased from $46.3 million in 2011 to $49.3 million in 2012. Idaho Power has historically recovered these expenditures in three ways — through energy efficiency riders, the PCA, and by capitalizing them in a manner similar to supply-side resources. The energy savings exclusively from Idaho Power's energy efficiency programs in 2012 were over 152,486 MWh, and demand reduction available from demand response programs reached 438 MW in 2012.
Transmission Coordination and FERC Order 1000
The FERC has encouraged increased coordination intended to capture power transmission efficiencies that might otherwise be gained through the formation of a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) such as an independent system operator. While it has not mandated RTO formation, the FERC has issued orders and made public statements indicating its support for the development and formation of independent organizations, including those intended to implement a number of regional transmission planning coordination requirements.
In 2011, FERC issued Order 1000, which reforms its electric transmission planning and cost allocation requirements for public utility transmission providers. These processes require that transmission providers develop and implement regional and interregional planning and cost allocation processes for regional and interregional transmission facilities. These processes are intended to, among other things, improve coordination between neighboring transmission providers and regions and to determine if there are more efficient or cost effective solutions to transmission needs. The order also requires development of
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cost allocation processes that would seek to allocate costs to beneficiaries of a transmission project in a manner that is roughly commensurate with benefits. These procedural changes will require increased time and participation on a regional and interregional level by Idaho Power. The cost allocation processes of a regional transmission facility may assign some costs to other beneficiaries and may result in a change in costs attributable to Idaho Power and its customers.
Another significant change is the removal of the federal right of first refusal (ROFR) provision contained in tariffs or agreements with respect to transmission facilities selected in a regional transmission plan for purposes of cost allocation. Incumbent public utility transmission providers no longer have a federal ROFR to build, own, and operate large-scale regional transmission projects when they seek regional cost allocation. Idaho Power has filed its tariff revisions with the FERC for the regional portion of Order 1000 requirements. The FERC has yet to rule on Idaho Power's tariff filing, and as a result Idaho Power is unable to determine what impacts this order may have on its future electric transmission service costs or charges.
Renewable and Other Energy Contracts, Renewable Energy Certificates, and Emission Allowances
Sale of Renewable Energy Certificates: Pursuant to an IPUC order, Idaho Power continues to sell its near-term RECs and is returning to customers their share (shared 95 percent with customers in the Idaho jurisdiction) of those proceeds through the PCA. Idaho Power's REC sales were nominal for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared with $1 million for the same period of 2012.
Renewable and Other Energy Contracts: Idaho Power purchases wind power from both cogeneration and small power production (CSPP) and non-CSPP facilities, including its largest non-CSPP wind power project -- the Elkhorn Valley wind project with a 101 MW nameplate capacity. As of March 31, 2013, Idaho Power had contracts to purchase energy from on-line CSPP wind power projects with a combined nameplate rating of 577 MW. In addition to its power purchase arrangements with wind power generators, Idaho Power has contracts for the purchase of power from other renewable generation sources, such as biomass and small hydroelectric projects. As of March 31, 2013, Idaho Power had the number and nameplate capacity of signed CSPP-related agreements with terms ranging from one to 35 years set forth in the table below.
Status | Number of CSPP Contracts | Nameplate Capacity (MW) | ||
On-line as of March 31, 2013 | 103 | 783 | ||
Contracted and projected to come on-line by year-end 2013 | 2 | 6 |
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 210 of PURPA, the IPUC and OPUC have each issued orders and rules regulating Idaho Power's purchase of power from CSPP facilities. A key component of the PURPA power purchase contracts is the energy price contained within the agreements. Regulatory-mandated execution of PURPA agreements may result in Idaho Power acquiring energy it does not need at above wholesale market prices and require additional operational integration measures, thus increasing costs to Idaho Power's customers. Substantially all PURPA power purchase costs are recovered through base rates and Idaho Power's power supply cost mechanisms, and thus the primary impact of PURPA agreements is on customer rates.
Relicensing of Hydroelectric Projects
Costs for the relicensing of Idaho Power's hydroelectric projects are recorded in construction work in progress until new multi-year licenses are issued by the FERC, at which time the charges are transferred to electric plant in service. Relicensing costs and costs related to new licenses will be submitted to regulators for recovery through the ratemaking process. Relicensing costs of $165.9 million for the HCC, Idaho Power's largest hydroelectric complex and a major relicensing effort, were included in construction work in progress at March 31, 2013. As of the date of this report, the IPUC authorizes Idaho Power to include in its Idaho jurisdiction rates approximately $6.5 million annually ($10.7 million grossed up for income taxes) of AFUDC relating to the HCC relicensing project. Collecting these amounts now will reduce the amount collected in the future once the HCC relicensing costs are approved for recovery in base rates. Through March 31, 2013, Idaho Power had collected $31.6 million ($48.9 million grossed up for income taxes) of AFUDC related to the HCC relicensing project through customer rates.
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ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Overview
Idaho Power is subject to a broad range of federal, state, regional, and local laws and regulations designed to protect, restore, and enhance the environment. Current and pending environmental legislation relates to, among other items, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and air quality, mercury and other emissions, hazardous wastes, polychlorinated biphenyls, and endangered and threatened species, and include, among others, the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, and the Endangered Species Act. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations and associated costs, these laws and regulations provide authority to levy substantial penalties for noncompliance, injunctive relief, and other sanctions. These laws and regulations are administered by a number of federal, state, and local agencies. Idaho Power's three coal-fired power plants and three natural gas-fired combustion turbine power plants are also subject to many of these regulations. Idaho Power's 17 hydroelectric projects are also subject to a number of water discharge standards and other environmental requirements.
Compliance with current and future environmental laws and regulations may:
• | increase the operating costs of generating plants; |
• | increase the construction costs and lead time for new facilities; |
• | require the modification of existing generation plants; |
• | require the curtailment of shut-down of existing generating plants; or |
• | reduce the output from current generating facilities. |
Current and future environmental laws and regulations will increase the cost of operating coal-fired power plants and constructing new facilities, will necessitate installation of additional pollution control devices at existing generating plants, or result in Idaho Power discontinuing operation of one or more coal-fired plants where operation becomes uneconomical. These regulations could, in turn, affect IDACORP's and Idaho Power's results of operations and financial condition if the costs associated with these environmental requirements and plant shut-downs cannot be fully recovered in rates on a timely basis. Part I - “Business - Environmental Regulation and Costs” in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 includes a summary of Idaho Power's expected capital and operating expenditures for environmental matters during the period from 2013 to 2015. Given the uncertainty of future environmental regulations, Idaho Power is unable to predict its environmental-related expenditures beyond that time, though they could be substantial.
Included below is a summary of notable developments in environmental and related issues impacting Idaho Power since the discussion of these and other matters included in Part II, Item 7 - “MD&A - Environmental Issues” and “MD&A - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Capital Requirements - Environmental Regulation Costs” in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Clean Air Act Developments
Final MACT Rule Implementation: Several regulatory programs developed under the CAA impact Idaho Power. The CAA requires the EPA to develop industry-based standards to control emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and these standards are referred to as the Utility Maximum Available Control Technology (MACT) rules. In February 2012, the EPA issued final MACT rules to control emissions of mercury and other HAPs from coal- and oil-fired electric utility generating units (EGUs) under the CAA. The compliance deadline for the new MACT rules has been established as April 2015. Idaho Power has reviewed the MACT final rules and is in the process of implementing controls for compliance with these rules. Additionally, on March 28, 2013, the EPA issued a notice by which it finalized its MACT rules in light of a number of requests for reconsideration that were filed by the electric utility industry. The notice revised the mercury emissions standard originally proposed in the February 2012 rule to make the mercury emission standard less stringent. While the new MACT standards only apply to EGUs constructed in the future, and Idaho Power does not expect the new standards to impact its existing generation facilities, the MACT standards would impact the nature and extent of environmental controls to be installed on new EGUs, and thus would likely increase the cost of constructing new EGUs.
Regional Haze Rules - Update to Timing of Wyoming Implementation Plan: In accordance with federal regional haze rules under the CAA, coal-fired utility boilers are subject to regional haze - best available retrofit technology (RH BART) if they were built between 1962 and 1977 and affect any "Class I" (wilderness) areas. This includes all four units at the Jim Bridger coal-fired plant. In December 2009, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) issued a RH BART permit to PacifiCorp as the operator of the Jim Bridger plant. The WDEQ determined that low NOx burners with over-fire air is RH
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BART for NOx for all four Bridger units and that RH BART is not required for SO2 at the Jim Bridger plant. As part of the WDEQ's long term strategy for regional haze, the permit requires that PacifiCorp install selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for NOx control at Jim Bridger Units 3 and 4 by December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016, respectively, and submit an application by January 15, 2015 to install add-on NOx controls at Jim Bridger Unit 1 by 2022 and Unit 2 by 2021. In November 2010, PacifiCorp and the WDEQ signed a settlement agreement under which PacifiCorp agreed to the timing and nature of the controls. However, the settlement agreement is conditioned on the EPA ultimately approving those portions of the Wyoming Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (RH SIP) that are consistent with the terms of the settlement agreement.
In May 2012, the EPA proposed to partially reject Wyoming's regional haze SIP for NOx reduction at the Jim Bridger plant, instead proposing to substitute the EPA's own RH BART determination and its Federal Implementation Plan (FIP). The EPA's primary proposal would result in an acceleration of the installation of SCR additions at Bridger Units 1 and 2 to within five years after the FIP, or a SIP revised to be consistent with the proposed FIP, is adopted by the WDEQ. In November 2012, the EPA approved the general provisions of the WDEQ's RH SIP. However, in March 2013 the EPA announced that it was extending the time deadline related to the regional haze rules in Wyoming, stating that it would re-propose the plant-specific NOx control provisions in May 2013 and would not finalize the rules until November 2013.
Clean Water Act Development
On April 19, 2013, the EPA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to revise the technology-based effluent limitation guidelines and standards under the CWA for water discharged from steam electric power plants, which includes coal-fired plants. Generally, the proposed rule would establish new or additional requirements for wastewater streams from a number of processes associated with steam electric power generation. The EPA stated in its release that more than half of coal-fired plants in the United States would be in compliance with the proposed rules without incurring any additional cost, and stated that its cost analysis shows very small effects on the electric power market. Idaho Power is evaluating the proposed rules to determine their impact on Idaho Power's co-owned coal-fired plants, if the rules are adopted as proposed.
OTHER MATTERS
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s discussion and analysis of their financial condition and results of operations are based upon their condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires IDACORP and Idaho Power to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, IDACORP and Idaho Power evaluate these estimates, including those estimates related to rate regulation, benefit costs, contingencies, litigation, impairment of assets, income taxes, unbilled revenue, and bad debt. These estimates are based on historical experience and on other assumptions and factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, and are the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. IDACORP and Idaho Power, based on their ongoing reviews, make adjustments when facts and circumstances dictate.
IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s critical accounting policies are reviewed by the audit committee of the boards of directors. These policies have not changed materially from the discussion of those policies included under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
There have been no recently issued accounting pronouncements that have had or are expected to have a material impact on IDACORP's or Idaho Power's results of operations or financial condition.
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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
IDACORP and Idaho Power are exposed to market risks, including changes in interest rates, changes in commodity prices, credit risk, and equity price risk. The following discussion summarizes these risks and the financial instruments, derivative instruments, and derivative commodity instruments sensitive to changes in interest rates, commodity prices, and equity prices that were held at March 31, 2013.
Interest Rate Risk
IDACORP and Idaho Power manage interest expense and short- and long-term liquidity through a combination of fixed rate and variable rate debt. Generally, the amount of each type of debt is managed through market issuance, but interest rate swap and cap agreements with highly-rated financial institutions may be used to achieve the desired combination.
Variable Rate Debt: As of March 31, 2013, IDACORP and Idaho Power had $107.9 million and $40.7 million, respectively, in net floating-rate debt. The fair market value of this debt was $107.9 million and $40.7 million, respectively. Assuming no change in financial structure, if variable interest rates were to average one percentage-point higher than the average rate on March 31, 2013, interest rate expense would increase and pre-tax earnings would decrease by approximately $1.1 million for IDACORP and $0.4 million for Idaho Power.
Fixed Rate Debt: As of March 31, 2013, IDACORP and Idaho Power each had $1.5 billion in fixed rate debt, with a fair market value equal to $1.7 billion. These instruments are fixed rate and, therefore, do not expose the companies to a loss in earnings due to changes in market interest rates. However, the fair value of these instruments would increase by approximately $133.1 million for both IDACORP and Idaho Power if market interest rates were to decline by one percentage point from their March 31, 2013 levels.
Commodity Price Risk
Idaho Power's exposure to changes in commodity prices is related to its ongoing utility operations that produce electricity to meet the demand of its retail electric customers. To supplement its generation resources and balance its supply of power with the demand of its retail customers, Idaho Power participates in the wholesale marketplace. IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s commodity price risk as of March 31, 2013 had not changed materially from that reported in Item 7A of IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Information regarding Idaho Power’s use of derivative instruments to manage commodity price risk can be found in Note 12 – “Derivative Financial Instruments” to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report.
Credit Risk
Idaho Power is subject to credit risk based on its activity with market counterparties. Idaho Power is exposed to this risk to the extent that a counterparty may fail to fulfill a contractual obligation to provide energy, purchase energy, or complete financial settlement for market activities. Idaho Power mitigates this exposure by actively establishing credit limits; measuring, monitoring, and reporting credit risk using appropriate contractual arrangements; and transferring of credit risk through the use of financial guarantees, cash, or letters of credit. Idaho Power maintains a current list of acceptable counterparties and credit limits.
The use of performance assurance collateral in the form of cash, letters of credit, or guarantees is common industry practice. Idaho Power maintains margin agreements relating to its wholesale commodity contracts that allow performance assurance collateral to be requested of and/or posted with certain counterparties. As of March 31, 2013, Idaho Power had posted $1.5 million of performance assurance collateral. Should Idaho Power experience a reduction in its credit rating on Idaho Power's unsecured debt to below investment grade, Idaho Power could be subject to requests by its wholesale counterparties to post performance assurance collateral. Counterparties to derivative instruments and other forward contracts could request immediate payment or demand immediate ongoing full daily collateralization on derivative instruments and contracts in net liability positions. Based upon Idaho Power's energy and fuel portfolio and market conditions as of March 31, 2013, the approximate amount of collateral that could be requested upon a downgrade to below investment grade was approximately $2.8 million. Idaho Power actively monitors the portfolio exposure and the potential exposure to additional requests for performance assurance collateral calls, through sensitivity analysis, to minimize capital requirements.
Idaho Power’s credit risk related to uncollectible accounts as of March 31, 2013 had not changed materially from that reported in Item 7A of IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
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Equity Price Risk
IDACORP and Idaho Power are exposed to price fluctuations in equity markets, primarily through their defined benefit pension plan assets, a mine reclamation trust fund owned by an equity-method investment of Idaho Power, and other equity security investments at Idaho Power. IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s equity price risk as of March 31, 2013 had not changed materially from that reported in Item 7A of IDACORP's and Idaho Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
IDACORP: The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of IDACORP, based on their evaluation of IDACORP’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of March 31, 2013, have concluded that IDACORP’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of that date.
Idaho Power: The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Idaho Power, based on their evaluation of Idaho Power’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of March 31, 2013, have concluded that Idaho Power’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of that date.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in IDACORP’s or Idaho Power’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2013, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, IDACORP’s or Idaho Power’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Refer to Note 9 - “Contingencies” to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report for information regarding certain legal and administrative proceedings in which the registrants are involved.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The factors discussed in Part I - Item 1A - “Risk Factors” in IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, could materially affect IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s business, financial condition, or future results. There have been no material changes from the risk factors set forth in that section. In addition to those risk factors, also see "Forward-Looking Statements" in this report for additional factors that could have a significant impact on IDACORP's or Idaho Power's operations, results of operations, or financial condition and could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Restrictions on Dividends
A covenant under IDACORP’s credit facility and Idaho Power’s credit facility requires IDACORP and Idaho Power to maintain leverage ratios of consolidated indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization, as defined therein, of no more than 65 percent at the end of each fiscal quarter. Idaho Power’s Revised Policy and Code of Conduct relating to transactions between and among Idaho Power, IDACORP, and other affiliates, which was approved by the IPUC on April 21, 2008, states that Idaho Power will not pay any dividends to IDACORP that will reduce Idaho Power’s common equity capital below 35 percent of its total adjusted capital without IPUC approval. Idaho Power’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock held by IDACORP and IDACORP’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock are limited to the extent payment of such dividends would violate the credit facility covenants or Idaho Power’s Revised Policy and Code of Conduct.
Idaho Power’s articles of incorporation contain restrictions on the payment of dividends on its common stock if preferred stock dividends are in arrears. Idaho Power has no preferred stock outstanding. Further, Idaho Power must obtain approval of the OPUC before it could directly or indirectly loan funds or issue notes or give credit on its books to IDACORP.
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See Note 6 - “Common Stock” to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report for a further discussion of restrictions on IDACORP’s and Idaho Power’s payment of dividends.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, IDACORP effected the following repurchases of its common stock:
Period | (a) Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) | (b) Average Price Paid per Share | (c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | (d) Maximum Number (or approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs | |||||
January 1, 2013 - January 31, 2013 | 14,647 | $ | 44.20 | — | — | ||||
February 1, 2013 - February 28, 2013 | 31,484 | 46.75 | — | — | |||||
March 1, 2013 - March 31, 2013 | 45 | 48.27 | — | — | |||||
Total | 46,176 | $ | 45.94 | — | — |
(1) These shares were withheld for taxes upon vesting of restricted stock.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.104) is included in Exhibit 95.1 of this report, which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibits for IDACORP, Inc. and Idaho Power Company are listed in the Exhibit Index at the end of this report, which is incorporated herein by reference.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
IDACORP, INC. | |||
(Registrant) | |||
Date: | May 2, 2013 | By: | /s/ J. LaMont Keen |
J. LaMont Keen | |||
President and Chief Executive Officer | |||
Date: | May 2, 2013 | By: | /s/ Darrel T. Anderson |
Darrel T. Anderson | |||
Executive Vice President - Administrative | |||
Services and Chief Financial Officer | |||
IDAHO POWER COMPANY | |||
(Registrant) | |||
Date: | May 2, 2013 | By: | /s/ J. LaMont Keen |
J. LaMont Keen | |||
Chief Executive Officer | |||
Date: | May 2, 2013 | By: | /s/ Darrel T. Anderson |
Darrel T. Anderson | |||
President and Chief Financial Officer | |||
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EXHIBIT INDEX
The following exhibits are filed or furnished, as applicable, with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013:
Incorporated by Reference | ||||||
Exhibit No. | Exhibit Description | Form | File No. | Exhibit No. | Date | Included Herewith |
12.1 | IDACORP, Inc. Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Supplemental Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges | X | ||||
12.2 | Idaho Power Company Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Supplemental Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges | X | ||||
15.1 | Letter Re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information | X | ||||
31.1 | IDACORP, Inc. Rule 13a-14(a) CEO certification | X | ||||
31.2 | IDACORP, Inc. Rule 13a-14(a) CFO certification | X | ||||
31.3 | Idaho Power Rule 13a-14(a) CEO certification | X | ||||
31.4 | Idaho Power Rule 13a-14(a) CFO certification | X | ||||
32.1 | IDACORP, Inc. Section 1350 CEO certification | X | ||||
32.2 | IDACORP, Inc. Section 1350 CFO certification | X | ||||
32.3 | Idaho Power Section 1350 CEO certification | X | ||||
32.4 | Idaho Power Section 1350 CFO certification | X | ||||
95.1 | Mine Safety Disclosures | X | ||||
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document | X | ||||
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | X | ||||
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | X | ||||
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | X | ||||
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | X | ||||
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | X | ||||
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