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MGE ENERGY INC - Quarter Report: 2007 June (Form 10-Q)

Converted by EDGARwiz

United States

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


[X] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


For the quarterly period ended:

June 30, 2007


[   ] Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


For the transition period from _______________ to _______________


Commission

File No.

 

Name of Registrant, State of Incorporation, Address

of Principal Executive Offices, and Telephone No.

 

IRS Employer

Identification No.

000-49965

 

MGE Energy, Inc.

(a Wisconsin Corporation)

133 South Blair Street

Madison, Wisconsin 53703

(608) 252-7000

www.mgeenergy.com

 

39-2040501

000-1125

 

Madison Gas and Electric Company

(a Wisconsin Corporation)

133 South Blair Street

Madison, Wisconsin 53703

(608) 252-7000

www.mge.com

 

39-0444025


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 registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days: Yes [X]  No [  ]


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.


 

Large Accelerated Filer

Accelerated Filer

Non-accelerated Filer

MGE Energy, Inc.


X

 

 

Madison Gas and Electric Company


 

 

X


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).


MGE Energy, Inc. and Madison Gas and Electric Company:  Yes [   ]  No [X]


Number of Shares Outstanding of Each Class of Common Stock as of July 31, 2007

MGE Energy, Inc.

Common stock, $1.00 par value, 21,764,275 shares outstanding.

Madison Gas and Electric Company

Common stock, $1.00 par value, 17,347,889 shares outstanding (all of which are owned beneficially and of record by MGE Energy, Inc.).




Table of Contents


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION.

3

Filing Format

3

Forward-Looking Statements

3

Where to Find More Information

3

Definitions, Abbreviations, and Acronyms Used in the Text and Notes of this Report

4

Item 1. Financial Statements.

6

MGE Energy, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)

6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

7

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

8

Madison Gas and Electric Company

Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)

9

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

10

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

11

MGE Energy, Inc., and Madison Gas and Electric Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

12

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

33

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

57

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

60

Item 4T. Controls and Procedures.

60

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION.

61

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

61

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

61

Item 6. Exhibits.

62

Signatures - MGE Energy, Inc.

63

Signatures - Madison Gas and Electric Company

64




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION.


Filing Format


This combined Form 10-Q is being filed separately by MGE Energy, Inc. (MGE Energy) and Madison Gas and Electric Company (MGE). MGE is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGE Energy and represents a substantial portion of its assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and operations. Thus, all information contained in this report relates to, and is filed by, MGE Energy. Information that is specifically identified in this report as relating solely to MGE Energy, such as its financial statements and information relating to its nonregulated business, does not relate to, and is not filed by, MGE. MGE makes no representation as to that information. The terms "we" and "our" as used in this report refer to MGE Energy and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.


Forward-Looking Statements


This report, and other documents filed by MGE Energy and MGE with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from time to time, contain forward-looking statements that reflect management's current assumptions and estimates regarding future performance and economic conditions—especially as they relate to future load growth, revenues, expenses, capital expenditures, financial resources, regulatory matters, and the scope and expense associated with future environmental regulation. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "could," "should," "intend," and other similar words generally identify forward-looking statements. Both MGE Energy and MGE caution investors that these forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, expressed, or implied.


The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made by a registrant include (a) those factors discussed in the following sections of the Registrants' 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K: ITEM 1A. Risk Factors and ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and (b) other factors discussed herein and in other filings with the SEC by the Registrants.


Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this report. MGE Energy and MGE undertake no obligation to publicly release any revision to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report.


Where to Find More Information


The public may read and copy any reports or other information that MGE Energy and MGE file with the SEC at the SEC's public reference room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. These documents are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services, the Web site maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, MGE Energy's Web site at http://www.mgeenergy.com, and MGE's Web site at http://www.mge.com. Copies may be obtained from our Web sites free of charge. Information contained on MGE Energy's and MGE's Web sites shall not be deemed incorporated into, or to be a part of, this report.





Definitions, Abbreviations, and Acronyms Used in the Text and Notes of this Report


AFUDC

allowance for funds used during construction

ALJ

Administrative Law Judge

Alliant

Alliant Energy Corporation

ARB

Accounting Research Bulletin

ATC

American Transmission Company LLC

ARO

Asset Retirement Obligation

Blount

Blount Station

CAIR

Clean Air Interstate Rule

CAMR

Clean Air Mercury Rule

Columbia

Columbia Energy Center

cooling degree days

Measure of the extent to which the average daily temperature is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, increasing demand for cooling

CWDC

Central Wisconsin Development Corporation

Distribution Agreement

Distribution Agreement between MGE Energy and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.

DNR

Department of Natural Resources

Dth

dekatherms

EITF

Emerging Issues Task Force

Elm Road

Elm Road Generating Station

EPA

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

EPC

Engineering, Procurement, and Construction

FASB 

Financial Accounting Standards Board

FERC

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

FIN

FASB Interpretation No.

FSP

FASB Staff Position

FTR

Financial Transmission Rights

GCIM

gas cost incentive mechanism

heating degree days (HDD)

Measure of the extent to which the average daily temperature is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, increasing demand for heating

IBEW

International Brotherhood of Electric Workers

interconnection agreement

Generation-Transmission Interconnection Agreement

IRS

Internal Revenue Service

kV

kilovolt

kWh

kilowatt-hour

LIBOR

London interbank offered rate

LMP

Locational Marginal Pricing

MACT

Maximum available control technology

MAGAEL

MAGAEL, LLC

MGE

Madison Gas and Electric Company

MGE Construct

MGE Construct LLC

MGE Energy

MGE Energy, Inc.

MGE Power

MGE Power LLC

MGE Power Elm Road

MGE Power Elm Road, LLC

MGE Power West Campus

MGE Power West Campus, LLC

MGE Transco

MGE Transco Investment LLC

MISO

Midwest Independent System Operator (a regional transmission organization)

Moody's

Moody's Investors Service, Inc.

MW

megawatt

MWh

megawatt-hour

Nasdaq

The Nasdaq National Stock Market





NOx

nitrogen oxide

NR

Natural Resources

NYMEX

New York Mercantile Exchange

PGA

Purchased Gas Adjustment clause

PJM

PJM Interconnection, LLC (a regional transmission organization)

PSCW

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

RSG

Revenue Sufficiency Guarantee Charge

RTO

Regional Transmission Organization

S&P

Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, a division of McGraw-Hill Companies

SAB

Staff Accounting Bulletin

SEC

Securities and Exchange Commission

SFAS

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (issued by the FASB )

SO2

sulfur dioxide

the State

State of Wisconsin

Stock Plan

Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan of MGE Energy

UW

University of Wisconsin-Madison

VIE

variable interest entity

WCCF

West Campus Cogeneration Facility

WDNR

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

WEPCO

Wisconsin Electric Power Company

working capital

current assets less current liabilities

WPDES

Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

WUMS

Wisconsin and Upper Peninsula of Michigan System




Item 1. Financial Statements.


MGE Energy, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)

(In thousands, except per-share amounts)



 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

Operating Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulated revenues


$109,244

 

$98,799

 

$275,851

 

$256,461

Nonregulated revenues


1,301

 

922

 

2,580

 

1,845

Total Operating Revenues


110,545

 

99,721

 

278,431

 

258,306

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel for electric generation


13,476

 

9,138

 

27,236

 

20,387

Purchased power


18,594

 

19,926

 

40,075

 

40,682

Natural gas purchased


17,992

 

13,656

 

85,335

 

77,123

Other operations and maintenance


31,823

 

31,590

 

63,528

 

62,155

Depreciation and amortization


8,023

 

7,804

 

16,080

 

15,525

Other general taxes


3,914

 

3,768

 

7,821

 

7,736

Total Operating Expenses


93,822

 

85,882

 

240,075

 

223,608

Operating Income


16,723

 

13,839

 

38,356

 

34,698

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income, net


1,745

 

1,339

 

3,060

 

3,037

Interest expense


(3,175)

 

(3,868)

 

(6,715)

 

(7,698)

Income before income taxes


15,293

 

11,310

 

34,701

 

30,037

Income tax provision


(5,327)

 

(4,259)

 

(12,433)

 

(11,470)

Net Income


$   9,966

 

$  7,051

 

$ 22,268

 

$ 18,567

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per Share of Common Stock (basic and diluted)



$0.47

 


$0.34

 


$1.05

 


$0.91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid per share of common stock


$0.348

 

$0.345

 

$0.697

 

$0.690

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Shares Outstanding (basic and diluted)


21,375

 

20,468

 

21,201

 

20,461



The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements.




MGE Energy, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

2007

 

2006

Operating Activities:

 

 

 

Net income


$22,268

 

$18,567

Items not affecting cash:

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization


16,080

 

15,525

Deferred income taxes


(2,222)

 

(2,632)

Amortization of investment tax credits


(205)

 

(216)

Amortization of debt issuance costs and discount


284

 

327

Provision for doubtful accounts receivable


1,778

 

2,291

Employee benefit plan expenses


4,080

 

5,601

Equity earnings in ATC


(2,958)

 

(2,613)

Reserve for fuel refund


587

 

8,428

Other items


(36)

 

368

Changes in working capital:

 

 

 

Decrease in current assets


19,244

 

36,525

Decrease in current liabilities


(8,129)

 

(16,151)

Dividend income from ATC


2,089

 

1,954

Cash contributions to pension and other postretirement plans


(4,895)

 

(4,255)

Other noncurrent items, net


3,808

 

2,854

Cash Provided by Operating Activities


51,773

 

66,573

 

 

 

 

Investing Activities:

 

 

 

Capital expenditures


(48,405)

 

(38,097)

Capital contributions to ATC and other investments


(125)

 

(1,392)

Advance to WEPCO for ATC work


(208)

 

(572)

Proceeds from sale of property


724

 

-

Increase in finance receivables


(535)

 

-

Other


913

 

(724)

Cash Used for Investing Activities


(47,636)

 

(40,785)

 

 

 

 

Financing Activities:

 

 

 

Issuance of common stock


25,617

 

2,349

Issuance of treasury stock


-

 

119

Cash dividends paid on common stock


(14,793)

 

(14,113)

Decrease in short-term debt, net


(13,500)

 

(14,000)

Cash Used for Financing Activities


(2,676)

 

(25,645)

 

 

 

 

Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents


1,461

 

143

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period


3,003

 

3,331

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period


$  4,464

 

$  3,474


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements.




MGE Energy, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

June 30,

2007

 

Dec. 31,

2006

ASSETS

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents


$   4,464

 

$    3,003

Restricted cash


2,244

 

4,243

Accounts receivable, less reserves of $3,606 and $3,489, respectively


33,659

 

33,397

Other accounts receivable, less reserves of $105 and $107, respectively


3,252

 

4,508

Unbilled revenues


18,948

 

26,038

Materials and supplies, at lower of average cost or market


14,948

 

15,052

Fossil fuel


5,954

 

6,010

Stored natural gas, at lower of average cost or market


23,154

 

31,465

Prepaid taxes


12,645

 

13,748

Regulatory assets - current


2,712

 

4,270

Other current assets


6,444

 

7,679

Total Current Assets


128,424

 

149,413

Other long-term receivables


5,532

 

4,631

Special billing projects


891

 

1,861

Regulatory assets


50,445

 

50,841

Other deferred charges


5,934

 

5,874

Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net


634,152

 

632,474

Construction work in progress


126,541

 

95,949

Total Property, Plant, and Equipment


760,693

 

728,423

Other Property and Investments


42,722

 

41,189

Total Assets


$994,641

 

$982,232

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

Long-term debt due within one year


$  15,000

 

$  15,000

Short-term debt


43,500

 

57,000

Accounts payable


34,051

 

45,063

Accrued interest and taxes


7,105

 

3,430

Deferred income taxes


3,288

 

3,917

Regulatory liabilities - current


1,022

 

2,943

Pension liability - current


614

 

614

Other current liabilities


16,872

 

15,894

Total Current Liabilities


121,452

 

143,861

Other Credits:

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes


101,328

 

101,700

Investment tax credit - deferred


3,292

 

3,497

Regulatory liabilities


26,122

 

24,207

Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits


74,178

 

76,050

Other deferred liabilities


22,409

 

20,285

Total Other Credits


227,329

 

225,739

Capitalization:

 

 

 

Common shareholders' equity


408,545

 

375,348

Long-term debt


237,315

 

237,284

Total Capitalization


645,860

 

612,632

Commitments and contingencies (see Footnote 11)


-

 

-

Total Liabilities and Capitalization


$994,641

 

$982,232


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements.




Madison Gas and Electric Company

Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)

(In thousands)


 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

Operating Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulated electric revenues


$  80,947

 

$75,441

 

$157,711

 

$147,994

Regulated gas revenues


28,297

 

23,358

 

118,140

 

108,467

Nonregulated revenues


1,301

 

922

 

2,580

 

1,845

Total Operating Revenues


110,545

 

99,721

 

278,431

 

258,306

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel for electric generation


13,476

 

9,138

 

27,236

 

20,387

Purchased power


18,594

 

19,926

 

40,075

 

40,682

Natural gas purchased


17,992

 

13,656

 

85,335

 

77,123

Other operations and maintenance


31,709

 

31,452

 

63,315

 

61,915

Depreciation and amortization


8,023

 

7,804

 

16,080

 

15,525

Other general taxes


3,914

 

3,768

 

7,820

 

7,736

Income tax provision


4,533

 

3,663

 

11,073

 

10,158

Total Operating Expenses


98,241

 

89,407

 

250,934

 

233,526

Operating Income


12,304

 

10,314

 

27,497

 

24,780

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income and Deductions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AFUDC - equity funds


300

 

101

 

545

 

211

Equity earnings in ATC


1,513

 

1,315

 

2,958

 

2,613

Income tax provision


(627)

 

(601)

 

(1,091)

 

(1,317)

Other income (deductions)


(74)

 

(77)

 

(453)

 

210

Total Other Income and Deductions


1,112

 

738

 

1,959

 

1,717

Income before interest expense


13,416

 

11,052

 

29,456

 

26,497

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest on long-term debt


3,893

 

3,556

 

7,786

 

7,041

Other interest


(71)

 

474

 

23

 

1,014

AFUDC - borrowed funds


(127)

 

(42)

 

(231)

 

(89)

Net Interest Expense


3,695

 

3,988

 

7,578

 

7,966

Net Income Before Minority Interest


$    9,721

 

$  7,064

 

$  21,878

 

$  18,531

Minority interest, net of tax


(2,736)

 

(2,520)

 

(5,449)

 

(4,895)

Net Income


$    6,985

 

$  4,544

 

$  16,429

 

$   13,636


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements.




Madison Gas and Electric Company

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

2007

 

2006

Operating Activities:

 

 

 

Net income


$ 16,429

 

$ 13,636

Items not affecting cash:

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization


16,080

 

15,525

Deferred income taxes


(2,224)

 

(2,634)

Amortization of investment tax credits


(205)

 

(216)

Amortization of debt issuance costs and discount


284

 

327

Provision for doubtful accounts receivable


1,778

 

2,291

AFUDC - equity funds


(545)

 

(211)

Employee benefit plan expenses


4,080

 

5,601

Equity earnings in ATC


(2,958)

 

(2,613)

Minority interest, net of tax


5,449

 

4,895

Reserve for fuel refund


587

 

8,428

Other items


1,532

 

579

Changes in working capital:

 

 

 

Decrease in current assets


18,130

 

32,090

Decrease in current liabilities


(6,523)

 

(15,070)

Dividend income from ATC


2,089

 

1,954

Cash contributions to pension and other postretirement plans


(4,895)

 

(4,255)

Other noncurrent items, net


3,770

 

2,799

Cash Provided by Operating Activities


52,858

 

63,126

 

 

 

 

Investing Activities:

 

 

 

Capital expenditures


(48,405)

 

(38,097)

Capital contributions to ATC and other investments


(25)

 

(1,298)

Advance to WEPCO for ATC work


(208)

 

(572)

Proceeds from sale of property


724

 

-

Increase in finance receivables


(351)

 

-

Other


873

 

(724)

Cash Used for Investing Activities


(47,392)

 

(40,691)

 

 

 

 

Financing Activities:

 

 

 

Cash dividends paid to parent by MGE


(13,121)

 

(12,996)

Cash dividend paid to parent from Power West Campus and Transco


(5,735)

 

(5,631)

Affiliate financing of Power Elm Road


-

 

9,052

Equity contributions received by Transco, Power Elm Road, and Power West Campus


23,100

 

3,486

Decrease in short-term debt, net


(8,500)

 

(16,000)

Other


-

 

(136)

Cash Used for Financing Activities


(4,256)

 

(22,225)

 

 

 

 

Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents


1,210

 

210

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period


1,246

 

822

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period


$   2,456

 

$   1,032


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements.




Madison Gas and Electric Company

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

(In thousands)


ASSETS

June 30,

2007

 

Dec. 31,

2006

Utility Plant (At Original Cost, in Service):

 

 

 

Electric


$   677,787

 

$   667,597

Gas


263,551

 

260,550

Nonregulated


109,869

 

109,587

Gross plant in service


1,051,207

 

1,037,734

Less accumulated provision for depreciation


(417,186)

 

(405,391)

Net plant in service


634,021

 

632,343

Construction work in progress


126,541

 

95,949

Total Utility Plant


760,562

 

728,292

Other property and investments


1,285

 

1,306

Investment in ATC


40,061

 

38,468

Total Other Property and Investments


41,346

 

39,774

Current Assets:

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents


2,456

 

1,246

Restricted cash


2,244

 

4,243

Accounts receivable, less reserves of $3,606 and $3,489, respectively


33,659

 

33,397

Other receivables, less reserves of $105 and $107, respectively


3,242

 

4,398

Unbilled revenues


18,948

 

26,038

Materials and supplies, at lower of average cost or market


14,948

 

15,052

Fossil fuel


5,954

 

6,010

Stored natural gas, at lower of average cost or market


23,154

 

31,465

Prepaid taxes


12,645

 

12,753

Regulatory assets - current


2,712

 

4,270

Other current assets


6,436

 

7,652

Total Current Assets


126,398

 

146,524

Other long-term receivables


5,151

 

4,631

Special billing projects


891

 

1,861

Affiliate receivable long-term


11,900

 

12,923

Regulatory assets


50,445

 

50,841

Other deferred charges


5,782

 

5,684

Total Assets


$1,002,475

 

$   990,530

 

 

 

 

CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES

 

 

 

Common stockholder's equity


$   311,138

 

$   307,784

Minority interest


118,792

 

95,978

Long-term debt


237,315

 

237,284

Total Capitalization


667,245

 

641,046

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

Long-term debt due within one year


15,000

 

15,000

Short-term debt - commercial paper


21,000

 

29,500

Accounts payable


33,875

 

44,513

Affiliate payables


2,109

 

2,070

Accrued interest and taxes


14,479

 

9,583

Accrued payroll related items


6,720

 

6,688

Deferred income taxes


3,289

 

3,919

Regulatory liabilities - current


1,022

 

2,943

Pension liability - current


614

 

614

Other current liabilities


10,032

 

9,114

Total Current Liabilities


108,140

 

123,944

Other Credits:

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes


101,089

 

101,501

Investment tax credit - deferred


3,292

 

3,497

Regulatory liabilities


26,122

 

24,207

Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits


74,178

 

76,050

Other deferred liabilities


22,409

 

20,285

Total Other Credits


227,090

 

225,540

Commitments and contingencies (see Footnote 11)


-

 

-

Total Capitalization and Liabilities


$1,002,475

 

$   990,530


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements.




MGE Energy, Inc., and Madison Gas and Electric Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

June 30, 2007



1.

Basis of Presentation - MGE Energy and MGE.


This report is a combined report of MGE Energy and MGE. References in this report to "MGE Energy" are to MGE Energy, Inc., and its subsidiaries. References in this report to "MGE" are to Madison Gas and Electric Company.


The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2007, and for the three and six months then ended are unaudited, but include all adjustments that MGE Energy and MGE management consider necessary for a fair statement of their respective financial statements. All adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature except as otherwise disclosed. The year-end consolidated balance sheet information was derived from the audited balance sheet appearing in MGE Energy's and MGE's annual reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. These notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes on pages 51 through 104 of the 2006 Form 10-K.


2.

Variable Interest Entities - MGE.


a.

MGE Power West Campus.


MGE Energy, through MGE Power and MGE Power West Campus, has built a natural gas-fired cogeneration facility on the UW campus. The UW and MGE Power West Campus jointly own the facility and each have an undivided interest. The UW's share of the plant and portion of the earnings from the WCCF are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements of MGE or MGE Energy.


MGE leases the electric generating assets owned by MGE Power West Campus and is responsible for operating the entire facility. On April 26, 2005, the facility lease between MGE and MGE Power West Campus commenced.


Based on the nature and terms of the leasing and operating agreements and the relationships they establish, MGE absorbs a majority of the expected losses, residual value, or both, associated with the ownership and operation of the WCCF. MGE also is the party most closely associated with MGE Power West Campus. As a result, MGE is the primary beneficiary and MGE Power West Campus is a VIE under FIN 46R. Accordingly, MGE Power West Campus has been consolidated in the financial statements of MGE as of December 31, 2003, and subsequent periods.


MGE Energy's proportionate share of the equity and net income (through its wholly owned subsidiary MGE Power) of MGE Power West Campus is classified within the MGE financial statements as minority interest.


b.

MGE Power Elm Road.


See Footnote 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion.





c.

Shared Savings Program.


FIN 46R also requires MGE to assess whether the participants within its Shared Savings program constitute VIEs in which MGE might be considered to be the consolidating entity. MGE has reviewed 85.2% of the total current Shared Savings program balance and has determined that the provisions of FIN 46R are not applicable via the "business scope exception." The entities constituting the remaining balance are not legally obligated to provide the financial information to MGE that is necessary to determine whether MGE must consolidate these entities. MGE continues to attempt to obtain information from these entities in order to determine whether they should be consolidated by MGE.


3.

Equity and Financing Arrangements - MGE Energy and MGE.


a.

Common Stock.


MGE Energy sells shares of its common stock through its Stock Plan. Those shares may be newly-issued shares or shares that MGE Energy has purchased in the open market for resale to participants in the Stock Plan.


For the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE Energy issued 375,604 new shares of common stock under the Stock Plan for net proceeds of $12.9 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2006, MGE Energy issued 77,737 new shares of common stock under the Stock Plan for net proceeds of $2.3 million.


On November 9, 2006, MGE Energy entered into a Distribution Agreement with JP Morgan under which MGE Energy may offer and sell up to 1,500,000 shares of its common stock. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE Energy issued 383,500 shares of its common stock for $12.7 million in net proceeds under this agreement. These sales are made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement MGE Energy filed with the SEC in March 2003.


b.

Dilutive Shares Calculation - MGE Energy.


MGE Energy does not hold any dilutive securities.


c.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - MGE Energy and MGE.


The accumulated other comprehensive income balance at June 30, 2007, includes the unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and certain hedging transactions. The following table illustrates the changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, net of taxes, from December 31, 2006, to June 30, 2007, for MGE Energy and MGE:



(In thousands)

MGE

Energy

 


MGE

Balance, December 31, 2006


$581

 

$188

Change in unrealized gain on available for sale securities,

net of tax expense of $61 and $21, respectively



91

 


32

Change in unrealized gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax expense of $9 and $9, respectively



14

 


14

Balance, June 30, 2007


$686

 

$234





4.

Comprehensive Income - MGE Energy and MGE.


The reporting of other comprehensive income is required under the provisions of SFAS 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income. Total comprehensive income represents the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from nonowner sources. MGE Energy and MGE's total comprehensive income is:



(In thousands)

 Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

MGE Energy

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

Net income


$  9,966

 

$7,051

 

$22,268

 

$18,567

Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax of ($245 and $145, and $9 and $145)



365

 


216

 


14

 


216

Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax ($60 and $5, and $61 and $32)



90

 


8

 


91

 


48

Total comprehensive income


$10,421

 

$7,275

 

$22,373

 

$18,831

MGE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income


$6,985

 

 $4,544

 

$16,429

 

$13,636

Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax of ($245 and $145, and $9 and $145)



365

 


216

 


14

 


216

Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax ($19 and $13, and $21 and $14)



28

 


19

 


32

 


21

Total comprehensive income


$7,378

 

$4,779

 

$16,475

 

$13,873


5.

Investment in ATC - MGE Energy and MGE.


ATC owns and operates electric transmission facilities primarily in Wisconsin. MGE received an interest in ATC when it, like other Wisconsin electric utilities, contributed its electric transmission facilities to ATC. That interest is presently held by MGE Transco, which is jointly owned by MGE and MGE Energy.


MGE Transco, through MGE, has a seat on the Board of Directors of ATC and has a 20% ownership interest in ATC Management, Inc. Due to MGE Transco's ability to exercise significant control over management activities, MGE Transco has accounted for its investment in ATC under the equity method of accounting. For the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, MGE Transco recorded equity earnings from the investment in ATC of $3.0 million (pretax) and $2.6 million (pretax), respectively. Dividend income received from ATC was $2.1 million and $2.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE Transco made no cash contributions to ATC. However, on February 15, 2007, MGE transferred $1.4 million in additional transmission assets to ATC. In exchange, MGE received an additional $0.7 million investment in ATC and $0.7 million in cash consideration. MGE Transco made capital contributions to ATC of $1.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006.


At June 30, 2007, MGE is the majority owner and MGE Energy is the minority owner of MGE Transco. MGE Energy's proportionate share of the equity and net income of MGE Transco is classified within the MGE financial statements as minority interest.





ATC's summarized financial data for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, is as follows:


(In thousands)

 

 

 

Income statement data for the six months ended June 30,

2007

 

2006

Operating revenues


$199,818

 

$159,879

Operating expenses


(98,838)

 

(84,499)

Other (expense) income


(326)

 

2,203

Interest expense, net


(26,459)

 

(19,889)

Net income


$  74,195

 

$  57,694

 

 

 

 

MGE and MGE Energy's equity earnings in ATC


$2,958

 

$2,613


6.

Taxes - MGE Energy and MGE.


a.

FIN 48.


In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise's financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109. The interpretation applies to all tax positions accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109 and requires a recognition threshold and measurement standard for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in an income tax return. FIN 48 defines the threshold for recognizing tax return positions in the financial statements as "more likely than not" that the position is sustainable, based on its merits. Subsequent recognition, derecognition, and measurement is based on management's best judgement given the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. MGE Energy and MGE adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007.


At the date of adoption, MGE Energy and MGE reclassified $0.3 million of accrued income taxes under prior accounting standards to its long term FIN 48 tax liability account. Additionally in the adoption accounting, MGE Energy and MGE reclassified $0.1 million of accrued interest under prior accounting standards to its FIN 48 interest payable account. These adjustments had no impact on retained earnings. MGE and MGE Energy have elected to recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, less than $0.1 million of interest expense was recognized and no penalties were incurred.


The unrecognized tax benefits recorded upon adoption related to MGE's state tax matters that were under examination. Subsequent to adoption, in the second quarter of 2007, MGE reached a settlement regarding all matters identified in the aforementioned FIN 48 tax liability. Pursuant to this settlement, MGE will be obligated to remit $0.2 million for these matters.


As of June 30, 2007, MGE Energy and MGE recorded a $0.1 million reduction to income tax expense and a $0.1 million reduction in interest expense. Additionally, MGE reclassified the remaining $0.2 million accrual related to these matters from the FIN 48 tax liability account to the accrued taxes balance, as these amounts were no longer uncertain. MGE and MGE Energy expect to pay such amounts during the third quarter of 2007.


As a result of this settlement, at June 30, 2007, MGE Energy and MGE do not have any amounts included in the FIN 48 tax liability account.


MGE Energy files a consolidated federal income tax return that includes all of the subsidiary companies. Years starting with 2003 are subject to federal examination by the IRS, although no examination is currently scheduled or in process. Years prior to 2003 are closed years.





MGE Energy and MGE have material state income tax liabilities only in the state of Wisconsin. Wisconsin requires each corporation within a consolidated group to file a separate tax return. Other corporate members of the MGE Energy consolidated group report insignificant amounts of taxes to Wisconsin.


MGE Energy's Wisconsin years commencing with 2002 are currently open to audit examination but no years are presently scheduled or in process of an audit. MGE's Wisconsin years starting with 2005 are open to audit examination but no years are presently scheduled or in process of an audit.


b.

Effective Tax Rate.


MGE Energy's effective income tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, is 34.8% and 35.8%, respectively, compared to 37.7% and 38.2% for the same periods in 2006. This decrease is primarily attributable to the completion of tax recovery for prior year flow through. The PSCW has allowed rate recovery of deferred taxes on all temporary differences since June 1991 when the FERC Uniform System of Accounts was adopted. Unrecovered deferred taxes in existence at the time of adoption were authorized for rate recovery over 15 years. Recovery of these amounts was completed on December 31, 2006.


Other factors contributing to a decrease in the effective tax rate include the favorable settlement of an income tax examination for which a FIN 48 liability had been recorded, an increase in the domestic manufacturing tax deduction provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, and an increase in projected AFUDC-equity to be earned on the Top of Iowa III project. Pursuant to an order issued by the PSCW on December 22, 2006, MGE is permitted to recover 100% AFUDC on the Top of Iowa III wind project beginning in November 2006 and continuing until construction on the project ceases.


7.

Elm Road - MGE Energy and MGE.


a.

Consolidation.


On November 4, 2005, MGE Power Elm Road acquired a 8.33% ownership interest in each of two 615 MW generating units being constructed in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. MGE Power Elm Road's sole principal asset is the 8.33% undivided ownership interest in the aforementioned coal-fired generating plants. MGE Power Elm Road's estimated share of capital costs for its 8.33% ownership interest in both units is approximately $171 million. MGE estimates that $28.3 million in additional expenditures for this project will be expended in 2007, $44.5 million in 2008, $20.6 million in 2009, and $3.6 million in 2010. These amounts may change as a result of modifications to the project estimate or timing difference. At June 30, 2007, MGE Power Elm Road had contributed $74.4 million in capital for this project and had accrued $3.7 million in incurred but unpaid capital expenditures. At June 30, 2007, $78.1 million (excluding capitalized interest) related to this project is reflected in the Construction Work In Progress balance on MGE and MGE Energy's consolidated balance sheets.


MGE Power Elm Road calculates capitalized interest in accordance with SFAS 34, Capitalization of Interest Cost, on the Elm Road project. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE Power Elm Road recorded $1.7 million in capitalized interest related to the Elm Road project.


In connection with this project, MGE Energy and its subsidiaries entered into various agreements, including a facility lease agreement. This facility lease agreement is between MGE Power Elm Road (a nonregulated subsidiary of MGE Energy) and MGE. The financial terms of the facility lease include a capital structure of 55% equity and 45% long-term debt, and return on equity of 12.7%, a lease term of 30 years, and a 5% lease payment reduction in the first five years.




Based on the nature and terms of the leasing agreement and the relationship it establishes, MGE absorbs a majority of the expected losses, residual value, or both, associated with the ownership of MGE Power Elm Road. MGE also is the party most closely associated with MGE Power Elm Road. As a result, MGE is the primary beneficiary and MGE Power Elm Road is a VIE under FIN 46R. Accordingly, MGE Power Elm Road has been consolidated in the financial statements of MGE.


MGE Energy's share of the equity and net income (through its wholly owned subsidiary MGE Power) of MGE Power Elm Road is classified within the MGE financial statements as minority interest.


b.

Nonregulated Revenues.


On November 1, 2005, MGE received approval from the PSCW to defer payments made to MGE Power Elm Road for carrying costs during construction of the facility, management fees, and community impact mitigation costs. MGE estimates that the total carrying costs on the Elm Road project will be $54.3 million. This estimate is subject to change based on changes in interest rates, timing of capital expenditures, and the total project cost. Per the provisions of the rate order issued by the PSCW on December 22, 2006, during 2007 MGE is permitted to recover $8.6 million in electric rates for its investment in MGE Power Elm Road. Of this amount, $6.8 million relates to carrying costs and $1.8 million relates to management fees and community impact mitigation costs.


MGE began collecting the carrying costs in rates in 2006. These amounts are being collected over multiple years. Of these costs, MGE estimates that $21.7 million relates to the capitalized interest and the debt portion of the facility. These costs will be recognized over the period in which the facility will be depreciated. The remaining $32.6 million is estimated to represent the equity portion and is being recognized over the period allowed for recovery in rates. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, $3.4 million related to the carrying costs were recovered in rates. Of this amount, $1.4 million relates to the debt portion of the facility and was deferred on the consolidated financial statements of MGE and MGE Energy. The remaining $2.0 million represents the equity portion and was recognized as nonregulated revenues in the consolidated financial statements of MGE and MGE Energy.


c.

WPDES Permit.


In March 2005, the WDNR determined that the water intake and discharge system for the planned Oak Creek expansion and existing Oak Creek generating units met regulatory requirements and reissued a WPDES permit with specific limitations and conditions. The WPDES permit was issued under state law, with concurrence of the EPA. An ALJ upheld the agency's permit reissuance. The reissuance of the WPDES permit was also contested in Dane County circuit court.


The Dane County circuit court remanded the case on March 5, 2007, to the ALJ, directing that the ALJ's interpretation of the federal regulations defining new and existing facilities should be reconsidered in light of the Second Circuit US Court of Appeals January 25, 2007, Riverkeeper II decision, and because the ALJ's decision may have relied in part on other provisions of the Phase II Rule. The court upheld the portion of the ALJ's decision rejecting the petitioners' antidegradation claim. The court did not vacate the WPDES permit, and construction of the Elm Road units continues. The court has returned the record to the Division of Hearings and Appeals for further proceedings. In June 2007, the ALJ for the Division of Hearings and Appeals granted We Energies' motion to stay the appeal, pending the WDNR's action on We Energies' request for a permit modification. Opponents of the plant filed a motion asking the Dane County Circuit Court to direct the ALJ to decide the permit issues on remand without regard to the WDNR's action on the permit modification and to stop construction on the water intake structure. Briefing on the motion was completed in early August and a hearing held on August 3, 2007.




In the event that the WPDES permit were ultimately to be invalidated, MGE Power Elm Road may incur a delay and significant additional costs relating to the Elm Road cooling water system. If the units' final construction costs exceed the fixed costs allowed in the PSCW order, this excess will not be recoverable from MGE or its customers unless specifically allowed by the PSCW. Any Elm Road project costs above the authorized amount, but below a 5% cap, will be subject to a prudence determination made by the PSCW.


8.

Top of Iowa III Wind Project - MGE Energy and MGE.


On September 29, 2006, MGE formalized plans to acquire 29.7 MW or 18 turbines in a wind-powered electric generating facility that will be constructed in Iowa. MGE's share will represent 26.5% of a larger wind generation facility.


At June 30, 2007, MGE had incurred $13.3 million of costs on the project (including $0.8 million in accruals and excluding AFUDC), which is reflected in the construction work in progress balance on MGE and MGE Energy's consolidated balance sheets. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE also had recorded $0.5 million in AFUDC related to this project. Pursuant to an order issued by the PSCW on December 22, 2006, MGE is permitted to recover 100% AFUDC on the Top of Iowa III wind project beginning in November 2006 and continuing until construction on the project ceases.


Contractual commitments of $44.6 million remain on the project. MGE estimates that $39.5 million additional capital commitments will be expended in 2007 and $5.1 million will be expended in 2008. Included in these amounts is $2.0 million which is expected to be paid by another party. However, pursuant to the related agreements, MGE is jointly and severally liable in the event the other parties default on their payment.


In June 2007, the PSCW issued a certificate of authority approving the aforementioned project. The costs of this project will be incorporated in rates beginning in 2008.


9.

Pension and Postretirement Plans - MGE Energy and MGE.


MGE maintains qualified and nonqualified pension plans, health care, and life insurance benefits. Additionally, MGE has deferred contribution 401(k) benefit plans. Pursuant to policies implemented during 2006, all new union and nonunion employees hired after December 31, 2006, have been enrolled in a defined contribution 401(k) plan, rather than the defined benefit pension plan previously offered to new hires.


In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 158, Employers' Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Plans. This pronouncement required the recognition of the funded status of defined benefit and postretirement benefit plans on the balance sheet. Additionally, this statement required that certain previously disclosed but unrecognized costs be recognized on the balance sheet. The provisions of this statement were adopted by MGE Energy and MGE as of December 31, 2006.


a.

Net Periodic Cost.


The following table presents the components of MGE and MGE Energy's net periodic benefit costs recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006. A portion of the net periodic benefit cost is capitalized within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. MGE and MGE Energy utilize actual fair value to compute the market-related value of the pension assets.







Pension Benefits

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended  June 30,

(In thousands)

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost


$1,311

 

$1,399

 

$2,622

 

$2,797

Interest cost


2,653

 

2,537

 

5,308

 

5,074

Expected return on assets


(3,084)

 

(2,692)

 

(6,169)

 

(5,383)

Amortization of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transition obligation


36

 

60

 

72

 

120

Prior service cost


111

 

100

 

222

 

199

Actuarial loss


218

 

474

 

436

 

948

Net periodic benefit cost


$1,245

 

$1,878

 

$2,491

 

$3,755



Postretirement Benefits

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended  June 30,

(In thousands)

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost


$   435

 

$   536

 

$   870

 

$1,071

Interest cost


762

 

840

 

1,524

 

1,680

Expected return on assets


(288)

 

(236)

 

(576)

 

(473)

Amortization of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transition obligation


107

 

106

 

214

 

213

Prior service cost


52

 

55

 

104

 

110

Actuarial loss


44

 

204

 

88

 

408

Net periodic benefit cost


$1,112

 

$1,505

 

$2,224

 

$3,009


During the six months ended June 30, 2007, $1.1 million has been amortized from regulatory assets into net periodic benefit cost. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 158, to recognize the amortization of the transition obligation, prior services costs, and actuarial gain/loss in net periodic cost, an adjustment to other comprehensive income, or in MGE's case, regulatory assets, should be made. Based on a final order issued by the PSCW, the funded status of the pension and other postretirement plans was permitted to be recorded as a regulatory asset rather than as an adjustment to other comprehensive income as this amount represents future expenses that will be recoverable in rates.


b.

Exit Plan.


On January 19, 2006, MGE announced a plan, subject to certain conditions, that includes discontinuing coal use at the end of 2011 at Blount. As a result of this announcement, during 2006, MGE recorded a net plan curtailment gain for MGE's bargaining pension and postretirement plans as defined in SFAS 88, Employers' Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits. This resulted in a $0.1 million curtailment loss for the bargaining pension plan and a $0.2 million curtailment gain for the bargaining other postretirement plan. The net impact of the curtailment was recorded as a decrease to the regulatory asset established for the exit plan.


Additionally, on September 21, 2006, certain voluntary termination benefits were awarded to International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) employees who may be impacted by the discontinuance of coal use at Blount. Namely, these employees were offered certain supplemental early retirement benefits. In order to receive these benefits, the affected employees were required to declare their intent to retire early by no later than December 21, 2006 (for employees age 60 or older) or December 31, 2007 (for employees age less than 60). In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 88, MGE recognizes the related liability at the time the employees accept the offer and the amount can be reasonably estimated. As of June 30, 2007, two of the union employees have declared their intent to retire early. The related liability has been reflected in the balance sheet at June 30, 2007.




c.

Expected Cash Flows.


There are no required contributions for the 2007 plan year. Likewise, there were no required contributions for the 2006 plan year. However, MGE may elect to make discretionary deductible contributions. MGE elected to make discretionary deductible contributions of $4.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007.


d.

Pension Protection Act.


During the third quarter of 2006, President Bush signed into law the Pension Protection Act of 2006, which will affect the manner in which companies, including MGE and MGE Energy, administer their pension plans. This legislation will require companies to, amongst other things, increase the amount by which they fund their pension plans, pay higher premiums to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation if they sponsor defined benefit plans, amend plan documents and provide additional plan disclosures in regulatory filings and to plan participants. This legislation will become effective on January 1, 2008. MGE and MGE Energy are currently assessing the impact this legislation may have on their contributions and financial statements.


10.

Share Based Compensation.


The MGE Energy Board approved a Performance Unit Plan (the "Plan") on December 15, 2006. Under the Plan, eligible participants may receive performance units that entitle the holder to receive a cash payment equal to the value of a designated number of shares of MGE Energy's common stock, plus dividend equivalent payments thereon, at the end of the set performance period. Per the Plan's provisions, these awards are subject to a prescribed vesting schedule and must be settled in cash. Accordingly, no new shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the Plan. MGE and MGE Energy have adopted the provisions of SFAS 123R, Share Based Payment. This guidance establishes standards for the accounting of transactions in which an entity exchanges equity instruments for goods and services. Additionally, this standard addresses the accounting for transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entity's equity instruments.


On January 1, 2007, 22,479 units were granted based on the MGE Energy December 31, 2006, closing stock price. These units are subject to either a four or five year graded vesting schedule. Based on the provisions of SFAS 123R, on the grant date, MGE Energy and MGE measured the cost of the employee services received in exchange for the award based on current market value of MGE Energy common stock. The fair value of the awards has been subsequently re-measured at June 30, 2007. Changes in fair value as well as the original grant have been recognized as compensation cost. Because this amount will be remeasured throughout the vesting period, the compensation cost is subject to variability.


For nonretirement eligible employees, stock based compensation costs are accrued and recognized using the graded vesting method. Pursuant to the provisions of SFAS 123R and the terms of the plan, compensation cost for retirement eligible employees or employees that will become retirement eligible during the vesting schedule, are recognized on an abridged horizon also using the graded vesting method.


During the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE recorded $0.1 million in compensation expense as a result of this plan. No forfeitures or cash settlements occurred during the aforementioned period.





11.

Commitments and Contingencies - MGE Energy and MGE.


a.

Coal Contracts.


MGE has coal supply contracts related to the Blount plant. As of June 30, 2007, total coal commitments related to the Blount plant are estimated to be $3.0 million for 2007. Fuel procurement for MGE's jointly owned Columbia plant is handled by Alliant, the operating company. If any minimum purchase obligations must be paid under these contracts, management believes these obligations would be considered costs of service and recoverable in rates. As of June 30, 2007, MGE's share of the total coal commitments for the Columbia plant are estimated to be $5.9 million in 2007, $9.6 million in 2008, $7.5 million in 2009, $5.0 million in 2010, and $5.0 million in 2011.


b.

Purchased Power Contracts.


MGE has purchased power contracts to help meet future electric supply requirements. As of June 30, 2007, MGE's total commitments for purchased power contracts for capacity are estimated to be $10.6 million in 2007, $9.1 million in both 2008 and 2009, $9.2 million in 2010, and $9.3 million in 2011. Management expects to recover these costs in future customer rates.


On February 21, 2007, MGE and Invenergy signed an amendment to an existing purchase power agreement. Under this amended agreement, MGE has agreed to purchase approximately 15 MW of wind power at a facility to be constructed near Waupun, Wisconsin for a 20 year term. Construction of this facility began in June 2007 and the facility is expected to be operational by early 2008. MGE does not have any capacity payment commitments under this agreement. However, MGE is obligated to purchase its ratable share of the energy produced by the unit.


On April 23, 2007, MGE entered into a 20 year purchase power agreement for wind generation. Under this agreement, MGE has agreed to purchase 30 MW of wind power from the Top of Iowa II project which is being constructed in Iowa. This facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2007. MGE does not have any capacity payment commitments under this agreement. However, MGE is obligated to purchase its ratable share of the energy produced by the project.


c.

Wind-Powered Generation Capital Contracts.


See Footnote 8 for further discussion.


d.

Natural Gas Supply, Transportation, and Storage Contracts.


MGE's transportation and storage contracts require fixed monthly payments for firm supply, pipeline transportation, and storage capacity. The pricing components of the fixed monthly payments for the transportation and storage contracts are established by FERC but may be subject to change. As of June 30, 2007, these payments are estimated to be $15.1 million in 2007, $15.0 million in 2008, $14.1 million in 2009, $13.8 million in 2010, and $9.0 million in 2011. Management expects to recover these costs in future customer rates. MGE also has natural gas supply commitments. These commitments include market-based pricing. As of June 30, 2007, total natural gas supply commitments for 2007 and 2008 are estimated to be $26.1 million and $30.7 million, respectively. Management expects to recover these costs in future customer rates.





e.

Environmental.


MGE is listed as a potentially responsible party for a site the EPA has placed on the national priorities Superfund list. The Lenz Oil site in Lemont, Illinois, was used for storing and processing waste oil for several years. This site requires clean up under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. A group of companies, including MGE, is currently working on cleaning up the site. Management believes that its share of the final cleanup costs will not result in any materially adverse effects on MGE's operations, cash flows, or financial position. Insurance may cover a portion of the cleanup costs. Management believes that the cleanup costs not covered by insurance will be recovered in current and future rates. At June 30, 2007, MGE accrued a $0.1 million gross liability for this matter. The expected range of loss for this item is estimated to be between $0.1 million and $0.2 million.


Air quality regulations promulgated by the EPA and DNR in accordance with the Federal Clean Air Act and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 impose restrictions on emission of particulates, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other pollutants and require permits for operation of emission sources. These permits have been obtained by MGE and must be renewed periodically. Various initiatives, including the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR), maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards, and existing and proposed state mercury emissions limits, are expected to result in significant additional operating and capital expenditures at Columbia. These standards and initiatives may also result in additional capital and operating expenditures at WCCF and Blount.


As of June 30, 2007, Columbia entered into various contractual commitments with vendors for a small portion of the aforementioned expenditures. MGE is indirectly a party to these agreements as a result of its joint ownership of Columbia and is also contractually obligated with respect to any commitments made. MGE's share of these commitments will be $1.1 million in 2007. These costs are expected to be capitalized and included in the consolidated balance sheet of MGE.


f.

Chattel Paper Agreement and Other Guarantees - MGE and MGE Energy.


MGE makes available to qualifying customers a financing program for purchasing and installing energy-related equipment that will provide more efficient use of utility service at the customer's property. MGE is party to a chattel paper purchase agreement with a financial institution under which it can sell or finance an undivided interest with recourse, in up to $10.0 million of the financing program receivables, until August 31, 2007. At June 30, 2007, MGE had sold an outstanding $3.9 million interest in these receivables, which MGE accounted for as a sale under SFAS 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities - A Replacement of FASB Statement No. 125. MGE retains the servicing responsibility for these receivables.


On January 1, 2007, MGE adopted SFAS 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets, an amendment of SFAS 140. SFAS 156 clarified when to separately account for servicing rights, requires these rights to be initially measured at fair value, and provides the option to subsequently account for those servicing rights at either fair value or under the amortization method previously required under SFAS 140. MGE continues to account for servicing rights under the amortization method. Initial determination of the servicing asset fair value is based on the present value of the estimated future cash flows. The discount rate is based on the PSCW authorized weighted cost of capital.





MGE would be required to perform under its guarantee if a customer defaulted on its loan. The energy-related equipment installed at the customer sites is used to secure the customer loans. The loan balances outstanding at June 30, 2007, approximate the fair value of the energy-related equipment acting as collateral. The length of the MGE guarantee to the financial institution varies from one to ten years depending on the term of the customer loan. Principal payments for the next five years on the loans are $0.4 million in 2007, $0.9 million in 2008, $0.6 million in 2009, $0.8 million in 2010, and $0.7 million in 2011.


MGE Energy also has guaranteed debt service payments on a development project. This is a three year commitment ending in 2009 with a maximum financial exposure of $0.3 million for the term of the guarantee.


g.

Elm Road Purchase Commitments - MGE Energy.


See Footnote 7 for further discussion.


h.

Congestion Cost and Line Loss Allocation Agreement.


On February 14, 2007, MGE signed a five year Congestion Cost and Line Loss Allocation Services Agreement. Under the provisions of this agreement, certain load serving entities in the Wisconsin and Upper Peninsula of Michigan System (WUMS) agreed to aggregate and equitably allocate certain costs that have not been perfectly allocated by the MISO Day 2 market. Specifically, this agreement achieves a uniform line loss percentage and socializes the costs incurred as a result of shortages in the FTR allocation process. The provisions of this agreement and the financial ramifications are retroactive to the start of the MISO Day 2 market (April 1, 2005).


Based on historical experience and informal discussions with the PSCW, MGE estimates that 100% of the benefit received or expense incurred as a result of this agreement will be returned to or collected from customers. Accordingly, MGE will defer such amounts on the consolidated balance sheet in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 71.


For the period April 1, 2005, though June 30, 2007, MGE has estimated net benefits under this agreement of $2.1 million. This amount has been deferred and is included in regulatory liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets of MGE and MGE Energy at June 30, 2007, reflecting MGE's obligation to refund this benefit to its customers. This amount will be provided to customers via a reduction to electric rates during 2008.


i.

MISO Charges.


As a participant of the MISO market, MGE is subject to certain MISO imposed user charges. One such charge is the Revenue Sufficiency Guarantee Charge (RSG). RSG is a mechanism designed to ensure that a generator, which has been instructed by MISO to run, recovers certain production costs. The cost of RSG is socialized amongst all MISO participants.


During the quarter ended June 30, 2007, a consensus was achieved regarding clarifications and revisions proposed by MISO on the computation of real-time RSG. Such clarifications will be retroactively applied to April 1, 2005. As of June 30, 2007, MGE has estimated that under the revised RSG computation, MGE owes MISO $1.0 million, including interest. This amount has been accrued at June 30, 2007, and resulted in an increase to purchased power expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007.





j.

Other Legal Matters.


MGE is involved in various other legal matters that are being defended and handled in the normal course of business. MGE maintains accruals for such costs that are probable of being incurred and subject to reasonable estimation. As of June 30, 2007, MGE has a total of $0.5 million accrued in the financial statements for such matters. The ultimate outcome of such matters are uncertain and may have an adverse effect on MGE's results of operations or cash flows.


12.

Restructuring Activities - MGE.


On January 19, 2006, MGE announced a plan, subject to certain conditions, that includes discontinuing coal use at the end of 2011 at Blount. The plant will continue to run on natural gas but will be reduced from its current approximate 190 MW capacity to 100 MW when coal burning is discontinued. MGE has determined that 11 nonunion and 49 union positions will be eliminated in 2011 as a result of this exit plan.


On January 19, 2006, MGE entered into severance agreements providing severance benefits to the nonunion employees affected by the exit plan. Additionally, on September 21, 2006, MGE ratified a labor agreement with the IBEW providing those union employees impacted by the exit plan with involuntary and voluntary severance benefits. At June 30, 2007, MGE estimates that 39 union and 10 nonunion employees will receive the involuntary severance benefits. MGE has accounted for the involuntary union and nonunion severance benefits in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. These benefits were recognized initially at the respective communication dates based on the fair value of the liability as of the termination date and are being recognized ratably over the future service period of the employees. The entire $0.9 million in benefits for the union employees will be paid as a lump sum payment in December 2011. The nonunion benefits will be paid as follows: $0.2 million will be paid out in 2008, $0.2 million in 2010, and $0.5 million in 2011.


In lieu of the aforementioned involuntary severance benefits, the affected IBEW employees may elect to retire early and receive supplemental retirement benefits. These benefits are deemed to be voluntary termination benefits and have been excluded from the table below. See Footnote 9 for further discussion of these benefits and the related accounting. As of June 30, 2007, MGE estimates that 11 employees will elect to receive the early retirement benefits.


MGE anticipates that it will be allowed to recover in rates the costs associated with the discontinuance of coal at Blount. As such, the severance charges for the nonunion and union employees have been deferred and recognized on the consolidated balance sheet of MGE Energy and MGE as a regulatory asset.


The following table presents the activity in the restructuring accrual from December 31, 2006, through June 30, 2007:


(In thousands)

 

Balance at December 31, 2006


$202

Additional expense during the period*


243

Cash payments during the period


-

Balance, June 30, 2007


$445


*Amounts are reflected as regulatory assets in the financial statements of MGE Energy and MGE.


The aforementioned exit plan has also resulted in a net plan curtailment gain for MGE's bargaining pension and postretirement plans as defined in SFAS 88, Employers' Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits. See Footnote 9 for discussion of the accounting implications.




13.

Derivative and Hedging Instruments - MGE Energy and MGE.


As part of its regular operations, MGE enters into contracts, including options, swaps, futures, forwards, and other contractual commitments, to manage its exposure to interest rates, commodity prices, and gas margin. MGE evaluates its derivative contracts in accordance with SFAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended and interpreted. To the extent that these contracts are derivatives, MGE assesses whether or not the normal purchases or normal sales exclusion applies. For contracts in which this exclusion can not be applied, SFAS 133 requires MGE Energy and MGE to recognize all derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value, with changes in the fair value of derivative instruments to be recorded in current earnings or deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether a derivative is designated as, and is effective as, a hedge and depending on the type of hedge transaction.


If the derivative qualifies for regulatory deferral subject to the provisions of SFAS 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation, the derivatives are marked to fair value pursuant to SFAS 133 and are offset with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability.


During 2007 and 2006, MGE's gas and electric segments purchased and sold exchange traded and over-the-counter options, swaps, and futures. Additionally, as a result of the firm transmission agreements that MGE holds on transmission paths in the MISO market, MGE has been awarded FTRs. An FTR is a financial instrument that entitles the holder to a stream of revenues or charges based on the differences in hourly day ahead energy prices between two points on the transmission grid. At June 30, 2007, the cost of these instruments exceeded their net market value by $2.3 million.


Under the PGA clause and electric fuel rules, MGE may include in costs of fuel (natural gas or power) the costs and benefits of the aforementioned fuel price risk management tools. Because these costs and benefits are recoverable, the related unrealized gain is deferred on the balance sheet as a regulatory liability. All of the instruments outstanding as of June 30, 2007, will expire in 12 months or less. Accordingly, the fair value of these instruments is reflected as a current regulatory liability and current deferred asset. Depending on the nature of the instrument, the gain or loss associated with these transactions will be reflected in natural gas purchased, purchased power, or fuel used for electric generation in the delivery month applicable to the instrument.


At June 30, 2007, MGE also held futures and basis swaps entered into to take advantage of physical and financial arbitrage opportunities between supply basins and pricing spreads between future months' gas supply. Under the incentive mechanism within the PGA clause, MGE shareholders can receive 50% of the benefits or loss from these instruments depending on performance in comparison to regulatory prescribed thresholds. At June 30, 2007, these instruments were in an unrealized gain position of $0.6 million. Of this amount, 50% is reflected in other comprehensive income and 50% is reflected as a regulatory asset pursuant to a rate order issued by the PSCW. These instruments all expire in 2007. Accordingly, the value of these instruments is included within the current section of the MGE and MGE Energy balance sheets. Upon settlement, the gain or loss from these instruments will be reflected in the natural gas purchased expense.


On November 1, 2006, MGE entered into a non-exchange traded HDD collar. This agreement extended from January 2007 until March 2007. This agreement had a premium of $0.3 million. Under this agreement, MGE was subject to a floor (3,450 HDD) and a ceiling (3,600 HDD) based on forecasted heating degree days during the indicated period. If heating degree days were below the floor, MGE was entitled to receive payment, and if actual heating degree days exceeded the ceiling, MGE was obligated to make a payment. Any payment or receipt was limited to $1.4 million. Actual heating degree days during the aforementioned period were 3,537. Because this number was in between the prescribed ceiling and floor, no additional gain or loss beyond the premium was recorded. MGE accounted for the HDD collar using the intrinsic value method pursuant to the requirements of EITF No. 99-2, Accounting for Weather Derivatives.





In October 2005, MGE also entered into a non-exchange traded HDD collar. This agreement extended from January 2006 until March 2006 and had a premium of $0.1 million. Additionally, any payment or receipt under this agreement was limited to $0.6 million. During 2006, MGE recorded a $0.6 million gain on the January-March 2006 HDD collar.


Nonperformance of counterparties to the non-exchange traded derivatives could expose MGE to credit loss. However, MGE enters into transactions only with companies that meet or exceed strict credit guidelines.


14.

Regional Transmission Organizations - MGE Energy and MGE.


On April 1, 2005, the MISO implemented its bid-based energy market. MISO is a FERC approved RTO that is required to provide a real-time market based mechanism for congestion management. MGE is a participant in this market. On April 1, 2005, MGE began offering substantially all of its generation on the MISO market and purchasing much of its load requirement from the MISO market in accordance with the MISO Tariff.


Additionally, on May 1, 2004, MGE became a member of PJM. PJM is also an RTO. PJM is a neutral and independent party that coordinates and directs the operation of the region's transmission grid, administers a competitive wholesale electricity market, and plans regional transmission expansion improvements to maintain grid reliability and relieve congestion. MGE has two purchase power agreements, for a total of 65 MW, that are impacted by this market.


MGE reports on a net basis transactions on the MISO and PJM markets in which it buys and sells power within the same period to meet electric energy delivery requirements. This treatment resulted in $37.6 million and $33.7 million reduction to sales for resale and purchased power expense for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and a $78.4 million and $65.5 million reduction to sales for resale and purchased power expense for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.


15.

Rate Matters - MGE Energy and MGE.


a.

Rate proceedings.


On May 7, 2007, MGE filed an application with the PSCW requesting a 5.7% increase to electric rates and a 3.7% increase to gas rates for 2008. The proposed increases cover costs for MGE's new wind energy projects, statewide energy efficiency renewable energy programs, transmission improvements by ATC, and accelerated costs to discontinue coal use at Blount Station. In addition to funding the statewide energy programs, the natural gas rate request is also needed for area gas construction projects driven by customer growth.


On December 22, 2006, the PSCW approved a limited scope rate case reopener related to MGE's current electric rates. This order approved an update to MGE's electric fuel costs monitored under the fuel rules, an updated estimate of the 2007 Elm Road carrying costs, and a request for recovery of increased ATC-related transmission costs through December 31, 2007. This order will result in a net 0.15% decrease, on average, in retail electric rates for 2007. The PSCW also approved the recovery of 100% AFUDC on the Top of Iowa III wind project beginning in November 2006 and continuing until construction on the project ceases.


Pursuant to the provisions of this rate order, the fuel rules bandwidth effective January 1, 2007, is plus or minus 2%. See description of fuel rules below.





b.

Fuel rules.


Actual electric fuel costs are subject to reconciliation to the amount approved by the PSCW in MGE's rate order covering the applicable period. Known as "fuel rules," the process can produce a fuel surcharge for MGE or require MGE to make a refund in the form of a credit, to the extent that the actual fuel costs are outside a range higher or lower than the level authorized by the PSCW in that rate order.


Under fuel rules effective January 1, 2007, MGE can apply for a fuel surcharge if its actual electric fuel costs exceed 102% of the electric fuel costs allowed in its latest rate order. Conversely, MGE can be required to provide a fuel credit to its customers if actual electric fuel costs are less than 98% of the electric fuel costs allowed in that order (as modified on December 22, 2006).


On April 26, 2007, the PSCW approved a $0.00339 per kWh fuel surcharge on MGE's electric rates to cover increased fuel and purchased power expenses. The fuel surcharge was applied to electric rates as of the date of this order. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, this surcharge resulted in a $2.0 million increase to electric rates. However, pursuant to the provisions of the fuel surcharge, MGE's electric revenues resulting from this surcharge are subject to refund and interest at 11%. Based on the actual fuel costs incurred, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE recorded a $0.6 million adjustment to other electric revenues for amounts refundable under these provisions. This amount is reflected as a current regulatory liability on MGE and MGE Energy's June 30, 2007, balance sheet. This amount is expected to be refunded to customers during the third quarter of 2007.


As a result of a decrease in electric fuel costs during the six months ended June 30, 2006, and the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, as compared to those in its latest rate order, MGE recorded a $10.0 million and $19.1 million reduction to other electric revenues, respectively. This reduction to other electric revenues reflected MGE's estimated obligation under the interim fuel credit and subject to refund provision implemented by the PSCW during 2006. During the year ended December 31, 2006, $16.8 million had been credited to electric customers. An additional $2.4 million was applied to customers' accounts in April 2007.


16.

New Accounting Pronouncements and Legislation.


a.

SFAS 156.


In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets, an amendment of SFAS 140. SFAS 156 simplifies the accounting for servicing rights and reduces the volatility that results from the use of different measurement attributes for servicing rights and the related financial instruments used to economically hedge risks associated with those servicing rights. SFAS 156 also clarifies when to separately account for servicing rights, requires these rights to be initially measured at fair value, and provides the option to subsequently account for those servicing rights (by class) at either fair value or under the amortization method previously required under SFAS 140. SFAS 156 is effective for the fiscal year beginning after September 15, 2006. MGE adopted this statement on January 1, 2007. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on the MGE Energy or MGE consolidated financial statements.





b.

SFAS 157.


In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Statement 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Under SFAS 157, fair value refers to the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts. The standard clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. SFAS 157 will be effective as of January 1, 2008. MGE and MGE Energy are currently assessing the impact that SFAS 157 may have on their financial statements.


c.

SFAS 159.


In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. This statement allows companies to choose to measure certain financial instruments and other items at fair value at specified election dates. Under this standard, companies are permitted to choose the fair value option on an instrument-by-instrument basis. MGE has not elected to early adopt this statement. Accordingly, SFAS 159 is effective for MGE as of January 1, 2008. MGE is currently in the process of assessing the impacts of this statement and determining whether it will elect the fair value option.


d.

Pension Protection Act.


See Footnote 9 for discussion of this pronouncement.


e.

FIN 48.


See Footnote 6 for discussion of this pronouncement.


f.

FSP FIN 39-1.


In April 2007, the FASB issued FSP 39-1, Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39 (FSP FIN 39-1). This pronouncement amends FIN 39, Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts, and allows companies to offset fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement. FSP FIN 39-1 will be effective for MGE and MGE Energy as of January 1, 2008. The effects of applying this pronouncement shall be recognized as a change in accounting principle through retroactive application for all financial statements presented unless it is impracticable to do so. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have any impact on MGE or MGE Energy's net income. MGE and MGE Energy are currently assessing whether to elect the accounting policies prescribed by this pronouncement.


17.

Segment Information - MGE Energy and MGE.


MGE Energy operates in the following business segments: electric utility, gas utility, nonregulated energy, transmission investment, and all other. See MGE Energy's and MGE's Form 10-K for additional discussion of each of these segments.





The following tables show segment information for MGE Energy's operation for the indicated periods:


MGE Energy (In thousands)




Electric



Gas

Non-

regulated

Energy


Transmission

Investment


All

Others

Consolidation/

Elimination

Entries


Consolidated

Total

Three months ended June 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues


$80,947

$28,297

$1,301

$       -

$      -

$          -

$110,545

Interdepartmental revenues


83

4,813

3,714

-

-

(8,610)

-

Total operating revenues (loss)


81,030

33,110

5,015

-

-

(8,610)

110,545

Depreciation and amortization


(5,228)

(2,109)

(686)

-

-

-

(8,023)

Other operating expenses


(62,823)

(31,444)

(27)

(1)

(114)

8,610

(85,799)

Operating income (loss)


12,979

(443)

4,302

(1)

(114)

-

16,723

Other income


181

44

-

1,513

7

-

1,745

Interest (expense) income, net


(2,392)

(674)

(629)

-

520

-

(3,175)

Income (loss) before taxes


10,768

(1,073)

3,673

1,512

413

-

15,293

Income tax (provision) benefit


(3,655)

577

(1,474)

(607)

(168)

-

(5,327)

Net income (loss)


$  7,113

$   (496)

$2,199

$ 905

$ 245

$         -

$     9,966

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues


$75,441

$23,358

$       922

$         -

$        -

$            -

$ 99,721

Interdepartmental revenues


131

2,026

3,714

-

-

(5,871)

-

Total operating revenues (loss)


75,572

25,384

4,636

-

-

(5,871)

99,721

Depreciation and amortization


(5,049)

(2,075)

(680)

-

-

-

(7,804)

Other operating expenses


(59,308)

(24,486)

(14)

(2)

(139)

5,871

(78,078)

Operating income (loss)


11,215

(1,177)

3,942

(2)

(139)

-

13,839

Other income (loss)


68

(44)

-

1,315

-

-

1,339

Interest (expense) income, net


(2,501)

(706)

(781)

-

120

-

(3,868)

Income (loss) before taxes


8,782

(1,927)

3,161

1,313

(19)

-

11,310

Income tax (provision) benefit


(3,308)

840

(1,269)

(527)

5

-

(4,259)

Net income (loss)


$    5,474

$  (1,087)

$     1,892

$    786

$   (14)

$           -

$    7,051

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


MGE Energy (In thousands)




Electric



Gas

Non-

regulated

Energy


Transmission

Investment


All

Others

Consolidation/

Elimination

Entries


Consolidated

Total

Six months ended June 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues


$157,711

$118,140

$2,580

$       -

$       -

$          -

$278,431

Interdepartmental revenues


199

11,008

7,427

-

-

(18,634)

-

     Total operating revenues (loss)


157,910

129,148

10,007

-

-

(18,634)

278,431

Depreciation and amortization


(10,471)

(4,237)

(1,372)

-

-

-

(16,080)

Other operating expenses


(128,970)

(113,389)

(55)

(2)

(213)

18,634

(223,995)

Operating income (loss)


18,469

11,522

8,580

(2)

(213)

-

38,356

Other income (loss)


348

(256)

-

2,958

10

-

3,060

Interest (expense) income, net


(4,923)

(1,388)

(1,267)

-

863

-

(6,715)

Income before taxes


13,894

9,878

7,313

2,956

660

-

34,701

Income tax provision


(4,346)

(3,695)

(2,935)

(1,187)

(270)

-

(12,433)

Net income


$ 9,548

$ 6,183

$ 4,378

$ 1,769

$  390

$           -

$   22,268

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended June 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues


$147,994

$108,467

$     1,845

$             -

$          -

$               -

$   258,306

Interdepartmental revenues


245

7,805

7,473

-

-

(15,523)

-

     Total operating revenues (loss)


148,239

116,272

9,318

-

-

(15,523)

258,306

Depreciation and amortization


(10,019)

(4,140)

(1,366)

-

-

-

(15,525)

Other operating expenses


(121,044)

(102,238)

(80)

(4)

(240)

15,523

(208,083)

Operating income (loss)


17,176

9,894

7,872

(4)

(240)

-

34,698

Other income


378

43

-

2,613

3

-

3,037

Interest (expense) income, net


(5,090)

(1,436)

(1,440)

-

268

-

(7,698)

Income before taxes


12,464

8,501

6,432

2,609

31

-

30,037

Income tax provision


(4,543)

(3,279)

(2,582)

(1,048)

(18)

-

(11,470)

Net income


$    7,921

$   5,222

$     3,850

$      1,561

$       13

$               -

$   18,567

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




The following tables show segment information for MGE's operation for the indicated periods:


MGE (In thousands)



Electric



Gas

Non-

regulated

Energy


Transmission

Investment

Consolidation/

Elimination

Entries


Consolidated

Total

Three months ended June 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues


$ 80,947

$ 28,297

$ 1,301

$  -

$   -

$110,545

Interdepartmental revenues


83

4,813

3,714

-

(8,610)

-

Total operating revenues (loss)


81,030

33,110

5,015

-

(8,610)

110,545

Depreciation and amortization


(5,228)

(2,109)

(686)

-

-

(8,023)

Other operating expenses*


(66,463)

(30,863)

(1,501)

(1)

8,610

(90,218)

Operating income (loss)*


9,339

138

2,828

(1)

-

12,304

Other income*


166

40

-

906

-

1,112

Interest expense, net


(2,392)

(674)

(629)

-

-

(3,695)

Income (loss) before minority interest


7,113

(496)

2,199

905

-

9,721

Minority interest, net of tax


-

-

-

-

(2,736)

(2,736)

Net income (loss)


$ 7,113

$ (496)

$ 2,199

$ 905

$ (2,736)

$ 6,985

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues


$   75,441

$  23,358

$       922

$             -

$               -

$    99,721

Interdepartmental revenues


131

2,026

3,714

-

(5,871)

-

Total operating revenues (loss)


75,572

25,384

4,636

-

(5,871)

99,721

Depreciation and amortization


(5,049)

(2,075)

(680)

-

-

(7,804)

Other operating expenses*


(62,559)

(23,630)

(1,283)

(2)

5,871

(81,603)

Operating income (loss)*


7,964

(321)

2,673

(2)

-

10,314

Other income (loss)*


11

(60)

-

788

(1)

738

Interest expense, net


(2,501)

(706)

(781)

-

-

(3,988)

Income (loss) before minority interest


5,474

(1,087)

1,892

786

(1)

7,064

Minority interest, net of tax


-

-

-

-

(2,520)

(2,520)

Net income (loss)


$     5,474

$  (1,087)

$    1,892

$         786

$       (2,521)

$       4,544


MGE (In thousands)



Electric



Gas

Non-

regulated

Energy


Transmission

Investment

Consolidation/

Elimination

Entries


Consolidated

Total

Six months ended June 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues


$ 157,711

$ 118,140

$ 2,580

$  -

$  -

$ 278,431

Interdepartmental revenues


199

11,008

7,427

-

(18,634)

-

     Total operating revenues (loss)


157,910

129,148

10,007

-

(18,634)

278,431

Depreciation and amortization


(10,471)

(4,237)

(1,372)

-

-

(16,080)

Other operating expenses*


(133,284)

(117,212)

(2,990)

(2)

18,634

(234,854)

Operating income (loss)*


14,155

7,699

5,645

(2)

-

27,497

Other income (loss)*


316

(128)

-

1,771

-

1,959

Interest expense, net


(4,923)

(1,388)

(1,267)

-

-

(7,578)

Income before minority interest


9,548

6,183

4,378

1,769

-

21,878

Minority interest, net of tax


-

-

-

-

(5,449)

(5,449)

Net income (loss)


$ 9,548

$ 6,183

$ 4,378

$ 1,769

$ (5,449)

$ 16,429

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended June 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues


$ 147,994

$108,467

$     1,845

$              -

$                -

$   258,306

Interdepartmental revenues


245

7,805

7,473

-

(15,523)

-

     Total operating revenues (loss)


148,239

116,272

9,318

-

(15,523)

258,306

Depreciation and amortization


(10,019)

(4,140)

(1,366)

-

-

(15,525)

Other operating expenses*


(125,395)

(105,463)

(2,662)

(4)

15,523

(218,001)

Operating income (loss)*


12,825

6,669

5,290

(4)

-

24,780

Other income (loss)*


186

(11)

-

1,565

(23)

1,717

Interest expense, net


(5,090)

(1,436)

(1,440)

-

-

(7,966)

Income (loss)  before minority interest


7,921

5,222

3,850

1,561

(23)

18,531

Minority interest, net of tax


-

-

-

-

(4,895)

(4,895)

Net income (loss)


$    7,921

$   5,222

$     3,850

$      1,561

$      (4,918)

$    13,636


*Amounts are shown net of the related tax expense, consistent with the presentation on the consolidated MGE Income Statement.




The following table shows segment information for MGE Energy's and MGE's assets and capital expenditures:


(In thousands)

MGE Energy



Electric



Gas


Assets not

Allocated

Non-

regulated

Energy


Transmission

Investment


All

Others

Consolidation/

Elimination

Entries



Total

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2007


$ 560,224

$ 203,216

$ 9,008

$ 203,445

$ 40,061

$ 321,198

$(342,511)

$994,641

December 31, 2006


547,150

228,639

12,270

177,234

38,470

298,261

(319,792)

982,232

Capital Expenditures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended June 30, 2007


17,168

5,060

-

26,177

-

-

-

48,405

Year ended December 31, 2006


50,604

10,206

-

31,765

-

-

-

92,575

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



(In thousands)

MGE



Electric



Gas


Assets not Allocated

Non-

regulated Energy


Transmission

Investment

Consolidation/

Elimination

Entries



Total

Assets:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2007


$560,224

$203,216

$9,008

$203,195

$40,061

$(13,229)

$1,002,475

December 31, 2006


547,150

228,639

12,270

176,984

38,470

(12,983)

990,530

Capital Expenditures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended June 30, 2007


17,168

5,060

-

26,177

-

-

48,405

Year ended December 31, 2006


50,604

10,206

-

31,765

-

-

92,575


MGE Energy asset consolidation/elimination entries at June 30, 2007, include the following:


(In thousands)

June 30, 2007

Parent investment in affiliate subsidiaries


$303,391

Netting of tax positions


6,933

Affiliate receivables related to WCCF


17,282

Affiliate receivables related to Elm Road


872

Elimination of deferred charges related to WCCF


9,454

Elimination of deferred charges related to Elm Road


2,439

Misc. affiliate receivables and other


2,140

Total MGE Energy asset consolidation/elimination entries


$342,511


MGE asset consolidation/elimination entries at June 30, 2007, include the following:


(In thousands)

June 30, 2007

Elimination of deferred charges related to WCCF


$9,454

Elimination of deferred charges related to Elm Road


2,439

Affiliate receivables related to Elm Road


829

Misc. affiliate receivables and other


507

Total MGE asset consolidation/elimination entries


$13,229


18.

Subsequent Events - MGE Energy and MGE.


a.

Financing Matters.


On July 20, 2007, MGE entered into a $25 million swap lock with a financial institution to fix a portion of the interest rate of debt that is expected to be issued by MGE in the third quarter of 2007. This instrument has an effective date of September 28, 2007, and a termination date of September 28, 2037. Per the terms of this agreement, MGE will pay a fixed rate of 5.813% per annum on the lock and will receive from the financial institution a floating rate equal to six month US LIBOR (London interbank offered rate).





The cost or benefit of this instrument is expected to be recoverable in rates. Accordingly, any unrealized gain or loss (mark to market) related to this instrument will be deferred on the balance sheet as a regulatory liability or asset in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 71.


The swap lock is expected to be cash settled when the related debt is issued. The settlement amount of this instrument is expected to be recognized in income ratably over the term of the debt issued.


b.

Line of Credit.


On August 1, 2007, MGE entered into a $20 million unsecured line of credit with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. The line of credit is evidenced by a note that expires on March 31, 2008. This facility carries an interest rate based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 0.40% per annum. Interest is payable monthly commencing on September 1, 2007, and will be computed on any unpaid principal at the date of each borrowing. The line of credit will be used as a backup facility to MGE's commercial paper program. No borrowings are outstanding under this facility at this time. Borrowings may be made and repaid at any time during the term of the note and must be repaid upon the earlier of the maturity of the note or the occurrence of an event of default. Events of default include failures to pay scheduled principal or interest and certain bankruptcy-related events, in each case subject to applicable cure periods.





Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.


General


MGE Energy is a holding company operating through subsidiaries in five business segments: electric utility operations, gas utility operations, nonregulated energy operations, transmission investments, and all other. Our principal subsidiary is MGE, which conducts our electric utility and gas utility operations. MGE generates and distributes electricity to nearly 135,000 customers in Dane County, Wisconsin, including the city of Madison, and purchases and distributes natural gas to more than 138,000 customers in the Wisconsin counties of Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Iowa, Juneau, Monroe, and Vernon.


Our nonregulated energy operations have been formed to lease and own new electric generating capacity. Our nonregulated energy operations relate principally to the leasing of a cogeneration project on the UW-Madison campus. Our nonregulated energy operations also include an undivided 8.33% ownership interest in each of two 615 MW generating units being constructed in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. All of these operations are included in MGE's consolidated financial statements as a result of the accounting requirements of FIN 46R.


The transmission investment segment consists of our investment in ATC. Our all other segment includes corporate operations and services and certain construction services.


Our primary focus today and for the foreseeable future is our core utility customers at MGE. MGE continues to face the challenge of providing its customers with reliable power at competitive prices. MGE plans to meet this challenge by building more efficient generation projects and continuing its efforts to control operational costs. We believe it is critical to maintain a strong credit standing and financial strength in MGE as well as for the parent company in order to accomplish these goals.


Three Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006


Executive Summary - MGE Energy and MGE


For the three months ended June 30, 2007, MGE Energy's earnings were $10.0 million or $0.47 per share compared to $7.1 million or $0.34 per share for the same period in the prior year. MGE's earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2007, were $7.0 million compared to $4.5 million for the same period in the prior year.


During the three month period ended June 30, 2007, our utility operations experienced an increase in electric revenues of $5.5 million. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in sales volumes and sales for resale. Additionally, the electric rates for the three months ended June 30, 2007, are higher than those for the same period in the prior year, when the fuel credit and refund in effect during the three months ended June 30, 2006, are considered (captured in the other electric revenues account). As a result of lower actual fuel costs during the three months ended June 30, 2006, than those costs provided in the most recent order, the PSCW issued an interim order implementing a $0.00454 per kWh fuel credit. Additionally, the PSCW stated that MGE's electric rates set in the final order were subject to refund, together with interest, pending a full review of MGE's 2006 actual electric fuel costs. As a result of these actions, MGE recognized an obligation to make refunds to its customers by recording a $4.8 million gross reduction to other electric revenues during the three months ended June 30, 2006.


For the three months ended June 30, 2007, fuel used for electric generation increased $4.3 million or 47.5% compared to the three months ended June 30, 2006. This increase is attributable to an increase in the volume of internal generation and an increase in the per-unit cost of fuel. During this same period, purchased power expense decreased by $1.3 million or 6.7%. This decrease is attributable to a decrease in the amount of power purchased partially offset by a higher per-unit cost.




On April 26, 2007, the PSCW approved a $0.00339 per kWh fuel surcharge on MGE's electric rates to cover increased fuel and purchased power expenses. This fuel surcharge was applied to electric rates as of the date of this order. For the three months ended June 30, 2007, this surcharge resulted in a $2.0 million increase to electric rates. However, pursuant to the provisions of the order, MGE's electric revenues resulting from this surcharge are subject to refund and interest at 11%. During the three months ended June 30, 2007, MGE recorded a $0.6 million adjustment to other electric revenue to account for the refund provision.


During the three months ended June 30, 2007, gas revenues increased $4.9 million and natural gas purchased increased $4.3 million. These increases are a result of increases in volumes and an increase in the per therm cost of natural gas.


Electric Utility Operations - MGE Energy and MGE


Electric sales and revenues


The following table compares MGE's electric retail revenues and electric kWh sales by customer class for each of the periods indicated:


 

Revenues

 

Sales

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

(In thousands)

2007

 

2006

 

% Change

 

2007

 

2006

 

% Change

Residential


$25,147

 

$24,881

 

1.1%

 

184,565

 

178,665

 

3.3%

Commercial


41,876

 

41,922

 

(0.1)%

 

451,376

 

433,434

 

4.1%

Industrial


5,497

 

5,199

 

5.7%

 

80,763

 

78,728

 

2.6%

Other - retail/municipal


6,399

 

6,922

 

(7.6)%

 

91,588

 

94,288

 

(2.9)%

Total retail


78,919

 

78,924

 

(0.0)%

 

808,292

 

785,115

 

3.0%

Sales for resale


1,921

 

575

 

234.1%

 

23,991

 

10,455

 

129.5%

Other revenues


107

 

(4,058)

 

102.6%

 

-

 

-

 

-

Total


$80,947

 

$75,441

 

7.3%

 

832,283

 

795,570

 

4.6%


Electric operating revenues increased $5.5 million or 7.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2007, due to the following:



(In millions)

Three Months

Ended

June 30, 2007

Rate changes


$(2.3)

Volume


2.3

Sales for resale


1.3

Other revenues


4.2

Total


$5.5


Rates changes. Rates charged to retail customers for the three months ended June 30, 2007, were 2.9% or $2.3 million lower than those charged during the same period in the prior year. On May 25, 2006, the PSCW approved a fuel credit to reduce 2006 electric rates by $0.00454 per kWh and stated that electric rates set in the final 2006 order are subject to refund. As a result of these provisions, a $1.5 million credit was applied to customers' bills during the three months ended June 30, 2006. Additionally, on April 24, 2007, when the PSCW completed their audit of 2006 electric fuel costs and issued a final order, $2.4 million (related to 2006 fuel costs) was applied to customers' accounts.


On December 22, 2006, the PSCW approved a limited scope rate case reopener related to MGE's current electric rates. This order was expected to result in a net 0.15% decrease, on average, in retail electric rates for 2007 when compared to those in place for the year ended December 31, 2006 (assuming the 2006 fuel credit was in place for the entire year). Electric rates from April 26 to June 30, 2007, were subsequently increased from those presented in this order as a result of a $0.00339 per kWh fuel surcharge approved by the PSCW. This surcharge resulted in a $2.0 million increase to electric rates charged to customers during the three months ended June 30, 2007.




Volume. During the three months ended June 30, 2007, there was a 3.0% increase in total retail sales volumes when compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase represents increased usage by residential, commercial, and industrial customers.


Sales for resale. For the three months ended June 30, 2007, sales for resale increased $1.3 million when compared to the same period in the prior year. Sales for resale include transactions conducted on the PJM and Midwest ISO markets reflecting our involvement in the PJM and MISO markets since their establishment on May 1, 2004, and April 1, 2005, respectively.


MGE has recorded transactions on the MISO and PJM market, in which it is buying and selling power within the same period to meet its electric energy delivery requirements, on a net basis resulting in a $37.6 million and $33.7 million adjustment to sales for resale and purchased power expense for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The increase in sales for resale is largely attributable to a change in the relationship between the cost of purchased power and the cost to internally generate.


Other revenues. Other electric revenues increased $4.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase is partially attributable to a $2.4 million upward adjustment to other electric revenues to negate the impact on overall electric revenues for the 2006 fuel refund provided to customers in April 2007. Note that this refund was accrued in revenues during the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, and was returned to customers via a reduction in rates in April 2007. See "electric rates" discussion for more information on this refund.


To account for the subject to refund provisions implemented by the PSCW on April 26, 2007, during the three months ended June 30, 2007, MGE recognized an obligation to make refunds to customers by recording a $0.6 million reduction to other electric revenues. See Footnote 15 for more information.


To account for the effects of a interim fuel credit and refund, during the three months ended June 30, 2006, MGE recognized an obligation to make refunds to customers by recording a $4.8 million reduction to other electric revenues. $1.5 million of this amount was subsequently reversed as the amount was provided to customers via reduced rates during the three month period.


During the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, MGE recovered in electric rates carrying costs and other fees related to WCCF and Elm Road. MGE recorded a $2.1 million and $1.3 million reduction, respectively to other electric revenues to eliminate the recognition of revenue related to these costs in the electric segment as revenue related to these costs is recorded by MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus (see discussion of these revenues in the "nonregulated operations revenue" section).


Other miscellaneous electric revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2007, decreased $0.1 million from those experienced in the same period in the prior year.


Electric fuel and purchased power


The expense for fuel used for electric generation increased $4.3 million or 47.5% during the three months ended June 30, 2007, compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase is due to a increase in internal generation ($3.0 million) and an increase in fuel costs between the two periods ($1.3 million).


Purchased power expense decreased by $1.3 million or 6.7% during the three months ended June 30, 2007, compared to the same period in the prior year. This decrease in expense reflects a $5.0 million or 21.3% decrease in the volume of power purchased, offset by a $3.7 million or 18.6% increase in the per unit cost of purchased power. One of the factors contributing to the higher per unit cost is a $1.0 million additional MISO imposed Revenue Sufficiency Guarantee charge. See Footnote 11 for additional information.





MGE has recorded transactions on the PJM and MISO markets in which it is buying and selling power within the same period to meet its electric energy delivery requirements on a net basis. This treatment resulted in a $37.6 million and $33.7 million adjustment to purchase power expense for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.


Electric operating expenses


Electric operating expenses increased $0.6 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007, compared to the same period in 2006. The following changes contributed to the net change for 2007:



(In millions)

Three Months

Ended

June 30, 2007

Increased production costs


$0.6

Increased transmission costs


0.4

Decreased other general and administrative expenses


(0.4)

Total


$0.6


Electric maintenance expense


For the three months ended June 30, 2007, electric maintenance expense decreased $0.3 million, when compared to the same period in the prior year. This decrease is attributable to decreases in production maintenance projects, slightly offset by an increase in distribution and general and administrative maintenance projects.


Electric depreciation expense


Depreciation expense at the electric segment increased by $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, when compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase is related to higher levels of electric assets.


Gas Utility Operations - MGE Energy and MGE


Gas deliveries and revenues


The following table compares MGE's gas retail revenues and gas delivered by customer class during each of the periods indicated:


 

Revenues

 

Deliveries

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

(In thousands)

2007

 

2006

 

% Change

 

2007

 

2006

 

% Change

Residential


$15,664

 

$12,850

 

21.9%

 

12,049

 

10,592

 

13.8%

Commercial/industrial


11,495

 

9,424

 

22.0%

 

11,829

 

11,054

 

7.0%

Total retail


27,159

 

22,274

 

21.9%

 

23,878

 

21,646

 

10.3%

Gas transportation


565

 

548

 

3.1%

 

7,267

 

7,216

 

0.7%

Other revenues


573

 

536

 

6.9%

 

-

 

-

 

-

Total


$28,297

 

$23,358

 

21.1%

 

31,145

 

28,862

 

7.9%

Heating degree days

(normal 854)


 

 

 

 

 

 


758

 


710

 


6.8%





Gas revenues increased $4.9 million or 21.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2007. These changes are related to the following factors:



(In millions)

Three Months

Ended

June 30, 2007

Gas costs/rates


$2.3

Gas deliveries


2.5

Transportation and other effects


0.1

Total


$4.9

Average rate per therm of retail customers


$1.14


Gas costs/rates. The average retail rate per therm for the three months ended June 30, 2007, increased 10.5% compared to the same period in 2006. This increase is primarily a result of higher natural gas costs.


Retail gas deliveries. The 10.3% increase in retail gas deliveries for the three months ended June 30, 2007, was attributable to increases in the gas rates and an increase in heating degree days between the periods.


Transportation and other revenues. Transportation and other revenues increased a total of $0.1 million due to a increase in income realized under the GCIM.


Under MGE's GCIM, if actual gas commodity costs are above or below a benchmark set by the PSCW, then MGE's gas sales service customers and shareholders share equally in any increased costs or savings. The PSCW also allows MGE to resell gas pipeline capacity reserved to meet peak demands but not needed every day to serve customers. Revenues from capacity release that exceed or fall short of PSCW-targeted levels are shared equally. For the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, shareholders received the benefit of $0.4 million and $0.3 million from capacity release revenues and commodity savings under the GCIM, respectively.


Natural gas purchased


For the three months ended June 30, 2007, natural gas purchased increased by $4.3 million. The increase in the natural gas purchased was the result of a 9.6% increase ($1.3 million) in the volume of gas purchased and a 20.2% increase in the cost per therm of natural gas ($3.0 million).


Gas operating expenses


Gas operating expenses decreased $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, compared to the same period a year ago. The following changes contributed to the net change in gas operating expense for 2007:



(In millions)

Three Months

Ended

June 30, 2007

Increased distribution costs


$0.1

Decreased general and administrative costs


(0.2)

Decreased customer services, promotions, account costs


(0.1)

Total


$(0.2)





Gas maintenance expense


Gas maintenance expense increased by $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase relates to an increase in distribution and general and administrative maintenance projects.


Gas depreciation expense


Gas depreciation expense remained consistent for the three months ended June 30, 2007, and the three months ended June 30, 2006.


Other Income (Loss)


During the three months ended June 30, 2007, the gas and electric segments recognized a total of $0.3 million in AFUDC-equity. This income was offset by $0.1 million in miscellaneous expenses.


For the three months ended June 30, 2006, the gas and electric segments recognized a total of $0.1 million in AFUDC-equity. This income was offset by $0.1 million in miscellaneous expenses.


Interest Expense


For the three months ended June 30, 2007, total interest expense for the electric and gas segments decreased $0.1 million when compared to the same period in the prior year. This change includes an increase in interest income and a shift in the composition of debt. Namely, during the three months ended June 30, 2007, there was a $0.1 million increase in AFUDC-debt, a $0.1 million increase in other interest income, and a $0.3 million decrease in interest expense on short-term debt, when compared to the same period in the prior year. These decreases in interest expense were partially offset by a $0.4 million increase in interest expense on long-term debt.


Nonregulated Energy Operations - MGE Energy and MGE


Nonregulated energy operating revenues


Operating revenues from nonregulated energy operations increased $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, when compared to the same period in the prior year. Operating revenues from nonregulated energy operations from the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, include $3.7 million in interdepartmental revenues related to a leasing arrangement between MGE and MGE Power West Campus which commenced on April 26, 2005. Upon consolidation, these interdepartmental revenues are eliminated.


Also included in operating revenues is the recognition of revenues related to the carrying costs for MGE Power West Campus and MGE Power Elm Road. MGE received approval from the PSCW to collect approximately $12.1 million in carrying costs incurred by MGE Power West Campus during construction of the WCCF facility. MGE is collecting these costs in rates over a period of ten years. A portion of this amount is being recognized over the period recovered in rates and a portion is being recognized over the period in which the facility is being depreciated (40 years). For the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, MGE Power West Campus recognized $0.3 million related to carrying costs on the WCCF, management, demolition, and removal fees.


MGE also received approval from the PSCW to collect carrying costs expected to be incurred by MGE Power Elm Road during construction of the Elm Road project. MGE estimates that the total carrying costs on the Elm Road project will be $54.3 million. A portion of this amount is being recognized over the period recovered in rates and a portion is being deferred and will be recognized over the period in which the facility is depreciated. For the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, MGE Power Elm Road recognized $1.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively, related to carrying costs on the Elm Road project.





Nonregulated energy operations and maintenance expense


For the three months ended June 30, 2007, other operations and maintenance expense for the nonregulated energy segment remained consistent with that experienced in the prior year.


Nonregulated energy depreciation expense


Depreciation expense in the nonregulated energy segment consists of depreciation on the WCCF. Depreciation expense for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, was $0.7 million.


Nonregulated energy interest expense, net


For the three months ended June 30, 2007, interest expense, net at the nonregulated energy operations segment was $0.6 million compared to $0.8 million for the same period in the prior year. Interest expense at the nonregulated energy segment for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, includes $0.7 million in interest expense incurred on $50 million of long-term borrowings at MGE Power West Campus.


Also included in the nonregulated interest expense is interdepartmental interest expense and capitalized interest at MGE Power Elm Road. During the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, MGE Power Elm Road was charged $0.9 million and $0.4 million, respectively, in interest expense by Corporate on funds borrowed for the Elm Road Project. This expense is eliminated upon consolidation for MGE Energy only. The interest expense at MGE Power Elm Road is offset by $0.9 million and $0.4 million, respectively, in capitalized interest. Under the provisions of SFAS 34, MGE Power Elm Road is capitalizing interest on the Elm Road project.


During the three months ended June 30, 2007, MGE Power Elm Road recorded $0.1 million in interest income on cash advanced to Elm Road Services, LLC for construction of transmission equipment and work done by ATC related to the Elm Road project.


Interest expense attributable to amortized debt issuance costs and discount for the three months ended June 30, 2007, decreased $0.1 million, when compared to the same period in the prior year.


Transmission Investment Operations - MGE Energy and MGE


Transmission investment other income


For the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, other income at the transmission investment segment was $1.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The transmission investment segment holds our interest in ATC, and its income reflects our equity in the earnings of ATC.


All Other Nonregulated Operations - MGE Energy


All other nonregulated revenues


During the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, the all other segment did not generate any revenues.


All other operations and maintenance expense


All other operations and maintenance expense for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, was $0.1 million. This amount is primarily comprised of general and administrative expenses at corporate.





All other interest income (expense)


All other interest income, net for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, was $0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively. Interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2007, represents $0.9 million in interdepartmental interest income from MGE Power Elm Road, partially offset by $0.4 million in interest expense on short term debt. Interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2006, represents $0.4 million in interdepartmental interest income from MGE Power Elm Road, partially offset by $0.3 million in interest expense on short term debt. The interdepartmental interest income is eliminated upon consolidation.


Consolidated Other General Taxes


MGE Energy and MGE's other general taxes increased $0.1 million or 3.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2007, when compared to the same period in the prior year. This change represents an increase in MGE's license fee tax and an increase in MGE's payroll taxes.


Consolidated Income Taxes


MGE Energy's effective income tax rate is 34.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2007, compared to 37.7% for the same period in 2006. This decrease is primarily attributable to the completion of tax recovery for prior year flow through. The PSCW has allowed rate recovery of deferred taxes on all temporary differences since June 1991 when it adopted the FERC Uniform System of Accounts. Unrecovered deferred taxes in existence at the time of adoption were authorized for rate recovery over 15 years. Recovery of these amounts was completed on December 31, 2006.


Other factors contributing to a decrease in the effective tax rate include the favorable settlement of an income tax examination for which a FIN 48 liability had been recorded, an increase in the domestic manufacturing tax deduction provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, and an increase in projected AFUDC-equity to be earned on the Top of Iowa III project. Pursuant to an order issued by the PSCW on December 22, 2006, MGE is permitted to recover 100% AFUDC on the Top of Iowa III wind project beginning in November 2006 and continuing until construction on the project ceases.


Minority Interest, Net of Tax


For the three months ended June 30, 2007, MGE Energy (through its wholly owned subsidiary MGE Power) had earned $2.0 million and $0.6 million, net of tax, for its interest in MGE Power West Campus and MGE Power Elm Road, respectively. Additionally, MGE Energy had earned $0.1 million, net of tax for its interest in MGE Transco.


For the three months ended June 30, 2006, MGE Energy (through its wholly owned subsidiary MGE Power) had earned $2.5 million, net of tax, for its interest in MGE Power West Campus, MGE Power Elm Road, and MGE Transco. These amounts are recorded as minority interest expense, net of tax, on MGE's Consolidated Statement of Income.


Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006


Executive Summary - MGE Energy and MGE


For the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE Energy's earnings were $22.3 million or $1.05 per share compared to $18.6 million or $0.91 per share for the same period in the prior year. MGE's earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2007 were $16.4 million compared to $13.6 million for the same period in the prior year.





During the six month period ended June 30, 2007, our utility operations experienced an increase in electric revenues of $9.7 million. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in sales volumes and sales for resale. Additionally, the electric rates for the six months ended June 30, 2007, are higher than those for the same period in the prior year, when the fuel credit and refund in effect during the six months ended June 30, 2006, are considered (captured in the other electric revenues account). As a result of lower actual fuel costs during the six months ended June 30, 2006, than those costs provided in the applicable rate order, the PSCW issued an interim order implementing a $0.00454 per kWh fuel credit. Additionally, the PSCW stated that MGE's electric rates set in the final order were subject to refund, together with interest, pending a full review of MGE's 2006 actual electric fuel costs. As a result of these actions, MGE recognized an obligation to make refunds to its customers by recording a $10.0  million gross reduction to other electric revenues during the six months ended June 30, 2006.


For the six months ended June 30, 2007, fuel used for electric generation increased $6.8 million or 33.6% compared to the six months ended June 30, 2006. This increase is attributable to an increase in the volume of internal generation and an increase in the per-unit cost of fuel. During this same period, purchased power expense decreased by $0.6 million or 1.5%. This decrease is attributable to a lower volume of power purchased, partially offset by a higher per-unit cost for purchased energy.


On April 26, 2007, the PSCW approved a $0.00339 per kWh fuel surcharge on MGE's electric rates to cover increased fuel and purchased power expenses. The fuel surcharge was applied to electric rates as of the date of this order. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, this surcharge resulted in a $2.0 million total gross increase to electric rates. However, pursuant to the provisions of this order, MGE's electric revenues resulting from this surcharge are subject to refund and interest at 11%. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE recorded a $0.6 million adjustment to other electric revenue to account for the refund provision.


During the six months ended June 30, 2007, gas revenues increased $9.7 million. This increase is a result of increases in sales volumes, partially offset by a decline in the costs of gas and a decrease in other gas revenues. During this period, natural gas purchased increased $8.2 million as a result of a increase in volumes, offset by a decrease in the per therm cost.


Electric Utility Operations - MGE Energy and MGE


Electric sales and revenues


The following table compares MGE's electric retail revenues and electric kWh sales by customer class for each of the periods indicated:


 

Revenues

 

Sales

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

(In thousands)

2007

 

2006

 

% Change

 

2007

 

2006

 

% Change

Residential


$  52,457

 

$  52,041

 

0.8%

 

393,266

 

378,635

 

3.9%

Commercial


80,698

 

81,103

 

(0.5)%

 

882,466

 

850,386

 

3.8%

Industrial


9,453

 

9,913

 

(4.6)%

 

146,381

 

146,345

 

0.0%

Other - retail/municipal


12,736

 

13,081

 

(2.6)%

 

182,886

 

175,816

 

4.0%

Total retail


155,344

 

156,138

 

(0.5)%

 

1,604,999

 

1,551,182

 

3.5%

Sales for resale


3,971

 

1,815

 

118.8%

 

51,287

 

24,154

 

112.3%

Other revenues


(1,604)

 

(9,959)

 

83.9%

 

-

 

-

 

-

Total


$157,711

 

$147,994

 

6.6%

 

1,656,286

 

1,575,336

 

5.1%





Electric operating revenues increased $9.7 million or 6.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2007, due to the following:



(In millions)

Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2007

Rate changes


$(6.0)

Volume


5.1

Sales for resale


2.2

Other revenues


8.4

Total


$9.7


Rates changes. Rates charged to retail customers for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were 3.8% or $6.0 million lower than those charged during the same period in the prior year.


On May 25, 2006, the PSCW approved a fuel credit to reduce 2006 electric rates by $0.00454 per kWh and stated that electric rates set in the final 2006 order are subject to refund. As a result of these provisions, customers' bills were credited $1.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2006. Additionally, on April 24, 2007, when the PSCW completed their audit of 2006 electric fuel costs and issued a final order, $2.4 million (related to 2006 fuel costs) was applied to customers' accounts.


On December 22, 2006, the PSCW approved a limited scope rate case reopener related to MGE's current electric rates. This order was expected to result in a net 0.15% decrease, on average, in retail electric rates for 2007 when compared to those in place for the year ended December 31, 2006 (assuming the 2006 fuel credit was in place for the entire year). Electric rates were subsequently increased from those presented in this order as a result of a $0.00339 per kWh fuel surcharge approved by the PSCW on April 26, 2007. This surcharge resulted in a $2.0 million increase to electric rates charged to customers during the six months ended June 30, 2007.


Volume. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, there was a 3.5% increase in total retail sales volumes when compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase represents increased usage by residential, commercial, and other-retail/municipal customers.


Sales for resale. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, sales for resale increased $2.2 million when compared to the same period in the prior year. Sales for resale include transactions conducted on the PJM and Midwest ISO markets reflecting our involvement in the PJM and MISO markets since their establishment on May 1, 2004, and April 1, 2005, respectively.


MGE has recorded transactions on the MISO and PJM market, in which it is buying and selling power within the same period to meet its electric energy delivery requirements, on a net basis resulting in a $78.4 million and $65.5 million adjustment to sales for resale and purchased power expense for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The increase in sales for resale is largely attributable to a change in the relationship between the cost of purchased power and the cost to internally generate.


Other revenues. Other electric revenues increased $8.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to the same period in the prior year. To account for the effects of the fuel credit and refund described above under "Rates", during the six months ended June 30, 2006, MGE recognized an obligation to make refunds to its customers by recording a $10.0 million reduction to other electric revenues. $1.6 million of this amount was subsequently reversed as the amount was provided to customers via reduced rates during the six month period.





During the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE recorded a $2.4 million upward adjustment to other electric revenues to negate the impact on overall electric revenues for the 2006 fuel refund provided to customers in April 2007. Note that this refund was accrued in revenues during the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, and was returned to customers via a reduction in rates in April 2007. See "Rates" discussion for more information on this refund


Additionally, to account for the subject to refund provisions implemented by the PSCW on April 26, 2007, during the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE recognized an obligation to make refunds to its customers by recording a $0.6 million reduction to other electric revenues. See Footnote 15 for additional discussion of the fuel surcharge.


During the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, MGE recovered in electric rates carrying costs and other fees related to WCCF and Elm Road. MGE recorded a $4.1 million and $2.6 million reduction, respectively to other electric revenues to eliminate the recognition of revenue related to these costs in the electric segment as revenue related to these costs is recorded by MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus (see discussion of these revenues in the "nonregulated operations revenue" section).


Electric fuel and purchased power


The expense for fuel used for electric generation increased $6.8 million or 33.6% during the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase is due to a increase in internal generation ($5.3 million) and an increase in fuel costs between the two periods ($1.5 million).


Purchased power expense decreased by $0.6 million or 1.5% during the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to the same period in the prior year. This decrease in expense reflects a $6.3 million or 13.6% decrease in the volume of power purchased, partially offset by a $5.7 million or 14.0% increase in the per-unit cost of purchased energy.


As a result of increased fuel and purchased power expenses from those in the latest order, on April 26, 2007, the PSCW approved a $0.00339 per kWh fuel surcharge.


MGE has recorded transactions on the PJM and MISO markets in which it is buying and selling power within the same period to meet its electric energy delivery requirements on a net basis. This treatment resulted in a $78.4 million and $65.5 million adjustment to purchase power expense for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.


Electric operating expenses


Electric operating expenses increased $1.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to the same period in 2006. The following changes contributed to the net change for 2007:



(In millions)

Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2007

Increased production costs


$1.0

Decreased rent expense (a)


(0.1)

Increased distribution costs


0.2

Increased transmission costs


0.4

Decreased customer services, promotions, and account costs


(0.1)

Total


$1.4


(a)

This decrease relates to the leasing arrangement between MGE and MGE Power West Campus. In accordance with the terms of this leasing arrangement, the electric segment recorded $7.4 million and $7.5 million in rent expense for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Upon consolidation, this amount is eliminated.




Electric maintenance expense


For the six months ended June 30, 2007, electric maintenance expense decreased $0.3 million, when compared to the same period in the prior year. This decrease is largely attributable to a decrease in production maintenance projects, slightly offset by an increase in distribution and other general and administrative projects.


Electric depreciation expense


Depreciation expense at the electric segment increased by $0.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, when compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase is related to higher levels of electric assets.


Gas Utility Operations - MGE Energy and MGE


Gas deliveries and revenues


The following table compares MGE's gas retail revenues and gas delivered by customer class during each of the periods indicated:


 

Revenues

 

Deliveries

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

(In thousands)

2007

 

2006

 

% Change

 

2007

 

2006

 

% Change

Residential


$  65,957

 

$  60,332

 

9.3%

 

56,245

 

48,921

 

15.0%

Commercial/industrial


49,430

 

44,054

 

12.2%

 

51,558

 

43,322

 

19.0%

Total retail


115,387

 

104,386

 

10.5%

 

107,803

 

92,243

 

16.9%

Gas transportation


1,395

 

1,449

 

(3.7)%

 

18,442

 

20,993

 

(12.2)%

Other revenues


1,358

 

2,632

 

(48.4)%

 

-

 

-

 

-

Total


$118,140

 

$108,467

 

8.9%

 

126,245

 

113,236

 

11.5%

Heating degree days

(normal 4,313)


 

 

 

 

 

 


4,278

 


3,866

 


10.7%


Gas revenues increased $9.7 million or 8.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2007. These changes are related to the following factors:



(In millions)

Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2007

Gas costs/rates


$(5.7)

Gas deliveries


16.7

Transportation and other effects


(1.3)

Total


$9.7

Average rate per therm of retail customers


$1.14


Gas costs/rates. The average retail rate per therm for the six months ended June 30, 2007, decreased 5.4% compared to the same period in 2006. This decrease is primarily a result of lower natural gas costs during the first three months of 2007.


Retail gas deliveries. The 16.9% increase in retail gas deliveries for the six months ended June 30, 2007, was attributable to an increase in heating degree days primarily in the first quarter of 2007.


Transportation and other revenues. Transportation and other revenues decreased a total of $1.3 million due to a decrease in income realized under the GCIM and a decrease in other miscellaneous gas revenues during the six month period.




Under MGE's GCIM, if actual gas commodity costs are above or below a benchmark set by the PSCW, then MGE's gas sales service customers and shareholders share equally in any increased costs or savings. The PSCW also allows MGE to resell gas pipeline capacity reserved to meet peak demands but not needed every day to serve customers. Revenues from capacity release that exceed or fall short of PSCW-targeted levels are shared equally. For the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, shareholders received the benefit of $1.0 million and $2.2 million from capacity release revenues and commodity savings under the GCIM, respectively.


Gas maintenance expense


Gas maintenance expense increased by $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase relates to an increase in distribution and general and administrative maintenance projects.


Gas depreciation expense


Gas depreciation expense increased $0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase is due to an increase in gas plant assets.


Other Income (Loss)


During the six months ended June 30, 2007, the gas and electric segments recognized a total of $0.5 million in AFUDC-equity. This income was offset by $0.3 million in premium expense for a heating degree collar and $0.1 million in miscellaneous expenses. See Footnote 13 for further discussion of the HDD collar.


For the six months ended June 30, 2006, the gas and electric segments recognized a total of $0.2 million in AFUDC-equity and a $0.6 million gain on a heating degree collar (see Footnote 13 for further discussion). This income was offset partially by $0.2 million in losses in equity method investments, a $0.1 million impairment charge, and $0.1 million in miscellaneous expenses.


Interest Expense


For the six months ended June 30, 2007, total interest expense for the electric and gas segments decreased $0.2 million when compared to the same period in the prior year. This change includes an increase in interest income and a shift in the composition of debt. Namely, during the six months ended June 30, 2007, there was a $0.1 million increase in AFUDC-debt, a $0.2 million increase in other interest income, and a $0.7 million decrease in interest expense on short-term debt, when compared to the same period in the prior year. These decreases in interest expense were partially offset by a $0.8 million increase in interest expense on long-term debt.


Nonregulated Energy Operations - MGE Energy and MGE


Nonregulated energy operating revenues


Operating revenues from nonregulated energy operations increased $0.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, when compared to the same period in the prior year. These amounts include $7.4 million and $7.5 million, respectively, in interdepartmental revenues related to a leasing arrangement between MGE and MGE Power West Campus which commenced on April 26, 2005. Upon consolidation, these interdepartmental revenues are eliminated.


Also included in operating revenues is the recognition of revenues related to the carrying costs for MGE Power West Campus and MGE Power Elm Road. MGE received approval from the PSCW to collect approximately $12.1 million in carrying costs incurred by MGE Power West Campus during construction of the WCCF facility. MGE is collecting these costs in rates over a period of ten years. A portion of this amount is being recognized over the period recovered in rates and a portion is being recognized over the period in which the facility is being depreciated (40 years). For the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, MGE Power West Campus recognized $0.6 million related to carrying costs on the WCCF, management, demolition, and removal fees.




MGE also received approval from the PSCW to collect carrying costs expected to be incurred by MGE Power Elm Road during construction of the Elm Road project. MGE estimates that the total carrying costs on the Elm Road project will be $54.3 million. A portion of this amount is being recognized over the period recovered in rates and a portion is being deferred and will be recognized over the period in which the facility is depreciated. For the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, MGE Power Elm Road recognized $2.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively, related to carrying costs on the Elm Road project.


Nonregulated energy operations and maintenance expense


For the six months ended June 30, 2007, other operations and maintenance expense for the nonregulated energy segment remained consistent with that experienced in the prior year.


Nonregulated energy depreciation expense


Depreciation expense in the nonregulated energy segment consists of depreciation on the WCCF. Depreciation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, was $1.4 million.


Nonregulated energy interest expense, net


For the six months ended June 30, 2007, interest expense, net at the nonregulated energy operations segment was $1.3 million compared to $1.4 million for the same period in the prior year. Interest expense at the nonregulated energy segment for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, includes $1.4 million in interest expense incurred on $50 million of long-term borrowings at MGE Power West Campus.


Also included in the nonregulated interest expense is interdepartmental interest expense and capitalized interest at MGE Power Elm Road. During the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, MGE Power Elm Road was charged $1.7 million and $0.7 million, respectively, in interest expense by Corporate on funds borrowed for the Elm Road project. This expense is eliminated upon consolidation at MGE Energy only. The interest expense at MGE Power Elm Road is offset by $1.7 million and $0.7 million, respectively, in capitalized interest. Under the provisions of SFAS 34, MGE Power Elm Road is capitalizing interest on the Elm Road project.


During the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE Power Elm Road recorded $0.1 million in interest income on cash advanced to Elm Road Services, LLC for construction of transmission equipment and work done by ATC related to the Elm Road project.


Transmission Investment Operations - MGE Energy and MGE


Transmission investment other income


For the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, other income at the transmission investment segment was $3.0 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The transmission investment segment holds our interest in ATC, and its income reflects our equity in the earnings of ATC.


All Other Nonregulated Operations - MGE Energy


All other nonregulated revenues


During the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, the all other segment did not generate any revenues.





All other operations and maintenance expense


All other operations and maintenance expense for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, was $0.2 million. This amount is primarily comprised of general and administrative expenses at corporate.


All other interest income (expense)


All other interest income, net for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, was $0.9 million and $0.3 million, respectively. Interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2007, represents $1.7 million in interdepartmental interest income from MGE Power Elm Road, partially offset by $0.8 million in interest expense on short term debt. Interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2006, represents $0.7 million in interdepartmental interest income from MGE Power Elm Road and $0.1 million in other interest income, partially offset by $0.5 million in interest expense on short term debt. The interdepartmental interest income is eliminated upon consolidation.


Consolidated Other General Taxes


MGE Energy and MGE's other general taxes increased $0.1 million or 1.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2007, when compared to the same period in the prior year. This change represents an increase in MGE's license fee tax and an increase in MGE's payroll taxes. These increases are slightly offset by a tax refund received for overpayment of license fees in prior years.


Consolidated Income Taxes


MGE Energy's effective income tax rate is 35.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to 38.2% for the same period in 2006. This decrease is primarily attributable to the completion of tax recovery for prior year flow through. The PSCW has allowed rate recovery of deferred taxes on all temporary differences since June 1991 when the FERC Uniform System of Accounts was adopted. Unrecovered deferred taxes in existence at the time of adoption were authorized for rate recovery over 15 years. Recovery of these amounts was completed on December 31, 2006.


Other factors contributing to a decrease in the effective tax rate include the favorable settlement of an income tax examination for which a FIN 48 liability had been recorded, an increase in the domestic manufacturing tax deduction provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, and an increase in projected AFUDC-equity to be earned on the Top of Iowa III project. Pursuant to an order issued by the PSCW on December 22, 2006, MGE is permitted to recover 100% AFUDC on the Top of Iowa III wind project beginning in November 2006 and continuing until construction on the project ceases.


Minority Interest, Net of Tax - MGE


For the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE Energy (through its wholly owned subsidiary MGE Power) had earned $3.9 million and $1.3 million, net of tax, for its interest in MGE Power West Campus and MGE Power Elm Road, respectively. Additionally, MGE Energy had earned $0.3 million, net of tax for its interest in MGE Transco. For the six months ended June 30, 2006, MGE Energy (through its wholly owned subsidiary MGE Power) had earned $4.9 million, net of tax, for its interest in MGE Power West Campus, MGE Power Elm Road, and MGE Transco. These amounts are recorded as minority interest expense, net of tax, on MGE's Consolidated Statement of Income.


Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments - MGE Energy and MGE


Congestion Cost and Line Loss Allocation Agreement


On February 14, 2007, MGE signed a five year Congestion Cost and Line Loss Allocation Services Agreement. Under the provisions of this agreement, certain load serving entities in the Wisconsin and Upper Peninsula of Michigan System (WUMS) agreed to aggregate and equitably allocate certain costs that have not been perfectly allocated by the MISO Day 2 market. Specifically, this agreement achieves a uniform line loss percentage and socializes the costs incurred as a result of shortages in the FTR allocation process. The provisions of this agreement and the financial ramifications are retroactive to the start of the MISO Day 2 market (April 1, 2005).




Based on historical experience and informal discussions with the PSCW, MGE estimates that 100% of the benefit received or expense incurred as a result of this agreement will be returned to or collected from customers. Accordingly, MGE will defer such amounts on the consolidated balance sheet in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 71.


For the period April 1, 2005, though June 30, 2007, MGE has estimated net benefits under this agreement of $2.1 million. This amount has been deferred and is included in regulatory liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets of MGE and MGE Energy at June 30, 2007, reflecting MGE's obligation to refund this benefit to its customers. MGE expects that this amount will be provided to customers via a reduction to electric rates during 2008.


Wind Generation- Purchase Power Agreement


During April 2007, MGE entered into a 20 year purchase power agreement for wind generation. Under this agreement, MGE has agreed to purchase 30 MW of wind power from the Top of Iowa II project which is being constructed in Iowa. This facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2007. MGE does not have any capacity payment commitments under this agreement. However, MGE is obligated to purchase its ratable share of the energy produced by the unit.


MISO Charges


As a participant of the MISO market, MGE is subject to certain MISO imposed user charges. One such charge is the Revenue Sufficiency Guarantee Charge (RSG). RSG is a mechanism designed to ensure that a generator, which has been instructed by MISO to run, recovers certain production costs. The cost of RSG is socialized amongst all MISO participants.


During the quarter ended June 30, 2007, a consensus was achieved regarding clarifications and revisions proposed by MISO on the computation of real-time RSG. Such clarifications will be retroactively applied to April 1, 2005. As of June 30, 2007, MGE has estimated that under the revised RSG computation, MGE owes MISO $1.0 million, including interest. This amount has been accrued at June 30, 2007, and resulted in an increase to purchased power expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007.


Financing Matters


On July 20, 2007, MGE entered into a $25 million swap lock with JP Morgan to fix a portion of the interest rate of debt that is expected to be issued by MGE in the third quarter of 2007. This instrument has an effective date of September 28, 2007, and a termination date of September 28, 2037. Per the terms of this agreement, MGE will pay a fixed rate of 5.813% per annum on the swap lock and will receive from JP Morgan a floating rate equal to six month US LIBOR (London interbank offered rate).


The cost or benefit of this instrument is expected to be recoverable in rates. Accordingly, any unrealized gain or loss (mark to market) related to this instrument will be deferred on the balance sheet as a regulatory liability or asset in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 71.


The swap lock is expected to be cash settled when the related debt is issued. The settlement amount of this instrument is expected to be recognized in income ratably over the term of the debt issued.


Line of Credit


On August 1, 2007, MGE entered into a $20 million unsecured line of credit with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. The line of credit is evidenced by a note that expires on March 31, 2008. This facility carries an interest rate based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 0.40% per annum. Interest is payable monthly commencing on September 1, 2007, and will be computed on any unpaid principal at the date of each borrowing. The line of credit will be used as a backup facility to MGE's commercial paper program. No borrowings are outstanding under this facility at this time. Borrowings may be made and repaid at any time during the term of the note and must be repaid upon the earlier of the maturity of the note or the occurrence of an event of default. Events of default include failures to pay scheduled principal or interest and certain bankruptcy-related events, in each case subject to applicable cure periods.




There were no other material changes, other than from the normal course of business, to MGE Energy's and MGE's contractual obligations (representing cash obligations that are considered to be firm commitments) and commercial commitments (representing commitments triggered by future events) during the six months ended June 30, 2007. Further discussion of the contractual obligations and commercial commitments is included in Footnote 11 of this filing and in MGE Energy's and MGE's annual reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.


Liquidity and Capital Resources


Cash Flows


The following summarizes cash flows during the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively:


 

MGE Energy

 

MGE

(In thousands)

2007

2006

 

2007

2006

Cash provided by/(used for):

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities


$51,773

$66,573

 

$52,858

$63,126

Investing activities


(47,636)

(40,785)

 

(47,392)

(40,691)

Financing activities


(2,676)

(25,645)

 

(4,256)

(22,225)


Cash Provided by Operating Activities


MGE Energy


MGE Energy's consolidated net cash provided by operating activities is derived mainly from the electric and gas operations of its principal subsidiary, MGE.


Cash provided by operating activities decreased $14.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, when compared to the same period in the prior year. This decrease is largely attributable to the interim fuel credit and fuel refund in place in the prior year. Namely, MGE billed $8.4 million (net of $1.6 million returned to customers between March 9, 2006, and June 30, 2006) in electric rates, which pursuant to the March 9, 2006, PSCW interim order, was required to be refunded to customers. This credit was accounted for as a reduction to other electric revenues in the consolidated income statement of MGE Energy for the six months ended June 30, 2006, and was shown as a non-cash adjustment to net income on the consolidated statement of cash flows of MGE Energy because it was not paid to customers during that period.


During the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE billed $0.6 million in electric rates, which pursuant to the April 26, 2007, PSCW interim fuel surcharge order, is required to be refunded to customers. See Footnote 15 for additional discussion of the fuel surcharge. This credit was also accounted for as a reduction to other electric revenues in the consolidated income statement of MGE Energy for the six months ended June 30, 2007, and is shown as a non-cash adjustment to net income on the consolidated statement of cash flows of MGE Energy because it was not paid to customers during that period.


During the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE Energy recorded $4.1 million in employee benefit expenses compared to $5.6 million for the prior year. This decrease in expense is attributable to an increase in the discount rate used to estimate the expense and a higher asset base due to a higher than expected return on assets during 2006. During the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, MGE Energy made $4.9 million and $4.3 million, respectively in discretionary contributions to these plans. See Footnote 9 for further discussion of MGE Energy's Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits.


During the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE Energy recorded a $1.8 million provision for doubtful accounts. This represents a $0.5 million decrease from the amount recorded during the same period in the prior year. The provision during 2006 was higher due to the atypically high fuel costs experienced in the latter portion of 2005 and the effects these costs had on the composition of the aging.




MGE Energy's working capital accounts contributed to $11.1 million in cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $20.4 million during the same period in the prior year. Inflows from working capital during the six months ended June 30, 2007, are primarily related to decreased levels of stored natural gas and lower receivables, partially offset by a decrease in payables and lower other short term liabilities. Contributing to the decrease in short term liabilities is a $2.4 million refund provided to customers on April 24, 2007. This amount represents the final refund due to customers as a result of the interim fuel credit and subject to refund provision instituted by the PSCW in 2006. This payment has no impact on net income for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Included in the June 30, 2006, operating cash flows is the collection of $2.4 million of the retainage receivable from the State under the EPC agreement related to the construction of WCCF. Cash inflows related to other noncurrent items, net were $3.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $2.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006.


For the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE Energy recorded $3.0 million in equity earnings from ATC and received $2.1 million in cash dividends from ATC. For the same period in the prior year, MGE Energy recorded $2.6 million in equity earnings from ATC and received $2.0 million in cash dividends from ATC.


MGE


Cash provided by operating activities decreased $10.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, when compared to the same period in the prior year. This decrease is largely attributable to the interim fuel credit and fuel refund in place in the prior year. Namely, MGE billed $8.4 million (net of $1.6 million returned to customers between March 9, 2006, and June 30, 2006) in electric rates, which pursuant to the March 9, 2006, PSCW interim order, was required to be refunded to customers. This credit was accounted for as a reduction to other electric revenues in the consolidated income statement of MGE for the six months ended June 30, 2006, and was shown as a non-cash adjustment to net income on the consolidated statement of cash flows of MGE because it was not paid to customers during that period.


During the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE billed $0.6 million in electric rates, which pursuant to the April 26, 2007, PSCW interim fuel surcharge order, is required to be refunded to customers. See Footnote 15 for additional discussion of the fuel surcharge. This credit was also accounted for as a reduction to other electric revenues in the consolidated income statement of MGE for the six months ended June 30, 2007, and is shown as a non-cash adjustment to net income on the consolidated statement of cash flows of MGE because it was not paid to customers during that period.


MGE recorded $4.1 million in employee benefit expenses compared to $5.6 million for the prior year. This decrease in expense is due to a increase in the discount rate used to estimate the expense and a higher asset base due to a higher than expected return on assets during 2006. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, and June 30, 2006, MGE made $4.9 million and $4.3 million, respectively in discretionary contributions to these plans. See Footnote 9 for further discussion of MGE's Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits.


During the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE recorded a $1.8 million provision for doubtful accounts. This represents a $0.5 million decrease from the amount recorded during the same period in the prior year. The provision during 2006 was higher due to the atypically high fuel costs experienced in the latter portion of 2005 and the effects these costs had on the composition of the aging.


MGE's working capital accounts contributed to $11.6 million in cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $17.0 million during the same period in the prior year. Inflows from working capital account during the six months ended June 30, 2007, are primarily related to decreased levels of stored natural gas and lower receivable balances, partially offset by higher payables and lower short term liabilities. Contributing to the decrease in short term liabilities is a $2.4 million refund provided to customers on April 24, 2007. This amount represents the final refund due to customers as a result of the interim fuel credit and subject to refund provision instituted by the PSCW in 2006. This payment has no impact on net income for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Cash inflows related to other noncurrent items, net were $3.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $2.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006.




For the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE recorded $3.0 million in equity earnings from ATC and received $2.1 million in cash dividends from ATC. For the same period in the prior year, MGE recorded $2.6 million in equity earnings from ATC and received $2.0 million in cash dividends from ATC.


Cash Used for Investing Activities


MGE Energy


MGE Energy's cash used for investing activities increased $6.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, when compared to the same period in the prior year. Capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were $48.4 million. This amount represents a $10.3 million increase from the expenditures made in the same period in the prior year. This increase is related to increased construction activity for Elm Road ($14.0 million) and $1.7 million in capital expenditures for the Top of Iowa III wind generation project. These increases were partially offset by decreases in capital expenditures related to WCCF ($1.3 million) and a decrease in other utility capital expenditures ($4.1 million).


During the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE Energy made $0.1 million in capital contributions to various equity investments. Additionally MGE Energy issued $0.5 million in finance receivables. MGE Energy did not make any cash capital contributions to ATC. However, MGE transferred $1.4 million in certain transmission assets to ATC. In exchange for this transfer MGE received $0.7 million in cash proceeds and $0.7 million in an additional investment in ATC. During the six months ended June 30, 2006, MGE Energy made $1.3 million in capital contributions to ATC.


During the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, in connection with the Elm Road project, MGE Power Elm Road advanced $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively, in funds to Elm Road Services, LLC, who in turn provided these funds to ATC. These funds will be used by ATC for transmission system upgrades related to the Elm Road project. These funds are expected to be repaid in full.


Cash provided by other investing activities was $0.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $0.7 million used for other investing activities for the same period in the prior year. Included in this change is a $0.1 million increase in AFUDC-debt as a result of the Top of Iowa III wind generation project.


MGE


MGE's cash used for investing activities increased $6.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, when compared to the same period in the prior year. Capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were $48.4 million. This amount represents a $10.3 million increase from the expenditures made in the same period in the prior year. This increase is related to increased construction activity for Elm Road ($14.0 million) and $1.7 million in capital expenditures for the Top of Iowa III wind generation project. These increases were partially offset by decreases in capital expenditures related to WCCF ($1.3 million) and a decrease in other utility capital expenditures ($4.1 million).


During the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE issued $0.4 million in finance receivables. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, MGE did not make any cash capital contributions to ATC. However, MGE transferred $1.4 million in certain transmission Assets to ATC. In exchange for this transfer MGE received $0.7 million in cash proceeds and $0.7 in an additional investment in ATC. During the six months ended June 30, 2006, MGE made $1.3 million in capital contributions to ATC.


During both the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, in connection with the Elm Road project, MGE Power Elm Road advanced $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively, in funds to Elm Road Services, LLC, who in turn provided these funds to ATC. These funds will be used by ATC for transmission system upgrades related to the Elm Road project. These funds are expected to be repaid in full.





Cash provided by other investing activities was $0.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to cash used for other investing activities of $0.7 million for the same period in the prior year. Included in this change is a $0.1 million increase in AFUDC-debt as a result of the Top of Iowa III wind generation project.


Cash Used for Financing Activities


MGE Energy


Cash used for MGE Energy's financing activities was $2.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $25.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, net short term debt repayments were $13.5 million compared to $14.0 million for the same period in the prior year. MGE Energy received $25.6 million and $2.3 million in cash proceeds as the result of stock issued during the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. This increase is largely attributable to the consummation of a Distribution Agreement on November 9, 2006, with JP Morgan in which MGE Energy may offer and sell up to 1,500,000 shares of its common stock.


Cash dividends paid for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, were $14.8 million and $14.1 million, respectively. The cash dividends for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were higher than those paid for the six months ended June 30, 2006, as a result of a higher dividend per share ($0.697 vs. $0.690) and an increase in the number of shares outstanding.


MGE


During the six months ended June 30, 2007, cash used for MGE's financing activities was $4.3 million compared to $22.2 million in the same period in the prior year. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, and June 30, 2006, net short term debt repayments were $8.5 million and $16.0 million, respectively. Cash dividends paid from MGE to MGE Energy for the six months ended June 30, 2007, were $13.1 million. During this same period, cash dividends of $5.7  million were paid by MGE Power West Campus and MGE Transco to MGE Energy. These cash outflows were offset by $23.1 million in equity contributions received by MGE Power Elm Road from MGE Energy. This amount is included in minority interest on the MGE consolidated balance sheet.


For the six months ended June 30, 2006, cash dividends made from MGE to MGE Energy were $13.0 million. During this same period, MGE Power West Campus and MGE Power Elm Road received $3.5 million in equity contributions and MGE Power West Campus and MGE Transco paid $5.6 million in dividends to MGE Energy. Additionally, during this period MGE Power Elm Road received $9.1 million in affiliate financing.


Capitalization Ratios


MGE Energy's capitalization ratios were as follows:


 

MGE Energy

 

June 30,

2007

 

December 31,

2006

Common shareholders' equity


58.0%

 

54.8%

Long-term debt*


35.8%

 

36.9%

Short-term debt


6.2%

 

8.3%


*Includes the current portion of long-term debt





MGE Energy's and MGE's Capital Requirements


MGE Energy's and MGE's liquidity are primarily affected by their capital requirements. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, capital expenditures for MGE Energy and MGE totaled $48.4 million, which included $25.9 million of capital expenditures for Elm Road, $0.3 million of capital expenditures for MGE Power West Campus, $1.7 million for the Top of Iowa III wind project, and $20.5 million of capital expenditures for other utility operations.


As of June 30, 2007, MGE Power Elm Road's remaining capital expenditures for Elm Road are estimated to be $97.0 million. Capital expenditures for this project are expected to be $28.3 million in 2007 (excludes capital expenditures already made as of June 30, 2007), $44.5 million in 2008, $20.6 million in 2009, and $3.6 million in 2010. These amounts may change as a result of modifications to the project cost estimate or timing differences. MGE currently estimates that the total cost of the Top of Iowa III project will be approximately $58.1 million (excluding AFUDC). MGE has executed contracts for a majority of these expenditures. $44.6 million in contractual commitments remain outstanding for this project. $39.5 million of these capital commitments are expected to be expended in 2007 and $5.1 million are expected to be expended in 2008. Included in these amounts is $2.0 million which is expected to be paid by another party. However, pursuant to the related agreements, MGE is jointly and severally liable in the event the other parties default on their payment.


MGE is currently funding the majority of its capital commitments for the Top of Iowa III wind project and the Elm Road project with a short-term bank line of credit. MGE intends to fund future capital commitments for these projects with funds generated from normal operations, the issuance of long term debt, and financing received from MGE Energy. MGE Energy intends to raise the funds for such financing primarily through the issuance of equity securities and short-term debt, as needed.


MGE Transco does not expect to make any additional capital contributions to ATC in 2007.


The following table shows MGE's current credit ratings. MGE Energy is not yet rated because it has not issued any debt securities.

 

Standard & Poor's

Moody's

First Mortgage Bonds


Unsecured Medium Term Notes


Commercial Paper


AA

AA-

A1+

Aa2

Aa3

P1


MGE's access to the capital markets, including the commercial paper market and its financing costs in those markets, is dependent on its securities' ratings. None of MGE's borrowings is subject to default or prepayment due to downgrading of securities' ratings, although MGE's future interest expense may be affected by a change in those ratings.


Environmental Matters


The following discussion is limited to updates or developments in environmental matters that occurred during the six months ended June 30, 2007. Further discussion of environmental matters is included in MGE Energy's and MGE's annual reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.


State mercury rules


In March 2007, the DNR proposed state mercury rules under NR 446 to address its requirements under CAMR. The state's proposed rule is significantly different from the federal CAMR. See Item 1. Business in MGE Energy's and MGE's annual reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, for additional discussion of the federal CAMR. The DNR's proposed rule keeps the allocation structure for the state of Wisconsin but it declines participation in the national (or a state) cap-and-trade program, and proposes a unit-by-unit or system-based mercury cap. If the state's version of CAMR as currently proposed becomes a rule, it will increase CAMR compliance costs for Columbia, Blount and Elm Road because it is more restrictive in scope than the federal CAMR. However, it is unknown at this time what those additional costs would be.





WPDES permit


In March 2005, the WDNR determined that the water intake and discharge system for the planned Oak Creek expansion and existing Oak Creek generating units met regulatory requirements and reissued a WPDES permit with specific limitations and conditions. The WPDES permit was issued under state law, with concurrence of the EPA. An ALJ upheld the agency's permit reissuance. The reissuance of the WPDES permit was also contested in Dane County circuit court.


The Dane County circuit court remanded the case on March 5, 2007, to the ALJ, directing that the ALJ's interpretation of the federal regulations defining new and existing facilities should be reconsidered in light of the Second Circuit US Court of Appeals January 25, 2007, Riverkeeper II decision, and because the ALJ's decision may have relied in part on other provisions of the Phase II Rule. The court upheld the portion of the ALJ's decision rejecting the petitioners' antidegradation claim. The court did not vacate the WPDES permit, and construction of the ERGS units continues. The court has returned the record to the Division of Hearings and Appeals for further proceedings. In June 2007, the ALJ for the Division of Hearings and Appeals granted We Energies' motion to stay the appeal, pending the WDNR's action on We Energies' request for a permit modification. Opponents of the plant filed a motion asking the Dane County Circuit Court to direct the ALJ to decide the permit issues on remand without regard to the WDNR's action on the permit modification and to stop construction on the water intake structure. Briefing on the motion was completed in early August and a hearing held on August 3, 2007.


In the event that the WPDES permit was ultimately invalidated, MGE Power Elm Road may incur significant additional costs relating to the Oak Creek/Elm Road cooling water system. If the units' final construction costs exceed the fixed costs allowed in the PSCW order, this excess will not be recoverable from MGE or its customers unless specifically allowed by the PSCW. Any Oak Creek project costs above the authorized amount, but below a 5% cap, will be subject to a prudence determination made by the PSCW.


Restructuring Activities


On January 19, 2006, MGE announced a plan, subject to certain conditions, that includes discontinuing coal use at the end of 2011 at Blount. The plant will continue to run on natural gas but will be reduced from its current approximate 190 MW capacity to 100 MW when coal burning is discontinued. MGE has determined that 11 nonunion and 49 union positions will be eliminated in 2011 as a result of this exit plan.


On January 19, 2006, MGE entered into severance agreements providing severance benefits to the nonunion employees affected by the exit plan. Additionally, on September 21, 2006, MGE ratified a labor agreement with the IBEW providing those union employees impacted by the exit plan with involuntary and voluntary severance benefits. At June 30, 2007, MGE estimates that 39 union and 10 nonunion employees will receive the involuntary severance benefits. MGE has accounted for the involuntary union and nonunion severance benefits in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. These benefits were recognized initially at the respective communication dates based on the fair value of the liability as of the termination date and are being recognized ratably over the future service period of the employees. $0.9 million in benefits for the union employees will be paid as a lump sum payment in December 2011. The nonunion benefits will be paid as follows: $0.2 million will be paid out in 2008, $0.2 million in 2010, and $0.5 million in 2011.


In lieu of the aforementioned involuntary severance benefits, the affected IBEW employees may elect to retire early and receive supplemental retirement benefits. These benefits are deemed to be voluntary termination benefits and have been excluded from the table below. See Footnote 9 for further discussion of these benefits and the related accounting. As of June 30, 2007, MGE estimates that 11 employees will elect to receive the early retirement benefits.


MGE anticipates that it will be allowed to recover in rates the costs associated with the discontinuance of coal at Blount. As such, the severance charges for the nonunion and union employees have been deferred and recognized on the consolidated balance sheet of MGE Energy and MGE as a regulatory asset.




The aforementioned exit plan has also resulted in a net plan curtailment gain for MGE's bargaining pension and postretirement plans as defined in SFAS 88, Employers' Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits. See Footnote 9 for discussion of the accounting implications.


Other Regulatory Matters


Rate filing


On May 7, 2007, MGE filed an application with the PSCW requesting a 5.7% increase to electric rates and a 3.7% increase to gas rates for 2008. The proposed increases cover costs for MGE's new wind energy projects, statewide energy efficiency renewable energy programs, transmission improvements by ATC, and accelerated costs to discontinue coal use at the Blount Street Generating Station. In addition to funding the statewide energy programs, the natural gas rate request is also needed for area gas construction projects driven by customer growth.


Fuel refund


On April 24, 2007, the PSCW completed their audit of 2006 electric fuel costs and issued a final order approving the remaining amount to be refunded to customers as a result of lower than expected fuel and purchased power costs in 2006. Pursuant to this order, a credit of $2.4 million was applied to customers' accounts in April 2007.


Energy Policy Act


MGE and MGE Energy are subject to the Energy Policy Act and the corresponding regulations developed by certain related federal agencies. Amongst other things, the Energy Policy Act created an Electric Reliability Organization overseen by FERC. The Electric Reliability Organization has established mandatory electric reliability standards, which replace the current voluntary standards developed by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, and will have the authority to levy monetary sanctions for failure to comply with the new standards. Enforcement of these new approved standards will begin in June 2007.


New Accounting Principles


SFAS 156


In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets, an amendment of SFAS 140. SFAS 156 simplifies the accounting for servicing rights and reduces the volatility that results from the use of different measurement attributes for servicing rights and the related financial instruments used to economically hedge risks associated with those servicing rights. SFAS 156 also clarifies when to separately account for servicing rights, requires these rights to be initially measured at fair value, and provides the option to subsequently account for those servicing right (by class) at either fair value or under the amortization method previously required under SFAS 140. SFAS 156 is effective for the fiscal year beginning after September 15, 2006. MGE adopted this statement on January 1, 2007. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on the MGE Energy's or MGE's consolidated financial statements.


SFAS 157


In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Statement 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Under SFAS 157, fair value refers to the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts. The standard clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. SFAS 157 will be effective as of January 1, 2008. MGE and MGE Energy are currently assessing the impact that SFAS 157 may have on their financial statements.




SFAS 159


In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. This statement allows companies to choose to measure certain financial instruments and other items at fair value at specified election dates. Per the provisions of this standard, companies are permitted to choose the fair value option on an instrument-by-instrument basis. MGE has not elected to early adopt this statement. Accordingly, SFAS 159 is effective for MGE as of January 1, 2008. MGE is currently in the process of assessing the impacts of this statement and determining whether it will elect the fair value option.


Pension Protection Act


During the third quarter of 2006, President Bush signed into law the Pension Protection Act of 2006, which will affect the manner in which companies, including MGE and MGE Energy, administer their pension plans. This legislation will require companies to, amongst other things, increase the amount by which they fund their pension plans, pay higher premiums to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation if they sponsor defined benefit plans, amend plan documents and provide additional plan disclosures in regulatory filings and to plan participants. This legislation will be effective as of January 1, 2008. MGE and MGE Energy are currently assessing the impact this legislation may have on the financial statements.


FIN 48


In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation 48 ("FIN 48"), "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes," an interpretation of SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise's financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109. The interpretation applies to all tax positions accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109 and requires a recognition threshold and measurement standard for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in an income tax return. FIN 48 defines the threshold for recognizing tax return positions in the financial statements as "more likely than not" that the position is sustainable, based on its merits. Subsequent recognition, derecognition, and measurement is based on management's best judgement given the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. MGE Energy and MGE adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007.


At the date of adoption, MGE Energy and MGE reclassified $0.3 million of accrued income taxes under prior accounting standards to its FIN 48 tax liability account. Additionally in the adoption accounting, MGE Energy and MGE reclassified $0.1 million of accrued interest under prior accounting standards to its FIN 48 interest payable account. These adjustments had no impact on retained earnings. MGE and MGE Energy have elected to recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, less than $0.1 million of interest expense was recognized and no penalties were incurred.


The unrecognized tax benefits recorded upon adoption related to MGE's state tax matters that were under examination. Subsequent to adoption, in the second quarter of 2007, MGE reached a settlement regarding all matters identified in the aforementioned FIN 48 tax liability. Pursuant to this settlement, MGE will be obligated to remit $0.2 million for these matters.


As of June 30, 2007, MGE Energy and MGE recorded a $0.1 million reduction to income tax expense and a $0.1 million reduction in interest expense. Additionally, MGE reclassified the remaining $0.2 million accrual related to these matters from the FIN 48 tax liability account to the accrued taxes balance, as these amounts were no longer uncertain. MGE and MGE Energy expect to pay such amounts during the third quarter of 2007.


As a result of this settlement, at June 30, 2007, MGE Energy and MGE do not have any amounts included in the FIN 48 tax liability account.





MGE Energy files a consolidated federal income tax return that includes all of the subsidiary companies. Years starting with 2003 are subject to federal examination by the IRS, although no examination is currently scheduled or in process. Years prior to 2003 are closed years.


MGE Energy and MGE have material state income tax liabilities only in the state of Wisconsin. Wisconsin requires each corporation within a consolidated group to file a separate tax return. Other corporate members of the MGE Energy consolidated group report insignificant amounts of taxes to Wisconsin.


MGE Energy's Wisconsin years commencing with 2002 are currently open to audit examination but no years are presently scheduled or in process of an audit. MGE's Wisconsin years starting with 2005 are open to audit examination but no years are presently scheduled or in process of an audit.


FSP FIN 39-1


In April 2007, the FASB issued FSP 39-1, Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39 (FSP FIN 39-1). This pronouncement amends FIN 39, Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts, and allows companies to offset fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement. FSP FIN 39-1 will be effective for MGE and MGE Energy as of January 1, 2008. The effects of applying this pronouncement shall be recognized as a change in accounting principle through retroactive application for all financial statements presented unless it is impracticable to do so. The adoption of this pronouncement will have no impact on MGE or MGE Energy's net income. MGE and MGE Energy are currently assessing whether to elect the accounting policies prescribed by this pronouncement.


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.


MGE Energy and MGE are potentially exposed to market risk associated with interest rates, commodity prices, weather, and equity returns. MGE currently has no exposure to foreign currency risk. MGE manages some risk exposure through risk management policies and uses derivative instruments. MGE's market risk has not changed between 2006 and 2007. MGE does not enter into speculative trading transactions.


Weather Risk


MGE's sales forecasts, used to establish rates, are set by the PSCW based upon estimated temperatures, which approximate 20-year averages. MGE's electric revenues are sensitive to the summer cooling season and, to some extent, to the winter heating season. A significant portion of MGE's gas system demand is driven by heating. MGE's gas margin (revenues less gas purchased) is collected under a combination of fixed and volumetric rates set by the PSCW based on "normal weather." As a result of weather-sensitive demand and volumetric rates, a portion of MGE's gas margin is at risk for warmer-than-normal weather. MGE may use weather derivatives, pursuant to its risk management program, to reduce the impact of weather volatility on its gas margin.


MGE may also be impacted by extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes or tornados. Such conditions may damage critical operating assets or may negatively impact the price of commodity and other costs.


A summary of actual weather information in the utility segment's service territory during the six months ended June 30, 2007, as measured by degree days, may be found in Results of Operations.





Commodity Price Risk


MGE has commodity price risk exposure with respect to the price of natural gas, electricity, coal, emission credits, and oil. MGE employs established policies and procedures to reduce the market risks associated with changing commodity prices. MGE's commodity risks are somewhat mitigated by the current ratemaking process in place for recovering electric fuel cost, purchased energy costs, and the cost of natural gas. MGE's electric fuel costs are subject to fuel rules established by the PSCW. Under the electric fuel rules, MGE may be required to refund to customers if its actual fuel costs fall outside the lower end of the range and would be allowed to request a surcharge if those actual fuel costs exceed the upper end of the range. The range is defined by the PSCW and has been modified throughout the years based on market conditions and other relevant factors. Pursuant to the PSCW order issued on December 22, 2006, MGE's electric fuel credit will be subject to a plus or minus 2% range. MGE's gas segment is governed by the purchased gas adjustment clause (PGA). Under the PGA, MGE is able to pass through to customers the cost of gas , subject to certain limited incentives. Under both the electric fuel rules and PGA clause, MGE may include in the cost of fuel (natural gas or power) the costs and benefits of fuel price risk management tools implemented under the risk management plan approved by the PSCW.


MGE also reduces price risk caused by market fluctuations via physical contracts and financial contracts, including futures, swaps, options, and forwards. The maximum length of time over which cash flows related to energy commodities are currently being cash-flow hedged is one year. MGE's energy contracts are accounted for under SFAS 133. Many of the contracts qualify for the normal purchase and sales exemption to SFAS 133. Those that do not qualify for this exemption are recorded as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are recorded in current earnings or deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether a derivative is designated as, and is effective as, a hedge and depending on the type of hedge transaction.


If the derivative qualifies for regulatory deferral subject to the provisions of SFAS No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation, the derivatives are marked to fair value pursuant to SFAS No. 133 and are offset with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability.


At June 30, 2007, MGE has financial gas and electric commodity contracts to hedge commodity price risk in the gas and electric segments. These contracts are primarily comprised of exchange-traded option and future contracts to manage the cost of gas. MGE also holds FTRs which are used to hedge the risk of increased congestion charges. At June 30, 2007, the cost of these instruments exceeded their fair value by $2.3 million. Under the PGA clause and electric fuel rules, MGE may include in the costs of fuel (natural gas or power) the costs and benefits of the aforementioned fuel price risk management tools. Because these costs and benefits are recoverable, the related unrealized gain has been deferred on the balance sheet as a regulatory liability.


MGE also holds futures and basis swaps to take advantage of physical and financial arbitrage opportunities between supply basins and pricing spreads between future months' gas supply. Under the incentive mechanism within the PGA Clause, MGE shareholders have the ability to receive 50% of the benefits or loss from these deals if certain thresholds are achieved. At June 30, 2007, these positions were in an unrealized gain position of $0.6 million. Of this amount, 50% is reflected in other comprehensive income and 50% is deferred under SFAS 71 pursuant to a rate order issued by the PSCW.


MGE's energy contracts are valued using readily available NYMEX pricing data.


Interest Rate Risk


Both MGE and MGE Energy have short term borrowings at varying interest rates. MGE issues commercial paper for its short-term borrowings, while MGE Energy draws from its current credit facility to meet its short term borrowing needs. Borrowing levels vary from period to period depending upon capital investments and other factors. Future short-term interest expense and payments will reflect both future short-term interest rates and borrowing levels. MGE Energy and MGE manage interest rate risk by limiting their variable rate exposure and continually monitoring the effects of market changes on interest rates. MGE is not exposed to changes in interest rates on a substantial portion of its long-term debt until that debt matures and is refinanced at market rates.




Equity Price Risk - Pension-Related Assets


MGE currently funds its liabilities related to employee benefits through trust funds. These funds, which include investments in debt and equity securities, are managed by various investment managers. Changes in market value of these investments can have an impact on the future pension and postretirement expenses.


Regulatory Recovery Risk


MGE's electric operations burn natural gas in several of its peak power plants or as a supplemental fuel at several coal-fired plants and, in many cases, the cost of purchased power is tied to the cost of natural gas. MGE bears significant regulatory risk for the recovery of such fuel and purchased power costs when they are higher than the base rate established in its current rate structure.


As noted above in Commodity Price Risk, the electric operations of MGE operate under a "fuel rules" adjustment clause for fuel and purchased power costs associated with the generation and delivery of electricity. This clause establishes a base rate for fuel and purchased power. Pursuant to a PSCW rate order issued on December 22, 2006, effective January 1, 2007, the PSCW modified MGE's fuel rules bandwidth to a range of -2% to +2%. MGE may be required to refund to customers if its actual fuel costs fall outside the lower end of the range (-2%), and would be allowed to request a surcharge if those actual fuel costs exceeded the upper end of the range (+2%). MGE assumes the risks and benefits of variances that are within the 2% bandwidth. For 2007, fuel and purchased power costs included in MGE's base fuel rates are $110.0 million.


On April 26, 2007, the PSCW approved a $0.00339 per kWh fuel surcharge on MGE's electric rates to cover increased fuel and purchased power expenses. The fuel surcharge was applied to electric rates as of the date of this order. Pursuant to the provisions of the fuel surcharge, MGE's electric revenues resulting from this surcharge are subject to refund and interest at 11%.


Credit Risk - Counterparty


Credit risk is the loss that may result from counterparty nonperformance. MGE is exposed to credit risk primarily through its merchant energy business. MGE uses credit policies to manage its credit risk, which includes utilizing an established credit approval process, monitoring counterparty limits, employing credit mitigation measures such as collateral or prepayment arrangements, and using netting agreements.


Due to the possibility of extreme volatility in the prices of energy commodities and derivatives, the market value of contractual positions with individual counterparties could exceed established credit limits or collateral provided by those counterparties. If such a counterparty were then to fail to perform its obligations under its contract (for example, fail to deliver the electricity MGE originally contracted for), MGE could sustain a loss that could have a material impact on its financial results.


Additionally, if a counterparty were to default and MGE were to liquidate all contracts with that entity, MGE's credit loss would include the loss in value of mark-to-market contracts; the amount owed for settled transactions; and additional payments, if any, to settle unrealized losses on accrual contracts.


MGE is obligated to provide service to all electric and gas customers within its respective franchised territories. MGE's franchised electric territory includes a 315 square-mile area in Dane County, Wisconsin, and MGE's franchised gas territory includes a service area covering 1,625 square miles in Wisconsin. Based on results for the year ended December 31, 2006, no one customer constituted more than 7% of total operating revenues for MGE and MGE Energy. Credit risk for electric and gas is managed by MGE's credit and collection policies, which are consistent with state regulatory requirements.


Cash, cash equivalents, and customer accounts receivable are the financial instruments that potentially subject MGE Energy and MGE to concentrations of credit risk. MGE Energy and MGE place their cash and cash equivalents with high credit-quality financial institutions. MGE has limited concentrations of credit risk from customer accounts receivable because of the large number of customers and strong economy in its service territory.




Item 4. Controls and Procedures.


During the second quarter of 2007, MGE Energy's management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated its disclosure controls and procedures related to the recording, processing, summarization, and reporting of information in its periodic reports that it files with the SEC. These disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to ensure that material information relating to MGE Energy, including its subsidiaries, is accumulated and made known to MGE Energy's management, including these officers, by other employees of MGE Energy and its subsidiaries as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and that this information is recorded, processed, summarized, evaluated, and reported, as applicable, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Due to the inherent limitations of control systems, not all misstatements may be detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty and breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. Also, MGE Energy does not control or manage certain of its unconsolidated entities and thus, its access and ability to apply its procedures to those entities is more limited than is the case for its consolidated subsidiaries.


As of June 30, 2007, the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer concluded that MGE Energy's disclosure controls and procedures were effective to accomplish their objectives. MGE Energy intends to continually strive to improve its disclosure controls and procedures to enhance the quality of its financial reporting.


During the quarter ended June 30, 2007, there were no changes in MGE Energy's internal controls over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, MGE Energy's internal control over financial reporting.


Item 4T. Controls and Procedures.


During the second quarter of 2007, MGE's management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated its disclosure controls and procedures related to the recording, processing, summarization, and reporting of information in its periodic reports that it files with the SEC. These disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to ensure that material information relating to MGE, including its subsidiaries, is accumulated and made known to MGE's management, including these officers, by other employees of MGE as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and that this information is recorded, processed, summarized, evaluated, and reported, as applicable, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Due to the inherent limitations of control systems, not all misstatements may be detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty and breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. Also, MGE does not control or manage certain of its unconsolidated entities and thus, its access and ability to apply its procedures to those entities is more limited than is the case for its consolidated subsidiaries.


As of June 30, 2007, the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer concluded that MGE's disclosure controls and procedures were effective to accomplish their objectives. MGE intends to continually strive to improve its disclosure controls and procedures to enhance the quality of its financial reporting.


During the quarter ended June 30, 2007, there were no changes in MGE's internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, MGE's internal control over financial reporting.





PART II. OTHER INFORMATION.


Item 1. Legal Proceedings.


MGE Energy and MGE


MGE Energy and MGE from time to time are involved in various legal proceedings that are handled and defended in the ordinary course of business. While MGE Energy and MGE are unable to predict the outcome of these matters, management does not believe, based upon currently available facts, that the ultimate resolution of any of such proceedings would have a material adverse effect on their overall financial condition or results of operations except as disclosed in MGE Energy's and MGE's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.


Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.


MGE Energy's Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on May 22, 2007, in Middleton, Wisconsin. Listed below are the nominees for Class III Directors and the results of the voting.


 

Class III Directors - Term Expiring in 2010

 

Richard E. Blaney

 

Frederic E. Mohs

 

F. Curtis Hastings

For Votes


16,575,589

 

16,191,548

 

16,569,535

Withhold Authority


294,335

 

678,376

 

300,389

Shares Not Voted


4,265,218

 

4,265,218

 

4,265,218


No votes were cast for any other nominee. The directors continuing in office are:


Class I Directors

Term Expires in 2008

 

Class II Directors

Term Expires in 2009

Regina M. Millner

 

H. Lee Swanson

Donna K. Sollenberger

 

John R. Nevin

 

 

Gary J. Wolter


Shareholders ratified the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2007. With respect to the ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to act as our independent registered public accounting firm shareholders voted:


Voted

 

Shares

For


 

16,609,075

Against


 

104,303

Abstained


 

156,546

Shares Not Voted


 

4,265,218

Total


 

21,135,142





Item 6. Exhibits.


10.1

Line of Credit Note, dated as of August 1, 2007, among Madison Gas and Electric Company, as Borrower, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Lender.


Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, filed by the following officers for the following companies:


31.1

Filed by Gary J. Wolter for MGE Energy, Inc.

31.2

Filed by Terry A. Hanson for MGE Energy, Inc.

31.3

Filed by Gary J. Wolter for Madison Gas and Electric Company

31.4

Filed by Terry A. Hanson for Madison Gas and Electric Company


Certifications Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 United States Code (Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) as to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, filed by the following officers for the following companies:


32.1

Filed by Gary J. Wolter for MGE Energy, Inc.

32.2

Filed by Terry A. Hanson for MGE Energy, Inc.

32.3

Filed by Gary J. Wolter for Madison Gas and Electric Company

32.4

Filed by Terry A. Hanson for Madison Gas and Electric Company





Signatures - MGE Energy, Inc.



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


 

MGE ENERGY, INC.


Date: August 7, 2007

/s/ Gary J. Wolter

 

Gary J. Wolter

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

(Duly Authorized Officer)


Date: August 7, 2007

/s/ Terry A. Hanson

 

Terry A. Hanson

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

(Chief Financial and Accounting Officer)





Signatures - Madison Gas and Electric Company



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


 

MADISON GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY


Date: August 7, 2007

/s/ Gary J. Wolter

 

Gary J. Wolter

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

(Duly Authorized Officer)


Date: August 7, 2007

/s/ Terry A. Hanson

 

Terry A. Hanson

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

(Chief Financial and Accounting Officer)