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MGE ENERGY INC - Quarter Report: 2021 March (Form 10-Q)

 

 

United States

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended:

March 31, 2021

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 53788

(608) 252-7000 | mgeenergy.com

 

39-2040501

000-1125

 

Madison Gas and Electric Company

(a Wisconsin Corporation)

133 South Blair Street

Madison, Wisconsin 53788

(608) 252-7000 | 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 registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:

MGE Energy, Inc. Yes ☒ No Madison Gas and Electric Company Yes ☒ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit such files):

MGE Energy, Inc. Yes ☒ No Madison Gas and Electric Company Yes ☒ No

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

 

Large Accelerated Filer

Accelerated Filer

Non-accelerated Filer

Smaller Reporting Company

Emerging Growth Company

MGE Energy, Inc.

Madison Gas and Electric Company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrants have elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

MGE Energy, Inc. Madison Gas and Electric Company

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are shell companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):

MGE Energy, Inc. Yes ☐ No Madison Gas and Electric Company Yes ☐ No

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

Title of each class

 

Trading symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $1 Par Value Per Share

 

MGEE

 

The NASDAQ Stock Market

Number of Shares Outstanding of Each Class of Common Stock as of April 30, 2021

MGE Energy, Inc.

Common stock, $1.00 par value, 36,163,370 shares outstanding.

Madison Gas and Electric Company

Common stock, $1.00 par value, 17,347,894 shares outstanding (all of which are owned beneficially and of record by MGE Energy, Inc.).

 

1


 

Table of Contents

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION.3

Filing Format3

Forward-Looking Statements3

Where to Find More Information3

Definitions, Abbreviations, and Acronyms Used in the Text and Notes of this Report4

Item 1. Financial Statements.6

MGE Energy, Inc.6

Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)7

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)8

Consolidated Statements of Common Equity (unaudited)9

Madison Gas and Electric Company10

Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)10

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)11

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)12

Consolidated Statements of Equity (unaudited)13

MGE Energy, Inc., and Madison Gas and Electric Company14

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)14

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.30

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.44

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.46

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION.47

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.47

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.47

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.48

Item 5. Other Information.48

Item 6. Exhibits.48

Signatures - MGE Energy, Inc.49

Signatures - Madison Gas and Electric Company50

 

 

2


 

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 majority 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 economic conditions, 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," "will," 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 registrants' 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K: Item 1A. Risk Factors, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, as updated by Part I, Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this report, and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 16, as updated by Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements – Note 8 in this report, and (b) other factors discussed herein and in other filings made by that registrant with the SEC.

 

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 assume no obligation to release publicly any revision to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report, except as required by law.

 

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 also are available to the public from commercial document retrieval services, the website maintained by the SEC at sec.gov, MGE Energy's website at mgeenergy.com, and MGE's website at mge.com. Copies may be obtained from our websites free of charge. Information contained on MGE Energy's and MGE's websites shall not be deemed incorporated into, or to be a part of, this report.

3


 

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

 

Abbreviations, acronyms, and definitions used in the text and notes of this report are defined below.

 

MGE Energy and Subsidiaries:

CWDCCentral Wisconsin Development Corporation

MAGAELMAGAEL, LLC

MGEMadison Gas and Electric Company

MGE EnergyMGE Energy, Inc.

MGE PowerMGE Power, LLC

MGE Power Elm RoadMGE Power Elm Road, LLC

MGE Power West CampusMGE Power West Campus, LLC

MGE ServicesMGE Services, LLC

MGE State Energy ServicesMGE State Energy Services, LLC

MGE TranscoMGE Transco Investment, LLC

MGEE TranscoMGEE Transco, LLC

North MendotaNorth Mendota Energy & Technology Park, LLC

Other Defined Terms:

2017 Tax ActTax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017

2021 PlanMGE Energy's 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan

ACEAffordable Clean Energy

AFUDCAllowance for Funds Used During Construction

ATCAmerican Transmission Company LLC

ATC HoldcoATC Holdco, LLC

Badger Hollow IBadger Hollow I Solar Farm

Badger Hollow IIBadger Hollow II Solar Farm

BlountBlount Station

CACertificate of Authority

CAVRClean Air Visibility Rule

CCRCoal Combustion Residual

codificationFinancial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification

ColumbiaColumbia Energy Center

COVID-19Coronavirus Disease 2019

CSAPRCross-State Air Pollution Rule

DthDekatherms, a quantity measure for natural gas

electric marginElectric revenues less fuel for electric generation and purchase power costs, a non-GAAP measure

Elm Road UnitsElm Road Generating Station

EPAUnited States Environmental Protection Agency

FERCFederal Energy Regulatory Commission

FTRFinancial Transmission Rights

GAAPGenerally Accepted Accounting Principles

gas marginGas revenues less cost of gas sold, a non-GAAP measure

GHGGreenhouse Gas

heating degree days (HDD)Measure of the extent to which the average daily temperature is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considered an indicator of possible increased demand for energy to provide heating

IRSInternal Revenue Service

kWhKilowatt-hour, a measure of electric energy produced

MISOMidcontinent Independent System Operator (a regional transmission organization)

MWMegawatt, a measure of electric energy generating capacity

MWhMegawatt-hour, a measure of electric energy produced

NAAQSNational Ambient Air Quality Standards

4


 

NOxNitrogen Oxide

PGAPurchased Gas Adjustment clause, a regulatory mechanism used to reconcile natural gas costs recovered in rates to actual costs

PPAPurchased Power Agreement

PSCWPublic Service Commission of Wisconsin

RiversideRiverside Energy Center

ROEReturn on Equity

SCRSelective Catalytic Reduction

SECSecurities and Exchange Commission

SO2Sulfur Dioxide

Stock PlanDirect Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan of MGE Energy

WCCFWest Campus Cogeneration Facility

working capitalCurrent assets less current liabilities

WPLWisconsin Power and Light Company, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corporation

XBRLeXtensible Business Reporting Language

 

5


 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

MGE Energy, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2021

 

2020

 

 

Operating Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric revenues

$

100,645

$

93,028

 

 

Gas revenues

 

67,270

 

56,845

 

 

Total Operating Revenues

 

167,915

 

149,873

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel for electric generation

 

13,171

 

9,706

 

 

Purchased power

 

9,355

 

10,486

 

 

Cost of gas sold

 

37,444

 

30,798

 

 

Other operations and maintenance

 

45,682

 

44,369

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

18,382

 

18,167

 

 

Other general taxes

 

4,827

 

4,907

 

 

Total Operating Expenses

 

128,861

 

118,433

 

 

Operating Income

 

39,054

 

31,440

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income, net

 

2,078

 

5,671

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

(5,740)

 

(6,061)

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

35,392

 

31,050

 

 

Income tax provision

 

(459)

 

(5,013)

 

 

Net Income

$

34,933

$

26,037

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings Per Share of Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

0.97

$

0.75

 

 

Diluted

$

0.97

$

0.75

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends per share of common stock

$

0.370

$

0.353

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

36,163

 

34,668

 

 

Diluted

 

36,165

 

34,668

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

6


 

MGE Energy, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

 

2021

 

2020

 

 

Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

34,933

$

26,037

 

 

Items not affecting cash:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

18,382

 

18,167

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(796)

 

1,433

 

 

Provision for doubtful receivables

 

388

 

734

 

 

Employee benefit plan cost (credit)

 

1,461

 

(940)

 

 

Equity earnings in investments

 

(2,444)

 

(2,266)

 

 

Other items

 

(277)

 

(1,974)

 

 

Changes in working capital items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Increase) decrease in current assets

 

(2,851)

 

14,089

 

 

Decrease in current liabilities

 

(4,213)

 

(2,738)

 

 

Dividends from investments

 

1,967

 

2,700

 

 

Cash contributions to pension and other postretirement plans

 

(1,552)

 

(1,470)

 

 

Other noncurrent items, net

 

(1,115)

 

47

 

 

Cash Provided by Operating Activities

 

43,883

 

53,819

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(34,746)

 

(46,758)

 

 

Capital contributions to investments

 

(670)

 

(1,643)

 

 

Other

 

(419)

 

(398)

 

 

Cash Used for Investing Activities

 

(35,835)

 

(48,799)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends paid on common stock

 

(13,380)

 

(12,221)

 

 

Repayments of long-term debt

 

(1,182)

 

(1,155)

 

 

Net proceeds from short-term debt

 

1,500

 

3,000

 

 

Other

 

(523)

 

(664)

 

 

Cash Used for Financing Activities

 

(13,585)

 

(11,040)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

 

(5,537)

 

(6,020)

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

47,039

 

25,814

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period

$

41,502

$

19,794

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Significant noncash investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued capital expenditures

$

8,843

$

8,129

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

7


 

MGE Energy, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

December 31,

ASSETS

 

2021

 

2020

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

40,239

$

44,738

Accounts receivable, less reserves of $6,382 and $5,787, respectively

 

43,172

 

41,384

Other accounts receivable, less reserves of $1,307 and $1,290, respectively

 

9,702

 

7,300

Unbilled revenues

 

25,148

 

27,511

Materials and supplies, at average cost

 

32,222

 

32,513

Fuel for electric generation, at average cost

 

4,885

 

6,356

Stored natural gas, at average cost

 

1,578

 

8,396

Prepaid taxes

 

11,210

 

15,179

Regulatory assets - current

 

24,313

 

14,748

Other current assets

 

9,042

 

11,394

Total Current Assets

 

201,511

 

209,519

Other long-term receivables

 

1,486

 

1,435

Regulatory assets

 

139,667

 

142,504

Pension benefit asset

 

17,848

 

13,873

Other deferred assets and other

 

22,564

 

22,259

Property, Plant, and Equipment:

 

 

 

 

Property, plant, and equipment, net

 

1,633,908

 

1,630,286

Construction work in progress

 

157,970

 

139,099

Total Property, Plant, and Equipment

 

1,791,878

 

1,769,385

Investments

 

95,283

 

94,676

Total Assets

$

2,270,237

$

2,253,651

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt due within one year

$

4,800

$

4,771

Short-term debt

 

54,000

 

52,500

Accounts payable

 

53,840

 

54,642

Accrued interest and taxes

 

7,540

 

8,539

Accrued payroll related items

 

10,019

 

12,635

Regulatory liabilities - current

 

37,035

 

41,664

Derivative liabilities

 

9,790

 

10,160

Other current liabilities

 

6,774

 

6,015

Total Current Liabilities

 

183,798

 

190,926

Other Credits:

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

236,903

 

231,471

Investment tax credit - deferred

 

21,588

 

21,821

Regulatory liabilities

 

143,365

 

142,239

Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits

 

77,941

 

78,168

Derivative liabilities

 

1,800

 

3,980

Finance lease liabilities

 

17,623

 

17,532

Other deferred liabilities and other

 

71,297

 

72,211

Total Other Credits

 

570,517

 

567,422

Capitalization:

 

 

 

 

Common shareholders' equity

 

997,711

 

976,000

Long-term debt

 

518,211

 

519,303

Total Capitalization

 

1,515,922

 

1,495,303

Commitments and contingencies (see Footnote 8)

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Capitalization

$

2,270,237

$

2,253,651

 

 

 

 

 

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

8


 

MGE Energy, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Common Equity (unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Paid-in

 

Retained

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Value

 

Capital

 

Earnings

 

Income/(Loss)

 

Total

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning Balance

34,668

$

34,668

$

316,268

$

504,740

$

-

$

855,676

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

26,037

 

 

 

26,037

 

 

Common stock dividends declared

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

($0.353 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(12,221)

 

 

 

(12,221)

 

 

Ending Balance - March 31, 2020

34,668

$

34,668

$

316,268

$

518,556

$

-

$

869,492

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning Balance

36,163

$

36,163

$

394,408

$

545,429

$

-

$

976,000

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

34,933

 

 

 

34,933

 

 

Common stock dividends declared

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

($0.3700 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(13,380)

 

 

 

(13,380)

 

 

Equity-based compensation plans and other

 

 

 

 

158

 

 

 

 

 

158

 

 

Ending Balance - March 31, 2021

36,163

$

36,163

$

394,566

$

566,982

$

-

$

997,711

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

9


 

Madison Gas and Electric Company

Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

 

2021

 

2020

 

 

Operating Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric revenues

$

100,645

$

93,028

 

 

Gas revenues

 

67,270

 

56,845

 

 

Total Operating Revenues

 

167,915

 

149,873

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel for electric generation

 

13,171

 

9,706

 

 

Purchased power

 

9,355

 

10,486

 

 

Cost of gas sold

 

37,444

 

30,798

 

 

Other operations and maintenance

 

45,538

 

44,150

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

18,382

 

18,167

 

 

Other general taxes

 

4,827

 

4,907

 

 

Total Operating Expenses

 

128,717

 

118,214

 

 

Operating Income

 

39,198

 

31,659

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other (expense) income, net

 

(104)

 

3,380

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

(5,753)

 

(6,111)

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

33,341

 

28,928

 

 

Income tax benefit (provision)

 

433

 

(4,371)

 

 

Net Income

$

33,774

$

24,557

 

 

Less Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, net of tax

 

(5,501)

 

(5,493)

 

 

Net Income Attributable to MGE

$

28,273

$

19,064

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

10


 

Madison Gas and Electric Company

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

 

2021

 

2020

 

 

Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

33,774

$

24,557

 

 

Items not affecting cash:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

18,382

 

18,167

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(1,766)

 

976

 

 

Provision for doubtful receivables

 

388

 

734

 

 

Employee benefit plan cost (credit)

 

1,461

 

(940)

 

 

Other items

 

(252)

 

(1,721)

 

 

Changes in working capital items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Increase) decrease in current assets

 

(3,037)

 

12,953

 

 

(Decrease) increase in current liabilities

 

(4,037)

 

290

 

 

Cash contributions to pension and other postretirement plans

 

(1,552)

 

(1,470)

 

 

Other noncurrent items, net

 

(1,380)

 

(428)

 

 

Cash Provided by Operating Activities

 

41,981

 

53,118

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(34,746)

 

(46,758)

 

 

Other

 

(462)

 

(406)

 

 

Cash Used for Investing Activities

 

(35,208)

 

(47,164)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions to parent from noncontrolling interest

 

(5,000)

 

(7,000)

 

 

Repayments of long-term debt

 

(1,182)

 

(1,155)

 

 

Net proceeds from short-term debt

 

1,500

 

3,000

 

 

Other

 

(523)

 

(664)

 

 

Cash Used for Financing Activities

 

(5,205)

 

(5,819)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

 

1,568

 

135

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

6,404

 

5,529

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period

$

7,972

$

5,664

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Significant noncash investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued capital expenditures

$

8,843

$

8,129

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11


 

Madison Gas and Electric Company

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

March 31,

December 31,

ASSETS

 

2021

 

2020

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

6,709

$

4,103

Accounts receivable, less reserves of $6,382 and $5,787, respectively

 

43,172

 

41,384

Affiliate receivables

 

530

 

532

Other accounts receivable, less reserves of $1,307 and $1,290, respectively

 

9,698

 

7,295

Unbilled revenues

 

25,148

 

27,511

Materials and supplies, at average cost

 

32,222

 

32,513

Fuel for electric generation, at average cost

 

4,885

 

6,356

Stored natural gas, at average cost

 

1,578

 

8,396

Prepaid taxes

 

11,102

 

14,848

Regulatory assets - current

 

24,313

 

14,748

Other current assets

 

8,940

 

11,326

Total Current Assets

 

168,297

 

169,012

Affiliate receivable long-term

 

1,986

 

2,118

Regulatory assets

 

139,667

 

142,504

Pension benefit asset

 

17,848

 

13,873

Other deferred assets and other

 

22,877

 

22,448

Property, Plant, and Equipment:

 

 

 

 

Property, plant, and equipment, net

 

1,633,936

 

1,630,314

Construction work in progress

 

157,970

 

139,099

Total Property, Plant, and Equipment

 

1,791,906

 

1,769,413

Investments

 

433

 

603

Total Assets

$

2,143,014

$

2,119,971

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt due within one year

$

4,800

$

4,771

Short-term debt

 

54,000

 

52,500

Accounts payable

 

53,808

 

54,576

Accrued interest and taxes

 

9,574

 

10,405

Accrued payroll related items

 

10,019

 

12,635

Regulatory liabilities - current

 

37,035

 

41,664

Derivative liabilities

 

9,790

 

10,160

Other current liabilities

 

6,776

 

6,042

Total Current Liabilities

 

185,802

 

192,753

Other Credits:

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

204,853

 

200,390

Investment tax credit - deferred

 

21,588

 

21,821

Regulatory liabilities

 

143,365

 

142,239

Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits

 

77,941

 

78,168

Derivative liabilities

 

1,800

 

3,980

Finance lease liabilities

 

17,623

 

17,532

Other deferred liabilities and other

 

71,445

 

72,173

Total Other Credits

 

538,615

 

536,303

Capitalization:

 

 

 

 

Common shareholder's equity

 

758,689

 

730,416

Noncontrolling interest

 

141,697

 

141,196

Total Equity

 

900,386

 

871,612

Long-term debt

 

518,211

 

519,303

Total Capitalization

 

1,418,597

 

1,390,915

Commitments and contingencies (see Footnote 8)

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Capitalization

$

2,143,014

$

2,119,971

 

 

 

 

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

12


 

Madison Gas and Electric Company

Consolidated Statements of Equity (unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

Other

 

Non-

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Paid-in

 

Retained

Comprehensive

Controlling

 

 

 

Shares

 

Value

 

Capital

 

Earnings

Income/(Loss)

Interest

 

Total

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

17,348

$

17,348

$

222,917

$

397,021

$

-

$

140,303

$

777,589

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,064

 

 

 

5,493

 

24,557

Distributions to parent from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7,000)

 

(7,000)

Ending Balance - March 31, 2020

17,348

$

17,348

$

222,917

$

416,085

$

-

$

138,796

$

795,146

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

17,348

$

17,348

$

252,917

$

460,151

$

-

$

141,196

$

871,612

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

28,273

 

 

 

5,501

 

33,774

Distributions to parent from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,000)

 

(5,000)

Ending Balance - March 31, 2021

17,348

$

17,348

$

252,917

$

488,424

$

-

$

141,697

$

900,386

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

13


 

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

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2021

 

 

1.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – MGE Energy and MGE.

 

a.Basis of Presentation.

 

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.

 

MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus own electric generating assets and lease those assets to MGE. Both entities are variable interest entities under applicable authoritative accounting guidance. MGE is considered the primary beneficiary of these entities as a result of contractual agreements. As a result, MGE has consolidated MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus. See Footnote 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of MGE Energy's and MGE's 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K).

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2021, and during the three months 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 the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes on pages 62 through 115 of the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

b.Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash.

 

The following table presents the components of total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

 

 

 

MGE Energy

 

MGE

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

(In thousands)

 

2021

 

2020

 

2021

 

2020

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

40,239

$

44,738

$

6,709

$

4,103

 

 

Restricted cash

 

467

 

644

 

467

 

644

 

 

Receivable - margin account

 

796

 

1,657

 

796

 

1,657

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

$

41,502

$

47,039

$

7,972

$

6,404

 

 

Cash Equivalents

All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

 

Restricted Cash

MGE has certain cash accounts that are restricted to uses other than current operations and designated for a specific purpose. MGE's restricted cash accounts include cash held by trustees for certain employee benefits and cash deposits held by third parties. These are included in "Other current assets" on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

Receivable – Margin Account

Cash amounts held by counterparties as margin collateral for certain financial transactions are recorded as Receivable – margin account in "Other current assets" on the consolidated balance sheets. The costs being hedged are fuel for electric generation, purchased power, and cost of gas sold.

14


 

 

2.

New Accounting Standards - MGE Energy and MGE.

 

MGE Energy and MGE reviewed FASB authoritative guidance recently issued, none of which are expected to have a material impact on the consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

 

3.

Investment in ATC and ATC Holdco - 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 as required by Wisconsin law. That interest is presently held by MGE Transco, a subsidiary of MGE Energy. ATC Holdco was formed by several members of ATC, including MGE Energy, to pursue electric transmission development and investments outside of Wisconsin. The ownership interest in ATC Holdco is held by MGEE Transco, a subsidiary of MGE Energy.

 

MGE Transco and MGEE Transco have accounted for their investments in ATC and ATC Holdco, respectively, under the equity method of accounting. Equity earnings from investments are recorded as "Other income" on the consolidated statements of income of MGE Energy. MGE Transco recorded the following amounts related to its investment in ATC:

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

(In thousands)

 

2021

 

2020

 

 

Equity earnings from investment in ATC

$

2,420

$

2,266

 

 

Dividends from ATC

 

1,967

 

2,391

 

 

Capital contributions to ATC

 

-

 

178

 

 

ATC Holdco was formed in December 2016. ATC Holdco's future transmission development activities have been suspended for the near term.

 

ATC's summarized financial data is as follows:

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

(In thousands)

 

2021

 

2020

 

 

Operating revenues

$

188,694

$

186,801

 

 

Operating expenses

 

(95,104)

 

(95,211)

 

 

Other income, net

 

378

 

375

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

(28,871)

 

(28,888)

 

 

Earnings before members' income taxes

$

65,097

$

63,077

 

 

MGE receives transmission and other related services from ATC. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, MGE recorded $8.0 million and $7.7 million, respectively, for transmission services received from ATC. MGE also provides a variety of operational, maintenance, and project management work for ATC, which is reimbursed by ATC. As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, MGE had a receivable due from ATC of $3.0 and $2.6 million, respectively. The receivable is primarily related to Badger Hollow I and II. MGE is reimbursed for these costs after the new generation assets are placed into service.

 

4.

Taxes - MGE Energy and MGE.

 

Effective Tax Rate.

 

The consolidated income tax provision differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes, as follows:

 

15


 

 

 

MGE Energy

 

MGE

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

2021

 

2020

 

2021

 

2020

 

 

Statutory federal income tax rate

21.0

%

 

21.0

%

 

21.0

%

 

21.0

%

 

 

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

6.3

 

 

6.3

 

 

6.3

 

 

6.3

 

 

 

Amortized investment tax credits

(1.6)

 

 

(0.1)

 

 

(1.8)

 

 

(0.1)

 

 

 

Credit for electricity from wind energy

(7.1)

 

 

(6.9)

 

 

(7.8)

 

 

(7.5)

 

 

 

AFUDC equity, net

(0.6)

 

 

(1.6)

 

 

(0.6)

 

 

(1.7)

 

 

 

Amortization of utility excess deferred tax - tax reform(a)

(16.7)

 

 

(2.6)

 

 

(18.3)

 

 

(2.8)

 

 

 

Other, net, individually insignificant

-

 

 

-

 

 

(0.1)

 

 

(0.1)

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

1.3

%

 

16.1

%

 

(1.3)

%

 

15.1

%

 

 

(a)Included are impacts of the 2017 Tax Act for the regulated utility for excess deferred taxes recognized using a normalization method of accounting in recognition of IRS rules that restrict the rate at which the excess deferred taxes may be returned to utility customers. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, MGE recognized $0.7 million. Included in the 2021 rate settlement was a one-time return to customers of the electric portion of excess deferred taxes related to the 2017 Tax Act not restricted by IRS normalization rules. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, MGE recognized $3.3 million.

 

5.

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - MGE Energy and MGE.

 

MGE maintains qualified and nonqualified pension plans, health care, and life insurance benefits and defined contribution 401(k) benefit plans for its employees and retirees.

 

The components of net periodic benefit cost, other than the service cost component, are recorded in "Other income, net" on the consolidated statements of income. The service cost component is recorded in "Other operations and maintenance" on the consolidated statements of income. MGE has regulatory treatment and recognizes regulatory assets or liabilities for timing differences between when net periodic benefit costs are recovered and when costs are recognized.

 

The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit costs recognized.

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

(In thousands)

 

2021

 

2020

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

$

1,422

$

1,316

 

 

Interest cost

 

2,272

 

3,023

 

 

Expected return on assets

 

(7,375)

 

(6,811)

 

 

Amortization of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prior service credit

 

(31)

 

(31)

 

 

Actuarial loss

 

1,580

 

1,286

 

 

Net periodic benefit (credit) cost

$

(2,132)

$

(1,217)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Postretirement Benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

$

351

$

311

 

 

Interest cost

 

384

 

573

 

 

Expected return on assets

 

(817)

 

(790)

 

 

Amortization of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transition obligation

 

1

 

1

 

 

Prior service credit

 

(380)

 

(667)

 

 

Actuarial loss

 

109

 

70

 

 

Net periodic benefit (credit) cost

$

(352)

$

(502)

 

 

As approved by the PSCW, MGE is allowed to defer differences between actual employee benefit plan costs and costs reflected in current rates. The deferred costs may be recovered or refunded in MGE's next rate filing. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, MGE recovered approximately $3.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of pension and other postretirement costs, which reduced the amount previously deferred and has not been reflected in the table above.

 

16


 

6.

Equity and Financing Arrangements.

 

a.Common Stock - MGE Energy.

 

MGE Energy sells shares of its common stock through its Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the Stock Plan). Those shares may be newly issued shares or shares that are purchased in the open market by an independent agent for participants in the Stock Plan. All sales under the Stock Plan are covered by a shelf registration statement that MGE Energy filed with the SEC. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, MGE Energy issued no new shares of common stock under the Stock Plan.

 

b.Dilutive Shares Calculation - MGE Energy.

 

As of March 31, 2021, 1,543 shares were included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share related to nonvested equity awards. See Footnote 7 for additional information on shared-based compensation awards.

 

7.

Share-Based Compensation - MGE Energy and MGE.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, MGE recorded $0.7 million in compensation expense and $0.6 million in compensation benefit, respectively, related to share-based compensation awards under the 2006 Performance Unit Plan, the 2020 Performance Unit Plan, the 2013 Director Incentive Plan, and the 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan (2021 Plan).

 

In January 2021, cash payments of $1.9 million were distributed related to awards that were granted under the plans in 2018, for the 2013 Director Incentive Plan, and in 2016, for the 2006 Performance Unit Plan.

 

In February 2021, MGE issued 10,187 performance units and 16,267 restricted stock units under the 2021 Plan to eligible employees and non-employee directors.

 

The performance units can be paid out in either cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and stock and are accounted for as a liability award. The restricted stock units will be paid out in shares of common stock, and therefore accounted for as equity awards.

 

8.

Commitments and Contingencies.

 

a.Environmental - MGE Energy and MGE.

 

In February 2021, MGE and the other co-owners of Columbia announced plans to retire that facility. The co-owners intend to retire Unit 1 by the end of 2023 and Unit 2 by the end of 2024. Final timing and retirement dates for Units 1 and 2 are subject to PSCW and regional regulatory reviews, including identification and approval of energy and capacity resources to replace Columbia. Effects of environmental compliance requirements discussed below will depend upon the final retirement dates approved and compliance requirement dates.

 

MGE Energy and MGE are subject to frequently changing local, state, and federal regulations concerning air quality, water quality, land use, threatened and endangered species, hazardous materials handling, and solid waste disposal. These regulations affect the manner in which operations are conducted, the costs of operations, as well as capital and operating expenditures. Several of these environmental rules are subject to legal challenges, reconsideration and/or other uncertainties. Regulatory initiatives, proposed rules, and court challenges to adopted rules could have a material effect on capital expenditures and operating costs. Management believes compliance costs will be recovered in future rates based on previous treatment of environmental compliance projects.

 

These initiatives, proposed rules, and court challenges include:

 

The EPA's promulgated water Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG) and standards for steam

17


 

electric power plants which focus on the reduction of metals and other pollutants in wastewater from new and existing power plants. The standards were finalized in August 2020.

 

In February 2021, MGE and the other owners of Columbia filed a Certificate of Authority (CA) application with the PSCW. The CA application commits to close Columbia's wet pond system to comply with the Coal Combustions Residuals (CCR) Rule as described in further detail in the CCR section below. By committing to close the wet pond system, Columbia will be in compliance with ELG requirements.

 

The Elm Road Units must satisfy the rule's requirements no later than December 31, 2023, as determined by the permitting authority. The operator of the Elm Road Units has been evaluating the rule impacts and has conducted an analysis of compliance obligations, pollution prevention technologies, and their associated costs. In February 2021, MGE and its co-owner filed a CA application with the PSCW. If approved, MGE's share of the estimated costs to comply with the rule is estimated to be approximately $4 million. Subject to approval from the PSCW, construction is expected to begin in 2022.

 

The EPA's cooling water intake rules require cooling water intake structures at electric power plants to meet best technology available (BTA) standards to reduce the mortality from entrainment (drawing aquatic life into a plant's cooling system) and impingement (trapping aquatic life on screens).

 

Blount's Wisconsin Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit assumes that the plant meets BTA for the duration of the permit, which expires in 2023. However, MGE must conduct studies of its Blount plant by the end of 2021 to help regulators determine BTA.

 

Columbia's river intakes are subject to this rule. BTA improvements may not be required given that Columbia could be fully retired before the issuance of the next permit, which is expected to be issued in 2023 or later. MGE will continue to work with Columbia's operator to evaluate all regulatory requirements applicable to the planned retirements. MGE does not expect this rule to have a material effect on its existing plants.

 

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction guidelines and approval criteria established under the Clean Air Act for states to use in developing plans to control GHG emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric generating units (EGUs), including existing and proposed regulations governing existing, new or modified fossil-fuel generating units.

 

In January 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit) vacated and remanded to the EPA the Affordable Clean Energy Rule (ACE Rule) and the repeal of the predecessor Clean Power Plan Rule (CPP Rule), both of which regulated greenhouse gas emissions from existing electric generation units pursuant to Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. As a result of these legal proceedings, neither the CPP nor ACE rules are currently in effect. MGE will continue to evaluate the rule development and monitor ongoing and potential legal proceedings.

 

The EPA's rule to regulate ambient levels of ozone through the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

 

In May 2018, the EPA issued a final rule that designated the northeast portion of Milwaukee County as being in nonattainment with Ozone NAAQS. The Elm Road Units are located in Milwaukee County, outside the designated nonattainment area. In August 2018, several environmental groups, the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois filed federal lawsuits challenging several of the EPA's attainment designation decisions, including the partial Milwaukee County designation as being too narrow and not sufficiently protective. In July 2020, the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia remanded the partial Milwaukee County attainment designation back to the EPA for further explanation. MGE is monitoring

18


 

the outcome of the EPA's remand analysis and how it may affect the Elm Road Units in Milwaukee County. At this time, MGE does not expect that the 2015 Ozone NAAQS will have a material effect on its existing plants based on final designations.

 

Rules regulating nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, including the Cross State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) and Clean Air Visibility Rule (CAVR).

 

The EPA's CSAPR and its progeny are a suite of interstate air pollution transport rules designed to reduce ozone and fine particulate (PM2.5) air levels in areas that the EPA has determined as being significantly impacted by pollution from upwind states. In September 2019, the D.C. Circuit remanded the rule to the EPA holding that the rule improperly provided only a partial remedy for addressing interstate transport of pollutants from upwind to downwind states. In March 2021, the EPA addressed the remand by finalizing its revised CSAPR Update Rule. The revised rule does not require further emission reductions from Wisconsin stationary sources beyond those under the original CSAPR. MGE has met its current CSAPR obligations through a combination of reduced emissions through pollution control (e.g., SCR installation at Columbia), as well as owned, received, and purchased allowances. MGE expects to meet ongoing CSAPR obligations for the foreseeable future. MGE will continue to monitor legal developments and any future updates to this rule.

 

The EPA's Coal Combustion Residuals Rule (CCR), which regulates coal ash from burning coal for the purpose of generating electricity as a solid waste and defines what ash use activities would be considered generally exempt beneficial reuse of coal ash. The CCR rule also regulates landfills, ash ponds, and other surface impoundments used for coal combustion residuals by regulating their design, location, monitoring, and operation. In August 2020, the EPA revised the CCR rule to require owners or operators of coal-fired power plants to stop transporting CCR and non-CCR wastewater to unlined surface impoundments. In addition, regulated entities must initiate impoundment closure as soon as feasible and in no event later than April 2021, unless the EPA grants an extension. Columbia requested an extension to comply by October 2022. The EPA will address the remaining issues on remand in a subsequent action.

 

Review of the Elm Road Units has indicated that the costs to comply with this rule are not expected to be significant. Columbia's operator has completed a review of its system and has developed a compliance plan. In February 2021, a CA application was filed with the PSCW for approval to install technology required to cease bottom ash transport water discharges rather than extend the longevity of the ash ponds. If approved, MGE's share of the estimated costs of the project would be approximately $4 million. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

 

b.Legal Matters - MGE Energy and MGE.

 

MGE is involved in various legal matters that are being defended and handled in the normal course of business. MGE accrues for costs that are probable of being incurred and subject to reasonable estimation. The accrued amount for these matters is not material to the financial statements. MGE does not expect the resolution of these matters to have a material adverse effect on its consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

 

In January 2021, certain environmental groups filed a petition against the PSCW regarding MGE's 2021 rate settlement. MGE has intervened in the petition in cooperation with the PSCW. See Footnote 9.a. for more information regarding this matter.

 

9.

Rate Matters - MGE Energy and MGE.

 

a.Rate Proceedings.

 

In May 2021, MGE filed an application with the PSCW requesting a 5.9% increase to electric rates and a

19


 

3.0% increase to gas rates for 2022. The proposed electric and gas rate increases are primarily driven by an increase in rate base including our investments in Badger Hollow I and a new customer information system. Also driving the requested electric increase is the completion in 2020 of the one-time return of the electric excess deferred tax credit related to the 2017 Tax Act not restricted by IRS normalization rules. In its application, MGE is proposing to address potential 2023 rate changes through an electric limited rate case re-opener and a 1.65% increase in gas rates. The proposed return on common stock equity for 2022 is 9.8% based on a proposed capital structure consisting of 55.6% common equity in 2022. PSCW approval of the application is pending. A final order is expected before the end of the year.

 

In December 2020, the PSCW approved a settlement agreement for MGE's 2021 rate case. The settlement agreement provides for a zero percent increase for electric rates and an approximately 4% increase for gas rates in 2021. The electric rate settlement includes an increase in rate base but the associated rate increase is primarily offset by lower fuel and purchase power costs and a one-time $18.2 million return to customers of the portion of excess deferred taxes related to the 2017 Tax Act not restricted by IRS normalization rules. As part of the settlement, the fuel rules bandwidth is set at plus or minus 1% for 2021. When compared to the 2020 rate case, the settlement included lower forecasted electric sales for 2021 to reflect changes to customer usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. The gas rate increase covers infrastructure costs and technology improvements. The settlement agreement also includes escrow accounting treatment for pension and other postretirement benefit costs, bad debt expense, and customer credit card fees. Escrow accounting treatment allows MGE to defer any difference between estimated costs in rates and actual costs incurred until its next rate filing. Any difference would be recorded as a regulatory asset or regulatory liability. The return on common stock equity for 2021 is 9.8% based on a capital structure of 55.8% common equity in 2021.

 

On January 27, 2021, Sierra Club and Vote Solar filed a petition with the Dane County Circuit Court seeking review of the PSCW decision approving the rate settlement in MGE's 2021 rate case. The PSCW is named as the responding party; MGE is not named as a party. The petition challenges the process the PSCW used to approve the portion of the settlement relating to electric rates and the electric customer fixed charge that does not vary with usage. The requested relief is unclear. The revenue requirement approved by the PSCW in the settlement has not been challenged. The PSCW is expected to vigorously defend its approval of the rate case settlement. MGE has intervened in the proceedings to further defend the PSCW’s decision.

 

In December 2018, the PSCW approved a settlement agreement between MGE and intervening parties in the then pending rate case. The settlement decreased electric rates by 2.24%, or $9.2 million, in 2019. The decrease in electric rates reflected the ongoing impacts of the 2017 Tax Act. Lower fuel costs and an increase in rate base from renewable generation assets further impacted the rate change. In 2020, electric rates decreased a further 0.84%, or $3.4 million, as approved by the PSCW in December 2019 in MGE's 2020 Fuel Cost Plan, which reflected lower fuel costs. The settlement agreement increased gas rates by 1.06%, or $1.7 million, in 2019 and 1.46%, or $2.4 million, in 2020. The gas increase covered infrastructure costs. It also reflected the impacts of the 2017 Tax Act. The return on common stock equity for 2019 and 2020 was 9.8% based on a capital structure consisting of 56.6% common equity in 2019 and 56.1% common equity in 2020.

 

b.Fuel Rules.

 

Fuel rules require Wisconsin utilities to defer electric fuel-related costs that fall outside a symmetrical cost tolerance band around the amount approved for a utility in its annual fuel proceedings. Any over- or under-recovery of the actual costs is determined in the following year and is then reflected in future billings to electric retail customers. The fuel rules bandwidth is set at plus or minus 1% in 2021. Under fuel rules, MGE defers costs, less any excess revenues, if its actual electric fuel costs exceed 101% of the electric fuel costs allowed in its latest rate order. Excess revenues are defined as revenues in the year in question that provide MGE with a greater return on common equity than authorized by the PSCW in MGE's latest rate order. Conversely, MGE is required to defer the benefit of lower costs if actual electric fuel costs were less than 99% of the electric fuel costs allowed in that order. In 2020 the fuel rules bandwidth was set at plus or minus 2%. These costs are subject to the PSCW's annual review of fuel costs completed in the year following the deferral.

20


 

 

The PSCW issued a final decision in the 2019 fuel rules proceedings regarding $1.5 million of deferred savings giving MGE the option either to use the $1.5 million as part of the settlement to MGE's 2021 rate case or to refund the balance to customers in October 2020. MGE elected to include the savings as part of the 2021 rate change settlement as described above, reducing electric retail rates as opposed to a one-time credit back to retail customers. There was no change to the refund in the fuel rules proceedings from the amount MGE deferred in the previous year.

 

As of December 31, 2020, MGE had deferred $3.2 million of 2020 fuel-related savings. These costs will be subject to the PSCW's annual review of 2020 fuel costs, which is expected to be completed in 2021. In March 2021, as part of the 2020 fuel costs application filed with the PSCW, MGE seeks to return the 2020 fuel-related savings to customers in 2022 as part of the 2022 rate case.

 

As of March 31, 2021, MGE had deferred $0.5 million of 2021 fuel savings. These costs will be subject to the PSCW's annual review of 2021 fuel costs, which is expected to be completed in 2022.

 

 

10.

Derivative and Hedging Instruments - MGE Energy and MGE.

 

a.Purpose.

 

As part of its regular operations, MGE enters into contracts, including options, swaps, futures, forwards, and other contractual commitments, to manage its exposure to commodity prices. To the extent that these contracts are derivatives, MGE assesses whether or not the normal purchases or normal sales exclusion applies. For contracts to which this exclusion cannot be applied, the derivatives are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. MGE's financial commodity derivative activities are conducted in accordance with its electric and gas risk management program, which is approved by the PSCW and limits the volume MGE can hedge with specific risk management strategies. The maximum length of time over which cash flows related to energy commodities can be hedged is four years. If the derivative qualifies for regulatory deferral, the derivatives are marked to fair value and are offset with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability depending on whether the derivative is in a net loss or net gain position, respectively. The deferred gain or loss is recognized in earnings in the delivery month applicable to the instrument. Gains and losses related to hedges qualifying for regulatory treatment are recoverable in gas rates through the PGA or in electric rates as a component of the fuel rules mechanism.

 

b.Notional Amounts.

 

The gross notional volume of open derivatives is as follows:

 

 

 

March 31, 2021

 

December 31, 2020

 

 

Commodity derivative contracts

277,400

MWh

 

259,080

MWh

 

 

Commodity derivative contracts

2,190,000

Dth

 

6,030,000

Dth

 

 

FTRs

1,152

MW

 

2,869

MW

 

 

PPA

700

MW

 

850

MW

 

 

c.Financial Statement Presentation.

 

MGE purchases and sells exchange-traded and over-the-counter options, swaps, and future contracts. These arrangements are primarily entered into to help stabilize the price risk associated with gas or power purchases. These transactions are employed by both MGE's gas and electric segments. Additionally, as a result of the firm transmission agreements that MGE holds on electricity transmission paths in the MISO market, MGE holds financial transmission rights (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. The fair values of these instruments are offset with a corresponding regulatory asset/liability depending on whether they are in a net loss/gain position. Depending on the nature of the instrument, the gain or loss associated with these transactions will be reflected as cost of gas sold, fuel for electric generation, or purchased power expense in the delivery month applicable to the instrument. As of March 31, 2021, and December 31,

21


 

2020, the fair value of exchange traded derivatives and FTRs exceeded their cost basis by $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

 

MGE is a party to a purchased power agreement that provides MGE with firm capacity and energy during a base term from June 1, 2012, through May 31, 2022. The agreement also allows MGE an option to extend the contract after the base term. The agreement is accounted for as a derivative contract and is recognized at its fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. However, the derivative qualifies for regulatory deferral and is recognized with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability depending on whether the fair value is in a loss or gain position. The fair value of the contract as of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, reflected a loss position of $11.6 million and $14.1 million, respectively. The actual cost will be recognized in purchased power expense in the month of purchase.

 

 

The following table summarizes the fair value of the derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheets. All derivative instruments in this table are presented on a gross basis and are calculated prior to the netting of instruments with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement as well as the netting of collateral. For financial statement purposes, instruments are netted with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement as well as the netting of collateral.

 

 

 

 

Derivative

 

Derivative

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

 

Balance Sheet Location

 

 

March 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity derivative contracts(a)

$

653

$

174

 

Other current assets

 

 

Commodity derivative contracts(a)

 

30

 

16

 

Other deferred charges

 

 

FTRs

 

38

 

-

 

Other current assets

 

 

PPA

 

N/A

 

9,790

 

Derivative liability (current)

 

 

PPA

 

N/A

 

1,800

 

Derivative liability (long-term)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity derivative contracts(a)

$

617

$

593

 

Other current assets

 

 

Commodity derivative contracts(a)

 

189

 

39

 

Other deferred charges

 

 

FTRs

 

-

 

23

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

PPA

 

N/A

 

10,160

 

Derivative liability (current)

 

 

PPA

 

N/A

 

3,980

 

Derivative liability (long-term)

 

 

(a) No collateral was posted against derivative positions as of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020.

 

The following tables show the effect of netting arrangements for recognized derivative assets and liabilities that are subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

 

Offsetting of Derivative Assets

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Gross Amounts

 

Gross Amounts Offset in Balance Sheets

 

Collateral Posted Against Derivative Positions

 

Net Amount Presented in Balance Sheets

 

 

March 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity derivative contracts

$

683

$

(190)

$

-

$

493

 

 

FTRs

 

38

 

-

 

-

 

38

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity derivative contracts

$

806

$

(632)

$

-

$

174

 

 

22


 

 

Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Gross Amounts

 

Gross Amounts Offset in Balance Sheets

 

Collateral Posted Against Derivative Positions

 

Net Amount Presented in Balance Sheets

 

 

March 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity derivative contracts

$

190

$

(190)

$

-

$

-

 

 

PPA

 

11,590

 

-

 

-

 

11,590

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity derivative contracts

$

632

$

(632)

$

-

$

-

 

 

FTRs

 

23

 

-

 

-

 

23

 

 

PPA

 

14,140

 

-

 

-

 

14,140

 

 

The following tables summarize the unrealized and realized gains/losses related to the derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of income.

 

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

(In thousands)

 

Current and Long-Term Regulatory Asset

 

Other Current Assets

 

 

Current and Long-Term Regulatory Asset

 

Other Current Assets

Three Months Ended March 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1,

$

13,989

$

1,162

 

$

26,875

$

1,100

Unrealized gain

 

(3,588)

 

-

 

 

(689)

 

-

Realized (loss) gain reclassified to a deferred account

 

(50)

 

50

 

 

(1,063)

 

1,063

Realized gain (loss) reclassified to income statement

 

708

 

(1,039)

 

 

204

 

(1,733)

Balance at March 31,

$

11,059

$

173

 

$

25,327

$

430

 

 

 

Realized losses (gains)

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

(In thousands)

 

Fuel for Electric Generation/ Purchased Power

 

Cost of Gas Sold

 

 

Fuel for Electric Generation/ Purchased Power

 

Cost of Gas Sold

Three Months Ended March 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity derivative contracts

$

(195)

$

1,022

 

$

680

$

1,607

FTRs

 

(256)

 

-

 

 

(65)

 

-

PPA

 

(240)

 

-

 

 

(693)

 

-

 

MGE's commodity derivative contracts, FTRs, and PPA are subject to regulatory deferral. These derivatives are marked to fair value and are offset with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability. Realized gains and losses are deferred on the consolidated balance sheets and are recognized in earnings in the delivery month applicable to the instrument. As a result of the treatment described above, there are no unrealized gains or losses that flow through earnings.

 

The PPA has a provision that may require MGE to post collateral if MGE's debt rating falls below investment grade (i.e., below BBB-). The amount of collateral that it may be required to post varies from $20.0 million to $40.0 million, depending on MGE's nominated capacity amount. As of March 31, 2021, no collateral was required to be, or had been, posted. Certain counterparties extend MGE a credit limit. If MGE exceeds these limits, the counterparties may require collateral to be posted. As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, no counterparties were in a net liability position.

 

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, and it monitors these counterparties on an ongoing basis to mitigate nonperformance risk in its portfolio. As of March 31, 2021, no counterparties had defaulted.

 

11.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - MGE Energy and MGE.

 

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or would be paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly

23


 

transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The accounting standard clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability including assumptions about risk. The standard also establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy based upon the observability of the assumptions used and requires the use of observable market data when available. The levels are:

 

Level 1 - Pricing inputs are quoted prices within active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2 - Pricing inputs are quoted prices within active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations that are correlated with or otherwise verifiable by observable market data.

 

Level 3 - Pricing inputs are unobservable and reflect management's best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

 

a.Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Recorded at the Carrying Amount.

 

The carrying amount of cash, cash equivalents, and outstanding commercial paper approximates fair market value due to the short maturity of those investments and obligations. The estimated fair market value of long-term debt is based on quoted market prices for similar financial instruments. Since long-term debt is not traded in an active market, it is classified as Level 2. The estimated fair market value of financial instruments are as follows:

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2021

 

December 31, 2020

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Carrying Amount

 

Fair Value

 

Carrying Amount

 

Fair Value

 

 

MGE Energy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

40,239

$

40,239

$

44,738

$

44,738

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term debt - commercial paper

 

54,000

 

54,000

 

52,500

 

52,500

 

 

Long-term debt(a)

 

527,038

 

590,748

 

528,220

 

639,271

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MGE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

6,709

$

6,709

$

4,103

$

4,103

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term debt - commercial paper

 

54,000

 

54,000

 

52,500

 

52,500

 

 

Long-term debt(a)

 

527,038

 

590,748

 

528,220

 

639,271

 

 

(a) Includes long-term debt due within one year. Excludes debt issuance costs and unamortized discount of $4.0 million and $4.1 million as of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively.

24


 

b.Recurring Fair Value Measurements.

 

 

The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

 

 

 

Fair Value as of March 31, 2021

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Total

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

 

MGE Energy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives, net(b)

$

721

$

423

$

-

$

298

 

 

Exchange-traded investments

 

1,474

 

1,474

 

-

 

-

 

 

Total Assets

$

2,195

$

1,897

$

-

$

298

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives, net(b)

$

11,780

$

115

$

-

$

11,665

 

 

Deferred compensation

 

3,581

 

-

 

3,581

 

-

 

 

Total Liabilities

$

15,361

$

115

$

3,581

$

11,665

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MGE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives, net(b)

$

721

$

423

$

-

$

298

 

 

Exchange-traded investments

 

431

 

431

 

-

 

-

 

 

Total Assets

$

1,152

$

854

$

-

$

298

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives, net(b)

$

11,780

$

115

$

-

$

11,665

 

 

Deferred compensation

 

3,581

 

-

 

3,581

 

-

 

 

Total Liabilities

$

15,361

$

115

$

3,581

$

11,665

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value as of December 31, 2020

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Total

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

 

MGE Energy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives, net(b)

$

806

$

436

$

-

$

370

 

 

Exchange-traded investments

 

1,750

 

1,750

 

-

 

-

 

 

Total Assets

$

2,556

$

2,186

$

-

$

370

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives, net(b)

$

14,795

$

370

$

-

$

14,425

 

 

Deferred compensation

 

3,509

 

-

 

3,509

 

-

 

 

Total Liabilities

$

18,304

$

370

$

3,509

$

14,425

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MGE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives, net(b)

$

806

$

436

$

-

$

370

 

 

Exchange-traded investments

 

603

 

603

 

-

 

-

 

 

Total Assets

$

1,409

$

1,039

$

-

$

370

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives, net(b)

$

14,795

$

370

$

-

$

14,425

 

 

Deferred compensation

 

3,509

 

-

 

3,509

 

-

 

 

Total Liabilities

$

18,304

$

370

$

3,509

$

14,425

 

 

(b) These amounts are shown gross. No collateral was posted against derivative positions with counterparties as of March 31, 2021, or December 31, 2020.

 

Investments include exchange-traded investment securities valued using quoted prices on active exchanges and are therefore classified as Level 1.

 

The deferred compensation plan allows participants to defer certain cash compensation into a notional investment account. These amounts are included within other deferred liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The notional investments earn interest based upon the semiannual rate of U.S. Treasury Bills having a 26-week maturity increased by 1% compounded monthly with a minimum annual rate of 7%, compounded monthly. The notional investments are based upon observable market

25


 

data, however, since the deferred compensation obligations themselves are not exchanged in an active market, they are classified as Level 2.

 

Derivatives include exchange-traded derivative contracts, over-the-counter transactions, a purchased power agreement, and FTRs. Most exchange-traded derivative contracts are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are therefore classified as Level 1. A small number of exchange-traded derivative contracts are valued using quoted market pricing in markets with insufficient volumes and are therefore considered unobservable and classified as Level 3. Transactions done with an over-the-counter party are on inactive markets and are therefore classified as Level 3. These transactions are valued based on quoted prices from markets with similar exchange-traded transactions. FTRs are priced based upon monthly auction results for identical or similar instruments in a closed market with limited data available and are therefore classified as Level 3.

 

The purchased power agreement (see Footnote 10) was valued using an internal pricing model and therefore is classified as Level 3. The model projects future market energy prices and compares those prices to the projected power costs to be incurred under the contract. Inputs to the model require significant management judgment and estimation. Future energy prices are based on a forward power pricing curve using exchange-traded contracts in the electric futures market. A basis adjustment is applied to the market energy price to reflect the price differential between the market price delivery point and the counterparty delivery point. The historical relationship between the delivery points is reviewed and a discount (below 100%) or premium (above 100%) is derived. This comparison is done for both peak times when demand is high and off-peak times when demand is low. If the basis adjustment is lowered, the fair value measurement will decrease, and if the basis adjustment is increased, the fair value measurement will increase.

 

The projected power costs anticipated to be incurred under the purchased power agreement are determined using many factors, including historical generating costs, future prices, and expected fuel mix of the counterparty. An increase in the projected fuel costs would result in a decrease in the fair value measurement of the purchased power agreement. A significant input that MGE estimates is the counterparty's fuel mix in determining the projected power cost. MGE also considers the assumptions that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability. This consideration includes assumptions about market risk such as liquidity, volatility, and contract duration. The fair value model uses a discount rate that incorporates discounting, credit, and model risks.

 

The following table presents the significant unobservable inputs used in the pricing model.

 

 

 

 

 

Model Input

 

 

 

Significant Unobservable Inputs

 

March 31, 2021

 

December 31, 2020

 

 

 

Basis adjustment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On peak

 

94.4

%

 

94.2

%

 

 

 

Off peak

 

95.0

%

 

94.5

%

 

 

 

Counterparty fuel mix:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internal generation - range

 

41.0% - 66.0

%

 

46.0% - 65.0

%

 

 

 

Internal generation - weighted average

 

56.9

%

 

56.5

%

 

 

 

Purchased power - range

 

59.0% - 34.0

%

 

54.0% - 35.0

%

 

 

 

Purchased power - weighted average

 

43.1

%

 

43.5

%

 

 

26


 

The following table summarizes the changes in Level 3 commodity derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

(In thousands)

 

2021

 

2020

 

 

Beginning balance

$

(14,055)

$

(26,456)

 

 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in regulatory assets

 

2,688

 

810

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income

 

-

 

-

 

 

Included in earnings

 

307

 

(1,453)

 

 

Included in current assets

 

355

 

247

 

 

Purchases

 

5,884

 

5,015

 

 

Sales

 

-

 

-

 

 

Issuances

 

-

 

-

 

 

Settlements

 

(6,546)

 

(3,810)

 

 

Balance as of March 31,

$

(11,367)

$

(25,647)

 

 

Total gains (losses) included in earnings attributed to the change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at March 31,(c)

$

-

$

-

 

 

The following table presents total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in income for Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis(c).

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

(In thousands)

 

2021

 

2020

 

 

Purchased power expense

$

702

$

(1,184)

 

 

Cost of gas sold expense

 

(395)

 

(269)

 

 

Total

$

307

$

(1,453)

 

 

(c) MGE's exchange-traded derivative contracts, over-the-counter party transactions, purchased power agreement, and FTRs are subject to regulatory deferral. These derivatives are therefore marked to fair value and are offset in the financial statements with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability.

 

12.

Joint Plant Ownership - MGE Energy and MGE

 

MGE currently has ongoing jointly-owned solar generation construction projects, as shown in the following table. Incurred costs are reflected in "Construction work in progress" on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

 

 

 

Ownership

 

Share of

 

Share of

 

Costs incurred as of

 

Date of Commercial

 

 

Project

 

Interest

 

Generation

 

Estimated Costs

 

March 31, 2021(a)

 

Operation

 

 

Badger Hollow I(b)

 

33

%

 

50

MW

 

$65

million

 

$56.4

million

 

Q3 2021(c)

 

 

Badger Hollow II(b)

 

33

%

 

50

MW

 

$65

million

 

$5.3

million

 

December 2022(c)

 

 

 

(a)Excluding AFUDC.

 

(b)The Badger Hollow I and Badger Hollow II solar farms are located in southwestern Wisconsin in Iowa County, near the villages of Montfort and Cobb.

 

(c)Estimated date of commercial operation.

 

MGE received specific approval to recover 100% AFUDC on each of these projects. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, MGE recognized $1.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, after tax, in AFUDC for Badger Hollow I and II.

27


 

13.

Revenue - MGE Energy and MGE.

 

Revenues disaggregated by revenue source were as follows:

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

(In thousands)

 

March 31,

 

 

Electric revenues

 

2021

 

2020

 

 

Residential

$

36,694

$

33,428

 

 

Commercial

 

47,883

 

47,634

 

 

Industrial

 

3,001

 

2,800

 

 

Other-retail/municipal

 

8,170

 

8,204

 

 

Total retail

 

95,748

 

92,066

 

 

Sales to the market

 

4,639

 

482

 

 

Other revenues

 

222

 

442

 

 

Total electric revenues

$

100,609

$

92,990

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential

 

39,758

 

33,487

 

 

Commercial/Industrial

 

25,507

 

21,471

 

 

Total retail

 

65,265

 

54,958

 

 

Gas transportation

 

2,002

 

1,794

 

 

Other revenues

 

3

 

93

 

 

Total gas revenues

$

67,270

$

56,845

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-regulated energy revenues

 

36

 

38

 

 

Total Operating Revenue

$

167,915

$

149,873

 

 

Performance Obligations

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account. A contract's transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. The majority of contracts have a single performance obligation.

 

Retail Revenue (Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Other Retail/Municipal)

Providing electric and gas utility service to retail customers represents MGE's core business activity. Tariffs are approved by the PSCW through a rate order and provide MGE's customers with the standard terms and conditions, including pricing terms. The performance obligation to deliver electricity or gas is satisfied over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the commodities provided by MGE. MGE recognizes revenues as the commodity is delivered to customers. Meters are read on a systematic basis throughout the month based on established meter-reading schedules and customers are subsequently billed for services received. At the end of the month, MGE accrues an estimate for unbilled commodities delivered to customers. The unbilled revenue estimate is based on daily system demand volumes, weather factors, estimated line losses, estimated customer usage by class, and applicable customer rates.

 

Utility Cost Recovery Mechanisms

MGE's tariff rates include a provision for fuel cost recovery. The PSCW allows Wisconsin utilities to defer electric fuel-related costs, less excess revenues, that fall outside a symmetrical cost tolerance band. Any over- or under-recovery of the actual costs in a given year is determined in the following year and is then reflected in future billings to electric retail customers. Over-collection of fuel-related costs that are outside the approved range will be recognized as a reduction of revenue. Under-collection of these costs will be recognized in "Purchased power" expense in the consolidated statements of income. The cumulative effects of these deferred amounts will be recorded in "Regulatory assets" or "Regulatory liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets until they are reflected in future billings to customers. See Footnote 9.b. for further information.

 

MGE also has other cost recovery mechanisms. For example, any over-collection of the difference between actual costs incurred and the amount of costs collected from customers is recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period incurred.

 

28


 

Sales to the Market

Sales to the market include energy charges, capacity or demand charges, and ancillary charges represented by wholesale sales of electricity made to third parties who are not ultimate users of the electricity. Most of these sales are spot market transactions on the markets operated by MISO. Each transaction is considered a performance obligation and revenue is recognized in the period in which energy charges, capacity or demand charges, and ancillary services are sold into MISO. MGE reports, on a net basis, transactions on the MISO markets in which it buys and sells power within the same hour to meet electric energy delivery requirements.

 

Transportation of Gas

MGE has contracts under which it provides gas transportation services to customers who have elected to purchase gas from a third party MGE delivers this gas via pipelines within its service territory. Revenue is recognized as service is rendered or gas is delivered to customers. Tariffs are approved by the PSCW through a rate order and provide gas transportation customers with standard terms and conditions, including pricing terms.

 

14.

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 the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional discussion of each of these segments.

 

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

 

(In thousands)

MGE Energy

 

Electric

 

Gas

 

Nonregulated Energy

 

Transmission Investment

 

All Others

 

Consolidation/ Elimination

 

Consolidated Total

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues from external customers

$

100,609

$

67,270

$

36

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

167,915

Interdepartmental revenues

 

273

 

4,811

 

10,173

 

-

 

-

 

(15,257)

 

-

Total operating revenues

 

100,882

 

72,081

 

10,209

 

-

 

-

 

(15,257)

 

167,915

Equity in earnings of investments

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

2,444

 

-

 

-

 

2,444

Net income (loss)

 

18,024

 

10,556

 

5,194

 

1,778

 

(619)

 

-

 

34,933

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues from external customers

$

92,990

$

56,845

$

38

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

149,873

Interdepartmental revenues

 

191

 

3,451

 

10,056

 

-

 

-

 

(13,698)

 

-

Total operating revenues

 

93,181

 

60,296

 

10,094

 

-

 

-

 

(13,698)

 

149,873

Equity in earnings of investments

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

2,286

 

-

 

-

 

2,286

Net income (loss)

 

11,463

 

8,034

 

5,060

 

1,663

 

(183)

 

-

 

26,037

 

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

 

(In thousands)

MGE

 

Electric

 

Gas

 

Nonregulated Energy

 

Consolidation/ Elimination

 

Consolidated Total

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues from external customers

$

100,609

$

67,270

$

36

$

-

$

167,915

 

Interdepartmental revenues

 

273

 

4,811

 

10,173

 

(15,257)

 

-

 

Total operating revenues

 

100,882

 

72,081

 

10,209

 

(15,257)

 

167,915

 

Net income attributable to MGE

 

18,024

 

10,556

 

5,194

 

(5,501)

 

28,273

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenues from external customers

$

92,990

$

56,845

$

38

$

-

$

149,873

 

Interdepartmental revenues

 

191

 

3,451

 

10,056

 

(13,698)

 

-

 

Total operating revenues

 

93,181

 

60,296

 

10,094

 

(13,698)

 

149,873

 

Net income attributable to MGE

 

11,463

 

8,034

 

5,060

 

(5,493)

 

19,064

 

29


 

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

 

General

 

MGE Energy is an investor-owned public utility holding company operating through subsidiaries in five business segments:

 

Regulated electric utility operations, conducted through MGE,

Regulated gas utility operations, conducted through MGE,

Nonregulated energy operations, conducted through MGE Power and its subsidiaries,

Transmission investments, representing our equity investment in ATC and ATC Holdco, and

All other, which includes corporate operations and services.

 

Our principal subsidiary is MGE, which generates and distributes electric energy, distributes natural gas, and represents a majority portion of our assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. MGE generates, purchases, and distributes electricity to approximately 157,000 customers in Dane County, Wisconsin, including the city of Madison, and purchases and distributes natural gas to approximately 166,000 customers in the Wisconsin counties of Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Iowa, Juneau, Monroe, and Vernon.

 

Our nonregulated energy operations own interests in electric generating capacity that is leased to MGE. The ownership/leasing structure was adopted under applicable state regulatory guidelines for MGE's participation in these generation facilities, consisting principally of a stable return on the equity investment in the new generation facilities over the term of the related leases. The nonregulated energy operations include an ownership interest in two coal-fired generating units in Oak Creek, Wisconsin and a partial ownership of a cogeneration project on the UW-Madison campus. A third party operates the units in Oak Creek, and MGE operates the cogeneration project. Due to the nature of MGE's participation in these facilities, the results of MGE Energy's nonregulated operations are also consolidated into MGE's consolidated financial position and results of operations under applicable accounting standards.

 

Executive Overview

 

Our primary focus today and for the foreseeable future is our core utility customers at MGE as well as creating long-term value for our shareholders. MGE continues to face the challenge of providing its customers with reliable power at competitive prices. MGE works on meeting this challenge by investing in more efficient generation projects, including renewable energy sources. MGE continues to examine and pursue opportunities to reduce the proportion that coal generation represents in its generation mix, as evidenced by its most recent announcement of the retirement of Columbia and its growing ownership of renewable generation sources. MGE will continue to focus on growing earnings while controlling operating and fuel costs. MGE's goal is to provide safe and efficient operations in addition to providing customer value. We believe it is critical to maintain a strong credit standing consistent with financial strength in MGE as well as the parent company in order to accomplish these goals.

 

We earn revenue and generate cash from operations by providing electric and natural gas utility services, including electric power generation and electric power and gas distribution. The earnings and cash flows from the utility business are sensitive to various external factors, including:

 

Weather, and its impact on customer sales,

Economic conditions, including current business activity, and employment and their impact on customer demand,

Regulation and regulatory issues, and their impact on the timing and recovery of costs,

Energy commodity prices, including natural gas prices,

Equity price risk pertaining to pension related assets,

Credit market conditions, including interest rates and our debt credit rating,

Environmental laws and regulations, including adopted and pending environmental rule changes,

Governmental efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic, including restrictions on activity, increased employee health and welfare costs, and precautions for dealing with members of the public, and

Other factors listed in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

30


 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, MGE Energy's earnings were $34.9 million or $0.97 per share compared to $26.0 million or $0.75 per share for the same period in the prior year. MGE's earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2021, were $28.3 million compared to $19.1 million for the same period in the prior year.

 

MGE Energy's net income was derived from our business segments as follows:

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

(In millions)

 

March 31,

 

 

Business Segment:

 

2021

 

2020

 

 

Electric Utility

$

18.0

$

11.5

 

 

Gas Utility

 

10.5

 

8.0

 

 

Nonregulated Energy

 

5.2

 

5.1

 

 

Transmission Investments

 

1.8

 

1.6

 

 

All Other

 

(0.6)

 

(0.2)

 

 

Net Income

$

34.9

$

26.0

 

 

Our net income during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the same period in the prior year primarily reflects the effects of the following factors:

 

Electric Utility

An increase in electric investments included in rate base contributed to increased earnings for 2021. Timing of 2021 depreciation and other operations and maintenance costs also contributed to higher earnings in the first quarter of 2021. Depreciation and operations and maintenance costs are expected to increase during the remainder of 2021 after significant capital projects are completed. Badger Hollow I and a new customer information system are expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2021. Ongoing remote work arrangements and colder temperatures contributed to higher electric residential sales, which increased by approximately 9% for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the same period in the prior year. However, electric commercial retail sales dropped approximately 4% in the first quarter 2021 compared to the same period in the prior year.

 

Gas Utility

An increase in gas investments included in rate base contributed to increased earnings for 2021. Higher gas retail sales resulting from colder weather in the first quarter of 2021 contributing to higher earnings in that period. Heating degree days (a measure for determining the impact of weather during the heating season) increased by approximately 11% in the first quarter 2021 compared to the same period in the prior year.

 

The following developments affected the first three months of 2021:

 

2021 Rate Settlement Agreement: In December 2020, the PSCW approved a settlement agreement for MGE's 2021 rate case. The settlement agreement provides for a zero percent increase for electric rates and an approximately 4% increase for gas rates in 2021. The electric rate settlement includes an increase in rate base but the associated rate increase is primarily offset by lower fuel and purchase power costs and a one-time $18.2 million return to customers of the portion of excess deferred taxes related to the 2017 Tax Act not restricted by IRS normalization rules. As part of the settlement, the fuel rules bandwidth was set at plus or minus 1% for 2021. When compared to the 2020 rate case, the settlement includes lower forecasted electric sales for 2021 to reflect changes to customer usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. The gas rate increase covers infrastructure costs and technology improvements. The settlement agreement also includes escrow accounting treatment for pension and other postretirement benefit costs, bad debt expense, and customer credit card fees. Escrow accounting treatment allows MGE to defer any difference between estimated costs in rates and actual costs incurred until its next rate case filing. Any difference would be recorded as a regulatory asset or regulatory liability.

 

Utility Solar: Large solar generation projects are under construction, as shown in the following table. Incurred costs are reflected in "Construction work in progress" on the consolidated balance sheets. MGE has received specific approval to recover 100% AFUDC on Badger Hollow I and II. After tax, MGE recognized $2.9 million and $0.2 million of AFUDC equity on Badger Hollow I and II, respectively, during construction.

 

31


 

 

Project

 

Ownership Interest

 

Share of Generation

 

Share of Estimated Costs

 

Costs Incurred as of March 31, 2021(a)

 

Estimated Date of Commercial Operation

 

 

Badger Hollow I

 

33%

 

50 MW

 

$65 million

 

$56.4 million

 

Q3 2021

 

 

Badger Hollow II

 

33%

 

50 MW

 

$65 million

 

$5.3 million

 

December 2022

 

 

O'Brien

 

100%

 

20 MW

 

$32 million

 

$11.9 million

 

Mid-2021

 

 

(a)Excluding AFUDC.

 

Deferred Fuel Costs – Subject to Refund: As of March 31, 2021, MGE had deferred $0.5 million of 2021 fuel savings. These costs will be subject to the PSCW's annual review of 2021 fuel costs, expected to be completed during 2022.

 

Tax Reform: Pursuant to the 2017 Tax Act, deferred income tax balances as of December 31, 2017, were remeasured to reflect the decrease in the corporate tax rate. The approved rate settlement agreement for 2021 includes approximately $5.3 million of the benefit in base rates that is being returned to customers using a normalization method of accounting. IRS normalization rules limit the rate at which MGE can return the benefits to customers. The settlement agreement also includes $18.2 million of the benefit not subject to normalization restrictions in electric base rates. The collection of the remaining portion not subject to normalization restrictions related to gas will be addressed by the PSCW in a future rate case.

 

In the near term, several items may affect us, including:

 

2022/2023 Rate Case Filing: In May 2021, MGE filed an application with the PSCW for the 2022/2023 rate case. MGE is requesting a 5.9% increase to electric rates and a 3.0% increase to gas rates for 2022. MGE is proposing to address potential 2023 rate changes through an electric limited rate case re-opener and a 1.65% increase in gas rates. See "Other Matters" below for additional information on the 2022/2023 rate case application.

 

2020 Annual Fuel Proceeding: As of December 31, 2020, MGE had deferred $3.2 million of 2020 fuel-related savings. These costs will be subject to the PSCW's annual review of 2020 fuel costs, which is expected to be completed in 2021. In March 2021, as part of the 2020 fuel costs application with the PSCW, MGE seeks to return the 2020 fuel-related savings to customers in 2022 as part of the 2022 rate case.

 

ATC Return on Equity: As discussed in "Other Matters" below, ATC’s authorized ROE, which is used in calculating its rates and revenues, is the subject of a challenge before FERC. A decrease in ATC's ROE could result in lower equity earnings and distributions from ATC in the future. We derived approximately 5.0% and 6.5% of our net income during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, from our investment in ATC.

 

Environmental Initiatives: There are proposed legislative rules and initiatives involving matters related to air emissions, water effluent, hazardous materials, and greenhouse gases, all of which affect generation plant capital expenditures and operating costs as well as future operational planning. At present, it is unclear how the changes in the presidential, congressional, and EPA administrations may affect existing, pending or new legislative or rulemaking proposals or regulatory initiatives. Such legislation and rulemaking could significantly affect the costs of owning and operating fossil-fueled generating plants. We would expect to seek and receive recovery of any such costs in rates. However, it is difficult to estimate the amount of such costs due to the uncertainty as to the timing and form of any legislation or rules, and the scope and time of the recovery of costs in rates, which may occur after those costs have been incurred.

 

EPA's Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Rule: In January 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit) vacated and remanded to the EPA the ACE Rule and the repeal of the predecessor Clean Power Plan Rule, both of which regulated greenhouse gas emissions from existing electric generation units pursuant to Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. As a result of these legal proceedings, neither the CPP nor ACE rules are currently in effect. MGE is still evaluating this D.C. Circuit decision for what impacts it may have to MGE operations. MGE will continue to evaluate the rule development and monitor ongoing and potential legal proceedings.

 

Columbia: In February 2021, MGE, along with the co-owners, announced plans to retire the two-unit coal-fired Columbia generating plant near Portage, Wisconsin. MGE currently owns 19% of the facility. The co-owners intend to retire Unit 1 by the end of 2023 and Unit 2 by the end of 2024. Final timing and retirement dates for Units 1 and

32


 

2 are subject to PSCW and regional regulatory reviews, including identification and approval of energy and capacity resources to replace Columbia. MGE continues to evaluate additional investments to replace the generation from Columbia while maintaining electric service reliability. These investments include cost-effective, clean energy projects to help achieve MGE's carbon reduction goals.

 

Future Generation – Renewable Energy: MGE is seeking approval from the PSCW to acquire a joint interest in the following renewable generation projects as shown in the following table. There is no certainty that these projects will be approved by the PSCW.

 

 

Project

 

Source

 

Ownership Interest

 

Share of Generation

 

Share of Estimated Costs

 

Estimated Date of Commercial Operation

 

 

Darien

 

Solar/Battery

 

10%

 

25MW/7.5MW

 

$45 million

 

December 31, 2023

 

 

Paris

 

Solar/Battery

 

10%

 

20MW/11MW

 

$43 million

 

May 31, 2023

 

 

Red Barn

 

Wind

 

10%

 

9.16 MW

 

$17 million

 

December 31, 2022

 

 

Koshkonong

 

Solar/Battery

 

10%

 

30MW/16.5MW

 

$65 million

 

2024(a)

 

 

(a)Construction of the project is expected to be completed in phases ranging from May 2024 through December 2024.

 

Future Generation - Riverside: In 2016, MGE entered into an agreement with WPL under which MGE may acquire up to 50 MW of capacity in a gas-fired generating plant constructed by WPL at its Riverside Energy Center in Beloit, Wisconsin, during the five-year period following the in-service date of the plant. The plant was placed in service in May 2020. MGE has not yet determined whether it will exercise its option in the Riverside plant. A determination will be made based on a variety of factors during the option period. If MGE acquires 50 MW of capacity, the estimated cost would be approximately $50 million.

 

Financing Plans: MGE expects to issue up to $100 million of new long-term debt during 2021 to finance authorized utility capital expenditures, including the construction of the Badger Hollow I and II and O'Brien solar farm projects, and other general corporate purposes.

 

COVID-19 Update

 

MGE Energy continues to provide safe and reliable service to our customers despite the challenges presented by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We have operated continuously throughout the pandemic and suffered no material disruptions in service or employment.

 

We discuss various COVID-19-related events and their effects below:

 

Governmental and Regulatory Actions. State and local governments issued orders and regulations to restrict or manage business and individual activity. These orders and regulations continue to evolve in response to changing health metrics and safety health guidance. Additionally, the PSCW ordered changes to the tariff provisions on March 24, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. All restrictions were lifted by November 1, 2020.

 

Liquidity: We remain focused on maintaining strong credit quality. Subject to the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, we believe we have adequate liquidity on hand to support future operations and capital expenditures over the next twelve months. As of March 31, 2021, MGE Energy and MGE had $40.2 million and $6.7 million, respectively, in cash and cash equivalents and had available borrowing capacity under revolving credit facilities as noted below.

 

 

Borrower

 

Aggregate Bank Commitments

 

Outstanding Commercial Paper

 

Letters of Credit Issued Inside Credit Facilities

 

Outstanding Borrowings

 

Available Capacity

 

Expiration Date

 

 

(Dollars in millions)

 

 

MGE Energy

$

50.0

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

50.0

 

February 7, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MGE

$

100.0

$

54.0

$

0.7

$

-

$

45.3

 

February 7, 2024

 

 

The credit agreements require the borrower to maintain a ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated total

33


 

capitalization not to exceed a maximum of 65%. In the case of MGE, the ratio calculation excludes assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses included in MGE's financial statements as a result of the consolidation of VIEs, such as MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus. The ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated total capitalization for each of MGE Energy and MGE, as calculated under the credit agreements' covenant, was 36.6% and 39.2%, respectively, as of March 31, 2021, and 37.1% and 40.0%, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. See "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Credit Facilities" in the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information about our credit facilities.

 

Customer Impacts: Governmental regulations limiting community activity began impacting customer sales in late March 2020. While the total expected impact of COVID-19 on future sales is currently unknown, MGE has experienced higher electric residential sales and lower electric commercial and industrial sales since the outset of the pandemic. As these regulations become less restrictive, we expect sales to be less impacted.

 

Capital Expenditures & Operations: MGE does not currently expect any material changes to its construction expenditures plans disclosed in "Liquidity and Capital Resources" in the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K resulting from COVID-19. To date, MGE Energy has experienced no material disruptions in utility operations. Our administrative personnel have been working largely remotely, and our field operations have not been materially affected.

 

We cannot reasonably estimate with any degree of certainty the actual impact of COVID-19 and associated governmental regulations may have on future results of operations, financial position, and liquidity. See Item 1A. "Risk Factors" "Pandemic virus or diseases, including COVID-19, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and liquidity" in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of risk.

 

The following discussion is based on the business segments as discussed in Footnote 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report.

 

Results of Operations

 

Results of operations include financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP and electric and gas margins, both which are non-GAAP measures. Electric margin (electric revenues less fuel for electric generation and purchase power costs) and gas margin (gas revenues less cost of gas sold) are non-GAAP measures because they exclude items used in the calculation of the most comparable GAAP measure, operating income. These exclusions consist of nonregulated operating revenues, other operations and maintenance expense, depreciation and amortization expense, and other general taxes expense. Thus, electric and gas margin are not measures determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

Management believes that electric and gas margins provide a meaningful basis for evaluating and managing utility operations since fuel for electric generation, purchase power costs, and cost of gas sold are passed through without mark-up to customers in current rates. As a result, management uses electric and gas margins internally when assessing the operating performance of our segments. The presentation of utility electric and gas margins herein is intended to provide supplemental information for investors regarding operating performance. These electric and gas margins may not be comparable to how other entities calculate utility electric and gas margin or similar measures. Furthermore, these measures are not intended to replace operating income as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of operating performance.

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020

 

The following table provides a calculation of electric and gas margins (both non-GAAP measures), along with a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measure, operating income:

 

34


 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

(In millions)

 

2021

 

2020

 

$ Change

 

 

Electric revenues

$

100.6

$

93.0

$

7.6

 

 

Fuel for electric generation

 

(13.2)

 

(9.7)

 

(3.5)

 

 

Purchased power

 

(9.4)

 

(10.5)

 

1.1

 

 

Total Electric Margins

 

78.0

 

72.8

 

5.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas revenues

 

67.3

 

56.8

 

10.5

 

 

Cost of gas sold

 

(37.4)

 

(30.8)

 

(6.6)

 

 

Total Gas Margins

 

29.9

 

26.0

 

3.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other operating revenues

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

-

 

 

Other operations and maintenance

 

(45.7)

 

(44.4)

 

(1.3)

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

(18.4)

 

(18.2)

 

(0.2)

 

 

Other general taxes

 

(4.8)

 

(4.9)

 

0.1

 

 

Operating Income

$

39.1

$

31.4

$

7.7

 

 

Operating income during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the same period in the prior year primarily reflects the effects of the following factors:

 

Electric revenues and fuel costs

o Electric revenues increased $7.6 million primarily due to 2020 electric revenues that reflected a reduction in revenues to account for an over-collection of costs in customer rates. See revenue subject to refund discussed in the "Electric Margin" section below.

o A $3.5 million increase in fuel for electric generation reflecting higher internal generation and market costs.

o A $1.1 million decrease in purchased power costs driven by lower market purchases as a result of higher internal generation.

 

Gas revenues and cost of gas sold

o A $10.5 million increase in gas revenue driven by higher customer demand resulting from colder weather in the first quarter of 2021 and higher cost of gas, which is recovered on a pass-through basis in revenues.

o A $6.6 million increase in cost of gas sold driven by higher cost per therm of gas. Average cost per therm increased approximately 13%. An increase in volume of approximately 8% also contributed to the increase in cost.

 

A $1.3 million increase in other operations and maintenance. See consolidated operations and maintenance expenses section below for a description of the factors contributing to the decrease.

 

A $0.2 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense.

35


 

Electric sales and revenues

 

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

 

 

 

Revenues

 

Sales (kWh)

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

2021

 

2020

 

% Change

 

2021

 

2020

 

% Change

Residential

$

36,694

$

33,428

 

9.8 %

 

219,770

 

202,581

 

8.5 %

Commercial

 

47,883

 

47,634

 

0.5 %

 

414,337

 

430,118

 

(3.7)%

Industrial

 

3,001

 

2,800

 

7.2 %

 

39,005

 

40,418

 

(3.5)%

Other-retail/municipal

 

8,170

 

8,204

 

(0.4)%

 

76,356

 

81,045

 

(5.8)%

Total retail

 

95,748

 

92,066

 

4.0 %

 

749,468

 

754,162

 

(0.6)%

Sales to the market

 

4,639

 

482

 

n.m.%

 

95,872

 

23,946

 

n.m.%

Other revenues

 

222

 

442

 

(49.8)%

 

-

 

-

 

- %

Total

$

100,609

$

92,990

 

8.2 %

 

845,340

 

778,108

 

8.6 %

 

n.m. not meaningful

 

Electric margin, a non-GAAP measure, increased $5.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020, due to the following:

 

 

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

Revenue subject to refund, net

$

3.3

 

 

Increase in residential volume

 

1.8

 

 

Decreased fuel costs

 

1.7

 

 

Rate changes

 

0.7

 

 

Customer fixed and demand charges

 

(1.3)

 

 

Decrease in commercial, industrial and other volume

 

(0.8)

 

 

Other

 

(0.2)

 

 

Total

$

5.2

 

 

Revenue subject to refund. For cost recovery mechanisms, any over-collection of revenues resulting from the amount of costs authorized to be collected from customers in rates exceeding actual costs is recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period incurred, as the over-collection is expected to be refunded to customers in a subsequent period. In the year the over-collection is refunded, rates are reduced and offset as revenue subject to refund. There is no margin impact in the year the costs are refunded.

 

Residential volume. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, there was an 8.5% increase in residential sales driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated governmental regulations and restrictions on activity. As businesses shifted their workforce to a remote work environment, residential sales increased.

 

Fuel costs. Fuel costs decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2021, primarily as a result of lower costs to generate and purchase electricity in the market and lower customer demand.

 

Rate changes. MGE's PSCW approved 2020 Fuel Cost Plan resulted in a fuel credit that decreased rates 0.84% in 2020. Rates charged to retail customers during the three months ended March 31, 2021, were $0.7 million higher than those charged during the same period in the prior year as a result of the fuel credit from 2020 ending.

 

Customer fixed and demand charges. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, fixed and demand charges decreased $1.3 million primarily attributable to the decrease in demand charges for commercial customers. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated governmental regulations and restrictions on activity impacted commercial business operations leading to reduced sales.

 

Commercial, industrial, and other retail volume. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, there was a 3.7% reduction in commercial sales compared to the same period in the prior year driven by impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and associated governmental regulations and restrictions on activity.

36


 

Gas deliveries and revenues

 

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

 

 

 

Revenues

 

Therms Delivered

(In thousands, except HDD and average rate per therm of retail customer)

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

2021

 

2020

 

% Change

 

2021

 

2020

 

% Change

Residential

$

39,758

$

33,487

 

18.7 %

 

50,305

 

46,802

 

7.5 %

Commercial/Industrial

 

25,507

 

21,471

 

18.8 %

 

42,254

 

39,700

 

6.4 %

Total retail

 

65,265

 

54,958

 

18.8 %

 

92,559

 

86,502

 

7.0 %

Gas transportation

 

2,002

 

1,794

 

11.6 %

 

23,308

 

22,519

 

3.5 %

Other revenues

 

3

 

93

 

(96.8)%

 

-

 

-

 

- %

Total

$

67,270

$

56,845

 

18.3 %

 

115,867

 

109,021

 

6.3 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heating degree days (normal 3,531)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,593

 

3,225

 

11.4 %

Average rate per therm of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

retail customer

$

0.705

$

0.635

 

11.0 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas margin, a non-GAAP measure, increased $3.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020, due to the following:

 

 

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

Rate changes

$

2.9

 

 

Increase in volume

 

0.9

 

 

Other

 

0.3

 

 

Revenue subject to refund, net

 

(0.2)

 

 

Total

$

3.9

 

 

Rate changes. In December 2020, the PSCW authorized MGE to increase 2021 rates for retail gas customers by approximately 4.0%.

 

Volume. For 2021, retail gas deliveries increased 7% compared to the same period in the prior year primarily related to favorable weather conditions in the current year.

 

Revenue subject to refund. For cost recovery mechanisms, any over-collection of revenues resulting from the amount of costs authorized to be collected from customers in rates exceeding actual costs is recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period incurred, as the over-collection is expected to be refunded to customers in a subsequent period.

 

Consolidated operations and maintenance expenses

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, operations and maintenance expenses increased $1.3 million, compared to the same period in the prior year. The following contributed to the net change:

 

 

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

Increased transmission costs

$

1.1

 

 

Increased electric production expenses

 

0.6

 

 

Increased electric distribution expenses

 

0.3

 

 

Decreased administrative and general costs

 

(0.6)

 

 

Decreased other costs

 

(0.1)

 

 

Total

$

1.3

 

 

Increased transmission costs are related to higher transmission rates in 2021 compared to rates in 2020. Transmission rates in 2020 reflected adjustments from a lower return on equity, ordered in FERC proceedings, for prior year rates.

37


 

Consolidated depreciation expense

 

Electric depreciation expense increased $0.2 million and gas depreciation expense was flat during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the same period in the prior year.

 

Electric and gas other income

 

Electric and gas other income decreased $2.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively, during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily related to the collection of the deferred pension and other postretirement other than service costs from 2019.

 

Nonregulated Energy Operations - MGE Energy and MGE

 

The nonregulated energy operations are conducted through MGE Energy's subsidiaries: MGE Power Elm Road (the Elm Road Units) and MGE Power West Campus (WCCF), which have been formed to own and lease electric generating capacity to assist MGE. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, net income at the nonregulated energy operations segment was $5.2 million and $5.1 million, respectively.

 

Transmission Investment Operations - MGE Energy

 

The transmission investment segment holds our interest in ATC and ATC Holdco, and its income reflects our equity in the earnings of those investments. ATC Holdco was formed in December 2016 to pursue transmission development opportunities which typically have long development and investment lead times before becoming operational. ATC Holdco's future transmission development activities have been suspended for the near term. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, other income at the transmission investment segment was $2.4 million and $2.3 million, respectively. In May 2020, the FERC issued an opinion further refining the methodology for setting the ROE that electric utilities are authorized to earn. See Footnote 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report and "Other Matters" below for additional information concerning ATC and summarized financial information regarding ATC.

 

Consolidated Income Taxes - MGE Energy and MGE

 

In 2021, the effective electric tax rate decreased as a result of the return of electric excess deferred taxes related to the 2017 Tax Act not governed by IRS normalization rules in 2021. These costs were recorded as a regulatory liability in the year of remeasurement. See Footnote 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for the effective tax rate reconciliation.

 

Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax - MGE

 

Noncontrolling interest, net of tax, reflects the accounting required for MGE Energy's interest in MGE Power Elm Road (the Elm Road Units) and MGE Power West Campus (WCCF). MGE Energy owns 100% of MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus. They are not owned by MGE. Due to the contractual agreements for these projects with MGE, the entities are considered VIEs with respect to MGE and their results are consolidated with those of MGE, the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. The following table shows MGE Energy's noncontrolling interest, net of tax, reflected on MGE's consolidated statement of income:

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

(In millions)

 

2021

 

2020

 

 

MGE Power Elm Road

$

3.7

$

3.7

 

 

MGE Power West Campus

 

1.8

 

1.8

 

 

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments - MGE Energy and MGE

 

There were no 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 three months ended March 31, 2021. Further discussion of the contractual obligations and commercial commitments is included in

38


 

Footnote 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and "Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments for MGE Energy and MGE" under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Subject to the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, MGE Energy and MGE expect to have adequate liquidity to support future operations and capital expenditures over the next twelve months. Available resources include cash and cash equivalents, operating cash flows, liquid assets, borrowing capacity under revolving credit facilities, and access to equity and debt capital markets. MGE Energy expects to generate funds from both long-term debt financing, short-term debt financing, and if needed, could issue new shares through our Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan. See "Credit Facilities" under Part II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources in the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K and "Liquidity" under "COVID-19 Update" above for information regarding MGE Energy's and MGE's credit facilities.

 

Cash Flows

 

The following summarizes cash flows for MGE Energy and MGE during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:

 

 

 

 

MGE Energy

 

MGE

 

 

(In thousands)

 

2021

 

2020

 

 

2021

 

2020

 

 

Cash provided by (used for):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

$

43,883

$

53,819

 

$

41,981

$

53,118

 

 

Investing activities

 

(35,835)

 

(48,799)

 

 

(35,208)

 

(47,164)

 

 

Financing activities

 

(13,585)

 

(11,040)

 

 

(5,205)

 

(5,819)

 

 

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 during the three months ended March 31, 2021, was $43.9 million, a decrease of $9.9 million when compared to the same period in the prior year.

 

MGE Energy's net income increased $8.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, when compared to the same period in the prior year.

 

Working capital accounts (excluding prepaid and accrued taxes) resulted in $11.4 million in cash used for operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2021. Actual purchase gas costs were $13.0 million higher than the amount collected in rates primarily due to the extreme cold weather experienced in the U.S. in February 2021. These costs were deferred as a regulatory asset and will be recovered in a future period. In addition, working capital accounts were impacted by increased accounts receivable and decreased other current liabilities, partially offset by decreased gas inventories and decreased unbilled revenues.

 

Working capital accounts (excluding prepaid and accrued taxes) resulted in $4.9 million in cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily due to decreased gas inventories, decreased unbilled revenues, and increased accounts payable, partially offset by decreased other current liabilities.

 

Hosted software asset expenditures during the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $1.3 million. This amount represents an increase of $0.9 million of cash used when compared to the prior year.

 

MGE

 

39


 

Cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2021, was $42.0 million, a decrease of $11.1 million when compared to the same period in the prior year.

 

Net income increased $9.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, when compared to the same period in the prior year.

 

Working capital accounts (excluding prepaid and accrued taxes) resulted in $11.3 million in cash used for operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2021. Actual purchase gas costs were $13.0 million higher than the amount collected in rates primarily due to the extreme cold weather experienced in the U.S. in February 2021. These costs were deferred as a regulatory asset and will be recovered in a future period. In addition, working capital accounts were impacted by increased accounts receivable and decreased other current liabilities, partially offset by decreased gas inventories and decreased unbilled revenues.

 

Working capital accounts (excluding prepaid and accrued taxes) resulted in $7.1 million in cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily due to decreased gas inventories, decreased unbilled revenues, and increased accounts payable, partially offset by increased other current liabilities.

 

Hosted software asset expenditures during the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $1.3 million. This amount represents an increase of $0.9 million of cash used when compared to the prior year.

 

Cash Used for Investing Activities

 

MGE Energy

 

MGE Energy's cash used for investing activities decreased $13.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, when compared to the same period in the prior year.

 

Capital expenditures during the three months ended March 31, 2021, were $34.7 million. This amount represents a decrease of $12.0 million from the expenditures made in the same period in the prior year. This decrease primarily reflects the reduction of expenditures on the construction of Badger Hollow I due to timing of expenditures.

 

Capital contributions to ATC and other investments decreased $1.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, when compared to the same period in the prior year.

 

MGE

 

MGE's cash used for investing activities decreased $12.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, when compared to the same period in the prior year.

 

Capital expenditures during the three months ended March 31, 2021, were $34.7 million. This amount represents a decrease of $12.0 million from the expenditures made in the same period in the prior year. This decrease primarily reflects the reduction of expenditures on the construction of Badger Hollow I due to timing of expenditures.

 

Cash Used for Financing Activities

 

MGE Energy

 

Cash used for MGE Energy's financing activities was $13.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $11.0 million of cash used for MGE Energy's financing activities for the same period in the prior year.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, dividends paid were $13.4 million compared to $12.2 million in the prior year. This increase was a result of a higher dividend per share ($0.370 vs. $0.353) and greater number of outstanding shares as a result of the May 2020 issuance of common shares.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, net short-term debt borrowings were $1.5 million compared to

40


 

$3.0 million of net short-term debt borrowings for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

 

MGE

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, cash used for MGE's financing activities was $5.2 million compared to $5.8 million of cash used for MGE's financing activities for the same period in the prior year.

 

Distributions to parent from noncontrolling interest, which represent distributions from MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus to MGE Energy, were $5.0 million and $7.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, net short-term debt borrowings were $1.5 million compared to $3.0 million of net short-term debt borrowings for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

 

Capitalization Ratios

 

MGE Energy's capitalization ratios were as follows:

 

 

 

MGE Energy

 

 

 

March 31,2021

 

December 31, 2020

 

 

Common shareholders' equity

63.4%

 

62.9%

 

 

Long-term debt(a)

33.2%

 

33.7%

 

 

Short-term debt

3.4%

 

3.4%

 

 

(a) 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 expenditure requirements. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, capital expenditures for MGE Energy and MGE totaled $34.7 million, which included $34.2 million of utility capital expenditures.

 

MGE does not currently expect any material changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and associated governmental regulations to its construction plans as presented in the 2021-2023 capital expenditure forecast included under Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources in the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Credit Ratings

 

MGE Energy's and MGE's access to the capital markets, including, in the case of MGE, the commercial paper market, and their respective financing costs in those markets, may depend on the credit ratings of the entity that is accessing the capital markets.

 

None of MGE Energy's or MGE's borrowings are subject to default or prepayment as a result of a downgrading of credit ratings, although a downgrading of MGE's credit ratings could increase fees and interest charges under both MGE Energy's and MGE's credit agreements.

 

Environmental Matters

 

There were no material updates or developments in environmental matters that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2021. Further discussion of environmental matters is included in the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Footnote 8.a. of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report.

41


 

Other Matters

 

Rate Matters

 

In May 2021, MGE filed an application with the PSCW requesting a 5.9% increase to electric rates and a 3.0% increase to gas rates for 2022. The proposed electric and gas rate increases are primarily driven by an increase in rate base including our investments in Badger Hollow I and a new customer information system. Also driving the requested electric increase is the completion in 2020 of the one-time return of the electric excess deferred tax credit related to the 2017 Tax Act not restricted by IRS normalization rules. In its application, MGE is proposing to address potential 2023 rate changes through an electric limited rate case re-opener and a 1.65% increase in gas rates. PSCW approval of the application is pending. A final order is expected before the end of the year.

 

Details related to MGE's 2022/2023 proposed rate case:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Proposed Average Rate Base(a)

 

Proposed Return on Common Equity(b)

 

Proposed Common Equity Component of Regulatory Capital Structure

Electric (2022 Test Period)

 

1,048,440

 

9.8%

 

55.63%

Gas (2022 Test Period)

 

300,797

 

9.8%

 

55.63%

 

(a)Average rate base amounts reflect MGE's allocated share of rate base and do not include construction work in progress (CWIP) or a cash working capital allowance and were calculated using a forecasted 13-month average for the test periods. The PSCW provides a return on selected CWIP and a cash working capital allowance by adjusting the percentage return on rate base.

 

(b)Authorized returns on common equity may not be indicative of actual returns earned or projections of future returns, as actual returns will be affected by the volume of electricity or gas sold.

 

Proposed electric (2023 Test Period) average rate base will be subject to a limited reopener expected to be filed in 2022 and proposed gas (2023 Test Period) average rate base is $317.6 million. MGE has proposed to maintain 2022 levels for return on common stock equity and capital structure for electric and gas rates in 2023.

 

ATC

 

2013 FERC Complaint - In 2013, several parties filed a complaint with the FERC seeking to reduce the base return on equity (ROE) used by MISO transmission owners, including ATC. The complaint provided for a statutory refund period of November 2013 through February 2015. The complaint asserted that the MISO ROE should not exceed 9.15%, that the equity components of hypothetical capital structures should be restricted to 50%, and that the relevant incentive ROE adders should be discontinued. At the time, MISO's base ROE was 12.38% and ATC's base ROE was 12.2%. On September 28, 2016, FERC issued an order, for the period November 2013 through February 2015, reducing ATC's base ROE to 10.32%. In November 2019, FERC issued an order to further reduce ATC's base ROE to 9.88%. In May 2020, the FERC issued an order further refining the methodology for setting the ROE that electric utilities are authorized to earn. This increased the ROE from 9.88% to 10.02%. This base ROE is effective for the 2013 FERC complaint period and for all periods following September 2016.

 

2015 FERC Complaint - In February 2015, several parties filed a complaint with the FERC seeking to reduce the base ROE used by MISO transmission owners, including ATC, to 8.67%. The complaint provided for a statutory refund period of February 2015 through May 2016 with a refund effective date retroactive to the complaint filing date. In June 2016, an administrative law judge issued an initial decision for the complaint that would reduce the transmission owner's base ROE to 9.7%. In November 2019, FERC issued an order dismissing the complaint with the determination that the ROE was reasonable. As a result of this order and the methodology FERC used to determine the applicable ROE in the 2013 FERC complaint, several parties have requested a rehearing by FERC. If FERC denies these requests, the complainants are likely to file an appeal with the appellate court. Any downward change to ATC's ROE could result in lower equity earnings and distributions from ATC in the future.

 

As of December 31, 2018, our share of the estimated refund recorded was $2.5 million, including interest. Following the November 2019 FERC order, our share of ATC's earnings reflects a pre-tax adjustment of $2.0 million, including interest, related to the 2013 complaint refund period and from September 28, 2016 through December 31, 2019. As a result of the May 2020 FERC order, our share of ATC's earnings reflects a $0.6 million reduction of our reserve. Additionally, our share of ATC's earnings reflects the derecognition of a possible refund

42


 

related to the 2015 complaint as ATC considers such a refund to be no longer considered probable due to FERC's November 2019 dismissal of that complaint. However, due to pending requests for rehearing, a loss related to the 2015 complaint remains possible. Our share of the estimated refund for the 2015 complaint is approximately $2.3 million. As of December 31, 2020, our share of the estimated refund amount reflected a net increase in ATC's earnings with a pre-tax adjustment of $0.6 million, inclusive of interest.

 

We derived approximately 5.0% and 6.5% of our net income during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, from our investment in ATC.

 

Adoption of Accounting Principles and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

See Footnote 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for discussion of new accounting pronouncements.

43


 

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, and equity returns. MGE currently has no exposure to foreign currency risk. MGE manages some risk exposure through risk management policies and the use of derivative instruments. MGE's risk management policy prohibits speculative trading transactions.

 

Commodity Price Risk

 

MGE has commodity price risk exposure with respect to the price of natural gas, electricity, coal, emission credits, and oil. MGE's electric operations burn natural gas in several of its peaking power plants and, in many cases, the cost of purchased power is tied to the cost of natural gas. MGE employs established policies and procedures to reduce the market risks associated with changing commodity prices. MGE's commodity risks are substantially mitigated by the current ratemaking process in place for recovering electric fuel cost, purchased energy costs, and the cost of natural gas.

 

The recovery of MGE's electric fuel costs is subject to fuel rules established by the PSCW. Fuel rules require Wisconsin utilities to defer electric fuel-related costs that fall outside a symmetrical cost tolerance band. Any over or under recovery of the actual costs is determined in the following year and is then reflected in future billings to electric retail customers. Under the electric fuel rules, MGE would defer the benefit of lower costs if the actual electric fuel costs fall outside the lower end of the range and is required to defer costs, less any excess revenues, if the actual electric fuel costs exceed the upper end of the range. Excess revenues are defined as revenues in the year in question that provide MGE with a greater return on common equity than authorized by the PSCW in MGE's latest rate order. The range is defined by the PSCW and has been modified throughout the years based on market conditions and other relevant factors. Beginning in 2021, MGE is subject to a plus or minus 1% range. Prior to 2021, the range was set at 2%. MGE assumes the risks and benefits of variances that are within the cost tolerance band. For 2021, $64.1 million in fuel and purchased power costs will be recovered in rates and are subject to this rule and included in MGE's fuel monitoring level rates. See Footnote 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for additional information.

 

MGE recovers the cost of natural gas in its gas utility segment through the purchased gas adjustment clause (PGA). Under the PGA, MGE is able to pass through to its gas customers the cost of gas. If the commodity costs of gas exceed a monthly benchmark amount, the excess amount is subject to a prudence review and approval by the PSCW before it can be passed through to customers.

 

MGE also reduces price risk caused by market fluctuations via physical contracts and financial derivative contracts, including futures, swaps, options, forwards, and other contractual commitments. The maximum length of time over which cash flows related to energy commodities can be hedged under applicable PSCW approvals is four years.

 

MGE has financial gas and electric commodity contracts to hedge commodity price risk in the gas and electric utility segments. These contracts are primarily comprised of exchange-traded option and future contracts. MGE also holds financial transmission rights (FTRs), which are used to hedge the risk of increased transmission congestion charges. As of March 31, 2021, the fair value of exchange traded derivatives and FTRs exceeded their cost basis by $0.5 million. Under the PGA clause and electric fuel rules, MGE may include the costs and benefits of the aforementioned fuel price risk management tools in the costs of fuel (natural gas or power). Because these costs or benefits are recoverable, the related unrealized loss or gain has been deferred on the consolidated balance sheets as a regulatory asset or liability, respectively.

 

MGE has also entered into a purchased power agreement that provides MGE with firm capacity and energy that began on June 1, 2012, and ends on May 31, 2022 (the "base term"). The agreement also allows MGE an option to extend the contract after the base term. The agreement is considered a derivative contract and is recognized at its fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. However, the derivative qualifies for regulatory deferral and is recognized with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability depending on whether the fair value is in a loss or gain position. The fair value of the contract as of March 31, 2021, reflected a loss position of $11.6 million.

 

 

44


 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Both MGE Energy and MGE may 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 our 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 third-party investment managers. Changes in the market value of these investments can have an impact on the future expenses related to these liabilities. The value of employee benefit plan assets has increased by approximately 3% during the three months ended March 31, 2021.

 

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 credit risk, which include an established credit approval process, counterparty limits, 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 could include: the loss in value of mark-to-market contracts, the amount owed for settled transactions, and additional payments to settle unrealized losses. As of March 31, 2021, no counterparties had defaulted.

 

MGE is obligated to provide service to all electric and gas customers within its franchised territories. MGE's franchised electric territory includes a 264 square-mile area in Dane County, Wisconsin, and MGE's franchised gas territory includes a service area covering 1,684 square miles in Wisconsin. Based on results for the year ended December 31, 2020, no one customer constituted more than 10% of total operating revenues for MGE Energy and MGE. 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 relatively strong economy in its service territory.

45


 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

During the first quarter of 2021, each registrant'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 that registrant, including its subsidiaries, is accumulated and made known to that registrant's management, including these officers, by other employees of that registrant 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. The evaluations take into account changes in the internal and external operating environments that may impact those controls and procedures. 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 March 31, 2021, each registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that its disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Each registrant intends to strive continually to improve its disclosure controls and procedures to enhance the quality of its financial reporting.

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2021, there were no changes in either registrant's internal controls over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to affect materially, that registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

46


 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION.

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

MGE Energy and MGE

 

MGE Energy and its subsidiaries, including MGE, from time to time are involved in various legal proceedings that are handled and defended in the ordinary course of business. See Footnote 8.a. and 8.b. of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for more information.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Period

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased

 

Average Price Paid per Share

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(a)

 

Maximum number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(a)

January 1-31, 2021

 

8,504

$

66.93

 

-

 

-

February 1-28, 2021

 

9,790

 

65.37

 

-

 

-

March 1-31, 2021

 

43,813

 

71.53

 

-

 

-

Total

 

62,107

$

69.93

 

-

 

-

 

(a) Under the MGE Energy, Inc. Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Stock Plan), common stock shares deliverable to plan participants may be either newly issued shares or shares purchased on the open market, as determined from time to time by MGE Energy. During 2021, MGE Energy's transfer agent used open market purchases to provide shares to meet obligations to participants in the Stock Plan. The shares are purchased on the open market through the transfer agent's securities broker-dealer and then are reissued under the Stock Plan as needed to meet share delivery requirements. The volume and timing of share repurchases in the open market depends upon the level of dividend reinvestment and optional share purchases being made from time to time by plan participants. As a result, there is no specified maximum number of shares to be repurchased and no specified termination date for the repurchases. All shares issued through the Stock Plan, whether newly issued or open market purchases, are sold pursuant to a registration statement that was filed with the SEC and is currently effective.

47


 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicable to MGE Energy and MGE.

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

Not applicable to MGE Energy and MGE.

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

 

 

Ex. No.

 

Exhibit Description

31.1

*

Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed by Jeffrey M. Keebler for MGE Energy, Inc.

 

 

 

31.2

*

Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed by Jared J. Bushek for MGE Energy, Inc.

 

 

 

31.3

*

Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed by Jeffrey M. Keebler for Madison Gas and Electric Company

 

 

 

31.4

*

Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed by Jared J. Bushek for Madison Gas and Electric Company

 

 

 

32.1

**

Certifications Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 United States Code (Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) filed by Jeffrey M. Keebler for MGE Energy, Inc.

 

 

 

32.2

**

Certifications Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 United States Code (Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) filed by Jared J. Bushek for MGE Energy, Inc.

 

 

 

32.3

**

Certifications Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 United States Code (Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) filed by Jeffrey M. Keebler for Madison Gas and Electric Company

 

 

 

32.4

**

Certifications Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 United States Code (Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) filed by Jared J. Bushek for Madison Gas and Electric Company

 

 

 

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation

104.1

 

Included in the cover page, formatted in Inline XBRL

 

 

 

*

 

Filed herewith.

**

 

Furnished herewith.

 

48


 

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: May 6, 2021

/s/ Jeffrey M. Keebler

 

Jeffrey M. Keebler

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

(Duly Authorized Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: May 6, 2021

/s/ Jared J. Bushek

 

Jared J. Bushek

Vice President - Finance, Chief Information Officer and Treasurer

(Chief Financial Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: May 6, 2021

/s/ Tamara J. Johnson

 

Tamara J. Johnson

Vice President - Accounting and Controller

(Chief Accounting Officer)

 

49


 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: May 6, 2021

/s/ Jeffrey M. Keebler

 

Jeffrey M. Keebler

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

(Duly Authorized Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: May 6, 2021

/s/ Jared J. Bushek

 

Jared J. Bushek

Vice President - Finance, Chief Information Officer and Treasurer

(Chief Financial Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: May 6, 2021

/s/ Tamara J. Johnson

 

Tamara J. Johnson

Vice President - Accounting and Controller

(Chief Accounting Officer)

50