WISCONSIN ELECTRIC POWER CO - Annual Report: 2009 (Form 10-K)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes [  ]    No [X]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.    Yes [  ]    No [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes [X]    No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes [  ]    No [  ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this Chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in the definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    [X]

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

                                 Large accelerated filer [  ]                                    Accelerated filer [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes [  ]    No [X]

As of June 30, 2009 (and currently), all of the common stock of Wisconsin Electric Power Company is held by Wisconsin Energy Corporation.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date (January 31, 2010):

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of Wisconsin Electric Power Company's definitive information statement on Schedule 14C for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be held on April 29, 2010, are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.

Certain statements contained in this report are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based upon management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning management's expectations and projections regarding earnings, completion of construction projects, regulatory matters, fuel costs, sources of electric energy supply, coal and gas deliveries, remediation costs, environmental and other capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources and other matters. In some cases, forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period or periods or by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "guidance," "intends," "may," "objectives," "plans," "possible," "potential," "projects," "should" or similar terms or variations of these terms.

Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in forward-looking statements. In addition to the assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with these statements, factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements or otherwise affect our future results of operations and financial condition include, among others, the following:

• Factors affecting utility operations such as unusual weather conditions; catastrophic weather-related or terrorism-related damage; availability of electric generating facilities; unscheduled generation outages, or unplanned maintenance or repairs; unanticipated events causing scheduled generation outages to last longer than expected; unanticipated changes in fossil fuel, purchased power, coal supply, gas supply or water supply costs or availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments; nonperformance by electric energy or natural gas suppliers under existing power purchase or gas supply contracts; environmental incidents; electric transmission or gas pipeline system constraints; unanticipated organizational structure or key personnel changes; collective bargaining agreements with union employees or work stoppages; or inflation rates.

• Factors affecting the economic climate in our service territories such as customer growth; customer business conditions, including demand for their products and services; and changes in market demand and demographic patterns.

• Timing, resolution and impact of pending and future rate cases and negotiations, including recovery for new investments as part of Wisconsin Energy's PTF strategy, environmental compliance, transmission service, fuel costs and costs associated with the MISO Energy Markets.

• Regulatory factors such as changes in rate-setting policies or procedures; changes in regulatory accounting policies and practices; industry restructuring initiatives; transmission or distribution system operation and/or administration initiatives; required changes in facilities or operations to reduce the risks or impacts of potential terrorist activities; required approvals for new construction; and the siting approval process for new generation and transmission facilities and new pipeline construction.

• Increased competition in our electric and gas markets and continued industry consolidation.

• Factors which impede or delay execution of Wisconsin Energy's PTF strategy, including the adverse interpretation or enforcement of permit conditions by the permitting agencies; construction delays; and obtaining the investment capital from outside sources necessary to implement the strategy.

• The impact of recent and future federal, state and local legislative and regulatory changes, including electric and gas industry restructuring initiatives; changes to the Federal Power Act and related regulations under the Energy Policy Act and enforcement thereof by FERC and other regulatory agencies; changes in allocation of energy assistance, including state public benefits funds; changes in environmental, tax and other laws and regulations to which we are subject; and changes in the application of existing laws and regulations.

• The cost and other effects of legal and administrative proceedings, settlements, investigations, claims and changes in those matters.

• Events in the global credit markets that may affect the availability and cost of capital.

• Other factors affecting our ability to access the capital markets, including general capital market conditions; our capitalization structure; market perceptions of the utility industry, us or our subsidiary; and our credit ratings.

• The investment performance of Wisconsin Energy's pension and other post-retirement benefit plans.

• The effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard setting bodies.

• Unanticipated technological developments that result in competitive disadvantages and create the potential for impairment of existing assets.

• Changes in the creditworthiness of the counterparties with whom we have contractual arrangements, including participants in the energy trading markets and fuel suppliers and transporters.

• Other business or investment considerations that may be disclosed from time to time in our SEC filings or in other publicly disseminated written documents, including the risk factors set forth in Item 1A of this report.

We expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Wisconsin Electric Power Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wisconsin Energy, was incorporated in the state of Wisconsin in 1896. We maintain our principal executive offices in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Unless qualified by their context when used in this document, the terms Wisconsin Electric, the Company, our, us or we refer to Wisconsin Electric Power Company and its subsidiary, Bostco.

We conduct our operations primarily in three operating segments: an electric utility segment, a natural gas utility segment and a steam utility segment. We serve approximately 1,117,400 electric customers in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, approximately 462,400 gas customers in Wisconsin and approximately 465 steam customers in metropolitan Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For further financial information about our business segments, see Results of Operations in Item 7 and Note P -- Segment Reporting in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8.

Wisconsin Energy is also the parent company of Wisconsin Gas, a natural gas distribution utility, which serves customers throughout Wisconsin; Edison Sault, an electric utility which serves customers in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan; and We Power, an unregulated company that was formed in 2001 to design, construct, own and lease to us the new generating capacity included in Wisconsin Energy's PTF strategy, which is described further in this report. We have combined common functions with Wisconsin Gas and operate under the trade name of "We Energies".

PTF Strategy:   In September 2000, Wisconsin Energy announced its PTF strategy to improve the supply and reliability of electricity in Wisconsin. As part of the PTF strategy, Wisconsin Energy is: (1) investing in new natural gas-fired and coal-fired electric generating facilities, (2) upgrading our existing electric generating facilities and (3) investing in upgrades of our existing energy distribution system. Additional information concerning PTF may be found below under Utility Operations as well as in Item 7.

Other:   Bostco is our non-utility subsidiary that develops and invests in real estate. As of December 31, 2009, Bostco had $35.9 million of assets.

Our annual and periodical filings with the SEC are available, free of charge, through Wisconsin Energy's Internet website www.wisconsinenergy.com. These documents are available as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are filed (or furnished) with the SEC.

We are the largest electric utility in the state of Wisconsin. We generate and distribute electric energy in a territory in southeastern (including the metropolitan Milwaukee area), east central and northern Wisconsin and in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

We participate in the MISO Energy Markets. The competitiveness of our generation offered in the MISO Energy Markets affects how our generating units are dispatched and how we buy and sell power. For further information, see Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources in Item 7.

We are authorized to provide retail electric service in designated territories in the state of Wisconsin, as established by indeterminate permits, CPCNs or boundary agreements with other utilities, and in certain territories in the state of Michigan pursuant to franchises granted by municipalities. We also sell wholesale electric power within the MISO Energy Markets.

Our electric energy sales to all classes of customers totaled approximately 28.9 million MWh during 2009 and approximately 31.7 million MWh during 2008. We had approximately 1,117,400 electric customers as of December 31, 2009 and 1,114,800 electric customers as of December 31, 2008.

Electric Sales Growth:   Our service territory experienced a significant economic recession during late 2008 and into 2009. Our normalized 2009 electric sales, excluding our two largest customers, two iron ore mines, were approximately 5.6% lower than our normalized 2008 electric sales. As we look toward 2010 and beyond, we presently anticipate total retail and municipal electric kWh sales will grow at an annual rate of 0.5% to 1.0% over the next five years. This estimate assumes normal weather and excludes the two iron ore mines. We also anticipate that our peak electric demand will grow at an annual rate of 1.0% to 1.5% over the next five years.

Sales to Large Electric Retail Customers:   We provide electric utility service to a diversified base of customers in such industries as mining, paper, foundry, food products and machinery production, as well as to large retail chains.

Our largest retail electric customers are two iron ore mines located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The combined electric energy sales to the two mines accounted for 5.3% and 6.6% of our total electric utility energy sales during 2009 and 2008, respectively. Effective January 1, 2008, the mines became eligible to receive electric service from us in accordance with tariffs approved by the MPSC. Prior to this, we had special negotiated power-sales contracts with these mines.

Sales to Wholesale Customers:   During 2009, we sold wholesale electric energy to two municipally owned systems, two rural cooperatives and two municipal joint action agencies located in the states of Wisconsin and Michigan. We also made wholesale electric energy sales to twelve other public utilities and power marketers throughout the region under rates approved by FERC. Wholesale sales accounted for approximately 10.7% of our total electric energy sales and 6.1% of total electric operating revenues during 2009, compared with 11.1% of total electric energy sales and 4.3% of total electric operating revenues during 2008.

Electric System Reliability Matters:   Our electric sales are impacted by seasonal factors and varying weather conditions. We sell more electricity during the summer months because of the residential cooling load. We are a member of the RFC, a reliability council which has approved reliability standards setting forth the methodology for establishing planning reserve requirements and requiring the formation of PRSG. We are also a member of the Midwest PRSG, which was formed to establish planning reserve requirements. As a member of the Midwest PRSG, we were required to adhere to PSCW guidelines requiring an 18% planning reserve margin. In October 2008, the PSCW issued an order lowering the planning reserve margin requirement from 18% to 14.5% effective for planning year two and each year beyond, and the MISO calculated the planning reserve margin for the first planning year 2009-2010. The MPSC has not yet established guidelines in this area.

We had adequate capacity to meet all of our firm electric load obligations during 2009 and expect to have adequate capacity to meet all of our firm obligations during 2010. For additional information, see Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources in Item 7.

Our electric supply strategy is to provide our customers with a diverse fuel mix that is expected to maintain a stable, reliable and affordable supply of electricity. We supply a significant amount of electricity to our customers from power plants that we own or lease. We supplement our internally generated power supply with long-term power purchase agreements, including the Point Beach power purchase agreement discussed later in this report, and through spot purchases in the MISO Energy Markets.

Our installed capacity by fuel type as of December 31 is shown below:

The table below indicates our sources of electric energy supply as a percentage of sales for the three years ended December 31, 2009, as well as an estimate for 2010:

Our average fuel and purchased power costs per MWh by fuel type for the years ended December 31 are shown below:

Historically, the fuel costs for coal have been under long-term contracts, which helped with price stability. Coal and associated transportation services have seen greater volatility in pricing than typically experienced in these markets due to changes in the domestic and world-wide demand for coal and the impacts of diesel costs which are incorporated into fuel surcharges on rail transportation.

Natural gas costs have been volatile. We have a PSCW-approved hedging program to help manage our natural gas price risk. This hedging program is generally implemented on a 36-month forward-looking basis. Proceeds related to the natural gas hedging program are reflected in the 2009, 2008 and 2007 average costs of natural gas and purchased power shown above.

Our coal-fired generation consists of 17 generating units as of December 31, 2009. In addition, OC 1 was placed into service in February 2010. Bechtel is targeting the commercial operation of OC 2 by the end of August 2010.

Coal Supply:   We diversify the coal supply for our power plants by purchasing coal from mines in Wyoming, Pennsylvania and Colorado as well as from various other states. During 2010, 100% of our projected coal requirements of 11.6 million tons are under contracts which are not tied to 2010 market pricing fluctuations. In 2009, our coal-fired generation consisted of six operating plants with a dependable capability of approximately 3,131 MW. However, by the end of 2010, with the addition of OC 1 and the scheduled addition of OC 2, we expect our coal-fired generation to have a dependable capability of 4,161 MW.

Following is a summary of the annual tonnage amounts for our principal long-term coal contracts by the month and year in which the contracts expire:

Coal Deliveries:   Approximately 88% of our 2010 coal requirements are expected to be delivered by unit trains owned or leased by us. The unit trains will transport coal for the Oak Creek and Pleasant Prairie Power Plants from Wyoming mines, and transport coal for the Oak Creek expansion units from Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Coal from Colorado mines is transported via rail to Lake Superior or Lake Michigan transfer docks and delivered by lake vessel to the Milwaukee harbor for Milwaukee-based power plants. Montana and Wyoming coal for the Presque Isle Power Plant is transported via rail to Superior, Wisconsin, placed in dock storage and reloaded into lake vessels for plant delivery. Colorado coal bound for the Presque Isle Power Plant is shipped via rail to Lake Superior and Lake Michigan (Chicago) coal transfer docks, respectively, for lake vessel delivery to the plant.

Certain of our coal transportation contracts contain fuel cost adjustments that are tied to changes in a diesel fuel price index. Currently, diesel fuel contracts are not actively traded; therefore, we are using financial heating oil contracts to mitigate risk. The PSCW has approved a program that allows us to hedge up to 75% of our potential fuel for electric generation in order to help manage our risk of higher delivered cost of coal. The costs of this program are included in our fuel and purchased power costs.

During the fourth quarter of 2009, we reached a contingent agreement to sell our 25% interest in Edgewater Generating Unit 5 to WPL, which will become binding if we are unable to reach an agreement with a third party to sell our interest. We are continuing to negotiate with a third party to sell our interest in this unit. The completion of any sale will be subject to approval by the PSCW.

Environmental Matters:   For information regarding emission restrictions, especially as they relate to coal-fired generating facilities, see Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Environmental Matters in Item 7.

Our natural gas-fired generation consists of five operating plants with a dependable capability of approximately 1,983 MW as of December 31, 2009. We added PWGS 1 and PWGS 2, both natural gas-fired units with a dependable capability of 545 MW each, in July 2005 and May 2008, respectively, via leases from We Power.

We purchase natural gas for these plants on the spot market from gas marketers, utilities and producers and we arrange for transportation of the natural gas to the plants. We have firm and interruptible transportation, balancing and storage agreements intended to support the plants' variable usage.

The PSCW has approved a program that allows us to hedge up to 75% of our estimated gas usage for electric generation in order to help manage our natural gas price risk. The costs of this program are included in our fuel and purchased power costs.

Fuel oil is used for the combustion turbines at the Germantown Power Plant units 1-4, boiler ignition and flame stabilization at the Presque Isle Power Plant, and diesel engines at the Pleasant Prairie Power Plant and Valley Power Plant. Our oil-fired generation had a dependable capability of approximately 257 MW as of December 31, 2009. Our natural gas-fired peaking units have the ability to burn oil if natural gas is not available due to delivery constraints. Fuel oil requirements are purchased under agreements with suppliers.

Hydroelectric:   Our hydroelectric generating system consists of 13 operating plants with a total installed capacity of approximately 88 MW and a dependable capability of approximately 57 MW as of December 31, 2009. Of these 13 plants, 12 plants (86 MW of installed capacity) have long-term licenses from FERC. The thirteenth plant, with an installed generating capacity of approximately 2 MW, does not require a license.

Wind:   We completed the Blue Sky Green Field wind project in May 2008. This project has 88 turbines, an installed capacity of approximately 145 MW and a current dependable capability of approximately 29 MW. In July 2008, we completed the purchase of rights to a new wind farm site in central Wisconsin, Glacier Hills Wind Park, and filed a request for a CPCN with the PSCW in October 2008. We entered into a conditional turbine agreement for the new wind facility and filed a revised, lower cost estimate with the PSCW in May 2009 of $335.2 million to $413.5 million, excluding AFUDC. In January 2010, the PSCW approved the CPCN. We currently expect to install up to 90 wind turbines with generating capacity of up to approximately 207 MW, subject to turbine selection and the final site configuration. We expect 2012 to be the first full year of operation.

Biomass:   In September 2009, we announced plans to construct a biomass-fueled power plant at Domtar Corporation's Rothschild, Wisconsin paper mill site. Wood, waste and sawdust will be used to produce approximately 50 MW of electricity and will also support Domtar's sustainable papermaking operations. We believe the biomass plant will be eligible for either the federal production tax credit or the federal 30% investment tax credit. We currently expect the plant to cost approximately $250 million and to be completed during the fall of 2013, subject to regulatory approvals. We expect to file a request for a Certificate of Authority for the project in the first quarter of 2010.

Point Beach:   Prior to September 28, 2007, we owned two 518 MW electric generating units at Point Beach in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. On September 28, 2007, we sold Point Beach to an affiliate of FPL for approximately $924 million. Pursuant to the terms of the sale agreement, the buyer purchased Point Beach, its nuclear fuel and associated inventories, and assumed the obligation to decommission the plant.

A long-term power purchase agreement with the buyer became effective upon closing of the sale. Pursuant to this agreement, we are purchasing all of the energy produced by Point Beach. The power purchase agreement extends through 2030 for Unit 1 and 2033 for Unit 2. Based on the agreement, we will be paying the buyer a predetermined price per MWh for energy delivered. For additional information on the sale of Point Beach, see Note H -- Nuclear Operations in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 and Nuclear Operations under Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources in Item 7.

Used Nuclear Fuel Storage & Disposal:   For information concerning used nuclear fuel storage and disposal issues, see Nuclear Operations under Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources in Item 7.

We enter into short and long-term power purchase commitments to meet a portion of our anticipated electric energy supply needs. The following table identifies our power purchase commitments as of December 31, 2009 with unaffiliated parties for the next five years:

Approximately 1,030 MW per year relates to the Point Beach long-term power purchase agreement. Under this agreement, we pay a predetermined price per MWh for energy delivered according to a schedule included in the agreement. The balance of these power purchase commitments are tolling arrangements whereby we are responsible for the procurement, delivery and the cost of natural gas fuel related to specific units identified in the contracts.

In addition, as part of Wisconsin Energy's PTF strategy, we are leasing three of the four new operating units from We Power under long-term leases that have been approved by the PSCW. We are responsible for all of the operating costs, including fuel, of the PTF units once they are placed in service, and we will recover the operating costs of these plants in rates. PWGS 1 and PWGS 2, each with a dependable capability of 545 MW, were placed in service in July 2005 and May 2008, respectively. OC 1 was placed into service on February 2, 2010. Bechtel is targeting the commercial operation of OC 2 by the end of August 2010. We are entitled to 515 MW from each unit.

American Transmission Company:   ATC owns, maintains, monitors and operates electric transmission systems in Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois. ATC's sole business is to provide reliable, economic electric transmission service to all customers in a fair and equitable manner. ATC is expected to provide comparable service to all customers, including us, and to support effective competition in energy markets without favoring any market participant. ATC is regulated by FERC for all rate terms and conditions of service and is a transmission-owning member of MISO. MISO maintains operational control of ATC's transmission system, and we are a non-transmission owning member and customer of MISO. We owned approximately 23.0% of ATC as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.

MISO:   In connection with its status as a FERC approved RTO, MISO developed bid-based energy markets, which were implemented on April 1, 2005. In January 2009, MISO commenced the Energy and Operating Reserves Markets, which includes the bid-based energy markets and a new ancillary services market. For further information on MISO and the MISO Energy Markets, see Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Industry Restructuring and Competition - Electric Transmission and Energy Markets in Item 7.

Electric Hedging Programs:   We purchase some of the electricity needed to satisfy our current sales obligations in the MISO Energy Markets. Due to volatility in the price of market-based energy, we face potential financial exposure. We have PSCW approval to hedge up to 75% of a future month's predicted electricity need. This plan seeks to manage market price risk, as well as reduce price risks related to forced outages.

The following table shows certain electric utility operating statistics from 2005 to 2009 for electric operating revenues, MWh sales and customer data:

Our steam utility generates, distributes and sells steam supplied by our Valley and Milwaukee County Power Plants. We operate a district steam system in downtown Milwaukee and the near south side of Milwaukee. Steam is supplied to this system from our Valley Power Plant, a coal-fired cogeneration facility. We also operate the steam production and distribution facilities of the Milwaukee County Power Plant located on the Milwaukee County Grounds in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

Annual sales of steam fluctuate from year to year based upon system growth and variations in weather conditions. During 2009, the steam utility had $39.1 million of operating revenues from the sale of 2,932 million pounds of steam compared with $40.3 million of operating revenues from the sale of 3,081 million pounds of steam during 2008. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, steam was used by approximately 465 customers for processing, space heating, domestic hot water and humidification.

See Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Rates and Regulatory Matters in Item 7.

As required by PUHCA 2005, enacted under the Energy Policy Act, we notified FERC of our status as a holding company by reason of our ownership interest in ATC and sought from FERC exemption from the requirements of PUHCA 2005. In June 2006, we received notice from FERC confirming our status as a holding company and granting such exemption.

We are subject to the Energy Policy Act and the corresponding regulations developed by certain federal agencies. The Energy Policy Act, among other things, made electric utility industry consolidation more feasible, authorized FERC to review proposed mergers and the acquisition of generation facilities, changed the FERC regulatory scheme applicable to qualifying co-generation facilities and modified certain other aspects of energy regulations and Federal tax policies applicable to us. Additionally, the Energy Policy Act created an Electric Reliability Organization to be overseen by FERC, which established mandatory electric reliability standards, replacing the voluntary standards developed by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, and which has the authority to levy monetary sanctions for failure to comply with the new standards.

We are subject to the regulation of the PSCW as to retail electric, gas and steam rates in the state of Wisconsin, standards of service, issuance of securities, construction of certain new facilities, transactions with affiliates, billing practices and various other matters. We are also subject to regulation of the PSCW as to certain levels of short-term debt obligations. We are subject to the regulation of the MPSC as to the various matters associated with retail electric service in the state of Michigan, except as to the issuance of securities in the ordinary course of business, construction of certain new facilities, levels of short-term debt obligations and advance approval of transactions with affiliates in the ordinary course of business. Our hydroelectric facilities are regulated by FERC. We are subject to regulation of FERC with respect to wholesale power service, electric reliability requirements and accounting. For information on how rates are set, see Rates and Regulatory Matters under Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources in Item 7.

The following table compares the source of our operating revenues by regulatory jurisdiction for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009:

Our operations are also subject to regulations, where applicable, of the EPA, the WDNR, the MDEQ and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

In March 2006, Wisconsin revised the requirements for renewable energy generation by enacting Act 141. Act 141 defines "baseline renewable percentage" as the average of an energy provider's renewable energy percentage for 2001, 2002 and 2003. A utility's renewable energy percentage is equal to the amount of its total retail energy sales that are provided by renewable sources. Our baseline renewable energy percentage is 2.27%. Under Act 141, we could not decrease our renewable energy percentage for the years 2006-2009, and for the years 2010-2014, we must increase our renewable energy percentage at least two percentage points to a level of 4.27%. Act 141 further requires that for the year 2015 and beyond, the renewable energy percentage must increase at least six percentage points above the baseline to a level of 8.27%. Act 141 establishes a goal that 10% of all electricity consumed in Wisconsin be generated by renewable resources by December 31, 2015. Act 141 also redirects the administration of energy efficiency, conservation and renewable programs from the DOA back to the PSCW and/or contracted third parties. In addition, Act 141 requires that 1.2% of utilities' annual operating revenues be used to fund these programs. In July 2008, the Governor of Wisconsin's Task Force on Global Warming, which was established in 2007, issued a final report that recommended that the energy efficiency goal be based on achieving efficiency resulting in a 2% reduction in electric load annually starting in 2015 rather than a goal based on a percent of revenue. The Task Force's report also includes an increased renewable portfolio standard. Under the Task Force's recommendations, the renewable portfolio standard would increase to 10% by 2013, 20% by 2020 and 25% by 2025.

In December 2009, legislation covering the Task Force recommendations was introduced in the Wisconsin legislature. We are working within the context of the Task Force to provide comments where we believe the proposed legislation deviates from the Task Force recommendations.

Public Act 295 enacted in Michigan calls for the implementation of a renewable portfolio standard by 2015 and energy optimization (efficiency) targets up to 1% annually by 2015. Public Act 295 specifically calls for current recovery of costs incurred to meet the standards and provides for ongoing review and revision to assure the measures taken are cost-effective.

For additional information on Act 141 and current renewable projects, see Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Rates and Regulatory Matters - Renewables, Efficiency and Conservation and Rates and Regulatory Matters - Renewable Energy Portfolio in Item 7.

Our operations are subject to extensive environmental regulations by state and federal environmental agencies governing air and water quality, hazardous and solid waste management, environmental remediation, and management of natural resources. Costs associated with complying with these requirements are significant. Additional future environmental statutes and regulations or revisions to existing laws, including for example, additional regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, coal ash, air emissions or wastewater discharges, could significantly increase these environmental compliance costs.

Expenditures for environmental compliance and remediation issues are included in anticipated capital expenditures described in Liquidity and Capital Resources in Item 7. For a discussion of additional environmental issues, see Environmental Matters in Item 3. For further information concerning air and water quality standards and rulemaking initiated by the EPA, including estimated costs of compliance, see Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Environmental Matters in Item 7. For a discussion of matters related to certain solid waste and coal-ash landfills, manufactured gas plant sites and air quality, see Note R -- Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8.

Compliance with federal, state and local environmental protection requirements resulted in capital expenditures of approximately $188 million in 2009 compared with $135 million in 2008. Expenditures incurred during 2008 and 2009 primarily included costs associated with the installation of pollution abatement facilities at our power plants. These expenditures are expected to approximate $300 million during 2010, reflecting NO_x, SO₂ and other pollution control equipment needed to comply with various rules promulgated by the EPA. Operation, maintenance and depreciation expenses for fly ash removal equipment and other environmental protection systems were approximately $66.7 million and $67.2 million during 2009 and 2008, respectively.

We currently have a successful program of beneficial utilization for substantially all of our coal combustion products, including fly ash, bottom ash and synthetic gypsum, which avoids the need for disposal in specially-designed landfills. Some early designed and constructed coal-ash landfills, which we used prior to developing this program, may allow the release of low levels of constituents resulting in the need for various levels of remediation. Where we have become aware of these conditions, efforts have been made to define the nature and extent of any release, and work has been performed to address these conditions. Sites currently undergoing remediation include the following:

Oak Creek North Landfill:   Groundwater impairments at this landfill, located in the City of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, prompted us to investigate, during 1998, the condition of the existing cover and other conditions at the site. Surface water drainage improvements were effectively implemented at this site during 1999 and 2000. The approved remediation plan was coordinated with activities associated with the construction of the Oak Creek expansion. Currently there is a temporary cap installed, which is used as laydown area and parking. When construction activities are completed, a permanent cap will be installed.

South Oak Creek Landfill:   Groundwater impairments at this landfill, located in the City of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, prompted us to begin investigation in 2009 for the source of impacts identified in monitoring wells on the site and the surrounding area. Preliminary results indicate that the groundwater impacts may be naturally occurring or are from another source. Soils from construction of the Oak Creek expansion were added to the existing cover during 2005 and 2006 to increase the thickness of cover materials. A landfill closure application will be completed when the construction documentation report for activities associated with the Oak Creek expansion is submitted to the WDNR.

Research and Development:   We had immaterial research and development expenditures in the last three years, primarily for improvement of service and abatement of air and water pollution by our electric utility operations. Research and development activities include work done by employees, consultants and contractors, plus sponsorship of research by industry associations.

Employees:   As of December 31, 2009, we had 4,123 total employees, of which 2,720 were represented under labor agreements with the following bargaining units:

We are subject to significant state, local and federal governmental regulation. We are subject to the regulation of the PSCW as to retail electric, gas and steam rates in the state of Wisconsin, standards of service, issuance of securities, short-term debt obligations, construction of certain new facilities, transactions with affiliates, billing practices and various other matters. In addition, we are subject to the regulation of the MPSC as to the various matters associated with retail electric service in the state of Michigan, except as to the issuance of securities in the ordinary course of business, construction of certain new facilities, levels of short-term debt obligations and advance approval of transactions with affiliates. Further, our hydroelectric facilities are regulated by FERC, and FERC also regulates our wholesale power service practices and electric reliability requirements. Our significant level of regulation imposes restrictions on our operations and causes us to incur substantial compliance costs.

We are obligated to comply in good faith with all applicable governmental rules and regulations. If it is determined that we failed to comply with any applicable rules or regulations, whether through new interpretations or applications of the regulations or otherwise, we may be liable for customer refunds, penalties and other amounts, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We estimate that approximately 89% of our electric revenues are regulated by the PSCW, 5% are regulated by the MPSC and the balance of our electric revenues is regulated by FERC. All of our natural gas and steam revenues are regulated by the PSCW. Our ability to obtain rate adjustments in the future is dependent upon regulatory action, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain rate adjustments in the future that will allow us to recover our costs and expenses and to maintain our current authorized rates of return.

We believe we have obtained the necessary permits, approvals and certificates for our existing operations and that our respective businesses are conducted in accordance with applicable laws; however, the impact of any future revision or changes in interpretations of existing regulations or the adoption of new laws and regulations applicable to us cannot be predicted. Changes in regulation, interpretations of regulations or the imposition of additional regulations could influence our operating environment and may result in substantial compliance costs.

Under Wisconsin Energy's PTF strategy, we expect to meet a significant portion of our future generation needs through the leasing of two 545 MW natural gas-fired generating units at PWGS and two 615 MW coal-fired generating units (of which we will be entitled to 515 MW each) located adjacent to our existing Oak Creek Power Plant. PWGS 1 and PWGS 2, which have a dependable capability of 545 MW each, were placed in service in July 2005 and May 2008, respectively. OC 1 was placed into service on February 2, 2010. Bechtel is targeting the commercial operation of OC 2 by the end of August 2010.

Large construction projects of this type, as well as the construction of renewable energy generation and environmental improvements, are subject to usual construction risks over which we and We Power will have limited or no control and which might adversely affect project costs and completion time. These risks include, but are not limited to, shortages of, the ability to obtain or the cost of labor or materials; the ability of the general contractor or subcontractors to perform under their contracts; strikes; adverse weather conditions; the ability to obtain necessary operating permits in a timely manner; legal challenges; changes in applicable laws or regulations; adverse interpretation or enforcement of permit conditions, laws and regulations by courts or the permitting agencies; other governmental actions; and events in the global economy.

Our operations are subject to extensive environmental regulations by state and federal environmental agencies governing, among other things, air emissions such as CO₂, SO₂, NO_x, fine particulates and mercury; water discharges; and management of hazardous, toxic and solid wastes and substances. We incur significant expenditures in complying with these environmental requirements, including expenditures for the installation of pollution control equipment, environmental monitoring, emissions fees and permits at all of our facilities.

Existing environmental regulations may be revised or new laws or regulations may be adopted which could result in significant additional expenditures, operating restrictions on our facilities and increased compliance costs. In addition, the operation of emission control equipment and further regulations on our intake and discharge of water could increase our operating costs and could reduce the generating capacity of our power plants. In the event we are not able to recover all of our environmental expenditures from our customers in the future, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Our electric and gas utility businesses are also subject to significant liabilities related to the investigation and remediation of environmental contamination at certain of our current and former facilities and at third-party owned sites. Due to the potential for imposition of stricter standards and greater regulation in the future and the possibility that other potentially responsible parties may not be financially able to contribute to cleanup costs, conditions may change or additional contamination may be discovered, our remediation costs could increase, and the timing of our capital and/or operating expenditures in the future may accelerate.

In addition, we may also be subject to potential liability in connection with the environmental condition of the facilities that we have previously owned and operated, regardless of whether the liabilities arose before, during or after the time we owned or operated the facilities. If we fail (or failed) to comply with environmental laws and regulations or cause (or caused) harm to the environment or persons, even if caused by factors beyond our control, that failure or harm may result in the assessment of civil or criminal penalties and damages against us. The incurrence of a material environmental liability or a material judgment in any action for personal injury or property damage related to environmental matters could have a significant adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We currently have a successful program of beneficial utilization for substantially all of our coal combustion products, including fly ash, bottom ash and synthetic gypsum, which avoids the need for disposal in specially-designed landfills. Both Wisconsin and Michigan have regulations governing the use and disposal of these materials. Recently, however, the EPA stated that it is considering classifying coal ash as a hazardous waste. If coal ash is classified as a hazardous waste, it could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue our current program. Curtailing our program could result in the loss of a revenue stream that helps to offset the cost of pollution control equipment and the activities necessary to collect the coal ash.

In addition, if coal ash is classified as hazardous waste and we terminate our coal ash utilization program, we could be required to dispose of the coal ash at a significant cost to the Company.

Federal and state legislative and regulatory proposals have been introduced to regulate the emission of greenhouse gases, particularly CO₂, and the President and his administration have made it clear that they are focused on reducing such emissions through legislation and/or regulation. In addition, there have been international efforts seeking legally binding reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases.

We believe that future governmental legislation and/or regulation will require us either to limit greenhouse gas emissions from our operations or to purchase allowances for such emissions. However, we cannot currently predict with any certainty what form these future regulations will take, the stringency of the regulations or when they will become effective. Legislation continues to be considered in the United States Congress that would compel greenhouse gas emission reductions. The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 passed the U.S. House of Representatives in June 2009. The bill, among other things, (i) establishes a federal renewable energy standard; (ii) permits energy efficiency measures to satisfy part of the renewable energy standard; and (iii) establishes a cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from various sectors of the economy, including electric and natural gas utilities. Similar legislation is currently being considered in the U.S. Senate and could result in the passage of enforceable federal standards, such as a cap-and-trade program, governing greenhouse gas emissions.

Legislation to regulate greenhouse gases and establish renewable and efficiency standards is also being considered on the state level. The state of Michigan has enacted legislation that calls for the implementation of a renewable portfolio standard by 2015 and energy optimization (efficiency) targets up to 1% annually by 2015. The state of Wisconsin is currently considering similar legislation addressing renewable energy and efficiency standards. In

addition, the Governors of both Michigan and Wisconsin have signed on to the "Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord" and the associated "platform" document developed through the Midwestern Governors Association. These state and regional initiatives could lead to legislation and regulation of greenhouse gas emissions that could be implemented sooner and/or independent of federal regulation, and could be more stringent than any federal legislation that is adopted.

In addition to these federal and state legislative efforts, the EPA is pursuing regulation of greenhouse gases using its existing authority under the CAA. On December 7, 2009, the EPA issued its long-expected endangerment finding. This determination provides that the atmospheric mix of six greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. The determination specifically addresses only the contribution to air pollution of greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles and itself has no immediate regulatory effect. However, in combination with a separate EPA rulemaking that will establish limits on greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles, the endangerment finding sets in motion a regulatory process that would likely lead to widespread regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources, including electric generating units, absent legislative or other intervention by the Administration. Regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from power plants will impact our ability to do maintenance or modify our existing facilities, and permit new facilities.

In September 2009, the EPA issued two proposals intended to provide guidance on, and effectively change, how the CAA's existing permitting requirements could be applied to sources of greenhouse gas emissions in all sectors of the economy, including major stationary sources of air pollutants such as electric generating plants. The endangerment finding, the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles and these two additional proposals would provide a framework for the EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from major sources under the CAA.

Some states and environmental groups are also bringing lawsuits against electric utilities and others to force reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. A decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has made it easier for lawsuits to move forward based upon the alleged public nuisance of climate change. The Second Circuit ruled that the plaintiffs in that case have standing to file suit against six electric power corporations for their contribution to the alleged public nuisance of climate change, and that the court's jurisdiction over such lawsuit is not barred by the political question doctrine. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reached a similar conclusion in another nuisance lawsuit involving climate change. Based on these recent decisions, this type of litigation may increase in frequency.

There is no guarantee that we will be allowed to fully recover costs incurred to comply with any future legislation, regulation or order that requires a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions or that cost recovery will not be delayed or otherwise conditioned. Any cap-and-trade program that may be adopted, either at the federal, state or regional level, or other legislation, regulation or order designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could make some of our electric generating units uneconomic to maintain and could have a material adverse impact on our electric generation and natural gas distribution operations, cash flows and financial condition if such costs are not recovered through regulated rates. We continue to monitor the legislative, regulatory and legal developments in this area. Although we expect the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions to have a material impact on our operations and rates, we believe it is premature to attempt to quantify the possible costs of the impacts.

We rely on access to short-term and long-term capital markets to support our capital expenditures and other capital requirements, including expenditures for our utility infrastructure and to comply with future regulatory requirements. We have historically secured funds from a variety of sources, including the issuance of short-term and long-term debt securities, preferred stock and equity contributions from our parent, Wisconsin Energy. Successful implementation of our long-term business strategies is dependent upon our ability to access the capital markets, including the banking and commercial paper markets, under competitive terms and rates. If our access to any of these markets were limited, or our cost of capital significantly increased due to a ratings downgrade, prevailing market conditions, failures of financial institutions or other factors, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

Our electric generation and gas transportation facilities, including the facilities of third parties on which we rely, could be targets of terrorist activities, including cyber terrorism. A terrorist attack on our facilities (or those of third parties) could result in a full or partial disruption of our ability to generate, transmit, transport, purchase or distribute electricity or natural gas or cause environmental repercussions. Any operational disruption or environmental repercussions could result in a significant decrease in our revenues or significant reconstruction or remediation costs, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our electric and gas utility businesses are generally seasonal businesses. Demand for electricity is greater in the summer and winter months associated with cooling and heating. In addition, demand for natural gas peaks in the winter heating season. As a result, our overall results in the future may fluctuate substantially on a seasonal basis. In addition, we have historically had lower revenues and net income when weather conditions are milder. Our rates in Wisconsin are set by the PSCW based on estimated temperatures which approximate 20-year averages. Mild temperatures during the summer cooling season and during the winter heating season will negatively impact the results of operations and cash flows of our electric utility business. In addition, mild temperatures during the winter heating season negatively impact the results of operations and cash flows of our gas utility business.

We burn natural gas in several of our peaking power plants and in PWGS 1 and PWGS 2, and as a supplemental fuel at several coal-fired plants. In many instances the cost of purchased power is tied to the cost of natural gas. In addition, higher natural gas costs also can have the effect of increasing demand for other sources of fuel thereby increasing the costs of those fuels as well. For Wisconsin customers, we bear the regulatory risk for the recovery of fuel and purchased power costs when those costs are higher than the forecast of fuel and purchased power costs used to determine the base rate established in our rate structure. Our gas distribution business receives dollar for dollar recovery of the cost of natural gas, subject to tolerance bands and prudency review. However, increased natural gas costs increase the risk that customers will switch to alternative sources of fuel or reduce their usage, which could reduce future gas margins. In addition, an increase in natural gas costs combined with slower economic conditions could also expose us to greater risks of accounts receivable write-offs as more customers are unable to pay their bills. Additionally, high natural gas costs increase our working capital requirements.

We are dependent on coal for much of our electric generating capacity. Although we currently have an adequate supply of coal at our coal-fired facilities, there can be no assurance that we will continue to have an adequate supply of coal in the future. While we have coal supply and transportation contracts in place, there can be no assurance that the counterparties to these agreements will be able to fulfill their obligations to supply coal to us. The suppliers under these agreements may experience financial or operational problems that inhibit their ability to fulfill their obligations to us. In addition, suppliers under these agreements may not be required to supply coal to us under certain circumstances, such as in the event of a natural disaster. If we significantly reduce our inventory of coal and are unable to obtain our coal requirements under our coal supply and transportation contracts, we may be required to purchase coal at higher prices, or we may be forced to reduce generation at our coal units and replace this lost generation from higher cost generating resources or through additional power purchases in the MISO Energy Markets.

Our financial performance depends on the successful operation of our electric generating and gas distribution facilities. Operation of these facilities involves many risks, including: operator error and breakdown or failure of equipment processes; fuel supply interruptions; labor disputes; operating limitations that may be imposed by environmental or other regulatory requirements; or catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods or other similar occurrences. Unplanned outages can result in additional maintenance expenses as well as incremental replacement power costs.

Our cost of providing defined benefit pension plans is dependent upon a number of factors including actual plan experience and assumptions concerning the future, such as earnings on plan assets, discount rates, the level of interest rates used to measure the required minimum funding levels of the plans, future government regulation and our required or voluntary contributions to be made to the plans. Changes made to the plans may also impact current and future pension costs. Depending upon the growth rate of the pension investments over time and other factors impacting our costs as listed above, we may be required to contribute significant additional amounts in the future to fund our plans. These additional funding obligations could have a material adverse impact on our cash flows, financial condition or results of operations.

Our electric and gas utility businesses are impacted by the economic cycles of the customers we serve. As a result of the significant downturn in the economy during 2008 and 2009, we saw a deterioration in regional economic conditions. As the demand for products produced in our service area declines, we ordinarily experience reduced demand for electricity and/or natural gas. If the economic conditions in our service territories and/or demand for products produced in our service area does not continue to improve or declines again, we could experience a further reduction in demand for electricity and/or natural gas that could result in decreased earnings and cash flow. We would also expect our collections of accounts receivable to be adversely impacted.

Our results of operations are affected by customer growth in our service areas. Customer growth can be affected by population growth as well as economic factors in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, including job and income growth. Customer growth directly influences the demand for electricity and gas, and the need for additional power generation and generating facilities. Population declines and/or business closings in our service territories or slower than anticipated customer growth as a result of the significant downturn in the economy during 2008 and 2009 or otherwise has, to a limited extent, and could continue to have, a material adverse impact on our cash flow, financial condition or results of operations.

We are required to comply with the terms of various permits, authorizations and licenses. These permits, authorizations and licenses may be revoked or modified by the agencies that granted them if facts develop that differ significantly from the facts assumed when they were issued. In addition, discharge permits and other approvals and licenses are often granted for a term that is less than the expected life of the associated facility. Licenses and permits may require periodic renewal, which may result in additional requirements being imposed by the granting agency.

Also, if we are unable to obtain, renew or comply with these governmental permits, authorizations or licenses, or if we are unable to recover any increased costs of complying with additional license requirements or any other associated costs in our rates in a timely manner, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

The regulated energy industry continues to experience significant structural changes. Increased competition in the retail and wholesale markets, which may result from restructuring efforts, could have a significant adverse financial impact on us. It is uncertain when retail access might be implemented in Wisconsin; however, Michigan has adopted retail choice which potentially affects our Michigan operations. Under retail access legislation, customers are permitted to choose their own electric generation supplier. All Michigan electric customers were able to choose their electric generation supplier beginning in January 2002. Although competition and customer switching to alternative suppliers in our service territories in Michigan has been limited, the additional competitive pressures resulting from retail access could lead to a loss of customers and our incurring stranded costs.

The new market designs have the potential to increase the costs of transmission, the costs associated with inefficient generation dispatching, the costs of participation in the market and the costs associated with estimated payment settlements.

None.

As of December 31, 2009, we owned or leased the following generating stations: