10-Q 1 wpp.htm WPP THIRD QUARTER 10Q - PD. ENDING 09/30/01 FORM 10-Q

Page 1 of 25

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

Quarterly Report under Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

For Quarter Ended September 30, 2001

 

 

Commission File Number 1-255-2

 

 

WEST PENN POWER COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Pennsylvania

13-5480882

(State of Incorporation)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

800 Cabin Hill Drive, Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601

Telephone Number - 724-837-3000

 

 

     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 and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

     At November 14, 2001, 24,361,586 shares of the Common Stock (no par value) of the registrant were outstanding, all of which are held by Allegheny Energy, Inc., the Company's parent.

 

2

WEST PENN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Form 10-Q for Quarter Ended September 30, 2001

 

Index

 

 

 

PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Page No.

Consolidated Statement of Operations -

  Three and nine months ended September 30, 2001 and 2000

3

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows -

  Nine months ended September 30, 2001 and 2000

4

Consolidated Balance Sheet - September 30, 2001

  And December 31, 2000

5-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7-9

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial

  Condition and Results of Operations

10-23

PART II-OTHER INFORMATION

24-25

 

 

3

WEST PENN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statement of Operations

(Thousands of Dollars)

Unaudited

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30

September 30

2001

2000*

2001

2000*

OPERATING REVENUES:

  Residential

    $102,093

    $ 96,638

    $317,658

    $298,652

  Commercial

      64,088

      60,225

     184,033

     163,990

  Industrial

      83,691

      85,131

     251,060

     236,354

  Wholesale and other, including affiliates

      16,696

      17,217

      62,835

      57,660

  Transmission services and bulk power sales

       6,233

       7,317

      18,372

      17,979

      Total Operating Revenues

     272,801

     266,528

     833,958

     774,635

OPERATING EXPENSES:

  Operation:

    Purchased power and exchanges, net

     153,194

     141,644

     459,415

     409,048

    Other

      29,541

      29,277

      88,699

      88,688

  Maintenance

      10,953

       9,432

      30,422

      27,287

  Depreciation and amortization

      17,473

      15,063

      52,434

      45,596

  Taxes other than income taxes

      12,331

      12,091

      37,709

      33,116

  Federal and state income taxes

      11,974

      13,795

      43,817

      40,664

      Total Operating Expenses

     235,466

     221,302

     712,496

     644,399

          Operating Income

      37,335

      45,226

     121,462

     130,236

OTHER INCOME AND DEDUCTIONS:

  Allowance for other than borrowed funds

      used during construction

         101

         (11)

         287

         103

  Other income, net

         519

       1,428

       1,502

       3,480

      Total Other Income and Deductions

         620

       1,417

       1,789

       3,583

      Income Before Interest Charges

      37,955

      46,643

     123,251

     133,819

INTEREST CHARGES:

  Interest on long-term debt

      12,065

      15,942

      37,163

      48,422

  Other interest

         587

         764

       1,963

       2,210

  Allowance for borrowed funds used during

      construction

        (143)

         (35)

        (423)

        (427)

          Total Interest Charges

      12,509

      16,671

      38,703

      50,205

CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME

    $ 25,446

    $ 29,972

    $ 84,548

    $ 83,614

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

* Certain amounts have been reclassified for comparative purposes.

 

4

WEST PENN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(Thousands of Dollars)

Unaudited

Nine Months Ended

September 30

2001

2000*

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS:

    Consolidated net income

   $ 84,548

   $ 83,614

    Depreciation and amortization

     52,434

     45,596

    Amortization of adverse power purchase contract

     (7,483)

    (11,014)

    Deferred investment credit and income taxes, net

      1,375

     (1,096)

    Allowance for other than borrowed funds used during construction

       (287)

       (103)

    Changes in certain assets and liabilities:

        Accounts receivable, net

      8,136

    (19,219)

        Materials and supplies

      2,280

       (857)

        Prepaid taxes

        268

      1,628

        Accounts payable

     (1,959)

    (32,103)

        Accounts payable to affiliates, net

     22,525

     (1,239)

        Taxes accrued

    (14,212)

     (4,047)

        Interest accrued

      2,439

     (3,229)

    Other, net

     (6,834)

     (2,961)

    143,230

     54,970

CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING:

    Regulated operations construction expenditures (less allowance

      for other than borrowed funds used during construction)

    (47,549)

    (37,909)

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING:

    Restricted funds

      2,780

    Retirement of long-term debt

    (46,248)

    (33,177)

    Notes receivable from affiliates

     38,600

     (2,550)

    Dividends on common stock

    (90,138)

           

    (97,786)

    (32,947)

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS

     (2,105)

    (15,886)

Cash and temporary cash investments at January 1

      6,116

     19,288

Cash and temporary cash investments at September 30

   $  4,011

   $  3,402

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

    Cash paid during the period for:

        Interest (net of amount capitalized)

   $ 35,111

   $ 43,623

        Income taxes

     41,702

     39,442

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

*Certain amounts have been reclassified for comparative purposes.

 

5

WEST PENN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheet

(Thousands of Dollars)

Unaudited

September 30,

December 31,

ASSETS:

2001

2000

   Property, Plant, and Equipment:

        In service, at original cost

    $1,665,154

   $1,628,824

        Construction work in progress

        29,341

       25,459

     1,694,495

    1,654,283

        Accumulated depreciation

      (575,772)

     (543,000)

     1,118,723

    1,111,283

   Investments and Other Assets

           358

          443

   Current Assets:

        Cash and temporary cash investments

         4,011

        6,116

        Accounts receivable:

            Electric service

       152,224

      158,758

            Other

         2,458

        5,851

            Allowance for uncollectible accounts

       (16,213)

      (18,004)

        Notes receivable from affiliates

         2,400

       41,000

        Materials and supplies - at average cost

        15,383

       17,663

        Deferred income taxes

         6,598

        Prepaid taxes

         6,558

        6,826

        Regulatory assets

        25,019

       22,049

        Other

         3,031

        1,196

       201,469

      241,455

   Deferred Charges:

        Regulatory assets

       409,872

      428,953

        Unamortized loss on reacquired debt

         2,837

        3,169

        Other

         9,042

        7,244

       421,751

      439,366

                Total Assets

    $1,742,301

   $1,792,547

 

 

6

WEST PENN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Continued)

(Thousands of Dollars)

Unaudited

September 30,

December 31,

2001

2000

CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES:

   Capitalization:

        Common stock

   $   65,842

   $   65,842

        Other paid-in capital

      244,239

      244,239

        Retained earnings

      106,450

      112,040

      416,531

      422,121

        Long-term debt and QUIDS

      592,030

      678,284

    1,008,561

    1,100,405

   Current Liabilities:

        Long-term debt due within one year

      100,345

       60,184

        Accounts payable

       29,126

       31,085

        Accounts payable to affiliates, net

       35,346

       12,821

        Taxes accrued:

            Federal and state income

       10,280

       12,148

            Other

          665

       13,009

        Interest accrued

        3,985

        1,546

        Deferred income taxes

        3,373

        Adverse power purchase commitments

       24,839

       24,839

        Other

        8,891

        6,480

      213,477

      165,485

   Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:

        Unamortized investment credit

       20,188

       20,899

        Deferred income taxes

      201,849

      189,302

        Obligations under capital leases

       12,105

       11,267

        Regulatory liabilities

       15,163

       15,162

        Adverse power purchase commitments

      259,709

      278,338

        Other

       11,249

       11,689

      520,263

      526,657

              Total Capitalization and Liabilities

   $1,742,301

   $1,792,547

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

7

WEST PENN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. West Penn Power Company (the Company) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Allegheny Energy, Inc. (Allegheny Energy). The Company's Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, should be read with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the following notes. The accompanying consolidated financial statements appearing on pages 3 through 6 and these notes to consolidated financial statements are unaudited. In the opinion of the Company, such consolidated financial statements together with these notes contain all adjustments (which consist only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the Company's financial position as of September 30, 2001, and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2001, and 2000, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 and 2000. Certain prior period amounts in these financial statements and notes have been reclassified for comparative purposes.

2. Substantially all of the employees of Allegheny Energy are employed by Allegheny Energy Service Corporation (AESC), which performs services at cost for the Company and its affiliates in accordance with the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (PUHCA). Through AESC, the Company is responsible for its proportionate share of services provided by AESC. The total billings by AESC (including capital) to the Company for the third quarter of 2001 and 2000 were $36.1 million and $39.3 million, respectively. The total billings by AESC (including capital) to the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2001 and 2000, were $105.9 million and $106.3 million, respectively.

The Company purchases nearly all of the power necessary to serve its customers who do not choose an alternate electric provider from its unregulated generation company affiliate, Allegheny Energy Supply Company, LLC (Allegheny Energy Supply), in accordance with agreements approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The expense from these purchases is reflected in "Purchased power and exchanges, net" on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. For the third quarter of 2001 and 2000, the Company purchased power from Allegheny Energy Supply of $142.9 million and $134.1 million, respectively. For the first nine months of 2001 and 2000, the Company purchased power from Allegheny Energy Supply of $424.6 million and $376.8 million, respectively. If the Company purchases more energy than is needed to serve its customers, the excess energy purchased is sold back to Allegheny Energy Supply and is reflected as operating revenues in "Wholesale and other, including affiliates" on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. For the third quarter of 2001 and 2000, the Company sold excess energy back to Allegheny Energy Supply of $4.2 million and $5.6 million, respectively. For the first nine months of 2001 and 2000, the Company sold excess energy back to Allegheny Energy Supply of $24.2 million and $16.7 million, respectively.

The Company and its affiliates use an Allegheny Energy internal money pool as a facility to accommodate intercompany short-term borrowing needs, to the extent that certain companies have funds available. The

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Company had no money pool borrowings outstanding at September 30, 2001, or December 31, 2000. The Company had investments in the money pool of $2.4 million and $41.0X. million at September 30, 2001, and December 31, 2000, respectively.

3. In the first nine months of 2001, the Company redeemed $27.2 million of class A-1 6.32% transition bonds and $19.1 million of class A-2 6.63% transition bonds.

4. As of September 30, 2001, the Company's reserve for adverse power purchase commitments was $284.5 million based on the Company's forecast of future energy revenues and other factors. A change in the estimated energy revenues or other factors could have a material effect on the amount of the reserve for adverse power purchases.

5. The Company is subject to various laws, regulations, and uncertainties as to environmental matters. Compliance may require the Company to incur substantial additional costs to modify or replace existing and proposed equipment and facilities and may adversely affect the cost of future operations.

On March 4, 1994, the Company and its regulated affiliates, Monongahela Power Company and The Potomac Edison Company, received notice that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had identified them as potentially responsible parties (PRPs) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, with respect to a Superfund Site. There are approximately 175 other PRPs involved. A final determination has not been made for the Company's share of the remediation costs based on the amount of materials sent to the site. However, the Company estimates that its share of the cleanup liability will not exceed $0.5 million, which has been accrued as a liability at September 30, 2001.

The Company and its regulated affiliates have also been named as defendants along with multiple other defendants in pending asbestos cases involving multiple plaintiffs. While the Company believes that all of the cases are without merit, the Company cannot predict the outcome of the litigation. The Company has accrued a reserve of $1.5 million as of September 30, 2001, for its portion of the estimated cost to settle the asbestos cases to avoid the anticipated cost of defense.

In September 2001, the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) filed a petition with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (Pennsylvania PUC). The UWUA has requested that the Pennsylvania PUC determine that the initial public offering of common stock of the proposed new parent holding company of Allegheny Energy Supply and the subsequent distribution of shares of common stock of that holding company to Allegheny Energy's stockholders be treated under the Pennsylvania deregulation settlement order as a "sale" of the generating assets previously transferred to Allegheny Energy Supply by the Company. If the UWUA is successful in its claim and the initial public offering and distribution constitute a sale, Allegheny Energy will be required to use

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the proceeds of the initial public offering to offset and reduce the $670 million in stranded generating costs that the Company is entitled to recover from its Pennsylvania customers as a surcharge. The UWUA contends that the initial public offering should be used to value the generating assets transferred from the Company and that this amount be returned to the Company. Although Allegheny Energy does not believe that the UWUA petition has merit, Allegheny Energy cannot predict the outcome of the Pennsylvania PUC determination or, if the UWUA is successful in its claim, its effect on the initial public offering and distribution.

In the normal course of business, the Company becomes involved in various legal proceedings. The Company does not believe that the ultimate outcome of these proceedings will have a material effect on its financial position.

 

10

WEST PENN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition

And Results of Operations


COMPARISON OF THIRD QUARTER AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001, WITH THIRD QUARTER AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000

 

     The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in West Penn Power Company's (the Company) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, should be read with the following Management's Discussion and Analysis information.

 

Factors That May Affect Future Results

     Certain statements within constitute forward-looking statements with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company). Such forward-looking statements include statements with respect to deregulated activities and movements towards competition in the states served by the Company, markets, products, services, prices, results of operations, capital expenditures, regulatory matters, liquidity and capital resources, resolution and impact of litigation, and accounting matters. All such forward-looking information is necessarily only estimated. There can be no assurance that actual results of the Company will not materially differ from expectations. Actual results have varied materially and unpredictably from past expectations.

     Factors that could cause actual results of the Company to differ materially include, among others, the following: general and economic and business conditions, including the continuing impact on the economy and deregulation activity caused by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; industry capacity; changes in technology; changes in political, social, and economic conditions; changes in the price of purchased power; changes in laws and regulations applicable to the Company; litigation involving the Company; environmental regulations; the loss of any significant customers and suppliers; and changes in business strategy, operations, or development plans.

 

Significant Events in the First Nine Months of 2001

Allegheny Energy, Inc. (Allegheny Energy) Seeks Approval for Initial Public Offering of Allegheny Energy Supply Company, LLC (Allegheny Energy Supply)

     On July 23, 2001, Allegheny Energy filed a U-1 application with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), seeking approval of an initial public offering of up to 18 percent of the common stock in a new holding company, which would own 100 percent of the business of its unregulated generating subsidiary, Allegheny Energy Supply. Allegheny Energy also

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announced that it expects to distribute to the holders of its common stock its remaining equity ownership of the Allegheny Energy Supply holding company on a tax-free basis within 24 months following the completion of the initial public offering. The initial public offering and the distribution of Allegheny Energy's remaining equity ownership of the Allegheny Energy Supply holding company are subject to market and other conditions.

     The U-1 application seeks the authorizations required under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (PUHCA). The purpose of the initial public offering and distribution is to permit Allegheny Energy's regulated utility operations, which include the Company, and Allegheny Energy Supply to focus on their respective businesses and market opportunities and, in particular, to allow Allegheny Energy Supply to pursue its growth strategy for the electric generation business.

     The filing of the U-1 application marks Allegheny Energy's first official step in the initial public offering process. Allegheny Energy expects to file a Registration Statement on Form S-1 in connection with the initial public offering with the SEC.

Rate Matters

For discussion of a rate related matter, see "Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Contract Negotiations" below.

Regional Transmission Organization (RTO)

     On March 15, 2001, Monongahela Power Company (Monongahela Power), The Potomac Edison Company (Potomac Edison), and the Company, collectively doing business as Allegheny Power, and Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection, LLC (PJM) filed documents with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to expand the PJM market through the creation of PJM West. The filing represents collaboration between Allegheny Power, PJM, and numerous stakeholders. Allegheny Power and PJM have requested in the filing that FERC approve the proposal affirming that the PJM West arrangement meets all FERC Order 2000 requirements.

     PJM West will develop a new electric transmission system affiliation, which will expand the Mid-Atlantic energy market. Customers in the region will benefit from the expanded energy market and enhancements to the transmission system's reliability. Through this affiliation, PJM will expand its congestion management systems to function over multiple control areas and under multiple Regional Reliability Council reliability standards. The PJM West arrangement is open to, and structured to accommodate, additional energy delivery participants.

     PJM West will provide transmission service to all market participants in accordance with the requirements of FERC Order 2000,

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while simultaneously expanding the PJM market. The arrangement will, for the first time, expand the PJM system management concepts beyond a single control area with the potential to result in a significantly larger energy market.

     The timeline set out in the filing calls for implementation by January 1, 2002. Under the PJM West concept, an office would be created and staffed and the PJM West Transmission Owners would transfer monitoring and functional control of their transmission systems to PJM. Additionally, the existing PJM regional market would be expanded to cover the PJM West operating territory.

     On July 12, 2001, the FERC approved the application filed by PJM and Allegheny Energy's regulated utility subsidiaries to join the PJM market through an arrangement called PJM-West. Among the relevant provisions of FERC's order was a requirement that Allegheny Energy and PJM participate in a FERC-sponsored mediation under the guidance of an administrative law judge to encourage the formation of a single RTO covering the Northeastern region of the United States. The initial phase of the mediation concluded on September 17, 2001, with the submission of the business plan developed by the diverse group of mediation participants and the administrative law judge to FERC for approval. The business plan outlines a comprehensive process for the development and implementation of fully-integrated markets throughout the Northeastern region of the United States, as well as a single RTO to administer those markets and to promote development of new infrastructure. The business plan contemplates full operation of a single Northeastern market between the fourth quarter of 2003 and the fourth quarter of 2004. The PJM market model is the platform for the Northeastern RTO market, but the PJM model will have to be modified to accommodate certain "best practices" currently used in markets administered by the New York Independent System Operator, Inc. and ISO New England, Inc. These "best practices" are not yet fully defined. In addition, governance of the Northeast RTO has not yet been determined. Accordingly, Allegheny Energy is unable to determine the impact formation of the Northeast RTO may have on its results of operations and business strategy.

Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Contract Negotiations

     On April 30, 2001, the collective bargaining agreement between Allegheny Energy Service Corporation (AESC), an affiliate that employs all of the employees who work on behalf of the Company (see note 2), and the UWUA Local 102 expired. The parties entered into a contract extension through May 31, 2001. AESC and the UWUA were unable to reach agreement on a new labor pact by this deadline. Under a federal mediator's suggestion, the parties continue to work under the terms and conditions of the prior labor agreement on a day-to-day basis. A seven-day strike notice remains in effect for the UWUA Local 102 should they decide to engage in any job action. The agreement covers approximately 600 employees who work on behalf of the Company.

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     In September 2001, the UWUA filed a petition with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (Pennsylvania PUC). The UWUA has requested that the Pennsylvania PUC determine that the initial public offering of common stock of the proposed new parent holding company of Allegheny Energy Supply and the subsequent distribution of shares of common stock of that holding company to Allegheny Energy's stockholders be treated under the Pennsylvania deregulation settlement order as a "sale" of the generating assets previously transferred to Allegheny Energy Supply by the Company. If the UWUA is successful in its claim and the initial public offering and distribution constitute a sale, Allegheny Energy will be required to use the proceeds of the initial public offering to offset and reduce the $670 million in stranded generating costs that the Company is entitled to recover from its Pennsylvania customers as a surcharge. The UWUA contends that the initial public offering should be used to value the generating assets transferred from the Company and that this amount be returned to the Company. Although Allegheny Energy does not believe that the UWUA petition has merit, Allegheny Energy cannot predict the outcome of the Pennsylvania PUC determination or, if the UWUA is successful in its claim, its effect on the initial public offering and distribution.

New Accounting Standards

     In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, "Business Combinations," and SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." These standards will change the accounting for business combinations and goodwill in two significant ways. SFAS No. 141 requires that the purchase method of accounting be used for all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. Use of the pooling-of-interests method will be prohibited. SFAS No. 141 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company.

     SFAS No. 142 changes the accounting for goodwill from an amortization method to an impairment-only approach. Amortization of goodwill, including goodwill recorded in past business combinations, will cease upon adoption of the standard, which for entities with calendar year ends will be January 1, 2002. Subsequently, an entity's goodwill will be tested annually for impairment. Intangible assets other than goodwill will continue to be amortized over their useful lives and reviewed for impairment. As of September 30, 2001, the Company had no goodwill.

     In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." This standard, which the Company will adopt on January 1, 2003, requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred with a corresponding increase in the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability will be accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost will be depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Upon settlement of the liability, an entity either will settle the obligation for its recorded amount or incur a gain or loss upon settlement. The Company will be

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evaluating the effect of adopting SFAS No.143 on its results of operations and financial position prior to its adoption of the standard.

     In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." This standard, which the Company will adopt on January 1, 2002, establishes one accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale, including discontinued operations, and carries forward the general impairment provisions of SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." SFAS No. 144 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company.

 

Review of Operations

Earnings Summary

     Earnings for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2001, were $25.4 million and $84.5 million, respectively, compared with $30.0 million and $83.6 million for the corresponding 2000 periods. The decrease in third quarter earnings reflects higher operating expenses, which were offset in part by higher operating revenues and lower interest charges. The increase in year-to-date earnings reflects higher operating revenues and lower interest charges that were partially offset by higher operating expenses. Earnings in 2001 and 2000 also reflect the beneficial effects of transition cost recovery as authorized in the Company's Pennsylvania restructuring settlement.

Sales and Revenues

     Percentage changes in revenues and kilowatt-hour (kWh) sales by major retail customer classes were:

Change from Comparable Period

Of the Prior Year

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

Revenues

KWh

Revenues

KWh

Residential

     5.6%

     6.4%

     6.4%

    5.7%

Commercial

     6.4%

     1.8%

    12.2%

    2.2%

Industrial

    (1.7%)

    (5.3%)

     6.2%

   (6.1%)

     Residential revenues increased $5.5 million and $19.0 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001, respectively, primarily due to increased kilowatt-hour sales resulting from colder winter and warmer summer weather. Also contributing to the increase in revenues for both periods was increased sales from a 0.4% increase in the average number of customers served.

     Commercial revenues increased $3.9 million and $20.0 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001, respectively, primarily due to the return of choice customers to full service (see explanation below). Also contributing to the increases in commercial revenues for

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the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 were increased sales resulting from a 1.5% increase in the average number of customers served and colder winter and warmer summer weather.

     Industrial revenues decreased $1.4 million for the third quarter of 2001 due to decreased sales, primarily to the steel industry, largely offset by increased revenues from choice customers returning to full service (see explanation below). Industrial revenues increased $14.7 million for the first nine months of 2001 due to the return of choice customers to full service (see explanation below), partially offset by decreased sales, primarily to the steel industry.

     The return of choice customers to full service had no effect on sales but had the effect of increasing revenues. As a result of the Company's restructuring settlement, beginning in January 1999 two-thirds of the Company's customers were permitted to choose an alternate energy supplier-that is, customers had the ability to choose another provider for the generation or supply portion of their service while retaining the Company's transmission and distribution services. All of the Company's customers were permitted to make this choice beginning in January 2000. Many of those customers choosing an alternate energy supplier began returning to the Company as their energy supplier during 2000, particularly in the third quarter of 2000 and thereafter. Such a return of customers to full service does not impact sales since the Company determines sales on the basis of kilowatt-hours delivered to customers (regardless of their energy supplier). However, such a return of customers to full service results in a significant increase in revenues due to the addition of a supply charge that the Company had not collected while the customers were using an alternate energy supplier. Thus, the return of choice customers results in no impact on kilowatt-hour sales but a significant increase in revenues. The effect on revenues of customers returning to full service was especially noticeable in the commercial and industrial classes where a higher percentage of sales were associated with choice customers returning to full service. As of September 30, 2001, less than 0.3% of the Company's customers were using alternate energy suppliers.

     Wholesale and other revenues, including affiliates, is composed of revenues from wholesale customers, affiliated companies, street lighting, and other sources. The $5.2 million increase in wholesale and other revenues, including affiliates, for the first nine months of 2001 was primarily due to increased revenues from affiliated companies. Revenues from affiliated companies consist primarily of energy sales by the Company to Allegheny Energy Supply. Because of the Company's transfer of generating assets to Allegheny Energy Supply in 1999, the Company no longer has generation available for sale and purchases nearly all of its energy to serve Company customers who have not chosen an alternate energy supplier from Allegheny Energy Supply. If the Company purchases more energy than is needed to serve its customers, the excess energy purchased is sold back to Allegheny Energy Supply. Revenues from affiliated companies increased for the first nine months of 2001 primarily due to this sale of excess energy back to Allegheny Energy Supply.

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Operating Expenses

     Purchased power and exchanges, net, represents power purchases from and exchanges with other companies, including affiliated companies, and purchases from qualified facilities under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA). Purchased power and exchanges, net increased $11.6 million and $50.4 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001, respectively, primarily due to the Company's purchase of additional energy from Allegheny Energy Supply to supply former choice customers who returned to the Company for their energy supply.

     Maintenance expense increased $3.1 million for the first nine months of 2001 primarily due to higher maintenance costs related to the Company's distribution system.

     Depreciation and amortization expense increased $2.4 million and $6.8 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001, respectively, primarily due to higher property, plant, and equipment balances, including computer software which is amortized over comparatively short lives.

     Taxes other than income taxes increased $4.6 million for the first nine months of 2001, and reflect increased gross receipts taxes resulting from higher revenues.

     Federal and state income taxes expense decreased $1.8 million for the third quarter of 2001 and increased $3.2 million for the first nine months of 2001 primarily due to a corresponding decrease and increase in pre-tax income.

Other Income and Deductions

     Other income, net decreased $2.0 million for the first nine months of 2001 primarily due to decreased interest income in 2001 and litigation settlement revenue recorded in 2000, partially reduced by a loss on disposition of property in 2000.

Interest Charges

     Interest on long-term debt decreased $3.9 million and $11.3 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001, respectively, primarily due to lower average long-term debt levels. The decrease in long-term debt primarily is related to the Company's release from co-obligor status with Allegheny Energy Supply in December 2000 on $231 million of pollution control notes. Allegheny Energy Supply assumed these notes in conjunction with the Company's transfer of generating assets to Allegheny Energy Supply.

 

Financial Condition, Requirements, and Resources

     The Company's discussion of Financial Condition, Requirements, and Resources and Significant Continuing Issues in its Annual Report on Form

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10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, should be read with the following information.

     In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to various contingencies and uncertainties relating to its operations and construction programs, including legal actions and regulations and uncertainties related to environmental matters.

Liquidity and Capital Requirements

     To meet cash needs for operating expenses, the payment of interest and dividends, the retirement of debt and certain preferred stocks, and for acquisitions and construction programs, the Company and its subsidiaries have used internally generated funds (net cash provided by operating activities less common dividends) and external financings, such as the sale of common stock, debt instruments, installment loans, and lease arrangements. The timing and amount of external financings depend primarily upon economic and financial market conditions, the companies' cash needs, and capital structure objectives of the Company. The availability and cost of external financings depend upon the financial condition of the companies seeking those funds and market conditions.

Cash Flow Summary

     Cash flows from operations increased $88.3 million in the first nine months of 2001 reflecting changes in accounts receivable and accounts payable levels.

     Cash flows used in investing activities increased $9.6 million in the first nine months of 2001 reflecting higher construction expenditures.

     Cash flows used in financing activities increased $64.8 million in the first nine months of 2001 reflecting dividends paid on common stock in 2001, partially offset by cash received on notes receivable from affiliates.

Financing

     In the first nine months of 2001, the Company redeemed $27.2 million of class A-1 6.32% transition bonds and $19.1 million of class A-2 6.63% transition bonds.

      Short-term debt is used to meet temporary cash needs. The Company had no short-term debt outstanding at September 30, 2001, or December 31, 2000.

Impact of Change in Short-term Interest Rate

     A one-percent change in the short-term borrowing interest rate would have no impact on forecasted short-term interest expense for the final three months of 2001 because the Company is forecasting no short-term borrowing during that period.

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Electric Energy Competition

     The electricity supply segment of the electric industry in the United States is becoming increasingly competitive. The national Energy Policy Act of 1992 deregulated the wholesale exchange of power within the electric industry by permitting the FERC to compel electric utilities to allow third parties to sell electricity to wholesale customers over their transmission systems. The Company continues to be an advocate of federal legislation to remove artificial barriers to competition in electricity markets, avoid regional dislocations and ensure level playing fields.

     In addition to the wholesale electricity market becoming more competitive, the majority of states have taken active steps toward allowing retail customers the right to choose their electricity supplier.

     Allegheny Energy is at the forefront of state-implemented retail competition, having negotiated settlement agreements in all of the states the Operating Subsidiaries (Monongahela Power, Potomac Edison, and the Company) serve. Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio have retail choice programs in place. West Virginia's Legislature has approved a deregulation plan for Monongahela Power pending additional legislation regarding tax revenues for state and local governments. Virginia and West Virginia are in the process of developing rules to implement choice.

     The regulatory environment applicable to Allegheny Energy's generation and transmission and distribution businesses will continue to undergo substantial changes, on both the federal and state level. These changes have significantly affected the nature of the power industry and the manner in which its participants conduct their business. Moreover, existing statutes and regulations may be revised or reinterpreted, new laws and regulations may be adopted or become applicable to Allegheny Energy or its facilities, and future changes in laws and regulations may have an effect on Allegheny Energy in ways that cannot be predicted. Some markets, like California, have recently experienced interruptions of supply and price volatility. These interruptions of supply and price volatility have been the subject of a significant amount of press coverage, much of which has been critical of the restructuring initiatives. In some of these markets, including California, government agencies and other interested parties have made proposals to re-regulate areas of these markets that have been deregulated, and, in California, legislation has been passed placing a moratorium on the sale of generating plants by regulated utilities. Proposals to re-regulate the wholesale power market have been made at the federal level. Proposals of this sort, and legislative or other attention to the electric power restructuring process in the states in which Allegheny Energy currently, or may in the future, operate, may cause this process to be delayed, discontinued, or reversed, which could have a material adverse effect on Allegheny Energy's operations and strategies.

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Activities at the Federal Level

     The tragic events of September 11th, when the World Trade Center and Pentagon were attacked, have altered the agenda of the 107th Congress. The Congress and the Bush Administration are primarily focused on responding to these attacks. Part of that response may well be the consideration of energy security legislation currently in development. Allegheny Energy is lobbying for the inclusion of important electricity restructuring provisions in this legislation, including the repeal or significant revision of PUHCA, as well as for critical infrastructure protection legislation. Prior to the attack, two primary bills had been introduced in the U.S. Senate: S. 388, by former Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Senator Frank Murkowski of Alaska and S. 597 by the committee's new chairman, Senator Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico. Provisions from these bills could be included in the new energy legislation. The primary House committee of jurisdiction, Energy and Commerce, initially passed the President's national energy security proposal and is only now considering electricity-restructuring legislation. Among issues that are being addressed in this legislation are the repeal or significant revision of PUHCA and Section 210 (Mandatory Purchase Provisions) of PURPA. The Company continues to advocate the repeal of PUHCA and Section 210 of PURPA on the grounds that they are obsolete and anticompetitive and that PURPA results in utility customers paying above-market prices for power. Separately, the Senate Banking Committee in April 2001 approved S. 206, legislation to repeal PUHCA. The Majority Leader can now decide when to schedule time for the legislation to be taken up by the full Senate or include it in the energy legislation currently being drafted.

Pennsylvania Activities

     As of January 2, 2000, all electricity customers in Pennsylvania have the right to choose their electric generation suppliers. The number of customers who have switched suppliers and the amount of electrical load transferred in Pennsylvania exceed that of any other state so far. However, the Company has retained over 99.7% of its Pennsylvania customers as of September 30, 2001. There has been very little "shopping" for electricity in the Company's service area primarily because of the Company's low rates.

     As part of the Company's restructuring settlement in Pennsylvania, the Company retains the obligation to serve all customers who choose not to select an alternative supplier (provider of last resort) at rates that are capped at 1997 levels.

     The status of electric energy competition in Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia in which affiliates of the Company serve are as follows:

Maryland Activities

 

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     On June 7, 2000, the Maryland Public Service Commission (Maryland PSC) approved the transfer of the generating assets of Potomac Edison to Allegheny Energy Supply. The transfer was made in August 2000. Maryland customers of Potomac Edison have had the right to choose an alternate electric supplier since July 1, 2000, although the Maryland PSC has not yet finalized all of the rules that will govern customer choice in the state.

     On July 1, 2000, the Maryland PSC issued a restrictive order imposing standards of conduct for transactions between Maryland utilities and their affiliates. Among other things, the order:

- restricts sharing of employees between utilities and affiliates,

- announces the Maryland PSC's intent to impose a royalty fee to   compensate the utility for the use by an affiliate of the utility's   name and/or logo and for other "intangible or unqualified benefits;"

- requires asymmetric pricing for asset transfers between utilities and   their affiliates. Asymmetric pricing requires that transfers of assets   from the regulated utility to an affiliate be recorded at the greater   of book cost or market value while transfers of assets from the   affiliate to the regulated utility be recorded at the lesser of book   costs or market value.

     Potomac Edison, along with substantially all of Maryland's gas and electric utilities, filed a Circuit Court petition for judicial review and a motion for stay of the order. On April 25, 2001, the Circuit Court issued its decision affirming much of the Maryland PSC's order, but remanding portions of the order to the Maryland PSC, including the requirement for asymmetric pricing for asset transfers between utilities and their affiliates. The court's remand on the asymmetric pricing issue potentially has positive implications for Potomac Edison. However, depending on interpretations of the Maryland PSC's order and its application to Potomac Edison's factual situation, portions of the Maryland PSC order approved by the Court, for example the order's limitation on employee sharing, could have a material impact on Potomac Edison. The Maryland Commission also has initiated a proceeding, Case No. 8868, to investigate certain affiliated activities of Potomac Edison. The Commission docketed similar proceedings for Maryland's other gas and electric companies.

     Potomac Edison, and other Maryland gas and electric utilities, have noted an appeal of the Circuit Court's decision to Maryland's Court of Special Appeals. A Stipulation and Settlement Agreement was filed with the Maryland PSC on July 30, 2001. A Proposed Order of Hearing Examiner approved the settlement agreement on August 16, 2001, which became a final order on September 18, 2001.

 

Ohio Activities

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     The Ohio General Assembly passed legislation in 1999 to restructure its electric utility industry. All of the state's customers were able to choose their electricity supplier starting January 1, 2001, beginning a five-year transition to market rates. Residential customers are guaranteed a 5% cut in the generation portion of their rate.

     Monongahela Power reached a stipulated agreement with major parties on a transition plan to bring electric choice to its 29,000 Ohio customers. A limited number of Monongahela Power's Ohio customers have switched to another supplier, as Monongahela Power's rates remain among the lowest of investor-owned utilities in the state. The restructuring plan allowed Monongahela Power to transfer its Ohio generating assets to Allegheny Energy Supply at book value and that transfer was made effective June 1, 2001.

Virginia Activities

     The Virginia Electric Utility Restructuring Act (Restructuring Act) became law on March 25, 1999. All state utilities were required to submit a restructuring plan by January 1, 2001, to be effective on January 1, 2002. Accordingly, Potomac Edison filed Phase II of the Functional Separation Plan on December 19, 2000. Customer choice will be implemented for all customers in Potomac Edison's service territory beginning on January 1, 2002.

     The Restructuring Act was amended during the 2000 General Assembly legislative session to direct the Virginia State Corporation Commission (Virginia SCC) to prepare for legislative approval, a plan for competitive metering and billing and to authorize the Virginia SCC to implement a consumer education program on electric choice, funded through its regulatory tax. On December 12, 2000, the Virginia SCC issued a report on competitive metering and billing. Its recommendations include allowing licensed electricity suppliers to provide billing services, with the customer selecting its preferred billing option. The Virginia SCC also recommended that legislative action on competitive metering be deferred pending further study, due to the complexities of the issue and limited competitive metering activities nationally. On May 15, 2001, the Virginia SCC initiated proceedings to establish rules and regulations for consolidated billing services, competitive metering, and customer minimum stay periods.

     On July 11, 2000, the Virginia SCC issued an order approving Potomac Edison's separation plan, permitting the transfer of Potomac Edison's generating assets and the provisions of the Phase I application.

     Various rulemaking proceedings to implement customer choice are ongoing before the Virginia SCC, including an application by Potomac Edison to participate in a regional transmission entity (PJM West).

 

 

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West Virginia Activities

     Electric restructuring in West Virginia remains unresolved and awaits further legislative action, largely due to uneasiness among state leaders due to the turmoil experienced in California. In January 2000, the Public Service Commission of West Virginia (W.Va. PSC) submitted a restructuring plan to the Legislature for approval that would open full retail competition on January 1, 2001. On March 11, 2000, the West Virginia Legislature approved the W.Va. PSC's plan, but assigned the tax issues surrounding the plan to a legislative subcommittee for further study. The start date of competition is contingent upon the necessary tax changes being made and approved by the Legislature. However, the Legislature did not take up the issue of electric restructuring or the relevant tax issues during the 2001 legislative session. Allegheny Energy anticipates that legislative action to implement the West Virginia plan will be sought in 2002.

     As approved by the W.Va. PSC, Potomac Edison transferred its generating assets to Allegheny Energy Supply in August 2000. In accordance with the same restructuring agreement, Potomac Edison and Monongahela Power implemented a commercial and industrial rate reduction program on July 1, 2000.

 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

     In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 was subsequently amended by SFAS No. 137, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133 - an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133" and SFAS No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities - an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133." Effective January 1, 2001, the Company implemented the requirements of these accounting standards.

     These statements establish accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities. They require that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure those instruments at fair value. The statements require that changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative's gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged item in earnings or other comprehensive income and requires that a company formally document, designate, and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. SFAS No. 133 could increase the volatility in entities' reported earnings and other comprehensive income.

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     As of September 30, 2001, the Company had no financial instruments, commodity contracts, or other commitments that required recognition as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value under the provisions of SFAS No. 133.

24

WEST PENN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Part II - Other Information to Form 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2001


 

ITEM 5.    OTHER INFORMATION

     On July 23, 2001, Allegheny Energy, Inc. (Allegheny Energy) filed a U-1 application with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), seeking approval of an initial public offering (IPO) of up to 18 percent of the common stock in a new holding company, which would own 100 percent of Allegheny Energy's unregulated generating subsidiary, Allegheny Energy Supply Company, LLC (Allegheny Energy Supply). Allegheny Energy also expects, subject to market and other conditions, to distribute to the holders of its common stock its remaining equity ownership of the Allegheny Energy Supply holding company during 2002 in a tax-free distribution.

     The U-1 application seeks the authorizations required under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (PUHCA). The purpose of the IPO and distribution is to permit Allegheny Energy's regulated utility operations and Allegheny Energy Supply to focus on their respective businesses and market opportunities and, in particular, to allow Allegheny Energy Supply to pursue its growth strategy for the electric generation business.

     These transactions would create two independent companies. Allegheny Energy will own its utility operating subsidiaries, Monongahela Power Company, The Potomac Edison Company, and West Penn Power Company (the Company), doing business as Allegheny Power, as well as its Allegheny Ventures, Inc. The newly created holding company will own the businesses of Allegheny Energy Supply. The filing of the U-1 application is the first step in the IPO process. Allegheny Energy expects to file a Registration Statement on Form S-1 in connection with the initial public offering with the SEC.

 

ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)        No reports on Form 8-K were filed on behalf of the Company
           for the Quarter ended September 30, 2001.

(b)        Exhibit 12 - Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed
           charges.

25

Signature

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 thereunto duly authorized.

WEST PENN POWER COMPANY

 

/S/  T. J. KLOC             .

 

T.J. Kloc, Controller

(Chief Accounting Officer)

 

 

November 14, 2001