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VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES  
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

NOTE 11—VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

 

We have a variable interest in an entity through a power purchase agreement relating to the cost of fuel.  This agreement contains a tolling arrangement in which we supply the scheduled fuel and purchase capacity and energy from the facility.  This contract expires in 2016.  As of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we had approximately 500 megawatts of capacity available under this agreement.

 

We evaluated this variable interest entity for possible consolidation.  In this case, we considered which interest holder has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economics of the variable interest entity; this interest holder is considered the primary beneficiary of the entity and is required to consolidate the entity.  For a variety of reasons, including qualitative factors such as the length of the remaining term of the contract compared with the remaining life of the plants and the fact that we do not have the power to direct the operations and maintenance of the facility, we determined we are not the primary beneficiary of this variable interest entity.

 

At June 30, 2011, the assets and liabilities on the Balance Sheets that related to our involvement with this variable interest entity pertained to working capital accounts and represented the amounts owed for current deliveries of power.  We have not provided or guaranteed any debt or equity support, liquidity arrangements, performance guarantees, or other commitments associated with this contract.  There is no significant potential exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with the variable interest entity.