10-K 1 nee-12312016x10k.htm 10-K Document

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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016
Commission
File
Number
 
Exact name of registrants as specified in their
charters, address of principal executive offices and
registrants' telephone number
 
IRS Employer
Identification
Number
1-8841
 
NEXTERA ENERGY, INC.
 
59-2449419
2-27612

 
FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
700 Universe Boulevard
Juno Beach, Florida 33408
(561) 694-4000
 
59-0247775

State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization: Florida
 
Name of exchange on which registered
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
NextEra Energy, Inc.:
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
New York Stock Exchange
 
6.371% Corporate Units
New York Stock Exchange
 
6.123% Corporate Units
New York Stock Exchange
Florida Power & Light Company: None
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrants are well-known seasoned issuers, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.
NextEra Energy, Inc.    Yes þ    No o    Florida Power & Light Company    Yes þ    No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrants are not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
NextEra Energy, Inc.    Yes o    No þ    Florida Power & Light Company    Yes o    No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
NextEra Energy, Inc.    Yes þ    No o    Florida Power & Light Company    Yes þ    No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically and posted on their corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months.
NextEra Energy, Inc.    Yes þ    No o    Florida Power & Light Company    Yes þ    No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants' knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
NextEra Energy, Inc.
Large Accelerated Filer þ
Accelerated Filer o
Non-Accelerated Filer o
Smaller Reporting Company o
Florida Power & Light Company
Large Accelerated Filer o
Accelerated Filer o
Non-Accelerated Filer þ
Smaller Reporting Company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are shell companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).  Yes ¨    No þ
Aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity of NextEra Energy, Inc. held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2016 (based on the closing market price on the Composite Tape on June 30, 2016) was $60,089,366,330.
There was no voting or non-voting common equity of Florida Power & Light Company held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2016.
Number of shares of NextEra Energy, Inc. common stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding as of January 31, 2017: 467,581,899
Number of shares of Florida Power & Light Company common stock, without par value, outstanding as of January 31, 2017, all of which were held, beneficially and of record, by NextEra Energy, Inc.: 1,000
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of NextEra Energy, Inc.'s Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III hereof.
________________________
This combined Form 10-K represents separate filings by NextEra Energy, Inc. and Florida Power & Light Company. Information contained herein relating to an individual registrant is filed by that registrant on its own behalf. Florida Power & Light Company makes no representations as to the information relating to NextEra Energy, Inc.'s other operations.
Florida Power & Light Company meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction I.(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this Form with the reduced disclosure format.



DEFINITIONS

Acronyms and defined terms used in the text include the following:
Term
Meaning
AFUDC
allowance for funds used during construction
AFUDC - equity
equity component of AFUDC
AOCI
accumulated other comprehensive income
Bcf
billion cubic feet
capacity clause
capacity cost recovery clause, as established by the FPSC
CO2
carbon dioxide
DOE
U.S. Department of Energy
Duane Arnold
Duane Arnold Energy Center
environmental clause
environmental cost recovery clause
EPA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ERCOT
Electric Reliability Council of Texas
FERC
U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Florida Southeast Connection
Florida Southeast Connection, LLC, a wholly owned NEER subsidiary
FPL
Florida Power & Light Company
FPSC
Florida Public Service Commission
fuel clause
fuel and purchased power cost recovery clause, as established by the FPSC
GAAP
generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S.
GHG
greenhouse gas(es)
IPO
initial public offering
ISO
independent system operator
ITC
investment tax credit
kW
kilowatt
kWh
kilowatt-hour(s)
Management's Discussion
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
MMBtu
One million British thermal units
mortgage
mortgage and deed of trust dated as of January 1, 1944, from FPL to Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as supplemented and amended
MW
megawatt(s)
MWh
megawatt-hour(s)
NEE
NextEra Energy, Inc.
NEECH
NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc.
NEER
NextEra Energy Resources, LLC
NEET
NextEra Energy Transmission, LLC
NEP
NextEra Energy Partners, LP
NEP OpCo
NextEra Energy Operating Partners, LP
NERC
North American Electric Reliability Corporation
Note __
Note __ to consolidated financial statements
NOx
nitrogen oxide
NRC
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
NYISO
New York ISO
O&M expenses
other operations and maintenance expenses in the consolidated statements of income
OCI
other comprehensive income
OTC
over-the-counter
OTTI
other than temporary impairment
PJM
PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.
PMI
NextEra Energy Marketing, LLC
Point Beach
Point Beach Nuclear Power Plant
PTC
production tax credit
PUCT
Public Utility Commission of Texas
PURPA
Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, as amended
PV
photovoltaic
Recovery Act
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, as amended
regulatory ROE
return on common equity as determined for regulatory purposes
RFP
request for proposal
ROE
return on common equity
RPS
renewable portfolio standards
RTO
regional transmission organization
Sabal Trail
Sabal Trail Transmission, LLC, an entity in which a NEER subsidiary has a 42.5% ownership interest
Seabrook
Seabrook Station
SEC
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
SO2
sulfur dioxide
U.S.
United States of America

NEE, FPL, NEECH and NEER each has subsidiaries and affiliates with names that may include NextEra Energy, FPL, NextEra Energy Resources, NextEra, FPL Group, FPL Group Capital, FPL Energy, FPLE, NEP and similar references. For convenience and simplicity, in this report the terms NEE, FPL, NEECH and NEER are sometimes used as abbreviated references to specific subsidiaries, affiliates or groups of subsidiaries or affiliates. The precise meaning depends on the context.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Page No.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, strategies, future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as may result, are expected to, will continue, is anticipated, believe, will, could, should, would, estimated, may, plan, potential, future, projection, goals, target, outlook, predict and intend or words of similar meaning) are not statements of historical facts and may be forward looking. Forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to, and are accompanied by, important factors included in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors (in addition to any assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with such forward-looking statements) that could have a significant impact on NEE's and/or FPL's operations and financial results, and could cause NEE's and/or FPL's actual results to differ materially from those contained or implied in forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of NEE and/or FPL in this combined Form 10-K, in presentations, on their respective websites, in response to questions or otherwise.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and NEE and FPL undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances, including, but not limited to, unanticipated events, after the date on which such statement is made, unless otherwise required by law. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all of such factors, nor can it assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained or implied in any forward-looking statement.

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PART I

Item 1. Business

OVERVIEW

NEE is one of the largest electric power companies in North America and, through its subsidiary NEER and its affiliated entities, is the largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun in the world based on 2016 MWh produced. NEE also owns and/or operates generation, transmission and distribution facilities to support its services to retail and wholesale customers, and has investments in gas infrastructure assets. NEE also provides risk management services related to power and gas consumption related to its own generation assets and for a limited number of wholesale customers in selected markets. NEE's business strategy has emphasized the development, acquisition and operation of renewable, nuclear and natural gas-fired generation facilities in response to long-term federal policy trends supportive of zero and low air emissions sources of power. As of December 31, 2016, NEE's business included the following:

approximately 45,900 MW of generating capacity with electric generation facilities located in 30 states in the U.S., 4 provinces in Canada and in Spain;
approximately 16% of the installed base of U.S. wind power production capacity;
approximately 11% of the installed base of U.S. universal solar power production capacity;
one of the largest fleets of nuclear power stations in the U.S., with 8 reactors at 5 sites located in 4 states, representing approximately 6% of U.S. nuclear power electric generating capacity;
a generation fleet with significantly lower rates of emissions of CO2, SO2 and NOx than the average rates of the U.S. electric power industry with approximately 98% of its 2016 generation, measured by MWh produced, coming from renewable, nuclear and natural gas-fired facilities;
approximately 800 substations and 76,700 miles of transmission and distribution lines;
more than 5.4 million retail and wholesale electric customer accounts; and
approximately 14,700 people employed, primarily in the U.S.

NEE was incorporated in 1984 under the laws of Florida and conducts its operations principally through two wholly owned subsidiaries, FPL and NEER. NEECH, another wholly owned subsidiary of NEE, owns and provides funding for NEER's and NEE's operating subsidiaries, other than FPL and its subsidiaries. During 2014, NEE formed NEP to acquire, manage and own contracted clean energy projects with stable, long-term cash flows. See NEER section below for further discussion of NEP. When discussed in this combined Form 10-K, NEE's and NEER's generating capacity as of December 31, 2016 includes approximately 971 MW associated with noncontrolling interests related to NEP.
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NEE's two principal businesses, FPL and NEER, also constitute NEE's reportable segments for financial reporting purposes. See Note 14 for certain financial information about these segments. NEE seeks to create value in its two principal businesses by meeting its customers' needs more economically and more reliably than its competitors, as described in more detail in the following sections. NEE's strategy has resulted in profitable growth over sustained periods at both FPL and NEER. Management seeks to grow each business in a manner consistent with the varying opportunities available to it; however, management believes that the diversification and balance represented by FPL and NEER is a valuable characteristic of the enterprise and recognizes that each business contributes to NEE's credit profile in different ways. FPL and NEER, as well as other NEE subsidiaries, share common support functions with the objective of lowering costs and creating efficiencies for their businesses. NEE and its subsidiaries continue to develop and implement enterprise wide initiatives focused mainly on improving productivity and reducing O&M expenses (cost savings initiatives).

In July 2016, NEE announced a proposed merger (EFH merger) under which a newly formed subsidiary of NEE will acquire 100% of the equity of reorganized Energy Future Holdings Corp. (reorganized EFH) and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including its indirect ownership of approximately 80% of the outstanding equity interests of Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC

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(Oncor), a regulated electric distribution and transmission business that operates the largest distribution and transmission system in Texas. The merger agreement (EFH merger agreement) provides that the consideration for the transaction funded by NEE will be $9.796 billion, which will be paid almost all in cash, with the balance in shares of NEE common stock. The amount of consideration will be subject to adjustment as provided in the EFH merger agreement. In late October 2016, additional agreements were entered into with other parties that, when combined with the EFH merger agreement, if completed, would result in NEE owning 100% of Oncor. The aggregate consideration to be paid by NEE under these additional agreements will be approximately $2.4 billion and will be subject to adjustment as provided in the additional agreements. On February 17, 2017, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware confirmed Energy Future Holdings Corp.'s Eighth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization. Completion and actual closing dates of the EFH merger and the other Oncor-related transactions remain subject to, among other things, approval by the PUCT and receipt of a supplemental private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The PUCT hearings regarding the merger transactions were conducted the week of February 20, 2017. NEE, EFH and the other parties to the EFH merger agreement, and the parties to the other Oncor-related transaction agreements, have certain specified termination rights. NEE expects the EFH merger and the other Oncor-related transactions to be completed in the first half of 2017. See Note 7 - Pending Oncor-Related Transactions.

In January 2017, a subsidiary of NEE completed the sale of its fiber-optic telecommunications business (FPL FiberNet) for net cash proceeds of approximately $1.1 billion, after repayment of $370 million of related long-term debt. See Note 1 - Assets and Liabilities Associated with Assets Held for Sale.

FPL

FPL was incorporated under the laws of Florida in 1925 and is a rate-regulated electric utility engaged primarily in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electric energy in Florida. FPL is the largest electric utility in the state of Florida and one of the largest electric utilities in the U.S. based on retail MWh sales. At December 31, 2016, FPL had approximately 26,000 MW of net generating capacity, 74,800 miles of transmission and distribution lines and 600 substations. FPL provides service to its customers through an integrated transmission and distribution system that links its generation facilities to its customers. At December 31, 2016, FPL served approximately 10 million people through approximately 4.9 million customer accounts. FPL's service territory, which covers most of the east and lower west coasts of Florida, and plant locations as of December 31, 2016 were as follows (see Sources of Generation below):
fplserviceterrotorya01.jpg


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CUSTOMERS AND REVENUE

FPL's primary source of operating revenues is from its retail customer base; it also serves a limited number of wholesale customers within Florida. The percentage of FPL's operating revenues and customer accounts by customer class were as follows:

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customeraccounts.jpg

For both retail and wholesale customers, the prices (or rates) that FPL may charge are approved by regulatory bodies, by the FPSC in the case of retail customers, and by the FERC in the case of wholesale customers. In general, under U.S. and Florida law, regulated rates are intended to cover the cost of providing service, including a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. Since the regulatory bodies have authority to determine the relevant cost of providing service and the appropriate rate of return on capital employed, there can be no guarantee that FPL will be able to earn any particular rate of return or recover all of its costs through regulated rates. See FPL Regulation below.

FPL seeks to maintain attractive rates for its customers. Since rates are largely cost-based, maintaining low rates requires a strategy focused on developing and maintaining a low-cost position, including the implementation of ideas generated from the cost savings initiatives discussed above. A common benchmark used in the electric power industry for comparing rates across companies is the price of 1,000 kWh of consumption per month for a residential customer. FPL's 2016 average bill for 1,000 kWh of monthly residential usage was the lowest among reporting electric utilities within Florida and well below the July 2016 national average (the latest date for which this data is available) as indicated below:


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FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS AND COMPETITION

FPL's service to its retail customers is provided primarily under franchise agreements negotiated with municipalities or counties. During the term of a franchise agreement, which is typically 30 years, the municipality or county agrees not to form its own utility, and FPL has the right to offer electric service to residents. FPL currently holds 180 franchise agreements with various municipalities and counties in Florida with varying expiration dates through 2046. These franchise agreements cover approximately 88% of FPL's retail customer base in Florida. FPL also provides service to 13 other municipalities and to 21 unincorporated areas within its service area without franchise agreements pursuant to the general obligation to serve as a public utility. FPL relies upon Florida law for access to public rights of way.

Because any customer may elect to provide his/her own electric services, FPL effectively must compete for an individual customer's business. As a practical matter, few customers provide their own service at the present time since FPL's cost of service is lower than the cost of self-generation for the vast majority of customers. Changing technology, economic conditions and other factors could alter the favorable relative cost position that FPL currently enjoys; however, FPL seeks as a matter of strategy to ensure that it delivers superior value, in the form of high reliability, low bills and excellent customer service.

In addition to self-generation by residential, commercial and industrial customers, FPL also faces competition from other suppliers of electrical energy to wholesale customers and from alternative energy sources. In each of 2016, 2015 and 2014, operating revenues from wholesale and industrial customers combined represented approximately five percent of FPL's total operating revenues.

For the building of new steam and solar generating capacity of 75 MW or greater, the FPSC requires investor-owned electric utilities, including FPL, to issue an RFP except when the FPSC determines that an exception from the RFP process is in the public interest. The RFP process allows independent power producers and others to bid to supply the new generating capacity. If a bidder has the most cost-effective alternative, meets other criteria such as financial viability and demonstrates adequate expertise and experience in building and/or operating generating capacity of the type proposed, the investor-owned electric utility would seek to negotiate a purchased power agreement with the selected bidder and request that the FPSC approve the terms of the purchased power agreement and, if appropriate, provide the required authorization for the construction of the bidder's generating capacity.

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FPL SOURCES OF GENERATION

At December 31, 2016, FPL's resources for serving load consisted of 26,836 MW, of which 26,017 MW were from FPL-owned facilities and approximately 819 MW were available through purchased power agreements, including 330 MW associated with a coal-fired generation facility located in Indiantown, Florida that FPL purchased in January 2017 (Indiantown generation facility) (see Note 13 - Contracts). FPL owned and operated 33 units that used fossil fuels, primarily natural gas, and had joint ownership interests in 3 coal units with an aggregate generating capacity of 22,305 MW. In addition, FPL owned, or had undivided interests in, and operated 4 nuclear units with generating capacity totaling 3,453 MW (see Nuclear Operations below) and 5 solar generation facilities with generating capacity totaling 259 MW (excluding 75 MW of non-incremental solar capability which is provided through a natural gas generation facility). FPL customer usage and operating revenues are typically higher during the summer months, largely due to the prevalent use of air conditioning in FPL's service territory. Occasionally, unusually cold temperatures during the winter months result in significant increases in electricity usage for short periods of time.

Fuel Sources

FPL relies upon a mix of fuel sources for its generation facilities, the ability of some of its generation facilities to operate on both natural gas and oil, and on purchased power to maintain the flexibility to achieve a more economical fuel mix in order to respond to market and industry developments.

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*Oil is less than 1%
*Oil and Solar are collectively less than 1%

Significant Fuel Contracts. As of December 31, 2016, FPL had the following significant fuel contracts in place:

FPL has firm transportation contracts for existing natural gas pipeline capacity with five different transportation suppliers, which provide for an aggregate maximum delivery quantity of 1,969,000 MMBtu/day with expiration dates ranging from 2017 to 2036. Together, these contracts are expected to satisfy substantially all of the currently anticipated needs for natural gas transportation through mid-2017. To the extent desirable, FPL also purchases interruptible natural gas transportation service from the five transportation suppliers.
FPL has 25-year natural gas transportation agreements with each of Sabal Trail and Florida Southeast Connection for a quantity of 400,000 MMBtu/day beginning in mid-2017 and increasing to 600,000 MMBtu/day in mid-2020. These new agreements, when combined with FPL's existing agreements, are expected to satisfy substantially all of FPL's natural gas transportation needs through at least 2020. FPL's firm commitments under the new agreements are contingent upon the occurrence of certain events, including the completion of construction of the pipeline system to be built by Sabal Trail and Florida Southeast Connection. See NEER - Generation and Other Operations - Other Operations below and Note 13 - Contracts.
FPL has several short- and medium-term natural gas supply contracts to provide a portion of FPL's anticipated needs for natural gas. The remainder of FPL's natural gas requirements is purchased in the spot market. FPL has an agreement for the storage of natural gas that expires in 2018.
FPL has several contracts for the supply of uranium and the conversion, enrichment and fabrication of nuclear fuel with expiration dates ranging from late February 2017 through 2031.


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Nuclear Operations

At December 31, 2016, FPL owned, or had undivided interests in, and operated the following four nuclear units in Florida with a total net generating capacity of 3,453 MW. FPL's nuclear units are periodically removed from service to accommodate planned refueling and maintenance outages, including inspections, repairs and certain other modifications. Scheduled nuclear refueling outages typically require the unit to be removed from service for variable lengths of time.
Facility
 
FPL's Ownership
(MW)
 
Beginning of Current or Next
Scheduled Refueling Outage
 
Operating License
Expiration Dates
St. Lucie Unit No. 1
 
981
 
March 2018
 
2036
St. Lucie Unit No. 2
 
840
 
February 2017
 
2043
Turkey Point Unit No. 3
 
811
 
March 2017
 
2032
Turkey Point Unit No. 4
 
821
 
October 2017
 
2033

NRC regulations require FPL to submit a plan for decontamination and decommissioning five years before the projected end of plant operation. FPL's current plans, under the applicable operating licenses, provide for prompt dismantlement of Turkey Point Units Nos. 3 and 4 with decommissioning activities commencing in 2032 and 2033, respectively. Current plans provide for St. Lucie Unit No. 1 to be mothballed beginning in 2036 with decommissioning activities to be integrated with the prompt dismantlement of St. Lucie Unit No. 2 commencing in 2043.

FPL's nuclear facilities use both on-site storage pools and dry storage casks to store spent nuclear fuel generated by these facilities, which are expected to provide sufficient storage of spent nuclear fuel at these facilities through license expiration.

Projects to Add Additional Capacity

FPL is in the process of adding the following additional capacity during the term of the 2016 rate agreement (see FPL Rate Regulation - Base Rates - Rates Effective January 2017 through December 2020 below):
an approximately 1,750 MW natural gas-fired combined-cycle unit in Okeechobee County, Florida (Okeechobee Clean Energy Center), with a planned in-service date of mid-2019; and
up to 300 MW annually of new solar generation in each of 2017 through 2020.

FPL ENERGY MARKETING AND TRADING

FPL's Energy Marketing & Trading division (EMT) buys and sells wholesale energy commodities, such as natural gas, oil and electricity. EMT procures natural gas and oil for FPL's use in power generation and sells excess natural gas, oil and electricity. Prior to January 2017, EMT had utilized derivative instruments (primarily swaps, options and forwards) to manage the commodity price risk inherent in the purchase and sale of fuel and electricity. Under the 2016 rate agreement that is effective beginning January 2017 and discussed below, EMT will not enter into any new derivative instruments to manage its commodity price risk for the term of the 2016 rate agreement. Substantially all of the results of EMT's activities are passed through to customers in the fuel or capacity clauses. See Management's Discussion - Energy Marketing and Trading and Market Risk Sensitivity and Note 3.

FPL REGULATION

FPL's operations are subject to regulation by a number of federal, state and other organizations, including, but not limited to, the following:

the FPSC, which has jurisdiction over retail rates, service territory, issuances of securities, planning, siting and construction of facilities, among other things;
the FERC, which oversees the acquisition and disposition of generation, transmission and other facilities, transmission of electricity and natural gas in interstate commerce, proposals to build and operate interstate natural gas pipelines and storage facilities, and wholesale purchases and sales of electric energy, among other things;
the NERC, which, through its regional entities, establishes and enforces mandatory reliability standards, subject to approval by the FERC, to ensure the reliability of the U.S. electric transmission and generation system and to prevent major system blackouts;
the NRC, which has jurisdiction over the operation of nuclear power plants through the issuance of operating licenses, rules, regulations and orders; and
the EPA, which has the responsibility to maintain and enforce national standards under a variety of environmental laws. The EPA also works with industries and all levels of government, including federal and state governments, in a wide variety of voluntary pollution prevention programs and energy conservation efforts.


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FPL Rate Regulation

The FPSC sets rates at a level that is intended to allow FPL the opportunity to collect from retail customers total revenues (revenue requirements) equal to FPL's cost of providing service, including a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. To accomplish this, the FPSC uses various ratemaking mechanisms, including, among other things, base rates and cost recovery clauses.

Base Rates. In general, the basic costs of providing electric service, other than fuel and certain other costs, are recovered through base rates, which are designed to recover the costs of constructing, operating and maintaining the utility system. These basic costs include O&M expenses, depreciation and taxes, as well as a return on FPL's investment in assets used and useful in providing electric service (rate base). At the time base rates are established, the allowed rate of return on rate base approximates the FPSC's determination of FPL's estimated weighted-average cost of capital, which includes its costs for outstanding debt and an allowed ROE. The FPSC monitors FPL's actual regulatory ROE through a surveillance report that is filed monthly by FPL with the FPSC. The FPSC does not provide assurance that any regulatory ROE will be achieved. Base rates are determined in rate proceedings or through negotiated settlements of those proceedings. Proceedings can occur at the initiative of FPL or upon action by the FPSC. Base rates remain in effect until new base rates are approved by the FPSC.

Rates Effective January 2017 through December 2020 - In December 2016, the FPSC issued a final order approving a stipulation and settlement between FPL and several intervenors in FPL's base rate proceeding (2016 rate agreement). Key elements of the 2016 rate agreement, which is effective from January 2017 through at least December 2020, include, among other things, the following:

New retail base rates and charges were established resulting in the following increases in annualized retail base revenues:
$400 million beginning January 1, 2017;
$211 million beginning January 1, 2018; and
$200 million when the Okeechobee Clean Energy Center achieves commercial operation, which is expected to occur in mid-2019.
In addition, FPL is eligible to receive, subject to conditions specified in the 2016 rate agreement, base rate increases associated with the addition of up to 300 MW annually of new solar generation in each of 2017 through 2020 and may carry forward any unused MW to subsequent years during the term of the 2016 rate agreement. FPL will be required to demonstrate that any proposed solar facilities are cost effective and scheduled to be in service before December 31, 2021. FPL has agreed to an installed cost cap of $1,750 per kW.
FPL's allowed regulatory ROE is 10.55%, with a range of 9.60% to 11.60%. If FPL's earned regulatory ROE falls below 9.60%, FPL may seek retail base rate relief. If the earned regulatory ROE rises above 11.60%, any party other than FPL may seek a review of FPL's retail base rates.
Subject to certain conditions, FPL may amortize, over the term of the 2016 rate agreement, up to $1.0 billion of depreciation reserve surplus plus the reserve amount remaining under FPL's 2012 rate agreement discussed below (approximately $250 million), provided that in any year of the 2016 rate agreement, FPL must amortize at least enough reserve to maintain a 9.60% earned regulatory ROE but may not amortize any reserve that would result in an earned regulatory ROE in excess of 11.60%.
Future storm restoration costs would be recoverable on an interim basis beginning 60 days from the filing of a cost recovery petition, but capped at an amount that could produce a surcharge of no more than $4 for every 1,000 kWh of usage on residential bills during the first 12 months of cost recovery. Any additional costs would be eligible for recovery in subsequent years. If storm restoration costs exceed $800 million in any given calendar year, FPL may request an increase to the $4 surcharge to recover amounts above $400 million.

In January 2017, the Sierra Club filed a notice of appeal challenging the FPSC’s final order approving the 2016 rate agreement, which notice of appeal is pending before the Florida Supreme Court.

Rates Effective January 2013 through December 2016 - Effective January 2013, pursuant to an FPSC final order approving a stipulation and settlement between FPL and several intervenors in FPL's base rate proceeding (2012 rate agreement), new retail base rates and charges for FPL were established resulting in an increase in retail base revenues of $350 million on an annualized basis. The 2012 rate agreement, provided for, among other things, the following:
a regulatory ROE of 10.50% with a range of plus or minus 100 basis points;
an increase in annualized base revenue requirements as each of three FPL modernized power plants became operational in April 2013, April 2014 and April 2016;
the continuation of cost recovery through the capacity clause (reported as retail base revenues) for a generating unit which was placed in service in May 2011 (beginning January 2017, under the 2016 rate agreement, cost recovery will be through base rates);
subject to certain conditions, the right to reduce depreciation expense up to $400 million (reserve), provided that in any year of the 2012 rate agreement, FPL was required to amortize enough reserve to maintain an earned regulatory ROE within the range of 9.50% to 11.50% (see below regarding a subsequent reduction in the reserve amount);
an interim cost recovery mechanism for storm restoration costs (see Note 1 - Securitized Storm-Recovery Costs, Storm Fund and Storm Reserve); and

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an incentive mechanism whereby customers receive 100% of certain gains, including but not limited to gains from the purchase and sale of electricity and natural gas (including transportation and storage), up to a specified threshold; gains exceeding that specified threshold were shared by FPL and its customers.

In August 2015, the FPSC approved a stipulation and settlement between the Office of Public Counsel and FPL regarding issues relating to the ratemaking treatment for FPL’s purchase of a 250 MW coal-fired generation facility located in Jacksonville, Florida (Cedar Bay generation facility), which FPL retired in December 2016. As part of this settlement, the amount of the reserve was reduced by $30 million to $370 million.

Cost Recovery Clauses. Cost recovery clauses are designed to permit full recovery of certain costs and provide a return on certain assets allowed to be recovered through the various clauses. Cost recovery clause costs are recovered through levelized monthly charges per kWh or kW, depending on the customer's rate class. These cost recovery clause charges are calculated at least annually based on estimated costs and estimated customer usage for the following year, plus or minus true-up adjustments to reflect the estimated over or under recovery of costs for the current and prior periods. An adjustment to the levelized charges may be approved during the course of a year to reflect revised estimates. FPL recovers costs from customers through the following clauses:

Fuel - fuel costs and energy charges relating to purchased power agreements, the most significant of the cost recovery clauses in terms of operating revenues (see Note 1 - Rate Regulation);
Capacity - primarily capacity payments to non-utility generators and other utilities and certain costs associated with the acquisition of the Cedar Bay generation facility (see Note 1 - Rate Regulation);
Energy Conservation - costs associated with implementing energy conservation programs; and
Environmental - certain costs of complying with federal, state and local environmental regulations enacted after April 1993 and costs associated with three of FPL's solar facilities.

The FPSC has the authority to disallow recovery of costs that it considers excessive or imprudently incurred. These costs may include, among others, fuel and O&M expenses, the cost of replacing power lost when fossil and nuclear units are unavailable, storm restoration costs and costs associated with the construction or acquisition of new facilities.

FERC

The Federal Power Act grants the FERC exclusive ratemaking jurisdiction over wholesale sales of electricity and the transmission of electricity and natural gas in interstate commerce. Pursuant to the Federal Power Act, electric utilities must maintain tariffs and rate schedules on file with the FERC which govern the rates, terms and conditions for the provision of FERC-jurisdictional wholesale power and transmission services. The Federal Power Act also gives the FERC authority to certify and oversee a national electric reliability organization with authority to establish and independently enforce mandatory reliability standards applicable to all users, owners and operators of the bulk-power system. See NERC below. Electric utilities are subject to accounting, record-keeping and reporting requirements administered by the FERC. The FERC also places certain limitations on transactions between electric utilities and their affiliates.

NERC

The NERC has been certified by the FERC as the national electric reliability organization. The NERC's mandate is to ensure the reliability and security of the North American bulk-power system through the establishment and enforcement of reliability standards approved by FERC. The NERC's regional entities also enforce reliability standards approved by the FERC. FPL is subject to these reliability standards and incurs costs to ensure compliance with continually heightened requirements, and can incur significant penalties for failing to comply with them.

FPL Environmental Regulation

FPL is subject to environmental laws and regulations as described in the NEE Environmental Matters section below. FPL expects to seek recovery through the environmental clause for compliance costs associated with any new environmental laws and regulations.

FPL EMPLOYEES

FPL had approximately 8,900 employees at December 31, 2016. Approximately 34% of the employees are represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) under a collective bargaining agreement with FPL that expires October 31, 2017.

NEER

NEER, a limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware, was formed in 1998 to aggregate NEE's competitive energy businesses. NEER is a diversified clean energy company with a business strategy that emphasizes the development, acquisition and operation of long-term contracted assets with a focus on renewable projects. Through its subsidiaries, NEER currently owns, develops, constructs, manages and operates electric generation facilities in wholesale energy markets primarily in the U.S., as well

11


as in Canada and Spain. See Note 14 for information on revenues from foreign sources and long–lived assets located in foreign countries. NEER, with approximately 19,882 MW of generating capacity at December 31, 2016, is one of the largest wholesale generators of electric power in the U.S., with approximately 18,862 MW of generating capacity across 29 states, and has 920 MW of generating capacity in 4 Canadian provinces and 99.8 MW of generating capacity in Spain. NEER produces the majority of its electricity from clean and renewable sources as described more fully below. NEER is the largest generator in the world of electric power from wind and universal solar energy projects based on 2016 MWh produced. NEER also owned and operated approximately 200 substations and 1,240 circuit miles of transmission lines at December 31, 2016.

NEER also engages in energy-related commodity marketing and trading activities, including entering into financial and physical contracts, to hedge the production from its generation assets that is not sold under long-term power supply agreements. These contracts primarily include power and gas commodities and their related products, as well as provide full energy and capacity requirements services primarily to distribution utilities in certain markets and offer customized power and gas and related risk management services to wholesale customers. In addition, NEER participates in natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil production primarily through non-operating ownership interests, and in pipeline infrastructure development, construction, management and operations, through either wholly owned subsidiaries or noncontrolling or joint venture interests, hereafter referred to as the gas infrastructure business. NEER also hedges the expected output from its gas infrastructure production assets to protect against price movements.

As discussed in the Overview above, during 2014, NEP was formed to acquire, manage and own contracted clean energy projects with stable, long-term cash flows through a limited partner interest in NEP OpCo. Through an indirect wholly owned subsidiary, NEE owns 101,440,000 common units of NEP OpCo representing a noncontrolling interest in NEP's operating projects of approximately 65.2% as of December 31, 2016. NEE owns a controlling general partner interest in NEP and consolidates NEP for financial reporting purposes. See Note 1 - NextEra Energy Partners, LP. As of December 31, 2016, NEP, through the combination of NEER's contribution of energy projects to NEP OpCo in connection with NEP’s IPO in July 2014 and the acquisition of additional energy projects from NEER in 2015 and 2016, owns, or has an interest in, a portfolio of 22 wind and solar projects with generating capacity totaling approximately 2,787 MW and long-term contracted natural gas pipeline assets as discussed below. In addition in 2015, NEP OpCo issued 2 million NEP OpCo Class B Units to NEER in exchange for an approximately 50% ownership interest in three solar projects with a total generating capacity of 277 MW. NEER, as holder of the Class B Units, will retain 100% of the economic interests if, and until, NEER offers to sell the economic interests to NEP and NEP accepts such offer. NEP OpCo has a right of first offer for certain of NEER's assets (ROFO assets) if NEER should seek to sell the assets. The ROFO assets remaining as of December 31, 2016, include contracted wind and solar projects with a combined capacity of approximately 1,076 MW. In 2015, NEP completed the acquisition of the membership interests in NET Holdings Management, LLC (Texas pipeline business), a developer, owner and operator of a portfolio of seven intrastate long-term contracted natural gas pipeline assets located in Texas (Texas pipelines). See Generation and Other Operations - Contracted, Merchant and Other Operations - Other Operations below.


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GENERATION AND OTHER OPERATIONS

NEER sells products associated with its own generation facilities (energy, capacity, renewable energy credits (RECs) and ancillary services) in competitive markets in regions where those facilities are located. Customer transactions may be supplied from NEER generation facilities or from purchases in the wholesale markets, or from a combination thereof. See Markets and Competition below.

At December 31, 2016, NEER managed or participated in the management of essentially all of its generation projects and all of its natural gas pipeline assets in which it has an ownership interest. At December 31, 2016, the locations of NEER's generation facilities and natural gas pipeline assets in North America were as follows:

neergeneratingfacilitiesa03.jpg



13


Contracted, Merchant and Other Operations

NEER's portfolio of generation operations based on the presence/absence of long-term power sales agreements and other operations was as follows:

nee-1231201_chartx28121.jpg
nee-1231201_chartx29472.jpgnee-1231201_chartx30618.jpg
 
*Solar is less than 1%

Contracted Generation Assets. Contracted generation assets are generation facilities with long-term power sales agreements for substantially all of their capacity and/or energy output. Information related to contracted generation assets as of December 31, 2016 was as follows:
represented approximately 15,994 MW of generating capacity;
weighted average remaining contract term of approximately 17 years, based on forecasted contributions to earnings; and
contracts for the supply of uranium and the conversion, enrichment and fabrication of nuclear fuel have expiration dates ranging from late February 2017 through 2032 (see Note 13 - Contracts).


14


Merchant Generation Assets. Merchant generation assets are generation facilities that do not have long-term power sales agreements to sell their capacity and/or energy output and therefore require active marketing and hedging. Information related to merchant generation assets as of December 31, 2016 was as follows:
represented approximately 3,888 MW of generating capacity, including 781 MW of oil-fired peak generation facilities;
primarily located in Texas and the Northeast regions of the U.S.;
contracts for the supply of uranium and the conversion, enrichment and fabrication of nuclear fuel have expiration dates ranging from August 2017 through 2029 (see Note 13 - Contracts); and
utilize swaps, options, futures and forwards to lock in pricing and manage the commodity price risk inherent in power sales and fuel purchases.

Other Operations.

Gas Infrastructure Business - At December 31, 2016, NEER had approximately $3.5 billion invested in the natural gas pipelines discussed below and ownership interests in investments located in oil and gas shale formations primarily in the Midwest and South regions of the U.S.
 
Miles
of
Pipeline
 
Pipeline
Location/Route
 
NEER's
Ownership
 
Total
Capacity
(per day)
 
Actual/Expected
In-Service
Dates
Operational:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Texas Pipelines(a)
542
 
South Texas
 
61.6%
 
4.05 Bcf
 
1950 - 2014
Under Construction or In Development:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sabal Trail(b)
515
 
Southwestern Alabama to Central Florida
 
42.5%
 
0.83 Bcf - 1.075 Bcf
 
Mid-2017 - Mid-2021
Florida Southeast Connection(b)
126
 
Central Florida to Martin County, Florida
 
100%
 
0.64 Bcf
 
Mid-2017
Mountain Valley Pipeline(c)
301
 
Marcellus and Utica shale regions to markets in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the U.S.
 
31%
 
2.00 Bcf
 
End of 2018
______________________
(a)
A portfolio of seven natural gas pipelines, of which a third party owns a 10% interest in a 120 mile pipeline with a daily capacity of approximately 2.3 Bcf. The pipelines have a total existing capacity of approximately 4 Bcf per day, of which 3 Bcf per day is contracted with firm ship-or-pay contracts that have a weighted-average remaining contract life of approximately 14 years.
(b)
See FPL - FPL Sources of Generation - Fuel Sources - Significant Fuel Contracts and Note 13 - Commitments and - Contracts.
(c)
Construction of the natural gas pipeline is subject to certain conditions, including FERC approval. See Note 13 - Commitments.

Customer Supply and Proprietary Power and Gas Trading - NEER provides commodities-related products to customers, engages in energy-related commodity marketing and trading activities and includes the operations of a retail electricity provider. Through its subsidiary PMI, NEER:
manages risk associated with fluctuating commodity prices and optimizes the value of NEER's power generation and gas infrastructure production assets through the use of swaps, options, futures and forwards;
sells output from NEER's plants that is not sold under long-term contracts and procures fossil fuel for use by NEER's generation fleet;
provides full energy and capacity requirements to customers; and
markets and trades energy-related commodity products and provides a wide range of electricity and fuel commodity products as well as marketing and trading services to customers.


15


NEER Fuel/Technology Mix

NEER owns and operates the majority of its generation facilities, which utilize the following mix of fuel sources:

nee-1231201_chartx31730.jpgnee-1231201_chartx32751.jpg
 
*Oil is less than 1%
Wind Facilities

ownership interests in and operated a total net generating capacity of 13,852 MW at December 31, 2016;
located in 20 states in the U.S. and 4 provinces in Canada;
approximately 12,008 MW is from contracted wind assets located primarily throughout the West and Midwest regions of the U.S. and Canada;
approximately 1,844 MW is from merchant wind assets located in Texas;
added approximately 1,465 MW in the U.S. in 2016; and
expects to add new contracted wind generation of approximately 2,400 to 4,100 MW and approximately 1,600 MW of additional repowering generation within the existing U.S. wind portfolio in 2017 to 2018 (see Policy Incentives for Renewable Energy Projects below for additional discussion of NEER's expectations regarding wind development, construction and retrofitting).

Solar Facilities

ownership interests in and operated the majority of PV and solar thermal facilities with a total net generating capacity of 2,108 MW at December 31, 2016;
located in 11 states in the U.S., 1 province in Canada and 1 province in Spain;
essentially all MW is from contracted solar facilities located primarily throughout the West region of the U.S.;
added approximately 980 MW in the U.S. in 2016; and
expects to add new contracted solar generation of approximately 400 to 1,300 MW in 2017 to 2018.

Fossil Facilities

ownership interests in and operated natural gas generation facilities with a total net generating capacity of 420 MW at December 31, 2016; approximately 262 MW is contracted and 158 MW is merchant; located in 3 states in the Northeast region of the U.S.;
completed the sales of its ownership interests in merchant natural gas generation facilities located in Texas with a total generating capacity of 2,884 MW and in natural gas generation facilities located primarily in Pennsylvania with a total generating capacity of 840 MW (see Note 1 - Assets and Liabilities Associated with Assets Held for Sale); and
owned, or had undivided interests in, and operated oil-fired peak generation facilities with a total generating capacity of 781 MW at December 31, 2016 primarily located in Maine.

Nuclear Facilities

At December 31, 2016, NEER owned, or had undivided interests in, and operated the following four nuclear units with a total net generating capacity of 2,721 MW. NEER's nuclear units are periodically removed from service to accommodate planned refueling and maintenance outages, including inspections, repairs and certain other modifications. Scheduled nuclear refueling outages

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typically require the unit to be removed from service for variable lengths of time.
Facility
 
Location
 
NEER's Ownership
(MW)
 
Portfolio
Category
 
Next Scheduled
Refueling Outage
 
Operating License
Expiration Dates
Seabrook
 
New Hampshire
 
1,100
 
Merchant
 
April 2017
 
  2030(a)
Duane Arnold
 
Iowa
 
431
 
Contracted(b)
 
September 2018
 
2034
Point Beach Unit No. 1
 
Wisconsin
 
595
 
Contracted(c)
 
October 2017
 
2030
Point Beach Unit No. 2
 
Wisconsin
 
595
 
Contracted(c)
 
March 2017
 
2033
______________________
(a)
In 2010, NEER filed an application with the NRC to renew Seabrook's operating license for an additional 20 years, which license renewal is dependent on NRC regulatory approvals.
(b)
NEER sells all of its share of the output of Duane Arnold under a long-term contract expiring in December 2025.
(c)
NEER sells all of the output of Point Beach Units Nos. 1 and 2 under long-term contracts through their current operating license expiration dates.

NEER is responsible for all nuclear unit operations and the ultimate decommissioning of the nuclear units, the cost of which is shared on a pro-rata basis by the joint owners for the jointly-owned units. NRC regulations require plant owners to submit a plan for decontamination and decommissioning five years before the projected end of plant operation.

NEER's nuclear facilities use both on-site storage pools and dry storage casks to store spent nuclear fuel generated by these facilities, which are expected to provide sufficient storage of spent nuclear fuel at these facilities through license expiration.

Policy Incentives for Renewable Energy Projects

U.S. federal, state and local governments have established various incentives to support the development of renewable energy projects. These incentives include accelerated tax depreciation, PTCs, ITCs, cash grants, tax abatements and RPS programs. Wind and solar projects qualify as five-year property that is eligible to be depreciated under the U.S. federal Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS). Pursuant to MACRS, wind and solar projects are fully depreciated for tax purposes over a five-year period even though the useful life of such projects is generally much longer than five years.

Owners of utility-scale wind facilities are eligible to claim an income tax credit (the PTC, or an ITC in lieu of the PTC) upon initially achieving commercial operation. The PTC is determined based on the amount of electricity produced by the wind facility during the first ten years of commercial operation. This incentive was created under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and has been extended several times. Alternatively, an ITC equal to 30% of the cost of a wind facility may be claimed in lieu of the PTC. In December 2015, the PTC (and ITC in lieu of PTC) for wind facilities was extended for five years, subject to the phase-down schedule in the table below. In order to qualify for the PTC (or ITC in lieu of PTC), construction of a wind facility must begin before a specified date. The IRS previously issued guidance setting forth two alternatives pursuant to which a taxpayer may begin construction on a wind facility and providing that the taxpayer must maintain a continuous program of construction or continuous efforts to advance the project to completion. In May 2016, the IRS issued additional guidance relating to the December 2015 extension and phase-down of the PTC and ITC for wind facilities. In general, this guidance modifies and extends the safe harbor for the continuous efforts and continuous construction requirements to four years compared to two years under the previous guidance. The safe harbor will generally be satisfied if the facility is placed in service no more than four calendar years after the calendar year in which construction of the facility began. The IRS also confirmed that retrofitted wind facilities may re-qualify for PTCs or ITCs pursuant to the 5% safe harbor for the begin construction requirement, as long as the cost basis of the new investment is at least 80% of the facility’s total fair value.

Owners of solar projects are eligible to claim a 30% ITC for new solar projects, or can elect to receive an equivalent cash payment from the U.S. Department of Treasury for the value of the 30% ITC (convertible ITC) for qualifying solar projects where construction began before the end of 2011 and the projects are placed in service before 2017. In December 2015, the 30% ITC for new solar projects was extended, subject to the following phase-down schedule.
 
Year construction of project begins
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
2022
PTC(a)
100
%
 
100
%
 
80
%
 
60
%
 
40
%
 
-

 
-

 
-

Wind ITC
30
%
 
30
%
 
24
%
 
18
%
 
12
%
 
-

 
-

 
-

Solar ITC(b)
30
%
 
30
%
 
30
%
 
30
%
 
30
%
 
26
%
 
22
%
 
10
%
_________________________
(a)
Percentage of the full PTC available for wind projects that begin construction during the applicable year.
(b)
ITC is limited to 10% for projects not placed in service before January 1, 2024.

Other countries, including Canada and Spain, provide for incentives like feed-in-tariffs for renewable energy projects. The feed-in-tariffs promote renewable energy investments by offering long-term contracts to renewable energy producers, typically based on the cost of generation of each technology.


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MARKETS AND COMPETITION

Electricity markets in the U.S. and Canada are regional and diverse in character. All are extensively regulated, and competition in these markets is shaped and constrained by regulation. The nature of the products offered varies based on the specifics of regulation in each region. Generally, in addition to the natural constraints on pricing freedom presented by competition, NEER may also face specific constraints in the form of price caps, or maximum allowed prices, for certain products. NEER's ability to sell the output of its generation facilities may also be constrained by available transmission capacity, which can vary from time to time and can have a significant impact on pricing.

The degree and nature of competition that NEER faces is different in wholesale markets and in retail markets. During 2016, approximately 86% of NEER's revenue was derived from wholesale electricity markets.

Wholesale power generation is a capital-intensive, commodity-driven business with numerous industry participants. NEER primarily competes on the basis of price, but believes the green attributes of NEER's generation assets, its creditworthiness and its ability to offer and manage reliable customized risk solutions to wholesale customers are competitive advantages. Wholesale power generation is a regional business that is highly fragmented relative to many other commodity industries and diverse in terms of industry structure. As such, there is a wide variation in terms of the capabilities, resources, nature and identity of the companies NEER competes with depending on the market. In wholesale markets, customers' needs are met through a variety of means, including long-term bilateral contracts, standardized bilateral products such as full requirements service and customized supply and risk management services.

In general, U.S. electricity markets encompass three classes of services: energy, capacity and ancillary services. Energy services relate to the physical delivery of power; capacity services relate to the availability of MW capacity of a power generation asset; and ancillary services are other services that relate to power generation assets, such as load regulation and spinning and non-spinning reserves. The exact nature of these classes of services is defined in part by regional tariffs. Not all regions have a capacity services class, and the specific definitions of ancillary services vary from region to region.

RTOs and ISOs exist throughout much of North America to coordinate generation and transmission across wide geographic areas and to run markets. NEER operates in all RTO and ISO jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2016, NEER also had operations of approximately 3,114 MWs that fall within reliability regions that are not under the jurisdiction of an established RTO or ISO, including 2,519 MWs within the Western Electricity Coordinating Council. Although each RTO and ISO may have differing objectives and structures, some benefits of these entities include regional planning, managing transmission congestion, developing larger wholesale markets for energy and capacity, maintaining reliability and facilitating competition among wholesale electricity providers. NEER has operations that fall within the following RTOs and ISOs:

neerisomb.jpg


18


NEER competes in different regions to different degrees, but in general it seeks to enter into long-term bilateral contracts for the full output of its generation facilities, and, as of December 31, 2016, approximately 80% of NEER's generating capacity was committed under long-term contracts. Where long-term contracts are not in effect, NEER sells the output of its facilities into daily spot markets. In such cases, NEER will frequently enter into shorter term bilateral contracts, typically of less than three years duration, to hedge the price risk associated with selling into a daily spot market. Such bilateral contracts, which may be hedges either for physical delivery or for financial (pricing) offset, may only protect a portion of the revenue that NEER expects to derive from the associated generation facility and may not qualify for hedge accounting under GAAP. Contracts that serve the economic purpose of hedging some portion of the expected revenue of a generation facility but are not recorded as hedges under GAAP are referred to as “non-qualifying hedges” for adjusted earnings purposes. See Management's Discussion - Overview - Adjusted Earnings.

Certain facilities within the NEER wind and solar generation portfolio produce RECs and other environmental attributes which are typically sold along with the energy from the plants under long-term contracts, or may be sold separately for the wind and solar generation not sold under long-term contracts. The purchasing party is solely entitled to the reporting rights and ownership of the environmental attributes.

While the majority of NEER's revenue is derived from the output of its generation facilities, NEER is also an active competitor in several regions in the wholesale full requirements business and in providing structured and customized power and fuel products and services to a variety of customers. In the full requirements service, typically, the supplier agrees to meet the customer's needs for a full range of products for every hour of the day, at a fixed price, for a predetermined period of time, thereby assuming the risk of fluctuations in the customer's volume requirements.

Expanded competition in a frequently changing regulatory environment presents both opportunities and risks for NEER. Opportunities exist for the selective acquisition of generation assets and for the construction and operation of efficient facilities that can sell power in competitive markets. NEER seeks to reduce its market risk by having a diversified portfolio by fuel type and location, as well as by contracting for the future sale of a significant amount of the electricity output of its facilities.

NEER REGULATION

The energy markets in which NEER operates are subject to domestic and foreign regulation, as the case may be, including local, state and federal regulation, and other specific rules.

At December 31, 2016, NEER had ownership interests in operating independent power projects located in the U.S. that have received exempt wholesale generator status as defined under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005, which represent approximately 99% of NEER's net generating capacity in the U.S. Exempt wholesale generators own or operate a facility exclusively to sell electricity to wholesale customers. They are barred from selling electricity directly to retail customers. NEER's exempt wholesale generators produce electricity from wind, fossil fuels, solar and nuclear facilities. Essentially all of the remaining 1% of NEER's net generating capacity has qualifying facility status under the PURPA. NEER's qualifying facilities generate electricity primarily from wind, solar and fossil fuels. Qualifying facility status exempts the projects from, among other things, many of the provisions of the Federal Power Act, as well as state laws and regulations relating to rates and financial or organizational regulation of electric utilities. While projects with qualifying facility and/or exempt wholesale generator status are exempt from various restrictions, each project must still comply with other federal, state and local laws, including, but not limited to, those regarding siting, construction, operation, licensing, pollution abatement and other environmental laws.

Additionally, most of the NEER facilities located in the U.S. are subject to FERC regulations and market rules and the NERC's mandatory reliability standards, all of its facilities are subject to environmental laws and the EPA's environmental regulations, and its nuclear facilities are also subject to the jurisdiction of the NRC. See FPL - FPL Regulation for additional discussion of FERC, NERC, NRC and EPA regulations. With the exception of facilities located in ERCOT, the FERC has jurisdiction over various aspects of NEER's business in the U.S., including the oversight and investigation of competitive wholesale energy markets, regulation of the transmission and sale of natural gas, and oversight of environmental matters related to natural gas projects and major electricity policy initiatives. The PUCT has jurisdiction, including the regulation of rates and services, oversight of competitive markets, and enforcement of statutes and rules, over NEER facilities located in ERCOT.

NEER and its affiliates are also subject to federal and provincial or regional regulations in Canada and Spain related to energy operations, energy markets and environmental standards. In Canada, activities related to owning and operating wind and solar projects and participating in wholesale and retail energy markets are regulated at the provincial level. In Ontario, for example, electricity generation facilities must be licensed by the Ontario Energy Board and may also be required to complete registrations and maintain market participant status with the Independent Electricity System Operator, in which case they must agree to be bound by and comply with the provisions of the market rules for the Ontario electricity market as well as the mandatory reliability standards of the NERC.

In addition, NEER is subject to environmental laws and regulations as described in the NEE Environmental Matters section below. In order to better anticipate potential regulatory changes, NEER continues to actively evaluate and participate in regional market redesigns of existing operating rules for the integration of renewable energy resources and for the purchase and sale of energy commodities.


19


NEER EMPLOYEES

NEER and its subsidiaries had approximately 5,300 employees at December 31, 2016. Certain subsidiaries of NEER have collective bargaining agreements with the IBEW, the Utility Workers Union of America, the Security Police and Fire Professionals of America and the International Union of Operating Engineers, which collectively represent approximately 17% of NEER's employees. The collective bargaining agreements have three- to five-year terms and expire between 2018 and 2021.

NEE ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

NEE and FPL are subject to domestic and foreign environmental laws and regulations, including extensive federal, state and local environmental statutes, rules and regulations, for the siting, construction and ongoing operations of their facilities. The U.S. Congress and certain states and regions, as well as the Government of Canada and its provinces, have taken and continue to take certain actions, such as proposing and finalizing regulation or setting targets or goals, regarding the reduction of GHG emissions and the increase of renewable energy generation. Numerous environmental regulations also affecting FPL, NEER and certain other subsidiaries relate to threatened and endangered species and their habitats, as well as other avian and bat species. Complying with these environmental laws and regulations results in, among other things, changes in the design and operation of existing facilities and changes or delays in the location, design, construction and operation of new facilities. The impact of complying with current environmental laws and regulations has not had, and, along with compliance with proposed regulations as currently written, is not expected to have, a material adverse effect on the financial statements of NEE and FPL. As permitted by the environmental clause, FPL expects to seek recovery for compliance costs associated with any new environmental laws and regulations.

WEBSITE ACCESS TO SEC FILINGS

NEE and FPL make their SEC filings, including the annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, available free of charge on NEE's internet website, www.nexteraenergy.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after those documents are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The information and materials available on NEE's website (or any of its subsidiaries' websites) are not incorporated by reference into this combined Form 10-K. The SEC maintains an internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.




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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF NEE(a) 
Name
 
Age
 
Position
 
Effective Date
Miguel Arechabala
 
56
 
Executive Vice President, Power Generation Division of NEE
Executive Vice President, Power Generation Division of FPL
 
January 1, 2014
Deborah H. Caplan
 
54
 
Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Services of NEE
Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Services of FPL
 
April 15, 2013
Terrell Kirk Crews, II
 
38
 
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of NEE
 
September 19, 2016
Paul I. Cutler
 
57
 
Treasurer of NEE
Treasurer of FPL
Assistant Secretary of NEE
 
February 19, 2003
February 18, 2003
December 10, 1997
Joseph T. Kelliher
 
56
 
Executive Vice President, Federal Regulatory Affairs of NEE
 
May 18, 2009
John W. Ketchum
 
46
 
Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of NEE
Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of FPL
 
March 4, 2016
Manoochehr K. Nazar
 
62
 
President Nuclear Division and Chief Nuclear Officer of NEE
President Nuclear Division and Chief Nuclear Officer of FPL
 
May 23, 2014
May 30, 2014
Armando Pimentel, Jr.
 
54
 
President and Chief Executive Officer of NEER
 
October 5, 2011
James L. Robo
 
54
 
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of NEE
Chairman of FPL
 
December 13, 2013
May 2, 2012
Charles E. Sieving
 
44
 
Executive Vice President & General Counsel of NEE
Executive Vice President of FPL
 
December 1, 2008
January 1, 2009
Eric E. Silagy
 
51
 
President and Chief Executive Officer of FPL
 
May 30, 2014
William L. Yeager
 
58
 
Executive Vice President, Engineering, Construction and Integrated Supply Chain of NEE
Executive Vice President, Engineering, Construction and Integrated Supply Chain of FPL
 
January 1, 2013
______________________
(a)
Information is as of February 23, 2017. Executive officers are elected annually by, and serve at the pleasure of, their respective boards of directors. Except as noted below, each officer has held his/her present position for five years or more and his/her employment history is continuous. Mr. Arechabala was president of NextEra Energy España, S.L., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of NEE, from February 2010 to December 2013. Ms. Caplan was vice president and chief operating officer of FPL from May 2011 to April 2013. Mr. Crews served as NEE’s Vice President, Finance from April 2016 to September 2016. From July 2015 to April 2016, he was a Partner in the national office of Deloitte & Touche LLP (Deloitte); from June 2013 to June 2015, he served as a professional accounting fellow in the Office of the Chief Accountant of the SEC; and from June 2010 to June 2013, he was an audit service senior manager at Deloitte. Mr. Ketchum served as NEE’s Senior Vice President, Finance from February 2015 to March 2016, and Senior Vice President, Business Management and Finance from December 2013 to February 2015. From December 2012 to December 2013, he was Senior Vice President, Business Management of NEER and Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary of NEER from June 2009 to December 2012. Mr. Nazar has been chief nuclear officer of NEE and FPL since January 2010 and was executive vice president, nuclear division of NEE and FPL from January 2010 to May 2014. Mr. Robo has been president and chief executive officer of NEE since July 2012. Mr. Robo was the chief executive officer of FPL from May 2012 to May 2014 and president and chief operating officer of NEE from December 2006 to June 2012. Mr. Silagy has been president of FPL since December 2011. Mr. Yeager was vice president, engineering, construction and integrated supply chain services of NEE and FPL from October 2012 to December 2012 and vice president, integrated supply chain of NEE and FPL from May 2011 to October 2012.

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

Risks Relating to NEE's and FPL's Business

The business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of NEE and FPL are subject to a variety of risks, many of which are beyond the control of NEE and FPL. These risks, as well as additional risks and uncertainties either not presently known or that are currently believed to not be material to the business, may materially adversely affect the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of NEE and FPL and may cause actual results of NEE and FPL to differ substantially from those that NEE or FPL currently expects or seeks. In that event, the market price for the securities of NEE or FPL could decline. Accordingly, the risks described below should be carefully considered together with the other information set forth in this report and in future reports that NEE and FPL file with the SEC.

Regulatory, Legislative and Legal Risks

NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be materially adversely affected by the extensive regulation of their business.

The operations of NEE and FPL are subject to complex and comprehensive federal, state and other regulation. This extensive regulatory framework, portions of which are more specifically identified in the following risk factors, regulates, among other things and to varying degrees, NEE's and FPL's industries, businesses, rates and cost structures, operation and licensing of nuclear power facilities, construction and operation of electricity generation, transmission and distribution facilities and natural gas and oil production, natural gas, oil and other fuel transportation, processing and storage facilities, acquisition, disposal, depreciation and amortization of facilities and other assets, decommissioning costs and funding, service reliability, wholesale and retail competition, and commodities trading and derivatives transactions. In their business planning and in the management of their operations, NEE and FPL must address the effects of regulation on their business and any inability or failure to do so adequately could have a material adverse effect on their business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially adversely affected if they are unable to recover in a timely manner any significant amount of costs, a return on certain assets or a reasonable return on invested capital through base rates, cost recovery clauses, other regulatory mechanisms or otherwise.

FPL is an electric utility subject to the jurisdiction of the FPSC over a wide range of business activities, including, among other items, the retail rates charged to its customers through base rates and cost recovery clauses, the terms and conditions of its services, procurement of electricity for its customers and fuel for its plant operations, issuances of securities, and aspects of the siting, construction and operation of its generation plants and transmission and distribution systems for the sale of electric energy. The FPSC has the authority to disallow recovery by FPL of costs that it considers excessive or imprudently incurred and to determine the level of return that FPL is permitted to earn on invested capital. The regulatory process, which may be adversely affected by the political, regulatory and economic environment in Florida and elsewhere, limits or could otherwise adversely impact FPL's earnings. The regulatory process also does not provide any assurance as to achievement of authorized or other earnings levels, or that FPL will be permitted to earn an acceptable return on capital investments it wishes to make. NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially adversely affected if any material amount of costs, a return on certain assets or a reasonable return on invested capital cannot be recovered through base rates, cost recovery clauses, other regulatory mechanisms or otherwise. Certain other subsidiaries of NEE are transmission utilities subject to the jurisdiction of their regulators and are subject to similar risks.

Regulatory decisions that are important to NEE and FPL may be materially adversely affected by political, regulatory and economic factors.

The local and national political, regulatory and economic environment has had, and may in the future have, an adverse effect on FPSC decisions with negative consequences for FPL. These decisions may require, for example, FPL to cancel or delay planned development activities, to reduce or delay other planned capital expenditures or to pay for investments or otherwise incur costs that it may not be able to recover through rates, each of which could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of NEE and FPL. Certain other subsidiaries of NEE are subject to similar risks.

FPL's use of derivative instruments could be subject to prudence challenges and, if found imprudent, could result in disallowances of cost recovery for such use by the FPSC.

The FPSC engages in an annual prudence review of FPL's use of derivative instruments in its risk management fuel procurement program and should it find any such use to be imprudent, the FPSC could deny cost recovery for such use by FPL. Such an outcome could have a material adverse effect on FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Any reductions or modifications to, or the elimination of, governmental incentives or policies that support utility scale renewable energy, including, but not limited to, tax laws, policies and incentives, RPS, feed-in tariffs or the Clean Power Plan, or the imposition of additional taxes or other assessments on renewable energy, could result in, among other items, the lack of a satisfactory market for the development and/or financing of new renewable energy projects, NEER abandoning

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the development of renewable energy projects, a loss of NEER's investments in renewable energy projects and reduced project returns, any of which could have a material adverse effect on NEE's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEER depends heavily on government policies that support utility scale renewable energy and enhance the economic feasibility of developing and operating wind and solar energy projects in regions in which NEER operates or plans to develop and operate renewable energy facilities. The federal government, a majority of the 50 U.S. states and portions of Canada and Spain provide incentives, such as tax incentives, RPS, feed-in tariffs or the Clean Power Plan, that support or are designed to support the sale of energy from utility scale renewable energy facilities, such as wind and solar energy facilities. As a result of budgetary constraints, political factors or otherwise, governments from time to time may review their laws and policies that support renewable energy and consider actions that would make the laws and policies less conducive to the development and operation of renewable energy facilities. Any reductions or modifications to, or the elimination of, governmental incentives or policies that support renewable energy or the imposition of additional taxes or other assessments on renewable energy, could result in, among other items, the lack of a satisfactory market for the development and/or financing of new renewable energy projects, NEER abandoning the development of renewable energy projects, a loss of NEER's investments in the projects and reduced project returns, any of which could have a material adverse effect on NEE's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially adversely affected as a result of new or revised laws, regulations, interpretations or other regulatory initiatives.

NEE's and FPL's business is influenced by various legislative and regulatory initiatives, including, but not limited to, new or revised laws, including international trade laws, regulations, interpretations and other regulatory initiatives regarding deregulation or restructuring of the energy industry, regulation of the commodities trading and derivatives markets, and regulation of environmental matters, such as regulation of air emissions, regulation of water consumption and water discharges, and regulation of gas and oil infrastructure operations, as well as associated environmental permitting. Changes in the nature of the regulation of NEE's and FPL's business could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. NEE and FPL are unable to predict future legislative or regulatory changes, initiatives or interpretations, although any such changes, initiatives or interpretations may increase costs and competitive pressures on NEE and FPL, which could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

FPL has limited competition in the Florida market for retail electricity customers. Any changes in Florida law or regulation which introduce competition in the Florida retail electricity market, such as government incentives that facilitate the installation of solar generation facilities on residential or other rooftops at below cost or that are otherwise subsidized by non-participants, or would permit third-party sales of electricity, could have a material adverse effect on FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. There can be no assurance that FPL will be able to respond adequately to such regulatory changes, which could have a material adverse effect on FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEER is subject to FERC rules related to transmission that are designed to facilitate competition in the wholesale market on practically a nationwide basis by providing greater certainty, flexibility and more choices to wholesale power customers. NEE cannot predict the impact of changing FERC rules or the effect of changes in levels of wholesale supply and demand, which are typically driven by factors beyond NEE's control. There can be no assurance that NEER will be able to respond adequately or sufficiently quickly to such rules and developments, or to any other changes that reverse or restrict the competitive restructuring of the energy industry in those jurisdictions in which such restructuring has occurred. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on NEE's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEE’s and FPL’s OTC financial derivatives are subject to rules implementing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and similar international regulations that are designed to promote transparency, mitigate systemic risk and protect against market abuse. NEE and FPL cannot predict the impact any proposed or not fully implemented final rules will have on their ability to hedge their commodity and interest rate risks or on OTC derivatives markets as a whole, but such rules and regulations could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and FPL's risk exposure, as well as reduce market liquidity and further increase the cost of hedging activities.

NEE and FPL are subject to numerous environmental laws, regulations and other standards that may result in capital expenditures, increased operating costs and various liabilities, and may require NEE and FPL to limit or eliminate certain operations.

NEE and FPL are subject to domestic and foreign environmental laws, regulations and other standards, including, but not limited to, extensive federal, state and local environmental statutes, rules and regulations relating to air quality, water quality and usage, climate change, emissions of greenhouse gases, including, but not limited to, CO2, waste management, hazardous wastes, marine, avian and other wildlife mortality and habitat protection, historical artifact preservation, natural resources, health (including, but not limited to, electric and magnetic fields from power lines and substations), safety and RPS, that could, among other things, prevent or delay the development of power generation, power or natural gas transmission, or other infrastructure projects, restrict the output of some existing facilities, limit the availability and use of some fuels required for the production of electricity, require additional pollution control equipment, and otherwise increase costs, increase capital expenditures and limit or eliminate certain operations.


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There are significant capital, operating and other costs associated with compliance with these environmental statutes, rules and regulations, and those costs could be even more significant in the future as a result of new requirements and stricter or more expansive application of existing environmental regulations. For example, among other new, potential or pending changes are federal regulation of CO2 emissions under the Clean Power Plan and state and federal regulation of the use of hydraulic fracturing or similar technologies to drill for natural gas and related compounds used by NEE's gas infrastructure business.

Violations of current or future laws, rules, regulations or other standards could expose NEE and FPL to regulatory and legal proceedings, disputes with, and legal challenges by, third parties, and potentially significant civil fines, criminal penalties and other sanctions. Proceedings could include, for example, litigation regarding property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance and enforcement by citizens or governmental authorities of environmental requirements such as air, water and soil quality standards.

NEE's and FPL's business could be negatively affected by federal or state laws or regulations mandating new or additional limits on the production of greenhouse gas emissions.

Federal or state laws or regulations may be adopted that would impose new or additional limits on the emissions of greenhouse gases, including, but not limited to, CO2 and methane, from electric generation units using fossil fuels like coal and natural gas. Although it is currently subject to a stay issued by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Clean Power Plan is an example of such a new regulation at the federal level. The potential effects of greenhouse gas emission limits on NEE's and FPL's electric generation units are subject to significant uncertainties based on, among other things, the timing of the implementation of any new requirements, the required levels of emission reductions, the nature of any market-based or tax-based mechanisms adopted to facilitate reductions, the relative availability of greenhouse gas emission reduction offsets, the development of cost-effective, commercial-scale carbon capture and storage technology and supporting regulations and liability mitigation measures, and the range of available compliance alternatives.

While NEE's and FPL's electric generation units emit greenhouse gases at a lower rate of emissions than most of the U.S. electric generation sector, the results of operations of NEE and FPL could be materially adversely affected to the extent that new federal or state laws or regulations impose any new greenhouse gas emission limits. Any future limits on greenhouse gas emissions could:

create substantial additional costs in the form of taxes or emission allowances;
make some of NEE's and FPL's electric generation units uneconomical to operate in the long term;
require significant capital investment in carbon capture and storage technology, fuel switching, or the replacement of high-emitting generation facilities with lower-emitting generation facilities; or
affect the availability or cost of fossil fuels.

There can be no assurance that NEE or FPL would be able to completely recover any such costs or investments, which could have a material adverse effect on their business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Extensive federal regulation of the operations and businesses of NEE and FPL exposes NEE and FPL to significant and increasing compliance costs and may also expose them to substantial monetary penalties and other sanctions for compliance failures.

NEE's and FPL's operations and businesses are subject to extensive federal regulation, which generally imposes significant and increasing compliance costs on their operations and businesses. Additionally, any actual or alleged compliance failures could result in significant costs and other potentially adverse effects of regulatory investigations, proceedings, settlements, decisions and claims, including, among other items, potentially significant monetary penalties. As an example, under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, NEE and FPL, as owners and operators of bulk-power transmission systems and/or electric generation facilities, are subject to mandatory reliability standards. Compliance with these mandatory reliability standards may subject NEE and FPL to higher operating costs and may result in increased capital expenditures. If FPL or NEE is found not to be in compliance with these standards, it may incur substantial monetary penalties and other sanctions. Both the costs of regulatory compliance and the costs that may be imposed as a result of any actual or alleged compliance failures could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Changes in tax laws, guidance or policies, including but not limited to changes in corporate income tax rates, as well as judgments and estimates used in the determination of tax-related asset and liability amounts, could materially adversely affect NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEE's and FPL's provision for income taxes and reporting of tax-related assets and liabilities require significant judgments and the use of estimates. Amounts of tax-related assets and liabilities involve judgments and estimates of the timing and probability of recognition of income, deductions and tax credits, including, but not limited to, estimates for potential adverse outcomes regarding tax positions that have been taken and the ability to utilize tax benefit carryforwards, such as net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Actual income taxes could vary significantly from estimated amounts due to the future impacts of, among other things, changes in tax laws, guidance or policies, including changes in corporate income tax rates, the financial condition and results of operations of NEE and FPL, and the resolution of audit issues raised by taxing authorities. These factors, including the ultimate resolution of income tax matters, may result in material adjustments to tax-related assets and liabilities, which could materially adversely affect NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

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NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be materially adversely affected due to adverse results of litigation.

NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be materially affected by adverse results of litigation. Unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings in which NEE is involved or other future legal proceedings, including, but not limited to, class action lawsuits, may have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of NEE and FPL.

Operational Risks

NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could suffer if NEE and FPL do not proceed with projects under development or are unable to complete the construction of, or capital improvements to, electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities, gas infrastructure facilities or other facilities on schedule or within budget.

NEE's and FPL's ability to proceed with projects under development and to complete construction of, and capital improvement projects for, their electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities, gas infrastructure facilities and other facilities on schedule and within budget may be adversely affected by escalating costs for materials and labor and regulatory compliance, inability to obtain or renew necessary licenses, rights-of-way, permits or other approvals on acceptable terms or on schedule, disputes involving contractors, labor organizations, land owners, governmental entities, environmental groups, Native American and aboriginal groups, lessors, joint venture partners and other third parties, negative publicity, transmission interconnection issues and other factors. If any development project or construction or capital improvement project is not completed, is delayed or is subject to cost overruns, certain associated costs may not be approved for recovery or otherwise be recoverable through regulatory mechanisms that may be available, and NEE and FPL could become obligated to make delay or termination payments or become obligated for other damages under contracts, could experience the loss of tax credits or tax incentives, or delayed or diminished returns, and could be required to write off all or a portion of their investment in the project. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEE and FPL may face risks related to project siting, financing, construction, permitting, governmental approvals and the negotiation of project development agreements that may impede their development and operating activities.

NEE and FPL own, develop, construct, manage and operate electric-generation and transmission facilities and natural gas transmission facilities. A key component of NEE's and FPL's growth is their ability to construct and operate generation and transmission facilities to meet customer needs. As part of these operations, NEE and FPL must periodically apply for licenses and permits from various local, state, federal and other regulatory authorities and abide by their respective conditions. Should NEE or FPL be unsuccessful in obtaining necessary licenses or permits on acceptable terms, should there be a delay in obtaining or renewing necessary licenses or permits or should regulatory authorities initiate any associated investigations or enforcement actions or impose related penalties or disallowances on NEE or FPL, NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially adversely affected. Any failure to negotiate successful project development agreements for new facilities with third parties could have similar results.

The operation and maintenance of NEE's and FPL's electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities, gas infrastructure facilities and other facilities are subject to many operational risks, the consequences of which could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEE's and FPL's electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities, gas infrastructure facilities and other facilities are subject to many operational risks. Operational risks could result in, among other things, lost revenues due to prolonged outages, increased expenses due to monetary penalties or fines for compliance failures, liability to third parties for property and personal injury damage, a failure to perform under applicable power sales agreements or other agreements and associated loss of revenues from terminated agreements or liability for liquidated damages under continuing agreements, and replacement equipment costs or an obligation to purchase or generate replacement power at higher prices.

Uncertainties and risks inherent in operating and maintaining NEE's and FPL's facilities include, but are not limited to:

risks associated with facility start-up operations, such as whether the facility will achieve projected operating performance on schedule and otherwise as planned;
failures in the availability, acquisition or transportation of fuel or other necessary supplies;
the impact of unusual or adverse weather conditions and natural disasters, including, but not limited to, hurricanes, tornadoes, icing events, floods, earthquakes and droughts;
performance below expected or contracted levels of output or efficiency;
breakdown or failure, including, but not limited to, explosions, fires, leaks or other major events, of equipment, transmission and distribution lines or pipelines;
availability of replacement equipment;

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risks of property damage or human injury from energized equipment, hazardous substances or explosions, fires, leaks or other events;
availability of adequate water resources and ability to satisfy water intake and discharge requirements;
inability to identify, manage properly or mitigate equipment defects in NEE's and FPL's facilities;
use of new or unproven technology;
risks associated with dependence on a specific type of fuel or fuel source, such as commodity price risk, availability of adequate fuel supply and transportation, and lack of available alternative fuel sources;
increased competition due to, among other factors, new facilities, excess supply, shifting demand and regulatory changes; and
insufficient insurance, warranties or performance guarantees to cover any or all lost revenues or increased expenses from the foregoing.

NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be negatively affected by a lack of growth or slower growth in the number of customers or in customer usage.

Growth in customer accounts and growth of customer usage each directly influence the demand for electricity and the need for additional power generation and power delivery facilities, as well as the need for energy-related commodities such as natural gas. Customer growth and customer usage are affected by a number of factors outside the control of NEE and FPL, such as mandated energy efficiency measures, demand side management requirements, and economic and demographic conditions, such as population changes, job and income growth, housing starts, new business formation and the overall level of economic activity. A lack of growth, or a decline, in the number of customers or in customer demand for electricity or natural gas and other fuels may cause NEE and FPL to fail to fully realize the anticipated benefits from significant investments and expenditures and could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and FPL's growth, business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects can be materially adversely affected by weather conditions, including, but not limited to, the impact of severe weather.

Weather conditions directly influence the demand for electricity and natural gas and other fuels and affect the price of energy and energy-related commodities. In addition, severe weather and natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, icing events and earthquakes, can be destructive and cause power outages and property damage, reduce revenue, affect the availability of fuel and water, and require NEE and FPL to incur additional costs, for example, to restore service and repair damaged facilities, to obtain replacement power and to access available financing sources. Furthermore, NEE's and FPL's physical plants could be placed at greater risk of damage should changes in the global climate produce unusual variations in temperature and weather patterns, resulting in more intense, frequent and extreme weather events, abnormal levels of precipitation and, particularly relevant to FPL, a change in sea level. FPL operates in the east and lower west coasts of Florida, an area that historically has been prone to severe weather events, such as hurricanes. A disruption or failure of electric generation, transmission or distribution systems or natural gas production, transmission, storage or distribution systems in the event of a hurricane, tornado or other severe weather event, or otherwise, could prevent NEE and FPL from operating their business in the normal course and could result in any of the adverse consequences described above. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

At FPL and other businesses of NEE where cost recovery is available, recovery of costs to restore service and repair damaged facilities is or may be subject to regulatory approval, and any determination by the regulator not to permit timely and full recovery of the costs incurred could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Changes in weather can also affect the production of electricity at power generation facilities, including, but not limited to, NEER's wind and solar facilities. For example, the level of wind resource affects the revenue produced by wind generation facilities. Because the levels of wind and solar resources are variable and difficult to predict, NEER's results of operations for individual wind and solar facilities specifically, and NEE's results of operations generally, may vary significantly from period to period, depending on the level of available resources. To the extent that resources are not available at planned levels, the financial results from these facilities may be less than expected.

Threats of terrorism and catastrophic events that could result from terrorism, cyber attacks, or individuals and/or groups attempting to disrupt NEE's and FPL's business, or the businesses of third parties, may materially adversely affect NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEE and FPL are subject to the potentially adverse operating and financial effects of terrorist acts and threats, as well as cyber attacks and other disruptive activities of individuals or groups. There have been cyber attacks on energy infrastructure such as substations, gas pipelines and related assets in the past and there may be such attacks in the future. NEE's and FPL's generation, transmission and distribution facilities, fuel storage facilities, information technology systems and other infrastructure facilities and systems could be direct targets of, or otherwise be materially adversely affected by, such activities.

Terrorist acts, cyber attacks or other similar events affecting NEE's and FPL's systems and facilities, or those of third parties on which NEE and FPL rely, could harm NEE's and FPL's business, for example, by limiting their ability to generate, purchase or transmit power, natural gas or other energy-related commodities by limiting their ability to bill customers and collect and process

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payments, and by delaying their development and construction of new generation, distribution or transmission facilities or capital improvements to existing facilities. These events, and governmental actions in response, could result in a material decrease in revenues, significant additional costs (for example, to repair assets, implement additional security requirements or maintain or acquire insurance), significant fines and penalties, and reputational damage, could materially adversely affect NEE's and FPL's operations (for example, by contributing to disruption of supplies and markets for natural gas, oil and other fuels), and could impair NEE's and FPL's ability to raise capital (for example, by contributing to financial instability and lower economic activity). In addition, the implementation of security guidelines and measures has resulted in and is expected to continue to result in increased costs. Such events or actions may materially adversely affect NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

The ability of NEE and FPL to obtain insurance and the terms of any available insurance coverage could be materially adversely affected by international, national, state or local events and company-specific events, as well as the financial condition of insurers. NEE's and FPL's insurance coverage does not provide protection against all significant losses.

Insurance coverage may not continue to be available or may not be available at rates or on terms similar to those presently available to NEE and FPL. The ability of NEE and FPL to obtain insurance and the terms of any available insurance coverage could be materially adversely affected by international, national, state or local events and company-specific events, as well as the financial condition of insurers. If insurance coverage is not available or obtainable on acceptable terms, NEE or FPL may be required to pay costs associated with adverse future events. NEE and FPL generally are not fully insured against all significant losses. For example, FPL is not fully insured against hurricane-related losses, but would instead seek recovery of such uninsured losses from customers subject to approval by the FPSC, to the extent losses exceed restricted funds set aside to cover the cost of storm damage. A loss for which NEE or FPL is not fully insured could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEE invests in gas and oil producing and transmission assets through NEER’s gas infrastructure business. The gas infrastructure business is exposed to fluctuating market prices of natural gas, natural gas liquids, oil and other energy commodities. A prolonged period of low gas and oil prices could impact NEER’s gas infrastructure business and cause NEER to delay or cancel certain gas infrastructure projects and for certain existing projects to be impaired, which could materially adversely affect NEE's results of operations.

Natural gas and oil prices are affected by supply and demand, both globally and regionally. Factors that influence supply and demand include operational issues, natural disasters, weather, political instability, conflicts, new discoveries, technological advances, economic conditions and actions by major oil-producing countries. There can be significant volatility in market prices for gas and oil, and price fluctuations could have a material effect on the financial performance of gas and oil producing and transmission assets. For example, in a low gas and oil price environment, NEER would generate less revenue from its gas infrastructure investments in gas and oil producing properties, and as a result certain investments might become less profitable or incur losses. Prolonged periods of low oil and gas prices could also result in oil and gas production and transmission projects to be delayed or cancelled or to experience lower returns, and for certain projects to become impaired, which could materially adversely affect NEE's results of operations.

If supply costs necessary to provide NEER's full energy and capacity requirement services are not favorable, operating costs could increase and materially adversely affect NEE's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEER provides full energy and capacity requirements services primarily to distribution utilities, which include load-following services and various ancillary services, to satisfy all or a portion of such utilities' power supply obligations to their customers. The supply costs for these transactions may be affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, events that may occur after such utilities have committed to supply power, such as weather conditions, fluctuating prices for energy and ancillary services, and the ability of the distribution utilities' customers to elect to receive service from competing suppliers. NEER may not be able to recover all of its increased supply costs, which could have a material adverse effect on NEE's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Due to the potential for significant volatility in market prices for fuel, electricity and renewable and other energy commodities, NEER's inability or failure to manage properly or hedge effectively the commodity risks within its portfolios could materially adversely affect NEE's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

There can be significant volatility in market prices for fuel, electricity and renewable and other energy commodities. NEE's inability or failure to manage properly or hedge effectively its assets or positions against changes in commodity prices, volumes, interest rates, counterparty credit risk or other risk measures, based on factors both from within, or wholly or partially outside of, NEE's control, may materially adversely affect NEE's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.


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Reductions in the liquidity of energy markets may restrict the ability of NEE to manage its operational risks, which, in turn, could negatively affect NEE's results of operations.

NEE is an active participant in energy markets. The liquidity of regional energy markets is an important factor in NEE's ability to manage risks in these operations. Market liquidity is driven in part by the number of active market participants, which has declined in recent years as some banks and other financial institutions have withdrawn from power marketing. Liquidity in the energy markets can be adversely affected by price volatility, restrictions on the availability of credit and other factors, and any reduction in the liquidity of energy markets could have a material adverse effect on NEE's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEE's and FPL's hedging and trading procedures and associated risk management tools may not protect against significant losses.

NEE and FPL have hedging and trading procedures and associated risk management tools, such as separate but complementary financial, credit, operational, compliance and legal reporting systems, internal controls, management review processes and other mechanisms. NEE and FPL are unable to assure that such procedures and tools will be effective against all potential risks, including, without limitation, employee misconduct. If such procedures and tools are not effective, this could have a material adverse effect on NEE's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

If price movements significantly or persistently deviate from historical behavior, NEE's and FPL's risk management tools associated with their hedging and trading procedures may not protect against significant losses.

NEE's and FPL's risk management tools and metrics associated with their hedging and trading procedures, such as daily value at risk, earnings at risk, stop loss limits and liquidity guidelines, are based on historical price movements. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in price movements and potential deviation from historical pricing behavior, NEE and FPL are unable to assure that their risk management tools and metrics will be effective to protect against material adverse effects on their business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

If power transmission or natural gas, nuclear fuel or other commodity transportation facilities are unavailable or disrupted, FPL's and NEER's ability to sell and deliver power or natural gas may be limited.

FPL and NEER depend upon power transmission and natural gas, nuclear fuel and other commodity transportation facilities, many of which they do not own. Occurrences affecting the operation of these facilities that may or may not be beyond FPL's and NEER's control (such as severe weather or a generation or transmission facility outage, pipeline rupture, or sudden and significant increase or decrease in wind generation) may limit or halt the ability of FPL and NEER to sell and deliver power and natural gas, or to purchase necessary fuels and other commodities, which could materially adversely impact NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEE and FPL are subject to credit and performance risk from customers, hedging counterparties and vendors.

NEE and FPL are exposed to risks associated with the creditworthiness and performance of their customers, hedging counterparties and vendors under contracts for the supply of equipment, materials, fuel and other goods and services required for their business operations and for the construction and operation of, and for capital improvements to, their facilities. Adverse conditions in the energy industry or the general economy, as well as circumstances of individual customers, hedging counterparties and vendors, may adversely affect the ability of some customers, hedging counterparties and vendors to perform as required under their contracts with NEE and FPL. For example, the prolonged downturn in oil and natural gas prices has adversely affected the financial stability of a number of enterprises in the energy industry, including some with which NEE does business.

If any hedging, vending or other counterparty fails to fulfill its contractual obligations, NEE and FPL may need to make arrangements with other counterparties or vendors, which could result in material financial losses, higher costs, untimely completion of power generation facilities and other projects, and/or a disruption of their operations. If a defaulting counterparty is in poor financial condition, NEE and FPL may not be able to recover damages for any contract breach.

NEE and FPL could recognize financial losses or a reduction in operating cash flows if a counterparty fails to perform or make payments in accordance with the terms of derivative contracts or if NEE or FPL is required to post margin cash collateral under derivative contracts.

NEE and FPL use derivative instruments, such as swaps, options, futures and forwards, some of which are traded in the OTC markets or on exchanges, to manage their commodity and financial market risks, and for NEE to engage in trading and marketing activities. Any failures by their counterparties to perform or make payments in accordance with the terms of those transactions could have a material adverse effect on NEE's or FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Similarly, any requirement for FPL or NEE to post margin cash collateral under its derivative contracts could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. These risks may be increased during periods of adverse market or economic conditions affecting the industries in which NEE participates.


28


NEE and FPL are highly dependent on sensitive and complex information technology systems, and any failure or breach of those systems could have a material adverse effect on their business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEE and FPL operate in a highly regulated industry that requires the continuous functioning of sophisticated information technology systems and network infrastructure. Despite NEE's and FPL's implementation of security measures, all of their technology systems are vulnerable to disability, failures or unauthorized access due to such activities. If NEE's or FPL's information technology systems were to fail or be breached, sensitive confidential and other data could be compromised and NEE and FPL could be unable to fulfill critical business functions.

NEE's and FPL's business is highly dependent on their ability to process and monitor, on a daily basis, a very large number of transactions, many of which are highly complex and cross numerous and diverse markets. Due to the size, scope, complexity and geographical reach of NEE's and FPL's business, the development and maintenance of information technology systems to keep track of and process information is critical and challenging. NEE's and FPL's operating systems and facilities may fail to operate properly or become disabled as a result of events that are either within, or wholly or partially outside of, their control, such as operator error, severe weather or terrorist activities. Any such failure or disabling event could materially adversely affect NEE's and FPL's ability to process transactions and provide services, and their business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEE and FPL add, modify and replace information systems on a regular basis. Modifying existing information systems or implementing new or replacement information systems is costly and involves risks, including, but not limited to, integrating the modified, new or replacement system with existing systems and processes, implementing associated changes in accounting procedures and controls, and ensuring that data conversion is accurate and consistent. Any disruptions or deficiencies in existing information systems, or disruptions, delays or deficiencies in the modification or implementation of new information systems, could result in increased costs, the inability to track or collect revenues and the diversion of management's and employees' attention and resources, and could negatively impact the effectiveness of the companies' control environment, and/or the companies' ability to timely file required regulatory reports.

NEE and FPL also face the risks of operational failure or capacity constraints of third parties, including, but not limited to, those who provide power transmission and natural gas transportation services.

NEE's and FPL's retail businesses are subject to the risk that sensitive customer data may be compromised, which could result in a material adverse impact to their reputation and/or have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of NEE and FPL.

NEE's and FPL's retail businesses require access to sensitive customer data in the ordinary course of business. NEE's and FPL's retail businesses may also need to provide sensitive customer data to vendors and service providers who require access to this information in order to provide services, such as call center services, to the retail businesses. If a significant breach occurred, the reputation of NEE and FPL could be materially adversely affected, customer confidence could be diminished, or customer information could be subject to identity theft. NEE and FPL would be subject to costs associated with the breach and/or NEE and FPL could be subject to fines and legal claims, any of which may have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of NEE and FPL.

NEE and FPL could recognize financial losses as a result of volatility in the market values of derivative instruments and limited liquidity in OTC markets.

NEE and FPL execute transactions in derivative instruments on either recognized exchanges or via the OTC markets, depending on management's assessment of the most favorable credit and market execution factors. Transactions executed in OTC markets have the potential for greater volatility and less liquidity than transactions on recognized exchanges. As a result, NEE and FPL may not be able to execute desired OTC transactions due to such heightened volatility and limited liquidity.

In the absence of actively quoted market prices and pricing information from external sources, the valuation of derivative instruments involves management's judgment and use of estimates. As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions or use of alternative valuation methods could affect the reported fair value of these derivative instruments and have a material adverse effect on NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEE and FPL may be materially adversely affected by negative publicity.

From time to time, political and public sentiment may result in a significant amount of adverse press coverage and other adverse public statements affecting NEE and FPL. Adverse press coverage and other adverse statements, whether or not driven by political or public sentiment, may also result in investigations by regulators, legislators and law enforcement officials or in legal claims. Responding to these investigations and lawsuits, regardless of the ultimate outcome of the proceeding, can divert the time and effort of senior management from NEE's and FPL's business.

Addressing any adverse publicity, governmental scrutiny or enforcement or other legal proceedings is time consuming and expensive and, regardless of the factual basis for the assertions being made, can have a negative impact on the reputation of NEE and FPL,

29


on the morale and performance of their employees and on their relationships with their respective regulators. It may also have a negative impact on their ability to take timely advantage of various business and market opportunities. The direct and indirect effects of negative publicity, and the demands of responding to and addressing it, may have a material adverse effect on NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be materially adversely affected if FPL is unable to maintain, negotiate or renegotiate franchise agreements on acceptable terms with municipalities and counties in Florida.

FPL must negotiate franchise agreements with municipalities and counties in Florida to provide electric services within such municipalities and counties, and electricity sales generated pursuant to these agreements represent a very substantial portion of FPL's revenues. If FPL is unable to maintain, negotiate or renegotiate such franchise agreements on acceptable terms, it could contribute to lower earnings and FPL may not fully realize the anticipated benefits from significant investments and expenditures, which could materially adversely affect NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially adversely affected by work strikes or stoppages and increasing personnel costs.

Employee strikes or work stoppages could disrupt operations and lead to a loss of revenue and customers. Personnel costs may also increase due to inflationary or competitive pressures on payroll and benefits costs and revised terms of collective bargaining agreements with union employees. These consequences could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEE's ability to successfully identify, complete and integrate acquisitions is subject to significant risks, including, but not limited to, the effect of increased competition for acquisitions resulting from the consolidation of the power industry.

NEE is likely to encounter significant competition for acquisition opportunities that may become available as a result of the consolidation of the power industry in general. In addition, NEE may be unable to identify attractive acquisition opportunities at favorable prices and to complete and integrate them successfully and in a timely manner.

NEP’s acquisitions may not be completed and, even if completed, NEE may not realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisitions, which could materially adversely affect NEE’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEE may not realize the anticipated benefits from the Texas pipeline business. Although NEP has made a number of acquisitions of wind and solar generation projects, the Texas pipeline business is the first third party acquisition by NEP and is NEP’s first acquisition of natural gas pipeline assets.

In the future NEP may make additional acquisitions of assets which are inherently risky and NEE may not realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisitions, which could materially adversely affect NEE’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Nuclear Generation Risks

The operation and maintenance of NEE's and FPL's nuclear generation facilities involve environmental, health and financial risks that could result in fines or the closure of the facilities and in increased costs and capital expenditures.

NEE's and FPL's nuclear generation facilities are subject to environmental, health and financial risks, including, but not limited to, those relating to site storage of spent nuclear fuel, the disposition of spent nuclear fuel, leakage and emissions of tritium and other radioactive elements in the event of a nuclear accident or otherwise, the threat of a terrorist attack and other potential liabilities arising out of the ownership or operation of the facilities. NEE and FPL maintain decommissioning funds and external insurance coverage which are intended to reduce the financial exposure to some of these risks; however, the cost of decommissioning nuclear generation facilities could exceed the amount available in NEE's and FPL's decommissioning funds, and the exposure to liability and property damages could exceed the amount of insurance coverage. If NEE or FPL is unable to recover the additional costs incurred through insurance or, in the case of FPL, through regulatory mechanisms, their business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially adversely affected.

In the event of an incident at any nuclear generation facility in the U.S. or at certain nuclear generation facilities in Europe, NEE and FPL could be assessed significant retrospective assessments and/or retrospective insurance premiums as a result of their participation in a secondary financial protection system and nuclear insurance mutual companies.

Liability for accidents at nuclear power plants is governed by the Price-Anderson Act, which limits the liability of nuclear reactor owners to the amount of insurance available from both private sources and an industry retrospective payment plan. In accordance with this Act, NEE maintains the maximum amount of private liability insurance obtainable, and participates in a secondary financial protection system, which provides liability insurance coverage for an incident at any nuclear reactor in the U.S. Under the secondary

30


financial protection system, NEE is subject to retrospective assessments and/or retrospective insurance premiums, plus any applicable taxes, for an incident at any nuclear reactor in the U.S. or at certain nuclear generation facilities in Europe, regardless of fault or proximity to the incident. Such assessments, if levied, could materially adversely affect NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NRC orders or new regulations related to increased security measures and any future safety requirements promulgated by the NRC could require NEE and FPL to incur substantial operating and capital expenditures at their nuclear generation facilities and/or result in reduced revenues.

The NRC has broad authority to impose licensing and safety-related requirements for the operation and maintenance of nuclear generation facilities, the addition of capacity at existing nuclear generation facilities and the construction of new nuclear generation facilities, and these requirements are subject to change. In the event of non-compliance, the NRC has the authority to impose fines and/or shut down a nuclear generation facility, depending upon the NRC's assessment of the severity of the situation, until compliance is achieved. Any of the foregoing events could require NEE and FPL to incur increased costs and capital expenditures, and could reduce revenues.

Any serious nuclear incident occurring at a NEE or FPL plant could result in substantial remediation costs and other expenses. A major incident at a nuclear facility anywhere in the world could cause the NRC to limit or prohibit the operation or licensing of any domestic nuclear generation facility. An incident at a nuclear facility anywhere in the world also could cause the NRC to impose additional conditions or other requirements on the industry, or on certain types of nuclear generation units, which could increase costs, reduce revenues and result in additional capital expenditures.

The inability to operate any of NEE's or FPL's nuclear generation units through the end of their respective operating licenses could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

The operating licenses for NEE's and FPL's nuclear generation facilities extend through at least 2030. If the facilities cannot be operated for any reason through the life of those operating licenses, NEE or FPL may be required to increase depreciation rates, incur impairment charges and accelerate future decommissioning expenditures, any of which could materially adversely affect their business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

NEE's and FPL's nuclear units are periodically removed from service to accommodate planned refueling and maintenance outages, and for other purposes. If planned outages last longer than anticipated or if there are unplanned outages, NEE's and FPL's results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

NEE's and FPL's nuclear units are periodically removed from service to accommodate planned refueling and maintenance outages, including, but not limited to, inspections, repairs and certain other modifications as well as to replace equipment. In the event that a scheduled outage lasts longer than anticipated or in the event of an unplanned outage due to, for example, equipment failure, such outages could materially adversely affect NEE's or FPL's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Liquidity, Capital Requirements and Common Stock Risks

Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets may negatively affect NEE's and FPL's ability to fund their liquidity and capital needs and to meet their growth objectives, and can also materially adversely affect the results of operations and financial condition of NEE and FPL.

NEE and FPL rely on access to capital and credit markets as significant sources of liquidity for capital requirements and other operations requirements that are not satisfied by operating cash flows. Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in those capital and credit markets could increase NEE's and FPL's cost of capital and affect their ability to fund their liquidity and capital needs and to meet their growth objectives. If NEE or FPL is unable to access regularly the capital and credit markets on terms that are reasonable, it may have to delay raising capital, issue shorter-term securities and incur an unfavorable cost of capital, which, in turn, could adversely affect its ability to grow its business, could contribute to lower earnings and reduced financial flexibility, and could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Although NEE's competitive energy and certain other subsidiaries have used non-recourse or limited-recourse, project-specific or other financing in the past, market conditions and other factors could adversely affect the future availability of such financing. The inability of NEE's subsidiaries, including, without limitation, NEECH and NEP and their respective subsidiaries, to access the capital and credit markets to provide project-specific or other financing for electric generation or other facilities or acquisitions on favorable terms, whether because of disruptions or volatility in those markets or otherwise, could necessitate additional capital raising or borrowings by NEE and/or NEECH in the future.

The inability of subsidiaries that have existing project-specific or other financing arrangements to meet the requirements of various agreements relating to those financings could give rise to a project-specific financing default which, if not cured or waived, might result in the specific project, and potentially in some limited instances its parent companies, being required to repay the associated debt or other borrowings earlier than otherwise anticipated, and if such repayment were not made, the lenders or security holders

31


would generally have rights to foreclose against the project assets and related collateral. Such an occurrence also could result in NEE expending additional funds or incurring additional obligations over the shorter term to ensure continuing compliance with project-specific financing arrangements based upon the expectation of improvement in the project's performance or financial returns over the longer term. Any of these actions could materially adversely affect NEE's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, as well as the availability or terms of future financings for NEE or its subsidiaries.

NEE's, NEECH's and FPL's inability to maintain their current credit ratings may materially adversely affect NEE's and FPL's liquidity and results of operations, limit the ability of NEE and FPL to grow their business, and increase interest costs.

The inability of NEE, NEECH and FPL to maintain their current credit ratings could materially adversely affect their ability to raise capital or obtain credit on favorable terms, which, in turn, could impact NEE's and FPL's ability to grow their business and service indebtedness and repay borrowings, and would likely increase their interest costs. In addition, certain agreements and guarantee arrangements would require posting of additional collateral in the event of a ratings downgrade. Some of the factors that can affect credit ratings are cash flows, liquidity, the amount of debt as a component of total capitalization, NEE's overall business mix and political, legislative and regulatory actions. There can be no assurance that one or more of the ratings of NEE, NEECH and FPL will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency.

NEE's and FPL's liquidity may be impaired if their credit providers are unable to fund their credit commitments to the companies or to maintain their current credit ratings.

The inability of NEE's, NEECH's and FPL's credit providers to fund their credit commitments or to maintain their current credit ratings could require NEE, NEECH or FPL, among other things, to renegotiate requirements in agreements, find an alternative credit provider with acceptable credit ratings to meet funding requirements, or post cash collateral and could have a material adverse effect on NEE's and FPL's liquidity.

Poor market performance and other economic factors could affect NEE's defined benefit pension plan's funded status, which may materially adversely affect NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations and prospects.

NEE sponsors a qualified noncontributory defined benefit pension plan for substantially all employees of NEE and its subsidiaries. A decline in the market value of the assets held in the defined benefit pension plan due to poor investment performance or other factors may increase the funding requirements for this obligation.

NEE's defined benefit pension plan is sensitive to changes in interest rates, since, as interest rates decrease the funding liabilities increase, potentially increasing benefits costs and funding requirements. Any increase in benefits costs or funding requirements may have a material adverse effect on NEE's and FPL's business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects.

Poor market performance and other economic factors could adversely affect the asset values of NEE's and FPL's nuclear decommissioning funds, which may materially adversely affect NEE's and FPL's liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

NEE and FPL are required to maintain decommissioning funds to satisfy their future obligations to decommission their nuclear power plants. A decline in the market value of the assets held in the decommissioning funds due to poor investment performance or other factors may increase the funding requirements for these obligations. Any increase in funding requirements may have a material adverse effect on NEE's and FPL's liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

Certain of NEE's investments are subject to changes in market value and other risks, which may materially adversely affect NEE's liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

NEE holds certain investments where changes in the fair value affect NEE's financial results. In some cases there may be no observable market values for these investments, requiring fair value estimates to be based on other valuation techniques. This type of analysis requires significant judgment and the actual values realized in a sale of these investments could differ materially from those estimated. A sale of an investment below previously estimated value, or other decline in the fair value of an investment, could result in losses or the write-off of such investment, and may have a material adverse effect on NEE's liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

NEE may be unable to meet its ongoing and future financial obligations and to pay dividends on its common stock if its subsidiaries are unable to pay upstream dividends or repay funds to NEE.

NEE is a holding company and, as such, has no material operations of its own. Substantially all of NEE's consolidated assets are held by its subsidiaries. NEE's ability to meet its financial obligations, including, but not limited to, its guarantees, and to pay dividends on its common stock is primarily dependent on its subsidiaries' net income and cash flows, which are subject to the risks of their respective businesses, and their ability to pay upstream dividends or to repay funds to NEE.

NEE's subsidiaries are separate legal entities and have no independent obligation to provide NEE with funds for its payment obligations. The subsidiaries have financial obligations, including, but not limited to, payment of debt service, which they must satisfy

32


before they can provide NEE with funds. In addition, in the event of a subsidiary's liquidation or reorganization, NEE's right to participate in a distribution of assets is subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary's creditors.

The dividend-paying ability of some of the subsidiaries is limited by contractual restrictions which are contained in outstanding financing agreements and which may be included in future financing agreements. The future enactment of laws or regulations also may prohibit or restrict the ability of NEE's subsidiaries to pay upstream dividends or to repay funds.

NEE may be unable to meet its ongoing and future financial obligations and to pay dividends on its common stock if NEE is required to perform under guarantees of obligations of its subsidiaries.

NEE guarantees many of the obligations of its consolidated subsidiaries, other than FPL, through guarantee agreements with NEECH. These guarantees may require NEE to provide substantial funds to its subsidiaries or their creditors or counterparties at a time when NEE is in need of liquidity to meet its own financial obligations. Funding such guarantees may materially adversely affect NEE's ability to meet its financial obligations or to pay dividends.

NEP may not be able to access sources of capital on commercially reasonable terms, which would have a material adverse effect on its ability to consummate future acquisitions and on the value of NEE’s limited partner interest in NEP OpCo.

NEE understands that NEP expects to finance acquisitions of clean energy projects partially or wholly through the issuance of additional common units. NEP needs to be able to access the capital markets on commercially reasonable terms when acquisition opportunities arise. NEP's ability to access the equity capital markets is dependent on, among other factors, the overall state of the capital markets and investor appetite for investment in clean energy projects in general and NEP's common units in particular. An inability to obtain equity financing on commercially reasonable terms could limit NEP's ability to consummate future acquisitions and to effectuate its growth strategy in the manner currently contemplated. Furthermore there may not be sufficient availability under NEP OpCo's subsidiaries' revolving credit facility or other financing arrangements on commercially reasonable terms when acquisition opportunities arise. If debt financing is available, it may be available only on terms that could significantly increase NEP's interest expense, impose additional or more restrictive covenants and reduce cash distributions to its unitholders. An inability to access sources of capital on commercially reasonable terms could significantly limit NEP's ability to consummate future acquisitions and to effectuate its growth strategy. NEP's inability to effectively consummate future acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on NEP's ability to grow its business and make cash distributions to its unitholders.

Through an indirect wholly owned subsidiary, NEE owns a limited partner interest in NEP OpCo. NEP's inability to access the capital markets on commercially reasonable terms and effectively consummate future acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on NEP's ability to grow its cash distributions to its unitholders, including NEE, and on the value of NEE’s limited partnership interest in NEP OpCo.

Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets may exert downward pressure on the market price of NEE's common stock.

The market price and trading volume of NEE's common stock are subject to fluctuations as a result of, among other factors, general credit and capital market conditions and changes in market sentiment regarding the operations, business and financing strategies of NEE and its subsidiaries. As a result, disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets may, for example, have a material adverse effect on the market price of NEE's common stock.



33


Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None

Item 2. Properties

For a description of NEE's principal properties, see Item 1. Business - FPL and Item 1. Business - NEER.

Character of Ownership

Substantially all of FPL's properties are subject to the lien of FPL's mortgage, which secures most debt securities issued by FPL. The majority of FPL's real property is held in fee and is free from other encumbrances, subject to minor exceptions which are not of a nature as to substantially impair the usefulness to FPL of such properties. Some of FPL's electric lines are located on parcels of land which are not owned in fee by FPL but are covered by necessary consents of governmental authorities or rights obtained from owners of private property. The majority of NEER's generation facilities, pipeline facilities and transmission assets are owned by NEER subsidiaries and a number of those facilities and assets, including all of the Texas pipelines, are encumbered by liens securing various financings. Additionally, the majority of NEER's generation facilities, pipeline facilities and transmission lines are located on land leased or under easement from owners of private property. See Note 1 - Electric Plant, Depreciation and Amortization.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

None

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable


34


PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrants' Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Common Stock Data. All of FPL's common stock is owned by NEE. NEE's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NEE." The high and low sales prices for the common stock of NEE as reported in the consolidated transaction reporting system of the New York Stock Exchange and the cash dividends per share declared for each quarter during the past two years are as follows:
 
 
2016
 
2015
Quarter
 
High
 
Low
 
Cash
Dividends
 
High
 
Low
 
Cash
Dividends
First
 
$
119.37

 
$
102.20

 
$
0.87

 
$
112.64

 
$
97.48

 
$
0.77

Second
 
$
130.43

 
$
112.44

 
$
0.87

 
$
106.63

 
$
97.23

 
$
0.77

Third
 
$
131.98

 
$
120.22

 
$
0.87

 
$
109.98

 
$
93.74

 
$
0.77

Fourth
 
$
128.46

 
$
110.49

 
$
0.87

 
$
105.85

 
$
95.84

 
$
0.77


The amount and timing of dividends payable on NEE's common stock are within the sole discretion of NEE's Board of Directors. The Board of Directors reviews the dividend rate at least annually (generally in February) to determine its appropriateness in light of NEE's financial position and results of operations, legislative and regulatory developments affecting the electric utility industry in general and FPL in particular, competitive conditions, change in business mix and any other factors the Board of Directors deems relevant. The ability of NEE to pay dividends on its common stock is dependent upon, among other things, dividends paid to it by its subsidiaries. There are no restrictions in effect that currently limit FPL's ability to pay dividends to NEE. In February 2017, NEE announced that it would increase its quarterly dividend on its common stock from $0.87 per share to $0.9825 per share. See Management's Discussion - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Covenants with respect to dividend restrictions and Note 10 - Common Stock Dividend Restrictions regarding dividends paid by FPL to NEE.

As of the close of business on January 31, 2017, there were 19,737 holders of record of NEE's common stock.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. Information regarding purchases made by NEE of its common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2016 is as follows:
Period
 
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased(a)
 
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of a
Publicly Announced Program
 
Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet be
Purchased Under the
Program(b)
10/1/2016 - 10/31/16
 

 

 
 
13,274,748
11/1/2016 - 11/30/16
 
359

 
$
115.03

 
 
13,274,748
12/1/2016 - 12/31/16
 
511

 
$
115.95

 
 
13,274,748
Total
 
870

 
$
115.57

 
 
 
______________________

(a)
Includes: (1) in November 2016, shares of common stock withheld from employees to pay certain withholding taxes upon the vesting of stock awards granted to such employees under the NextEra Energy, Inc. Amended and Restated 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan; and (2) in December 2016, shares of common stock purchased as a reinvestment of dividends by the trustee of a grantor trust in connection with NEE's obligation under a February 2006 grant under the NextEra Energy, Inc. Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (former LTIP) to an executive officer of deferred retirement share awards.
(b)
In February 2005, NEE's Board of Directors authorized common stock repurchases of up to 20 million shares of common stock over an unspecified period, which authorization was most recently reaffirmed and ratified by the Board of Directors in July 2011.


35


Item 6.  Selected Financial Data
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
SELECTED DATA OF NEE (millions, except per share amounts):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenues
$
16,155

 
$
17,486

 
$
17,021

 
$
15,136

 
$
14,256

Income from continuing operations(a)
$
3,005

 
$
2,762

 
$
2,469

 
$
1,677

 
$
1,911

Net income(a)(b)
$
3,005

 
$
2,762

 
$
2,469

 
$
1,908

 
$
1,911

Net income attributable to NEE:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations(a)
$
2,912

 
$
2,752

 
$
2,465

 
$
1,677

 
$
1,911

Gain from discontinued operations(b)

 

 

 
231

 

Total
$
2,912

 
$
2,752

 
$
2,465

 
$
1,908

 
$
1,911

Earnings per share attributable to NEE - basic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations(a)
$
6.29

 
$
6.11

 
$
5.67

 
$
3.95

 
$
4.59

Net income(a)(b)
$
6.29

 
$
6.11

 
$
5.67

 
$
4.50

 
$
4.59

Earnings per share attributable to NEE - assuming dilution:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations(a)
$
6.25

 
$
6.06

 
$
5.60

 
$
3.93

 
$
4.56

Net income(a)(b)
$
6.25

 
$
6.06

 
$
5.60

 
$
4.47

 
$
4.56

Dividends paid per share of common stock
$
3.48

 
$
3.08

 
$
2.90

 
$
2.64

 
$
2.40

Total assets(c)
$
89,993

 
$
82,479

 
$
74,605

 
$
69,007

 
$
64,144

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities
$
27,818

 
$
26,681

 
$
24,044

 
$
23,670

 
$
22,881

Capital expenditures, independent power and
   other investments and nuclear fuel purchases:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FPL
$
3,934

 
$
3,633

 
$
3,241

 
$
2,903

 
$
4,285

NEER
5,521

 
4,661

 
3,701

 
3,637

 
4,681

Corporate and Other
181

 
83

 
75

 
142

 
495

Total
$
9,636

 
$
8,377

 
$
7,017

 
$
6,682

 
$
9,461

______________________
(a)
Includes net unrealized mark-to-market after-tax gains (losses) associated with non-qualifying hedges of approximately $(92) million, $183 million, $153 million, $(53) million and $(34) million, respectively. Also, on an after-tax basis, 2013 includes impairment and other charges of approximately $342 million related to solar projects in Spain.
(b)
2013 includes an after-tax gain from discontinued operations of $231 million related to the sale of hydropower generation plants.
(c)
Includes assets held for sale of approximately $452 million in 2016, $1,009 million in 2015 and $335 million in 2012. See Note 1 - Assets and Liabilities Associated with Assets Held for Sale.


36


Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

OVERVIEW

NEE’s operating performance is driven primarily by the operations of its two principal subsidiaries, FPL, which serves approximately 4.9 million customer accounts in Florida and is one of the largest rate-regulated electric utilities in the U.S., and NEER, which together with affiliated entities is the largest generator in the world of renewable energy from the wind and sun based on MWh produced in 2016. The table below presents net income (loss) attributable to NEE and earnings (loss) per share attributable to NEE, assuming dilution, by reportable segment, FPL and NEER, and by Corporate and Other, which is primarily comprised of the operating results of NEET, FPL FiberNet and other business activities, as well as other income and expense items, including interest expense, income taxes and eliminating entries (see Note 14 for additional segment information). The following discussions should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein and all comparisons are with the corresponding items in the prior year.
 
Net Income (Loss) Attributable
to NEE
 
Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to NEE,
Assuming Dilution
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
(millions)
 
 
FPL
$
1,727

 
$
1,648

 
$
1,517

 
$
3.71

 
$
3.63

 
$
3.45

NEER(a)
1,125

 
1,092

 
989

 
2.41

 
2.41

 
2.25

Corporate and Other
60

 
12

 
(41
)
 
0.13

 
0.02

 
(0.10
)
NEE
$
2,912

 
$
2,752

 
$
2,465

 
$
6.25

 
$
6.06

 
$
5.60

______________________
(a)
NEER’s results reflect an allocation of interest expense from NEECH based on a deemed capital structure of 70% debt.

For the five years ended December 31, 2016, NEE delivered a total shareholder return of approximately 130.3%, above the S&P 500’s 98.2% return, the S&P 500 Utilities' 63.7% return and the Dow Jones U.S. Electricity's 59.8% return. The historical stock performance of NEE's common stock shown in the performance graph below is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

fiveyearreturncomparisona01.gif


37


Adjusted Earnings

NEE prepares its financial statements under GAAP. However, management uses earnings excluding certain items (adjusted earnings), a non-GAAP financial measure, internally for financial planning, for analysis of performance, for reporting of results to the Board of Directors and as an input in determining performance-based compensation under NEE’s employee incentive compensation plans. NEE also uses adjusted earnings when communicating its financial results and earnings outlook to analysts and investors. NEE’s management believes adjusted earnings provides a more meaningful representation of NEE's fundamental earnings power. Although the excluded amounts are properly included in the determination of net income under GAAP, management believes that the amount and/or nature of such items make period to period comparisons of operations difficult and potentially confusing. Adjusted earnings do not represent a substitute for net income, as prepared under GAAP.

Adjusted earnings exclude the unrealized mark-to-market effect of non-qualifying hedges (as described below) and OTTI losses on securities held in NEER’s nuclear decommissioning funds, net of the reversal of previously recognized OTTI losses on securities sold and losses on securities where price recovery was deemed unlikely (collectively, OTTI reversals). However, other adjustments may be made from time to time with the intent to provide more meaningful and comparable results of ongoing operations.

NEE segregates into two categories unrealized mark-to-market gains and losses on derivative transactions. The first category, referred to as non-qualifying hedges, represents certain energy derivative, interest rate derivative and foreign currency transactions entered into as economic hedges, which do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting, or for which hedge accounting treatment is not elected or has been discontinued. Changes in the fair value of those transactions are marked to market and reported in the consolidated statements of income, resulting in earnings volatility because the economic offset to certain of the positions are generally not marked to market. As a consequence, NEE's net income reflects only the movement in one part of economically-linked transactions. For example, a gain (loss) in the non-qualifying hedge category for certain energy derivatives is offset by decreases (increases) in the fair value of related physical asset positions in the portfolio or contracts, which are not marked to market under GAAP. For this reason, NEE's management views results expressed excluding the unrealized mark-to-market impact of the non-qualifying hedges as a meaningful measure of current period performance. The second category, referred to as trading activities, which is included in adjusted earnings, represents the net unrealized effect of actively traded positions entered into to take advantage of expected market price movements and all other commodity hedging activities. In January 2016, NEE discontinued hedge accounting for all of its remaining interest rate and foreign currency derivative instruments, which could result in increased volatility in the non-qualifying hedge category. In connection with discontinuing hedge accounting for all of its remaining interest rate and foreign currency derivative instruments, in May 2016, NEE also began recording changes in the fair value of interest rate derivatives entered into as economic hedges to offset expected future debt issuances as non-qualifying hedges. At FPL, substantially all changes in the fair value of energy derivative transactions are deferred as a regulatory asset or liability until the contracts are settled, and, upon settlement, any gains or losses are passed through the fuel clause. See Note 3.

During 2014, NEER decided not to pursue the sale of NEER's ownership interests in oil-fired generation plants located in Maine (Maine fossil) and recorded an after-tax gain of $12 million to increase Maine fossil's carrying value to its estimated fair value. See Note 4 - Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements. In 2016, subsidiaries of NEER completed the sales of their ownership interests in certain natural gas generation facilities. In connection with the sales and the related consolidating state income tax effects, gains totaling approximately $445 million ($219 million after tax) were recorded in NEE's consolidated statements of income and are included in losses (gains) on disposal of assets - net. See Note 1 - Assets and Liabilities Associated with Assets Held for Sale. In order to make period to period comparisons more meaningful, adjusted earnings also exclude the items discussed above, as well as costs incurred in 2016 and 2015 associated with the terminated HEI merger agreement (see Note 1 - Merger Termination), costs incurred in 2016 associated with the EFH merger agreement and related transactions (see Note 7 - Pending Oncor-Related Transactions), the resolution of contingencies related to a previous asset sale, the pretax amount of which totaled $9 million and was recorded in 2016 as gains on disposal of investments and other property - net in NEE's consolidated statements of income, and, for all periods, the operating results associated with the solar projects in Spain.


38


The following table provides details of the after-tax adjustments to net income considered in computing NEE's adjusted earnings discussed above.
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
(millions)
 
 
Net unrealized mark-to-market gains (losses) from non-qualifying hedge activity(a)
$
(92
)
 
$
183
 
 
$
153
 
Merger-related expenses - Corporate and Other
$
(92
)
 
$
(20
)
 
$
 
Operating results of solar projects in Spain - NEER
$
(11
)
 
$
5
 
 
$
(32
)
Losses from OTTI on securities held in NEER's nuclear decommissioning funds, net of OTTI reversals(b)
$
(1
)
 
$
(15
)
 
$
(2
)
Gain associated with Maine fossil - NEER
$

 
$
 
 
$
12
 
Gains on sale of natural gas generation facilities(c)
$
219

 
$
 
 
$
 
Resolution of contingencies related to a previous asset sale - NEER
$
5

 
$
 
 
$
 
______________________
(a)
For 2016, 2015 and 2014, approximately $233 million of losses, $175 million of gains and $171 million of gains, respectively, are included in NEER's net income; the balance is included in Corporate and Other.
(b)
For 2016, 2015 and 2014, approximately $2 million of losses, $14 million of losses and $1 million of income, respectively, are included in NEER's net income; the balance is included in Corporate and Other.
(c)
Approximately $276 million of the gains is included in NEER's net income; the balance is included in Corporate and Other. See Note 1 - Assets and Liabilities Associated with Assets Held for Sale and Note 5.

The change in unrealized mark-to-market activity from non-qualifying hedges is primarily attributable to changes in forward power and natural gas prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, as well as the reversal of previously recognized unrealized mark-to-market gains or losses as the underlying transactions were realized.

2016 Summary

Net income attributable to NEE for 2016 was higher than 2015 by $160 million, or $0.19 per share, assuming dilution, due to higher results at FPL, NEER and Corporate and Other.

FPL's increase in net income in 2016 was primarily driven by continued investments in plant in service while earning an 11.50% regulatory ROE on its retail rate base.

NEER's results increased in 2016 primarily reflecting earnings from new investments, gains from the sales of natural gas generation facilities and fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration, partly offset by net unrealized losses from non-qualifying hedge activity compared to gains from such hedges in 2015, higher growth-related interest and general and administrative expenses and lower earnings on gas infrastructure and existing assets. In 2016, NEER added approximately 1,465 MW of wind capacity and 980 MW of solar capacity in the U.S., completed the sales of its ownership interests in certain natural gas generation facilities with total generating capacity of 3,724 MW and increased its backlog of contracted renewable development projects.

Corporate and Other's results in 2016 increased primarily reflecting net unrealized gains from non-qualifying hedge activity primarily associated with interest rate and foreign currency derivative instruments, partly offset by higher merger-related expenses and unfavorable consolidating income tax adjustments.

NEE and its subsidiaries require funds to support and grow their businesses. These funds are primarily provided by cash flow from operations, borrowings or issuances of short- and long-term debt and proceeds from differential membership investors and, from time to time, issuances of equity securities. See Liquidity and Capital Resources - Liquidity.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net income attributable to NEE for 2016 was $2.91 billion, compared to $2.75 billion in 2015 and $2.47 billion in 2014. In 2016 and 2015, net income attributable to NEE improved due to higher results at FPL, NEER and Corporate and Other.

NEE's effective income tax rates for 2016, 2015 and 2014 of approximately 31.5%, 30.8% and 32.3%, respectively, primarily reflect income tax expense at the statutory rate of 35% and state income taxes, partly offset by the benefit of PTCs for NEER's wind projects, as well as ITCs and deferred income tax benefits associated with convertible ITCs for solar and certain wind projects at NEER. PTCs, ITCs and deferred income tax benefits associated with convertible ITCs can significantly affect NEE's effective income tax rate depending on the amount of pretax income. The amount of PTCs recognized can be significantly affected by wind generation and by the roll off of PTCs on certain wind projects after ten years of production (PTC roll off). In addition, NEE's effective income tax rate for 2014 was unfavorably affected by a noncash income tax charge of approximately $45 million associated with structuring Canadian assets in connection with the creation of NEP. In April 2016, a court approved a reorganization of certain Canadian assets that provided for tax bases in certain of these assets. NEE recorded approximately $30 million of associated income tax adjustments in 2016, which effectively reversed a portion of the charge recorded in 2014. See Note 1 - Income Taxes and Note 5.

39



FPL: Results of Operations

FPL obtains its operating revenues primarily from the sale of electricity to retail customers at rates established by the FPSC through base rates and cost recovery clause mechanisms. FPL’s net income for 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $1,727 million, $1,648 million and $1,517 million, respectively, representing an increase in 2016 of $79 million and an increase in 2015 of $131 million. The primary drivers, on an after-tax basis, of these changes are in the following table.
 
Increase (Decrease)
From Prior Period
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
(millions)
Investment in plant in service(a)
$
131
 
 
$
77
 
Change in amount of equity used to finance investments
(42
)
 
22
 
Nonrecoverable expenses
(16
)
 
(15
)
Woodford shale investment
(10
)
 
5
 
Cost recovery clause earnings
11
 
 
5
 
AFUDC - equity
6
 
 
32
 
Other
(1
)
 
5
 
Increase in net income
$
79
 
 
$
131
 
______________________
(a)
Investment in plant in service grew FPL's average retail rate base by approximately $2.4 billion and $1.0 billion in 2016 and 2015, respectively. For 2016, the increase primarily reflects the modernized Port Everglades Clean Energy Center that was placed in service in April 2016 and ongoing transmission and distribution additions. For 2015, the increase primarily reflects ongoing transmission and distribution additions and the modernized Riviera Beach Clean Energy Center placed in service in April 2014.

The use of reserve amortization was permitted under the 2012 rate agreement and continues during the term of the 2016 rate agreement. See Item 1. Business - FPL - FPL Regulation - FPL Rate Regulation - Base Rates for additional information on the 2012 and 2016 rate agreements. In order to earn a targeted regulatory ROE, subject to limitations associated with the 2012 and 2016 rate agreements, reserve amortization is calculated using a trailing thirteen-month average of retail rate base and capital structure in conjunction with the trailing twelve months regulatory retail base net operating income, which primarily includes the retail base portion of base and other revenues, net of O&M, depreciation and amortization, interest and tax expenses. In general, the net impact of these income statement line items must be adjusted, in part, by reserve amortization to earn a targeted regulatory ROE. In certain periods, reserve amortization is reversed so as not to exceed the targeted regulatory ROE. The drivers of FPL's net income not reflected in the reserve amortization calculation typically include wholesale and transmission service revenues and expenses, cost recovery clause revenues and expenses, AFUDC - equity and costs not allowed to be recovered from retail customers by the FPSC. In 2016, FPL recorded reserve amortization of $13 million, and, in 2015 and 2014, FPL recorded the reversal of reserve amortization of approximately $15 million and $33 million, respectively. FPL's regulatory ROE for 2016, 2015 and 2014 was 11.50%.

FPL's operating revenues consisted of the following:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
(millions)
 
 
Retail base
$
5,807

 
$
5,653

 
$
5,347

Fuel cost recovery
3,120

 
3,875

 
3,876

Net deferral of retail fuel revenues

 
(1
)
 

Net recognition of deferred retail fuel revenues
6

 

 

Other cost recovery clauses and pass-through costs, net of any deferrals
1,467

 
1,645

 
1,766

Other, primarily wholesale and transmission sales, customer-related fees and pole attachment rentals
495

 
479

 
432

Total
$
10,895

 
$
11,651

 
$
11,421



40


Retail Base

FPSC Rate Orders
FPL’s retail base revenues for all years presented reflect the 2012 rate agreement. Retail base revenues increased approximately $175 million in 2016 through a $216 million annualized retail base rate increase associated with the modernized Port Everglades Clean Energy Center which was placed in service in April 2016, and, in 2015, increased $43 million through a $234 million annualized retail base rate increase associated with the modernized Riviera Beach Clean Energy Center which was placed in service in April 2014.

In December 2016, the FPSC issued a final order approving the 2016 rate agreement which became effective January 2017 and will remain in effect until at least December 2020, establishes FPL's allowed regulatory ROE at 10.55%, with a range of 9.60% to 11.60%, and allows for retail rate base increases in 2017, 2018 and upon commencement of commercial operations at the Okeechobee Clean Energy Center. In January 2017, the Sierra Club filed a notice of appeal challenging the FPSC’s final order approving the 2016 rate agreement, which notice of appeal is pending before the Florida Supreme Court. See Item 1. Business - FPL - FPL Regulation - FPL Rate Regulation - Base Rates for additional information on the 2016 rate agreement.

Retail Customer Usage and Growth
In 2016 and 2015, FPL experienced a 1.4% increase each year in the average number of customer accounts and a 2.1% decrease and 4.2% increase, respectively, in the average usage per retail customer, which collectively, together with other factors, decreased revenues by approximately $21 million and increased revenues by $263 million, respectively. The decline in 2016 usage per retail customer is primarily due to milder weather and customer service interruptions as a result of hurricanes that impacted FPL's service territory in 2016 which had a modest negative impact on 2016 base revenue (see Note 1 - Securitized Storm-Recovery Costs, Storm Fund and Storm Reserve), while the increase in 2015 usage per retail customer was due to favorable weather. An improvement in the Florida economy contributed to increased revenues in both periods.

Cost Recovery Clauses

Revenues from fuel and other cost recovery clauses and pass-through costs, such as franchise fees, revenue taxes and storm-related surcharges, are largely a pass-through of costs. Such revenues also include a return on investment allowed to be recovered through the cost recovery clauses on certain assets, primarily related to certain solar and environmental projects and the unamortized balance of the regulatory asset associated with FPL's acquisition of the Cedar Bay generation facility. See Item 1. Business - FPL - FPL Regulation - FPL Rate Regulation - Cost Recovery Clauses. Underrecovery or overrecovery of cost recovery clause and other pass-through costs (deferred clause and franchise expenses and revenues) can significantly affect NEE's and FPL's operating cash flows. The 2016 and 2015 net overrecoveries were approximately $94 million and $176 million, respectively, and positively affected NEE’s and FPL’s cash flows from operating activities.

The decrease in fuel cost recovery revenues in 2016 is primarily due to a decrease of approximately $737 million related to a lower average fuel factor. The slight decrease in fuel cost recovery revenues in 2015 reflects lower revenues totaling approximately $118 million from the incentive mechanism and from interchange power sales and $96 million related to a lower average fuel factor, partly offset by increased revenues of $213 million related to higher energy sales.

Declines in 2016 revenues from other cost recovery clauses and pass-through costs were largely due to reductions in purchased power and capacity expenses associated with the capacity clause. The declines in 2015 revenues from other cost recovery clauses and pass-through costs were largely due to reductions in expenses associated with energy conservation programs and the capacity clause.

In 2016, 2015 and 2014, cost recovery clauses contributed $112 million, $103 million and $93 million, respectively, to FPL’s net income. The increase in 2016 primarily relates to the acquisition of the Cedar Bay generation facility. The increase in 2015 primarily relates to gains associated with the incentive mechanism, investments in gas reserves and the acquisition of the Cedar Bay generation facility.

In September 2015, FPL assumed ownership of the Cedar Bay generation facility and terminated its long-term purchased power agreement for substantially all of the facility’s capacity and energy for a purchase price of approximately $521 million. FPL will recover the purchase price and associated income tax gross-up as a regulatory asset which will be amortized over approximately nine years. See Note 1 - Rate Regulation for further discussion. Additionally, in January 2017, FPL purchased the Indiantown generation facility (see Note 13 - Contracts).

Woodford Shale Investment
In March 2015, after receiving FPSC approval, a wholly owned subsidiary of FPL partnered with a third party to develop up to 38 natural gas production wells in the Woodford Shale region in southeastern Oklahoma and in return began receiving its ownership share of the natural gas produced from these wells. In May 2016, the Florida Supreme Court (Court) reversed the FPSC’s order approving FPL’s investment in the Woodford Shale wells concluding that the FPSC exceeded its statutory authority when approving recovery of FPL’s costs and investment in these wells. During 2016, FPL recorded a provision for refund of approximately $13 million (after tax) associated with the Court’s decision. FPL’s wholly owned subsidiary, which is not subject to FPSC authority, sells its share of the natural gas produced from the Woodford Shale wells to third parties at market prices. Also, in response to the Court's

41


decision on the Woodford Shale order, the FPSC vacated its July 2015 order approving a set of guidelines under which FPL could participate in additional natural gas production projects.

Other

The increase in other revenues for 2016 is primarily due to revenues related to sales of natural gas produced from the Woodford Shale wells discussed above. The increase in other revenues for 2015, which did not result in a significant contribution to earnings, primarily reflects higher wholesale and transmission service revenues along with other miscellaneous service revenues.

Other Items Impacting FPL's Consolidated Statements of Income

Fuel, Purchased Power and Interchange Expense
The major components of FPL's fuel, purchased power and interchange expense are as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
(millions)
 
 
Fuel and energy charges during the period
$
3,113
 
 
$
3,593
 
 
$
3,951
 
Net deferral of retail fuel costs
(11
)
 
 
 
(109
)
Net recognition of deferred retail fuel costs
 
 
220
 
 
 
Other, primarily capacity charges, net of any capacity deferral
195
 
 
463
 
 
533
 
Total
$
3,297
 
 
$
4,276
 
 
$
4,375
 

The decrease in fuel and energy charges in 2016 primarily reflects approximately $453 million of lower fuel and energy prices and $27 million related to lower energy sales. The decrease in fuel and energy charges in 2015 was due to lower fuel and energy prices of approximately $491 million and a decrease of $68 million in costs related to the incentive mechanism, partly offset by higher energy sales of approximately $201 million. In addition, FPL deferred approximately $11 million and $109 million of retail fuel costs in 2016 and 2014, respectively, compared to the recognition of deferred retail fuel costs of $220 million in 2015. The decrease in other in both periods is primarily due to lower capacity fees in part related to the termination of the Cedar Bay generation facility long-term purchased power agreement after FPL assumed ownership of the Cedar Bay generation facility in September 2015.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense
The major components of FPL’s depreciation and amortization expense are as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
(millions)
 
 
Reserve reversal (amortization) recorded under the 2012 rate agreement
$
(13
)
 
$
15

 
$
33

Other depreciation and amortization recovered under base rates
1,366

 
1,359

 
1,211

Depreciation and amortization primarily recovered under cost recovery clauses and securitized storm-recovery cost amortization
298

 
202

 
188

Total
$
1,651

 
$
1,576

 
$
1,432


The reserve amortization, or reversal of such amortization, reflects adjustments to the depreciation and fossil dismantlement reserve provided under the 2012 rate agreement in order to achieve the targeted regulatory ROE. Reserve amortization is recorded as a reduction to (or when reversed as an increase to) accrued asset removal costs which is reflected in noncurrent regulatory liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 1 - Rate Regulation regarding a $30 million reduction in the reserve available for amortization under the 2012 rate agreement. Subject to certain conditions, FPL may amortize, over the term of the 2016 rate agreement, up to $1.0 billion of depreciation reserve surplus plus the reserve amount remaining under FPL's 2012 rate agreement (approximately $250 million at December 31, 2016).

The increase in other depreciation and amortization expense recovered under base rates in 2016 primarily relates to higher plant in service balances, including investments in transmission and distribution assets and the modernized Port Everglades Clean Energy Center that was placed in service in April 2016, partly offset by the absence of 2015 amortization expenses associated with analog meters. The increase in other depreciation and amortization expense recovered under base rates in 2015 is due to higher amortization expenses primarily associated with analog meters and higher plant in service balances. The increase in depreciation and amortization primarily recovered under cost recovery clauses and securitized storm-recovery cost amortization in 2016 primarily relates to amortization of a regulatory asset associated with the September 2015 acquisition of the Cedar Bay generation facility.


42


Taxes Other Than Income Taxes and Other
Taxes other than income taxes and other decreased $16 million in 2016 primarily due to lower franchise and revenue taxes, neither of which impacts net income, partly offset by higher property taxes reflecting growth in plant in service balances. The increase in 2015 of $39 million was primarily due to higher property taxes reflecting growth in plant in service balances.

Interest Expense
The increase in interest expense in 2016 and 2015 primarily reflects higher average debt balances, partly offset by lower average interest rates. Interest expense on storm-recovery bonds, as well as certain other interest expense on clause-recoverable investments (collectively, clause interest), do not significantly affect net income, as the clause interest is recovered either under cost recovery clause mechanisms or through a storm-recovery bond surcharge. Clause interest for 2016, 2015 and 2014 amounted to approximately $41 million, $41 million and $42 million, respectively.

AFUDC - Equity
The increase in AFUDC - equity in 2016 is primarily due to additional AFUDC - equity recorded on construction expenditures associated with the replacement of certain gas turbines with high efficiency, low-emission turbines (peaker upgrade project) and a solar PV project constructed on three sites, partly offset by lower AFUDC - equity associated with the Port Everglades Clean Energy Center which was placed in service in April 2016. The increase in AFUDC - equity in 2015 is primarily due to additional AFUDC - equity recorded on construction expenditures associated with the modernization project at the Port Everglades Clean Energy Center, the investments in new compressor parts technology at select combined-cycle units and the peaker upgrade project, partly offset by lower AFUDC - equity associated with the modernized Riviera Beach Clean Energy Center which was placed in service in April 2014.

Capital Initiatives
FPL plans to add approximately 1,750 MW of capacity in mid-2019 when the Okeechobee Clean Energy Center is expected to be placed in service, to add up to 300 MW annually in each of 2017 through 2020 of new solar generation and to continue to strengthen its transmission and distribution infrastructure.

NEER: Results of Operations

NEER owns, develops, constructs, manages and operates electric generation facilities in wholesale energy markets primarily in the U.S. and Canada. NEER also provides full energy and capacity requirements services, engages in power and gas marketing and trading activities and invests in natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil production and pipeline infrastructure assets. NEER’s net income less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $1,125 million, $1,092 million and $989 million, respectively, resulting in an increase in 2016 of $33 million and an increase in 2015 of $103 million. The primary drivers, on an after-tax basis, of these changes are in the following table.
 
Increase (Decrease)
From Prior Period
 
Years Ended  
 December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
(millions)
New investments(a)
$
293
 
 
$
138
 
Existing assets(a)
(55
)
 
(29
)
Gas infrastructure(b)
(75
)
 
(7
)
Customer supply and proprietary power and gas trading(b)
(16
)
 
110
 
Revaluation of contingent consideration
80
 
 
 
Interest and other general and administrative expenses(c)
(99
)
 
(99
)
Other
36
 
 
(24
)
Change in unrealized mark-to-market non-qualifying hedge activity(d)
(408
)
 
4
 
Change in OTTI losses on securities held in nuclear decommissioning funds, net of OTTI reversals(d)
12
 
 
(15
)
Maine fossil gain in 2014(d)
 
 
(12
)
Operating results of the solar projects in Spain(d)
(16
)
 
37
 
Gains on sale of natural gas generation facilities(d)
276
 
 
 
Resolution of contingencies related to a previous asset sale(d)
5
 
 
 
Increase in net income less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
$
33
 
 
$
103
 
______________________
(a)
Includes PTCs, ITCs and deferred income tax and other benefits associated with convertible ITCs for wind and solar projects, as applicable, (see Note 1 - Electric Plant, Depreciation and Amortization, - Income Taxes and - Sale of Differential Membership Interests and Note 5), as well as income tax benefits related to the Canadian tax restructuring, but excludes allocation of interest expense or corporate general and administrative expenses. Results from projects are included in new investments during the first twelve months of operation or ownership. Project results are included in existing assets beginning with the thirteenth month of operation.
(b)
Excludes allocation of interest expense and corporate general and administrative expenses.
(c)
Includes differential membership interest costs.
(d)
See Overview - Adjusted Earnings for additional information.

43



New Investments

In 2016, results from new investments increased due to:

higher earnings of approximately $223 million, including deferred income tax and other benefits associated with ITCs and convertible ITCs, related to the addition of approximately 2,819 MW of wind generation and 1,226 MW of solar generation during or after 2015, and
higher earnings of approximately $70 million related to the acquisition of the Texas pipelines in October 2015 and additional investments in other natural gas pipeline projects.

In 2015, results from new investments increased primarily due to:

higher earnings of approximately $146 million related to the addition of approximately 2,571 MW of wind generation and 910 MW of solar generation during or after 2014, and
higher earnings of approximately $16 million related to the acquisition of the Texas pipelines and the development of three additional natural gas pipelines,
partly offset by,
lower deferred income tax and other benefits associated with convertible ITCs of $21 million and ITCs of $3 million.

Existing Assets

In 2016, results from NEER's existing asset portfolio decreased primarily due to:

lower results from wind and solar assets of approximately $40 million primarily due to lower state tax credits, PTC roll off, higher project O&M expenses and an increase in the amount of earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest, offset in part by higher wind generation and income tax benefits related to the Canadian tax restructuring, and
lower results of $6 million related to the sale of certain natural gas generation facilities (see Note 1 - Assets and Liabilities Associated with Assets Held for Sale).

In 2015, results from NEER's existing asset portfolio decreased primarily due to:

lower results from wind assets of $122 million primarily due to weaker wind resource offset in part by a favorable ITC impact related to changes in state income tax laws and favorable pricing,
partly offset by,
the absence of a $45 million non cash income tax charge associated with structuring Canadian assets and $22 million in NEP IPO transaction costs recorded in 2014, and
higher results from merchant assets in the ERCOT region of approximately $27 million primarily due to the absence of a 2014 outage.

Gas Infrastructure

The decrease in gas infrastructure results in 2016 is primarily due to increased depreciation expense reflecting higher depletion rates as well as lower commodity prices. The decrease in gas infrastructure results in 2015 reflects increased depreciation expense mainly related to both higher depletion rates and increased production in 2015, as well as the absence of 2014 gains on the sale of investments in certain wells (collectively, approximately $46 million), partly offset by gains of $42 million related to exiting the hedged positions on a number of future gas production opportunities; such gains were previously reflected in unrealized mark-to-market non-qualifying hedge activity. NEER continues to monitor its oil and gas producing properties for potential impairments due to low prices for oil and natural gas commodity products. However, an impairment analysis performed under GAAP does not take into consideration the mark-to-market value of hedged positions. NEER hedges the expected output from its oil and gas producing properties for a period of time to help protect against price movements; the fair value of such hedged positions at December 31, 2016 was approximately $144 million. At December 31, 2016, approximately $2.2 billion of NEE’s property, plant and equipment, net relates to the gas infrastructure business' ownership interests in investments located in oil and gas shale formations.

Customer Supply and Proprietary Power and Gas Trading

Results from customer supply and proprietary power and gas trading decreased in 2016 primarily due to lower margins and less favorable market conditions compared to 2015. Results from customer supply and proprietary power and gas trading increased in 2015 primarily due to improved margins and favorable market conditions compared to lower results in the full requirements business in 2014 due to the impact of extreme winter weather.

Revaluation of Contingent Consideration

For 2016, NEER's results reflect approximately $80 million of after-tax fair value adjustments, net of amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests, to reduce the contingent holdback associated with the acquisition of the Texas pipelines (see Note 7 - Texas Pipeline Business).

44



Interest and General and Administrative Expenses

Interest and general and administrative expenses includes interest expense, differential membership costs and other corporate general and administrative expenses. In 2016 and 2015, interest and general and administrative expenses reflect higher borrowing and other costs to support the growth of the business.

Other Factors

Supplemental to the primary drivers of the changes in NEER's net income less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests discussed above, the discussion below describes changes in certain line items set forth in NEE's consolidated statements of income as they relate to NEER.

Operating Revenues
Operating revenues for 2016 decreased $551 million primarily due to:

unrealized mark-to-market losses from non-qualifying hedges of $273 million for 2016 compared to $275 million of gains on such hedges for 2015, and
lower revenues from existing assets of $409 million reflecting lower revenues from the natural gas generation facilities sold in 2016, offset in part by higher wind generation due to stronger wind resource and higher revenues at Seabrook reflecting the absence of a 2015 refueling outage,
partly offset by,
higher revenues from new investments of approximately $384 million.

Operating revenues for 2015 increased $248 million primarily due to:

higher revenues from new investments of approximately $225 million,
higher revenues from the customer supply business and proprietary power and gas trading business of $218 million reflecting favorable market conditions, and
higher revenues from the gas infrastructure business of $96 million primarily reflecting gains recorded upon exiting the hedged positions on a number of future gas production opportunities and the acquisition of the Texas pipelines,
partly offset by,
lower unrealized mark-to-market gains from non-qualifying hedges ($275 million for 2015 compared to $372 million of gains on such hedges for 2014), and
lower revenues from existing assets of $195 million reflecting lower wind generation due to weaker wind resource, lower revenues at the natural gas generation facility in Pennsylvania and in the ERCOT region due to lower gas prices and lower revenues at Seabrook reflecting a refueling outage, offset in part by higher revenues at Point Beach due to the absence of a 2014 outage and price escalation under the power sales agreement, higher dispatch in Maine due to 2015 weather conditions and higher revenues from the solar projects in Spain.

Operating Expenses - net
Operating expenses - net for 2016 decreased $446 million primarily due to:

gains of approximately $446 million primarily related to the sale of natural gas generation facilities in 2016 and the profit sharing liability amortization related to ownership interests sold to NEP, and
lower fuel expense of approximately $284 million primarily reflecting lower fuel expense from the natural gas generation facilities sold in 2016,
partly offset by,
higher operating expenses associated with new investments of approximately $208 million,
higher O&M expenses reflecting higher costs associated with growth in the NEER business, and
higher depreciation of $49 million on existing assets primarily reflecting an increase of $111 million of depreciation from the gas infrastructure business primarily related to higher depletion rates and increased production, partly offset by lower depreciation on the natural gas generation facilities sold in 2016.
 
Operating expenses - net for 2015 increased $138 million primarily due to:

higher operating expenses associated with new investments of approximately $123 million,
higher O&M expenses reflecting higher costs associated with growth in the NEER business, higher taxes other than income taxes and other reflecting the absence of 2014 gains on the sale of investments in certain wells in the gas infrastructure business and the absence of the 2014 reimbursement by a vendor of certain O&M-related costs, and
higher depreciation associated with the gas infrastructure business of $50 million primarily related to higher depletion rates and increased production,
partly offset by,
lower fuel expense of approximately $146 million primarily in the ERCOT region and at the natural gas generation facility in Pennsylvania.

45



Interest Expense
NEER’s interest expense for 2016 increased $107 million reflecting approximately $45 million of unfavorable changes in the fair value of interest rate derivative instruments compared to $11 million of favorable changes in 2015 and higher average debt balances reflecting growth in the business. Interest expense decreased $42 million in 2015 primarily reflecting the absence of approximately $64 million of losses in 2014 related to changes in the fair value of interest rate derivative instruments, partly offset by higher average debt balances.

Benefits Associated with Differential Membership Interests - net
Benefits associated with differential membership interests - net for all periods presented reflect benefits recognized by NEER as third-party investors received their portion of the economic attributes, including income tax attributes, of the underlying wind and solar projects, net of associated costs. The increase for 2016 primarily relates to lower interest costs associated with the ongoing paydown of the differential membership interest obligations, sales of differential membership interests and increased results of the underlying wind and solar projects. See Note 1 - Sale of Differential Membership Interests.

Equity in Earnings of Equity Method Investees
Equity in earnings of equity method investees increased in 2016 primarily due to increased earnings from AFUDC on NEER's investments in natural gas pipeline projects as construction continues and earnings from NEER's investment in a wind project that was placed in service in the fourth quarter of 2015. In 2015, the increase was primarily due to NEER's 50% equity investment in a 550 MW solar project that commenced partial operations at the end of 2013 and full operations by the end of 2014.

Gains on Disposal of Investments and Other Property - net
Gains on disposal of investments and other property - net for all periods presented primarily reflect gains on sales of securities held in NEER’s nuclear decommissioning funds. Gains on disposal of investments and other property - net also reflect in 2015, a pretax gain of approximately $6 million on the sale of a 41 MW wind project and, in 2014, a pretax gain of approximately $23 million on the sale of a 75 MW wind project.

Revaluation of Contingent Consideration
Revaluation of contingent consideration reflects fair value adjustments to reduce the contingent holdback associated with the acquisition of the Texas pipelines. Approximately $65 million of the fair value adjustments is attributable to noncontrolling interests. See Note 7 - Texas Pipeline Business.

Tax Credits, Benefits and Expenses
PTCs from wind projects and ITCs and deferred income tax benefits associated with convertible ITCs from solar and certain wind projects are reflected in NEER’s earnings. PTCs are recognized as wind energy is generated and sold based on a per kWh rate prescribed in applicable federal and state statutes, and were approximately $120 million, $149 million and $186 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. ITCs and deferred income tax benefits associated with convertible ITCs totaled approximately $150 million, $89 million and $84 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. A portion of the PTCs and ITCs have been allocated to investors in connection with sales of differential membership interests. Also in 2014, NEE's effective income tax rate was unfavorably affected by a noncash income tax charge of approximately $45 million associated with structuring Canadian assets, approximately $30 million of which was reversed in 2016. See Note 5.

Capital Initiatives

NEER expects to add new contracted wind generation of approximately 2,400 MW to 4,100 MW, approximately 1,600 MW of additional repowering generation within the existing U.S. wind portfolio and new contracted solar generation of approximately 400 MW to 1,300 MW in 2017 to 2018 and will continue to pursue other additional investment opportunities that may develop. Projects developed by NEER might be offered for sale to NEP if NEER should seek to sell the projects. NEER will also continue to invest in the development of its natural gas pipeline infrastructure assets (see Item 1. Business - NEER - Generation and Other Operations - Contracted, Merchant and Other Operations - Other Operations).

Sale of Assets to NEP

In 2016 and 2015, indirect subsidiaries of NEER sold additional ownership interests in wind and solar projects to indirect subsidiaries of NEP. See Note 1 - NextEra Energy Partners, LP.


Corporate and Other: Results of Operations

Corporate and Other is primarily comprised of the operating results of NEET, FPL FiberNet and other business activities, as well as corporate interest income and expenses. Corporate and Other allocates a portion of NEECH's corporate interest expense to NEER. Interest expense is allocated based on a deemed capital structure of 70% debt and, for purposes of allocating NEECH's corporate interest expense, the deferred credit associated with differential membership interests sold by NEER’s subsidiaries is included with debt. Each subsidiary’s income taxes are calculated based on the "separate return method," except that tax benefits that could not be used on a separate return basis, but are used on the consolidated tax return, are recorded by the subsidiary that

46


generated the tax benefits. Any remaining consolidated income tax benefits or expenses are recorded at Corporate and Other. The major components of Corporate and Other’s results, on an after-tax basis, are as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
(millions)
 
 
Interest expense, net of allocations to NEER
$
58

 
$
(87
)
 
$
(95
)
Interest income
29

 
32

 
31

Federal and state income tax benefits (expenses)
(23
)
 
20

 
(7
)
Merger-related expenses
(92
)
 
(20
)
 

Other - net
88

 
67

 
30

Net income (loss)
$
60

 
$
12

 
$
(41
)

The decrease in interest expense, net of allocations to NEER for 2016 primarily reflects net after-tax gains on interest rate and foreign currency derivative instruments and foreign currency transactions as hedge accounting was discontinued effective January 2016. See Note 3. The decrease in 2015 reflects lower average debt balances due in part to a higher allocation of interest costs to NEER reflecting growth in NEER's business. The federal and state income tax benefits (expenses) reflect consolidating income tax adjustments, including, in 2016, approximately $57 million of income tax charges related to the sales of certain of NEER's natural gas generation facilities and the adoption of an accounting standards update (see Note 10 - Stock-Based Compensation), and in 2015, favorable changes in state income tax laws. Merger-related expenses increased in 2016 primarily related to the termination of the proposed merger between NEE, Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (HEI) and two wholly owned direct subsidiaries of NEE (see Note 1 - Merger Termination) as well as costs associated with the EFH merger agreement and related transactions (see Note 7 - Pending Oncor-Related Transactions). Other - net includes all other corporate income and expenses, as well as other business activities. The increase in other - net for 2016 primarily reflects higher 2016 investment gains, debt reacquisition gains and higher results from NEET. The increase in other - net for 2015 primarily reflects 2015 investment gains compared to 2014 investment losses and the absence of debt reacquisition losses recorded in 2014. Substantially all of such investment gains and losses, on a pretax basis, is reflected in other - net in NEE's consolidated statements of income.

In January 2017, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of NEE completed the sale of its membership interests in FPL FiberNet. In connection with the sale and the related consolidating state income tax effects, a gain of approximately $1.1 billion (approximately $700 million after tax) will be recorded in NEE's consolidated statements of income during the three months ended March 31, 2017. See Note 1 - Assets and Liabilities Associated with Assets Held for Sale.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

NEE and its subsidiaries require funds to support and grow their businesses. These funds are used for, among other things, working capital, capital expenditures, investments in or acquisitions of assets and businesses, payment of maturing debt obligations and, from time to time, redemption or repurchase of outstanding debt or equity securities. It is anticipated that these requirements will be satisfied through a combination of cash flows from operations, short- and long-term borrowings, the issuance of short- and long-term debt and, from time to time, equity securities, and proceeds from differential membership investors, consistent with NEE’s and FPL’s objective of maintaining, on a long-term basis, a capital structure that will support a strong investment grade credit rating. NEE, FPL and NEECH rely on access to credit and capital markets as significant sources of liquidity for capital requirements and other operations that are not satisfied by operating cash flows. The inability of NEE, FPL and NEECH to maintain their current credit ratings could affect their ability to raise short- and long-term capital, their cost of capital and the execution of their respective financing strategies, and could require the posting of additional collateral under certain agreements.

In October 2015, NEE authorized a program to purchase, from time to time, up to $150 million of common units representing limited partner interests of NEP. Under the program, any purchases may be made in amounts, at prices and at such times as NEE or its subsidiaries deem appropriate, all subject to market conditions and other considerations. The purchases may be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Any purchases will be made in such quantities, at such prices, in such manner and on such terms and conditions as determined by NEE or its subsidiaries in their discretion, based on factors such as market and business conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The common unit purchase program does not require NEE to acquire any specific number of common units and may be modified or terminated by NEE at any time. NEE owns and controls the general partner of NEP and beneficially owns approximately 66.1% of NEP’s voting power at December 31, 2016. The purpose of the program is not to cause NEP’s common units to be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange or to cause the common units to be deregistered with the SEC. As of December 31, 2016, NEE had purchased approximately $36 million of NEP common units under this program. Also in October 2015, NEP put in place an at-the-market equity issuance program pursuant to which NEP may issue from time to time, up to $150 million of its common units. As of December 31, 2016, NEP had issued approximately $41 million of its common units under this program.


47


Cash Flows

NEE's increase in cash flows from operating activities for 2016 and 2015 primarily reflects operating cash generated from additional wind and solar facilities that were placed in service during or after 2015 and 2014, respectively.

NEE's sources and uses of cash for 2016, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
(millions)
Sources of cash:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities
$
6,336

 
$
6,116

 
$
5,500

Long-term borrowings
5,657

 
5,772

 
5,054

Proceeds from differential membership investors, net of payments
1,737

 
669

 
907

Sale of independent power and other investments of NEER
658

 
52

 
307

Cash grants under the Recovery Act
335

 
8

 
343

Issuances of common stock - net
537

 
1,298

 
633

Net increase in commercial paper and other short-term debt

 

 
451

Proceeds from sale of noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
645

 
345

 
438

Other sources - net

 
107

 

Total sources of cash
15,905

 
14,367

 
13,633

Uses of cash:
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures, independent power and other investments and nuclear fuel purchases
(9,636
)
 
(8,377
)
 
(7,017
)
Retirements of long-term debt
(3,310
)
 
(3,972
)
 
(4,750
)
Net decrease in commercial paper and other short-term debt
(268
)
 
(356
)
 

Dividends
(1,612
)
 
(1,385
)
 
(1,261
)
Other uses - net
(358
)
 
(283
)
 
(466
)
Total uses of cash
(15,184
)
 
(14,373
)
 
(13,494
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
721

 
$
(6
)
 
$
139


NEE's primary capital requirements are for expanding and enhancing FPL's electric system and generation facilities to continue to provide reliable service to meet customer electricity demands and for funding NEER's investments in independent power and other projects. The following table provides a summary of the major capital investments for 2016, 2015 and 2014.
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
(millions)
FPL:
 
 
 
 
 
Generation:
 
 
 
 
 
New
$
1,128

 
$
686

 
$
744

Existing
723

 
811

 
905

Transmission and distribution
1,848

 
1,681

 
1,307

Nuclear fuel
158

 
205

 
174

General and other
331

 
384

 
148

Other, primarily change in accrued property additions and exclusion of AFUDC - equity
(254
)
 
(134
)
 
(37
)
Total
3,934

 
3,633

 
3,241

NEER:
 
 


 


Wind
2,474

 
1,029

 
2,136

Solar
1,554

 
1,494

 
546

Nuclear, including nuclear fuel
255

 
315

 
262

Natural gas pipelines
853

 
1,198

 
74

Other
385

 
625

 
683

Total
5,521

 
4,661

 
3,701

Corporate and Other
181

 
83

 
75

Total capital expenditures, independent power and other investments and nuclear fuel purchases
$
9,636

 
$
8,377

 
$
7,017



48


Liquidity

In early February 2017, FPL and NEECH extended the maturity date for a portion of their bank revolving line of credit facilities and NEECH increased a portion of its revolving credit facilities. The table below provides the components of FPL's and NEECH's estimated net available liquidity as of February 10, 2017 reflecting these changes.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maturity Date
 
FPL
 
NEECH
 
Total
 
FPL
 
NEECH
 
 
 
(millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank revolving line of credit facilities(a)
$
2,916

 
$
4,964

 
$
7,880

 
2018 - 2022
 
2018 - 2022
Issued letters of credit(b)
(3
)
 
(382
)
 
(385
)
 
 
 
 
 
2,913

 
4,582

 
7,495

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving credit facilities
1,200

 
1,360

 
2,560

 
2017 - 2019
 
2017 - 2022
Borrowings(b)
(1,000
)
 

 
(1,000
)
 
 
 
 
 
200

 
1,360

 
1,560

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Letter of credit facilities(c)

 
650

 
650

 
 
 
2017 - 2019
Issued letters of credit(b)

 
(312
)
 
(312
)
 
 
 
 
 

 
338

 
338

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subtotal
3,113

 
6,280

 
9,393

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents(b)
35

 
684

 
719

 
 
 
 
Outstanding commercial paper and other short-term debt(b)
(1,433
)
 
(40
)
 
(1,473
)
 
 
 
 
Net available liquidity
$
1,715

 
$
6,924

(d) 
$
8,639

(d) 
 
 
 
______________________
(a)
Provide for the funding of loans up to $7,880 million ($2,916 million for FPL) and the issuance of letters of credit up to $3,050 million ($670 million for FPL). The entire amount of the credit facilities is available for general corporate purposes and to provide additional liquidity in the event of a loss to the companies’ or their subsidiaries’ operating facilities (including, in the case of FPL, a transmission and distribution property loss). FPL’s bank revolving line of credit facilities are also available to support the purchase of $778 million of pollution control, solid waste disposal and industrial development revenue bonds (tax exempt bonds) in the event they are tendered by individual bond holders and not remarketed prior to maturity. Approximately $2,315 million of FPL's and $3,730 million of NEECH's bank revolving line of credit facilities expire in 2022.
(b)
As of January 31, 2017.
(c)
Only available for the issuance of letters of credit.
(d)
Excludes two variable rate bi-lateral term loan agreements totaling $7.5 billion discussed below.

As of February 23, 2017, 67 banks participate in FPL’s and NEECH’s revolving credit facilities, with no one bank providing more than 7% of the combined revolving credit facilities. European banks provide approximately 23% of the combined revolving credit facilities. Pursuant to a 1998 guarantee agreement, NEE guarantees the payment of NEECH’s debt obligations under its revolving credit facilities. In order for FPL or NEECH to borrow or to have letters of credit issued under the terms of their respective revolving credit facilities and, also for NEECH, its letter of credit facilities, FPL, in the case of FPL, and NEE, in the case of NEECH, are required, among other things, to maintain a ratio of funded debt to total capitalization that does not exceed a stated ratio. The FPL and NEECH revolving credit facilities also contain default and related acceleration provisions relating to, among other things, failure of FPL and NEE, as the case may be, to maintain the respective ratio of funded debt to total capitalization at or below the specified ratio. At December 31, 2016, each of NEE and FPL was in compliance with its required ratio.

Additionally, at December 31, 2016, certain subsidiaries of NEP had credit or loan facilities with available liquidity as set forth in the table below.
 
Amount
 
Amount
Remaining
Available at
December 31, 2016
 
Rate
 
Maturity
Date
 
Purpose
 
(millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior secured revolving credit facility(a)
$250