EX-13 21 ye11aepar.htm ANNUAL REPORT Unassociated Document
2011 Annual Reports

American Electric Power Company, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies
Appalachian Power Company and Subsidiaries
Indiana Michigan Power Company and Subsidiaries
Ohio Power Company Consolidated
Public Service Company of Oklahoma
Southwestern Electric Power Company Consolidated









Audited Financial Statements and
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis












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AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
INDEX OF ANNUAL REPORTS

   
Page
Number
Glossary of Terms
  i
     
Forward-Looking Information
  iv
     
AEP Common Stock and Dividend Information
  vi 
       
American Electric Power Company, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies:
   
 
Selected Consolidated Financial Data
  1
 
Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis
  2
 
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  43-44
 
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
  45
 
Consolidated Financial Statements
 
46
 
Index of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
  52 
       
Appalachian Power Company and Subsidiaries:
   
 
Management’s Narrative Financial Discussion and Analysis
  149
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  154
 
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
155
 
Consolidated Financial Statements
  156
 
Index of Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries
 
162
       
Indiana Michigan Power Company and Subsidiaries:
   
 
Management’s Narrative Financial Discussion and Analysis
 
164
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
170
 
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
171
 
Consolidated Financial Statements
 
172
 
Index of Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries
 
178
       
Ohio Power Company Consolidated:
   
 
Management’s Narrative Financial Discussion and Analysis
  180
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  187
 
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
188
 
Consolidated Financial Statements
 
189
 
Index of Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries
 
195
       
Public Service Company of Oklahoma:
   
 
Management’s Narrative Financial Discussion and Analysis
  197
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
201
 
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
  202
 
Financial Statements
 
203
 
Index of Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries
 
209
       
Southwestern Electric Power Company Consolidated:
   
 
Management’s Narrative Financial Discussion and Analysis
 
211
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  216
 
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
217
 
Consolidated Financial Statements
 
218
 
Index of Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries
 
224
       
Index of Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries
 
225
       
Combined Management’s Narrative Discussion and Analysis of Registrant Subsidiaries
  375
 
 
 

 
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
 
When the following terms and abbreviations appear in the text of this report, they have the meanings indicated below.

Term
 
Meaning
     
AEGCo
 
AEP Generating Company, an AEP electric utility subsidiary.
AEP or Parent
 
American Electric Power Company, Inc., a holding company.
AEP Consolidated
 
AEP and its majority owned consolidated subsidiaries and consolidated affiliates.
AEP Credit
 
AEP Credit, Inc., a subsidiary of AEP which factors accounts receivable and accrued utility revenues for affiliated electric utility companies.
AEP East companies
 
APCo, I&M, KPCo and OPCo.
AEP Foundation
 
AEP charitable organization created in 2005 for charitable contributions in the communities in which AEP’s subsidiaries operate.
AEP Power Pool
 
Members are APCo, I&M, KPCo and OPCo.  The AEP Power Pool shares the generation, cost of generation and resultant wholesale off-system sales of the member companies.
AEP System or the System
 
American Electric Power System, an integrated electric utility system, owned and operated by AEP’s electric utility subsidiaries.
AEP West companies
 
PSO, SWEPCo, TCC and TNC.
AEPEP
 
AEP Energy Partners, Inc., a subsidiary of AEP dedicated to wholesale marketing and trading, asset management and commercial and industrial sales in the deregulated Texas market.
AEPES
 
AEP Energy Services, Inc., a subsidiary of AEP Resources, Inc.
AEPSC
 
American Electric Power Service Corporation, a service subsidiary providing management and professional services to AEP and its subsidiaries.
AFUDC
 
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction.
AOCI
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.
APCo
 
Appalachian Power Company, an AEP electric utility subsidiary.
APSC
 
Arkansas Public Service Commission.
ASU
 
Accounting Standard Update.
BOA
 
Bank of America Corporation.
CAA
 
Clean Air Act.
CLECO
 
Central Louisiana Electric Company, a nonaffiliated utility company.
CO2
 
Carbon Dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Cook Plant
 
Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant, a two-unit, 2,191 MW nuclear plant owned by I&M.
CSPCo
 
Columbus Southern Power Company, a former AEP electric utility subsidiary that was merged into OPCo effective December 31, 2011.
CSW
 
Central and South West Corporation, a subsidiary of AEP (Effective January 21, 2003, the legal name of Central and South West Corporation was changed to AEP Utilities, Inc.).
CSW Operating Agreement
 
Agreement, dated January 1, 1997, as amended, by and among PSO and SWEPCo governing generating capacity allocation, energy pricing, and revenues and costs of third party sales.  AEPSC acts as the agent.
CTC
 
Competition Transition Charge, a transition charge applied to TCC’s transmission and distribution rates for stranded costs and other true-up amounts as required by the Texas Restructuring Legislation.
CWIP
 
Construction Work in Progress.
DCC Fuel
 
DCC Fuel LLC, DCC Fuel II LLC, DCC Fuel III LLC and DCC Fuel IV LLC, consolidated variable interest entities formed for the purpose of acquiring, owning and leasing nuclear fuel to I&M.
DETM
 
Duke Energy Trading and Marketing L.L.C., a risk management counterparty.
DHLC
 
Dolet Hills Lignite Company, LLC, a wholly-owned lignite mining subsidiary of SWEPCo.
E&R
 
Environmental compliance and transmission and distribution system reliability.
EIS
 
Energy Insurance Services, Inc., a nonaffiliated captive insurance company.

 
i

 
Term
 
Meaning
     
ENEC
 
Expanded Net Energy Charge.
ERCOT
 
Electric Reliability Council of Texas regional transmission organization.
ESP
 
Electric Security Plans, filed with the PUCO, pursuant to the Ohio Amendments.
ETA
 
Electric Transmission America, LLC an equity interest joint venture with MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company America Transco, LLC formed to own and operate electric transmission facilities in North America outside of ERCOT.
ETT
 
Electric Transmission Texas, LLC, an equity interest joint venture between AEP and MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company Texas Transco, LLC formed to own and operate electric transmission facilities in ERCOT.
FAC
 
Fuel Adjustment Clause.
FASB
 
Financial Accounting Standards Board.
Federal EPA
 
United States Environmental Protection Agency.
FERC
 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
FGD
 
Flue Gas Desulfurization or Scrubbers.
FTR
 
Financial Transmission Right, a financial instrument that entitles the holder to receive compensation for certain congestion-related transmission charges that arise when the power grid is congested resulting in differences in locational prices.
GAAP
 
Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of America.
IGCC
 
Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle, technology that turns coal into a cleaner-burning gas.
Interconnection Agreement
 
An agreement by and among APCo, I&M, KPCo and OPCo, defining the sharing of costs and benefits associated with their respective generating plants.
IRS
 
Internal Revenue Service.
IURC
 
Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
I&M
 
Indiana Michigan Power Company, an AEP electric utility subsidiary.
JMG
 
JMG Funding LP.
KGPCo
 
Kingsport Power Company, an AEP electric utility subsidiary.
KPCo
 
Kentucky Power Company, an AEP electric utility subsidiary.
KPSC
 
Kentucky Public Service Commission.
kV
 
Kilovolt.
KWH
 
Kilowatthour.
LPSC
 
Louisiana Public Service Commission.
MISO
 
Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator.
MLR
 
Member load ratio, the method used to allocate AEP Power Pool transactions to its members.
MMBtu
 
Million British Thermal Units.
MPSC
 
Michigan Public Service Commission.
MTM
 
Mark-to-Market.
MW
 
Megawatt.
NEIL
 
Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited insures domestic and international nuclear utilities for the costs associated with interruptions, damages, decontaminations and related nuclear risks.
NOx
 
Nitrogen oxide.
Nonutility Money Pool
 
AEP’s Nonutility Money Pool is the centralized funding mechanism AEP uses to meet the short term cash requirements of pool participants.
NSR
 
New Source Review.
OCC
 
Corporation Commission of the State of Oklahoma.
OPCo
 
Ohio Power Company, an AEP electric utility subsidiary.
OPEB
 
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans.

 
ii

 
Term
 
Meaning
     
OTC
 
Over the counter.
OVEC
 
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation, which is 43.47% owned by AEP.
PJM
 
Pennsylvania – New Jersey – Maryland regional transmission organization.
PM
 
Particulate Matter.
POLR
 
Provider of Last Resort revenues.
PSO
 
Public Service Company of Oklahoma, an AEP electric utility subsidiary.
PUCO
 
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
PUCT
 
Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Registrant Subsidiaries
 
AEP subsidiaries which are SEC registrants; APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo.
Risk Management Contracts
 
Trading and nontrading derivatives, including those derivatives designated as cash flow and fair value hedges.
Rockport Plant
 
A generating plant, consisting of two 1,300 MW coal-fired generating units near Rockport, Indiana, owned by AEGCo and I&M.
RTO
 
Regional Transmission Organization, responsible for moving electricity over large interstate areas.
Sabine
 
Sabine Mining Company, a lignite mining company that is a consolidated variable interest entity.
SEET
 
Significantly Excessive Earnings Test.
SEC
 
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
SIA
 
System Integration Agreement, effective June 15, 2000, provides contractual basis for coordinated planning, operation and maintenance of the power supply sources of the combined AEP.
SNF
 
Spent Nuclear Fuel.
SO2
 
Sulfur Dioxide.
SPP
 
Southwest Power Pool regional transmission organization.
Stall Unit
 
J. Lamar Stall Unit at Arsenal Hill Plant.
SWEPCo
 
Southwestern Electric Power Company, an AEP electric utility subsidiary.
TCC
 
AEP Texas Central Company, an AEP electric utility subsidiary.
Texas Restructuring Legislation
 
Legislation enacted in 1999 to restructure the electric utility industry in Texas.
TNC
 
AEP Texas North Company, an AEP electric utility subsidiary.
Transition Funding
 
AEP Texas Central Transition Funding I LLC and AEP Texas Central Transition Funding II LLC, wholly-owned subsidiaries of TCC and consolidated variable interest entities formed for the purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to Texas restructuring law.
True-up Proceeding
 
A filing made under the Texas Restructuring Legislation to finalize the amount of stranded costs and other true-up items and the recovery of such amounts.
Turk Plant
 
John W. Turk, Jr. Plant.
Utility Money Pool
 
AEP System’s Utility Money Pool is the centralized funding mechanism AEP uses to meet the short term cash requirements of pool participants.
VIE
 
Variable Interest Entity.
Virginia SCC
 
Virginia State Corporation Commission.
WPCo
 
Wheeling Power Company, an AEP electric utility subsidiary.
WVPSC
 
Public Service Commission of West Virginia.
 
 
iii

 
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This report made by AEP and its Registrant Subsidiaries contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Many forward-looking statements appear in “Item 7 – Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis,” but there are others throughout this document which may be identified by words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “continue” and similar expressions, and include statements reflecting future results or guidance and statements of outlook.  These matters are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected.  Forward-looking statements in this document are presented as of the date of this document.  Except to the extent required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.  Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are:

·
The economic climate and growth in, or contraction within, our service territory and changes in market demand and demographic patterns.
·
Inflationary or deflationary interest rate trends.
·
Volatility in the financial markets, particularly developments affecting the availability of capital on reasonable terms and developments impairing our ability to finance new capital projects and refinance existing debt at attractive rates.
·
The availability and cost of funds to finance working capital and capital needs, particularly during periods when the time lag between incurring costs and recovery is long and the costs are material.
·
Electric load, customer growth and the impact of retail competition, particularly in Ohio due to the February 2012 PUCO rehearing order.
·
Weather conditions, including storms, and our ability to recover significant storm restoration costs through applicable rate mechanisms.
·
Available sources and costs of, and transportation for, fuels and the creditworthiness and performance of fuel suppliers and transporters.
·
Availability of necessary generating capacity and the performance of our generating plants.
·
Our ability to resolve I&M’s Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant Unit 1 restoration and outage-related issues through warranty, insurance and the regulatory process.
·
Our ability to recover regulatory assets and stranded costs in connection with deregulation.
·
Our ability to recover increases in fuel and other energy costs through regulated or competitive electric rates.
·
Our ability to build or acquire generating capacity, and transmission lines and facilities (including our ability to obtain any necessary regulatory approvals and permits) when needed at acceptable prices and terms and to recover those costs (including the costs of projects that are cancelled) through applicable rate cases or competitive rates.
·
New legislation, litigation and government regulation, including oversight of nuclear generation, energy commodity trading and new or heightened requirements for reduced emissions of sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, carbon, soot or particulate matter and other substances or additional regulation of fly ash and similar combustion products that could impact the continued operation and cost recovery of our plants and related assets.
·
A reduction in the federal statutory tax rate.
·
Timing and resolution of pending and future rate cases, negotiations and other regulatory decisions, including rate or other recovery of new investments in generation, distribution and transmission service and environmental compliance.
·
Resolution of litigation.
·
Our ability to constrain operation and maintenance costs.
·
Our ability to develop and execute a strategy based on a view regarding prices of electricity, natural gas and other energy-related commodities.
·
Changes in the creditworthiness of the counterparties with whom we have contractual arrangements, including participants in the energy trading market.
·
Actions of rating agencies, including changes in the ratings of our debt.
·
Volatility and changes in markets for electricity, natural gas, coal, nuclear fuel and other energy-related commodities.
 
 
iv

 
 
·
Changes in utility regulation, including the implementation of ESPs and the expected legal separation and transition to market for generation in Ohio and the allocation of costs within regional transmission organizations, including PJM and SPP.
·
Accounting pronouncements periodically issued by accounting standard-setting bodies.
·
The impact of volatility in the capital markets on the value of the investments held by our pension, other postretirement benefit plans, captive insurance entity and nuclear decommissioning trust and the impact on future funding requirements.
·
Prices and demand for power that we generate and sell at wholesale.
·
Changes in technology, particularly with respect to new, developing or alternative sources of generation.
·
Our ability to recover through rates or market prices any remaining unrecovered investment in generating units that may be retired before the end of their previously projected useful lives.
·
Our ability to successfully manage negotiations with stakeholders and obtain regulatory approval to terminate or amend the Interconnection Agreement and break up or modify the AEP Power Pool.
·
Evolving public perception of the risks associated with fuels used before, during and after the generation of electricity, including nuclear fuel.
·
Other risks and unforeseen events, including wars, the effects of terrorism (including increased security costs), embargoes, cyber security threats and other catastrophic events.

The forward looking statements of AEP and its registrant subsidiaries speak only as of the date of this report or as of the date they are made.  AEP and its Registrant Subsidiaries expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking information.
 
 
v

 

AEP COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

The AEP common stock quarterly high and low sales prices, quarter-end closing price and the cash dividends paid per share are shown in the following table:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quarter-End
 
 
 
Quarter Ended
 
High
 
Low
 
Closing Price
 
Dividend
December 31, 2011
 
$
 41.71 
 
$
 35.85 
 
$
 41.31 
 
$
 0.47 
September 30, 2011
 
 
 38.98 
 
 
 33.09 
 
 
 38.02 
 
 
 0.46 
June 30, 2011
 
 
 38.99 
 
 
 34.37 
 
 
 37.68 
 
 
 0.46 
March 31, 2011
 
 
 36.92 
 
 
 33.47 
 
 
 35.14 
 
 
 0.46 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2010
 
$
 37.94 
 
$
 34.92 
 
$
 35.98 
 
$
 0.46 
September 30, 2010
 
 
 36.93 
 
 
 31.87 
 
 
 36.23 
 
 
 0.42 
June 30, 2010
 
 
 35.00 
 
 
 28.17 
 
 
 32.30 
 
 
 0.42 
March 31, 2010
 
 
 36.86 
 
 
 32.68 
 
 
 34.18 
 
 
 0.41 

AEP common stock is traded principally on the New York Stock Exchange.  At December 31, 2011, AEP had approximately 87,000 registered shareholders.

5 Year Cumulative Total Return
 
 
vi

 
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
2008 
 
2007 
 
 
 
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
STATEMENTS OF INCOME DATA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Revenues
$
 15,116 
 
$
 14,427 
 
$
 13,489 
 
$
 14,440 
 
$
 13,380 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income
$
 2,782 
 
$
 2,663 
 
$
 2,771 
 
$
 2,787 
 
$
 2,319 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Before Discontinued Operations and Extraordinary Items
$
 1,576 
 
$
 1,218 
 
$
 1,370 
 
$
 1,376 
 
$
 1,153 
Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 24 
Income Before Extraordinary Items
 
 1,576 
 
 
 1,218 
 
 
 1,370 
 
 
 1,388 
 
 
 1,177 
Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax
 
 373 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (5)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (79)
Net Income
 
 1,949 
 
 
 1,218 
 
 
 1,365 
 
 
 1,388 
 
 
 1,098 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
 
 3 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO AEP SHAREHOLDERS
 
 1,946 
 
 
 1,214 
 
 
 1,360 
 
 
 1,383 
 
 
 1,092 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements of Subsidiaries Including
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Stock Expense
 
 5 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO AEP COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
$
 1,941 
 
$
 1,211 
 
$
 1,357 
 
$
 1,380 
 
$
 1,089 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BALANCE SHEETS DATA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
$
 55,670 
 
$
 53,740 
 
$
 51,684 
 
$
 49,710 
 
$
 46,145 
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
 
 18,699 
 
 
 18,066 
 
 
 17,340 
 
 
 16,723 
 
 
 16,275 
Total Property, Plant and Equipment – Net
$
 36,971 
 
$
 35,674 
 
$
 34,344 
 
$
 32,987 
 
$
 29,870 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Assets
$
 52,223 
 
$
 50,455 
 
$
 48,348 
 
$
 45,155 
 
$
 40,319 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total AEP Common Shareholders’ Equity
$
 14,664 
 
$
 13,622 
 
$
 13,140 
 
$
 10,693 
 
$
 10,079 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling Interests
$
 1 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 17 
 
$
 18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption
$
 - 
 
$
 60 
 
$
 61 
 
$
 61 
 
$
 61 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term Debt (a)
$
 16,516 
 
$
 16,811 
 
$
 17,498 
 
$
 15,983 
 
$
 14,994 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligations Under Capital Leases (a)
$
 458 
 
$
 474 
(b)
$
 317 
 
$
 325 
 
$
 371 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AEP COMMON STOCK DATA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Before Discontinued Operations and Extraordinary Items
$
 3.25 
 
$
 2.53 
 
$
 2.97 
 
$
 3.40 
 
$
 2.87 
Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 0.03 
 
 
 0.06 
Income Before Extraordinary Items
 
 3.25 
 
 
 2.53 
 
 
 2.97 
 
 
 3.43 
 
 
 2.93 
Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax
 
 0.77 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (0.01)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (0.20)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Basic Earnings per Share Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders
$
 4.02 
 
$
 2.53 
 
$
 2.96 
 
$
 3.43 
 
$
 2.73 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Number of Basic Shares Outstanding (in millions)
 
 482 
 
 
 479 
 
 
 459 
 
 
 402 
 
 
 399 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Market Price Range:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
High
$
 41.71 
 
$
 37.94 
 
$
 36.51 
 
$
 49.11 
 
$
 51.24 
 
 
Low
$
 33.09 
 
$
 28.17 
 
$
 24.00 
 
$
 25.54 
 
$
 41.67 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year-end Market Price
$
 41.31 
 
$
 35.98 
 
$
 34.79 
 
$
 33.28 
 
$
 46.56 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Dividends Declared per AEP Common Share
$
 1.85 
 
$
 1.71 
 
$
 1.64 
 
$
 1.64 
 
$
 1.58 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividend Payout Ratio
 
46.02%
 
 
67.59%
 
 
55.41%
 
 
47.8%
 
 
57.9%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Book Value per AEP Common Share
$
 30.36 
 
$
 28.32 
 
$
 27.49 
 
$
 26.35 
 
$
 25.17 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Includes portion due within one year.
(b)
Obligations Under Capital Leases increased primarily due to capital leases under new master lease agreements for property that was previously leased
 
 
under operating leases.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1

 
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Company Overview

American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP) is one of the largest investor-owned electric public utility holding companies in the United States.  Our electric utility operating companies provide generation, transmission and distribution services to more than five million retail customers in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

Our subsidiaries operate an extensive portfolio of assets including:

·
Almost 36,500 megawatts of generating capacity, one of the largest complements of generation in the U.S.
·
Approximately 39,000 miles of transmission lines, including 2,116 miles of 765kV lines, the backbone of the electric interconnection grid in the Eastern U.S.
·
Approximately 223,000 miles of distribution lines that deliver electricity to 5.3 million customers.
·
Substantial commodity transportation assets (more than 7,600 railcars, approximately 3,300 barges, 61 towboats, 29 harbor boats and a coal handling terminal with 18 million tons of annual capacity).  Our commercial barging operations annually transport approximately 44 million tons of coal and dry bulk commodities.  Approximately 37% of the barging is for transportation of agricultural products, 31% for coal, 16% for steel and 16% for other commodities.

CSPCo-OPCo Merger

On December 31, 2011, CSPCo merged into OPCo with OPCo being the surviving entity.  All prior disclosed amounts have been recast as if the merger occurred on the first day of the earliest reporting period.   All contracts and operations of CSPCo and its subsidiary are now part of OPCo.  The merger had no impact on our prior reported net income, cash flow or financial condition.

January 2012 – May 2016 Ohio ESP
 
In December 2011, the PUCO approved a modified stipulation for a new ESP for the period January 2012 through May 2016 that includes a standard service offer (SSO) pricing for generation.  Various parties, including OPCo, filed requests for rehearing with the PUCO.  In February 2012, the PUCO issued an entry on rehearing which rejected the modified stipulation and ordered a return to the 2011 ESP rates until a new rate plan is approved.  Under the February 2012 rehearing order, OPCo has 30 days to notify the PUCO whether it plans to modify or withdraw its original application as filed in January 2011.  Management is currently evaluating its options and the potential financial and operational impacts on OPCo.  See “Ohio Electric Security Plan Filing” section of Note 3.

Ohio Customer Choice

In our Ohio service territory, various competitive retail electric service (CRES) providers are targeting retail customers by offering alternative generation service.  As a result, in comparison to 2010, we lost approximately $132 million of generation and transmission related gross margin.  We are recovering a portion of lost margins through collection of capacity and transmission revenues from competitive CRES providers, off-system sales and new revenues from our CRES provider.  AEP Retail Energy Partners LLC, our CRES provider and member of our Generating and Marketing segment, targets retail customers in Ohio, both within and outside of our retail service territory.  As a result of the February 2012 order on rehearing, OPCo is subject to significant risk of revenue loss associated with customer switching, which could materially reduce future net income and cash flows and materially impact financial condition.  Currently, there are no limitations on the obligation of OPCo to provide below cost capacity rate pricing to alternative suppliers to support customers switching in Ohio.  As a result of customer switching, for every 10% decline in the number of retail customers, management estimates OPCo could lose approximately $75 million of generation gross margin, net of estimated off-system sales.  On February 27, 2012, OPCo filed a Motion for Relief and Request for Expedited Ruling with the PUCO related to the review of capacity charges.  The filing seeks a decision within 90 days and the avoidance of an immediate change to pricing for capacity at the Reliability Pricing Model auction price, which is substantially below OPCo’s cost.  We are evaluating our options to challenge this capacity pricing issue.
 
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In January 2012, we entered into an agreement to acquire BlueStar Energy Holdings, Inc. (BlueStar) and its independent retail electric supplier BlueStar Energy Solutions.  BlueStar provides electric supply for retail customers in Ohio, Illinois and other deregulated electricity markets and also provides energy solutions, including demand response and energy efficiency services, nationwide.  BlueStar has approximately 21,000 customer accounts.  Consummation of the transaction is subject to regulatory and other approvals.  The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2012.
 
Corporate Separation
 
In January 2012, the PUCO approved a corporate separation plan of OPCo’s generation assets to complete the transition to a fully competitive generation market by June 2015, which includes the transfer of generation assets to a nonregulated AEP subsidiary at net book value.  In February 2012, as part of the PUCO’s entry on rehearing which rejected the ESP modified stipulation, the PUCO revoked its approval of OPCo’s corporate separation plan.  Any proposed corporate separation plan will require approval by the PUCO and the FERC.  Management intends to pursue Ohio corporate separation in future regulatory proceedings.

In February 2012, prior to the PUCO revoking OPCo’s corporate separation plan, applications were filed with the FERC proposing to establish a new power cost sharing agreement between APCo, I&M and KPCo and transfer OPCo’s generation assets to APCo, KPCo and a nonregulated AEP subsidiary.  In conjunction with these filings, APCo and KPCo, which are generation capacity deficit utilities, filed an application with the FERC to acquire approximately 2,400 MWs of OPCo’s 12,000 MW generation capacity at net book value.  This acquisition would allow APCo and KPCo to satisfy their capacity reserve requirements in PJM and provide baseload generation to meet their customers’ energy requirements.  As a result of the February 2012 ESP rehearing order, we are reviewing the recoverability of all OPCo generation assets and are in the process of withdrawing the PUCO and the FERC applications.  We intend to file new FERC and PUCO applications related to corporate separation.  To the extent existing generation assets and the cost of new equipment and converted facilities are not recoverable, it could materially reduce future net income and cash flows.  Upon receipt of all regulatory approvals, the remaining generation assets of OPCo will be owned by a nonregulated AEP subsidiary.

If we receive all regulatory approvals, our results of operations related to generation currently owned by OPCo will be determined by our ability to sell power and capacity at a profit at rates determined by the prevailing market.
 
Customer Demand

In comparison to 2010, cooling degree days in 2011 were up 20% in our western region and down 7% in our eastern region.  While cooling degree days in our eastern region were down in comparison to 2010, they were significantly higher than normal.  Our weather-normalized residential and commercial sales remained relatively flat in comparison to 2010.  Industrial sales increased 4% in 2011, primarily due to a significant increase in production from Ormet, a large aluminum company, and lesser increases from other industrial customers, reflecting an increase in production by several of our metals and refinery customers.  Commercial margins decreased 6% during 2011 primarily due to the loss of retail customers in Ohio.  See “Ohio Customer Choice” section below.

Texas Restructuring

In July 2011, the Supreme Court of Texas overturned a 2006 PUCT order that denied recovery of capacity auction true-up amounts related to TCC securitized net recoverable stranded generation cost and remanded for reconsideration the treatment of certain tax balances under normalization rules.  Based upon the Supreme Court of Texas’ reversal of the PUCT’s capacity auction true-up disallowance, TCC recorded $421 million of pretax income ($273 million, net of tax) in Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax on the statement of income in the third quarter of 2011.

Also in 2011, TCC recorded $271 million in pretax Carrying Costs Income on the statement of income related to the debt component of carrying costs for the period from January 2002 through December 2011.  This carrying costs income represents previously unrecorded earnings associated with restructuring in Texas since 2002.  The total regulatory asset related to the capacity auction true-up as of December 31, 2011 was $692 million, excluding unrecognized equity carrying costs.  TCC plans to continue to recognize debt carrying costs income until securitization occurs and plans to recognize equity carrying costs income as collected from customers over the life of the securitization.  Securitization is expected to be completed in March 2012.
 
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In December 2011, the PUCT approved an unopposed stipulation allowing TCC to recover $800 million, including carrying charges, and retain contested tax balances in full satisfaction of its true-up proceeding.  TCC recorded the reversal of regulatory credits of $65 million ($42 million, net of tax) and the reversal of $89 million of accumulated deferred investment tax credits ($58 million, net of tax) in Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax on the statement of income in the fourth quarter of 2011.  Also, in the fourth quarter of 2011, TCC recorded $52 million in pretax Carrying Costs Income on the statement of income.  See the “Texas Restructuring Appeals” and “TCC Deferred Investment Tax Credits and Excess Deferred Federal Income Taxes” sections of Note 3.
 
Regulatory Activity
 
The table below summarizes our significant 2011 regulatory activities:

 
 
 
 
Requested
 
 
Approved
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
Requested
 
Annual
 
Approved
 
 
 
 
 
 
Requested
 
Return on
 
Approved
 
Return on
 
Approved
 
 
 
 
Base Rate
 
Common
 
Base Rate
 
Common
 
Effective
 
Jurisdiction
 
Change
 
Equity
 
Change
 
Equity
 
Date
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Indiana
 
$
149 
 
11.15%
 
$
(a)
 
(a)
 
(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Michigan
 
 
25 
 
11.15%
 
 
15 
 
10.2%
 
April 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
 
 
94 
 
11.15%
 
 
-
 
(b)
10.2%
 
January 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Virginia
 
 
126 
 
11.65%
 
 
55 
 
10.9%
 
February 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
West Virginia
 
 
156 
 
11.75%
 
 
51 
 
10.0%
 
April 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
The Indiana base rate case is presently under review at the IURC.
 
(b)
Although the distribution base rate did not change, approximately $47 million was being recovered through the Distribution Investment Rider (DIR).  Due to the February 2012 PUCO ESP entry on rehearing, which rejected the modified stipulation for a new ESP, collection of the DIR terminated.  OPCo has the right to withdraw from the stipulation in its distribution base rate case.  Management is currently evaluating all of its options.
 
 
2009 – 2011 Ohio ESP

In 2011, the PUCO issued an order in the 2009 – 2011 ESP remand proceeding requiring OPCo to cease POLR billings and apply POLR collections since June 2011 first to the FAC deferral with any remaining balance to be credited to OPCo’s customers in November and December 2011.  As a result, in comparison to 2010, we lost approximately $71 million of pretax income related to POLR.  In February 2012, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) and the Industrial Energy Users-Ohio filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio challenging various issues, including the PUCO’s refusal to order retrospective relief concerning the POLR charges collected during 2009 – 2011 and various aspects of the approved environmental carrying charge, which if ordered could total up to $698 million, excluding carrying costs.

OPCo filed its 2010 Significantly Excessive Earnings Test (SEET) with the PUCO based upon the approach in the PUCO’s 2009 order.  Subsequent testimony and legal briefs from intervenors recommended a refund of up to $62 million of 2010 earnings, which included off-system sales in the SEET calculation.  In December 2011, the PUCO staff filed testimony that recommended a $23 million refund of 2010 earnings.  In the fourth quarter of 2011, OPCo provided a reserve based upon management’s estimate of the probable amount for a PUCO ordered SEET refund.  OPCo is required to file its 2011 SEET filing with the PUCO in 2012.  Management does not currently believe that there are significantly excessive earnings in 2011.  See “Ohio Electric Security Plan Filing” section of Note 3.
 
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Virginia Rate Adjustment Clause

In January 2012, the Virginia SCC issued an order related to a generation rate adjustment clause which requested recovery of the Dresden Plant costs.  The order allows APCo to recover $26 million annually, effective March 2012.  See “Rate Adjustment Clauses” section of Note 3.

Turk Plant

SWEPCo is currently constructing the Turk Plant, a new base load 600 MW coal generating unit in Arkansas, which is expected to be in service in the fourth quarter of 2012.  SWEPCo owns 73% (440 MW) of the Turk Plant and will operate the completed facility.  SWEPCo’s share of construction costs is currently estimated to be $1.3 billion, excluding AFUDC, plus an additional $122 million for transmission, excluding AFUDC.  SWEPCo submitted applications with the APSC, the LPSC and the PUCT for approval to build the Turk Plant.  The APSC and the LPSC approved SWEPCo’s applications.  However, in June 2010, the APSC issued an order which reversed and set aside the previously granted Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (CECPN).  The PUCT approved SWEPCo’s application with several conditions, including a Texas jurisdictional capital costs cap.  In November 2011, the Texas Court of Appeals affirmed the PUCT’s order in all respects.  As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2011, SWEPCo recorded a pretax write-off of $49 million in Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges on the statement of income related to the estimated excess of the Texas jurisdictional portion of the Turk Plant above the Texas jurisdictional capital costs cap.  In December 2011, SWEPCo and the Texas Industrial Energy Consumers filed motions for rehearing at the Texas Court of Appeals which were denied in January 2012.  SWEPCo intends to seek review of the Texas Court of Appeals decision at the Supreme Court of Texas.

Several parties, including the Hempstead County Hunting Club, the Sierra Club and the National Audubon Society had challenged the air permit, the wastewater discharge permit and the wetlands permit that were issued for the Turk Plant.  In 2011, SWEPCo entered into settlement agreements with these parties which resolved all outstanding issues related to the permits and the APSC’s grant of a CECPN.  The parties dismissed all pending permit and CECPN challenges at the APSC, other administrative agencies and the courts.  See “Turk Plant” section of Note 3.

Cook Plant

In September 2008, I&M shut down Cook Plant Unit 1 (Unit 1) due to turbine vibrations, caused by blade failure, which resulted in a fire on the electric generator.  Repair of the property damage and replacement of the turbine rotors and other equipment cost approximately $400 million.  Management believes that I&M should recover a significant portion of repair and replacement costs through the turbine vendor’s warranty, insurance and the regulatory process.  Due to the extensive lead time required to manufacture and install new turbine rotors, I&M repaired Unit 1 and it resumed operations in December 2009.  The installation of the new turbine rotors and other equipment occurred during the refueling outage of Unit 1 in the fall of 2011.  If the ultimate costs of the incident are not covered by warranty, insurance or through the related regulatory process or if any future regulatory proceedings are adverse, it could have an adverse impact on net income, cash flows and financial condition.  See “Cook Plant Unit 1 Fire and Shutdown” section of Note 5.

As a result of the nuclear plant situation in Japan following a March 2011 earthquake, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) initiated a review of safety procedures and requirements for nuclear generating facilities.  This review could increase procedures and testing requirements, require physical modifications to the plant and increase future operating costs at the Cook Plant.  The NRC is also looking into the fuel used at eleven reactors, including the units at the Cook Plant.  Their concern relates to fuel temperatures if abnormal conditions are experienced.  We have been monitoring this issue and will respond to the NRC’s inquiry. In addition to the review by the NRC, Congress could consider legislation tightening oversight of nuclear generating facilities.  We are unable to predict the impact of potential future regulation of nuclear facilities.
 
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LITIGATION

In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in employment, commercial, environmental and regulatory litigation.  Since it is difficult to predict the outcome of these proceedings, we cannot predict the eventual resolution, timing or amount of any loss, fine or penalty.  We assess the probability of loss for each contingency and accrue a liability for cases that have a probable likelihood of loss if the loss can be estimated.  For details on our regulatory proceedings and pending litigation see Note 3 – Rate Matters and Note 5 – Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.  Adverse results in these proceedings have the potential to materially affect our net income, financial condition and cash flows.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

We are implementing a substantial capital investment program and incurring additional operational costs to comply with new environmental control requirements.  We will need to make additional investments and operational changes in response to existing and anticipated requirements such as CAA requirements to reduce emissions of SO2, NOx, PM and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from fossil fuel-fired power plants, new proposals governing the beneficial use and disposal of coal combustion products and proposed clean water rules.
 
We are engaged in litigation about environmental issues, have been notified of potential responsibility for the clean-up of contaminated sites and incur costs for disposal of SNF and future decommissioning of our nuclear units.  We are also engaged in the development of possible future requirements including the items discussed below and reductions of CO2 emissions to address concerns about global climate change.  We, along with various industry groups, affected states and other parties have challenged some of the Federal EPA requirements in court.  The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation called the Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation (the TRAIN Act) that would delay implementation of certain Federal EPA rules and facilitate a comprehensive analysis of their impacts.  The Senate is considering similar legislation.  We believe that further analysis and better coordination of these environmental requirements would facilitate planning and lower overall compliance costs while achieving the same environmental goals.

We will seek recovery of expenditures for pollution control technologies and associated costs from customers through rates in regulated jurisdictions.  We should be able to recover certain of these expenditures through market prices in deregulated jurisdictions.  If not, the costs of environmental compliance could materially affect future net income, cash flows and possibly financial condition.

Environmental Controls Impact on the Generating Fleet

The rules and proposed environmental controls discussed in the next several sections will have a material impact on the generating units in the AEP System.  We continue to evaluate the impact of these rules, project scope and technology available to achieve compliance.  As of December 31, 2011, the AEP System had a total generating capacity of nearly 36,500 MWs, of which 23,900 MWs are coal-fired.  We continue to refine the cost estimates of complying with these rules and other impacts of the environmental proposals on our coal-fired generating facilities.  Based upon our estimates, investment to meet these proposed requirements ranges from approximately $6 billion to $7 billion between 2012 and 2020.  These amounts include investments to convert 1,055 MWs of coal generation to natural gas capacity and the completion of 580 MWs of natural gas-fired generation in January 2012.

The cost estimates will change depending on the timing of implementation and whether the Federal EPA provides flexibility in the final rules.  The cost estimates will also change based on: (a) the states’ implementation of these regulatory programs, including the potential for state implementation plans or federal implementation plans that impose more stringent standards, (b) additional rulemaking activities in response to court decisions, (c) the actual performance of the pollution control technologies installed on our units, (d) changes in costs for new pollution controls, (e) new generating technology developments, (f) total MWs of capacity retired and replaced, including the type and amount of such replacement capacity and (g) other factors.
 
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Subject to the factors listed above and based upon our continuing evaluation, we may retire the following plants or units of plants before or during 2015:

 
 
 
Generating
 
Company
Plant Name and Unit
 
Capacity
 
 
 
 
(in MWs)
 
APCo
Clinch River Plant, Unit 3
    235  
APCo
Glen Lyn Plant
    335  
APCo
Kanawha River Plant
    400  
APCo/OPCo
Philip Sporn Plant, Units 1-4
    600  
I&M
Tanners Creek Plant, Units 1-3
    495  
KPCo
Big Sandy Plant, Unit 1
    278  
OPCo
Conesville Plant, Unit 3
    165  
OPCo
Kammer Plant
    630  
OPCo
Muskingum River Plant, Units 1-4
    840  
OPCo
Picway Plant
    100  
SWEPCo
Welsh Plant, Unit 2
    528  
Total
 
    4,606  

Duke Energy Corporation, the operator of W. C. Beckjord Generating Station, has announced its intent to close the facility in 2015.  OPCo owns 12.5% (54 MWs) of one unit at that station.
 
Effective December 1, 2011, we revised book depreciation rates for certain OPCo generating units consistent with shortened depreciable lives for the generating units.  This change in depreciable lives is expected to result in a $54 million increase in depreciation expense in 2012.  However, as a result of the January and February 2012 PUCO orders and the expected corporate separation of OPCo's generation assets and the termination of the AEP Power Pool, we are reviewing the recoverability of all OPCo generation assets.
 
Plans for and the timing of conversion of some of our coal units to natural gas, installing emission control equipment on other units and closure of existing units will be impacted by changes in emission requirements and demand for power.  As part of environmental compliance, we are evaluating options related to maturity of the lease for Rockport Plant Unit 2 in 2022.

To the extent existing generation assets and the cost of new equipment and converted facilities are not recoverable, it could materially reduce future net income and cash flows.

Clean Air Act Requirements

The CAA establishes a comprehensive program to protect and improve the nation’s air quality and control sources of air emissions.  The states implement and administer many of these programs and could impose additional or more stringent requirements.

The Federal EPA issued the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) in 2005 requiring specific reductions in SO2 and NOx emissions from power plants.  In 2008, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision remanding CAIR to the Federal EPA.  The Federal EPA issued the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) (discussed in detail below) in August 2011 to replace CAIR.  The CSAPR has been challenged in the courts, and the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued an order in December 2011 staying the effective date of the rule pending judicial review.  CAIR remains in effect while the litigation continues.  Nearly all of the states in which our power plants are located are covered by CAIR.

The Federal EPA issued the final maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards for coal and oil-fired power plants (discussed in detail below) in February 2012.

The Federal EPA issued a Clean Air Visibility Rule (CAVR), detailing how the CAA’s requirement that certain facilities install best available retrofit technology (BART) to address regional haze in federal parks and other protected areas.  BART requirements apply to facilities built between 1962 and 1977 that emit more than 250 tons per year of certain pollutants in specific industrial categories, including power plants.  CAVR will be implemented
 
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through individual state implementation plans (SIPs) or, if SIPs are not adequate or are not developed on schedule, through federal implementation plans (FIPs).  The Federal EPA proposed disapproval of SIPs in a few states, including Arkansas and Oklahoma.  The Federal EPA finalized a FIP for Oklahoma that contains more stringent control requirements for SO2 emissions from affected units in that state and we have challenged the FIP in the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.  No action has been finalized in Arkansas.  If the Federal EPA is upheld and similar action is taken in Arkansas, it could increase the costs of compliance, accelerate the installation of required controls and/or force the premature retirement of existing units.

In 2009, the Federal EPA issued a final mandatory reporting rule for CO2 and other greenhouse gases covering a broad range of facilities emitting in excess of 25,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year.   The Federal EPA issued a final endangerment finding for greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles in 2009.  The Federal EPA determined that greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources will be subject to regulation under the CAA beginning January 2011 and finalized its proposed scheme to streamline and phase-in regulation of stationary source CO2 emissions through the NSR prevention of significant deterioration and Title V operating permit programs through the issuance of final federal rules, SIP calls and FIPs.  The Federal EPA is reconsidering whether to include CO2 emissions in a number of stationary source standards, including standards that apply to new and modified electric utility units and announced a settlement agreement to issue proposed new source performance standards for utility boilers.

The Federal EPA has also issued new, more stringent national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for SO2, NOx and lead, and is currently reviewing the NAAQS for ozone and PM.  States are in the process of evaluating the attainment status and need for additional control measures in order to attain and maintain the new NAAQS and may develop additional requirements for our facilities as a result of those evaluations.  We cannot currently predict the nature, stringency or timing of those requirements.

Notable developments in significant CAA regulatory requirements affecting our operations are discussed in the following sections.

Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (formerly the Clean Air Act Transport Rule)

In July 2010, the Federal EPA issued a proposed rule to replace CAIR that would impose new and more stringent requirements to control SO2 and NOx emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric generating units in 31 states and the District of Columbia.

In August 2011, the Federal EPA issued the final rule, CSAPR.  The CSAPR relies on newly-created SO2 and NOx allowances and individual state budgets to compel further emission reductions from electric utility generating units in 28 states.  Interstate trading of allowances is allowed on a restricted sub-regional basis beginning in 2012.  Arkansas and Louisiana are subject only to the seasonal NOx program in the final rule.  Texas is subject to the annual programs for SO2 and NOx in addition to the seasonal NOx program.  The annual SO2 allowance budgets in Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia have been reduced significantly in the final rule.  A supplemental rule includes Oklahoma in the seasonal NOx program.  The supplemental rule was finalized in December 2011, with an increased NOx emission budget for the 2012 compliance year.

In October 2011, the Federal EPA released a proposed rule revising portions of the final CSAPR.  The proposed rule would correct errors in unit-specific assumptions and make available additional allowances in 10 states, including Louisiana and Texas, and provide additional allowances for the new unit set aside in Arkansas.  In addition, the proposed rule would make the allowance trading assurance provisions which restrict interstate trading of allowances effective January 1, 2014 instead of January 1, 2012.

Numerous affected entities, states and other parties filed petitions to review the CSAPR in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.  Several of the petitioners filed motions to stay the implementation of the rule pending judicial review.  In December 2011, the court granted the motions for stay and ordered the parties to submit schedules for expedited briefing in order to allow the case to be heard in April 2012.  A final supplemental rule addressing seasonal NOx emissions in five states was finalized in December 2011 and has been the subject of separate appeals by certain Oklahoma entities, including PSO.  The Federal EPA has announced that the provisions of the supplemental rule will not be enforced while the stay of the final CSAPR remains in effect.
 
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The time frames and stringency of the required emission reductions, coupled with the lack of robust interstate trading and the elimination of historic allowance banks, pose significant concerns for the AEP System and our electric utility customers.

Mercury and Other Hazardous Air Pollutants Regulation

In February 2012, the Federal EPA issued a rule addressing a broad range of HAPs from coal and oil-fired power plants.  The rule establishes unit-specific emission rates for mercury, PM (as a surrogate for particles of nonmercury metal) and hydrogen chloride (as a surrogate for acid gases) for units burning coal on a site-wide 30-day rolling average basis.  In addition, the rule proposes work practice standards, such as boiler tune-ups, for controlling emissions of organic HAPs and dioxin/furans.  The effective date of the final rule is April 16, 2012 and compliance is required within three years.
 
The final rule contains a slightly less stringent PM limit than the original proposal and allows operators to exclude periods of startup and shutdown from the emissions averaging periods.  The compliance time frame remains a serious concern.  A one-year administrative extension may be available if the extension is necessary for the installation of controls or to avoid a serious reliability problem.  In addition, the Federal EPA issued an enforcement policy describing the circumstances under which an administrative consent order might be issued to provide a fifth year for the installation of controls or completion of reliability upgrades.  We are concerned about the availability of compliance extensions and the inability to foreclose citizen suits being filed under the CAA for failure to achieve compliance by the required deadlines.

Regional Haze

In March 2011, the Federal EPA proposed to approve in part and disapprove in part the regional haze SIP submitted by the State of Oklahoma through the Department of Environmental Quality.  The Federal EPA is proposing to approve all of the NOx control measures in the SIP and disapprove the SO2 control measures for six electric generating units, including two units owned by PSO.  The Federal EPA is proposing a FIP that would require these units to install technology capable of reducing SO2 emissions to 0.06 pounds per million British thermal units within three years of the effective date of the FIP.  PSO submitted comments on the proposed action demonstrating that the cost-effectiveness calculations performed by the Federal EPA were unsound, challenging the period for compliance with the final rule and showing that the visibility improvements secured by the proposed SIP were significant and cost-effective.  The Federal EPA finalized the FIP in December 2011.  PSO will appeal the FIP and pursue its claims in the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Coal Combustion Residual Rule

In June 2010, the Federal EPA published a proposed rule to regulate the disposal and beneficial re-use of coal combustion residuals, including fly ash and bottom ash generated at coal-fired electric generating units.  The rule contains two alternative proposals.  One proposal would impose federal hazardous waste disposal and management standards on these materials and another would allow states to retain primary authority to regulate the beneficial re-use and disposal of these materials under state solid waste management standards, including minimum federal standards for disposal and management.  Both proposals would impose stringent requirements for the construction of new coal ash landfills and would require existing unlined surface impoundments to upgrade to the new standards or stop receiving coal ash and initiate closure within five years of the issuance of a final rule.  In October 2011, the Federal EPA issued a notice of data availability requesting comments on a number of technical reports and other data received during the comment period for the original proposal and requesting comments on potential modeling analyses to update its risk assessment.
 
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Currently, approximately 40% of the coal ash and other residual products from our generating facilities are re-used in the production of cement and wallboard, as structural fill or soil amendments, as abrasives or road treatment materials and for other beneficial uses.  Certain of these uses would no longer be available and others are likely to significantly decline if coal ash and related materials are classified as hazardous wastes.  In addition, we currently use surface impoundments and landfills to manage these materials at our generating facilities and will incur significant costs to upgrade or close and replace these existing facilities under the proposed solid waste management alternative.  Regulation of these materials as hazardous wastes would significantly increase these costs.  As the rule is not final, we are unable to determine a range of potential costs that are reasonably possible of occurring but expect the costs to be significant.

Clean Water Act Regulations

In April 2011, the Federal EPA issued a proposed rule setting forth standards for existing power plants that will reduce mortality of aquatic organisms pinned against a plant’s cooling water intake screen (impingement) or entrained in the cooling water.  Entrainment is when small fish, eggs or larvae are drawn into the cooling water system and affected by heat, chemicals or physical stress.  The proposed standards affect all plants withdrawing more than two million gallons of cooling water per day and establish specific intake design and intake velocity standards meant to allow fish to avoid or escape impingement.  Compliance with this standard is required within eight years of the effective date of the final rule.  The proposed standard for entrainment for existing facilities requires a site-specific evaluation of the available measures for reducing entrainment.  The proposed entrainment standard for new units at existing facilities requires either intake flows commensurate with closed cycle cooling or achieving entrainment reductions equivalent to 90% or greater of the reductions that could be achieved with closed cycle cooling.  Plants withdrawing more than 125 million gallons of cooling water per day must submit a detailed technology study to be reviewed by the state permitting authority.  We are evaluating the proposal and engaged in the collection of additional information regarding the feasibility of implementing this proposal at our facilities.  We submitted comments on the proposal in July and August 2011.

Global Warming

National public policy makers and regulators in the 11 states we serve have conflicting views on global warming.  We are focused on taking, in the short term, actions that we see as prudent, such as improving energy efficiency, investing in developing cost-effective and less carbon-intensive technologies and evaluating our assets across a range of plausible scenarios and outcomes.  We are also active participants in a variety of public policy discussions at state and federal levels to assure that proposed new requirements are feasible and the economies of the states we serve are not placed at a competitive disadvantage.

While comprehensive economy-wide regulation of CO2 emissions might be achieved through future legislation, Congress has yet to enact such legislation.  The Federal EPA continues to take action to regulate CO2 emissions under the existing CAA, permitting programs for new sources, and is expected to propose new source emissions standards for fossil fuel-fired plants in 2012.

Several states have adopted programs that directly regulate CO2 emissions from power plants, but none of these programs are currently in effect in states where we have generating facilities.  Certain of our states have passed legislation establishing renewable energy, alternative energy and/or energy efficiency requirements (including Michigan, Ohio, Texas and Virginia).  We are taking steps to comply with these requirements.  In order to meet these requirements and as a key part of our corporate sustainability effort, we pledged to increase our wind power from 2007 levels.  By the end of 2011, we secured, through power purchase agreements, 1,893 MW of wind and solar power.

We have taken measurable, voluntary actions to reduce and offset our CO2 emissions.  We participated in a number of voluntary programs to monitor, mitigate and reduce CO2 emissions, but many of these programs have been discontinued due to anticipated legislative or regulatory actions.  Through the end of 2010, we reduced our emissions by a cumulative 96 million metric tons from adjusted baseline levels in 1998 through 2001 under Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) rules.  Our total CO2 emissions in 2010, as reported to CCX, were 138 million metric tons.  We estimate that our 2011 emissions were approximately 139 million metric tons.
 
10

 
Certain groups have filed lawsuits alleging that emissions of CO2 are a “public nuisance” and seeking injunctive relief and/or damages from small groups of coal-fired electricity generators, petroleum refiners and marketers, coal companies and others.  We have been named in pending lawsuits, which we are defending.  It is not possible to predict the outcome of these lawsuits or their impact on our operations or financial condition.  See “Carbon Dioxide Public Nuisance Claims” and “Alaskan Villages’ Claims” sections of Note 5.

Future federal and state legislation or regulations that mandate limits on the emission of CO2 would result in significant increases in capital expenditures and operating costs, which, in turn, could lead to increased liquidity needs and higher financing costs.  Excessive costs to comply with future legislation or regulations might force our utility subsidiaries to close some coal-fired facilities and could lead to possible impairment of assets.  As a result, mandatory limits could have a material adverse impact on our net income, cash flows and financial condition.

Global warming creates the potential for physical and financial risk.  The materiality of the risks depends on whether any physical changes occur quickly or over many decades and the extent and nature of those changes.  The main physical risk from climate change that could affect AEP is changes in weather conditions.  Our customers’ energy needs currently vary with weather conditions, primarily temperature and humidity.  For residential customers, heating and cooling today represent their largest energy use.  To the extent weather patterns change significantly, customers’ energy use could increase or decrease depending on the duration and magnitude of any changes.  Increased energy use due to weather changes could require us to invest in more generating assets, transmission and other infrastructure in the long term to serve increased load, driving the overall cost of electricity higher.  Decreased energy use due to weather changes (i.e. milder winters) could affect our financial condition through lower sales and decreased revenues.  Extreme weather conditions in general require more system backup, adding to costs, and can contribute to increased system stresses, including service interruptions and increased storm restoration costs.  We may not recover all costs related to mitigating these physical and financial risks.  Weather conditions outside of our service territory could also have an impact on our revenues, either directly through changes in the patterns of our off-system power purchases and sales or indirectly through demographic changes as people adapt to changing weather.  We buy and sell electricity depending upon system needs and market opportunities.  Extreme weather conditions that create high energy demand could raise electricity prices, which could increase the cost of energy we provide to our customers and could provide opportunity for increased wholesale sales and higher margins.

To the extent climate change affects a region’s economic health, it could also affect our revenues.  Our financial performance is tied to the health of the regional economies we serve.  The price of energy, as a factor in a region's cost of living as well as an important input into the cost of goods, has an impact on the economic health of our communities.  The cost of additional regulatory requirements would normally be borne by consumers through higher prices for energy and purchased goods.

For additional information on global warming, see Part I of the Annual Report under the headings entitled “Business – General – Environmental and Other Matters – Global Warming.”
 
11

 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SEGMENTS

Our primary business is the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity.  Within our Utility Operations segment, we centrally dispatch generation assets and manage our overall utility operations on an integrated basis because of the substantial impact of cost-based rates and regulatory oversight.  Intersegment sales and transfers are generally based on underlying contractual arrangements and agreements.

While our Utility Operations segment remains our primary business segment, the advancement of an area of our business prompted us to identify a new reportable segment.  Starting in the fourth quarter of 2011, we established our new Transmission Operations segment as described below:

Utility Operations

 
·
Generation of electricity for sale to U.S. retail and wholesale customers.
 
·
Transmission and distribution of electricity through assets owned and operated by our ten utility operating companies.

Transmission Operations

 
·
Development, construction and operation of transmission facilities through investments in our wholly-owned transmission subsidiaries that were established in 2009 and our transmission joint ventures.  These investments have FERC-approved returns on equity.

AEP River Operations

 
·
Commercial barging operations that transport coal and dry bulk commodities primarily on the Ohio, Illinois and lower Mississippi Rivers.

Generation and Marketing

 
·
Nonregulated generation in ERCOT.
 
·
Marketing and risk management activities primarily in ERCOT and, to a lesser extent, Ohio in PJM and MISO.

The table below presents our consolidated Income Before Extraordinary Items by segment for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.  We reclassified prior year amounts to conform to the current year’s presentation.

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Utility Operations
  $ 1,549     $ 1,192     $ 1,325  
Transmission Operations
    30       9       4  
AEP River Operations
    45       37       47  
Generation and Marketing
    14       25       41  
All Other (a)
    (62 )     (45 )     (47 )
Income Before Extraordinary Items
  $ 1,576     $ 1,218     $ 1,370  

(a)
While not considered a reportable segment, All Other includes:
 
·
Parent’s guarantee revenue received from affiliates, investment income, interest income and interest expense and other nonallocated costs.
 
·
Tax and interest expense adjustments related to our UK operations which were sold in 2004 and 2002.
 
·
Forward natural gas contracts that were not sold with our natural gas pipeline and storage operations in 2004 and 2005.  These contracts were financial derivatives which settled and expired in the fourth quarter of 2011.
 
·
Revenue sharing related to the Plaquemine Cogeneration Facility which ended in the fourth quarter of 2011.

 
12

 
AEP CONSOLIDATED

2011 Compared to 2010

Income Before Extraordinary Items in 2011 increased $358 million compared to 2010 primarily due to:

·
An increase in carrying costs income due to the third quarter 2011 recognition of a regulatory asset related to TCC capacity auction true-up amounts that were originally written off in 2005 and a related favorable fourth quarter 2011 resolution of contested tax items related to the TCC stranded cost settlement.
·
A decrease in expenses as a result of the 2010 cost reduction initiatives.
·
Successful rate proceedings in our various jurisdictions.

These increases were partially offset by:

·
The loss of retail customers in Ohio to competitive retail electric service providers.
·
Various Ohio adjustments in 2011, including:
 
·
The impairments of Sporn Unit 5 and the FGD project at Muskingum River Unit 5.
 
·
A net decrease due to unfavorable Ohio regulatory orders in 2011.
 
·
The recording of an obligation to contribute to Partnership with Ohio and Ohio Growth Fund.
·
The elimination of POLR charges, effective June 2011, in Ohio due to an October 2011 PUCO remand order.
·
A fourth quarter 2011 write-off related to SWEPCo’s Texas jurisdictional portion of the Turk Plant as a result of the November 2011 Texas Court of Appeals decision upholding the Texas capital cost cap.

Average basic shares outstanding increased to 482 million in 2011 from 479 million in 2010.  Actual shares outstanding were 483 million as of December 31, 2011.

2010 Compared to 2009

Income Before Extraordinary Items in 2010 decreased $152 million compared to 2009 primarily due to charges incurred related to the 2010 cost reduction initiatives.

Average basic shares outstanding increased to 479 million in 2010 from 459 million in 2009.  Actual shares outstanding were 481 million as of December 31, 2010.

Our results of operations are discussed below by operating segment.
 
13

 
UTILITY OPERATIONS

We believe that a discussion of the results from our Utility Operations segment on a gross margin basis is most appropriate in order to further understand the key drivers of the segment.  Gross margin represents total revenues less the related direct cost of fuel, including consumption of chemicals and emissions allowances and purchased power.

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
 
(in millions)
Revenues
  $ 14,200     $ 13,792     $ 12,803
Fuel and Purchased Power
    5,455       4,996       4,420
Gross Margin
    8,745       8,796       8,383
Other Operation and Maintenance
    3,539       3,760       3,410
Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges
    139       -       -
Depreciation and Amortization
    1,613       1,598       1,561
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
    812       811       751
Operating Income
    2,642       2,627       2,661
Interest and Investment Income
    29       9       4
Carrying Costs Income
    393       70       47
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
    91       77       82
Interest Expense
    (886 )     (942 )     (916
Income Before Income Tax Expense and Equity Earnings
    2,269       1,841       1,878
Equity Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
    2       2       -
Income Tax Expense
    722       651       553
Income Before Extraordinary Items
  $ 1,549     $ 1,192     $ 1,325

Summary of KWH Energy Sales for Utility Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2011 
 
2010
 
2009 
 
(in millions of KWHs)
Retail:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
 61,655 
 
 
 61,944 
 
 58,232 
Commercial
 50,767 
 
 
 50,748 
 
 49,925 
Industrial
 59,667 
 
 
 57,333 
 
 54,428 
Miscellaneous
 3,100 
 
 
 3,083 
 
 3,048 
Total Retail (a)
 175,189 
 
 
 173,108 
 
 165,633 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wholesale
 40,519 
 
 
 32,581 
 
 29,670 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total KWHs
 215,708 
 
 
 205,689 
 
 195,303 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Includes energy delivered to customers served by AEP's Texas Wires Companies.
 
 
14

 
Cooling degree days and heating degree days are metrics commonly used in the utility industry as a measure of the impact of weather on net income.  In general, degree day changes in our eastern region have a larger effect on net income than changes in our western region due to the relative size of the two regions and the number of customers within each region.

Summary of Heating and Cooling Degree Days for Utility Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in degree days)
Eastern Region
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual - Heating (a)
 
 2,794 
 
 
 3,222 
 
 
 3,018 
Normal - Heating (b)
 
 2,980 
 
 
 2,983 
 
 
 3,040 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual - Cooling (c)
 
 1,215 
 
 
 1,307 
 
 
 816 
Normal - Cooling (b)
 
 1,017 
 
 
 1,002 
 
 
 1,011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Western Region
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual - Heating (a)
 
 1,029 
 
 
 1,112 
 
 
 970 
Normal - Heating (b)
 
 984 
 
 
 980 
 
 
 984 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual - Cooling (d)
 
 3,020 
 
 
 2,515 
 
 
 2,439 
Normal - Cooling (b)
 
 2,349 
 
 
 2,339 
 
 
 2,344 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Eastern Region and Western Region heating degree days are calculated on a 55 degree temperature base.
(b)
Normal Heating/Cooling represents the thirty-year average of degree days.
(c)
Eastern Region cooling degree days are calculated on a 65 degree temperature base.
(d)
Western Region cooling degree days are calculated on a 65 degree temperature base for PSO/SWEPCo and a 70 degree temperature base for TCC/TNC. 
 
 
15

 
2011 Compared to 2010
 
Reconciliation of Year Ended December 31, 2010 to Year Ended December 31, 2011
Income from Utility Operations Before Extraordinary Items
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
$
 1,192 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in Gross Margin:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail Margins
 
 
 
 
 
 (139)
 
 
Off-system Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 44 
 
 
Transmission Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 48 
 
 
Other Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 (4)
 
 
Total Change in Gross Margin
 
 
 
 
 
 (51)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in Expenses and Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Operation and Maintenance
 
 
 
 
 
 221 
 
 
Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges
 
 
 
 
 
 (139)
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 (15)
 
 
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 (1)
 
 
Interest and Investment Income
 
 
 
 
 
 20 
 
 
Carrying Costs Income
 
 
 
 
 
 323 
 
 
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
 
 
 
 
 
 14 
 
 
Interest Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 56 
 
 
Total Change in Expenses and Other
 
 
 
 
 
 479 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Tax Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 (71)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
$
 1,549 
 

The major components of the decrease in Gross Margin, defined as revenues less the related direct cost of fuel, including consumption of chemicals and emissions allowances, and purchased power were as follows:

·
Retail Margins decreased $139 million primarily due to the following:
 
·
A $132 million decrease attributable to Ohio customers switching to alternative competitive retail electric service (CRES) providers.
 
·
An $87 million decrease in weather-related usage in our eastern region primarily due to a 13% decrease in heating degree days and a 7% decrease in cooling degree days.
 
·
An $84 million decrease in rate related margins for APCo due to the expiration of E&R cost recovery in Virginia.
 
·
A $60 million decrease due to the elimination of POLR charges, effective June 2011, in Ohio as a result of the October 2011 PUCO remand order.
 
·
A $51 million net decrease due to unfavorable Ohio and Virginia regulatory orders.
 
·
A $30 million increase in other variable electric generation expenses.
 
These decreases were partially offset by:
 
·
Successful rate proceedings in our service territories which include:
   
·
A $120 million rate increase for OPCo.
   
·
A $63 million rate increase for APCo.
   
·
A $30 million rate increase for SWEPCo.
   
·
A $27 million rate increase for KPCo.
   
·
A $27 million rate increase for I&M.
   
·
For the rate increases described above, $78 million of these increases relate to riders/trackers which have corresponding increases in other expense items below.
 
·
A $38 million increase in weather-related usage in our western region primarily due to a 20% increase in cooling degree days, slightly offset by a 7% decrease in heating degree days.
 
 
16

 
 
·
A $30 million increase due to increased SWEPCo gross margin from sales to customers previously served by Valley Electric Membership Corporation (VEMCO).  SWEPCo acquired VEMCO assets and began serving VEMCO customers in October 2010.
 
·
A $14 million increase related to TCC’s Transition Funding.  This increase is offset by an increase in Depreciation and Amortization expenses.
·
Margins from Off-system Sales increased $44 million primarily due to an increase in PJM capacity revenues and higher physical sales volumes, partially offset by lower trading and marketing margins.
·
Transmission Revenues increased $48 million primarily due to net rate increases in PJM and increased transmission revenues for Ohio customers who have switched to alternative CRES providers.  The increase in transmission revenues related to CRES providers partially offsets lost revenues included in Retail Margins above.

Expenses and Other and Income Tax Expense changed between years as follows:

·
Other Operation and Maintenance expenses decreased $221 million primarily due to the following:
 
·
A $280 million decrease due to expenses related to the cost reduction initiatives recorded in 2010.
 
·
A $54 million decrease due to the second quarter 2010 write-off of APCo’s Virginia share of the Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage Product Validation Facility as denied for recovery by the Virginia SCC.
 
·
A $42 million decrease in administrative and general expenses primarily due to a decrease in fringe benefit expenses.
 
·
A $33 million decrease due to the first quarter 2011 deferral of 2010 costs related to storms and our cost reduction initiatives as allowed by the WVPSC.
 
·
A $27 million decrease due to the favorable fourth quarter 2011 Asset Retirement Obligation adjustment for APCo related to the early closure and previous write-off of the Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage Product Validation Facility.
 
·
An $11 million gain from the sale of land in January 2011.
 
These decreases were partially offset by:
 
·
A $54 million increase in demand side management, energy efficiency programs and other expenses currently recovered dollar-for-dollar in rate recovery riders/trackers within Gross Margin.
 
·
A $41 million increase due to the first quarter 2011 write-off of a portion of the West Virginia share of the Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage Product Validation Facility as denied for recovery by the WVPSC.
 
·
A $35 million increase related to the fourth quarter 2011 recording of an obligation to contribute to Partnership with Ohio and Ohio Growth Fund as a result of the approved December 2011 Ohio stipulation agreement.
 
·
A $33 million increase in storm-related expenses.
 
·
A $33 million increase in plant outage and other plant operating and maintenance expenses.
 
·
A $25 million increase due to the second quarter 2010 deferral of 2009 storm costs as allowed by the Virginia SCC.
·
Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges in 2011 included the following:
 
·
A third quarter 2011 plant impairment of $48 million for Sporn Unit 5.
 
·
A third quarter 2011 plant impairment of $42 million for the FGD project at Muskingum River Unit 5.
 
·
A fourth quarter 2011 write-off of $49 million related to SWEPCo’s Texas jurisdictional portion of the Turk Plant as a result of the November 2011 Texas Court of Appeals decision upholding the Texas capital cost cap.
·
Depreciation and Amortization expenses increased $15 million primarily due to the following:
 
·
A $23 million increase due to the amortization of carrying costs on deferred fuel as a result of the October 2011 Ohio POLR remand order.
 
·
A $20 million increase in depreciation and amortization for TCC primarily due to increased amortization of TCC’s Securitized Transition Assets.  This increase is partially offset by an increase in revenues within Gross Margin.
 
·
Overall higher depreciable property balances.
 
 
17

 
 
These increases were partially offset by:
 
·
A $34 million decrease in depreciation and amortization for APCo primarily due to the expiration of E&R amortization of deferred carrying costs in Virginia.
·
Interest and Investment Income increased $20 million primarily due to interest income recorded in the third quarter of 2011 for favorable adjustments related to the 2001-2006 federal income tax audit.
·
Carrying Costs Income increased $323 million due to the third quarter 2011 recognition of a regulatory asset related to TCC capacity auction true-up amounts that were originally written off in 2005 and a related favorable fourth quarter 2011 resolution of contested tax items related to the TCC stranded cost settlement.
·
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction increased $14 million primarily due to construction of the Turk and Dresden Plants and various environmental upgrades, partially offset by a decrease due to the completion of the Stall Unit in June 2010.
·
Interest Expense decreased $56 million primarily due to lower outstanding long-term debt balances and lower long-term interest rates.
·
Income Tax Expense increased $71 million primarily due to an increase in pretax book income, partially offset by the 2010 tax treatment associated with the future reimbursement of Medicare Part D retiree prescription drug benefits and by the recording of federal and state income tax adjustments resulting from the filing of the prior year tax returns.
 
 
18

 
 
2010 Compared to 2009
 
Reconciliation of Year Ended December 31, 2009 to Year Ended December 31, 2010
Income from Utility Operations Before Discontinued Operations and Extraordinary Items
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
 
 
 
$
 1,325 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in Gross Margin:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail Margins
 
 
 
 
 
 602 
 
 
Off-system Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 53 
 
 
Transmission Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 
Other Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 (257)
 
 
Total Change in Gross Margin
 
 
 
 
 
 413 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in Expenses and Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Operation and Maintenance
 
 
 
 
 
 (350)
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 (37)
 
 
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 (60)
 
 
Interest and Investment Income
 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
Carrying Costs Income
 
 
 
 
 
 23 
 
 
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
 
 
 
 
 
 (5)
 
 
Interest Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 (26)
 
 
Equity Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
Total Change in Expenses and Other
 
 
 
 
 
 (448)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Tax Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 (98)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
$
 1,192 
 

The major components of the increase in Gross Margin, defined as revenues less the related direct cost of fuel, including consumption of chemicals and emissions allowances, and purchased power were as follows:

·
Retail Margins increased $602 million primarily due to the following:
 
·
Successful rate proceedings in our service territories which include:
   
·
A $138 million increase in the recovery of E&R costs in Virginia, costs related to the Transmission Rate Adjustment Clause in Virginia and construction financing costs in West Virginia.
   
·
A $49 million increase in the recovery of advanced metering costs in Texas.
   
·
A $43 million net rate increase for KPCo.
   
·
A $42 million net rate increase for SWEPCo.
   
·
A $39 million net rate increase for I&M.
   
·
A $37 million net rate increase for PSO.
   
·
A $14 million net rate increase in our other jurisdictions.
   
·
For the increases described above, $183 million of these increases relate to riders/trackers which have corresponding increases in other expense items.
 
·
A $229 million increase in weather-related usage primarily due to a 60% increase in cooling degree days in our eastern service territory and 7% and 15% increases in heating degree days in our eastern and western service territories, respectively.
 
·
A $78 million increase due to higher fuel and purchased power costs recorded in 2009 related to the Cook Plant Unit 1 (Unit 1) shutdown.  This increase was offset by a corresponding decrease in Other Revenues as discussed below.
 
These increases were partially offset by:
 
·
A $43 million decrease due to an unfavorable order related to the 2009 Significantly Excessive Earnings Test (SEET).
 
·
A $38 million decrease due to the termination of an I&M unit power agreement.
 
 
19

 
·
Margins from Off-system Sales increased $53 million primarily due to increased prices and higher physical sales volumes in our eastern service territory, partially offset by lower trading and marketing margins.
·
Transmission Revenues increased $15 million primarily due to increased revenues in the ERCOT, PJM and SPP regions.
·
Other Revenues decreased $257 million primarily due to the Cook Plant accidental outage insurance proceeds of $185 million which ended when Unit 1 returned to service in December 2009.  I&M reduced customer bills by approximately $78 million in 2009 for the cost of replacement power resulting from the Unit 1 outage.  This decrease in insurance proceeds was offset by a corresponding increase in Retail Margins as discussed above.  Other Revenues also decreased due to lower gains on sales of emission allowances of $29 million, partially offset by sharing with customers in certain fuel clauses.  This decrease in gains on sales of emission allowances was the result of lower market prices.

Total Expenses and Other and Income Tax Expense changed between years as follows:

·
Other Operation and Maintenance expenses increased $350 million primarily due to the following:
 
·
A $280 million increase due to expenses related to the cost reduction initiatives in 2010.
 
·
A $114 million increase in demand side management, energy efficiency programs and other expenses currently recovered dollar-for-dollar in rate recovery riders/trackers within Gross Margin.
 
·
A $54 million increase due to the write-off of APCo’s Virginia share of the Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage Product Validation Facility as denied for recovery by the Virginia SCC.
 
These increases were partially offset by:
 
·
An $89 million decrease in storm expenses.
·
Depreciation and Amortization increased $37 million primarily due to new environmental improvements placed in service at APCo and OPCo and placing the Stall Unit in service at SWEPCo partially offset by lower depreciation in Arkansas and Texas as a result of SWEPCo’s recent base rate orders.
·
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes increased $60 million primarily due to the employer portion of payroll taxes incurred related to the cost reduction initiatives and higher franchise and property taxes.
·
Carrying Costs Income increased $23 million primarily due to environmental construction in Virginia and a higher under-recovered fuel balance for OPCo.
·
Interest Expense increased $26 million primarily due to an increase in long-term debt and a decrease in the debt component of AFUDC due to completed environmental improvements at APCo and OPCo.
·
Income Tax Expense increased $97 million primarily due to the regulatory accounting treatment of state income taxes, other book/tax differences which are accounted for on a flow-through basis and the tax treatment associated with the future reimbursement of Medicare Part D prescription drug benefits, partially offset by a decrease in pretax book income.

 
20

 
TRANSMISSION OPERATIONS

Wholly-owned Entities

AEP Transmission Company, LLC (AEP Transco), a subsidiary of AEP, has seven wholly-owned transmission companies.  The transmission companies have been approved by the applicable commissions in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Oklahoma.  Applications for approval of the transmission companies have been filed with the APSC, the KPSC, the LPSC, the Virginia SCC and the WVPSC and are pending approval.  These seven companies consist of:

AEP East Transmission Companies

·  
AEP Appalachian Transmission Company, Inc. (APTCo) (covering Virginia)
·  
AEP Indiana Michigan Transmission Company, Inc. (IMTCo)
·  
AEP Kentucky Transmission Company, Inc. (KTCo)
·  
AEP Ohio Transmission Company, Inc. (OHTCo)
·  
AEP West Virginia Transmission Company, Inc. (WVTCo)

AEP West Transmission Companies

·  
AEP Oklahoma Transmission Company, Inc. (OKTCo)
·  
AEP Southwestern Transmission Company, Inc. (SWTCo) (covering Arkansas and Louisiana)

The AEP East Transmission Companies and the AEP West Transmission Companies have FERC-approved returns on common equity of 11.49% and 11.20%, respectively.  AEPSC and other AEP subsidiaries provide services to the transmission companies through service agreements.  Therefore, the transmission companies do not have any employees.

All of the transmission companies’ capital needs are provided by Parent, AEP Transco and/or the AEP Utility Money Pool.  The Utility Money Pool is used to meet the short-term borrowing needs of AEP regulated utility subsidiaries.  The Utility Money Pool operates in accordance with the terms and conditions approved in regulatory orders.
 
21

 
Joint Venture Initiatives
 
We are currently participating in the following joint venture initiatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated
 
 
AEP's
 
 
 
 
 
 
Projected
 
 
 
Project Costs
 
 
Investment at
 
Approved
Project
 
 
 
Completion
 
Owners
 
at
 
 
December 31,
 
Return on
Name
 
Location
 
Date
 
(Ownership %)
 
Completion
 
 
2011 
 
Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
ETT
 
Texas
 
2017 
 
MEHC Texas
 
$
 3,100,000 
(a)
 
$
 223,527 
 
 9.96 
%
 
 
 
(ERCOT)
 
 
 
Transco, LLC (50%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AEP (50%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PATH (b)
 
West
 
2015 (c)
 
FirstEnergy (50%)
 
 
 2,100,000 
(d)
 
 
 28,929 
 
 12.4 
%
 
 
 
Virginia
 
 
 
AEP (50%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prairie Wind
 
Kansas
 
2014 
 
Westar Energy (50%)
 
 
 225,000 
 
 
 
 1,986 
 
 12.8 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ETA (50%) (e)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pioneer
 
Indiana
 
2018 
 
Duke Energy (50%)
 
 
 1,000,000 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 12.54 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AEP (50%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RITELine IN
 
Indiana
 
2019 
 
RTD (25%) (f)
 
 
 400,000 
 
 
 
 171 
(g)
 11.43 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ETA (37.5%) (e) (f)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AEPTHC (37.5%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RITELine IL
 
Illinois
 
2019 
 
Commonwealth
 
 
 1,200,000 
 
 
 
 14 
 
 11.43 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Edison (75%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RTD (25%) (f)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(a)
ETT’s current and future estimated project cost in ERCOT over the next several years is expected to be $3.1 billion.  Future projects will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
(b)
In September 2007, AEP Transmission Holding Company, LLC (AEPTHC) and AET PATH Company, LLC, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, Inc. (FirstEnergy), formed a joint venture by creating Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC (PATH) and its subsidiaries.  The PATH subsidiaries will operate as transmission utilities owning certain electric transmission assets within PJM.
(c)
PJM directed AEP and FirstEnergy to suspend current development efforts on the PATH Project, subject to those activities necessary to maintain the project in its current state, while PJM conducts more rigorous analysis of the potential need for the PATH Project as part of its continuing Regional Transmission Expansion Plan (RTEP) process.  PJM’s announcement specifically indicated that PJM was not directing AEP and FirstEnergy to cancel or abandon the PATH Project.
(d)
PATH consists of the “West Virginia Series,” which is owned equally by subsidiaries of FirstEnergy and AEP, and the “Allegheny Series” which is wholly-owned by a subsidiary of FirstEnergy.  The total project is estimated to cost approximately $2.1 billion.  AEP’s estimated share of the project cost is approximately $700 million.
(e)
ETA is a 50/50 joint venture with MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company (MEHC) America Transco, LLC and AEP.  ETA will be utilized as a vehicle to invest in selected transmission projects located in North America, outside of ERCOT.  AEP owns 25% of Prairie Wind Transmission, LLC (Prairie Wind) through its ownership interest in ETA.
(f)
RITELine Transmission Development, LLC (RTD) is a 50/50 joint venture with Exelon Transmission Company, LLC and ETA.  AEP owns 62.5% of RITELine Indiana, LLC (RITELine IN) through its ownership interest in ETA and AEPTHC.  AEP owns 6.25% of RITELine Illinois, LLC (RITELine IL) through its ownership interest in ETA.
(g)
RITELine IN is a consolidated variable interest entity.

For the consolidated entities within our Transmission Operations segment, we forecast approximately $350 million, excluding AFUDC, of construction expenditures for 2012.  For the equity investments within our Transmission Operations segment, we forecast approximately $116 million of AEP equity contributions in 2012 to support construction expenditures and the payment of operating expenses.

 
22

 
2011 Compared to 2010

Income Before Extraordinary Items from our Transmission Operations segment increased from $9 million in 2010 to $30 million in 2011 primarily due to an increase in transmission investments by ETT and OHTCo.

2010 Compared to 2009

Income Before Extraordinary Items from our Transmission Operations segment increased from $4 million in 2009 to $9 million in 2010 primarily due to an increase in transmission investments by ETT.

AEP RIVER OPERATIONS

2011 Compared to 2010

Income Before Extraordinary Items from our AEP River Operations segment increased from $37 million in 2010 to $45 million in 2011 primarily due to increased coal exports, increased barge fleet size and the cost reduction initiatives in 2010, partially offset by higher fuel, maintenance and flood-related expenses.

2010 Compared to 2009

Income Before Extraordinary Items from our AEP River Operations segment decreased from $47 million in 2009 to $37 million in 2010 primarily due to expenses related to cost reduction initiatives, increased interest expense on new equipment financing, a property casualty loss in 2010 and a gain on the sale of two older towboats in 2009.

GENERATION AND MARKETING

2011 Compared to 2010

Income Before Extraordinary Items from our Generation and Marketing segment decreased from $25 million in 2010 to $14 million in 2011 primarily due to lower gross margins at the Oklaunion Plant.

2010 Compared to 2009

Income Before Extraordinary Items from our Generation and Marketing segment decreased from $41 million in 2009 to $25 million in 2010 primarily due to reduced inception gains from ERCOT marketing activities, reduced plant performance due to lower power prices in ERCOT, partially offset by positive hedging activities on our generation assets and increased income from our wind farm operations.

ALL OTHER

2011 Compared to 2010

Income Before Extraordinary Items from All Other decreased from a loss of $45 million in 2010 to a loss of $62 million in 2011 primarily due to a loss incurred in 2011 related to the settlement of litigation with BOA and Enron and a gain on the sale of our remaining shares of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (ICE) in 2010 partially offset by a contribution to AEP’s charitable foundation in 2010.

2010 Compared to 2009

Income Before Extraordinary Items from All Other increased from a loss of $47 million in 2009 to a loss of $45 million in 2010 primarily due to a gain on the sale of our remaining shares of ICE in 2010 and a decrease in various parent related expenses partially offset by a 2010 contribution to AEP’s charitable foundation and losses on the sales of assets.
 
23

 
AEP SYSTEM INCOME TAXES

2011 Compared to 2010

Income Tax Expense increased $175 million primarily due to an increase in pretax book income and the unrealized capital loss valuation allowance related to a deferred tax asset associated with the settlement of litigation with BOA and Enron, offset in part by the 2010 tax treatment associated with the future reimbursement of Medicare Part D retiree prescription drug benefits and by the recording of federal and state income tax adjustments resulting from the filing of prior year tax returns.

2010 Compared to 2009

Income Tax Expense increased $68 million primarily due to the regulatory accounting treatment of state income taxes, other book/tax differences which are accounted for on a flow-through basis and the tax treatment associated with the future reimbursement of Medicare Part D retiree prescription drug benefits, offset in part by a decrease in pretax book income.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

We measure our financial condition by the strength of our balance sheet and the liquidity provided by our cash flows.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Debt and Equity Capitalization

 
 
December 31,
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
Long-term Debt, including amounts due within one year
$
 16,516 
 
 50.3 
%
 
$
 16,811 
 
 52.8 
%
Short-term Debt
 
 1,650 
 
 5.0 
 
 
 
 1,346 
 
 4.2 
 
Total Debt
 
 18,166 
 
 55.3 
 
 
 
 18,157 
 
 57.0 
 
Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 60 
 
 0.2 
 
AEP Common Equity
 
 14,664 
 
 44.7 
 
 
 
 13,622 
 
 42.8 
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Debt and Equity Capitalization
$
 32,831 
 
 100.0 
%
 
$
 31,839 
 
 100.0 
%

Our ratio of debt-to-total capital decreased from 57% in 2010 to 55.3% in 2011 primarily due to an increase in common equity.  This increase in common equity is primarily the result of the third quarter 2011 recognition of a regulatory asset related to TCC capacity auction true-up amounts that were originally written off in 2005 and a related favorable fourth quarter 2011 resolution of contested tax items related to the TCC stranded cost settlement.

Liquidity

Liquidity, or access to cash, is an important factor in determining our financial stability.  We believe we have adequate liquidity under our existing credit facilities.  At December 31, 2011, we had $3.25 billion in aggregate credit facility commitments to support our operations.  Additional liquidity is available from cash from operations and a sale of receivables agreement.  We are committed to maintaining adequate liquidity.  We generally use short-term borrowings to fund working capital needs, property acquisitions and construction until long-term funding is arranged.  Sources of long-term funding include issuance of long-term debt, sale-leaseback or leasing agreements or common stock.

 
24

 
Credit Facilities

We manage our liquidity by maintaining adequate external financing commitments.  At December 31, 2011, our available liquidity was approximately $2.4 billion as illustrated in the table below:

 
 
 
Amount
 
 
Maturity
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Paper Backup:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility
 
$
 1,500 
 
 
June 2015
 
Revolving Credit Facility
 
 
 1,750 
 
 
July 2016
Total
 
 
 3,250 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
 221 
 
 
 
Total Liquidity Sources
 
 
 3,471 
 
 
 
Less:
AEP Commercial Paper Outstanding
 
 
 967 
 
 
 
 
Letters of Credit Issued
 
 
 134 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Available Liquidity
 
$
 2,370 
 
 
 

We have credit facilities totaling $3.25 billion to support our commercial paper program.  The credit facilities allow us to issue letters of credit in an amount up to $1.35 billion.  In July 2011, we replaced the $1.5 billion facility due in 2012 with a new $1.75 billion facility maturing in July 2016 and extended the $1.5 billion facility due in 2013 to expire in June 2015.

In March 2011, we terminated a $478 million credit facility, used for letters of credit to support variable rate debt.  In March 2011, we also issued bilateral letters of credit to support the remarketing of $357 million of variable rate debt and reacquired $115 million which a trustee holds on our behalf.

We use our commercial paper program to meet the short-term borrowing needs of the subsidiaries.  The program is used to fund both a Utility Money Pool, which funds the utility subsidiaries, and a Nonutility Money Pool, which funds the majority of the nonutility subsidiaries.  In addition, the program also funds, as direct borrowers, the short-term debt requirements of other subsidiaries that are not participants in either money pool for regulatory or operational reasons.  The maximum amount of commercial paper outstanding during 2011 was $1.2 billion.  The weighted-average interest rate for our commercial paper during 2011 was 0.4%.

Financing Plan

In March 2012, TCC plans to issue $800 million of securitization bonds as approved by the PUCT for recovery of capacity auction true-up amounts over 13 years.  We are also evaluating potential securitization of certain deferred regulatory assets in Ohio and West Virginia.  Recent legislation in Ohio allows the securitization of deferred FAC costs and certain other regulatory assets.  Legislation has been introduced in West Virginia to allow the WVPSC to consider securitization of deferred ENEC costs.

At December 31, 2011, we have $1.4 billion of long-term debt due within one year which includes $572 million of Pollution Control Bonds with mandatory tender dates and credit support for variable interest rates that requires the debt be classified as current.  Also included in our long-term debt due within one year is $273 million of securitization bonds and DCC Fuel notes payable which will be repaid.  We plan to refinance a portion of our maturities.  Proceeds from new issuances and the TCC securitization may limit the amount of the remaining long-term debt due within one year that needs to be refinanced.
 
25

 
Securitized Accounts Receivables

In 2011, we renewed our receivables securitization agreement.  The agreement provides a commitment of $750 million from bank conduits to purchase receivables with an increase to $800 million for the months of July, August and September to accommodate seasonal demand.  A commitment of $375 million with the seasonal increase to $425 million expires in June 2012 and the remaining commitment of $375 million expires in June 2014.  We intend to extend or replace the agreement expiring in June 2012 on or before its maturity.

Debt Covenants and Borrowing Limitations

Our revolving credit agreements contain certain covenants and require us to maintain our percentage of debt to total capitalization at a level that does not exceed 67.5%.  The method for calculating outstanding debt and capitalization is contractually defined in our revolving credit agreements.  Debt as defined in the revolving credit agreements excludes junior subordinated debentures, securitization bonds and debt of AEP Credit.  At December 31, 2011, this contractually-defined percentage was 51.1%.  Nonperformance under these covenants could result in an event of default under these credit agreements.  At December 31, 2011, we complied with all of the covenants contained in these credit agreements.  In addition, the acceleration of our payment obligations, or the obligations of certain of our major subsidiaries, prior to maturity under any other agreement or instrument relating to debt outstanding in excess of $50 million, would cause an event of default under these credit agreements and in a majority of our non-exchange traded commodity contracts which would permit the lenders and counterparties to declare the outstanding amounts payable.  However, a default under our non-exchange traded commodity contracts does not cause an event of default under our revolving credit agreements.

The revolving credit facilities do not permit the lenders to refuse a draw on any facility if a material adverse change occurs.

Utility Money Pool borrowings and external borrowings may not exceed amounts authorized by regulatory orders.  At December 31, 2011, we had not exceeded those authorized limits.

Dividend Policy and Restrictions

The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.47 per share in January 2012.  Future dividends may vary depending upon our profit levels, operating cash flow levels and capital requirements, as well as financial and other business conditions existing at the time.  Our income derives from our common stock equity in the earnings of our utility subsidiaries.  Various financing arrangements and regulatory requirements may impose certain restrictions on the ability of our utility subsidiaries to transfer funds to us in the form of dividends.

We have the option to defer interest payments on the AEP Junior Subordinated Debentures for one or more periods of up to 10 consecutive years per period.  During any period in which we defer interest payments, we may not declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, repurchase or acquire, our common stock.

We do not believe restrictions related to our various financing arrangements and regulatory requirements will have any significant impact on Parent’s ability to access cash to meet the payment of dividends on its common stock.

Credit Ratings

We do not have any credit arrangements that would require material changes in payment schedules or terminations as a result of a credit downgrade, but our access to the commercial paper market may depend on our credit ratings.  In addition, downgrades in our credit ratings by one of the rating agencies could increase our borrowing costs.  Counterparty concerns about the credit quality of AEP or its utility subsidiaries could subject us to additional collateral demands under adequate assurance clauses under our derivative and non-derivative energy contracts.
 
26

 
CASH FLOW

Managing our cash flows is a major factor in maintaining our liquidity strength.

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
  $ 294     $ 490     $ 411  
Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities
    3,788       2,662       2,475  
Net Cash Flows Used for Investing Activities
    (2,890 )     (2,523 )     (2,916 )
Net Cash Flows from (Used for) Financing Activities
    (971 )     (335 )     520  
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (73 )     (196 )     79  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  $ 221     $ 294     $ 490  

Cash from operations and short-term borrowings provides working capital and allows us to meet other short-term cash needs.
 
Operating Activities
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
(in millions)
 
Net Income
  $ 1,949     $ 1,218     $ 1,365  
Depreciation and Amortization
    1,655       1,641       1,597  
Other
    184       (197 )     (487 )
Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities
  $ 3,788     $ 2,662     $ 2,475  

Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities were $3.8 billion in 2011 consisting primarily of Net Income of $1.9 billion and $1.7 billion of noncash Depreciation and Amortization.  Other changes represent items that had a current period cash flow impact, such as changes in working capital, as well as items that represent future rights or obligations to receive or pay cash, such as regulatory assets and liabilities.  Following a Supreme Court of Texas reversal of the PUCT’s capacity auction true-up disallowance and the PUCT’s approval of a stipulation agreement, we recorded Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax of $373 million for the 2011 recognition of a regulatory asset related to TCC capacity auction true-up amounts and the reversal of tax related regulatory credits.  We also recorded $393 million in Carrying Costs Income primarily related to the Texas restructuring appeals.  A significant change in other items includes the favorable impact of a decrease in fuel inventory.  Deferred Income Taxes increased primarily due to bonus depreciation provisions in the Small Business Jobs Act and the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Jobs Creation Act, the settlement with BOA and Enron and an increase in tax versus book temporary differences from operations.  In February 2011, we paid $425 million to BOA of which $211 million was used to settle litigation with BOA and Enron. The remaining $214 million was used to acquire cushion gas as discussed in Investing Activities below.  During 2011, we also contributed $450 million to our qualified pension trust.

Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities were $2.7 billion in 2010 consisting primarily of Net Income of $1.2 billion and $1.6 billion of noncash Depreciation and Amortization.  Other changes represent items that had a current period cash flow impact, such as changes in working capital, as well as items that represent future rights or obligations to receive or pay cash, such as regulatory assets and liabilities.  Other includes a $656 million increase in securitized receivables under the application of new accounting guidance for “Transfers and Servicing” related to our sale of receivables agreement.  Significant changes in other items include an increase in under-recovered fuel primarily due to the deferral of fuel under the FAC in Ohio and higher fuel costs in Oklahoma, accrued tax benefits and the favorable impact of a decrease in fuel inventory.  Deferred Income Taxes increased primarily due to a change in tax versus book temporary differences from operations.  Accrued Taxes, Net increased primarily as a result of the receipt of a federal income tax refund of $419 million related to a net operating loss in 2009 that was carried back to 2007 and 2008.  We also contributed $500 million to our qualified pension trust in 2010.
 
27

 
Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities were $2.5 billion in 2009 consisting primarily of Net Income of $1.4 billion and $1.6 billion of noncash Depreciation and Amortization.  Other represents items that had a current period cash flow impact, such as changes in working capital, as well as items that represent future rights or obligations to receive or pay cash, such as regulatory assets and liabilities.  Significant changes in other items include the negative impact on cash of an increase in coal inventory reflecting decreased customer demand for electricity, an increase in under-recovered fuel primarily in Ohio and West Virginia and an increase in accrued tax benefits resulting from a net income tax operating loss in 2009.  Deferred Income Taxes increased primarily due to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 extending bonus depreciation provisions, a one-time change in tax accounting method and an increase in tax versus book temporary differences from operations.
 
Investing Activities

 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Construction Expenditures
  $ (2,669 )   $ (2,345 )   $ (2,792 )
Acquisitions of Nuclear Fuel
    (106 )     (91 )     (169 )
Acquisitions of Assets
    (19 )     (155 )     (104 )
Acquisitions of Cushion Gas from BOA
    (214 )     -       -  
Proceeds from Sales of Assets
    123       187       278  
Other
    (5 )     (119 )     (129 )
Net Cash Flows Used for Investing Activities
  $ (2,890 )   $ (2,523 )   $ (2,916 )

Net Cash Flows Used for Investing Activities were $2.9 billion in 2011 primarily due to Construction Expenditures for new generation, environmental, distribution and transmission investments.  We paid $214 million to BOA for cushion gas as part of a litigation settlement.

Net Cash Flows Used for Investing Activities were $2.5 billion in 2010 primarily due to Construction Expenditures for environmental, new generation, distribution and transmission investments.  Proceeds from Sales of Assets in 2010 include $139 million for sales of Texas transmission assets to ETT.

Net Cash Flows Used for Investing Activities were $2.9 billion in 2009 primarily due to Construction Expenditures for our new generation, environmental, distribution and transmission investments.  Proceeds from Sales of Assets in 2009 includes $104 million relating to the sale of a portion of Turk Plant to joint owners as planned and $95 million for sales of Texas transmission assets to ETT.
 
Financing Activities
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Issuance of Common Stock, Net
  $ 92     $ 93     $ 1,728  
Issuance/Retirement of Debt, Net
    (33 )     497       (360 )
Retirement of Cumulative Preferred Stock
    (64 )     -       -  
Dividends Paid on Common Stock
    (898 )     (824 )     (758 )
Other
    (68 )     (101 )     (90 )
Net Cash Flows from (Used for) Financing Activities
  $ (971 )   $ (335 )   $ 520  

Net Cash Flows Used for Financing Activities in 2011 were $971 million.  Our net debt retirements were $33 million. The net retirements included retirements of $727 million of senior unsecured and other debt notes, $778 million of pollution control bonds and $159 million of securitization bonds offset by issuances of $710 million of notes, $627 million of pollution control bonds and an increase in short-term borrowing of $304 million.  We paid common stock dividends of $898 million and $64 million to retire all of our subsidiaries’ preferred stocks.  See Note 13  – Financing Activities.
 
28

 
Net Cash Flows Used for Financing Activities were $335 million in 2010.  Our net debt issuances were $497 million.  The net issuances included issuances of $952 million of notes and $326 million of pollution control bonds, a $­­­531 million increase in commercial paper outstanding and retirements of $1.6 billion of notes, $148 million of securitization bonds and $222 million of pollution control bonds.  Our short-term debt securitized by receivables increased $656 million under the application of new accounting guidance for “Transfers and Servicing” related to our sale of receivables agreement.  We paid common stock dividends of $824 million.

Net Cash Flows from Financing Activities were $520 million in 2009.  Issuance of Common Stock, Net of $1.7 billion is comprised of our issuance of 69 million shares of common stock with net proceeds of $1.64 billion and additional shares through our dividend reinvestment, employee savings and incentive programs.  Our net debt retirements were $360 million. The net retirements included the repayment of $2 billion outstanding under our credit facilities and retirement of $816 million of long-term debt and issuances of $1.9 billion of senior unsecured and debt notes and $431 million of pollution control bonds.  We paid common stock dividends of $758 million.

The following financing activities occurred during 2011:

AEP Common Stock:

·  
During 2011, we issued 2.6 million shares of common stock under our incentive compensation, employee savings and dividend reinvestment plans and received net proceeds of $92 million.

Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries:

·  
During 2011, we paid $64 million to retire all outstanding shares of our subsidiaries’ preferred stock.

Debt:

·  
During 2011, we issued approximately $1.3 billion of long-term debt, including $600 million of senior notes at interest rates ranging from 4.4% to 4.6%.  We also issued $627 million of pollution control revenue bonds, including $225 million at interest rates ranging from 1.125% to 2% and $402 million at variable interest rates.  The proceeds from these issuances were used to fund long-term debt maturities and our construction programs.
·  
During 2011, we entered into $975 million of interest rate derivatives and settled $974 million of such transactions.  The settlements resulted in net cash receipts of $34 million.  As of December 31, 2011, we had in place $907 million of notional interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow and fair value hedges.

In 2012:

·  
In January 2012, TCC retired $98 million of its outstanding Securitization Bonds.
·  
In January and February 2012, I&M retired $14 million of Notes Payable related to DCC Fuel.
·  
In February 2012, APCo retired $30 million of 6.05% Pollution Control Bonds due in 2024 and $19.5 million of 5% Pollution Control Bonds due in 2021.
·  
In February 2012, SWEPCo issued $275 million of 3.55% Senior Unsecured Notes due in 2022 and $65 million of 4.58% Notes Payable due in 2032.

 
29

 
BUDGETED CONSTRUCTION EXPENDITURES

We forecast approximately $3.1 billion of construction expenditures excluding equity AFUDC and capitalized interest for 2012.  For 2013 and 2014, we forecast construction expenditures ranging from $3.4 billion to $3.5 billion each year.  The projected increases are generally the result of required environmental investment to comply with Federal EPA rules and additional transmission spending.  Estimated construction expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints, environmental regulations, business opportunities, market volatility, economic trends, weather, legal reviews and the ability to access capital.  We expect to fund these construction expenditures through cash flows from operations and financing activities.  Generally, the subsidiaries use cash or short-term borrowings under the money pool to fund these expenditures until long-term funding is arranged.  The estimated expenditures include amounts for completion of the Turk Plant.  APCo’s Dresden Plant was completed and placed in service in January 2012.  SWEPCo’s Turk Plant is expected to be in-service in the fourth quarter of 2012.  The 2012 estimated construction expenditures include generation, transmission and distribution related investments, as well as expenditures for compliance with environmental regulations as follows:

 
Budgeted
 
 
Construction
 
 
Expenditures
 
 
(in millions)
 
Environmental
$ 511  
Generation
  781  
Transmission
  812  
Distribution
  847  
Other
  114  
Total
$ 3,065  

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

In prior periods, under a limited set of circumstances, we entered into off-balance sheet arrangements for various reasons including reducing operational expenses and spreading risk of loss to third parties.  Our current guidelines restrict the use of off-balance sheet financing entities or structures to traditional operating lease arrangements that we enter in the normal course of business.  The following identifies significant off-balance sheet arrangements.

Rockport Plant Unit 2

AEGCo and I&M entered into a sale-and-leaseback transaction in 1989 with Wilmington Trust Company (Owner Trustee), an unrelated unconsolidated trustee for Rockport Plant Unit 2 (the Plant).  The Owner Trustee was capitalized with equity from six owner participants with no relationship to AEP or any of its subsidiaries and debt from a syndicate of banks and certain institutional investors.  The future minimum lease payments for AEGCo and I&M are $813 million and $813 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2011.

The gain from the sale was deferred and is being amortized over the term of the lease, which expires in 2022.  The Owner Trustee owns the Plant and leases it to AEGCo and I&M.  Our subsidiaries account for the lease as an operating lease with the future payment obligations included in Note 12.  The lease term is for 33 years with potential renewal options.  At the end of the lease term, AEGCo and I&M have the option to renew the lease or the Owner Trustee can sell the Plant.  We, as well as our subsidiaries, have no ownership interest in the Owner Trustee and do not guarantee its debt.
 
30

 
Railcars

In June 2003, we entered into an agreement with BTM Capital Corporation, as lessor, to lease 875 coal-transporting aluminum railcars.  The initial lease term was five years with three consecutive five-year renewal periods for a maximum lease term of twenty years.  We intend to maintain the lease for the full lease term of twenty years via the renewal options.  The lease is accounted for as an operating lease.  The future minimum lease obligation is $34 million for the remaining railcars as of December 31, 2011.  Under a return-and-sale option, the lessor is guaranteed that the sale proceeds will equal at least a specified lessee obligation amount which declines with each five-year renewal.  At December 31, 2011, the maximum potential loss was approximately $25 million assuming the fair value of the equipment is zero at the end of the current five-year lease term.  However, we believe that the fair value would produce a sufficient sales price to avoid any loss.  We have other railcar lease arrangements that do not utilize this type of financing structure.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION INFORMATION

Our contractual cash obligations include amounts reported on the balance sheets and other obligations disclosed in our footnotes.  The following table summarizes our contractual cash obligations at December 31, 2011:

Payments Due by Period
 
 
 
 
Less Than
 
 
 
 
 
After
 
 
Contractual Cash Obligations
 
1 year
 
2-3 years
 
4-5 years
 
5 years
 
Total
 
 
(in millions)
Short-term Debt (a)
 
$
 1,650 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 1,650 
Interest on Fixed Rate Portion of Long-term
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt (b)
 
 
 788 
 
 
 1,402 
 
 
 1,169 
 
 
 6,382 
 
 
 9,741 
Fixed Rate Portion of Long-term Debt (c)
 
 
 888 
 
 
 2,346 
 
 
 2,202 
 
 
 10,457 
 
 
 15,893 
Variable Rate Portion of Long-term Debt (d)
 
 
 545 
 
 
 111 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 662 
Capital Lease Obligations (e)
 
 
 96 
 
 
 148 
 
 
 102 
 
 
 285 
 
 
 631 
Noncancelable Operating Leases (e)
 
 
 316 
 
 
 552 
 
 
 471 
 
 
 1,235 
 
 
 2,574 
Fuel Purchase Contracts (f)
 
 
 2,867 
 
 
 3,918 
 
 
 2,574 
 
 
 3,108 
 
 
 12,467 
Energy and Capacity Purchase Contracts (g)
 
 
 104 
 
 
 213 
 
 
 217 
 
 
 1,066 
 
 
 1,600 
Construction Contracts for Capital Assets (h)
 
 
 682 
 
 
 918 
 
 
 821 
 
 
 1,663 
 
 
 4,084 
Total
 
$
 7,936 
 
$
 9,608 
 
$
 7,562 
 
$
 24,196 
 
$
 49,302 

(a)
Represents principal only excluding interest.
(b)
Interest payments are estimated based on final maturity dates of debt securities outstanding at December 31, 2011 and do not reflect anticipated future refinancing, early redemptions or debt issuances.
(c)
See “Long-term Debt” section of Note 13.  Represents principal only excluding interest.
(d)
See “Long-term Debt” section of Note 13.  Represents principal only excluding interest.  Variable rate debt had interest rates that ranged between 0.06% and 0.955% at December 31, 2011.
(e)
See Note 12.
(f)
Represents contractual obligations to purchase coal, natural gas, uranium and other consumables as fuel for electric generation along with related transportation of the fuel.
(g)
Represents contractual obligations for energy and capacity purchase contracts.
(h)
Represents only capital assets for which we have signed contracts.  Actual payments are dependent upon and may vary significantly based upon the decision to build, regulatory approval schedules, timing and escalation of project costs.

Our $68 million liability related to uncertainty in Income Taxes is not included above because we cannot reasonably estimate the cash flows by period.
 
31

 
Our pension funding requirements are not included in the above table.  As of December 31, 2011, we expect to make contributions to our pension plans totaling $208 million in 2012.  Estimated contributions of $107 million in 2013 and $107 million in 2014 may vary significantly based on market returns, changes in actuarial assumptions and other factors.  Based upon the benefit obligation and fair value of assets available to pay pension benefits, our pension plans were 86.2% funded as of December 31, 2011.

In addition to the amounts disclosed in the contractual cash obligations table above, we make additional commitments in the normal course of business.  These commitments include standby letters of credit, guarantees for the payment of obligation performance bonds and other commitments.  At December 31, 2011, our commitments outstanding under these agreements are summarized in the table below:

Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
 
 
 
Less Than
 
 
 
 
 
After
 
 
Other Commercial Commitments
 
1 year
 
2-3 years
 
4-5 years
 
5 years
 
Total
 
 
(in millions)
Standby Letters of Credit (a)
 
$
 134 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 134 
Guarantees of the Performance of Outside Parties (b)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 100 
 
 
 100 
Guarantees of Our Performance (c)
 
 
 402 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 20 
 
 
 36 
 
 
 465 
Total Commercial Commitments
 
$
 536 
 
$
 7 
 
$
 20 
 
$
 136 
 
$
 699 

(a)
We enter into standby letters of credit (LOCs) with third parties.  These LOCs cover items such as gas and electricity risk management contracts, construction contracts, insurance programs, security deposits and debt service reserves.  AEP, on behalf of our subsidiaries, and/or the subsidiaries issued all of these LOCs in the ordinary course of business.  There is no collateral held in relation to any guarantees in excess of our ownership percentages.  In the event any LOC is drawn, there is no recourse to third parties.  The maximum future payments of these LOCs are $134 million with maturities ranging from January 2012 to October 2012.  Subsequent to December 31, 2011, standby LOCs have increased approximately $100 million as a result of declining market prices related to our risk management contracts.  This increase is partially offset by a reduction of posted cash collateral of approximately $20 million.  See “Letters of Credit” section of Note 5.
(b)
See “Guarantees of Third-Party Obligations” section of Note 5.
(c)
We issued performance guarantees and indemnifications for energy trading and various sale agreements.
 
SIGNIFICANT TAX LEGISLATION

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 provided for several new grant programs, expanded tax credits and extended the 50% bonus depreciation provision enacted in the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008.  The Small Business Jobs Act, enacted in September 2010, included a one-year extension of the 50% bonus depreciation provision.  The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and the Job Creation Act of 2010 extended the life of research and development, employment and several energy tax credits originally scheduled to expire at the end of 2010.  In addition, this act extended the time for claiming bonus depreciation and increased the deduction to 100% starting in September 2010 through 2011 and decreasing the deduction to 50% for 2012.

These enacted provisions did not have a material impact on net income or financial condition but had a favorable impact on cash flows in 2010 and 2011 and are expected to result in material future cash flow benefits in 2012.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES, NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures, including amounts related to legal matters and contingencies.  We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if:

·  
It requires assumptions to be made that were uncertain at the time the estimate was made; and
·  
Changes in the estimate or different estimates that could have been selected could have a material effect on our consolidated net income or financial condition.

 
32

 
We discuss the development and selection of critical accounting estimates as presented below with the Audit Committee of AEP’s Board of Directors and the Audit Committee reviews the disclosure relating to them.

We believe that the current assumptions and other considerations used to estimate amounts reflected in our consolidated financial statements are appropriate.  However, actual results can differ significantly from those estimates.

The sections that follow present information about our critical accounting estimates, as well as the effects of hypothetical changes in the material assumptions used to develop each estimate.

Regulatory Accounting

Nature of Estimates Required

Our financial statements reflect the actions of regulators that can result in the recognition of revenues and expenses in different time periods than enterprises that are not rate-regulated.

We recognize regulatory assets (deferred expenses to be recovered in the future) and regulatory liabilities (deferred future revenue reductions or refunds) for the economic effects of regulation.  Specifically, we match the timing of expense and income recognition with regulated revenues.  We also record liabilities for refunds, or probable refunds, to customers that have not been made.

Assumptions and Approach Used

When incurred costs are probable of recovery through regulated rates, we record them as regulatory assets on the balance sheet.  We review the probability of recovery at each balance sheet date and whenever new events occur.  Similarly, we record regulatory liabilities when a determination is made that a refund is probable or when ordered by a commission.  Examples of new events that affect probability include changes in the regulatory environment, issuance of a regulatory commission order or passage of new legislation.  The assumptions and judgments used by regulatory authorities continue to have an impact on the recovery of costs as well as the return of revenues, rate of return earned on invested capital and timing and amount of assets to be recovered through regulated rates.  If recovery of a regulatory asset is no longer probable, we write off that regulatory asset as a charge against earnings.  A write-off of regulatory assets or establishment of a regulatory liability may also reduce future cash flows since there will be no recovery through regulated rates.

Effect if Different Assumptions Used

A change in the above assumptions may result in a material impact on our net income.  Refer to Note 4 for further detail related to regulatory assets and liabilities.

Revenue Recognition – Unbilled Revenues

Nature of Estimates Required

We record revenues when energy is delivered to the customer.  The determination of sales to individual customers is based on the reading of their meters, which we perform on a systematic basis throughout the month.  At the end of each month, amounts of energy delivered to customers since the date of the last meter reading are estimated and the corresponding unbilled revenue accrual is recorded.  This estimate is reversed in the following month and actual revenue is recorded based on meter readings.  In accordance with the applicable state commission regulatory treatment in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas, PSO and SWEPCo do not record the fuel portion of unbilled revenue.

The changes in unbilled electric utility revenues included in Revenue on our statements of income were $(81) million, $46 million and $55 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The changes in unbilled electric revenues are primarily due to changes in weather and rate increases.  Accrued unbilled revenues for the Utility Operations segment were $468 million and $549 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
33

 
Assumptions and Approach Used

For each operating company, we compute the monthly estimate for unbilled revenues as net generation less the current month’s billed KWH plus the prior month’s unbilled KWH.  However, due to meter reading issues, meter drift and other anomalies, a separate monthly calculation limits the unbilled estimate within a range of values.  This limiter calculation is derived from an allocation of billed KWH to the current month and previous month, on a cycle-by-cycle basis, and by dividing the current month aggregated result by the billed KWH.  The limits are statistically set at one standard deviation from this percentage to determine the upper and lower limits of the range.  The unbilled estimate is compared to the limiter calculation and adjusted for variances exceeding the upper and lower limits.

Effect if Different Assumptions Used

Significant fluctuations in energy demand for the unbilled period, weather, line losses or changes in the composition of customer classes could impact the accuracy of the unbilled revenue estimate.  A 1% change in the limiter calculation when it is outside the range would increase or decrease unbilled revenues by 1% of the accrued unbilled revenues.

Accounting for Derivative Instruments

Nature of Estimates Required

We consider fair value techniques, valuation adjustments related to credit and liquidity and judgments related to the probability of forecasted transactions occurring within the specified time period to be critical accounting estimates.  These estimates are considered significant because they are highly susceptible to change from period to period and are dependent on many subjective factors.

Assumptions and Approach Used

We measure the fair values of derivative instruments and hedge instruments accounted for using MTM accounting based on exchange prices and broker quotes.  If a quoted market price is not available, we estimate the fair value based on the best market information available including valuation models that estimate future energy prices based on existing market and broker quotes, supply and demand market data and other assumptions.  Fair value estimates, based upon the best market information available, involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment.  These uncertainties include projections of macroeconomic trends and future commodity prices, including supply and demand levels and future price volatility.

We reduce fair values by estimated valuation adjustments for items such as discounting, liquidity and credit quality.  We calculate liquidity adjustments by utilizing bid/ask spreads to estimate the potential fair value impact of liquidating open positions over a reasonable period of time.  We calculate credit adjustments on our risk management contracts using estimated default probabilities and recovery rates relative to our counterparties or counterparties with similar credit profiles and contractual netting agreements.

With respect to hedge accounting, we assess hedge effectiveness and evaluate a forecasted transaction’s probability of occurrence within the specified time period as provided in the original hedge documentation.

Effect if Different Assumptions Used

There is inherent risk in valuation modeling given the complexity and volatility of energy markets.  Therefore, it is possible that results in future periods may be materially different as contracts settle.

The probability that hedged forecasted transactions will not occur by the end of the specified time period could change operating results by requiring amounts currently classified in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be classified into operating income.
 
34

 
For additional information regarding derivatives, hedging and fair value measurements, see Notes 9 and 10.  See “Fair Value Measurements of Assets and Liabilities” section of Note 1 for fair value calculation policy.

Long-Lived Assets

Nature of Estimates Required

In accordance with the requirements of “Property, Plant and Equipment” accounting guidance, we evaluate long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of any such assets may not be recoverable including planned abandonments and a probable disallowance for rate-making on a plant under construction or the assets meet the held-for-sale criteria.  We utilize a group composite method of depreciation to estimate the useful lives of long-lived assets.  The evaluations of long-lived, held-and-used assets may result from abandonments, significant decreases in the market price of an asset, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which an asset is being used or in its physical condition, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate that could affect the value of an asset, as well as other economic or operations analyses.  If the carrying amount is not recoverable, we record an impairment to the extent that the fair value of the asset is less than its book value.  For assets held for sale, an impairment is recognized if the expected net sales price is less than its book value.  For regulated assets, the earnings impact of an impairment charge could be offset by the establishment of a regulatory asset if rate recovery is probable.  For nonregulated assets, any impairment charge is recorded against earnings.

Assumptions and Approach Used

The fair value of an asset is the amount at which that asset could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties other than in a forced or liquidation sale.  Quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value and are used as the basis for the measurement, if available.  In the absence of quoted prices for identical or similar assets in active markets, we estimate fair value using various internal and external valuation methods including cash flow projections or other market indicators of fair value such as bids received, comparable sales or independent appraisals.  We perform depreciation studies that include a review of any external factors that may affect the useful life to determine composite depreciation rates and related lives which are subject to periodic review by state regulatory commissions for cost-based regulated assets.  The fair value of the asset could be different using different estimates and assumptions in these valuation techniques.

Effect if Different Assumptions Used

In connection with the evaluation of long-lived assets in accordance with the requirements of “Property, Plant and Equipment” accounting guidance, the fair value of an asset can vary if different estimates and assumptions would have been used in our applied valuation techniques.  The estimate for depreciation rates takes into account the history of interim capital replacements and the amount of salvage expected.  In cases of impairment, we made our best estimate of fair value using valuation methods based on the most current information at that time.  Fluctuations in realized sales proceeds versus the estimated fair value of the asset are generally due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to, differences in subsequent market conditions, the level of bidder interest, timing and terms of the transactions and our analysis of the benefits of the transaction.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

We maintain a qualified, defined benefit pension plan (Qualified Plan), which covers substantially all nonunion and certain union employees, and unfunded, nonqualified supplemental plans (Nonqualified Plans) to provide benefits in excess of deductible amounts as permitted under the provisions of the tax law to be paid to participants in the Qualified Plan (collectively the Pension Plans).  Additionally, we entered into individual employment contracts with certain current and retired executives that provide additional retirement benefits as a part of the Nonqualified Plans.  We also sponsor other postretirement benefit plans to provide medical and life insurance benefits for retired employees (Postretirement Plans).  The Pension Plans and Postretirement Plans are collectively the Plans.
 
35

 
For a discussion of investment strategy, investment limitations, target asset allocations and the classification of investments within the fair value hierarchy, see “Investments Held in Trust for Future Liabilities” and “Fair Value Measurements of Assets and Liabilities” sections of Note 1.  See Note 7 for information regarding costs and assumptions for employee retirement and postretirement benefits.

The following table shows the net periodic cost of the Plans:

 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in millions)
Pension Plans
 
$
 118 
 
$
 141 
 
$
 96 
Postretirement Plans
 
 
 73 
 
 
 111 
 
 
 141 

The net periodic benefit cost is calculated based upon a number of actuarial assumptions, including expected long-term rates of return on the Plans’ assets.  In developing the expected long-term rate of return assumption for 2012, we evaluated input from actuaries and investment consultants, including their reviews of asset class return expectations as well as long-term inflation assumptions.  We also considered historical returns of the investment markets.  We anticipate that the investment managers we employ for the Plans will invest the assets to generate future returns averaging 7.25%.

The expected long-term rate of return on the Plans’ assets is based on our targeted asset allocation and our expected investment returns for each investment category.  Our assumptions are summarized in the following table:

 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
 
Assumed/
 
 
 
Assumed/
 
 
2012
 
Expected
 
2012
 
Expected
 
 
Target
 
Long-Term
 
Target
 
Long-Term
 
 
Asset
 
Rate of
 
Asset
 
Rate of
 
 
Allocation
 
Return
 
Allocation
 
Return
Equity
    45 %     8.75 %     66 %     8.50 %
Fixed Income
    45 %     5.25 %     33 %     5.08 %
Other Investments
    10 %     8.75 %     - %     - %
Cash and Cash Equivalents
    - %     - %     1 %     1.55 %
Total
    100 %             100 %        

We regularly review the actual asset allocation and periodically rebalance the investments to our targeted allocation.  We believe that 7.25% is a reasonable estimate of the long-term rate of return on the Plans’ assets despite the recent market volatility.  The Pension Plans’ assets had an actual gain of 8.1% and 13.4% for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The Postretirement Plans’ assets had an actual gain of 0.4% and 11.3% for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  We will continue to evaluate the actuarial assumptions, including the expected rate of return, at least annually, and will adjust the assumptions as necessary.

We base our determination of pension expense or income on a market-related valuation of assets, which reduces year-to-year volatility.  This market-related valuation recognizes investment gains or losses over a five-year period from the year in which they occur.  Investment gains or losses for this purpose are the difference between the expected return calculated using the market-related value of assets and the actual return based on the market-related value of assets.  Since the market-related value of assets recognizes gains or losses over a five-year period, the future value of assets will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recorded.  As of December 31, 2011, we had cumulative losses of approximately $104 million that remain to be recognized in the calculation of the market-related value of assets.  These unrecognized net actuarial losses may result in increases in the future pension costs depending on several factors, including whether such losses at each measurement date exceed the corridor in accordance with “Compensation – Retirement Benefits” accounting guidance.

 
36

 
The method used to determine the discount rate that we utilize for determining future obligations is a duration-based method in which a hypothetical portfolio of high quality corporate bonds similar to those included in the Moody’s Aa bond index is constructed with a duration matching the benefit plan liability.  The composite yield on the hypothetical bond portfolio is used as the discount rate for the plan.  The discount rate at December 31, 2011 under this method was 4.55% for the Qualified Plan, 4.4% for the Nonqualified Plans and 4.75% for the Postretirement Plans.  Due to the effect of the unrecognized actuarial losses and based on an expected rate of return on the Pension Plans’ assets of 7.25%, discount rates of 4.55% and 4.4% and various other assumptions, we estimate that the pension costs for the Pension Plans will approximate $127 million, $150 million and $125 million in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.  Based on an expected rate of return on the Postretirement Plans’ assets of 7.25%, a discount rate of 4.75% and various other assumptions, we estimate costs will approximate $95 million, $88 million and $81 million in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.  Future actual costs will depend on future investment performance, changes in future discount rates and various other factors related to the populations participating in the Plans.  The actuarial assumptions used may differ materially from actual results.  The effects of a 50 basis point change to selective actuarial assumptions are included in the “Effect if Different Assumptions Used” section below.

The value of the Pension Plans’ assets increased to $4.3 billion at December 31, 2011 from $3.9 billion at December 31, 2010 primarily due to $450 million of contributions.  During 2011, the Qualified Plan paid $287 million and the Nonqualified Plans paid $7 million in benefits to plan participants.  The value of the Postretirement Plans’ assets decreased to $1.4 billion at December 31, 2011 from $1.5 billion at December 31, 2010 primarily due to benefits paid exceeding contributions by the company and the participants.  The Postretirement Plans paid $150 million in benefits to plan participants during 2011.

Nature of Estimates Required

We sponsor pension and other retirement and postretirement benefit plans in various forms covering all employees who meet eligibility requirements.  We account for these benefits under “Compensation” and “Plan Accounting” accounting guidance.  The measurement of our pension and postretirement benefit obligations, costs and liabilities is dependent on a variety of assumptions.

Assumptions and Approach Used

The critical assumptions used in developing the required estimates include the following key factors:

·  
Discount rate
·  
Compensation increase rate
·  
Cash balance crediting rate
·  
Health care cost trend rate
·  
Expected return on plan assets

Other assumptions, such as retirement, mortality and turnover, are evaluated periodically and updated to reflect actual experience.
 
37

 
Effect if Different Assumptions Used

The actuarial assumptions used may differ materially from actual results due to changing market and economic conditions, higher or lower withdrawal rates, longer or shorter life spans of participants or higher or lower lump sum versus annuity payout elections by plan participants.  These differences may result in a significant impact to the amount of pension and postretirement benefit expense recorded.  If a 50 basis point change were to occur for the following assumptions, the approximate effect on the financial statements would be as follows:

 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
+0.5%
 
-0.5%
 
+0.5%
 
-0.5%
 
 
(in millions)
Effect on December 31, 2011 Benefit Obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
$
 (256)
 
$
 281 
 
$
 (142)
 
$
 159 
Compensation Increase Rate
 
 
 11 
 
 
 (10)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Cash Balance Crediting Rate
 
 
 45 
 
 
 (40)
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
Health Care Cost Trend Rate
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
 
 
 120 
 
 
 (109)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect on 2011 Periodic Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
 
 (18)
 
 
 19 
 
 
 (11)
 
 
 12 
Compensation Increase Rate
 
 
 4 
 
 
 (4)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Cash Balance Crediting Rate
 
 
 13 
 
 
 (12)
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
Health Care Cost Trend Rate
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
 
 
 18 
 
 
 (16)
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 (20)
 
 
 20 
 
 
 (7)
 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NA   Not Applicable
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted During 2011

We adopted ASU 2011-5 “Presentation of Comprehensive Income” effective for the 2011 Annual Report including the deferral of  the reclassification adjustment presentation provisions of ASU 2011-05 under the terms in ASU 2011-12, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.”  The standard requires other comprehensive income be presented as part of a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in a statement of other comprehensive income immediately following the statement of net income.  This standard changed the presentation of our financial statements but did not affect the calculation of net income, comprehensive income or earnings per share.

See Note 2 for further discussion of accounting pronouncements.

Future Accounting Changes

The FASB’s standard-setting process is ongoing and until new standards have been finalized and issued, we cannot determine the impact on the reporting of our operations and financial position that may result from any such future changes.  The FASB is currently working on several projects including revenue recognition, contingencies, financial instruments, leases, insurance, hedge accounting and consolidation policy.  We also expect to see more FASB projects as a result of its desire to converge International Accounting Standards with GAAP.  The ultimate pronouncements resulting from these and future projects could have an impact on our future net income and financial position.
 
38

 
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risks

Our Utility Operations segment is exposed to certain market risks as a major power producer and through its transactions in wholesale electricity, coal and emission allowance trading and marketing contracts.  These risks include commodity price risk, interest rate risk and credit risk.  In addition, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange risk because occasionally we procure various services and materials used in our energy business from foreign suppliers.  These risks represent the risk of loss that may impact us due to changes in the underlying market prices or rates.

Our Generation and Marketing segment primarily transacts in wholesale energy marketing within ERCOT and, to a lesser extent, wholesale and retail energy contracts in Ohio within PJM and MISO.  This segment is exposed to certain market risks as a marketer of wholesale and retail electricity.  These risks include commodity price risk, interest rate risk and credit risk.  These risks represent the risk of loss that may impact us due to changes in the underlying market prices or rates.

All Other included natural gas operations which held forward natural gas contracts that were not sold with the natural gas pipeline and storage assets.  These contracts were financial derivatives, which settled and expired in the fourth quarter of 2011.

We employ risk management contracts including physical forward purchase and sale contracts and financial forward purchase and sale contracts.  We engage in risk management of power, coal and natural gas and, to a lesser degree, heating oil and gasoline, emission allowance and other commodity contracts to manage the risk associated with our energy business.  As a result, we are subject to price risk.  The amount of risk taken is determined by the commercial operations group in accordance with the market risk policy approved by the Finance Committee of our Board of Directors.  Our market risk oversight staff independently monitors our risk policies, procedures and risk levels and provides members of the Commercial Operations Risk Committee (CORC) various daily, weekly and/or monthly reports regarding compliance with policies, limits and procedures.  The CORC consists of our Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations and Chief Risk Officer.  When commercial activities exceed predetermined limits, we modify the positions to reduce the risk to be within the limits unless specifically approved by the CORC.
 
39

 
The following table summarizes the reasons for changes in total mark-to-market (MTM) value as compared to December 31, 2010:

 
MTM Risk Management Contract Net Assets (Liabilities)
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Generation
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utility
 
and
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operations
 
Marketing
 
All Other
 
Total
 
 
(in millions)
Total MTM Risk Management Contract Net Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
at December 31, 2010
$
 91 
 
$
 140 
 
$
 2 
 
$
 233 
(Gain) Loss from Contracts Realized/Settled During the Period and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Entered in a Prior Period
 
 (21)
 
 
 (22)
 
 
 (2)
 
 
 (45)
Fair Value of New Contracts at Inception When Entered During the
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Period (a)
 
 6 
 
 
 16 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 22 
Net Option Premiums Received for Unexercised or Unexpired
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Option Contracts Entered During the Period
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Changes in Fair Value Due to Market Fluctuations During the
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Period (b)
 
 - 
 
 
 (2)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (2)
Changes in Fair Value Allocated to Regulated Jurisdictions (c)
 
 (17)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (17)
Total MTM Risk Management Contract Net Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
at December 31, 2011
$
 59 
 
$
 132 
 
$
 - 
 
 
 191 
Commodity Cash Flow Hedge Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (5)
Interest Rate and Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (42)
Fair Value Hedge Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 - 
Collateral Deposits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 107 
Total MTM Derivative Contract Net Assets at December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 251 

(a)
Reflects fair value on primarily long-term structured contracts which are typically with customers that seek fixed pricing to limit their risk against fluctuating energy prices.  The contract prices are valued against market curves associated with the delivery location and delivery term.  A significant portion of the total volumetric position has been economically hedged.
(b)
Market fluctuations are attributable to various factors such as supply/demand, weather, etc.
(c)
Relates to the net gains (losses) of those contracts that are not reflected on the statements of income.  These net gains (losses) are recorded as regulatory liabilities/assets.

See Note 9 – Derivatives and Hedging and Note 10 – Fair Value Measurements for additional information related to our risk management contracts.  The following tables and discussion provide information on our credit risk and market volatility risk.
 
40

 
Credit Risk

We limit credit risk in our wholesale marketing and trading activities by assessing the creditworthiness of potential counterparties before entering into transactions with them and continuing to evaluate their creditworthiness on an ongoing basis.  We use Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s and current market-based qualitative and quantitative data as well as financial statements to assess the financial health of counterparties on an ongoing basis.

We have risk management contracts with numerous counterparties.  Since open risk management contracts are valued based on changes in market prices of the related commodities, our exposures change daily.  As of December 31, 2011, our credit exposure net of collateral to sub investment grade counterparties was approximately 5.9%, expressed in terms of net MTM assets, net receivables and the net open positions for contracts not subject to MTM (representing economic risk even though there may not be risk of accounting loss).  As of December 31, 2011, the following table approximates our counterparty credit quality and exposure based on netting across commodities, instruments and legal entities where applicable:

 
 
 
Exposure
 
 
 
 
 
Number of
 
Net Exposure
 
 
Before
 
 
Counterparties
of
 
 
Credit
Credit
Net
>10% of
Counterparties
Counterparty Credit Quality
Collateral
Collateral
Exposure
Net Exposure
>10%
 
 
 
(in millions, except number of counterparties)
Investment Grade
 
$
 611 
 
$
 2 
 
$
 609 
 
 
 1 
 
$
 172 
Split Rating
 
 
 1 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
Noninvestment Grade
 
 
 14 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 12 
No External Ratings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Internal Investment Grade
 
 
 280 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 276 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 128 
 
Internal Noninvestment Grade
 
 
 54 
 
 
 11 
 
 
 43 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 35 
Total as of December 31, 2011
 
$
 960 
 
$
 19 
 
$
 941 
 
 
 5 
 
$
 348 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 946 
 
$
 33 
 
$
 913 
 
 
 7 
 
$
 347 

Value at Risk (VaR) Associated with Risk Management Contracts

We use a risk measurement model, which calculates VaR, to measure our commodity price risk in the risk management portfolio.  The VaR is based on the variance-covariance method using historical prices to estimate volatilities and correlations and assumes a 95% confidence level and a one-day holding period.  Based on this VaR analysis, as of December 31, 2011, a near term typical change in commodity prices is not expected to have a material effect on our net income, cash flows or financial condition.

The following table shows the end, high, average and low market risk as measured by VaR for the trading portfolio for the periods indicated:

VaR Model

Twelve Months Ended
 
Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
End
 
High
 
Average
 
Low
 
End
 
High
 
Average
 
Low
(in millions)
 
(in millions)
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$

We back-test our VaR results against performance due to actual price movements.  Based on the assumed 95% confidence interval, the performance due to actual price movements would be expected to exceed the VaR at least once every 20 trading days.
 
41

 
As our VaR calculation captures recent price movements, we also perform regular stress testing of the portfolio to understand our exposure to extreme price movements.  We employ a historical-based method whereby the current portfolio is subjected to actual, observed price movements from the last four years in order to ascertain which historical price movements translated into the largest potential MTM loss.  We then research the underlying positions, price movements and market events that created the most significant exposure and report the findings to the Risk Executive Committee or the CORC as appropriate.

Interest Rate Risk

We utilize an Earnings at Risk (EaR) model to measure interest rate market risk exposure. EaR statistically quantifies the extent to which our interest expense could vary over the next twelve months and gives a probabilistic estimate of different levels of interest expense.  The resulting EaR is interpreted as the dollar amount by which actual interest expense for the next twelve months could exceed expected interest expense with a one-in-twenty chance of occurrence.  The primary drivers of EaR are from the existing floating rate debt (including short-term debt) as well as long-term debt issuances in the next twelve months.  As calculated on debt outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the estimated EaR on our debt portfolio for the following twelve months was $29 million and $5 million, respectively.
 
 
42

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of American Electric Power Company, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Electric Power Company, Inc. and subsidiary companies (the "Company") as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Electric Power Company, Inc. and subsidiary companies as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2011 the Company changed its method of presenting comprehensive income due to the adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income.  The change in presentation has been applied retrospectively to all periods presented. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, on January 1, 2010, the Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-16, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 28, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

/s/   Deloitte & Touche LLP

Columbus, Ohio
February 28, 2012

 
43

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of American Electric Power Company, Inc.:

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of American Electric Power Company, Inc. and subsidiary companies (the "Company") as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.  Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 of the Company and our report dated February 28, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph relating to the Company’s adoption of new accounting pronouncements in 2011 and 2010.

/s/   Deloitte & Touche LLP

Columbus, Ohio
February 28, 2012
 
 
44

 
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of American Electric Power Company, Inc. and subsidiary companies (AEP) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rule 13a- 15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  AEP’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of AEP’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011.  In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework.  Based on management’s assessment, AEP’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011.

AEP’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on AEP’s internal control over financial reporting.  The Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm appears on the previous page.
 
 
45

 
 
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
(in millions, except per-share and share amounts)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
REVENUES
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Utility Operations
  $ 14,091     $ 13,687     $ 12,733  
Other Revenues
    1,025       740       756  
TOTAL REVENUES
    15,116       14,427       13,489  
EXPENSES
                       
Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation
    4,421       4,029       3,478  
Purchased Electricity for Resale
    1,191       1,000       1,053  
Other Operation
    2,868       3,132       2,620  
Maintenance
    1,236       1,142       1,205  
Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges
    139       -       -  
Depreciation and Amortization
    1,655       1,641       1,597  
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
    824       820       765  
TOTAL EXPENSES
    12,334       11,764       10,718  
 
                       
OPERATING INCOME
    2,782       2,663       2,771  
 
                       
Other Income (Expense):
                       
Interest and Investment Income
    27       38       11  
Carrying Costs Income
    393       70       47  
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
    98       77       82  
Interest Expense
    (933 )     (999 )     (973 )
 
                       
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE AND EQUITY EARNINGS
    2,367       1,849       1,938  
 
                       
Income Tax Expense
    818       643       575  
Equity Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
    27       12       7  
 
                       
INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS
    1,576       1,218       1,370  
 
                       
EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS, NET OF TAX
    373       -       (5 )
 
                       
NET INCOME
    1,949       1,218       1,365  
 
                       
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
    3       4       5  
 
                       
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO AEP SHAREHOLDERS
    1,946       1,214       1,360  
 
                       
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements of Subsidiaries Including Capital Stock Expense
    5       3       3  
 
                       
EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO AEP COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
  $ 1,941     $ 1,211     $ 1,357  
 
                       
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF BASIC AEP COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
    482,169,282       479,373,306       458,677,534  
 
                       
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO AEP COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
                       
Income Before Extraordinary Items
  $ 3.25     $ 2.53     $ 2.97  
Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax
    0.77       -       (0.01 )
 
                       
TOTAL BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO AEP COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
  $ 4.02     $ 2.53     $ 2.96  
 
                       
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF DILUTED AEP COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
    482,460,328       479,601,442       458,982,292  
 
                       
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO AEP COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
                       
Income Before Extraordinary Items
  $ 3.25     $ 2.53     $ 2.97  
Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax
    0.77       -       (0.01 )
 
                       
TOTAL DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO AEP COMMON
                       
SHAREHOLDERS
  $ 4.02     $ 2.53     $ 2.96  
 
                       
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE
  $ 1.85     $ 1.71     $ 1.64  
 
                       
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page 52.
                       
 
 
46

 
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
NET INCOME
  $ 1,949     $ 1,218     $ 1,365  
 
                       
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAXES
                       
Cash Flow Hedges, Net of Tax of $18 in 2011, $14 in 2010 and $4 in 2009
    (34 )     26       7  
Securities Available for Sale, Net of Tax of $1 in 2011, $4 in 2010 and $6 in 2009
    (2 )     (8 )     11  
Reapplication of Regulated Operations Accounting Guidance for Pensions, Net of
                       
Tax of $8 in 2009
    -       -       15  
Amortization of Pension and OPEB Deferred Costs, Net of Tax of $13 in 2011,
                       
$12 in 2010 and $13 in 2009
    24       22       23  
Pension and OPEB Funded Status, Net of Tax of $41 in 2011, $25 in 2010 and
                       
$12 in 2009
    (77 )     (47 )     22  
 
                       
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
    (89 )     (7 )     78  
 
                       
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
    1,860       1,211       1,443  
 
                       
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
    3       4       5  
 
                       
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO AEP
                       
SHAREHOLDERS
    1,857       1,207       1,438  
 
                       
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements Including Capital Stock Expense
    5       3       3  
 
                       
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO AEP
                       
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
  $ 1,852     $ 1,204     $ 1,435  
 
                       
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page 52.
                       

 
 
47

 
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(in millions)
 
 
AEP Common Shareholders
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Paid-in
 
Retained
 
Comprehensive
 
Noncontrolling
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Income (Loss)
 
Interests
 
Total
TOTAL EQUITY – DECEMBER 31, 2008
 
 426 
 
$
 2,771 
 
$
 4,527 
 
$
 3,847 
 
$
 (452)
 
$
 17 
 
$
 10,710 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of Common Stock
 
 72 
 
 
 468 
 
 
 1,311 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1,779 
Common Stock Dividends
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (753)
 
 
 
 
 
 (5)
 
 
 (758)
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements of Subsidiaries
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (3)
Purchase of JMG
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 37 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (18)
 
 
 19 
Other Changes in Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (51)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 (50)
SUBTOTAL – EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 11,697 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1,360 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 1,365 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 78 
 
 
 
 
 
 78 
TOTAL EQUITY – DECEMBER 31, 2009
 
 498 
 
 
 3,239 
 
 
 5,824 
 
 
 4,451 
 
 
 (374)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 13,140 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of Common Stock
 
 3 
 
 
 18 
 
 
 75 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 93 
Common Stock Dividends
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (820)
 
 
 
 
 
 (4)
 
 
 (824)
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements of Subsidiaries
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (3)
Other Changes in Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 
SUBTOTAL – EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 12,411 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1,214 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 1,218 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (7)
 
 
 
 
 
 (7)
TOTAL EQUITY – DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 501 
 
 
 3,257 
 
 
 5,904 
 
 
 4,842 
 
 
 (381)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 13,622 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of Common Stock
 
 3 
 
 
 17 
 
 
 75 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 92 
Common Stock Dividends
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (894)
 
 
 
 
 
 (4)
 
 
 (898)
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements of Subsidiaries
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (2)
Loss on Reacquired Preferred Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (4)
Capital Stock Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (16)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (16)
Other Changes in Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 11 
 
 
 (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 11 
SUBTOTAL – EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 12,805 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1,946 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 1,949 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (89)
 
 
 
 
 
 (89)
TOTAL EQUITY – DECEMBER 31, 2011
 
 504 
 
$
 3,274 
 
$
 5,970 
 
$
 5,890 
 
$
 (470)
 
$
 1 
 
$
 14,665 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page 52.
 
 
48

 
 
 
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
December 31, 2011 and 2010
(in millions)
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
$
 221 
 
$
 294 
Other Temporary Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(December 31, 2011 and 2010 amounts include $281 and $287, respectively, related to Transition Funding and EIS)
 
 
 294 
 
 
 416 
Accounts Receivable:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customers
 
 
 690 
 
 
 683 
 
Accrued Unbilled Revenues
 
 
 106 
 
 
 195 
 
Pledged Accounts Receivable - AEP Credit
 
 
 920 
 
 
 949 
 
Miscellaneous
 
 
 150 
 
 
 137 
 
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
 
 
 (32)
 
 
 (41)
 
 
Total Accounts Receivable
 
 
 1,834 
 
 
 1,923 
Fuel
 
 
 657 
 
 
 837 
Materials and Supplies
 
 
 635 
 
 
 611 
Risk Management Assets
 
 
 193 
 
 
 232 
Accrued Tax Benefits
 
 
 51 
 
 
 389 
Regulatory Asset for Under-Recovered Fuel Costs
 
 
 65 
 
 
 81 
Margin Deposits
 
 
 67 
 
 
 88 
Prepayments and Other Current Assets
 
 
 165 
 
 
 145 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 4,182 
 
 
 5,016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Generation
 
 
 24,938 
 
 
 24,352 
 
Transmission
 
 
 9,048 
 
 
 8,576 
 
Distribution
 
 
 14,783 
 
 
 14,208 
Other Property, Plant and Equipment (including nuclear fuel and coal mining)
 
 
 3,780 
 
 
 3,846 
Construction Work in Progress
 
 
 3,121 
 
 
 2,758 
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 55,670 
 
 
 53,740 
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 18,699 
 
 
 18,066 
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - NET
 
 
 36,971 
 
 
 35,674 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets
 
 
 6,026 
 
 
 4,943 
Securitized Transition Assets
 
 
 1,627 
 
 
 1,742 
Spent Nuclear Fuel and Decommissioning Trusts
 
 
 1,592 
 
 
 1,515 
Goodwill
 
 
 76 
 
 
 76 
Long-term Risk Management Assets
 
 
 403 
 
 
 410 
Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets
 
 
 1,346 
 
 
 1,079 
TOTAL OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 11,070 
 
 
 9,765 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
 52,223 
 
$
 50,455 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page 52.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49

 
 
 
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
December 31, 2011 and 2010
(dollars in millions)
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
Accounts Payable
 
$
 1,095 
 
$
 1,061 
Short-term Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securitized Debt for Receivables - AEP Credit
 
 
 666 
 
 
 690 
 
Other Short-term Debt
 
 
 984 
 
 
 656 
 
 
Total Short-term Debt
 
 
 1,650 
 
 
 1,346 
Long-term Debt Due Within One Year
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(December 31, 2011 and 2010 amounts include $293 and $237, respectively, related to Transition Funding, DCC Fuel and Sabine)
 
 
 1,433 
 
 
 1,309 
Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
 150 
 
 
 129 
Customer Deposits
 
 
 289 
 
 
 273 
Accrued Taxes
 
 
 717 
 
 
 702 
Accrued Interest
 
 
 279 
 
 
 281 
Regulatory Liability for Over-Recovered Fuel Costs
 
 
 8 
 
 
 17 
Deferred Gain and Accrued Litigation Costs
 
 
 - 
 
 
 448 
Other Current Liabilities
 
 
 990 
 
 
 952 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 6,611 
 
 
 6,518 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(December 31, 2011 and 2010 amounts include $1,674 and $1,857, respectively, related to Transition Funding, DCC Fuel and Sabine)
 
 
 15,083 
 
 
 15,502 
Long-term Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
 195 
 
 
 141 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 8,227 
 
 
 7,359 
Regulatory Liabilities and Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 3,195 
 
 
 3,171 
Asset Retirement Obligations
 
 
 1,472 
 
 
 1,394 
Employee Benefits and Pension Obligations
 
 
 1,801 
 
 
 1,893 
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 974 
 
 
 795 
TOTAL NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 30,947 
 
 
 30,255 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
 
 37,558 
 
 
 36,773 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption
 
 
 - 
 
 
 60 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rate Matters (Note 3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock – Par Value – $6.50 Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares Authorized
600,000,000 
 
600,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares Issued
503,759,460 
 
501,114,881 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(20,336,592 shares and 20,307,725 shares were held in treasury at December 31, 2011 and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2010, respectively)
 
 
 3,274 
 
 
 3,257 
Paid-in Capital
 
 
 5,970 
 
 
 5,904 
Retained Earnings
 
 
 5,890 
 
 
 4,842 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 (470)
 
 
 (381)
TOTAL AEP COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 14,664 
 
 
 13,622 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
 
 1 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL EQUITY
 
 
 14,665 
 
 
 13,622 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
 52,223 
 
$
 50,455 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page 52.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
50

 
 
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
$
 1,949 
 
$
 1,218 
 
$
 1,365 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 1,655 
 
 
 1,641 
 
 
 1,597 
 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 794 
 
 
 809 
 
 
 1,244 
 
 
Gain on Settlement with BOA and Enron
 
 
 (51)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
Settlement of Litigation with BOA and Enron
 
 
 (211)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax
 
 
 (373)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5 
 
 
Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges
 
 
 139 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
Carrying Costs Income
 
 
 (393)
 
 
 (70)
 
 
 (47)
 
 
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
 
 
 (98)
 
 
 (77)
 
 
 (82)
 
 
Mark-to-Market of Risk Management Contracts
 
 
 37 
 
 
 30 
 
 
 (59)
 
 
Amortization of Nuclear Fuel
 
 
 137 
 
 
 139 
 
 
 63 
 
 
Pension Contributions to Qualified Plan Trust
 
 
 (450)
 
 
 (500)
 
 
 - 
 
 
Property Taxes
 
 
 (15)
 
 
 (21)
 
 
 (17)
 
 
Fuel Over/Under-Recovery, Net
 
 
 (25)
 
 
 (253)
 
 
 (474)
 
 
Change in Other Noncurrent Assets
 
 
 (112)
 
 
 (89)
 
 
 (152)
 
 
Change in Other Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 307 
 
 
 202 
 
 
 244 
 
Changes in Certain Components of Working Capital:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Receivable, Net
 
 
 107 
 
 
 (866)
 
 
 41 
 
 
 
Fuel, Materials and Supplies
 
 
 176 
 
 
 221 
 
 
 (475)
 
 
 
Accounts Payable
 
 
 (44)
 
 
 (36)
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
Accrued Taxes, Net
 
 
 193 
 
 
 179 
 
 
 (470)
 
 
 
Other Current Assets
 
 
 37 
 
 
 73 
 
 
 (73)
 
 
 
Other Current Liabilities
 
 
 29 
 
 
 62 
 
 
 (243)
Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
 
 3,788 
 
 
 2,662 
 
 
 2,475 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction Expenditures
 
 
 (2,669)
 
 
 (2,345)
 
 
 (2,792)
Change in Other Temporary Investments, Net
 
 
 8 
 
 
 (4)
 
 
 16 
Purchases of Investment Securities
 
 
 (1,321)
 
 
 (1,918)
 
 
 (853)
Sales of Investment Securities
 
 
 1,379 
 
 
 1,817 
 
 
 748 
Acquisitions of Nuclear Fuel
 
 
 (106)
 
 
 (91)
 
 
 (169)
Acquisitions of Assets
 
 
 (19)
 
 
 (155)
 
 
 (104)
Acquisition of Cushion Gas from BOA
 
 
 (214)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Proceeds from Sales of Assets
 
 
 123 
 
 
 187 
 
 
 278 
Other Investing Activities
 
 
 (71)
 
 
 (14)
 
 
 (40)
Net Cash Flows Used for Investing Activities
 
 
 (2,890)
 
 
 (2,523)
 
 
 (2,916)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of Common Stock, Net
 
 
 92 
 
 
 93 
 
 
 1,728 
Issuance of Long-term Debt
 
 
 1,328 
 
 
 1,270 
 
 
 2,306 
Commercial Paper and Credit Facility Borrowings
 
 
 488 
 
 
 565 
 
 
 127 
Change in Short-term Debt, Net
 
 
 744 
 
 
 770 
 
 
 119 
Retirement of Long-term Debt
 
 
 (1,665)
 
 
 (1,993)
 
 
 (816)
Retirement of Cumulative Preferred Stock
 
 
 (64)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Commercial Paper and Credit Facility Repayments
 
 
 (928)
 
 
 (115)
 
 
 (2,096)
Principal Payments for Capital Lease Obligations
 
 
 (71)
 
 
 (95)
 
 
 (82)
Dividends Paid on Common Stock
 
 
 (898)
 
 
 (824)
 
 
 (758)
Dividends Paid on Cumulative Preferred Stock
 
 
 (2)
 
 
 (3)
 
 
 (3)
Other Financing Activities
 
 
 5 
 
 
 (3)
 
 
 (5)
Net Cash Flows from (Used for) Financing Activities
 
 
 (971)
 
 
 (335)
 
 
 520 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
 (73)
 
 
 (196)
 
 
 79 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
 
 
 294 
 
 
 490 
 
 
 411 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
 
$
 221 
 
$
 294 
 
$
 490 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page 52.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
51

 
 
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
INDEX OF NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
2.
New Accounting Pronouncements and Extraordinary Items
3.
Rate Matters
4.
Effects of Regulation
5.
Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies
6.
Acquisitions, Dispositions and Impairments
7.
Benefit Plans
8.
Business Segments
9.
Derivatives and Hedging
10.
Fair Value Measurements
11.
Income Taxes
12.
Leases
13.
Financing Activities
14.
Stock-Based Compensation
15.
Property, Plant and Equipment
16.
Cost Reduction Initiatives
17.
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information
18.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
 
52

 
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.  ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

ORGANIZATION

The principal business conducted by six of our electric utility operating companies is the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power.  KGPCo, TCC and WPCo provide only transmission and distribution services.  TNC engages in the transmission and distribution of electric power and is a part owner of the Oklaunion Plant operated by PSO.  TNC leases its entire portion of the output of the plant through 2027 to a nonutility affiliate.  AEGCo, a regulated electricity generation company, provides power to three of our regulated electric utility operating companies.  These companies are subject to regulation by the FERC under the Federal Power Act and the Energy Policy Act of 2005.  These companies maintain accounts in accordance with the FERC and other regulatory guidelines.  These companies are subject to further regulation with regard to rates and other matters by state regulatory commissions.

Seven wholly-owned transmission companies and several joint ventures have been approved by the FERC for our new transmission investments.  These companies are subject to regulation by the FERC and maintain their accounts accordingly.

We also engage in wholesale electricity, natural gas and other commodity marketing and risk management activities in the United States.  In addition, our operations include nonregulated wind farms and barging operations and we provide various energy-related services.

CSPCo-OPCo Merger

On December 31, 2011, CSPCo merged into OPCo with OPCo being the surviving entity.  All prior disclosed amounts have been recast as if the merger occurred on the first day of the earliest reporting period.   All contracts and operations of CSPCo and its subsidiary are now part of OPCo.  The merger had no impact on our prior reported net income, cash flow or financial condition.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Rates and Service Regulation

Our public utility subsidiaries’ rates are regulated by the FERC and state regulatory commissions in our eleven state operating territories.  The FERC also regulates our affiliated transactions, including AEPSC intercompany service billings which are generally at cost, under the 2005 Public Utility Holding Company Act and the Federal Power Act.  The FERC also has jurisdiction over the issuances and acquisitions of securities of our public utility subsidiaries, the acquisition or sale of certain utility assets and mergers with another electric utility or holding company.  For non-power goods and services, the FERC requires that a nonregulated affiliate can bill an affiliated public utility company no more than market while a public utility must bill the higher of cost or market to a nonregulated affiliate.  The state regulatory commissions also regulate certain intercompany transactions under various orders and affiliate statutes.  Both the FERC and state regulatory commissions are permitted to review and audit the relevant books and records of companies within a public utility holding company system.

The FERC regulates wholesale power markets and wholesale power transactions.  Our wholesale power transactions are generally market-based.  Wholesale power transactions are cost-based regulated when we negotiate and file a cost-based contract with the FERC or the FERC determines that we have “market power” in the region where the transaction occurs.  We have entered into wholesale power supply contracts with various municipalities and cooperatives that are FERC-regulated, cost-based contracts.  These contracts are generally formula rate mechanisms, which are trued up to actual costs annually.  Our wholesale power transactions in the SPP region are cost-based due to PSO and SWEPCo having market power in the SPP region.
 
53

 
The state regulatory commissions regulate all of the distribution operations and rates of our retail public utilities on a cost basis.  The state regulatory commissions also regulate the retail generation/power supply operations and rates except in Ohio and the ERCOT region of Texas.  The ESP rates in Ohio continue the process of aligning generation/power supply rates over time with market rates.  In the ERCOT region of Texas, the generation/supply business is under customer choice and market pricing and is conducted by Texas Retail Electric Providers (REPs).  Through our nonregulated subsidiaries, we enter into short and long-term wholesale transactions to buy or sell capacity, energy and ancillary services in the ERCOT market.  In addition, these nonregulated subsidiaries control certain wind and coal-fired generation assets, the power from which is marketed and sold in ERCOT.  Effective November 2009, we had no active REPs in ERCOT.  SWEPCo operates in the SPP area which includes a portion of Texas.  In 2009, the Texas legislature amended its restructuring legislation for the generation portion of SWEPCo’s Texas retail jurisdiction to delay indefinitely restructuring requirements.  As a result, SWEPCo reapplied accounting guidance for “Regulated Operations” to its Texas generation operations.

The FERC also regulates our wholesale transmission operations and rates.  The FERC claims jurisdiction over retail transmission rates when retail rates are unbundled in connection with restructuring.  OPCo’s retail transmission rates in Ohio, APCo’s retail transmission rates in Virginia, I&M’s retail transmission rates in Michigan and TCC’s and TNC’s retail transmission rates in Texas are unbundled.  OPCo’s retail transmission rates in Ohio, APCo’s retail transmission rates in Virginia and I&M’s retail transmission rates in Michigan are based on the FERC’s Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT) rates that are cost-based.  Although TCC’s and TNC’s retail transmission rates in Texas are unbundled, retail transmission rates are regulated, on a cost basis, by the PUCT.  Bundled retail transmission rates are regulated, on a cost basis, by the state commissions.

In addition, the FERC regulates the SIA, the Interconnection Agreement, the CSW Operating Agreement, the System Transmission Integration Agreement, the Transmission Agreement, the Transmission Coordination Agreement and the AEP System Interim Allowance Agreement, all of which allocate shared system costs and revenues to the utility subsidiaries that are parties to each agreement.

Principles of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) of which we are the primary beneficiary.  Intercompany items are eliminated in consolidation.  We use the equity method of accounting for equity investments where we exercise significant influence but do not hold a controlling financial interest.  Such investments are recorded as Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on our balance sheets; equity earnings are included in Equity Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries on our statements of income.  We have ownership interests in generating units that are jointly-owned with nonaffiliated companies.  Our proportionate share of the operating costs associated with such facilities is included on our statements of income and our proportionate share of the assets and liabilities are reflected on our balance sheets.

Variable Interest Entities

The accounting guidance for “Variable Interest Entities” is a consolidation model that considers if a company has a controlling financial interest in a VIE.  A controlling financial interest will have both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.  Entities are required to consolidate a VIE when it is determined that they have a controlling financial interest in a VIE and therefore, are the primary beneficiary of that VIE, as defined by the accounting guidance for “Variable Interest Entities.”  In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consider factors such as equity at risk, the amount of the VIE’s variability we absorb, guarantees of indebtedness, voting rights including kick-out rights, the power to direct the VIE, variable interests held by related parties and other factors.  We believe that significant assumptions and judgments were applied consistently.

We are the primary beneficiary of Sabine, DCC Fuel, AEP Credit, Transition Funding and a protected cell of EIS.  In addition, we have not provided material financial or other support to Sabine, DCC Fuel, Transition Funding, our protected cell of EIS and AEP Credit that was not previously contractually required.  We hold a significant variable interest in DHLC and Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC West Virginia Series (West Virginia Series).
 
54

 
Sabine is a mining operator providing mining services to SWEPCo.  SWEPCo has no equity investment in Sabine but is Sabine’s only customer.  SWEPCo guarantees the debt obligations and lease obligations of Sabine.  Under the terms of the note agreements, substantially all assets are pledged and all rights under the lignite mining agreement are assigned to SWEPCo.  The creditors of Sabine have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo.  Under the provisions of the mining agreement, SWEPCo is required to pay, as a part of the cost of lignite delivered, an amount equal to mining costs plus a management fee.  In addition, SWEPCo determines how much coal will be mined each year.  Based on these facts, management concluded that SWEPCo is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate Sabine.  SWEPCo’s total billings from Sabine for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $128 million, $133 million and $99 million, respectively.  See the tables below for the classification of Sabine’s assets and liabilities on our balance sheets.

Our subsidiaries participate in one protected cell of EIS for approximately ten lines of insurance.  EIS has multiple protected cells.  Neither AEP nor its subsidiaries have an equity investment in EIS.  The AEP System is essentially this EIS cell’s only participant, but allows certain third parties access to this insurance.  Our subsidiaries and any allowed third parties share in the insurance coverage, premiums and risk of loss from claims.  Based on our control and the structure of the protected cell and EIS, management concluded that we are the primary beneficiary of the protected cell and are required to consolidate its assets and liabilities.  Our insurance premium expense to the protected cell for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $48 million, $35 million and $30 million, respectively.  See the tables below for the classification of the protected cell’s assets and liabilities on our balance sheets.  The amount reported as equity is the protected cell’s policy holders’ surplus.

I&M has nuclear fuel lease agreements with DCC Fuel LLC, DCC Fuel II LLC, DCC Fuel III LLC and DCC IV LLC (collectively DCC Fuel).  DCC Fuel was formed for the purpose of acquiring, owning and leasing nuclear fuel to I&M.  DCC Fuel purchased the nuclear fuel from I&M with funds received from the issuance of notes to financial institutions.  Each entity is a single-lessee leasing arrangement with only one asset and is capitalized with all debt.  DCC Fuel LLC, DCC Fuel II LLC, DCC Fuel III LLC and DCC Fuel IV LLC are separate legal entities from I&M, the assets of which are not available to satisfy the debts of I&M.  Payments on the DCC Fuel LLC and DCC Fuel II LLC leases are made semi-annually and began in April 2010 and October 2010, respectively.  Payments on the DCC Fuel III LLC lease are made monthly and began in January 2011.  Payments on the DCC Fuel IV LLC lease are made quarterly and began in February 2012.  Payments on the leases for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $85 million and $59 million, respectively.  No payments were made to DCC Fuel in 2009.  The leases were recorded as capital leases on I&M’s balance sheet as title to the nuclear fuel transfers to I&M at the end of the 48, 54, 54 and 54 month lease term, respectively.  Based on our control of DCC Fuel, management concluded that I&M is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate DCC Fuel.  The capital leases are eliminated upon consolidation.  See the tables below for the classification of DCC Fuel’s assets and liabilities on our balance sheets.

AEP Credit is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AEP.  AEP Credit purchases, without recourse, accounts receivable from certain utility subsidiaries of AEP to reduce working capital requirements.  AEP provides a minimum of 5% equity and up to 20% of AEP Credit’s short-term borrowing needs in excess of third party financings.  Any third party financing of AEP Credit only has recourse to the receivables securitized for such financing.  Based on our control of AEP Credit, management has concluded that we are the primary beneficiary and are required to consolidate its assets and liabilities.  See the tables below for the classification of AEP Credit’s assets and liabilities on our balance sheets.  See “Securitized Accounts Receivables – AEP Credit” section of Note 13.
 
55

 
Transition Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to Texas restructuring law.  Management has concluded that TCC is the primary beneficiary of Transition Funding because TCC has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and TCC’s equity interest could potentially be significant.  Therefore, TCC is required to consolidate Transition Funding.  The securitized bonds totaled $1.7 billion and $1.8 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and are included in current and long-term debt on the balance sheets.  Transition Funding has securitized transition assets of $1.6 billion and $1.7 billion at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the balance sheets.  The securitized transition assets represent the right to impose and collect Texas true-up costs from customers receiving electric transmission or distribution service from TCC under recovery mechanisms approved by the PUCT.  The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized transition assets.  The bondholders have no recourse to TCC or any other AEP entity.  TCC acts as the servicer for Transition Funding’s securitized transition assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Transition Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs.  See the tables below for the classification of Transition Funding’s assets and liabilities on our balance sheets.

The balances below represent the assets and liabilities of the VIEs that are consolidated.  These balances include intercompany transactions that are eliminated upon consolidation.

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
December 31, 2011
(in millions)
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
TCC
 
SWEPCo
 
I&M
 
Protected Cell
 
 
 
Transition
 
Sabine
 
DCC Fuel
 
of EIS
 
AEP Credit
 
Funding
ASSETS
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
Current Assets
  $ 48     $ 118     $ 121     $ 910     $ 220
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
    154       188       -       -       -
Other Noncurrent Assets
    42       118       6       1       1,580
Total Assets
  $ 244     $ 424     $ 127     $ 911     $ 1,800
 
                                     
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
                                     
Current Liabilities
  $ 68     $ 103     $ 40     $ 864     $ 229
Noncurrent Liabilities
    176       321       71       1       1,557
Equity
    -       -       16       46       14
Total Liabilities and Equity
  $ 244     $ 424     $ 127     $ 911     $ 1,800
 
                                     
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
December 31, 2010
(in millions)
 
                                     
 
                               
TCC
 
SWEPCo
 
I&M
 
Protected Cell
         
Transition
 
Sabine
 
DCC Fuel
 
of EIS
 
AEP Credit
 
Funding
ASSETS
                                     
Current Assets
  $ 50     $ 92     $ 131     $ 924     $ 214
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
    139       173       -       -       -
Other Noncurrent Assets
    34       112       1       10       1,746
Total Assets
  $ 223     $ 377     $ 132     $ 934     $ 1,960
 
                                     
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
                                     
Current Liabilities
  $ 33     $ 79     $ 33     $ 886     $ 221
Noncurrent Liabilities
    190       298       85       1       1,725
Equity
    -       -       14       47       14
Total Liabilities and Equity
  $ 223     $ 377     $ 132     $ 934     $ 1,960
 
 
56

 
DHLC is a mining operator that sells 50% of the lignite produced to SWEPCo and 50% to CLECO.  SWEPCo and CLECO share the executive board seats and voting rights equally.  Each entity guarantees 50% of DHLC’s debt.  SWEPCo and CLECO equally approve DHLC’s annual budget.  The creditors of DHLC have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo.  As SWEPCo is the sole equity owner of DHLC, it receives 100% of the management fee.  SWEPCo’s total billings from DHLC for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $62 million, $56 million and $43 million, respectively.  We are not required to consolidate DHLC as we are not the primary beneficiary, although we hold a significant variable interest in DHLC.  Our equity investment in DHLC is included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on our balance sheets.

Our investment in DHLC was:

 
December 31,
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
As Reported on
 
Maximum
 
As Reported on
 
Maximum
 
the Balance Sheet
 
Exposure
 
the Balance Sheet
 
Exposure
 
(in millions)
Capital Contribution from SWEPCo
$
 8 
 
$
 8 
 
$
 6 
 
$
 6 
Retained Earnings
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 2 
SWEPCo's Guarantee of Debt
 
 - 
 
 
 52 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 48 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Investment in DHLC
$
 9 
 
$
 61 
 
$
 8 
 
$
 56 

We and FirstEnergy Corp. (FirstEnergy) have a joint venture in Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC (PATH).  In February 2011, PJM directed that work on the PATH project be suspended.  PATH is a series limited liability company and was created to construct, through its operating companies, a high-voltage transmission line project in the PJM region.  PATH consists of the “West Virginia Series (PATH-WV),” owned equally by subsidiaries of FirstEnergy and AEP, and the “Allegheny Series” which is 100% owned by a subsidiary of FirstEnergy.  Provisions exist within the PATH-WV agreement that make it a VIE.  The “Allegheny Series” is not considered a VIE.  We are not required to consolidate PATH-WV as we are not the primary beneficiary, although we hold a significant variable interest in PATH-WV.  Our equity investment in PATH-WV is included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on our balance sheets.  We and FirstEnergy share the returns and losses equally in PATH-WV.  Our subsidiaries and FirstEnergy’s subsidiaries provide services to the PATH companies through service agreements.  As of December 31, 2011, PATH-WV had no debt outstanding.  However, when debt is issued, the debt to equity ratio in each series should be consistent with other regulated utilities.  The entities recover costs through regulated rates.

Given the structure of the entity, we may be required to provide future financial support to PATH-WV in the form of a capital call.  This would be considered an increase to our investment in the entity.  Our maximum exposure to loss is to the extent of our investment.  The likelihood of such a loss is remote since the FERC approved PATH-WV’s request for regulatory recovery of cost and a return on the equity invested.

Our investment in PATH-WV was:

 
December 31,
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
As Reported on
 
Maximum
 
As Reported on
 
Maximum
 
the Balance Sheet
 
Exposure
 
the Balance Sheet
 
Exposure
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
Capital Contribution from AEP
$
 19 
 
$
 19 
 
$
 18 
 
$
 18 
Retained Earnings
 
 10 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Investment in PATH-WV
$
 29 
 
$
 29 
 
$
 24 
 
$
 24 

 
57

 
Accounting for the Effects of Cost-Based Regulation

As the owner of rate-regulated electric public utility companies, our financial statements reflect the actions of regulators that result in the recognition of certain revenues and expenses in different time periods than enterprises that are not rate-regulated.  In accordance with accounting guidance for “Regulated Operations,” we record regulatory assets (deferred expenses) and regulatory liabilities (future revenue reductions or refunds) to reflect the economic effects of regulation by matching expenses with their recovery through regulated revenues and income with its passage to customers through the reduction of regulated revenues.  Due to the passage of legislation requiring restructuring and a transition to customer choice and market-based rates, we discontinued the application of “Regulated Operations” accounting treatment for the generation portion of our business in Ohio for OPCo and in Texas for TNC.  In 2009, the Texas legislature amended its restructuring legislation for the generation portion of SWEPCo’s Texas retail jurisdiction to delay indefinitely restructuring requirements.  As a result, SWEPCo reapplied accounting guidance for “Regulated Operations” to its Texas generation operations.

Accounting guidance for “Discontinuation of Rate-Regulated Operations” requires the recognition of an impairment of stranded net regulatory assets and stranded plant costs if they are not recoverable in regulated rates.  In addition, an enterprise is required to eliminate from its balance sheet the effects of any actions of regulators that had been recognized as regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities.  Such impairments and adjustments are classified as an extraordinary item.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  These estimates include, but are not limited to, inventory valuation, allowance for doubtful accounts, goodwill, intangible and long-lived asset impairment, unbilled electricity revenue, valuation of long-term energy contracts, the effects of regulation, long-lived asset recovery, storm costs, the effects of contingencies and certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and postretirement benefits.  The estimates and assumptions used are based upon management’s evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the financial statements.  Actual results could ultimately differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents include temporary cash investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Other Temporary Investments

Other Temporary Investments include funds held by trustees primarily for the payment of securitization bonds, marketable securities that we intend to hold for less than one year and investments by our protected cell of EIS.

We classify our investments in marketable securities as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity in accordance with the provisions of “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities” accounting guidance.  We do not have any investments classified as trading.

Available-for-sale securities reflected in Other Temporary Investments are carried at fair value with the unrealized gain or loss, net of tax, reported in AOCI.  Held-to-maturity securities reflected in Other Temporary Investments are carried at amortized cost.  The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification or weighted average cost method.

In evaluating potential impairment of securities with unrealized losses, we considered, among other criteria, the current fair value compared to cost, the length of time the security's fair value has been below cost, our intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in value and current economic conditions.  See “Fair Value Measurements of Other Temporary Investments” in Note 10.
 
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Inventory

Fossil fuel inventories are generally carried at average cost.  Materials and supplies inventories are carried at average cost.

Accounts Receivable

Customer accounts receivable primarily include receivables from wholesale and retail energy customers, receivables from energy contract counterparties related to our risk management activities and customer receivables primarily related to other revenue-generating activities.

We recognize revenue from electric power sales when we deliver power to our customers.  To the extent that deliveries have occurred but a bill has not been issued, we accrue and recognize, as Accrued Unbilled Revenues on our balance sheets, an estimate of the revenues for energy delivered since the last billing.

AEP Credit factors accounts receivable on a daily basis, excluding receivables from risk management activities, for I&M, KGPCo, KPCo, OPCo, PSO, SWEPCo and a portion of APCo.  Since APCo does not have regulatory authority to sell accounts receivable in its West Virginia regulatory jurisdiction, only a portion of APCo’s accounts receivable are sold to AEP Credit.  AEP Credit has a receivables securitization agreement with bank conduits.  Under the securitization agreement, AEP Credit receives financing from the bank conduits for the interest in the billed and unbilled receivables AEP Credit acquires from affiliated utility subsidiaries.

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts

Generally, AEP Credit records bad debt expense based upon a 12-month rolling average of bad debt write-offs in proportion to gross accounts receivable purchased from participating AEP subsidiaries.  For receivables related to APCo’s West Virginia operations, the bad debt reserve is calculated based on a rolling two-year average write-off in proportion to gross accounts receivable.  For customer accounts receivables related to our risk management activities, accounts receivables are reviewed for bad debt reserves at a specific counterparty level basis.  For the wires business of TCC and TNC, bad debt reserves are calculated using the specific identification of receivable balances greater than 120 days delinquent, and for those balances less than 120 days where the collection is doubtful.  For miscellaneous accounts receivable, bad debt expense is recorded for all amounts outstanding 180 days or greater at 100%, unless specifically identified.  Miscellaneous accounts receivable items open less than 180 days may be reserved using specific identification for bad debt reserves.

Emission Allowances

In regulated jurisdictions, we record emission allowances at cost, including the annual SO2 and NOx emission allowance entitlements received at no cost from the Federal EPA.  In Ohio, we record allowances at the lower of cost or market for the period after our FAC expires in May 2015.  We follow the inventory model for these allowances.  We record allowances expected to be consumed within one year in Materials and Supplies and allowances with expected consumption beyond one year in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on our balance sheets.  We record the consumption of allowances in the production of energy in Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation on our statements of income at an average cost.  We record allowances held for speculation in Prepayments and Other Current Assets on our balance sheets.  We report the purchases and sales of allowances in the Operating Activities section of the statements of cash flows.  We record the net margin on sales of emission allowances in Utility Operations Revenue on our statements of income because of its integral nature to the production process of energy and our revenue optimization strategy for our utility operations.  The net margin on sales of emission allowances affects the determination of deferred fuel or deferred emission allowance costs and the amortization of regulatory assets for certain jurisdictions.
 
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Property, Plant and Equipment and Equity Investments

Regulated

Electric utility property, plant and equipment for our rate-regulated operations are stated at original purchase cost. Additions, major replacements and betterments are added to the plant accounts.  Normal and routine retirements from the plant accounts, net of salvage, are charged to accumulated depreciation under the group composite method of depreciation.  The group composite method of depreciation assumes that on average, asset components are retired at the end of their useful lives and thus there is no gain or loss.  The equipment in each primary electric plant account is identified as a separate group.  Under the group composite method of depreciation, continuous interim routine replacements of items such as boiler tubes, pumps, motors, etc. result in the original cost, less salvage, being charged to accumulated depreciation.  The depreciation rates that are established take into account the past history of interim capital replacements and the amount of salvage received.  These rates and the related lives are subject to periodic review.  Removal costs are charged to regulatory liabilities.  The costs of labor, materials and overhead incurred to operate and maintain our plants are included in operating expenses.

Long-lived assets are required to be tested for impairment when it is determined that the carrying value of the assets may no longer be recoverable or when the assets meet the held-for-sale criteria under the accounting guidance for “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”  When it becomes probable that an asset in service or an asset under construction will be abandoned and regulatory cost recovery has been disallowed, the cost of that asset shall be removed from plant-in-service or CWIP and charged to expense.  Equity investments are required to be tested for impairment when it is determined there may be an other-than-temporary loss in value.

The fair value of an asset or investment is the amount at which that asset or investment could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties, as opposed to a forced or liquidation sale.  Quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value and are used as the basis for the measurement, if available.  In the absence of quoted prices for identical or similar assets or investments in active markets, fair value is estimated using various internal and external valuation methods including cash flow analysis and appraisals.

Nonregulated

Our nonregulated operations generally follow the policies of our cost-based rate-regulated operations listed above but with the following exceptions.  Property, plant and equipment of nonregulated operations and equity investments (included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets) are stated at fair value at acquisition (or as adjusted for any applicable impairments) plus the original cost of property acquired or constructed since the acquisition, less disposals.  Normal and routine retirements from the plant accounts, net of salvage, are charged to accumulated depreciation for most nonregulated operations under the group composite method of depreciation.  For nonregulated plant assets, a gain or loss would be recorded if the retirement is not considered an interim routine replacement.  Removal costs are charged to expense.
 
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) and Interest Capitalization

AFUDC represents the estimated cost of borrowed and equity funds used to finance construction projects that is capitalized and recovered through depreciation over the service life of regulated electric utility plant.  For nonregulated operations, including generating assets owned by OPCo and certain generating assets in Texas, interest is capitalized during construction in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Capitalization of Interest”.  We record the equity component of AFUDC in Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction and the debt component of AFUDC as a reduction to Interest Expense.

Valuation of Nonderivative Financial Instruments

The book values of Cash and Cash Equivalents, Accounts Receivable, Short-term Debt and Accounts Payable approximate fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.  The book value of the pre-April 1983 spent nuclear fuel disposal liability approximates the best estimate of its fair value.
 
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Fair Value Measurements of Assets and Liabilities

The accounting guidance for “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement).  Where observable inputs are available for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, the instrument is categorized in Level 2.  When quoted market prices are not available, pricing may be completed using comparable securities, dealer values, operating data and general market conditions to determine fair value.  Valuation models utilize various inputs such as commodity, interest rate and, to a lesser degree, volatility and credit that include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, market corroborated inputs (i.e. inputs derived principally from, or correlated to, observable market data) and other observable inputs for the asset or liability.

For our commercial activities, exchange traded derivatives, namely futures contracts, are generally fair valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified as Level 1.  Level 2 inputs primarily consist of OTC broker quotes in moderately active or less active markets, as well as exchange traded contracts where there is insufficient market liquidity to warrant inclusion in Level 1.  We verify our price curves using these broker quotes and classify these fair values within Level 2 when substantially all of the fair value can be corroborated.  We typically obtain multiple broker quotes, which are non-binding in nature, but are based on recent trades in the marketplace.  When multiple broker quotes are obtained, we average the quoted bid and ask prices.  In certain circumstances, we may discard a broker quote if it is a clear outlier.  We use a historical correlation analysis between the broker quoted location and the illiquid locations and if the points are highly correlated we include these locations within Level 2 as well.  Certain OTC and bilaterally executed derivative instruments are executed in less active markets with a lower availability of pricing information.  Long-dated and illiquid complex or structured transactions and FTRs can introduce the need for internally developed modeling inputs based upon extrapolations and assumptions of observable market data to estimate fair value.  When such inputs have a significant impact on the measurement of fair value, the instrument is categorized as Level 3.

We utilize our trustee’s external pricing service in our estimate of the fair value of the underlying investments held in the benefit plan and nuclear trusts.  Our investment managers review and validate the prices utilized by the trustee to determine fair value.  We perform our own valuation testing to verify the fair values of the securities.  We receive audit reports of our trustee’s operating controls and valuation processes.  The trustee uses multiple pricing vendors for the assets held in the trusts.

Assets in the benefits and nuclear trusts, Cash and Cash Equivalents and Other Temporary Investments are classified using the following methods.  Equities are classified as Level 1 holdings if they are actively traded on exchanges.  Items classified as Level 1 are investments in money market funds, fixed income and equity mutual funds and domestic equity securities.  They are valued based on observable inputs primarily unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.  Items classified as Level 2 are primarily investments in individual fixed income securities and cash equivalents funds.  Fixed income securities do not trade on an exchange and do not have an official closing price but their valuation inputs are based on observable market data.  Pricing vendors calculate bond valuations using financial models and matrices.  The models use observable inputs including yields on benchmark securities, quotes by securities brokers, rating agency actions, discounts or premiums on securities compared to par prices, changes in yields for U.S. Treasury securities, corporate actions by bond issuers, prepayment schedules and histories, economic events and, for certain securities, adjustments to yields to reflect changes in the rate of inflation.  Other securities with model-derived valuation inputs that are observable are also classified as Level 2 investments.  Investments with unobservable valuation inputs are classified as Level 3 investments.  Benefit plan assets included in Level 3 are primarily real estate and private equity investments that are valued using methods requiring judgment including appraisals.
 
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Deferred Fuel Costs

The cost of fuel and related emission allowances and emission control chemicals/consumables is charged to Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation expense when the fuel is burned or the allowance or consumable is utilized.  The cost of fuel also includes the cost of nuclear fuel burned which is computed primarily on the units-of-production method.  In regulated jurisdictions with an active FAC, fuel cost over-recoveries (the excess of fuel revenues billed to customers over applicable fuel costs incurred) are generally deferred as current regulatory liabilities and under-recoveries (the excess of applicable fuel costs incurred over fuel revenues billed to customers) are generally deferred as current regulatory assets.  These deferrals are amortized when refunded or when billed to customers in later months with the state regulatory commissions’ review and approval.  The amount of an over-recovery or under-recovery can also be affected by actions of the state regulatory commissions.  On a routine basis, state regulatory commissions review and/or audit our fuel procurement policies and practices, the fuel cost calculations and FAC deferrals.  When a fuel cost disallowance becomes probable, we adjust our FAC deferrals and record provisions for estimated refunds to recognize these probable outcomes.  Fuel cost over-recovery and under-recovery balances are classified as noncurrent when there is a phase-in plan or the FAC has been suspended or terminated.

Changes in fuel costs, including purchased power in Kentucky for KPCo, in Indiana and Michigan for I&M, in Ohio (beginning in 2012 through May 2015) for OPCo, in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas for SWEPCo, in Oklahoma for PSO and in Virginia for APCo are reflected in rates in a timely manner through the FAC.  Changes in fuel costs, including purchased power in Ohio (beginning in 2009 through 2011) for OPCo and in West Virginia for APCo are reflected in rates through FAC phase-in plans.  The FAC generally includes some sharing of off-system sales.  In West Virginia for APCo, all of the profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC.  None of the profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC in Ohio for OPCo.  A portion of profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC and other rate mechanisms in Oklahoma for PSO, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas for SWEPCo, Kentucky for KPCo, Virginia for APCo and in Indiana and Michigan (all areas of Michigan beginning in December 2010) for I&M.  Where the FAC or off-system sales sharing mechanism is capped, frozen or non-existent, changes in fuel costs or sharing of off-system sales impacted earnings.

Revenue Recognition

Regulatory Accounting

Our financial statements reflect the actions of regulators that can result in the recognition of revenues and expenses in different time periods than enterprises that are not rate-regulated.  Regulatory assets (deferred expenses) and regulatory liabilities (deferred revenue reductions or refunds) are recorded to reflect the economic effects of regulation in the same accounting period by matching expenses with their recovery through regulated revenues and by matching income with its passage to customers in cost-based regulated rates.

When regulatory assets are probable of recovery through regulated rates, we record them as assets on our balance sheets.  We test for probability of recovery at each balance sheet date or whenever new events occur.  Examples of new events include the issuance of a regulatory commission order or passage of new legislation.  If it is determined that recovery of a regulatory asset is no longer probable, we write off that regulatory asset as a charge against income.

Traditional Electricity Supply and Delivery Activities

Revenues are recognized from retail and wholesale electricity sales and electricity transmission and distribution delivery services.  We recognize the revenues on our statements of income upon delivery of the energy to the customer and include unbilled as well as billed amounts.  In accordance with the applicable state commission regulatory treatment, PSO and SWEPCo do not record the fuel portion of unbilled revenue.
 
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Most of the power produced at the generation plants of the AEP East companies is sold to PJM, the RTO operating in the east service territory.  We purchase power from PJM to supply our customers.  Generally, these power sales and purchases are reported on a net basis as revenues on our statements of income.  However, purchases of power in excess of sales to PJM, on an hourly net basis, used to serve retail load are recorded gross as Purchased Electricity for Resale on our statements of income.  Other RTOs in which we participate do not function in the same manner as PJM.  They function as balancing organizations and not as exchanges.

Physical energy purchases arising from non-derivative contracts are accounted for on a gross basis in Purchased Electricity for Resale on our statements of income.  Energy purchases arising from non-trading derivative contracts are recorded based on the transaction’s economic substance.  Purchases under non-trading derivatives used to serve accrual based obligations are recorded in Purchased Electricity for Resale on our statements of income.  All other non-trading derivative purchases are recorded net in revenues.

In general, we record expenses when purchased electricity is received and when expenses are incurred, with the exception of certain power purchase contracts that are derivatives and accounted for using MTM accounting where generation/supply rates are not cost-based regulated.  In jurisdictions where the generation/supply business is subject to cost-based regulation, the unrealized MTM amounts are deferred as regulatory assets (for losses) and regulatory liabilities (for gains).

Energy Marketing and Risk Management Activities

We engage in wholesale electricity, natural gas, coal and emission allowances marketing and risk management activities focused on wholesale markets where we own assets and adjacent markets.  Our activities include the purchase and sale of energy under forward contracts at fixed and variable prices and the buying and selling of financial energy contracts, which include exchange traded futures and options, as well as OTC options and swaps.  We engage in certain energy marketing and risk management transactions with RTOs.

We recognize revenues and expenses from wholesale marketing and risk management transactions that are not derivatives upon delivery of the commodity.  We use MTM accounting for wholesale marketing and risk management transactions that are derivatives unless the derivative is designated in a qualifying cash flow hedge relationship or a normal purchase or sale.  We include the unrealized and realized gains and losses on wholesale marketing and risk management transactions that are accounted for using MTM in Revenues on our statements of income on a net basis.  In jurisdictions subject to cost-based regulation, we defer the unrealized MTM amounts and some realized gains and losses as regulatory assets (for losses) and regulatory liabilities (for gains).  We include unrealized MTM gains and losses resulting from derivative contracts on our balance sheets as Risk Management Assets or Liabilities as appropriate.

Certain qualifying wholesale marketing and risk management derivative transactions are designated as hedges of variability in future cash flows as a result of forecasted transactions (cash flow hedge).  We initially record the effective portion of the cash flow hedge’s gain or loss as a component of AOCI.  When the forecasted transaction is realized and affects net income, we subsequently reclassify the gain or loss on the hedge from AOCI into revenues or expenses within the same financial statement line item as the forecasted transaction on our statements of income.  Excluding those jurisdictions subject to cost-based regulation, we recognize the ineffective portion of the gain or loss in revenues or expense immediately on our statements of income, depending on the specific nature of the associated hedged risk.  In regulated jurisdictions, we defer the ineffective portion as regulatory assets (for losses) and regulatory liabilities (for gains).  See “Accounting for Cash Flow Hedging Strategies” section of Note 9.

Barging Activities

AEP River Operations’ revenue is recognized based on percentage of voyage completion.  The proportion of freight transportation revenue to be recognized is determined by applying a percentage to the contractual charges for such services.  The percentage is determined by dividing the number of miles from the loading point to the position of the barge as of the end of the accounting period by the total miles to the destination specified in the customer’s freight contract.  The position of the barge at accounting period end is determined by our computerized barge tracking system.
 
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Levelization of Nuclear Refueling Outage Costs

In accordance with regulatory orders, I&M defers incremental operation and maintenance costs associated with periodic refueling outages at its Cook Plant and amortizes the costs over the period beginning with the month following the start of each unit’s refueling outage and lasting until the end of the month in which the same unit’s next scheduled refueling outage begins.  I&M adjusts the amortization amount as necessary to ensure full amortization of all deferred costs by the end of the refueling cycle.

Maintenance

We expense maintenance costs as incurred.  If it becomes probable that we will recover specifically-incurred costs through future rates, we establish a regulatory asset to match the expensing of those maintenance costs with their recovery in cost-based regulated revenues.  In certain regulatory jurisdictions, we defer costs above the level included in base rates and amortize those deferrals commensurate with recovery through rate riders.

Income Taxes and Investment Tax Credits

We use the liability method of accounting for income taxes.  Under the liability method, we provide deferred income taxes for all temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities which will result in a future tax consequence.

When the flow-through method of accounting for temporary differences is reflected in regulated revenues (that is, when deferred taxes are not included in the cost of service for determining regulated rates for electricity), we record deferred income taxes and establish related regulatory assets and liabilities to match the regulated revenues and tax expense.

We account for investment tax credits under the flow-through method except where regulatory commissions reflect investment tax credits in the rate-making process on a deferral basis.  We amortize deferred investment tax credits over the life of the plant investment.

We account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Income Taxes.”  We classify interest expense or income related to uncertain tax positions as interest expense or income as appropriate and classify penalties as Other Operation.

Excise Taxes

We act as an agent for some state and local governments and collect from customers certain excise taxes levied by those state or local governments on our customers.  We do not recognize these taxes as revenue or expense.

Government Grants

For APCo’s commercial scale Carbon Capture and Sequestration facility at the Mountaineer Plant and OPCo’s gridSMART® demonstration program, APCo and OPCo are reimbursed by the Department of Energy for allowable costs incurred during the billing period.  These reimbursements result in the reduction of Other Operation and Maintenance expenses on our statements of income or a reduction in Construction Work in Progress on our balance sheets.

Debt

We defer gains and losses from the reacquisition of debt used to finance regulated electric utility plants and amortize the deferral over the remaining term of the reacquired debt in accordance with their rate-making treatment unless the debt is refinanced.  If we refinance the reacquired debt associated with the regulated business, the reacquisition costs attributable to the portions of the business subject to cost-based regulatory accounting are generally deferred and amortized over the term of the replacement debt consistent with its recovery in rates.  Some jurisdictions require that these costs be expensed upon reacquisition.  We report gains and losses on the reacquisition of debt for operations not subject to cost-based rate regulation in Interest Expense on our statements of income.
 
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We defer debt discount or premium and debt issuance expenses and amortize generally utilizing the straight-line method over the term of the related debt.  The straight-line method approximates the effective interest method and is consistent with the treatment in rates for regulated operations.  We include the net amortization expense in Interest Expense on our statements of income.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

When we acquire businesses, we record the fair value of all assets and liabilities, including intangible assets.  To the extent that consideration exceeds the fair value of identified assets, we record goodwill.  We do not amortize goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives.  We test acquired goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment at least annually at their estimated fair value.  We test goodwill at the reporting unit level and other intangibles at the asset level.  Fair value is the amount at which an asset or liability could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties, that is, other than in a forced or liquidation sale.  Quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value and are used as the basis for the measurement, if available.  In the absence of quoted prices for identical or similar assets in active markets, we estimate fair value using various internal and external valuation methods.  We amortize intangible assets with finite lives over their respective estimated lives to their estimated residual values.  We also review the lives of the amortizable intangibles with finite lives on an annual basis.

Investments Held in Trust for Future Liabilities

We have several trust funds with significant investments intended to provide for future payments of pension and OPEB benefits, nuclear decommissioning and spent nuclear fuel disposal.  All of our trust funds’ investments are diversified and managed in compliance with all laws and regulations.  Our investment strategy for trust funds is to use a diversified portfolio of investments to achieve an acceptable rate of return while managing the interest rate sensitivity of the assets relative to the associated liabilities.  To minimize investment risk, the trust funds are broadly diversified among classes of assets, investment strategies and investment managers.  We regularly review the actual asset allocations and periodically rebalance the investments to targeted allocations when appropriate.  Investment policies and guidelines allow investment managers in approved strategies to use financial derivatives to obtain or manage market exposures and to hedge assets and liabilities.  The investments are reported at fair value under the “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” accounting guidance.

Benefit Plans

All benefit plan assets are invested in accordance with each plan’s investment policy.  The investment policy outlines the investment objectives, strategies and target asset allocations by plan.

The investment philosophies for our benefit plans support the allocation of assets to minimize risks and optimize net returns.  Strategies used include:

·  
Maintaining a long-term investment horizon.
·  
Diversifying assets to help control volatility of returns at acceptable levels.
·  
Managing fees, transaction costs and tax liabilities to maximize investment earnings.
·  
Using active management of investments where appropriate risk/return opportunities exist.
·  
Keeping portfolio structure style-neutral to limit volatility compared to applicable benchmarks.
·  
Using alternative asset classes such as real estate and private equity to maximize return and provide additional portfolio diversification.

 
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The investment policy for the pension fund allocates assets based on the funded status of the pension plan.  The objective of the asset allocation policy is to reduce the investment volatility of the plan over time.  Generally, more of the investment mix will be allocated to fixed income investments as the plan becomes better funded.  Assets will be transferred away from equity investments into fixed income investments based on the market value of plan assets compared to the plan’s projected benefit obligation.  The current target asset allocations are as follows:

Pension Plan Assets
 
Target
Equity
 
 45.0 
%
Fixed Income
 
 45.0 
%
Other Investments
 
 10.0 
%
 
 
 
OPEB Plans Assets
 
Target
Equity
 
 66.0 
%
Fixed Income
 
 33.0 
%
Cash
 
 1.0 
%

The investment policy for each benefit plan contains various investment limitations.  The investment policies establish concentration limits for securities.  Investment policies prohibit the benefit trust funds from purchasing securities issued by AEP (with the exception of proportionate and immaterial holdings of AEP securities in passive index strategies).  However, our investment policies do not preclude the benefit trust funds from receiving contributions in the form of AEP securities, provided that the AEP securities acquired by each plan may not exceed the limitations imposed by law.  Each investment manager's portfolio is compared to a diversified benchmark index.

For equity investments, the limits are as follows:

·  
No security in excess of 5% of all equities.
·  
Cash equivalents must be less than 10% of an investment manager's equity portfolio.
·  
No individual stock may be more than 10% of each manager's equity portfolio.
·  
No investment in excess of 5% of an outstanding class of any company.
·  
No securities may be bought or sold on margin or other use of leverage.

For fixed income investments, the concentration limits must not exceed:

·  
3% in any single issuer
·  
5% private placements
·  
5% convertible securities
·  
60% for bonds rated AA+ or lower
·  
50% for bonds rated A+ or lower
·  
10% for bonds rated BBB- or lower

For obligations of non-government issuers, the following limitations apply:

·  
AAA rated debt: a single issuer should account for no more than 5% of the portfolio.
·  
AA+, AA, AA- rated debt: a single issuer should account for no more than 3% of the portfolio.
·  
Debt rated A+ or lower:  a single issuer should account for no more than 2% of the portfolio.
·  
No more than 10% of the portfolio may be invested in high yield and emerging market debt combined at any time.

A portion of the pension assets is invested in real estate funds to provide diversification, add return and hedge against inflation.  Real estate properties are illiquid, difficult to value and not actively traded.  The pension plan uses external real estate investment managers to invest in commingled funds that hold real estate properties.  To mitigate investment risk in the real estate portfolio, commingled real estate funds are used to ensure that holdings are diversified by region, property type and risk classification.  Real estate holdings include core, value-added and development risk classifications and some investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), which are publicly traded real estate securities classified as Level 1.
 
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A portion of the pension assets is invested in private equity.  Private equity investments add return and provide diversification and typically require a long-term time horizon to evaluate investment performance.  Private equity is classified as an alternative investment because it is illiquid, difficult to value and not actively traded.  The pension plan uses limited partnerships and commingled funds to invest across the private equity investment spectrum.   Our private equity holdings are with 11 general partners who help monitor the investments and provide investment selection expertise.  The holdings are currently comprised of venture capital, buyout and hybrid debt and equity investment instruments.  Commingled private equity funds are used to enhance the holdings’ diversity.

We participate in a securities lending program with BNY Mellon to provide incremental income on idle assets and to provide income to offset custody fees and other administrative expenses.  We lend securities to borrowers approved by BNY Mellon in exchange for cash collateral.  All loans are collateralized by at least 102% of the loaned asset’s market value and the cash collateral is invested.  The difference between the rebate owed to the borrower and the cash collateral rate of return determines the earnings on the loaned security.  The securities lending program’s objective is providing modest incremental income with a limited increase in risk.

We hold trust owned life insurance (TOLI) underwritten by The Prudential Insurance Company in the OPEB plan trusts.  The strategy for holding life insurance contracts in the taxable Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust is to minimize taxes paid on the asset growth in the trust.  Earnings on plan assets are tax-deferred within the TOLI contract and can be tax-free if held until claims are paid.  Life insurance proceeds remain in the trust and are used to fund future retiree medical benefit liabilities.  With consideration to other investments held in the trust, the cash value of the TOLI contracts is invested in two diversified funds.  A portion is invested in a commingled fund with underlying investments in stocks that are actively traded on major international equity exchanges.  The other portion of the TOLI cash value is invested in a diversified, commingled fixed income fund with underlying investments in government bonds, corporate bonds and asset-backed securities.

Cash and cash equivalents are held in each trust to provide liquidity and meet short-term cash needs. Cash equivalent funds are used to provide diversification and preserve principal.  The underlying holdings in the cash funds are investment grade money market instruments including commercial paper, certificates of deposit, treasury bills and other types of investment grade short-term debt securities.  The cash funds are valued each business day and provide daily liquidity.

Nuclear Trust Funds

Nuclear decommissioning and spent nuclear fuel trust funds represent funds that regulatory commissions allow us to collect through rates to fund future decommissioning and spent nuclear fuel disposal liabilities.  By rules or orders, the IURC, the MPSC and the FERC established investment limitations and general risk management guidelines.  In general, limitations include:

·  
Acceptable investments (rated investment grade or above when purchased).
·  
Maximum percentage invested in a specific type of investment.
·  
Prohibition of investment in obligations of AEP or its affiliates.
·  
Withdrawals permitted only for payment of decommissioning costs and trust expenses.

We maintain trust records for each regulatory jurisdiction. The trust assets may not be used for another jurisdiction’s liabilities.  Regulatory approval is required to withdraw decommissioning funds.  These funds are managed by external investment managers who must comply with the guidelines and rules of the applicable regulatory authorities.  The trust assets are invested to optimize the net of tax earnings of the trust giving consideration to liquidity, risk, diversification and other prudent investment objectives.

We record securities held in these trust funds as Spent Nuclear Fuel and Decommissioning Trusts on our balance sheets.  We record these securities at fair value.  We classify securities in the trust funds as available-for-sale due to their long-term purpose.  Other-than-temporary impairments for investments in both debt and equity securities are considered realized losses as a result of securities being managed by an external investment management firm.  The external investment management firm makes specific investment decisions regarding the equity and debt investments held in these trusts and generally intends to sell debt securities in an unrealized loss position as part of a tax optimization strategy.  Impairments reduce the cost basis of the securities which will affect any future unrealized
 
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gain or realized gain or loss due to the adjusted cost of investment.  We record unrealized gains and other-than-temporary impairments from securities in these trust funds as adjustments to the regulatory liability account for the nuclear decommissioning trust funds and to regulatory assets or liabilities for the spent nuclear fuel disposal trust funds in accordance with their treatment in rates.  Consequently, changes in fair value of trust assets do not affect earnings or AOCI.  See the “Nuclear Contingencies” section of Note 5 for additional discussion of nuclear matters.  See “Fair Value Measurements of Trust Assets for Decommissioning and SNF Disposal” section of Note 10 for disclosure of the fair value of assets within the trusts.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity (net assets) of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from nonowner sources.  It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.  Comprehensive income (loss) has two components: net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss).

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI)

AOCI is included on our balance sheets in our equity section.  Our components of AOCI as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are shown in the following table:

 
 
December 31,
Components
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
(in millions)
Cash Flow Hedges, Net of Tax
 
$
 (23)
 
$
 11 
Securities Available for Sale, Net of Tax
 
 
 2 
 
 
 4 
Amortization of Pension and OPEB Deferred Costs, Net of Tax
 
 
 81 
 
 
 57 
Pension and OPEB Funded Status, Net of Tax
 
 
 (530)
 
 
 (453)
Total
 
$
 (470)
 
$
 (381)

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

At December 31, 2011, we had stock options, performance units, restricted shares and restricted stock units outstanding under The Amended and Restated American Electric Power System Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP).  This plan was last approved by shareholders in April 2010.

We maintain a variety of tax qualified and nonqualified deferred compensation plans for employees and non-employee directors that include, among other options, an investment in or an investment return equivalent to that of AEP common stock.  This includes career share accounts maintained under the American Electric Power System Stock Ownership Requirement Plan, which facilitates executives in meeting minimum stock ownership requirements assigned to them by the HR Committee of the Board of Directors.  Career shares are derived from vested performance units granted to employees under the LTIP.  Career shares are equal in value to shares of AEP common stock and do not become payable to executives until after their service ends.  Dividends paid on career shares are reinvested as additional career shares.

We compensate our non-employee directors, in part, with stock units under the American Electric Power Company, Inc. Stock Unit Accumulation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.  These stock units become payable in cash to directors after their service ends.

In January 2006, we adopted accounting guidance for “Compensation - Stock Compensation” which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including stock options, based on estimated fair values.
 
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We recognize compensation expense for all share-based awards with service only vesting conditions granted on or after January 2006 using the straight-line single-option method.  Stock-based compensation expense recognized on our statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest.  Therefore, stock-based compensation expense has been reduced to reflect estimated forfeitures.  Accounting guidance for “Compensation - Stock Compensation” requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, compensation expense is included in Net Income for the performance units, career shares, restricted shares, restricted stock units and the non-employee director’s stock units.  See Note 15 for additional discussion.

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Shown below are income statement amounts attributable to AEP common shareholders:

 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Amounts Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Income Before Extraordinary Items
 
$
 1,568 
 
$
 1,211 
 
$
 1,362 
Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax
 
 
 373 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (5)
Net Income
 
$
 1,941 
 
$
 1,211 
 
$
 1,357 

Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average outstanding common shares, assuming conversion of all potentially dilutive stock options and awards.

The following table presents our basic and diluted EPS calculations included on our statements of income:

 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
 
(in millions, except per share data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$/share
 
 
 
 
$/share
 
 
 
 
$/share
Earnings Attributable to AEP Common
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders
 
$
 1,941 
 
 
 
 
$
 1,211 
 
 
 
 
$
 1,357 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Number of Basic Shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding
 
 
 482.2 
 
$
 4.02 
 
 
 479.4 
 
$
 2.53 
 
 
 458.7 
 
$
 2.96 
Weighted Average Dilutive Effect of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performance Share Units
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 0.1 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 0.3 
 
 
 - 
 
 
Stock Options
 
 
 0.1 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
Restricted Stock Units
 
 
 0.2 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 0.1 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Weighted Average Number of Diluted Shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding
 
 
 482.5 
 
$
 4.02 
 
 
 479.6 
 
$
 2.53 
 
 
 459.0 
 
$
 2.96 

Options to purchase 136,250 and 452,216 shares of common stock were outstanding at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share attributable to AEP common shareholders.  Since the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares, the effect would have been antidilutive.  There were no antidilutive shares outstanding at December 31, 2011.
 
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OPCo Revised Depreciation Rates

Effective December 1, 2011, we revised book depreciation rates for certain of OPCo’s generating plants consistent with shortened depreciable lives for the generating units.  This change in depreciable lives is expected to result in a $54 million increase in depreciation expense in 2012.
 
Supplementary Information
 
 
 
 
 
 Years Ended December 31,
 
Related Party Transactions
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
AEP Consolidated Revenues – Utility Operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation (43.47% owned)
 
$
 - 
 
$
 (20)
(a)
$
 - 
 
AEP Consolidated Revenues – Other Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation – Barging and Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transportation Services (43.47% Owned)
 
 
 37 
 
 
 29 
 
 
 31 
 
AEP Consolidated Expenses – Purchased Electricity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  for Resale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation (43.47% Owned)
 
 
 383 
(b)
 
 302 
(b)
 
 286 
 

(a)
The AEP Power Pool purchased power from OVEC to serve off-system sales through an agreement that began in January 2010 and ended in June 2010.
(b)
The AEP Power Pool purchased power from OVEC to serve retail sales in 2011 and 2010.  The total amount reported in 2011 and 2010 includes $66 million and $10 million, respectively, related to these agreements.

 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Cash Flow Information
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Cash Paid (Received) for:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest, Net of Capitalized Amounts
 
$
 900 
 
$
 958 
 
$
 924 
 
Income Taxes
 
 
 (118)
 
 
 (268)
 
 
 (98)
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisitions Under Capital Leases
 
 
 54 
 
 
 225 
 
 
 86 
Construction Expenditures Included in Current Liabilities at December 31,
 
 
 380 
 
 
 267 
 
 
 348 

 
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2.  NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

We review the new accounting literature to determine its relevance, if any, to our business.  The following represents a summary of final pronouncements that impact our financial statements.

Pronouncements Adopted During 2011

The following standards were adopted during 2011.  Consequently, their impact is reflected in the financial statements.  The following paragraphs discuss their impact.

ASU 2011-05 “Presentation of Comprehensive Income” (ASU 2011-05)

We adopted ASU 2011-05 effective for the 2011 Annual Report.  The standard requires other comprehensive income be presented as part of a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in a statement of other comprehensive income immediately following the statement of net income.

This standard requires retrospective application to all reporting periods presented in the financial statements.  This standard changed the presentation of our financial statements but did not affect the calculation of net income, comprehensive income or earnings per share.  The FASB deferred the reclassification adjustment presentation provisions of ASU 2011-05 under the terms in ASU 2011-12, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.”

EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS

TCC Texas Restructuring

In February 2006, the PUCT issued an order that denied recovery of capacity auction true-up amounts.  Based on the February 2006 PUCT order, TCC recorded the disallowance as a $421 million ($273 million, net of tax) extraordinary loss in the December 31, 2005 financial statements.  In July 2011, the Supreme Court of Texas reversed the PUCT’s February 2006 disallowance of capacity auction true-up amounts and remanded for reconsideration the treatment of certain tax balances under normalization rules.  Based upon the Supreme Court of Texas reversal of the PUCT’s capacity auction true-up disallowance, TCC recorded a pretax gain of $421 million ($273 million, net of tax) in Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax on the statements of income in the third quarter of 2011.

Following a remand proceeding, the PUCT allowed TCC to retain contested tax balances in full satisfaction of its true-up proceeding, including carrying charges.  Based upon the PUCT order, TCC recorded the reversal of regulatory credits of $65 million ($42 million, net of tax) and the reversal of $89 million of accumulated deferred investment tax credits ($58 million, net of tax) in Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax on the statements of income in the fourth quarter of 2011.  See “Texas Restructuring” section of Note AEP_RM.

SWEPCo Texas Restructuring

In August 2006, the PUCT adopted a rule extending the delay in implementation of customer choice in SWEPCo’s SPP area of Texas until no sooner than January 1, 2011.  In May 2009, the governor of Texas signed a bill related to SWEPCo’s SPP area of Texas that requires continued cost of service regulation until certain stages have been completed and approved by the PUCT such that fair competition is available to all Texas retail customer classes.  Based upon the signing of the bill, SWEPCo re-applied “Regulated Operations” accounting guidance for the generation portion of SWEPCo’s Texas retail jurisdiction effective second quarter of 2009.  Management believes that a return to competition in the SPP area of Texas will not occur.  The reapplication of “Regulated Operations” accounting guidance resulted in an $8 million ($5 million, net of tax) extraordinary loss.
 
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3.  RATE MATTERS

Our subsidiaries are involved in rate and regulatory proceedings at the FERC and their state commissions.  Rate matters can have a material impact on net income, cash flows and possibly financial condition.  Our recent significant rate orders and pending rate filings are addressed in this note.

OPCo Rate Matters

Ohio Electric Security Plan Filing

2009 – 2011 ESP
 
The PUCO issued an order in March 2009 that modified and approved the ESP which established rates at the start of the April 2009 billing cycle through 2011.  OPCo collected the 2009 annualized revenue increase over the last nine months of 2009.  The order also provided a phase-in FAC, which was authorized to be recovered through a non-bypassable surcharge over the period 2012 through 2018 or until securitized.  The net FAC deferral as of December 31, 2011 was $521 million, excluding unrecognized equity carrying costs.  Collection of the FAC began in January 2012.  If OPCo is not ultimately permitted to fully recover its FAC deferral, it would reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.  The PUCO’s March 2009 order was appealed to the Supreme Court of Ohio, which issued an opinion and remanded certain issues back to the PUCO.

In October 2011, the PUCO issued an order in the remand proceeding.  The order required OPCo to cease POLR billings and apply POLR collections since June 2011 first to the FAC deferral with any remaining balance to be credited to OPCo’s customers in November and December 2011.  As a result, OPCo recorded a pretax write-off of $47 million on the statement of income related to POLR for the period June 2011 through October 2011.  OPCo ceased collection of POLR billings in November 2011.  The PUCO order also agreed with OPCo’s position that the ESP statute provided a legal basis for reflecting an environmental carrying charge in OPCo’s base generation rates.  In addition, the PUCO rejected the intervenors’ proposed adjustments to the FAC deferral balance for POLR charges and environmental carrying charges for the period from April 2009 through May 2011.  In February 2012, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) and the Industrial Energy Users-Ohio (IEU) filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio challenging various issues, including the PUCO’s refusal to order retrospective relief concerning the POLR charges collected during 2009 – 2011 and various aspects of the approved environmental carrying charge, which if ordered could total up to $698 million, excluding carrying costs.

In January 2011, the PUCO issued an order on the 2009 Significantly Excessive Earnings Test (SEET) filing and determined that 2009 earnings exceeded the PUCO determined threshold by 2.13%.  As a result, the PUCO ordered a $43 million refund of pretax earnings to customers, which was recorded in OPCo’s 2010 statement of income.  The PUCO ordered that the significantly excessive earnings be applied first to the FAC deferral, as of the date of the order, with any remaining balance to be credited to customers on a per kilowatt basis.  That credit began with the first billing cycle in February 2011 and continued through December 2011.  In May 2011, the IEU and the Ohio Energy Group (OEG) filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio challenging the PUCO’s SEET decision.  The OEG’s appeal seeks the inclusion of off-system sales (OSS) in the calculation of SEET, which, if ordered, could require an additional refund of $22 million based on the PUCO approved SEET calculation.  The IEU’s appeal also sought the inclusion of OSS as well as other items in the determination of SEET, but did not quantify the amount.  Management is unable to predict the outcome of the appeals.  If the Supreme Court of Ohio ultimately determines that additional amounts should be refunded, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

In July 2011, OPCo filed its 2010 SEET filing with the PUCO based upon the approach in the PUCO’s 2009 order.  Subsequent testimony and legal briefs from intervenors recommended a refund of up to $62 million of 2010 earnings, which included OSS in the SEET calculation.  In December 2011, the PUCO staff filed testimony that recommended a $23 million refund of 2010 earnings.  In the fourth quarter of 2011, OPCo provided a reserve based upon management’s estimate of the probable amount for a PUCO ordered SEET refund.
 
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OPCo is required to file its 2011 SEET filing with the PUCO in 2012.  Management does not currently believe that there are significantly excessive earnings in 2011.  Management is unable to predict the outcome of the unresolved litigation discussed above.  If these proceedings, including future SEET filings, result in adverse rulings, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

January 2012 – May 2016 ESP

In January 2011, OPCo filed an application with the PUCO to approve a new ESP that includes a standard service offer (SSO) pricing for generation.  The filed ESP also included alternative energy resource requirements and addressed provisions regarding distribution service, energy efficiency requirements, economic development, job retention in Ohio, generation resources and other matters.
 
In December 2011, a modified stipulation was approved by the PUCO which involved various issues pending before the PUCO.  Various parties, including OPCo, filed requests for rehearing with the PUCO.  In February 2012, the PUCO issued an entry on rehearing which rejected the modified stipulation and ordered a return to the 2011 ESP rates until a new rate plan is approved.  Under the February 2012 rehearing order, OPCo has 30 days to notify the PUCO whether it plans to modify or withdraw its original application as filed in January 2011.  Management is currently evaluating its options and the potential financial and operational impacts on OPCo.
 
2011 Ohio Distribution Base Rate Case

In February 2011, OPCo filed with the PUCO for an annual increase in distribution rates of $94 million based upon an 11.15% return on common equity to be effective January 2012.  In December 2011, a stipulation was approved by the PUCO which provided for no change in distribution rates and a new rider for a $15 million annual credit to residential ratepayers due principally to the inclusion of the rate base distribution investment in the Distribution Investment Rider (DIR).  See the “January 2012 – May 2016 ESP” section above.  The stipulation also approved recovery of certain distribution regulatory assets of $173 million as of December 31, 2011, excluding $154 million of unrecognized equity carrying costs.  These assets and unrecognized carrying costs will be recovered in a distribution asset recovery rider over seven years with an additional long term debt carrying charge, effective January 2012.

Due to the February 2012 PUCO ESP entry on rehearing which rejected the modified stipulation for a new ESP, collection of the DIR terminated.  OPCo has the right to withdraw from the stipulation in the distribution base rate case.  Management is currently evaluating all its options.  If OPCo is not ultimately permitted to fully recover its costs and deferrals, it would reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.
 
Sporn Unit 5

In October 2010, OPCo filed an application with the PUCO for the approval of a December 2010 closure of Sporn Unit 5 and the simultaneous establishment of a new non-bypassable distribution rider outside the rate caps established in the 2009 – 2011 ESP proceeding.

In the third quarter of 2011, management decided to no longer offer the output of Sporn Unit 5 into the PJM market.  Sporn Unit 5 is not expected to operate in the future, resulting in the removal of Sporn Unit 5 from the AEP Power Pool.  As a result, in the third quarter of 2011, OPCo recorded a pretax write-off of $48 million in Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges on the statement of income.  In January 2012, the PUCO issued an order which denied recovery of a new non-bypassable distribution rider and declined to exercise jurisdiction over the closure of Sporn Unit 5.
 
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2009 Fuel Adjustment Clause Audit

As required under the ESP orders, the PUCO selected an outside consultant to conduct the audit of the FAC for OPCo for the period of January 2009 through December 2009.  In May 2010, the outside consultant provided its confidential audit report to the PUCO.  The audit report included a recommendation that the PUCO review whether any proceeds from a 2008 coal contract settlement agreement which totaled $72 million should reduce OPCo’s FAC under-recovery balance.  Of the total proceeds, approximately $58 million was recognized as a reduction to fuel expense prior to 2009 and $14 million was recognized as a reduction to fuel expense in 2009 and 2010, of which approximately $7 million was the retail jurisdictional share which reduced the FAC deferral in 2009 and 2010.

In January 2012, the PUCO ordered that the remaining $65 million in proceeds from the 2008 coal contract settlement be applied against OPCo’s under-recovered fuel balance pending a PUCO decision in OPCo's February 2012 rehearing request.  OPCo’s rehearing request stated that no additional gain should be credited to the FAC or at most only the retail share of the $58 million gain be applied to the FAC, which approximated $30 million.  Further, the January 2012 PUCO order stated that a consultant be hired to review the coal reserve valuation and recommend whether any additional value should benefit ratepayers.  Management is unable to predict the outcome of the consultant’s recommendation.  If the PUCO ultimately determines that additional amounts related to the coal reserve valuation should benefit ratepayers, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition. 

2010 Fuel Adjustment Clause Audit

In May 2011, the PUCO-selected outside consultant issued its results of the 2010 FAC audit for OPCo.  The audit report included a recommendation that the PUCO reexamine the carrying costs on the deferred FAC balance and determine whether the carrying costs on the balance should be net of accumulated income taxes.  As of December 31, 2011, the amount of OPCo’s carrying costs that could potentially be at risk is estimated to be $15 million, excluding $17 million of unrecognized equity carrying costs.  A decision from the PUCO is pending.  Management is unable to predict the outcome of this proceeding.  If the PUCO order results in a reduction in the carrying charges related to the FAC deferrals, it would reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

Ormet Interim Arrangement

OPCo and Ormet, a large aluminum company, filed an application with the PUCO for approval of an interim arrangement governing the provision of generation service to Ormet.  This interim arrangement was approved by the PUCO and was effective from January 2009 through September 2009.  In March 2009, the PUCO approved a FAC in the ESP filing and the FAC aspect of the ESP order was upheld by the Supreme Court of Ohio.  The approval of the FAC as part of the ESP, together with the PUCO approval of the interim arrangement, provided the basis to record a regulatory asset for the difference between the approved market price and the rate paid by Ormet.  Through September 2009, the last month of the interim arrangement, OPCo had $64 million of deferred FAC costs related to the interim arrangement, excluding $2 million of unrecognized equity carrying costs.  In November 2009, OPCo requested that the PUCO approve recovery of the deferral under the interim agreement plus a weighted average cost of capital carrying charge.  The interim arrangement deferral is included in OPCo’s FAC phase-in deferral balance.  In the ESP proceeding, intervenors requested that OPCo be required to refund the Ormet-related regulatory asset and requested that the PUCO prevent OPCo from collecting the Ormet-related revenues in the future.  The PUCO did not take any action on this request in the 2009-2011 ESP proceeding.  The intervenors raised the issue again in response to OPCo’s November 2009 filing to approve recovery of the deferral under the interim agreement and this issue remains pending before the PUCO.  If OPCo is not ultimately permitted to fully recover its requested deferrals under the interim arrangement, it would reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

Economic Development Rider

In April 2010, the Industrial Energy Users-Ohio (IEU) filed a notice of appeal of the 2009 PUCO-approved Economic Development Rider (EDR) with the Supreme Court of Ohio.  The EDR collects from ratepayers the difference between the standard tariff and lower contract billings to qualifying industrial customers, subject to PUCO approval.  In June 2011, the Supreme Court of Ohio affirmed the PUCO’s decision and dismissed the IEU’s appeal.
 
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In June 2010, the IEU filed a notice of appeal of the 2010 PUCO-approved EDR with the Supreme Court of Ohio raising the same issues as in the 2009 EDR appeal.  In addition, the IEU added a claim that OPCo should not be able to take the benefits of the higher ESP rates while simultaneously challenging the ESP orders.  In June 2011, the IEU voluntarily dismissed the 2010 EDR appeal issues that were the same issues dismissed by the Supreme Court of Ohio in its 2009 EDR appeal referenced above.  In August 2011, the Supreme Court of Ohio affirmed the PUCO’s decision on the remaining issues.

Ohio IGCC Plant

In March 2005, OPCo filed an application with the PUCO seeking authority to recover costs of building and operating an IGCC power plant.  Through December 31, 2011, OPCo has collected $24 million in pre-construction costs authorized in a June 2006 PUCO order and has incurred pre-construction costs.  Intervenors have filed motions with the PUCO requesting all collected pre-construction costs be refunded to Ohio ratepayers with interest.

Management cannot predict the outcome of any cost recovery litigation concerning the Ohio IGCC plant or what effect, if any, such litigation would have on future net income and cash flows.  However, if OPCo is required to refund pre-construction costs collected, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

SWEPCo Rate Matters

Turk Plant

SWEPCo is currently constructing the Turk Plant, a new base load 600 MW pulverized coal ultra-supercritical generating unit in Arkansas, which is expected to be in service in the fourth quarter of 2012.  SWEPCo owns 73% (440 MW) of the Turk Plant and will operate the completed facility.  The Turk Plant is currently estimated to cost $1.8 billion, excluding AFUDC, plus an additional $122 million for transmission, excluding AFUDC.  SWEPCo’s share is currently estimated to cost $1.3 billion, excluding AFUDC, plus the additional $122 million for transmission, excluding AFUDC.  As of December 31, 2011, excluding costs attributable to its joint owners and a provision for a Texas capital costs cap, SWEPCo has capitalized approximately $1.4 billion of expenditures (including AFUDC and capitalized interest of $220 million and related transmission costs of $104 million).  As of December 31, 2011, the joint owners and SWEPCo have contractual construction obligations of approximately $125 million (including related transmission costs of $8 million).  SWEPCo’s share of the contractual construction obligations is $94 million.

The APSC granted approval for SWEPCo to build the Turk Plant by issuing a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (CECPN) for the 88 MW SWEPCo Arkansas jurisdictional share of the Turk Plant.  Following an appeal by certain intervenors, the Arkansas Supreme Court issued a decision that reversed the APSC’s grant of the CECPN.  SWEPCo filed a notice with the APSC of its intent to proceed with construction of the Turk Plant but that SWEPCo no longer intends to pursue a CECPN to seek recovery of the originally approved 88 MW portion of Turk Plant costs in Arkansas retail rates.

The PUCT issued an order approving a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) for the Turk Plant with the following conditions: (a) a cap on the recovery of jurisdictional capital costs for the Turk Plant based on the previously estimated $1.522 billion projected construction cost, excluding AFUDC and related transmission costs, (b) a cap on recovery of annual CO2 emission costs at $28 per ton through the year 2030 and (c) a requirement to hold Texas ratepayers financially harmless from any adverse impact related to the Turk Plant not being fully subscribed to by other utilities or wholesale customers.  SWEPCo appealed the PUCT’s order contending the two cost cap restrictions are unlawful.  The Texas Industrial Energy Consumers filed an appeal contending that the PUCT’s grant of a conditional CCN for the Turk Plant should be revoked because the Turk Plant is unnecessary to serve retail customers.  In February 2010, the Texas District Court affirmed the PUCT’s order in all respects.  In March 2010, SWEPCo and the Texas Industrial Energy Consumers appealed this decision to the Texas Court of Appeals.  In November 2011, the Texas Court of Appeals affirmed the PUCT’s order in all respects.  As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2011, SWEPCo recorded a pretax write-off of $49 million in Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges on the statement of income related to the estimated excess of the Texas jurisdictional portion of the Turk Plant above the Texas jurisdictional capital costs cap.  In December 2011, SWEPCo and the Texas Industrial Energy Consumers filed motions for rehearing at the Texas Court of Appeals which were denied in January 2012.  SWEPCo intends to seek review of the Texas Court of Appeals decision at the Supreme Court of Texas.
 
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Several parties, including the Hempstead County Hunting Club, the Sierra Club and the National Audubon Society had challenged the air permit, the wastewater discharge permit and the wetlands permit that were issued for the Turk Plant.  Those parties also sought a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to stop construction of the Turk Plant.  The motion for preliminary injunction was partially granted in 2010.  In 2011, SWEPCo entered into settlement agreements with these parties which resolved all outstanding issues related to the permits and the APSC’s grant of a CECPN.  The parties dismissed all pending permit and CECPN challenges at the APSC, other administrative agencies and the courts.

If SWEPCo cannot recover all of its investment and expenses related to the Turk Plant, it would materially reduce future net income and cash flows and materially impact financial condition.

Texas Turk Plant Rate Plan

In August 2011, SWEPCo requested approval of a plan from the PUCT for including the Turk Plant investment in Texas retail rates.  SWEPCo’s application was dismissed in December 2011.  The PUCT stated that, as a matter of policy, the PUCT would not order a return on CWIP outside of a full base rate case proceeding.    SWEPCo intends to file a full base rate case in 2012 with a proposed rate increase closely aligned with the commercial operation date of the Turk Plant.

TCC Rate Matters

TEXAS RESTRUCTURING

Texas Restructuring Appeals

Pursuant to PUCT restructuring orders, TCC securitized net recoverable stranded generation costs of $2.5 billion and is recovering the principal and interest on the securitization bonds through the end of 2020.  TCC also refunded other net true-up regulatory liabilities of $375 million during the period October 2006 through June 2008 via a CTC credit rate rider under PUCT restructuring orders.  TCC and intervenors appealed the PUCT’s true-up related orders.  After rulings from the Texas District Court and the Texas Court of Appeals, TCC, the PUCT and intervenors filed petitions for review with the Supreme Court of Texas.  In July 2011, the Supreme Court of Texas issued its opinion reversing the PUCT’s 2006 order denying recovery of capacity auction true-up amounts and remanding for reconsideration the treatment of certain tax balances under normalization rules.  In December 2011, the PUCT approved an unopposed stipulation allowing TCC to recover $800 million, including carrying charges, and retain contested tax balances in full satisfaction of its true-up proceeding.  The following actions resulted from these decisions:

·  
Based upon the Supreme Court of Texas’ reversal of the PUCT’s capacity auction true-up disallowance, TCC recorded $421 million of pretax income ($273 million, net of tax) in Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax on the statement of income in the third quarter of 2011.

·  
In 2011, TCC recorded $271 million in pretax Carrying Costs Income on the statement of income related to the debt component of carrying costs for the period from January 2002 through December 2011.  This carrying costs income represents previously unrecorded earnings associated with restructuring in Texas since 2002.  The total regulatory asset related to the capacity auction true-up as of December 31, 2011 was $692 million, excluding unrecognized equity carrying costs.  TCC plans to continue to recognize debt carrying costs income until securitization occurs and plans to recognize equity carrying costs income as collected from customers over the life of the securitization.

·  
The PUCT allowed TCC to retain contested tax balances in full satisfaction of its true-up proceeding, including carrying charges.  TCC recorded the reversal of regulatory credits of $65 million ($42 million, net of tax) in Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax on the statement of income in the fourth quarter of 2011.  Also, in the fourth quarter of 2011, TCC recorded $52 million in pretax Carrying Costs Income on the statement of income.  TCC also recorded the reversal of $89 million of accumulated deferred investment tax credits ($58 million, net of tax) in Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax on the statement of income in the fourth quarter of 2011.  See the “TCC Deferred Investment Tax Credits and Excess Deferred Federal Income Taxes” section below.

 
76

 
·  
The Supreme Court of Texas reversed the Texas Court of Appeals’ decision and found that the PUCT could adjust the net book value for what it determined to be commercially unreasonable conduct.  This portion of the decision is unfavorable, but was already reflected in the financial statements.

·  
The Supreme Court of Texas affirmed the PUCT’s finding that the sales price should be used to value TCC’s nuclear generation.  This portion of the decision is favorable, but this issue will have no impact on TCC’s rate recovery as this was already reflected in the financial statements.

·  
The Supreme Court of Texas reversed the Texas Court of Appeals’ decision and found it was appropriate for the PUCT to take into account previously refunded excess mitigation credits to affiliate retail electricity providers.  This portion of the decision upheld the PUCT’s decision.

·  
The PUCT decisions allowing recovery of construction work in progress balances and specifying the interest rate on stranded costs were upheld.  These decisions are already reflected in the financial statements and were not addressed in the remand proceeding.

The approved stipulation resolved all remaining issues in these dockets.  In December 2011, TCC filed an application with the PUCT for a financing order to recover the $800 million through the issuance of securitization bonds as permitted by Texas statutory provisions.  In January 2012, the PUCT approved the request.  TCC anticipates issuing the bonds in March 2012.

TCC Deferred Investment Tax Credits and Excess Deferred Federal Income Taxes

In 2006, the PUCT reduced recovery of the amount securitized by $103 million of tax benefits including associated carrying costs related to TCC’s generation assets.  In 2006, TCC obtained a private letter ruling from the IRS which confirmed that such a reduction was an IRS normalization violation.  In 2008, the IRS issued final regulations, which supported the IRS’s private letter ruling which would make the refunding of or the reduction of the amount securitized by such tax benefits a normalization violation.  After the IRS issued its final regulations, the tax normalization issue was remanded to the PUCT for its consideration of additional evidence including the IRS regulations.  In December 2011, the PUCT approved an unopposed stipulation allowing TCC to retain contested tax balances in full satisfaction of its true-up proceeding, including carrying charges, in final resolution of this issue.  See the “Texas Restructuring Appeals” section above.

TCC Excess Earnings

In 2005, a Texas appellate court issued a decision finding that a PUCT order requiring TCC to refund to the Texas Retail Electric Providers excess earnings prior to and outside of the true-up process was unlawful under the Texas Restructuring Legislation.  From 2002 to 2005, TCC refunded $55 million of excess earnings, including interest, under the overturned PUCT order.  In the true-up proceeding, the PUCT adjusted stranded costs for TCC’s payment of excess earnings under the PUCT order.  However, the PUCT did not properly recognize TCC’s payment of interest under the prior order, causing TCC to refund interest twice.  The Supreme Court of Texas approved the PUCT treatment of these matters in the true-up case, noting that TCC could pursue its additional interest claim in further proceedings related to the excess earnings order.  TCC agreed to dismiss its claims as part of the stipulation approved by the PUCT in the true-up proceeding.  See the “Texas Restructuring Appeals” section above.  The dismissal did not have any impact on TCC’s rate recovery as this was already reflected in the financial statements.
 
77

 
APCo and WPCo Rate Matters

2011 Virginia Biennial Base Rate Case

In March 2011, APCo filed a generation and distribution base rate request with the Virginia SCC to increase annual base rates by $126 million based upon an 11.65% return on common equity.  The return on common equity included a requested 0.5% renewable portfolio standards (RPS) incentive as allowed by law.

In November 2011, the Virginia SCC issued an order which approved a $55 million increase in generation and distribution base rates, effective February 2012, and a 10.9% return on common equity, which included a 0.5% RPS incentive.  The $55 million increase included $39 million related to an increase in depreciation rates.

Rate Adjustment Clauses

In 2007, the Virginia law governing the regulation of electric utility service was amended to, among other items, provide for rate adjustment clauses (RACs) beginning in January 2009 for the timely and current recovery of costs of: (a) transmission services billed by an RTO, (b) demand side management and energy efficiency programs, (c) renewable energy programs, (d) environmental compliance projects and (e) new generation facilities, including major unit modifications.  In accordance with Virginia law, APCo is deferring incremental environmental costs incurred after December 2008 and renewable energy costs incurred after December 2007 which are not being recovered in current revenues.  As of December 31, 2011, APCo has deferred $24 million of environmental costs, excluding $6 million of unrecognized equity carrying costs, incurred from January 2009 through December 2010, $18 million of environmental costs, excluding $4 million of unrecognized equity carrying costs, incurred in 2011 and $44 million of renewable energy costs.

In March 2011, APCo filed for approval of an environmental RAC, a renewable energy program RAC and a generation RAC.  The environmental RAC requested recovery of $77 million of incremental environmental compliance costs incurred from January 2009 through December 2010.  The renewable energy program RAC requested recovery of $6 million for the incremental portion of deferred wind power costs for the Camp Grove and Fowler Ridge projects through December 2010.  The generation RAC requested recovery of the Dresden Plant, which was placed into service in January 2012.  With Virginia SCC approval, APCo purchased the Dresden Plant from AEGCo in August 2011 for $302 million. 

In August 2011, a stipulation was filed with the Virginia SCC related to the generation RAC.  The stipulation requested recovery of the Dresden Plant costs totaling up to $27 million annually, effective March 2012.  In January 2012, the Virginia SCC issued an order which modified and approved the stipulation to allow APCo to recover $26 million annually, effective March 2012.
 
In November 2011, the Virginia SCC issued an order which approved recovery of $6 million for the incremental portion of deferred wind power costs for the Camp Grove and Fowler Ridge projects, effective February 2012.  In addition, the order found that APCo can recover the non-incremental deferred wind power costs of $27 million as of December 31, 2011 through the FAC.

Also in November 2011, the Virginia SCC issued an order which approved environmental RAC recovery of $30 million to be collected over one year beginning in February 2012.  The Virginia SCC denied recovery of certain environmental costs.  As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2011, APCo recorded a pretax write-off of $31 million on the statement of income related to environmental compliance costs incurred from January 2009 through December 2010.  In December 2011, APCo filed a notice of appeal with the Supreme Court of Virginia regarding the Virginia SCC’s environmental RAC decision.  If the Virginia SCC were to disallow a portion of APCo’s deferred environmental compliance costs incurred since January 2011, it would reduce future net income and cash flows.
 
78

 
2010 West Virginia Base Rate Case

In May 2010, APCo and WPCo filed a request with the WVPSC to increase annual base rates by $156 million based upon an 11.75% return on common equity.  In March 2011, the WVPSC modified and approved a settlement agreement which increased annual base rates by approximately $51 million based upon a 10% return on common equity, effective April 2011.  The settlement agreement also resulted in a pretax write-off of a portion of the Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage Product Validation Facility in March 2011.  See “Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage Project” section below.  In addition, the WVPSC allowed APCo to defer and amortize $18 million of previously expensed 2009 incremental storm expenses and allowed APCo and WPCo to defer and amortize $15 million of previously expensed costs related to the 2010 cost reduction initiatives, each over a period of seven years.

Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage Project

Product Validation Facility (PVF)

APCo and ALSTOM Power, Inc., an unrelated third party, jointly constructed a CO2 capture validation facility, which was placed into service in September 2009.  APCo also constructed and owns the necessary facilities to store the CO2.  In October 2009, APCo started injecting CO2 into the underground storage facilities.  The injection of CO2 required the recording of an asset retirement obligation and an offsetting regulatory asset.  In May 2011, the PVF ended operations.

In APCo’s and WPCo’s May 2010 West Virginia base rate filing, APCo and WPCo requested rate base treatment of the PVF, including recovery of the related asset retirement obligation regulatory asset amortization and accretion.  In March 2011, a WVPSC order denied the request for rate base treatment of the PVF largely due to its experimental operation.  The base rate order provided that should APCo construct a commercial scale carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) facility, only the West Virginia portion of the PVF costs, based on load sharing among certain AEP operating companies, may be considered used and useful plant in service and included in future rate base.  See “2010 West Virginia Base Rate Case” section above.  In 2011, APCo recorded a net pretax write-off of $14 million in Other Operation expense on the statement of income related to the write-off of a portion of the West Virginia jurisdictional share of the PVF offset by an asset retirement obligation adjustment.  As of December 31, 2011, APCo has recorded $14 million in Regulatory Assets on the balance sheet related to the PVF.  If APCo cannot recover its remaining PVF investment and related accretion expenses, it would reduce future net income and cash flows.

Carbon Capture and Sequestration Project with the Department of Energy (DOE) (Commercial Scale Project)

During 2010, AEPSC, on behalf of APCo, began the project definition stage for the potential construction of a new commercial scale CCS facility at the Mountaineer Plant.  The DOE agreed to fund 50% of allowable costs incurred for the CCS facility up to a maximum of $334 million.  A Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study was completed during the third quarter of 2011.  Management postponed any further CCS project activities because of the uncertainty about the regulation of CO2.  In June 2011, the FEED study costs were allocated among the AEP East companies, PSO and SWEPCo based on eligible plants that could potentially benefit from the carbon capture.  As of December 31, 2011, APCo has incurred $34 million in total project costs and has received $20 million of DOE and other eligible funding resulting in $14 million of net costs, of which $8 million was written off.  The remaining $6 million in net costs are recorded in Regulatory Assets on the balance sheet.  If the costs of the CCS project cannot be recovered, it would reduce future net income and cash flows.

APCo’s Filings for an IGCC Plant

Through December 31, 2011, APCo deferred for future recovery pre-construction IGCC costs of approximately $9 million applicable to its West Virginia jurisdiction, approximately $2 million applicable to its FERC jurisdiction and approximately $9 million applicable to its Virginia jurisdiction.  APCo will not start construction of the IGCC plant until sufficient assurance of full cost recovery exists in Virginia and West Virginia.  If the plant is cancelled, APCo plans to seek recovery of its prudently incurred deferred pre-construction costs.  If the costs are not recoverable, it would reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.
 
79

 
APCo’s and WPCo’s Expanded Net Energy Charge (ENEC) Filing

In September 2009, the WVPSC issued an order approving APCo’s and WPCo’s March 2009 ENEC request.  The approved order provided for recovery of an under-recovered balance plus a projected increase in ENEC costs over a four-year phase-in period with an overall increase of $355 million and a first-year increase of $124 million, effective October 2009.

In June 2010, the WVPSC approved a settlement agreement for $96 million, including $10 million of construction surcharges related to APCo’s and WPCo’s second year ENEC increase.  The settlement agreement allows APCo to accrue a weighted average cost of a capital carrying charge on the excess under-recovery balance due to the ENEC phase-in as adjusted for the impacts of accumulated deferred income taxes.  The new rates became effective in July 2010.

In June 2011, the WVPSC issued an order approving a $98 million annual increase including $8 million of construction surcharges and $8 million of carrying charges related to APCo’s and WPCo’s third year ENEC increase.  The order also allows APCo to accrue a fixed annual carrying cost rate of 4%.  The new rates became effective in July 2011.  Additionally, the order approved APCo’s request to purchase the Dresden Plant from AEGCo and approved deferral of post in-service Dresden Plant costs, including a return, for future recovery.  APCo purchased the Dresden Plant from AEGCo in August 2011 for $302 million.  As of December 31, 2011, APCo’s ENEC under-recovery balance of $359 million was recorded in Regulatory Assets on the balance sheet, excluding $7 million of unrecognized equity carrying costs.  If the WVPSC were to disallow a portion of APCo’s and WPCo’s deferred ENEC costs, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

PSO Rate Matters

PSO 2008 Fuel and Purchased Power

In July 2009, the OCC initiated a proceeding to review PSO’s fuel and purchased power adjustment clause for the calendar year 2008 and also initiated a prudence review of the related costs.  In March 2010, the Oklahoma Attorney General and the Oklahoma Industrial Energy Consumers (OIEC) recommended the fuel clause adjustment rider be amended so that the shareholder’s portion of off-system sales margins decrease from 25% to 10%.  The OIEC also recommended that the OCC conduct a comprehensive review of all affiliate fuel transactions during 2007 and 2008.  In July 2010, additional testimony regarding the 2007 transfer of ERCOT trading contracts to AEPEP was filed.  The testimony included unquantified refund recommendations relating to re-pricing of those ERCOT trading contracts.  Hearings were held in June 2011.  If the OCC were to issue an unfavorable decision, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

I&M Rate Matters

Michigan 2009 and 2010 Power Supply Cost Recovery (PSCR) Reconciliation (Cook Plant Unit 1 Fire and Shutdown)

In March 2010, I&M filed its 2009 PSCR reconciliation with the MPSC.  The filing included an adjustment to exclude from the PSCR the incremental fuel cost of replacement power due to the Cook Plant Unit 1 (Unit 1) outage from mid-December 2008 through December 2009, the period during which I&M received and recognized accidental outage insurance proceeds.  In October 2010, a settlement agreement was filed with the MPSC which included deferring the Unit 1 outage issue to the 2010 PSCR reconciliation.  In November 2011, the MPSC approved a settlement agreement for the 2010 PSCR reconciliation which resolved the Unit 1 outage issue by ordering no disallowances associated with the Unit 1 outage issue.  See the “Cook Plant Unit 1 Fire and Shutdown” section of Note 5.
 
80

 
2011 Michigan Base Rate Case

In July 2011, I&M filed a request with the MPSC for an annual increase in Michigan base rates of $25 million and a return on common equity of 11.15%.  The request included an increase in depreciation rates that would result in a $6 million increase in annual depreciation expense.  An interim rate increase of $16 million annually was implemented in January 2012, subject to refund.

In February 2012, the MPSC approved a settlement agreement which increased annual base rates by approximately $15 million, effective April 2012, based upon a return on common equity of 10.2% and included a $5 million annual increase in depreciation rates.  The approved settlement agreement also excluded the Michigan jurisdictional share of the net costs of the Cook Plant Unit 1 (Unit 1) turbine replacement from rate base but provided for a return on and of the net cost as a regulatory asset, effective February 2012.  As of December 31, 2011, the Michigan jurisdictional share of the net costs of the Unit 1 turbine replacement was $9 million.  Future rate recovery of the regulatory asset will be reviewed in a future rate proceeding.

2011 Indiana Base Rate Case

In September 2011, I&M filed a request with the IURC for a net annual increase in Indiana base rates of $149 million based upon a return on common equity of 11.15%.  The request included an increase in depreciation rates that would result in a $25 million increase in annual depreciation expense.

FERC Rate Matters

Seams Elimination Cost Allocation (SECA) Revenue Subject to Refund

In 2004, AEP eliminated transaction-based through-and-out transmission service charges and collected, at the FERC’s direction, load-based charges, referred to as RTO SECA through March 2006.  Intervenors objected and the FERC set SECA rate issues for hearing and ordered that the SECA rate revenues be collected, subject to refund.  The AEP East companies recognized gross SECA revenues of $220 million.  In 2006, a FERC Administrative Law Judge issued an initial decision finding that the SECA rates charged were unfair, unjust and discriminatory and that new compliance filings and refunds should be made.

AEP filed briefs jointly with other affected companies asking the FERC to reverse the decision.  In May 2010, the FERC issued an order that generally supported AEP’s position and required a compliance filing to be filed with the FERC by August 2010.  In August 2010, the affected companies, including the AEP East companies, filed a compliance filing with the FERC.  If the compliance filing is accepted, the AEP East companies would have to pay refunds of approximately $20 million including estimated interest of $5 million.  The AEP East companies could also potentially receive payments up to approximately $10 million including estimated interest of $3 million.  A decision is pending from the FERC.

The FERC has approved settlements applicable to $112 million of SECA revenue.  The AEP East companies provided reserves for net refunds for SECA settlements applicable to the remaining $108 million of SECA revenues collected.  Based on the analysis of the May 2010 order and the compliance filing, management believes that the reserve is adequate to pay the refunds, including interest, that will be required should the compliance filing be made final.  Management cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this proceeding at the FERC which could impact future net income and cash flows.

Possible Termination of the Interconnection Agreement

In December 2010, each of the AEP Power Pool members gave notice to AEPSC and each other of their decision to terminate the Interconnection Agreement effective January 2014 or such other date approved by FERC, subject to state regulatory input.  In February 2012, an application was filed with the FERC proposing to establish a new power cost sharing agreement between APCo, I&M and KPCo.  If any of the AEP Power Pool members experience decreases in revenues or increases in costs as a result of the termination of the AEP Power Pool and are unable to recover the change in revenues and costs through rates, prices or additional sales, it could reduce future net income and cash flows.  As a result of the February 2012 ESP rehearing order, management is in the process of withdrawing the PUCO and FERC applications.  See “January 2012 – May 2016 ESP” section of the OPCo rate matters.
 
81

 
PJM/MISO Market Flow Calculation Settlement Adjustments

During 2009, an analysis conducted by MISO and PJM discovered several instances of unaccounted for power flows on numerous coordinated flowgates.  These flows affected the settlement data for congestion revenues and expenses and dated back to the start of the MISO market in 2005.  In January 2011, PJM and MISO reached a settlement agreement where the parties agreed to net various issues to zero.  In June 2011, the FERC approved the settlement agreement.
 
82

 
4.  EFFECTS OF REGULATION

Regulatory assets are comprised of the following items:
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Remaining
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
Recovery Period
Current Regulatory Assets
 
(in millions)
 
 
Under-recovered Fuel Costs - earns a return
 
$
 56 
 
$
 73 
 
1 year
Under-recovered Fuel Costs - does not earn a return
 
 
 9 
 
 
 8 
 
1 year
Total Current Regulatory Assets
 
$
 65 
 
$
 81 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent Regulatory Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory assets not yet being recovered pending future
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
proceedings to determine the recovery method and timing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets Currently Earning a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Storm Related Costs
 
$
 24 
 
$
 55 
 
 
 
 
Economic Development Rider
 
 
 13 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
Customer Choice Deferrals
 
 
 - 
 
 
 59 
 
 
 
 
Line Extension Carrying Costs
 
 
 - 
 
 
 55 
 
 
 
 
Acquisition of Monongahela Power
 
 
 - 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Assets Not Yet Being Recovered
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets Currently Not Earning a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Wind Power Costs
 
 
 38 
 
 
 29 
 
 
 
 
Environmental Rate Adjustment Clause
 
 
 18 
 
 
 56 
 
 
 
 
Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage Product Validation Facility
 
 
 14 
 
 
 60 
 
 
 
 
Special Rate Mechanism for Century Aluminum
 
 
 13 
 
 
 13 
 
 
 
 
Litigation Settlement
 
 
 11 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
Storm Related Costs
 
 
 10 
 
 
 45 
 
 
 
 
Acquisition of Monongahela Power
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Assets Not Yet Being Recovered
 
 
 14 
 
 
 4 
 
 
Total Regulatory Assets Not Yet Being Recovered
 
 
 155 
 
 
 395 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory assets being recovered:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets Currently Earning a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capacity Auction True-Up
 
 
 692 
 
 
 - 
 
13 years
 
 
Fuel Adjustment Clause
 
 
 521 
 
 
 476 
 
7 years
 
 
Expanded Net Energy Charge
 
 
 327 
 
 
 361 
 
2 years
 
 
Distribution Asset Recovery Rider
 
 
 173 
 
 
 - 
 
7 years
 
 
Unamortized Loss on Reacquired Debt
 
 
 92 
 
 
 93 
 
32 years
 
 
Storm Related Costs
 
 
 65 
 
 
 38 
 
7 years
 
 
Meter Replacement Costs
 
 
 39 
 
 
 4 
 
29 years
 
 
Transmission Cost Recovery Rider
 
 
 28 
 
 
 - 
 
2 years
 
 
RTO Formation/Integration Costs
 
 
 18 
 
 
 21 
 
8 years
 
 
Economic Development Rider
 
 
 12 
 
 
 1 
 
1 year
 
 
Red Rock Generating Facility
 
 
 10 
 
 
 10 
 
45 years
 
 
Other Regulatory Assets Being Recovered
 
 
 15 
 
 
 17 
 
various
 
Regulatory Assets Currently Not Earning a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and OPEB Funded Status
 
 
 2,308 
 
 
 2,161 
 
13 years
 
 
Income Taxes, Net
 
 
 1,237 
 
 
 1,097 
 
37 years
 
 
Postemployment Benefits
 
 
 47 
 
 
 51 
 
4 years
 
 
Cook Nuclear Plant Refueling Outage Levelization
 
 
 41 
 
 
 54 
 
2 years
 
 
Storm Related Costs
 
 
 35 
 
 
 21 
 
7 years
 
 
Expanded Net Energy Charge
 
 
 32 
 
 
 - 
 
6 years
 
 
Environmental Rate Adjustment Clause
 
 
 24 
 
 
 - 
 
2 years
 
 
Deferred PJM Fees
 
 
 22 
 
 
 7 
 
1 year
 
 
Transmission Rate Adjustment Clause
 
 
 20 
 
 
 19 
 
2 years
 
 
Deferred Restructuring Costs
 
 
 18 
 
 
 6 
 
7 years
 
 
Unrealized Loss on Forward Commitments
 
 
 16 
 
 
 10 
 
2 years
 
 
Asset Retirement Obligation
 
 
 14 
 
 
 15 
 
9 years
 
 
Vegetation Management
 
 
 11 
 
 
 13 
 
1 year
 
 
Restructuring Transition Costs
 
 
 8 
 
 
 14 
 
5 years
 
 
Off-system Sales Margin Sharing
 
 
 - 
 
 
 13 
 
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Assets Being Recovered
 
 
 46 
 
 
 46 
 
various
Total Regulatory Assets Being Recovered
 
 
 5,871 
 
 
 4,548 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Noncurrent Regulatory Assets
 
$
 6,026 
 
$
 4,943 
 
 
 
 
83

 
Regulatory liabilities are comprised of the following items:

 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Remaining
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
Refund Period
Current Regulatory Liabilities
 
(in millions)
 
 
Over-recovered Fuel Costs - pays a return
 
$
 5 
 
$
 16 
 
1 year
Over-recovered Fuel Costs - does not pay a return
 
 
 3 
 
 
 1 
 
1 year
Total Current Regulatory Liabilities
 
$
 8 
 
$
 17 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory liabilities not yet being paid:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities Currently Paying a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Refundable Construction Financing Costs
 
$
 53 
 
$
 20 
 
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Liabilities Not Yet Being Paid
 
 
 5 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities Currently Not Paying a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Over-recovery of Costs Related to gridSMART®
 
 
 4 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Liabilities Not Yet Being Paid
 
 
 4 
 
 
 11 
 
 
Total Regulatory Liabilities Not Yet Being Paid
 
 
 66 
 
 
 41 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory liabilities being paid:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities Currently Paying a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset Removal Costs
 
 
 2,270 
 
 
 2,222 
 
(a)
 
 
Advanced Metering Infrastructure Surcharge
 
 
 78 
 
 
 61 
 
9 years
 
 
Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 27 
 
 
 32 
 
11 years
 
 
Excess Earnings
 
 
 13 
 
 
 13 
 
42 years
 
 
Other Regulatory Liabilities Being Paid
 
 
 4 
 
 
 4 
 
various
 
Regulatory Liabilities Currently Not Paying a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Excess Asset Retirement Obligations for Nuclear Decommissioning
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liability
 
 
 377 
 
 
 354 
 
(b)
 
 
Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 144 
 
 
 242 
 
75 years
 
 
Spent Nuclear Fuel Liability
 
 
 43 
 
 
 42 
 
(b)
 
 
Unrealized Gain on Forward Commitments
 
 
 41 
 
 
 60 
 
5 years
 
 
Over-recovery of Transition Charges
 
 
 41 
 
 
 38 
 
10 years
 
 
Energy Efficiency/Peak Demand Reduction
 
 
 40 
 
 
 10 
 
1 year
 
 
Deferred State Income Tax Coal Credits
 
 
 29 
 
 
 29 
 
10 years
 
 
Over-recovery of PJM Expenses
 
 
 - 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Liabilities Being Paid
 
 
 22 
 
 
 11 
 
various
Total Regulatory Liabilities Being Paid
 
 
 3,129 
 
 
 3,130 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities and Deferred Investment Tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credits
 
$
 3,195 
 
$
 3,171 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Relieved as removal costs are incurred.
(b)
Relieved when plant is decommissioned.
 
84

 
5.  COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES

We are subject to certain claims and legal actions arising in our ordinary course of business.  In addition, our business activities are subject to extensive governmental regulation related to public health and the environment.  The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation against us cannot be predicted.  For current proceedings not specifically discussed below, management does not anticipate that the liabilities, if any, arising from such proceedings would have a material adverse effect on our financial statements.

COMMITMENTS

Construction and Commitments

The AEP System has substantial construction commitments to support its operations and environmental investments.  In managing the overall construction program and in the normal course of business, we contractually commit to third-party construction vendors for certain material purchases and other construction services.  We forecast approximately $3.1 billion of construction expenditures, excluding equity AFUDC and capitalized interest, for 2012.  The subsidiaries purchase fuel, materials, supplies, services and property, plant and equipment under contract as part of their normal course of business.  Certain supply contracts contain penalty provisions for early termination.

The following table summarizes our actual contractual commitments at December 31, 2011:

 
 
Less Than 1
 
 
 
 
 
After
 
 
Contractual Commitments
 
year
 
2-3 years
 
4-5 years
 
5 years
 
Total
 
 
(in millions)
Fuel Purchase Contracts (a)
 
$
 2,867 
 
$
 3,918 
 
$
 2,574 
 
$
 3,108 
 
$
 12,467 
Energy and Capacity Purchase Contracts (b)
 
 
 104 
 
 
 213 
 
 
 217 
 
 
 1,066 
 
 
 1,600 
Construction Contracts for Capital Assets (c)
 
 
 60 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 60 
Total
 
$
 3,031 
 
$
 4,131 
 
$
 2,791 
 
$
 4,174 
 
$
 14,127 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Represents contractual commitments to purchase coal, natural gas, uranium and other consumables as fuel for electric generation along with related transportation of the fuel.
(b)
Represents contractual commitments for energy and capacity purchase contracts.
(c)
Represents only capital assets for which we have signed contracts.  Actual payments are dependent upon and may vary significantly based upon the decision to build, regulatory approval schedules, timing and escalation of project costs.

GUARANTEES

We record liabilities for guarantees in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Guarantees.”  There is no collateral held in relation to any guarantees.  In the event any guarantee is drawn, there is no recourse to third parties unless specified below.

Letters of Credit

We enter into standby letters of credit with third parties.  As Parent, we issue all of these letters of credit in our ordinary course of business on behalf of our subsidiaries.  These letters of credit cover items such as gas and electricity risk management contracts, construction contracts, insurance programs, security deposits and debt service reserves.

We have credit facilities totaling $3.25 billion, under which we may issue up to $1.35 billion as letters of credit.  In July 2011, we replaced the $1.5 billion facility due in 2012 with a new $1.75 billion facility maturing in July 2016 and extended the $1.5 billion facility due in 2013 to expire in June 2015.  As of December 31, 2011, the maximum future payments for letters of credit issued under the two credit facilities were $134 million with maturities ranging from January 2012 to October 2012.
 
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In March 2011, we terminated a $478 million credit agreement that was scheduled to mature in April 2011 and was used to support $472 million of variable rate Pollution Control Bonds.  In March 2011, we remarketed $357 million of variable rate Pollution Control Bonds supported by bilateral letters of credit for $361 million.  The letters of credit have maturities ranging from March 2013 to March 2014.  The remaining $115 million of Pollution Control Bonds were reacquired and are held by trustees.

In July 2011, we remarketed $45 million of variable rate Pollution Control Bonds supported by bilateral letters of credit for $46 million.  The letters of credit mature in July 2014.

Guarantees of Third-Party Obligations

SWEPCo

As part of the process to receive a renewal of a Texas Railroad Commission permit for lignite mining, SWEPCo provides guarantees of mine reclamation.  In July 2011, SWEPCo’s guarantee was increased from $65 million to $100 million due to expansion of the mining area.  Since SWEPCo uses self-bonding, the guarantee provides for SWEPCo to commit to use its resources to complete the reclamation in the event the work is not completed by Sabine.  This guarantee ends upon depletion of reserves and completion of final reclamation.  Based on the latest study, we estimate the reserves will be depleted in 2036 with final reclamation completed by 2046 at an estimated cost of approximately $58 million.  As of December 31, 2011, SWEPCo has collected approximately $54 million through a rider for final mine closure and reclamation costs, of which $2 million is recorded in Other Current Liabilities, $22 million is recorded in Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities and $30 million is recorded in Asset Retirement Obligations on our balance sheets.

Sabine charges SWEPCo, its only customer, all of its costs.  SWEPCo passes these costs to customers through its fuel clause.

Indemnifications and Other Guarantees

Contracts

We enter into several types of contracts which require indemnifications.  Typically these contracts include, but are not limited to, sale agreements, lease agreements, purchase agreements and financing agreements.  Generally, these agreements may include, but are not limited to, indemnifications around certain tax, contractual and environmental matters.  With respect to sale agreements, our exposure generally does not exceed the sale price.  The status of certain sale agreements is discussed in the “Dispositions” section of Note 6.  As of December 31, 2011, there were no material liabilities recorded for any indemnifications.

Lease Obligations

We lease certain equipment under master lease agreements.  See “Master Lease Agreements” and “Railcar Lease” sections of Note 12 for disclosure of lease residual value guarantees.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTINGENCIES

Carbon Dioxide Public Nuisance Claims

In 2004, eight states and the City of New York filed an action in Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York against AEP, AEPSC, Cinergy Corp, Xcel Energy, Southern Company and Tennessee Valley Authority.  The Natural Resources Defense Council, on behalf of three special interest groups, filed a similar complaint against the same defendants.  The actions allege that CO2 emissions from the defendants’ power plants constitute a public nuisance under federal common law due to impacts of global warming and sought injunctive relief in the form of specific emission reduction commitments from the defendants.  The trial court dismissed the lawsuits.
 
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In September 2009, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling on appeal remanding the cases to the Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York.  The Second Circuit held that the issues of climate change and global warming do not raise political questions and that Congress’ refusal to regulate CO2 emissions does not mean that plaintiffs must wait for an initial policy determination by Congress or the President’s administration to secure the relief sought in their complaints.  In 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the defendants’ petition for review.  In June 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed and remanded the case to the Court of Appeals, finding that plaintiffs’ federal common law claims are displaced by the regulatory authority granted to the Federal EPA under the CAA.  After the remand, the plaintiffs asked the Second Circuit to return the case to the district court so that they could withdraw their complaints.  The cases were returned to the district court and the plaintiffs’ federal common law claims were dismissed in December 2011.

In October 2009, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a decision by the Federal District Court for the District of Mississippi dismissing state common law nuisance claims in a putative class action by Mississippi residents asserting that CO2 emissions exacerbated the effects of Hurricane Katrina.  The Fifth Circuit held that there was no exclusive commitment of the common law issues raised in plaintiffs’ complaint to a coordinate branch of government and that no initial policy determination was required to adjudicate these claims.  The court granted petitions for rehearing.  An additional recusal left the Fifth Circuit without a quorum to reconsider the decision and the appeal was dismissed, leaving the district court’s decision in place.  Plaintiffs filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court asking the court to remand the case to the Fifth Circuit and reinstate the panel decision.  The petition was denied in January 2011.  Plaintiffs refiled their complaint in federal district court.  The court ordered all defendants to respond to the refiled complaints in October 2011.  We believe the claims are without merit, and in addition to other defenses, are barred by the doctrine of collateral estoppel and the applicable statute of limitations.  We intend to defend against the claims.  We are unable to determine a range of potential losses that are reasonably possible of occurring.

Alaskan Villages’ Claims

In 2008, the Native Village of Kivalina and the City of Kivalina, Alaska filed a lawsuit in Federal Court in the Northern District of California against AEP, AEPSC and 22 other unrelated defendants including oil and gas companies, a coal company and other electric generating companies.  The complaint alleges that the defendants' emissions of CO2 contribute to global warming and constitute a public and private nuisance and that the defendants are acting together.  The complaint further alleges that some of the defendants, including AEP, conspired to create a false scientific debate about global warming in order to deceive the public and perpetuate the alleged nuisance.  The plaintiffs also allege that the effects of global warming will require the relocation of the village at an alleged cost of $95 million to $400 million.  In October 2009, the judge dismissed plaintiffs’ federal common law claim for nuisance, finding the claim barred by the political question doctrine and by plaintiffs’ lack of standing to bring the claim.  The judge also dismissed plaintiffs’ state law claims without prejudice to refiling in state court.  The plaintiffs appealed the decision.  The defendants requested that the court defer setting this case for oral argument until after the Supreme Court issues its decision in the CO2 public nuisance case discussed above.  The court accepted supplemental briefing on the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision and heard oral argument in November 2011.  We believe the action is without merit and intend to defend against the claims.  We are unable to determine a range of potential losses that are reasonably possible of occurring.

The Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund) and State Remediation

By-products from the generation of electricity include materials such as ash, slag, sludge, low-level radioactive waste and SNF.  Coal combustion by-products, which constitute the overwhelming percentage of these materials, are typically treated and deposited in captive disposal facilities or are beneficially utilized.  In addition, our generating plants and transmission and distribution facilities have used asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls and other hazardous and nonhazardous materials.  We currently incur costs to dispose of these substances safely.
 
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Superfund addresses clean-up of hazardous substances that have been released to the environment.  The Federal EPA administers the clean-up programs.  Several states have enacted similar laws.  At December 31, 2011, our subsidiaries are named by the Federal EPA as a Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) for four sites for which alleged liability is unresolved.  There are nine additional sites for which our subsidiaries have received information requests which could lead to PRP designation.  Our subsidiaries have also been named potentially liable at four sites under state law including the I&M site discussed in the next paragraph.  In those instances where we have been named a PRP or defendant, our disposal or recycling activities were in accordance with the then-applicable laws and regulations.  Superfund does not recognize compliance as a defense, but imposes strict liability on parties who fall within its broad statutory categories.  Liability has been resolved for a number of sites with no significant effect on net income.

In 2008, I&M received a letter from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) concerning conditions at a site under state law and requesting I&M take voluntary action necessary to prevent and/or mitigate public harm.  I&M started remediation work in accordance with a plan approved by MDEQ.  I&M’s provision is approximately $10 million.  As the remediation work is completed, I&M’s cost may continue to increase as new information becomes available concerning either the level of contamination at the site or changes in the scope of remediation required by the MDEQ.  We cannot predict the amount of additional cost, if any.

We evaluate the potential liability for each Superfund site separately, but several general statements can be made about our potential future liability.  Allegations that materials were disposed at a particular site are often unsubstantiated and the quantity of materials deposited at a site can be small and often nonhazardous.  Although Superfund liability has been interpreted by the courts as joint and several, typically many parties are named as PRPs for each site and several of the parties are financially sound enterprises.  At present, our estimates do not anticipate material cleanup costs for any of our identified Superfund sites, except the I&M site discussed above.

Amos Plant – State and Federal Enforcement Proceedings

In March 2010, we received a letter from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Air Quality (DAQ), alleging that at various times in 2007 through 2009 the units at Amos Plant reported periods of excess opacity (indicator of compliance with PM emission limits) that lasted for more than 30 consecutive minutes in a 24-hour period and that certain required notifications were not made.  We met with representatives of DAQ to discuss these occurrences and the steps we have taken to prevent a recurrence.  DAQ indicated that additional enforcement action may be taken, including imposition of a civil penalty of approximately $240 thousand.  We have denied that violations of the reporting requirements occurred and maintain that the proper reporting was done.  In March 2011, we resolved these issues through the entry of a consent order that included the payment of a $75 thousand civil penalty and certain improvements in our opacity reports.

In March 2010, we received a request to show cause from the Federal EPA alleging that certain reporting requirements under Superfund and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act had been violated and inviting us to engage in settlement negotiations.  The request includes a proposed civil penalty of approximately $300 thousand.  We provided additional information to representatives of the Federal EPA.  Based on the information we submitted, the Federal EPA determined that it will not further pursue enforcement for several alleged violations and we agreed to resolve the remaining allegations through a consent order that includes payment of a $36 thousand civil penalty.

NUCLEAR CONTINGENCIES

I&M owns and operates the two-unit 2,191 MW Cook Plant under licenses granted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).  We have a significant future financial commitment to dispose of SNF and to safely decommission and decontaminate the plant.  The licenses to operate the two nuclear units at the Cook Plant expire in 2034 and 2037.  The operation of a nuclear facility also involves special risks, potential liabilities and specific regulatory and safety requirements.  By agreement, I&M is partially liable, together with all other electric utility companies that own nuclear generating units, for a nuclear power plant incident at any nuclear plant in the U.S.  Should a nuclear incident occur at any nuclear power plant in the U.S., the liability could be substantial.
 
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Decommissioning and Low Level Waste Accumulation Disposal

The cost to decommission a nuclear plant is affected by NRC regulations and the SNF disposal program.  Decommissioning costs are accrued over the service life of the Cook Plant.  The most recent decommissioning cost study was performed in 2009.  According to that study, the estimated cost of decommissioning and disposal of low-level radioactive waste ranges from $831 million to $1.5 billion in 2009 nondiscounted dollars.  The wide range in estimated costs is caused by variables in assumptions.  I&M recovers estimated decommissioning costs for the Cook Plant in its rates.  The amount recovered in rates was $14 million in 2011, $14 million in 2010 and $16 million in 2009.  Reduced annual decommissioning cost recovery amounts reflect the units’ longer estimated life and operating licenses granted by the NRC.  Decommissioning costs recovered from customers are deposited in external trusts.

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the total decommissioning trust fund balance was $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively.  Trust fund earnings increase the fund assets and decrease the amount remaining to be recovered from ratepayers.  The decommissioning costs (including interest, unrealized gains and losses and expenses of the trust funds) increase or decrease the recorded liability.

I&M continues to work with regulators and customers to recover the remaining estimated costs of decommissioning the Cook Plant.  However, future net income, cash flows and possibly financial condition would be adversely affected if the cost of SNF disposal and decommissioning continues to increase and cannot be recovered.

SNF Disposal

The Federal government is responsible for permanent SNF disposal and assesses fees to nuclear plant owners for SNF disposal.  A fee of one mill per KWH for fuel consumed after April 6, 1983 at the Cook Plant is being collected from customers and remitted to the U.S. Treasury.  At December 31, 2011 and 2010, fees and related interest of $265 million and $265 million, respectively, for fuel consumed prior to April 7, 1983 have been recorded as Long-term Debt and funds collected from customers along with related earnings totaling $308 million and $307 million, respectively, to pay the fee are recorded as part of Spent Nuclear Fuel and Decommissioning Trusts.  I&M has not paid the government the pre-April 1983 fees due to continued delays and uncertainties related to the federal disposal program.

In 2011, I&M signed a settlement agreement with the Federal government which permits I&M to make annual filings to recover certain SNF storage costs incurred as a result of the government’s delays in accepting SNF for permanent storage.  Under the settlement agreement, I&M received $14 million to recover costs and will be eligible to receive additional payment of annual claims for allowed costs that are incurred through December 31, 2013.  The proceeds reduced capital costs for dry cask storage.

See “Fair Value Measurements of Trust Assets for Decommissioning and SNF Disposal” section of Note 10 for disclosure of the fair value of assets within the trusts.

Nuclear Incident Liability

I&M carries insurance coverage for property damage, decommissioning and decontamination at the Cook Plant in the amount of $1.8 billion.  I&M purchases $1 billion of excess coverage for property damage, decommissioning and decontamination.  Additional insurance provides coverage for a weekly indemnity payment resulting from an insured accidental outage.  I&M utilizes an industry mutual insurer for the placement of this insurance coverage.  Participation in this mutual insurance requires a contingent financial obligation of up to $41 million for I&M which is assessable if the insurer’s financial resources would be inadequate to pay for losses.

The Price-Anderson Act, extended through December 31, 2025, establishes insurance protection for public liability arising from a nuclear incident at $12.6 billion and covers any incident at a licensed reactor in the U.S.  Commercially available insurance, which must be carried for each licensed reactor, provides $375 million of coverage.  In the event of a nuclear incident at any nuclear plant in the U.S., the remainder of the liability would be provided by a deferred premium assessment of $117.5 million on each licensed reactor in the U.S. payable in annual installments of $17.5 million.  As a result, I&M could be assessed $235 million per nuclear incident payable in annual installments of $35 million.  The number of incidents for which payments could be required is not limited.
 
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In the event of an incident of a catastrophic nature, I&M is initially covered for the first $375 million through commercially available insurance.  The next level of liability coverage of up to $12.2 billion would be covered by claims made under the Price-Anderson Act.  If the liability were in excess of amounts recoverable from insurance and retrospective claim payments made under the Price-Anderson Act, I&M would seek to recover those amounts from customers through rate increases.  In the event nuclear losses or liabilities are underinsured or exceed accumulated funds and recovery from customers is not possible, net income, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Cook Plant Unit 1 Fire and Shutdown

In September 2008, I&M shut down Cook Plant Unit 1 (Unit 1) due to turbine vibrations, caused by blade failure, which resulted in significant turbine damage and a small fire on the electric generator.  This equipment, located in the turbine building, is separate and isolated from the nuclear reactor.  The turbine rotors that caused the vibration were installed in 2006 and are within the vendor’s warranty period.  The warranty provides for the repair or replacement of the turbine rotors if the damage was caused by a defect in materials or workmanship.  Repair of the property damage and replacement of the turbine rotors and other equipment cost approximately $400 million.  Management believes that I&M should recover a significant portion of these costs through the turbine vendor’s warranty, insurance and the regulatory process.  Due to the extensive lead time required to manufacture and install new turbine rotors, I&M repaired Unit 1 and it resumed operations in December 2009 at slightly reduced power.  The installation of the new turbine rotors and other equipment occurred as planned during the fall 2011 refueling outage of Unit 1.

I&M maintains insurance through NEIL.  As of December 31, 2011, we recorded $64 million in Prepayments and Other Current Assets on our balance sheets representing amounts due from NEIL under the insurance policies.  Through December 31, 2011, I&M received partial payments of $203 million from NEIL for the cost incurred to date to repair the property damage.

I&M also maintains a separate accidental outage policy with NEIL.  In 2009, I&M recorded $185 million in revenue under the policy and reduced the cost of replacement power in customers’ bills by $78 million.

NEIL is reviewing claims made under the insurance policies to ensure that claims associated with the outage are covered by the policies.  The review by NEIL includes the timing of the unit’s return to service and whether the return should have occurred earlier reducing the amount received under the accidental outage policy.  If the ultimate costs of the incident are not covered by warranty, insurance or through the regulatory process or if any future regulatory proceedings are adverse, it could have an adverse impact on net income, cash flows and financial condition.

OPERATIONAL CONTINGENCIES

Insurance and Potential Losses

We maintain insurance coverage normal and customary for an integrated electric utility, subject to various deductibles.  Our insurance includes coverage for all risks of physical loss or damage to our nonnuclear assets, subject to insurance policy conditions and exclusions.  Covered property generally includes power plants, substations, facilities and inventories.  Excluded property generally includes transmission and distribution lines, poles and towers.  Our insurance programs also generally provide coverage against loss arising from certain claims made by third parties and are in excess of retentions absorbed by us.  Coverage is generally provided by a combination of our protected cell of EIS and/or various industry mutual and/or commercial insurance carriers.

See “Nuclear Contingencies” section of this footnote for a discussion of nuclear exposures and related insurance.

Some potential losses or liabilities may not be insurable or the amount of insurance carried may not be sufficient to meet potential losses and liabilities, including, but not limited to, liabilities relating to damage to the Cook Plant and costs of replacement power in the event of an incident at the Cook Plant.  Future losses or liabilities, if they occur, which are not completely insured, unless recovered from customers, could have a material adverse effect on our net income, cash flows and financial condition.
 
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Fort Wayne Lease

Since 1975, I&M has leased certain energy delivery assets from the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana under a long-term lease that expired on February 28, 2010.  I&M negotiated with Fort Wayne to purchase the assets at the end of the lease and reached an agreement (subject to IURC approval) in 2010.  The agreement required I&M to purchase the remaining leased property and settled claims Fort Wayne asserted.  The agreement provided that I&M pay Fort Wayne a total of $39 million, including interest, over 15 years and Fort Wayne recognized that I&M is the exclusive electricity supplier in the Fort Wayne area.   In August 2011, the IURC approved a settlement agreement with the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor.  The transaction is final.

Enron Bankruptcy

In 2001, we purchased Houston Pipeline Company (HPL) from Enron.  Various HPL-related contingencies and indemnities from Enron remained unsettled at the date of Enron’s bankruptcy.  In connection with our acquisition of HPL, we entered into an agreement with BAM Lease Company, which granted HPL the exclusive right to use approximately 55 billion cubic feet (BCF) of cushion gas required for the normal operation of the Bammel gas storage facility.  At the time of our acquisition of HPL, BOA and certain other banks (the BOA Syndicate) and Enron entered into an agreement granting HPL the exclusive use of the cushion gas.  Also at the time of our acquisition, Enron and the BOA Syndicate released HPL from all prior and future liabilities and obligations in connection with the financing arrangement.  After the Enron bankruptcy, the BOA Syndicate informed HPL of a purported default by Enron under the terms of the financing arrangement.  This dispute was litigated in the Enron bankruptcy proceedings and in federal courts in Texas and New York.

In 2007, the judge in the New York action issued a decision on all claims, including those that were pending trial in Texas, granting BOA summary judgment and dismissing our claims.  In August 2008, the New York court entered a final judgment of $346 million.  In May 2009, the judge awarded $20 million of attorneys’ fees to BOA.  We appealed these awards.  In October 2010, the Court of Appeals affirmed the New York district court’s decision as to the final judgment of $346 million plus interest and reversed the New York district court decision as to the judgment dismissing our claims against BOA in the Southern District of Texas.

In 2005, we sold our interest in HPL for approximately $1 billion.  Although the assets were legally transferred, we were unable to determine all costs associated with the transfer until the BOA litigation was resolved.  We indemnified the buyer of HPL against any damages up to the purchase price resulting from the BOA litigation, including the right to use the 55 BCF of natural gas through 2031.  As a result, we deferred the entire gain related to the sale of HPL (approximately $380 million) pending resolution of the Enron and BOA disputes.

The deferred gain related to the sale of HPL, plus accrued interest and attorneys’ fees related to the New York court’s judgment, was $448 million at December 31, 2010 and was included in Current Liabilities – Deferred Gain and Accrued Litigation Costs on the balance sheet.

In February 2011, we reached a settlement covering all claims with BOA and Enron for $425 million.  As part of the settlement, we received title to the 55 BCF of natural gas in the Bammel storage facility and recorded this asset at fair value.  Under the HPL sales agreement, we have a service obligation to the buyer for the right to use the cushion gas through May 2031.  We recognized the obligation as a liability and will amortize it over the life of the agreement.

The settlement resulted in a pretax gain of $51 million and a net loss after tax of $22 million primarily due to an unrealized capital loss valuation allowance of $56 million.
 
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At the time of the settlement, the following table sets forth its impact on our 2011 financial statements:

Statement of Income:
 
(in millions)
 
  Other Operation Expense - Pretax Gain on Settlement
  $ 51  
  Income Tax Expense
    73  
Net Loss After Tax
  $ (22 )
 
       
Cash Flow Statement:
       
  Net Income - Loss on Settlement with BOA and Enron
  $ (22 )
  Deferred Income Taxes
    91  
  Gain on Settlement with BOA and Enron
    (51 )
  Settlement of Litigation with BOA and Enron
    (211 )
  Accrued Taxes, Net
    (18 )
  Acquisition of Cushion Gas from BOA
    (214 )
Cash Paid
  $ (425 )
 
       
Balance Sheet:
       
  Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets - Gas Acquired
  $ 214  
  Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities - Gas Service Liability
    187  
  Accrued Taxes - Tax Benefit on Settlement with BOA and Enron
    18  
  Deferred Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Benefit on Gas Service Liability
    66  

Natural Gas Markets Lawsuits

In 2002, the Lieutenant Governor of California filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County California Superior Court against numerous energy companies, including AEP, alleging violations of California law through alleged fraudulent reporting of false natural gas price and volume information with an intent to affect the market price of natural gas and electricity.  AEP was dismissed from the case.  A number of similar cases were also filed in California and in state and federal courts in several states making essentially the same allegations under federal or state laws against the same companies.  AEP (or a subsidiary) is among the companies named as defendants in some of these cases.  In 2008, we settled all of the cases pending against us in California.  In July 2011, the judge in the Federal District Court in Las Vegas granted summary judgment dismissing the cases where AEP companies were defendants.  Also in July 2011, the plaintiffs in these cases filed notices of appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.  We will continue to defend the remaining cases where an AEP company is a defendant, all of which were dismissed by the Federal District Court in Las Vegas and are currently on appeal.  We believe the provision we have for the remaining cases is adequate and the remaining exposure is immaterial.

6.  ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSITIONS AND IMPAIRMENTS

ACQUISITIONS

Acquisition Anticipated Being Completed During the First Quarter of 2012

BlueStar Energy (Generation and Marketing segment)

In January 2012, we entered into an agreement to acquire BlueStar Energy Holdings, Inc. (BlueStar) and its independent retail electric supplier BlueStar Energy Solutions for approximately $70 million.  BlueStar provides electric supply for retail customers in Ohio, Illinois and other deregulated electricity markets and also provides energy solutions, including demand response and energy efficiency services, nationwide.  BlueStar has approximately 21,000 customer accounts.  Consummation of the transaction is subject to regulatory and other approvals.  The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2012.
 
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2010

Valley Electric Membership Corporation (Utility Operations segment)

In October 2010, SWEPCo purchased certain transmission and distribution assets of Valley Electric Membership Corporation (VEMCO) for approximately $102 million and began serving VEMCO’s 30,000 customers in Louisiana.

2009

Oxbow Lignite Company and Red River Mining Company (Utility Operations segment)

In December 2009, SWEPCo purchased 50% of the Oxbow Lignite Company, LLC (OLC) membership interest for $13 million.  CLECO acquired the remaining 50% membership interest in the OLC for $13 million.  The Oxbow Mine is located near Coushatta, Louisiana and is used as one of the fuel sources for SWEPCo’s and CLECO’s jointly-owned Dolet Hills Generating Station.  SWEPCo accounts for OLC as an equity investment.  Also, in  December 2009, DHLC purchased mining equipment and assets for $16 million from the Red River Mining Company.

DISPOSITIONS

2010

Electric Transmission Texas LLC (ETT) (Utility Operations segment)

In 2010, TCC and TNC sold $66 million and $73 million, respectively, of transmission facilities to ETT.  There were no gains or losses recorded on these sale transactions.

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (ICE) (All Other)

In April 2010, we sold our remaining 138,000 shares of ICE and recognized a $16 million gain.  We recorded the gain in Interest and Investment Income on our statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2010.

2009

Electric Transmission Texas LLC (ETT) (Utility Operations segment)

In 2009, TCC and TNC sold $93 million and $2 million, respectively, of transmission facilities to ETT.  There were no gains or losses recorded on these sale transactions.

IMPAIRMENTS

2011

Turk Plant (Utility Operations segment)

In the fourth quarter of 2011, SWEPCo recorded a pretax write-off of $49 million in Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges on the statements of income related to the Texas jurisdictional portion of the Turk Plant as a result of the November 2011 Texas Court of Appeals decision upholding the Texas capital cost cap.

Muskingum River Plant Unit 5 FGD Project (MR5) (Utility Operations segment)

In September 2011, subsequent to the stipulation agreement filed with the PUCO, management determined that OPCo was not likely to complete the previously suspended MR5 project and that the project’s preliminary engineering costs were no longer probable of being recovered.  As a result, in the third quarter of 2011, OPCo recorded a pretax write-off of $42 million in Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges on the statements of income.
 
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Sporn Plant Unit 5 (Utility Operations segment)

In the third quarter of 2011, management decided to no longer offer the output of Sporn Unit 5 into the PJM market.  Sporn Unit 5 is not expected to operate in the future, resulting in the removal of Sporn Unit 5 from the AEP Power Pool.  As a result, in the third quarter of 2011, OPCo recorded a pretax write-off of $48 million in Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges on the statements of income.

7.  BENEFIT PLANS

For a discussion of investment strategy, investment limitations, target asset allocations and the classification of investments within the fair value hierarchy, see “Investments Held in Trust for Future Liabilities” and “Fair Value Measurements of Assets and Liabilities” sections of Note 1.

We sponsor a qualified pension plan and two unfunded nonqualified pension plans.  Substantially all of our employees are covered by the qualified plan or both the qualified and a nonqualified pension plan.  We sponsor OPEB plans to provide medical and life insurance benefits for retired employees.

We recognize the funded status associated with our defined benefit pension and OPEB plans in the balance sheets. Disclosures about the plans are required by the “Compensation – Retirement Benefits” accounting guidance.  We recognize an asset for a plan’s overfunded status or a liability for a plan’s underfunded status, and recognize, as a component of other comprehensive income, the changes in the funded status of the plan that arise during the year that are not recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost.  We record a regulatory asset instead of other comprehensive income for qualifying benefit costs of our regulated operations that for ratemaking purposes are deferred for future recovery.  The cumulative funded status adjustment is equal to the remaining unrecognized deferrals for unamortized actuarial losses or gains, prior service costs and transition obligations, such that remaining deferred costs result in an AOCI equity reduction or regulatory asset and deferred gains result in an AOCI equity addition or regulatory liability.

Actuarial Assumptions for Benefit Obligations

The weighted-average assumptions as of December 31 of each year used in the measurement of our benefit obligations are shown in the following table:

 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
Pension Plans
 
 
Benefit Plans
Assumptions
 
2011 
 
 
2010 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
Discount Rate
 
 4.55 
%
 
 
 5.05 
%
 
 
 4.75 
%
 
 5.25 
%
Rate of Compensation Increase
 
 4.85 
%
(a)
 
 4.95 
%
(a)
 
NA
 
NA

 
 (a)
Rates are for base pay only.  In addition, an amount is added to reflect target incentive compensation for exempt employees and overtime and incentive pay for nonexempt employees.
NA   Not applicable

We use a duration-based method to determine the discount rate for our plans.  A hypothetical portfolio of high quality corporate bonds similar to those included in the Moody’s Aa bond index is constructed with a duration matching the benefit plan liability.  The composite yield on the hypothetical bond portfolio is used as the discount rate for the plan.

For 2011, the rate of compensation increase assumed varies with the age of the employee, ranging from 3.5% per year to 11.5% per year, with an average increase of 4.85%.
 
94

 
Actuarial Assumptions for Net Periodic Benefit Costs

The weighted-average assumptions as of January 1 of each year used in the measurement of our benefit costs are shown in the following table:

 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
Discount Rate
 
 5.05 
%
 
 5.60 
%
 
 6.00 
%
 
 5.25 
%
 
 5.85 
%
 
 6.10 
%
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
 7.75 
%
 
 8.00 
%
 
 8.00 
%
 
 7.50 
%
 
 8.00 
%
 
 7.75 
%
Rate of Compensation Increase
 
 4.85 
%
 
 4.60 
%
 
 5.90 
%
 
NA
 
NA
 
NA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NA   Not Applicable
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The expected return on plan assets was determined by evaluating historical returns, the current investment climate (yield on fixed income securities and other recent investment market indicators), rate of inflation and current prospects for economic growth.

The health care trend rate assumptions as of January 1 of each year used for OPEB plans measurement purposes are shown below:

Health Care Trend Rates
 
2011 
 
2010 
Initial
 
 7.50 
%
 
 8.00 
%
Ultimate
 
 5.00 
%
 
 5.00 
%
Year Ultimate Reached
 
2016 
 
2016 

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the OPEB health care plans.  A 1% change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

 
1% Increase
 
1% Decrease
 
(in millions)
Effect on Total Service and Interest Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
Components of Net Periodic Postretirement Health
 
 
 
 
 
 
Care Benefit Cost
$
 23 
 
$
 (18)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect on the Health Care Component of the
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation
 
 274 
 
 
 (223)

Significant Concentrations of Risk within Plan Assets

In addition to establishing the target asset allocation of plan assets, the investment policy also places restrictions on securities to limit significant concentrations within plan assets.  The investment policy establishes guidelines that govern maximum market exposure, security restrictions, prohibited asset classes, prohibited types of transactions, minimum credit quality, average portfolio credit quality, portfolio duration and concentration limits.  The guidelines were established to mitigate the risk of loss due to significant concentrations in any investment.  We monitor the plans to control security diversification and ensure compliance with our investment policy.  At December 31, 2011, the assets were invested in compliance with all investment limits.  See “Investments Held in Trust for Future Liabilities” section of Note 1 for limit details.
 
95

 
Benefit Plan Obligations, Plan Assets and Funded Status as of December 31, 2011 and 2010

The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets and funded status as of December 31.  The benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension and OPEB plans are the projected benefit obligation and the accumulated benefit obligation, respectively.

 
 
 
   
Other Postretirement
 
 
 
Pension Plans
   
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Change in Benefit Obligation
 
(in millions)
 
Benefit Obligation at January 1
  $ 4,807     $ 4,701     $ 2,125     $ 1,941  
Service Cost
    72       111       42       47  
Interest Cost
    237       253       109       113  
Actuarial Loss
    169       222       253       164  
Plan Amendment Prior Service Credit
    -       -       (196 )     (36 )
Curtailment
    -       -       1       -  
Benefit Payments
    (294 )     (480 )     (150 )     (142 )
Participant Contributions
    -       -       34       29  
Medicare Subsidy
    -       -       9       9  
Benefit Obligation at December 31
  $ 4,991     $ 4,807     $ 2,227     $ 2,125  
 
                               
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
                               
Fair Value of Plan Assets at January 1
  $ 3,858     $ 3,403     $ 1,461     $ 1,308  
Actual Gain (Loss) on Plan Assets
    282       420       (14 )     149  
Company Contributions
    457       515       79       117  
Participant Contributions
    -       -       34       29  
Benefit Payments
    (294 )     (480 )     (150 )     (142 )
Fair Value of Plan Assets at December 31
  $ 4,303     $ 3,858     $ 1,410     $ 1,461  
 
                               
Underfunded Status at December 31
  $ (688 )   $ (949 )   $ (817 )   $ (664 )

Benefit Amounts Recognized on the Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(in millions)
 
Other Current Liabilities - Accrued Short-term
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Benefit Liability
  $ (8 )   $ (8 )   $ (4 )   $ (4 )
Employee Benefits and Pension Obligations -
                               
Accrued Long-term Benefit Liability
    (680 )     (941 )     (813 )     (660 )
Underfunded Status
  $ (688 )   $ (949 )   $ (817 )   $ (664 )
 
 
96

 
Amounts Included in AOCI and Regulatory Assets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
Components
(in millions)
Net Actuarial Loss
  $ 2,208     $ 2,129     $ 979     $ 638  
Prior Service Cost (Credit)
    10       11       (210 )     (20 )
Transition Obligation
    -       -       1       3  
 
                               
Recorded as
                               
Regulatory Assets
  $ 1,818     $ 1,764     $ 479     $ 388  
Deferred Income Taxes
    140       132       102       81  
Net of Tax AOCI
    260       244       189       152  

Components of the change in amounts included in AOCI and Regulatory Assets during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
Components
(in millions)
 
Actuarial Loss During the Year
  $ 201     $ 121     $ 370     $ 121  
Prior Service Credit
    -       -       (191 )     (36 )
Amortization of Actuarial Loss
    (122 )     (89 )     (29 )     (29 )
Amortization of Prior Service Credit (Cost)
    (1 )     -       1       -  
Amortization of Transition Obligation
    -       -       (2 )     (27 )
Change for the Year
  $ 78     $ 32     $ 149     $ 29  

 
97

 
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans’ Assets

The following table presents the classification of pension plan assets within the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2011:

 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Other
   
Total
   
Allocation
 
 
 
(in millions)
   
 
 
Equities:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Domestic
  $ 1,455     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 1,455       33.8 %
International
    399       -       -       -       399       9.3 %
Real Estate Investment Trusts
    104       -       -       -       104       2.4 %
Common Collective Trust -
                                               
International
    -       128       -       -       128       3.0 %
Subtotal - Equities
    1,958       128       -       -       2,086       48.5 %
 
                                               
Fixed Income:
                                               
Common Collective Trust - Debt
    -       26       -       -       26       0.6 %
United States Government and
                                               
Agency Securities
    -       566       -       -       566       13.2 %
Corporate Debt
    -       985       6       -       991       23.0 %
Foreign Debt
    -       190       -       -       190       4.4 %
State and Local Government
    -       48       -       -       48       1.1 %
Other - Asset Backed
    -       26       -       -       26       0.6 %
Subtotal - Fixed Income
    -       1,841       6       -       1,847       42.9 %
 
                                               
Real Estate
    -       -       163       -       163       3.8 %
 
                                               
Alternative Investments
    -       -       161       -       161       3.7 %
Securities Lending
    -       215       -       -       215       5.0 %
Securities Lending Collateral (a)
    -       -       -       (236 )     (236 )     (5.5 ) %
 
                                               
Cash and Cash Equivalents
    -       93       -       -       93       2.2 %
Other - Pending Transactions and
                                               
Accrued Income (b)
    -       -       -       (26 )     (26 )     (0.6 ) %
 
                                               
Total
  $ 1,958     $ 2,277     $ 330     $ (262 )   $ 4,303       100.0 %

(a)  
Amounts in "Other" column primarily represent an obligation to repay cash collateral received as part of the Securities Lending Program.
(b)  
Amounts in "Other" column primarily represent accrued interest, dividend receivables and transactions pending settlement.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of assets classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for AEP’s pension assets:

 
 
Corporate
   
Real
   
Alternative
   
Total
 
 
Debt
   
Estate
   
Investments
   
Level 3
 
 
(in millions)
Balance as of January 1, 2011
  $ -     $ 83     $ 130     $ 213
Actual Return on Plan Assets
                             
Relating to Assets Still Held as of the Reporting Date
    -       22       9       31
Relating to Assets Sold During the Period
    -       -       3       3
Purchases and Sales
    -       58       19       77
Transfers into Level 3
    6       -       -       6
Transfers out of Level 3
    -       -       -       -
Balance as of December 31, 2011
  $ 6     $ 163     $ 161     $ 330

 
98

 
The following table presents the classification of OPEB plan assets within the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2011:

 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Other
   
Total
   
Allocation
 
 
 
(in millions)
   
 
 
Equities:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Domestic
  $ 348     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 348       24.7 %
International
    380       -       -       -       380       27.0 %
Common Collective Trust -
                                               
Global
    -       99       -       -       99       7.0 %
Subtotal - Equities
    728       99       -       -       827       58.7 %
 
                                               
Fixed Income:
                                               
Common Collective Trust - Debt
    -       69       -       -       69       4.9 %
United States Government and
                                               
Agency Securities
    -       81       -       -       81       5.7 %
Corporate Debt
    -       152       -       -       152       10.8 %
Foreign Debt
    -       32       -       -       32       2.3 %
State and Local Government
    -       9       -       -       9       0.6 %
Other - Asset Backed
    -       2       -       -       2       0.1 %
Subtotal - Fixed Income
    -       345       -       -       345       24.4 %
 
                                               
Trust Owned Life Insurance:
                                               
International Equities
    -       46       -       -       46       3.3 %
United States Bonds
    -       158       -       -       158       11.2 %
 
                                               
Cash and Cash Equivalents
    17       23       -       -       40       2.9 %
Other - Pending Transactions and
                                               
Accrued Income (a)
    -       -       -       (6 )     (6 )     (0.5 ) %
 
                                               
Total
  $ 745     $ 671     $ -     $ (6 )   $ 1,410       100.0 %

(a)  
Amounts in "Other" column primarily represent accrued interest, dividend receivables and transactions pending settlement.
 
 
99

 
The following table presents the classification of pension plan assets within the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2010:

 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
Year End
Asset Class
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Other
   
Total
   
Allocation
 
 
(in millions)
   
 
 
Equities:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Domestic
  $ 1,350     $ 2     $ -     $ -     $ 1,352       35.1
%
International
    403       -       -       -       403       10.4
%
Real Estate Investment Trusts
    112       -       -       -       112       2.9
%
Common Collective Trust -
                                             
 
International
    -       163       -       -       163       4.2
%
Subtotal - Equities
    1,865       165       -       -       2,030       52.6
%
 
                                             
 
Fixed Income:
                                             
 
United States Government and
                                             
 
Agency Securities
    -       634       -       -       634       16.4
%
Corporate Debt
    -       672       -       -       672       17.4
%
Foreign Debt
    -       127       -       -       127       3.3
%
State and Local Government
    -       23       -       -       23       0.6
%
Other - Asset Backed
    -       51       -       -       51       1.3
%
Subtotal - Fixed Income
    -       1,507       -       -       1,507       39.0
%
 
                                             
 
Real Estate
    -       -       83       -       83       2.2
%
 
                                             
 
Alternative Investments
    -       -       130       -       130       3.4
%
Securities Lending
    -       254       -       -       254       6.6
%
Securities Lending Collateral (a)
    -       -       -       (276 )     (276 )     (7.1
)%
 
                                             
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents (b)
    -       127       -       2       129       3.3
%
Other - Pending Transactions and
                                             
 
Accrued Income (c)
    -       -       -       1       1       -
%
 
                                             
 
Total
  $ 1,865     $ 2,053     $ 213     $ (273 )   $ 3,858       100.0
%

(a)  Amounts in "Other" column primarily represent an obligation to repay cash collateral received as part of the Securities Lending Program.
(b)   Amounts in "Other" column primarily represent foreign currency holdings.
(c)   Amounts in "Other" column primarily represent accrued interest, dividend receivables and transactions pending settlement.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of real estate and alternative investments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the pension assets:

 
 
 
   
Alternative
   
Total
 
 
 
Real Estate
   
Investments
   
Level 3
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Balance as of January 1, 2010
  $ 90     $ 106     $ 196  
Actual Return on Plan Assets
                       
Relating to Assets Still Held as of the Reporting Date
    (7 )     4       (3 )
Relating to Assets Sold During the Period
    -       1       1  
Purchases and Sales
    -       19       19  
Transfers into Level 3
    -       -       -  
Transfers out of Level 3
    -       -       -  
Balance as of December 31, 2010
  $ 83     $ 130     $ 213  

 
100

 
The following table presents the classification of OPEB plan assets within the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2010:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
(in millions)
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 584 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 584 
 
 40.0 
%
 
International
 
 
 220 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 220 
 
 15.1 
%
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Global
 
 
 - 
 
 
 115 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 115 
 
 7.9 
%
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 804 
 
 
 115 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 919 
 
 63.0 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Collective Trust - Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 48 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 48 
 
 3.3 
%
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 93 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 93 
 
 6.4 
%
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 110 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 110 
 
 7.5 
%
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 25 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 25 
 
 1.7 
%
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3 
 
 0.2 
%
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1 
 
 0.1 
%
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 280 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 280 
 
 19.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust Owned Life Insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International Equities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 49 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 49 
 
 3.3 
%
 
United States Bonds
 
 
 - 
 
 
 163 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 163 
 
 11.1 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents (a)
 
 
 21 
 
 
 25 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 47 
 
 3.2 
%
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (b)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 3 
 
 0.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 825 
 
$
 632 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 4 
 
$
 1,461 
 
 100.0 
%

(a)  Amounts in "Other" column primarily represent foreign currency holdings.
(b)  Amounts in "Other" column primarily represent accrued interest, dividend receivables and transactions pending settlement.

Determination of Pension Expense

We base our determination of pension expense or income on a market-related valuation of assets which reduces year-to-year volatility.  This market-related valuation recognizes investment gains or losses over a five-year period from the year in which they occur.  Investment gains or losses for this purpose are the difference between the expected return calculated using the market-related value of assets and the actual return based on the market-related value of assets.  Since the market-related value of assets recognizes gains or losses over a five-year period, the future value of assets will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recorded.

 
 
December 31,
 
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Qualified Pension Plan
    $ 4,808     $ 4,659  
Nonqualified Pension Plans
      89       80  
Total
    $ 4,897     $ 4,739  
 
 
101

 
For our underfunded pension plans that had an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, the projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets of these plans at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

 
Underfunded Pension Plans
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(in millions)
 
Projected Benefit Obligation
  $ 4,991     $ 4,807  
 
               
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
  $ 4,897     $ 4,739  
Fair Value of Plan Assets
    4,303       3,858  
Underfunded Accumulated Benefit Obligation
  $ (594 )   $ (881 )

Estimated Future Benefit Payments and Contributions

We expect contributions and payments for the pension plans of $208 million and the OPEB plans of $99 million during 2012.  The estimated pension benefit payments for the unfunded plan and contributions to the trust are at least the minimum amount required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act plus payment of unfunded nonqualified benefits.  For the qualified pension plan, we may make additional discretionary contributions to maintain the funded status of the plan.  The contribution to the OPEB plans is generally based on the amount of the OPEB plans’ periodic benefit costs for accounting purposes as provided in agreements with state regulatory authorities, plus the additional discretionary contribution of our Medicare subsidy receipts.

The table below reflects the total benefits expected to be paid from the plan or from our assets.  The payments include the participants’ contributions to the plan for their share of the cost.  In December 2011, we amended the prescription drug program for certain participants.  The impact of the change is reflected in the Benefit Plan Obligation table as a plan amendment.  As a result of this amendment to the plan, the Medicare subsidy receipts in the following table are reduced from prior published estimates.  Future benefit payments are dependent on the number of employees retiring, whether the retiring employees elect to receive pension benefits as annuities or as lump sum distributions, future integration of the benefit plans with changes to Medicare and other legislation, future levels of interest rates and variances in actuarial results.  The estimated payments for pension benefits and OPEB are as follows:

 
Pension Plans
 
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
Pension
 
Benefit
 
Medicare Subsidy
 
Payments
 
Payments
 
Receipts
 
(in millions)
2012 
$ 327   $ 145     $ 9
2013 
  334     148       -
2014 
  354     153       -
2015 
  356     160       -
2016 
  360     168       -
Years 2017 to 2021, in Total
  1,864     955       2

 
102

 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The following table provides the components of our net periodic benefit cost for the plans for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Service Cost
 
$
 72 
 
$
 111 
 
$
 104 
 
$
 42 
 
$
 47 
 
$
 42 
Interest Cost
 
 
 237 
 
 
 253 
 
 
 254 
 
 
 109 
 
 
 113 
 
 
 110 
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 (314)
 
 
 (312)
 
 
 (321)
 
 
 (109)
 
 
 (105)
 
 
 (80)
Curtailment
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Amortization of Transition Obligation
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 27 
 
 
 27 
Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)
 
 
 1 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (1)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Amortization of Net Actuarial Loss
 
 
 122 
 
 
 89 
 
 
 59 
 
 
 29 
 
 
 29 
 
 
 42 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
 
 118 
 
 
 141 
 
 
 96 
 
 
 73 
 
 
 111 
 
 
 141 
Capitalized Portion
 
 
 (37)
 
 
 (44)
 
 
 (30)
 
 
 (22)
 
 
 (35)
 
 
 (44)
Net Periodic Benefit Cost Recognized as
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expense
 
$
 81 
 
$
 97 
 
$
 66 
 
$
 51 
 
$
 76 
 
$
 97 

Estimated amounts expected to be amortized to net periodic benefit costs and the impact on the balance sheet during 2012 are shown in the following table:

 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
Postretirement
 
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
Components
 
(in millions)
Net Actuarial Loss
 
$
 145 
 
$
 59 
Prior Service Credit
 
 
 (1)
 
 
 (18)
Transition Obligation
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1 
Total Estimated 2012 Amortization
 
$
 144 
 
$
 42 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expected to be Recorded as
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Asset
 
$
 116 
 
$
 25 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 10 
 
 
 6 
Net of Tax AOCI
 
 
 18 
 
 
 11 
Total
 
$
 144 
 
$
 42 

American Electric Power System Retirement Savings Plan

We sponsor the American Electric Power System Retirement Savings Plan, a defined contribution retirement savings plan for substantially all employees who are not members of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA).  It is a qualified plan offering participants an opportunity to contribute a portion of their pay with features under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The matching contributions to the plan are 100% of the first 1% of eligible employee contributions and 70% of the next 5% of contributions.  The cost for matching contributions totaled $64 million in 2011, $61 million in 2010 and $74 million in 2009.

UMWA Benefits

We provide UMWA pension, health and welfare benefits for certain unionized mining employees, retirees and their survivors who meet eligibility requirements.  UMWA trustees make final interpretive determinations with regard to all benefits.  The pension benefits are administered by UMWA trustees and contributions are made to their trust funds.  The health and welfare benefits are administered by us and benefits are paid from our general assets.
 
103

 
The UMWA pension benefits are administered through a multiemployer plan that is different from single-employer plans as an employer’s contributions may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers.  Required contributions not made by an employer may result in other employers bearing the unfunded plan obligations, while a withdrawing employer may be subject to a withdrawal liability.  UMWA pension benefits are provided through the United Mine Workers of America 1974 Pension Plan (Employer Identification Number: 52-1050282, Plan Number 002), which under the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA) was in Seriously Endangered Status for the plan years ending June 30, 2011 and 2010, without utilization of extended amortization provisions.  The Plan is required under the PPA to adopt a funding improvement plan by May 25, 2012.  Contributions in 2011, 2010 and 2009, which were made under a collective bargaining agreement that expires December 31, 2012, were immaterial and represent less than 5% of the total contributions in the plan’s latest annual report for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009.  Contributions did not include a surcharge, and there are no minimum contributions for future years.

8.  BUSINESS SEGMENTS

Our primary business is the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity.  Within our Utility Operations segment, we centrally dispatch generation assets and manage our overall utility operations on an integrated basis because of the substantial impact of cost-based rates and regulatory oversight.  Intersegment sales and transfers are generally based on underlying contractual arrangements and agreements.

While our Utility Operations segment remains our primary business segment, the advancement of an area of our business prompted us to identify a new reportable segment.  Starting in the fourth quarter of 2011, we established our new Transmission Operations segment as described below:

Utility Operations

·  
Generation of electricity for sale to U.S. retail and wholesale customers.
·  
Transmission and distribution of electricity through assets owned and operated by our ten utility operating companies.

Transmission Operations

·  
Development, construction and operation of transmission facilities through investments in our wholly-owned transmission subsidiaries that were established in 2009 and our transmission joint ventures.  These investments have FERC-approved returns on equity.

AEP River Operations

·  
Commercial barging operations that transport coal and dry bulk commodities primarily on the Ohio, Illinois and lower Mississippi Rivers.

Generation and Marketing

·  
Nonregulated generation in ERCOT.
·  
Marketing and risk management activities primarily in ERCOT and, to a lesser extent, Ohio in PJM and MISO.

The remainder of our activities is presented as All Other.  While not considered a reportable segment, All Other includes:

·  
Parent’s guarantee revenue received from affiliates, investment income, interest income and interest expense and other nonallocated costs.
·  
Tax and interest expense adjustments related to our UK operations which were sold in 2004 and 2002.
·  
Forward natural gas contracts that were not sold with our natural gas pipeline and storage operations in 2004 and 2005.  These contracts were financial derivatives which settled and expired in the fourth quarter of 2011.
·  
Revenue sharing related to the Plaquemine Cogeneration Facility which ended in the fourth quarter of 2011.

 
104

 
The tables below present our reportable segment information for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 and balance sheet information as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.  These amounts include certain estimates and allocations where necessary.  We reclassified prior year amounts to conform to the current year’s presentation.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonutility Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Generation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utility
 
Transmission
AEP River
and
All Other
Reconciling
 
 
 
 
 
Operations
 
Operations
Operations
Marketing
(a)
Adjustments
Consolidated
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External Customers
 
$
 14,088 
 
$
 3 
 
$
 696 
 
$
 305 
 
$
 24 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 15,116 
 
 
Other Operating Segments
 
 
 112 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 20 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 (146)
 
 
 - 
Total Revenues
 
$
 14,200 
 
$
 8 
 
$
 716 
 
$
 306 
 
$
 32 
 
$
 (146)
 
$
 15,116 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
$
 1,613 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 28 
 
$
 25 
 
$
 2 
 
$
 (13)
(b)
$
 1,655 
Interest Income
 
 
 29 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (1)
 
 
 17 
 
 
 (18)
 
 
 27 
Carrying Costs Income
 
 
 393 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 393 
Interest Expense
 
 
 886 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 18 
 
 
 18 
 
 
 43 
 
 
 (33)
(b)
 
 933 
Income Tax Expense (Credit)
 
 
 722 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 24 
 
 
 (18)
 
 
 88 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 818 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (Loss) Before Extraordinary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Items
 
$
 1,549 
 
$
 30 
 
$
 45 
 
$
 14 
 
$
 (62)
 
$
 - 
 
$
 1,576 
Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax
 
 
 373 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 373 
Net Income (Loss)
 
$
 1,922 
 
$
 30 
 
$
 45 
 
$
 14 
 
$
 (62)
 
$
 - 
 
$
 1,949 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Property Additions
 
$
 2,405 
 
$
 263 
 
$
 18 
 
$
 2 
 
$
 214 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 2,902 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonutility Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Generation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utility
 
Transmission
AEP River
and
All Other
Reconciling
 
 
 
 
 
Operations
 
Operations
Operations
Marketing
(a)
 Adjustments
Consolidated
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External Customers
 
$
 13,687 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 566 
 
$
 173 
 
$
 1 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 14,427 
 
 
Other Operating Segments
 
 
 105 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 22 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 14 
 
 
 (142)
 
 
 - 
Total Revenues
 
$
 13,792 
 
$
 1 
 
$
 588 
 
$
 173 
 
$
 15 
 
$
 (142)
 
$
 14,427 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
$
 1,598 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 24 
 
$
 30 
 
$
 2 
 
$
 (13)
(b)
$
 1,641 
Interest Income
 
 
 8 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 31 
 
 
 (20)
 
 
 21 
Carrying Costs Income
 
 
 70 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 70 
Interest Expense
 
 
 942 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 14 
 
 
 20 
 
 
 58 
 
 
 (35)
(b)
 
 999 
Income Tax Expense (Credit)
 
 
 651 
 
 
 (1)
 
 
 19 
 
 
 (20)
 
 
 (6)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 643 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income (Loss)
 
 
 1,192 
 
 
 9 
 
 
 37 
 
 
 25 
 
 
 (45)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,218 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Property Additions
 
 
 2,440 
 
 
 35 
 
 
 23 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,500 
 
 
105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonutility Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Generation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utility
 
Transmission
AEP River
and
All Other
Reconciling
 
 
 
 
 
Operations
 
Operations
Operations
Marketing
(a)
 Adjustments
Consolidated
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External Customers
 
$
 12,733 
(d)
$
 - 
 
$
 490 
 
$
 281 
 
$
 (15)
 
$
 - 
 
$
 13,489 
 
 
Other Operating Segments
 
 
 70 
(d)
 
 - 
 
 
 18 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 36 
 
 
 (129)
 
 
 - 
Total Revenues
 
$
 12,803 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 508 
 
$
 286 
 
$
 21 
 
$
 (129)
 
$
 13,489 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
$
 1,561 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 17 
 
$
 29 
 
$
 2 
 
$
 (12)
(b)
$
 1,597 
Interest Income
 
 
 4 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 47 
 
 
 (40)
 
 
 11 
Carrying Costs Income
 
 
 47 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 47 
Interest Expense
 
 
 916 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 21 
 
 
 86 
 
 
 (55)
(b)
 
 973 
Income Tax Expense (Credit)
 
 
 553 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 23 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (1)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 575 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (Loss) Before Extraordinary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Items
 
$
 1,325 
 
$
 4 
 
$
 47 
 
$
 41 
 
$
 (47)
 
$
 - 
 
$
 1,370 
Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax
 
 
 (5)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (5)
Net Income (Loss)
 
$
 1,320 
 
$
 4 
 
$
 47 
 
$
 41 
 
$
 (47)
 
$
 - 
 
$
 1,365 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Property Additions
 
$
 2,812 
 
$
 1 
 
$
 81 
 
$
 1 
 
$
 1 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 2,896 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonutility Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Generation
 
 
 
 
Reconciling
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utility
 
Transmission
 
AEP River
 
and
 
All Other
 
 Adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operations
 
Operations
 
Operations
 
Marketing
 
(a)
 
(b)
 
 
Consolidated
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
 
$
 54,396 
 
$
 323 
 
$
 608 
 
$
 590 
 
$
 11 
 
$
 (258)
 
 
$
 55,670 
Accumulated Depreciation and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization
 
 
 18,393 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 136 
 
 
 219 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 (59)
 
 
 
 18,699 
Total Property, Plant and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment - Net
 
$
 36,003 
 
$
 323 
 
$
 472 
 
$
 371 
 
$
 1 
 
$
 (199)
 
 
$
 36,971 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Assets
 
$
 50,093 
 
$
 594 
 
$
 659 
 
$
 868 
 
$
 16,751 
 
$
 (16,742)
(c)
 
$
 52,223 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments in Equity Method Investees
 
 
 24 
 
 
 256 
 
 
 17 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 299 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonutility Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Generation
 
 
 
 
Reconciling
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utility
 
Transmission
 
AEP River
 
and
 
All Other
 
 Adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operations
 
Operations
 
Operations
 
Marketing
 
(a)
 
(b)
 
 
Consolidated
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
 
$
 52,771 
 
$
 51 
 
$
 574 
 
$
 584 
 
$
 11 
 
$
 (251)
 
 
$
 53,740 
Accumulated Depreciation and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization
 
 
 17,795 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 110 
 
 
 198 
 
 
 9 
 
 
 (46)
 
 
 
 18,066 
Total Property, Plant and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment - Net
 
$
 34,976 
 
$
 51 
 
$
 464 
 
$
 386 
 
$
 2 
 
$
 (205)
 
 
$
 35,674 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Assets
 
$
 48,658 
 
$
 230 
 
$
 621 
 
$
 881 
 
$
 15,942 
 
$
 (15,877)
(c)
 
$
 50,455 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments in Equity Method Investees
 
 
 22 
 
 
 135 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 160 

 
 
106

 
(a)
All Other includes:
·  
Parent's guarantee revenue received from affiliates, investment income, interest income and interest expense and other nonallocated costs.
·  
Tax and interest expense adjustments related to our UK operations which were sold in 2004 and 2002.
·  
Forward natural gas contracts that were not sold with our natural gas pipeline and storage operations in 2004 and 2005.  These contracts were financial derivatives which settled and expired in the fourth quarter of 2011.
·  
Revenue sharing related to the Plaquemine Cogeneration Facility which ended in the fourth quarter of 2011.
(b)
Includes eliminations due to an intercompany capital lease.
(c)
Reconciling Adjustments for Total Assets primarily include the elimination of intercompany advances to affiliates and intercompany accounts receivable along with the elimination of AEP's investments in subsidiary companies.
(d)
PSO and SWEPCo transferred certain existing ERCOT energy marketing contracts to AEP Energy Partners, Inc. (AEPEP) (Generation and Marketing segment) and entered into intercompany financial and physical purchase and sales agreements with AEPEP.  As a result, we reported third-party net purchases or sales activity for these energy marketing contracts as Revenues from External Customers for the Utility Operations segment.  This was offset by the Utility Operations segment's related net purchases for these contracts with AEPEP in Revenues from Other Operating Segments of $5 million for the years ended December 31, 2009.  The Generation and Marketing segment also reported these purchase or sales contracts with Utility Operations as Revenues from Other Operating Segments.  These affiliated contracts between PSO and SWEPCo with AEPEP ended in December 2009.

9.  DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

OBJECTIVES FOR UTILIZATION OF DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

We are exposed to certain market risks as a major power producer and marketer of wholesale electricity, coal and emission allowances.  These risks include commodity price risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and, to a lesser extent, foreign currency exchange risk.  These risks represent the risk of loss that may impact us due to changes in the underlying market prices or rates.  We manage these risks using derivative instruments.

STRATEGIES FOR UTILIZATION OF DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS TO ACHIEVE OBJECTIVES

Trading Strategies

Our strategy surrounding the use of derivative instruments for trading purposes focuses on seizing market opportunities to create value driven by expected changes in the market prices of the commodities in which we transact.

Risk Management Strategies

Our strategy surrounding the use of derivative instruments focuses on managing our risk exposures, future cash flows and creating value utilizing both economic and formal hedging strategies.  To accomplish our objectives, we primarily employ risk management contracts including physical forward purchase and sale contracts, financial forward purchase and sale contracts and financial swap instruments.  Not all risk management contracts meet the definition of a derivative under the accounting guidance for “Derivatives and Hedging.”  Derivative risk management contracts elected normal under the normal purchases and normal sales scope exception are not subject to the requirements of this accounting guidance.

We enter into power, coal, natural gas, interest rate and, to a lesser degree, heating oil and gasoline, emission allowance and other commodity contracts to manage the risk associated with our energy business.  We enter into interest rate derivative contracts in order to manage the interest rate exposure associated with our commodity portfolio.  For disclosure purposes, such risks are grouped as “Commodity,” as they are related to energy risk management activities.  We also engage in risk management of interest rate risk associated with debt financing and foreign currency risk associated with future purchase obligations denominated in foreign currencies.  For disclosure purposes, these risks are grouped as “Interest Rate and Foreign Currency.”  The amount of risk taken is determined by the Commercial Operations and Finance groups in accordance with our established risk management policies as approved by the Finance Committee of our Board of Directors.
 
107

 
The following table represents the gross notional volume of our outstanding derivative contracts as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:

Notional Volume of Derivative Instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Unit of
Primary Risk Exposure
 
 
2011 
 
 
2010 
 
Measure
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Commodity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Power
 
 
 609 
 
 
 652 
 
MWHs
 
Coal
 
 
 21 
 
 
 63 
 
Tons
 
Natural Gas
 
 
 100 
 
 
 94 
 
MMBtus
 
Heating Oil and Gasoline
 
 
 6 
 
 
 6 
 
Gallons
 
Interest Rate
 
$
 226 
 
$
 171 
 
USD
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate and Foreign Currency
 
$
 907 
 
$
 907 
 
USD

Fair Value Hedging Strategies

We enter into interest rate derivative transactions as part of an overall strategy to manage the mix of fixed-rate and floating-rate debt.  Certain interest rate derivative transactions effectively modify our exposure to interest rate risk by converting a portion of our fixed-rate debt to a floating rate.  Provided specific criteria are met, these interest rate derivatives are designated as fair value hedges.

Cash Flow Hedging Strategies

We enter into and designate as cash flow hedges certain derivative transactions for the purchase and sale of power, coal, natural gas and heating oil and gasoline (“Commodity”) in order to manage the variable price risk related to the forecasted purchase and sale of these commodities.  We monitor the potential impacts of commodity price changes and, where appropriate, enter into derivative transactions to protect profit margins for a portion of future electricity sales and fuel or energy purchases.  We do not hedge all commodity price risk.

Our vehicle fleet and barge operations are exposed to gasoline and diesel fuel price volatility.  We enter into financial heating oil and gasoline derivative contracts in order to mitigate price risk of our future fuel purchases.  For disclosure purposes, these contracts are included with other hedging activities as “Commodity.”  We do not hedge all fuel price risk.

We enter into a variety of interest rate derivative transactions in order to manage interest rate risk exposure.  Some interest rate derivative transactions effectively modify our exposure to interest rate risk by converting a portion of our floating-rate debt to a fixed rate.  We also enter into interest rate derivative contracts to manage interest rate exposure related to future borrowings of fixed-rate debt.  Our forecasted fixed-rate debt offerings have a high probability of occurrence as the proceeds will be used to fund existing debt maturities and projected capital expenditures.  We do not hedge all interest rate exposure.

At times, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks primarily when we purchase certain fixed assets from foreign suppliers.  In accordance with our risk management policy, we may enter into foreign currency derivative transactions to protect against the risk of increased cash outflows resulting from a foreign currency’s appreciation against the dollar.  We do not hedge all foreign currency exposure.
 
108

 
ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND THE IMPACT ON OUR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The accounting guidance for “Derivatives and Hedging” requires recognition of all qualifying derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheets at fair value.  The fair values of derivative instruments accounted for using MTM accounting or hedge accounting are based on exchange prices and broker quotes.  If a quoted market price is not available, the estimate of fair value is based on the best information available including valuation models that estimate future energy prices based on existing market and broker quotes, supply and demand market data and assumptions.  In order to determine the relevant fair values of our derivative instruments, we also apply valuation adjustments for discounting, liquidity and credit quality.

Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will fail to perform on the contract or fail to pay amounts due.  Liquidity risk represents the risk that imperfections in the market will cause the price to vary from estimated fair value based upon prevailing market supply and demand conditions.  Since energy markets are imperfect and volatile, there are inherent risks related to the underlying assumptions in models used to fair value risk management contracts.  Unforeseen events may cause reasonable price curves to differ from actual price curves throughout a contract’s term and at the time a contract settles.  Consequently, there could be significant adverse or favorable effects on future net income and cash flows if market prices are not consistent with our estimates of current market consensus for forward prices in the current period.  This is particularly true for longer term contracts.  Cash flows may vary based on market conditions, margin requirements and the timing of settlement of our risk management contracts.

According to the accounting guidance for “Derivatives and Hedging,” we reflect the fair values of our derivative instruments subject to netting agreements with the same counterparty net of related cash collateral.  For certain risk management contracts, we are required to post or receive cash collateral based on third party contractual agreements and risk profiles.  For the December 31, 2011 and 2010 balance sheets, we netted $26 million and $8 million, respectively, of cash collateral received from third parties against short-term and long-term risk management assets and $133 million and $109 million, respectively, of cash collateral paid to third parties against short-term and long-term risk management liabilities.
 
109

 
The following tables represent the gross fair value impact of our derivative activity on our balance sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
Risk Management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracts
 
Hedging Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Commodity (a)
 
Commodity (a)
 
Currency (a)
 
Other (b)
 
Total
 
 
 
(in millions)
Current Risk Management Assets
 
$
 852 
 
$
 24 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 (683)
 
$
 193 
Long-term Risk Management Assets
 
 
 641 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (253)
 
 
 403 
Total Assets
 
 
 1,493 
 
 
 39 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (936)
 
 
 596 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
 847 
 
 
 29 
 
 
 20 
 
 
 (746)
 
 
 150 
Long-term Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
 483 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 22 
 
 
 (325)
 
 
 195 
Total Liabilities
 
 
 1,330 
 
 
 44 
 
 
 42 
 
 
 (1,071)
 
 
 345 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total MTM Derivative Contract Net Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Liabilities)
 
$
 163 
 
$
 (5)
 
$
 (42)
 
$
 135 
 
$
 251 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
Risk Management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracts
 
Hedging Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Commodity (a)
 
Commodity (a)
 
Currency (a)
 
Other (b)
 
Total
 
 
 
(in millions)
Current Risk Management Assets
 
$
 1,023 
 
$
 18 
 
$
 30 
 
$
 (839)
 
$
 232 
Long-term Risk Management Assets
 
 
 546 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 (150)
 
 
 410 
Total Assets
 
 
 1,569 
 
 
 30 
 
 
 32 
 
 
 (989)
 
 
 642 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
 995 
 
 
 13 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 (881)
 
 
 129 
Long-term Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
 387 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 (255)
 
 
 141 
Total Liabilities
 
 
 1,382 
 
 
 19 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 (1,136)
 
 
 270 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total MTM Derivative Contract Net Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Liabilities)
 
$
 187 
 
$
 11 
 
$
 27 
 
$
 147 
 
$
 372 

(a)
Derivative instruments within these categories are reported gross.  These instruments are subject to master netting agreements and are presented on the balance sheets on a net basis in accordance with the accounting guidance for "Derivatives and Hedging."
(b)
Amounts include counterparty netting of risk management and hedging contracts and associated cash collateral in accordance with the accounting guidance for "Derivatives and Hedging."  Amounts also include de-designated risk management contracts.

 
110

 
The table below presents our activity of derivative risk management contracts for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized on
Risk Management Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Location of Gain (Loss)
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in millions)
Utility Operations Revenues
 
$
 46 
 
$
 85 
 
$
 144 
Other Revenues
 
 
 20 
 
 
 9 
 
 
 19 
Regulatory Assets (a)
 
 
 (22)
 
 
 (9)
 
 
 (28)
Regulatory Liabilities (a)
 
 
 (3)
 
 
 38 
 
 
 (7)
Total Gain (Loss) on Risk Management Contracts
 
$
 41 
 
$
 123 
 
$
 128 

(a)  Represents realized and unrealized gains and losses subject to regulatory accounting treatment recorded as either current or noncurrent on the balance sheets.

Certain qualifying derivative instruments have been designated as normal purchase or normal sale contracts, as provided in the accounting guidance for “Derivatives and Hedging.”  Derivative contracts that have been designated as normal purchases or normal sales under that accounting guidance are not subject to MTM accounting treatment and are recognized on the statements of income on an accrual basis.

Our accounting for the changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it qualifies for and has been designated as part of a hedging relationship and further, on the type of hedging relationship.  Depending on the exposure, we designate a hedging instrument as a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge.

For contracts that have not been designated as part of a hedging relationship, the accounting for changes in fair value depends on whether the derivative instrument is held for trading purposes.  Unrealized and realized gains and losses on derivative instruments held for trading purposes are included in Revenues on a net basis on the statements of income.  Unrealized and realized gains and losses on derivative instruments not held for trading purposes are included in Revenues or Expenses on the statements of income depending on the relevant facts and circumstances.  However, unrealized and some realized gains and losses in regulated jurisdictions for both trading and non-trading derivative instruments are recorded as regulatory assets (for losses) or regulatory liabilities (for gains) in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Regulated Operations.”

Accounting for Fair Value Hedging Strategies

For fair value hedges (i.e. hedging the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability or an identified portion thereof attributable to a particular risk), the gain or loss on the derivative instrument as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item associated with the hedged risk impacts Net Income during the period of change.

We record realized and unrealized gains or losses on interest rate swaps that qualify for fair value hedge accounting treatment and any offsetting changes in the fair value of the debt being hedged in Interest Expense on our statements of income.  During 2011 and 2010, we recognized gains of $3 million and $6 million, respectively, on our hedging instruments and offsetting losses of $6 million and $6 million, respectively, on our long-term debt.  For 2011 and 2010, hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial.  During 2009, we did not employ any fair value hedging strategies.

Accounting for Cash Flow Hedging Strategies

For cash flow hedges (i.e. hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows attributable to a particular risk), we initially report the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on our balance sheets until the period the hedged item affects Net Income.  We recognize any hedge ineffectiveness in Net Income immediately during the period of change, except in regulated jurisdictions where hedge ineffectiveness is recorded as a regulatory asset (for losses) or a regulatory liability (for gains).
 
111

 
Realized gains and losses on derivative contracts for the purchase and sale of power, coal, natural gas, and heating oil and gasoline designated as cash flow hedges are included in Revenues, Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation or Purchased Electricity for Resale on our statements of income or in Regulatory Assets or Regulatory Liabilities on our balance sheets, depending on the specific nature of the risk being hedged.  During 2011, 2010 and 2009, we designated commodity derivatives as cash flow hedges.

We reclassify gains and losses on financial fuel derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on our balance sheets into Other Operation expense, Maintenance expense or Depreciation and Amortization expense, as it relates to capital projects, on our statements of income.  During 2011, 2010 and 2009, we designated heating oil and gasoline derivatives as cash flow hedges.

We reclassify gains and losses on interest rate derivative hedges related to our debt financings from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Interest Expense in those periods in which hedged interest payments occur.  During 2011, 2010 and 2009, we designated interest rate derivatives as cash flow hedges.

The accumulated gains or losses related to our foreign currency hedges are reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on our balance sheets into Depreciation and Amortization expense on our statements of income over the depreciable lives of the fixed assets designated as the hedged items in qualifying foreign currency hedging relationships.  During 2011, 2010 and 2009, we designated foreign currency derivatives as cash flow hedges.

During 2009, we recognized a $6 million gain in Interest Expense related to hedge ineffectiveness on interest rate derivatives designated in cash flow hedge strategies.  During 2011, 2010 and 2009, hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial or nonexistent for all of the other cash flow hedge strategies disclosed above.

The following tables provide details on designated, effective cash flow hedges included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on our balance sheets and the reasons for changes in cash flow hedges for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.  All amounts in the following tables are presented net of related income taxes.

Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Activity for Cash Flow Hedges
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity
 
Currency
 
Total
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 7 
 
$
 4 
 
$
 11 
Changes in Fair Value Recognized in AOCI
 
 
 (5)
 
 
 (28)
 
 
 (33)
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Reclassified from AOCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
to Statement of Income/within Balance Sheet:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utility Operations Revenues
 
 
 3 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3 
 
 
Other Revenues
 
 
 (5)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (5)
 
 
Purchased Electricity for Resale
 
 
 (2)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (2)
 
 
Other Operation Expense
 
 
 (1)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (1)
 
 
Maintenance Expense
 
 
 (1)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (1)
 
 
Interest Expense
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 4 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 (1)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (1)
 
 
Regulatory Assets (a)
 
 
 2 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2011
 
$
 (3)
 
$
 (20)
 
$
 (23)
 
 
112

 
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Activity for Cash Flow Hedges
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity
 
Currency
 
Total
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2009
 
$
 (2)
 
$
 (13)
 
$
 (15)
Changes in Fair Value Recognized in AOCI
 
 
 9 
 
 
 13 
 
 
 22 
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Reclassified from AOCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
to Statement of Income/within Balance Sheet:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utility Operations Revenues
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
Other Revenues
 
 
 (7)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (7)
 
 
Purchased Electricity for Resale
 
 
 4 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4 
 
 
Interest Expense
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 4 
 
 
Regulatory Assets (a)
 
 
 3 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 7 
 
$
 4 
 
$
 11 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Activity for Cash Flow Hedges
Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity
 
Currency
 
Total
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2008
 
$
 7 
 
$
 (29)
 
$
 (22)
Changes in Fair Value Recognized in AOCI
 
 
 (6)
 
 
 11 
 
 
 5 
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Reclassified from AOCI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
to Statement of Income/within Balance Sheet:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utility Operations Revenues
 
 
 (15)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (15)
 
 
Other Revenues
 
 
 (15)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (15)
 
 
Purchased Electricity for Resale
 
 
 29 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 29 
 
 
Interest Expense
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 5 
 
 
Regulatory Assets (a)
 
 
 5 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities (a)
 
 
 (7)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (7)
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2009
 
$
 (2)
 
$
 (13)
 
$
 (15)

  (a)  Represents realized and unrealized gains and losses subject to regulatory accounting treatment recorded as either current or noncurrent on the balance sheets. 

 
113

 
Cash flow hedges included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on our balance sheets at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were:

Impact of Cash Flow Hedges on the Balance Sheet
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity
 
Currency
 
Total
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Hedging Assets (a)
 
$
 20 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 20 
Hedging Liabilities (a)
 
 
 25 
 
 
 42 
 
 
 67 
AOCI Gain (Loss) Net of Tax
 
 
 (3)
 
 
 (20)
 
 
 (23)
Portion Expected to be Reclassified to Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income During the Next Twelve Months
 
 
 (3)
 
 
 (2)
 
 
 (5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impact of Cash Flow Hedges on the Balance Sheet
December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity
 
Currency
 
Total
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Hedging Assets (a)
 
$
 13 
 
$
 25 
 
$
 38 
Hedging Liabilities (a)
 
 
 2 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 6 
AOCI Gain (Loss) Net of Tax
 
 
 7 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 11 
Portion Expected to be Reclassified to Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income During the Next Twelve Months
 
 
 3 
 
 
 (2)
 
 
 1 

(a)
Hedging Assets and Hedging Liabilities are included in Risk Management Assets and Liabilities on our balance sheets.

The actual amounts that we reclassify from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to Net Income can differ from the estimate above due to market price changes.  As of December 31, 2011, the maximum length of time that we are hedging (with contracts subject to the accounting guidance for “Derivatives and Hedging”) our exposure to variability in future cash flows related to forecasted transactions is 30 months.

Credit Risk

We limit credit risk in our wholesale marketing and trading activities by assessing the creditworthiness of potential counterparties before entering into transactions with them and continuing to evaluate their creditworthiness on an ongoing basis.  We use Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s and current market-based qualitative and quantitative data as well as financial statements to assess the financial health of counterparties on an ongoing basis.

We use standardized master agreements which may include collateral requirements.  These master agreements facilitate the netting of cash flows associated with a single counterparty.  Cash, letters of credit and parental/affiliate guarantees may be obtained as security from counterparties in order to mitigate credit risk.  The collateral agreements require a counterparty to post cash or letters of credit in the event an exposure exceeds our established threshold.  The threshold represents an unsecured credit limit which may be supported by a parental/affiliate guaranty, as determined in accordance with our credit policy.  In addition, collateral agreements allow for termination and liquidation of all positions in the event of a failure or inability to post collateral.
 
114

 
Collateral Triggering Events

Under the tariffs of the RTOs and Independent System Operators (ISOs) and a limited number of derivative and non-derivative contracts primarily related to our competitive retail auction loads, we are obligated to post an additional amount of collateral if our credit ratings decline below investment grade.  The amount of collateral required fluctuates based on market prices and our total exposure.  On an ongoing basis, our risk management organization assesses the appropriateness of these collateral triggering items in contracts.  AEP and its subsidiaries have not experienced a downgrade below investment grade.  The following table represents: (a) our aggregate fair value of such derivative contracts, (b) the amount of collateral we would have been required to post for all derivative and non-derivative contracts if our credit ratings had declined below investment grade and (c) how much was attributable to RTO and ISO activities as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:

 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Liabilities for Derivative Contracts with Credit Downgrade Triggers
 
$
 32 
 
$
 20 
Amount of Collateral AEP Subsidiaries Would Have Been
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Required to Post
 
 
 39 
 
 
 45 
Amount Attributable to RTO and ISO Activities
 
 
 38 
 
 
 44 

In addition, a majority of our non-exchange traded commodity contracts contain cross-default provisions that, if triggered, would permit the counterparty to declare a default and require settlement of the outstanding payable.  These cross-default provisions could be triggered if there was a non-performance event by Parent or the obligor under outstanding debt or a third party obligation in excess of $50 million.  On an ongoing basis, our risk management organization assesses the appropriateness of these cross-default provisions in our contracts.  We do not anticipate a non-performance event under these provisions.  The following table represents: (a) the fair value of these derivative liabilities subject to cross-default provisions prior to consideration of contractual netting arrangements, (b) the amount this exposure has been reduced by cash collateral we have posted and (c) if a cross-default provision would have been triggered, the settlement amount that would be required after considering our contractual netting arrangements as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:

 
 
December 31,
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
(in millions)
Liabilities for Contracts with Cross Default Provisions Prior to Contractual
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Netting Arrangements
 
$
 515 
 
$
 401 
Amount of Cash Collateral Posted
 
 
 56 
 
 
 81 
Additional Settlement Liability if Cross Default Provision is Triggered
 
 
 291 
 
 
 213 
 
 
115

 
10.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair Value Measurements of Long-term Debt

The fair values of Long-term Debt are based on quoted market prices, without credit enhancements, for the same or similar issues and the current interest rates offered for instruments with similar maturities.  These instruments are not marked-to-market.  The estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that we could realize in a current market exchange.

The book values and fair values of Long-term Debt as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are summarized in the following table:

 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
 
 
 
Book Value
   
Fair Value
   
Book Value
   
Fair Value
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Long-term Debt
  $ 16,516     $ 19,259     $ 16,811     $ 18,285  

Fair Value Measurements of Other Temporary Investments

Other Temporary Investments include funds held by trustees primarily for the payment of securitization bonds, marketable securities that we intend to hold for less than one year and investments by our protected cell of EIS.  See “Other Temporary Investments” section of Note 1.

The following is a summary of Other Temporary Investments:

 
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
Gross
 
Gross
 
Estimated
 
 
 
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
Other Temporary Investments
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
 
(in millions)
Restricted Cash (a)
  $ 216   $ -   $ -   $ 216
Fixed Income Securities:
                       
Mutual Funds
    64     -     -     64
Equity Securities - Mutual Funds
    11     3     -     14
Total Other Temporary Investments
  $ 291   $ 3   $ -   $ 294
 
                       
 
 
December 31, 2010
 
       
Gross
 
Gross
 
Estimated
 
       
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
Other Temporary Investments
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
 
(in millions)
Restricted Cash (a)
  $ 225   $ -   $ -   $ 225
Fixed Income Securities:
                       
Mutual Funds
    69     -     -     69
Variable Rate Demand Notes
    97     -     -     97
Equity Securities - Mutual Funds
    18     7     -     25
Total Other Temporary Investments
  $ 409   $ 7   $ -   $ 416
 
(a)
Primarily represents amounts held for the payment of debt.

 
116

 
The following table provides the activity for our debt and equity securities within Other Temporary Investments for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in millions)
Proceeds from Investment Sales
  $ 268     $ 455     $ 35
Purchases of Investments
    154       503       82
Gross Realized Gains on Investment Sales
    4       16       -
Gross Realized Losses on Investment Sales
    -       -       -

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, we had no Other Temporary Investments with an unrealized loss position.  In 2009, we recorded $9 million ($6 million, net of tax) of other-than-temporary impairments of Other Temporary Investments for equity investments of our protected cell captive insurance company.  At December 31, 2011, fixed income securities are primarily debt based mutual funds with short and intermediate maturities.  Mutual funds may be sold and do not contain maturity dates.

The following table provides details of Other Temporary Investments included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on our balance sheet and the reasons for changes for the year ended December 31, 2011.  All amounts in the following table are presented net of related income taxes.

Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Activity for Other Temporary Investments
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2010
  $ 4  
Changes in Fair Value Recognized in AOCI
    1  
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Reclassified from AOCI to Statement of Income:
       
Interest Income
    (3 )
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2011
  $ 2  

Fair Value Measurements of Trust Assets for Decommissioning and SNF Disposal

I&M records securities held in trust funds for decommissioning nuclear facilities and for the disposal of SNF at fair value.  See “Nuclear Trust Funds” section of Note 1.

The following is a summary of nuclear trust fund investments at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

 
December 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
Estimated
 
Gross
 
Other-Than-
 
Estimated
 
Gross
 
Other-Than-
 
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Temporary
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Temporary
 
 
Value
 
Gains
 
Impairments
 
Value
 
Gains
 
Impairments
 
 
(in millions)
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
  $ 18     $ -     $ -     $ 20     $ -     $ -  
Fixed Income Securities:
                                               
United States Government
    544       61       (1 )     461       23       (1 )
Corporate Debt
    54       5       (2 )     59       4       (2 )
State and Local Government
    330       -       (2 )     341       (1 )     -  
Subtotal Fixed Income Securities
    928       66       (5 )     861       26       (3 )
Equity Securities - Domestic
    646       215       (80 )     634       183       (123 )
Spent Nuclear Fuel and
                                               
Decommissioning Trusts
  $ 1,592     $ 281     $ (85 )   $ 1,515     $ 209     $ (126 )

 
117

 
The following table provides the securities activity within the decommissioning and SNF trusts for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in millions)
Proceeds from Investment Sales
  $ 1,111     $ 1,362     $ 713
Purchases of Investments
    1,167       1,415       771
Gross Realized Gains on Investment Sales
    33       12       28
Gross Realized Losses on Investment Sales
    22       2       1

The adjusted cost of debt securities was $862 million and $835 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The adjusted cost of equity securities was $431 million and $451 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The fair value of debt securities held in the nuclear trust funds, summarized by contractual maturities, at December 31, 2011 was as follows:

 
Fair Value
 
of Debt
 
Securities
 
(in millions)
Within 1 year
$
 62 
1 year – 5 years
 
 285 
5 years – 10 years
 
 350 
After 10 years
 
 231 
Total
$
 928 

 
118

 
Fair Value Measurements of Financial Assets and Liabilities

For a discussion of fair value accounting and the classification of assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy, see the “Fair Value Measurements of Assets and Liabilities” section of Note 1.

The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.  As required by the accounting guidance for “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.  There have not been any significant changes in AEP’s valuation techniques.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Other
   
Total
Assets:
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents (a)
  $ 6     $ -     $ -     $ 215     $ 221
 
                                     
Other Temporary Investments
                                     
Restricted Cash (a)
    191       -       -       25       216
Fixed Income Securities:
                                     
Mutual Funds
    64       -       -       -       64
Equity Securities - Mutual Funds (b)
    14       -       -       -       14
Total Other Temporary Investments
    269       -       -       25       294
 
                                     
Risk Management Assets
                                     
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (c) (f)
    47       1,299       147       (945 )     548
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                     
Commodity Hedges (c)
    15       23       -       (18 )     20
De-designated Risk Management Contracts (d)
    -       -       -       28       28
Total Risk Management Assets
    62       1,322       147       (935 )     596
 
                                     
Spent Nuclear Fuel and Decommissioning Trusts
                                     
Cash and Cash Equivalents (e)
    -       5       -       13       18
Fixed Income Securities:
                                     
United States Government
    -       544       -       -       544
Corporate Debt
    -       54       -       -       54
State and Local Government
    -       330       -       -       330
Subtotal Fixed Income Securities
    -       928       -       -       928
Equity Securities - Domestic (b)
    646       -       -       -       646
Total Spent Nuclear Fuel and Decommissioning Trusts
    646       933       -       13       1,592
 
                                     
Total Assets
  $ 983     $ 2,255     $ 147     $ (682 )   $ 2,703
 
                                     
Liabilities:
                                     
 
                                     
Risk Management Liabilities
                                     
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (c) (f)
  $ 43     $ 1,209     $ 78     $ (1,052 )   $ 278
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                     
Commodity Hedges (c)
    -       43       -       (18 )     25
Interest Rate/Foreign Currency Hedges
    -       42       -       -       42
Total Risk Management Liabilities
  $ 43     $ 1,294     $ 78     $ (1,070 )   $ 345
 
 
119

 
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
December 31, 2010
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Other
   
Total
Assets:
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents (a)
  $ 170     $ -     $ -     $ 124     $ 294
 
                                     
Other Temporary Investments
                                     
Restricted Cash (a)
    184       -       -       41       225
Fixed Income Securities:
                                     
Mutual Funds
    69       -       -       -       69
Variable Rate Demand Notes
    -       97       -       -       97
Equity Securities - Mutual Funds (b)
    25       -       -       -       25
Total Other Temporary Investments
    278       97       -       41       416
 
                                     
Risk Management Assets
                                     
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (c) (g)
    20       1,432       112       (1,013 )     551
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                     
Commodity Hedges (c)
    11       17       -       (15 )     13
Interest Rate/Foreign Currency Hedges
    -       25       -       -       25
Fair Value Hedges
    -       7       -       -       7
De-designated Risk Management Contracts (d)
    -       -       -       46       46
Total Risk Management Assets
    31       1,481       112       (982 )     642
 
                                     
Spent Nuclear Fuel and Decommissioning Trusts
                                     
Cash and Cash Equivalents (e)
    -       8       -       12       20
Fixed Income Securities:
                                     
United States Government
    -       461       -       -       461
Corporate Debt
    -       59       -       -       59
State and Local Government
    -       341       -       -       341
Subtotal Fixed Income Securities
    -       861       -       -       861
Equity Securities - Domestic (b)
    634       -       -       -       634
Total Spent Nuclear Fuel and Decommissioning Trusts
    634       869       -       12       1,515
 
                                     
Total Assets
  $ 1,113     $ 2,447     $ 112     $ (805 )   $ 2,867
 
                                     
Liabilities:
                                     
 
                                     
Risk Management Liabilities
                                     
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (c) (g)
  $ 25     $ 1,325     $ 27     $ (1,114 )   $ 263
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                     
Commodity Hedges (c)
    4       13       -       (15 )     2
Interest Rate/Foreign Currency Hedges
    -       4       -       -       4
Fair Value Hedges
    -       1       -       -       1
Total Risk Management Liabilities
  $ 29     $ 1,343     $ 27     $ (1,129 )   $ 270
 
 
120

 
(a)
Amounts in "Other" column primarily represent cash deposits in bank accounts with financial institutions or with third parties.  Level 1 amounts primarily represent investments in money market funds.
(b)
Amounts represent publicly traded equity securities and equity-based mutual funds.
(c)
Amounts in "Other" column primarily represent counterparty netting of risk management and hedging contracts and associated cash collateral under the accounting guidance for "Derivatives and Hedging."
(d)
Represents contracts that were originally MTM but were subsequently elected as normal under the accounting guidance for "Derivatives and Hedging."  At the time of the normal election, the MTM value was frozen and no longer fair valued.  This MTM value will be amortized into revenues over the remaining life of the contracts.
(e)
Amounts in "Other" column primarily represent accrued interest receivables from financial institutions.  Level 2 amounts primarily represent investments in money market funds.
(f)
The December 31, 2011 maturity of the net fair value of risk management contracts prior to cash collateral, assets/(liabilities), is as follows:  Level 1 matures $3 million in 2012, $7 million in periods 2013-2015 and ($6) million in periods 2016-2018;  Level 2 matures $21 million in 2012, $50 million in periods 2013-2015, $11 million in periods 2016-2017 and $8 million in periods 2018-2030;  Level 3 matures ($19) million in 2012, $44 million in periods 2013-2015, $18 million in periods 2016-2017 and $26 million in periods 2018-2030.  Risk management commodity contracts are substantially comprised of power contracts.
(g)
The December 31, 2010 maturity of the net fair value of risk management contracts prior to cash collateral, assets/(liabilities), is as follows:  Level 1 matures ($2) million in 2011, $2 million in periods 2012-2014 and ($5) million in periods 2015-2018;  Level 2 matures $13 million in 2011, $66 million in periods 2012-2014, $12 million in periods 2015-2016 and $16 million in periods 2017-2028;  Level 3 matures $18 million in 2011, $24 million in periods 2012-2014, $16 million in periods 2015-2016 and $27 million in periods 2017-2028.  Risk management commodity contracts are substantially comprised of power contracts.

There have been no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
121

 
The following tables set forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of net trading derivatives and other investments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy:

 
 
 
Net Risk Management
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
Assets (Liabilities)
 
 
 
(in millions)
Balance as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 85 
Realized Gain (Loss) Included in Net Income (or Changes in Net Assets) (a) (b)
 
 
 (10)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Net Income (or Changes in Net Assets)
 
 
 
 
Relating to Assets Still Held at the Reporting Date (a)
 
 
 9 
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 - 
Purchases, Issuances and Settlements (c)
 
 
 (3)
Transfers into Level 3 (d) (f)
 
 
 13 
Transfers out of Level 3 (e) (f)
 
 
 (12)
Changes in Fair Value Allocated to Regulated Jurisdictions (g)
 
 
 (13)
Balance as of December 31, 2011
 
$
 69 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Risk Management
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
Assets (Liabilities)
 
 
 
(in millions)
Balance as of December 31, 2009
 
$
 62 
Realized Gain (Loss) Included in Net Income (or Changes in Net Assets) (a) (b)
 
 
 5 
Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Net Income (or Changes in Net Assets)
 
 
 
 
Relating to Assets Still Held at the Reporting Date (a)
 
 
 63 
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 - 
Purchases, Issuances and Settlements (c)
 
 
 (25)
Transfers into Level 3 (d) (f)
 
 
 18 
Transfers out of Level 3 (e) (f)
 
 
 (53)
Changes in Fair Value Allocated to Regulated Jurisdictions (g)
 
 
 15 
Balance as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 85 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Risk Management
Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
Assets (Liabilities)
 
 
 
(in millions)
Balance as of December 31, 2008
 
$
 49 
Realized Gain (Loss) Included in Net Income (or Changes in Net Assets) (a) (b)
 
 
 (4)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Net Income (or Changes in Net Assets)
 
 
 
 
Relating to Assets Still Held at the Reporting Date (a)
 
 
 44 
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 - 
Purchases, Issuances and Settlements (c)
 
 
 (17)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (h)
 
 
 (25)
Changes in Fair Value Allocated to Regulated Jurisdictions (g)
 
 
 15 
Balance as of December 31, 2009
 
$
 62 

(a)
Included in revenues on our statements of income.
(b)
Represents the change in fair value between the beginning of the reporting period and the settlement of the risk management commodity contract.
(c)
Represents the settlement of risk management commodity contracts for the reporting period.
(d)
Represents existing assets or liabilities that were previously categorized as Level 2.
(e)
Represents existing assets or liabilities that were previously categorized as Level 3.
(f)
Transfers are recognized based on their value at the beginning of the reporting period that the transfer occurred.
(g)
Relates to the net gains (losses) of those contracts that are not reflected on our statements of income.  These net gains (losses) are recorded as regulatory liabilities/assets.
(h)
Represents existing assets or liabilities that were either previously categorized as a higher level for which the inputs to the model became unobservable or assets and liabilities that were previously classified as Level 3 for which the lowest significant input became observable during the period.

 
122

 
11.  INCOME TAXES

The details of our consolidated income taxes before extraordinary items as reported are as follows:

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Federal:
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Current
  $ 20     $ (134 )   $ (575 )
Deferred
    786       760       1,171  
Total Federal
    806       626       596  
 
                       
State and Local:
                       
Current
    37       (20 )     (76 )
Deferred
    (25 )     38       55  
Total State and Local
    12       18       (21 )
 
                       
International:
                       
Current
    -       (1 )     -  
Deferred
    -       -       -  
Total International
    -       (1 )     -  
 
                       
Income Tax Expense
  $ 818     $ 643     $ 575  

The following is a reconciliation of our consolidated difference between the amount of federal income taxes computed by multiplying book income before income taxes by the federal statutory tax rate and the amount of income taxes reported.

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
(in millions)
Net Income
$
 1,949 
 
$
 1,218 
 
$
 1,365 
Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax of $(112) million and $3 million in 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and 2009, respectively
 
 (373)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5 
Income Before Extraordinary Items
 
 1,576 
 
 
 1,218 
 
 
 1,370 
Income Tax Expense
 
 818 
 
 
 643 
 
 
 575 
Pretax Income
$
 2,394 
 
$
 1,861 
 
$
 1,945 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Taxes on Pretax Income at Statutory Rate (35%)
$
 838 
 
$
 651 
 
$
 681 
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes resulting from the following items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
 41 
 
 
 47 
 
 
 31 
 
 
Investment Tax Credits, Net
 
 (15)
 
 
 (16)
 
 
 (19)
 
 
Energy Production Credits
 
 (18)
 
 
 (20)
 
 
 (15)
 
 
State and Local Income Taxes, Net
 
 (22)
 
 
 11 
 
 
 (14)
 
 
Removal Costs
 
 (20)
 
 
 (19)
 
 
 (19)
 
 
AFUDC
 
 (42)
 
 
 (33)
 
 
 (36)
 
 
Medicare Subsidy
 
 1 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 (11)
 
 
Valuation Allowance
 
 86 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
Tax Reserve Adjustments
 
 2 
 
 
 (16)
 
 
 (6)
 
 
Other
 
 (33)
 
 
 26 
 
 
 (17)
Income Tax Expense
$
 818 
 
$
 643 
 
$
 575 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective Income Tax Rate
 
 34.2 
%
 
 
 34.6 
%
 
 
 29.6 
%

 
123

 
The following table shows elements of the net deferred tax liability and significant temporary differences:

 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Deferred Tax Assets
  $ 2,855     $ 2,519  
Deferred Tax Liabilities
    (11,185 )     (10,009 )
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities
  $ (8,330 )   $ (7,490 )
 
               
Property Related Temporary Differences
  $ (5,963 )   $ (5,301 )
Amounts Due from Customers for Future Federal Income Taxes
    (259 )     (250 )
Deferred State Income Taxes
    (668 )     (622 )
Securitized Transition Assets
    (621 )     (651 )
Regulatory Assets
    (1,208 )     (867 )
Postretirement Benefits
    424       356  
Accrued Pensions
    149       218  
Deferred Income Taxes on Other Comprehensive Loss
    254       207  
Accrued Nuclear Decommissioning
    (436 )     (395 )
Net Operating Loss Carryforward
    125       -  
Tax Credit Carryforward
    182       -  
Valuation Allowance
    (86 )     -  
All Other, Net
    (223 )     (185 )
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities
  $ (8,330 )   $ (7,490 )

AEP System Tax Allocation Agreement

We, along with our subsidiaries, file a consolidated federal income tax return.  The allocation of the AEP System’s current consolidated federal income tax to the AEP System companies allocates the benefit of current tax losses to the AEP System companies giving rise to such losses in determining their current tax expense.  The tax benefit of the Parent is allocated to our subsidiaries with taxable income.  With the exception of the loss of the Parent, the method of allocation reflects a separate return result for each company in the consolidated group.

Federal and State Income Tax Audit Status

We are no longer subject to U.S. federal examination for years before 2009.  We completed the examination of the years 2007 and 2008 in April 2011 and settled all outstanding issues on appeal for the years 2001 through 2006 in October 2011.  The settlements did not have a material impact on net income, cash flows or financial condition.  The IRS examination of years 2009 and 2010 started in October 2011.  Although the outcome of tax audits is uncertain, in management’s opinion, adequate provisions for federal income taxes have been made for potential liabilities resulting from such matters.  In addition, we accrue interest on these uncertain tax positions.  We are not aware of any issues for open tax years that upon final resolution are expected to have a material effect on net income.

We, along with our subsidiaries, file income tax returns in various state, local and foreign jurisdictions.  These taxing authorities routinely examine our tax returns and we are currently under examination in several state and local jurisdictions.  We believe that we have filed tax returns with positions that may be challenged by these tax authorities.  Management believes that adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for potential liabilities resulting from such challenges and the ultimate resolution of these audits will not materially impact net income.  With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to state, local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2000.
 
124

 
Net Income Tax Operating Loss Carryforward

In 2011, we sustained a federal net income tax operating loss of $226 million driven primarily by bonus depreciation, pension plan contributions and other book versus tax temporary differences.  We also had state net income tax operating loss carryforwards as indicated in the table below.  As a result, we accrued deferred federal, state and local income tax benefits in 2011.  We expect to realize the federal, state and local cash flow benefit in future periods as there was insufficient capacity in prior periods to carry the net operating loss back. We anticipate future taxable income will be sufficient to realize the net income tax operating loss tax benefits before the federal carryforward expires after 2031.

 
 
State Net Income
   
 
 
 
 
Tax Operating
   
 
 
 
 
Loss
   
Year of
 
State
 
Carryforward
   
Expiration
 
 
 
(in millions)
   
 
 
Oklahoma
  $ 135       2031  
Tennessee
    13       2026  
Virginia
    358       2031  
West Virginia
    511       2031  

We sustained federal, state and local net income tax operating losses in 2009 driven primarily by bonus depreciation, a change in tax accounting method related to units of property and other book versus tax temporary differences.  As a result, we accrued current federal, state and local income tax benefits in 2009.  We realized the federal cash flow benefit in 2010 as there was sufficient capacity in prior periods to carry the net operating loss back.  Most of our state and local jurisdictions do not provide for a net operating loss carry back, therefore the state and local losses were carried forward to future periods.

Tax Credit Carryforward

Federal and state net income tax operating losses sustained in 2009 and 2011 along with lower federal and state taxable income in 2010 resulted in unused federal and state income tax credits.  At December 31, 2011, we have total federal tax credit carryforwards of $182 million and total state tax credit carryforwards of $74 million, not all of which are subject to an expiration date.  If these credits are not utilized, the federal general business tax credits of $81 million will expire in the years 2028 through 2031 and the state coal tax credits of $29 million will expire in the years 2013 through 2021.

We anticipate future federal taxable income will be sufficient to realize the tax benefits of the federal tax credits before they expire unused.  We do not anticipate state taxable income will be sufficient in future periods to realize the tax benefits of all state income tax credits before they expire unused and we have provided a valuation allowance accordingly.

Valuation Allowance

We assess past results and future operations to estimate and evaluate available positive and negative evidence to evaluate whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to use existing deferred tax assets.  A significant piece of objective negative information evaluated were the net income tax operating losses sustained in 2009 and 2011.  On the basis of this evaluation of available positive and negative evidence, as of December 31, 2011, a valuation allowance of $30 million for state tax credits, net of federal tax, and $56 million for an unrealized capital loss has been recorded in order to measure only the portion of the deferred tax assets that, more likely than not, will be realized.  The amount of the deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced or if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and additional weight may be given to subjective evidence, such as our projections for growth.

For a discussion of the tax implications of the unrealized capital loss resulting from our settlement with BOA and Enron, see “Enron Bankruptcy” section of Note 5.
 
125

 
Uncertain Tax Positions

We recognize interest accruals related to uncertain tax positions in interest income or expense, as applicable, and penalties in Other Operation in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Income Taxes.”

The following table shows amounts reported for interest expense, interest income and reversal of prior period interest expense:


 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in millions)
Interest Expense
  $ 8     $ 8     $ 1
Interest Income
    22       11       5
Reversal of Prior Period Interest Expense
    13       5       5

The following table shows balances for amounts accrued for the receipt of interest and the payment of interest and penalties:

 
December 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(in millions)
 
Accrual for Receipt of Interest
  $ 13     $ 42  
Accrual for Payment of Interest and Penalties
    6       21  

The reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Balance at January 1,
  $ 219     $ 237     $ 237  
Increase - Tax Positions Taken During a Prior Period
    51       40       56  
Decrease - Tax Positions Taken During a Prior Period
    (43 )     (43 )     (65 )
Increase - Tax Positions Taken During the Current Year
    10       -       16  
Decrease - Tax Positions Taken During the Current Year
    -       (6 )     -  
Increase - Settlements with Taxing Authorities
    -       -       1  
Decrease - Settlements with Taxing Authorities
    (31 )     (2 )     -  
Decrease - Lapse of the Applicable Statute of Limitations
    (38 )     (7 )     (8 )
Balance at December 31,
  $ 168     $ 219     $ 237  

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is $111 million, $112 million and $137 million for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  We believe there will be no significant net increase or decrease in unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months of the reporting date.

Federal Tax Legislation

Under the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005, we filed applications with the United States Department of Energy and the IRS in 2008 for the West Virginia IGCC project and in July 2008 the IRS allocated the project $134 million in credits.  In September 2008, we entered into a memorandum of understanding with the IRS concerning the requirements of claiming the credits.  We had until July 2010 to meet certain minimum requirements under the agreement with the IRS or the credits would be forfeited.  In July 2010, we forfeited the allocated tax credits.
 
126

 
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 provided for several new grant programs and expanded tax credits and an extension of the 50% bonus depreciation provision enacted in the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008.  The enacted provisions did not have a material impact on net income or financial condition.  However, the bonus depreciation contributed to the 2009 federal net operating tax loss that resulted in a 2010 cash flow benefit of $419 million.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the related Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (Health Care Acts) were enacted in March 2010.  The Health Care Acts amend tax rules so that the portion of employer health care costs that are reimbursed by the Medicare Part D prescription drug subsidy will no longer be deductible by the employer for federal income tax purposes effective for years beginning after December 31, 2012.  Because of the loss of the future tax deduction, a reduction in the deferred tax asset related to the nondeductible OPEB liabilities accrued to date was recorded in March 2010.  This reduction did not materially affect our cash flows or financial condition.  For the year ended December 31, 2010, deferred tax assets decreased $56 million, partially offset by recording net tax regulatory assets of $35 million in our jurisdictions with regulated operations, resulting in a decrease in net income of $21 million.

The Small Business Jobs Act (the Act) was enacted in September 2010.  Included in the Act was a one-year extension of the 50% bonus depreciation provision.  The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and the Job Creation Act of 2010 extended the life of research and development, employment and several energy tax credits originally scheduled to expire at the end of 2010.  In addition, the Act extended the time for claiming bonus depreciation and increased the deduction to 100% for part of 2010 and 2011.  The enacted provisions will not have a material impact on net income or financial condition but had a favorable impact on cash flows of $318 million in 2010.

In December of 2011 the U.S. Treasury Department issued guidance regarding the deduction and capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property.  The guidance was in the form of proposed and temporary regulations and generally is effective for tax years beginning in 2012.  These regulations did not have an impact on either net income or cash flow in 2011.  We are still evaluating the impact these regulations will have on future periods.

State Tax Legislation

Ohio House Bill 66 of 2005 imposed a commercial activity tax at a fully phased-in rate of 0.26% on all Ohio gross receipts.  The tax was phased-in over a five-year period that began July 1, 2005 at 23% of the full 0.26% rate.  As a result of this tax, expenses of approximately $14 million, $13 million and $11 million were recorded in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, in Taxes Other Than Income Taxes.

Legislation was passed by the state of Indiana in May 2011 enacting a phased reduction in corporate income tax rates from 8.5% to 6.5%.  The current 8.5% Indiana corporate income tax rate is scheduled for a 0.5% reduction each year beginning after June 30, 2012 with the final reduction occurring in years beginning after June 30, 2015.

In May 2011, Michigan repealed its Business Tax regime and replaced it with a traditional corporate net income tax with a rate of 6%, effective January 1, 2012.

During the third quarter of 2011, the state of West Virginia determined that the state had achieved certain minimum levels of shortfall reserve funds and thus, the West Virginia corporate income tax rate will be reduced to 7.75% in 2012.  The enacted provisions will not have a material impact on net income, cash flows or financial condition.
 
127

 
12.  LEASES

Leases of property, plant and equipment are for periods up to 60 years and require payments of related property taxes, maintenance and operating costs.  The majority of the leases have purchase or renewal options and will be renewed or replaced by other leases.

Lease rentals for both operating and capital leases are generally charged to Other Operation and Maintenance expense in accordance with rate-making treatment for regulated operations.  Additionally, for regulated operations with capital leases, a capital lease asset and offsetting liability are recorded at the present value of the remaining lease payments for each reporting period.  Capital leases for nonregulated property are accounted for as if the assets were owned and financed.  The components of rental costs are as follows:

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
Lease Rental Costs
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Net Lease Expense on Operating Leases
    $ 343     $ 343     $ 354  
Amortization of Capital Leases
      72       97       83  
Interest on Capital Leases
      32       26       13  
Total Lease Rental Costs
    $ 447     $ 466     $ 450  

The following table shows the property, plant and equipment under capital leases and related obligations recorded on our balance sheets.  Capital lease obligations are included in Other Current Liabilities and Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities on our balance sheets.

 
 
December 31,
Property, Plant and Equipment Under Capital Leases
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(in millions)
Generation
  $ 104   $ 97
Other Property, Plant and Equipment
    485     482
Total Property, Plant and Equipment Under Capital Leases
    589     579
Accumulated Amortization
    137     108
Net Property, Plant and Equipment Under Capital Leases
  $ 452   $ 471

Obligations Under Capital Leases
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent Liability
  $ 384   $ 398
Liability Due Within One Year
    74     76
Total Obligations Under Capital Leases
  $ 458   $ 474

Future minimum lease payments consisted of the following at December 31, 2011:

 
 
 
   
Noncancelable
Future Minimum Lease Payments
 
Capital Leases
   
Operating Leases
 
 
(in millions)
2012 
  $ 96     $ 316
2013 
    81       288
2014 
    67       264
2015 
    55       245
2016 
    47       226
Later Years
    285       1,235
Total Future Minimum Lease Payments
    631     $ 2,574
Less Estimated Interest Element
    173        
Estimated Present Value of Future Minimum
             
Lease Payments
  $ 458        

 
128

 
Master Lease Agreements

We lease certain equipment under master lease agreements.  In December 2010, we signed a new master lease agreement with GE Capital Commercial Inc. (GE) for approximately $137 million to replace existing operating and capital leases with GE.  We refinanced $60 million of capital leases and $77 million of operating leases.  These assets were included in existing master lease agreements that were to be terminated in 2011 since GE exercised the termination provision related to these leases in 2008.  In January 2011, we purchased $5 million of previously leased assets that were not included in the 2010 refinancing.  In June 2011, we placed an additional $11 million of previously leased assets under a new capital lease.  These obligations are included in the future minimum lease payments schedule earlier in this note.

For equipment under the GE master lease agreements, the lessor is guaranteed receipt of up to 78% of the unamortized balance of the equipment at the end of the lease term.  If the fair value of the leased equipment is below the unamortized balance at the end of the lease term, we are committed to pay the difference between the fair value and the unamortized balance, with the total guarantee not to exceed 78% of the unamortized balance.  For equipment under other master lease agreements, the lessor is guaranteed a residual value up to a stated percentage of either the unamortized balance or the equipment cost at the end of the lease term.  If the actual fair value of the leased equipment is below the guaranteed residual value at the end of the lease term, we are committed to pay the difference between the actual fair value and the residual value guarantee.  At December 31, 2011, the maximum potential loss for these lease agreements was approximately $14 million assuming the fair value of the equipment is zero at the end of the lease term.  Historically, at the end of the lease term the fair value has been in excess of the unamortized balance.

Rockport Lease

AEGCo and I&M entered into a sale-and-leaseback transaction in 1989 with Wilmington Trust Company (Owner Trustee), an unrelated, unconsolidated trustee for Rockport Plant Unit 2 (the Plant).  The Owner Trustee was capitalized with equity from six owner participants with no relationship to AEP or any of its subsidiaries and debt from a syndicate of banks and securities in a private placement to certain institutional investors.

The gain from the sale was deferred and is being amortized over the term of the lease, which expires in 2022.  The Owner Trustee owns the Plant and leases it equally to AEGCo and I&M.  The lease is accounted for as an operating lease with the payment obligations included in the future minimum lease payments schedule earlier in this note.  The lease term is for 33 years with potential renewal options.  At the end of the lease term, AEGCo and I&M have the option to renew the lease or the Owner Trustee can sell the Plant.  AEP, AEGCo and I&M have no ownership interest in the Owner Trustee and do not guarantee its debt.  The future minimum lease payments for this sale-and-leaseback transaction as of December 31, 2011 are as follows:

Future Minimum Lease Payments
 
AEGCo
   
I&M
 
 
(in millions)
2012 
  $ 74     $ 74
2013 
    74       74
2014 
    74       74
2015 
    74       74
2016 
    74       74
Later Years
    443       443
Total Future Minimum Lease Payments
  $ 813     $ 813

 
129

 
Railcar Lease

In June 2003, AEP Transportation LLC (AEP Transportation), a subsidiary of AEP, entered into an agreement with BTM Capital Corporation, as lessor, to lease 875 coal-transporting aluminum railcars.  The lease is accounted for as an operating lease.  In January 2008, AEP Transportation assigned the remaining 848 railcars under the original lease agreement to I&M (390 railcars) and SWEPCo (458 railcars).  The assignment is accounted for as operating leases for I&M and SWEPCo.  The initial lease term was five years with three consecutive five-year renewal periods for a maximum lease term of twenty years.  I&M and SWEPCo intend to renew these leases for the full lease term of twenty years via the renewal options.  The future minimum lease obligations are $16 million for I&M and $18 million for SWEPCo for the remaining railcars as of December 31, 2011.  These obligations are included in the future minimum lease payments schedule earlier in this note.

Under the lease agreement, the lessor is guaranteed that the sale proceeds under a return-and-sale option will equal at least a lessee obligation amount specified in the lease, which declines from approximately 84% under the current five year lease term to 77% at the end of the 20-year term of the projected fair value of the equipment.  I&M and SWEPCo have assumed the guarantee under the return-and-sale option.  I&M’s maximum potential loss related to the guarantee is approximately $12 million and SWEPCo’s is approximately $13 million assuming the fair value of the equipment is zero at the end of the current five-year lease term.  However, we believe that the fair value would produce a sufficient sales price to avoid any loss.

Sabine Dragline Lease

During 2009, Sabine, an entity consolidated in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Variable Interest Entities,” entered into capital lease arrangements with a nonaffiliated company to finance the purchase of two electric draglines to be used for Sabine’s mining operations totaling $47 million.  The amounts included in the lease represented the aggregate fair value of the existing equipment and a sale-and-leaseback transaction for additional dragline rebuild costs required to keep the dragline operational.  In addition to the 2009 transactions, Sabine has one additional $53 million dragline completed in 2008 that was financed under a capital lease.  These capital lease assets are included in Other Property, Plant and Equipment on our December 31, 2011 and 2010 balance sheets.  The short-term and long-term capital lease obligations are included in Other Current Liabilities and Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities on our December 31, 2011 and 2010 balance sheets.  The future payment obligations are included in our future minimum lease payments schedule earlier in this note.

I&M Nuclear Fuel Lease

In December 2007, I&M entered into a sale-and-leaseback transaction with Citicorp Leasing, Inc. (CLI), an unrelated, unconsolidated, wholly-owned subsidiary of Citibank, N.A. to lease nuclear fuel for I&M’s Cook Plant.  In December 2007, I&M sold a portion of its unamortized nuclear fuel inventory to CLI at cost for $85 million.  The lease has a variable rate based on one month LIBOR and is accounted for as a capital lease with lease terms up to 60 months.  The future payment obligations of $383 thousand are included in our future minimum lease payments schedule earlier in this note.  The net capital lease asset is included in Other Property, Plant and Equipment and the short-term and long-term capital lease obligations are included in Other Current Liabilities and Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities, respectively, on our December 31, 2011 and 2010 balance sheets.  The future minimum lease payments for this sale-and-leaseback transaction as of December 31, 2011 are $383 thousand for 2012, based on estimated fuel burn.
 
130

 
13.  FINANCING ACTIVITIES

AEP Common Stock

In April 2009, we issued 69 million shares of common stock at $24.50 per share for net proceeds of $1.64 billion, which were primarily used to repay cash drawn under our credit facilities in the second quarter of 2009.

Set forth below is a reconciliation of common stock share activity for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

 
 
 
   
Held in
Shares of AEP Common Stock
 
Issued
   
Treasury
Balance, December 31, 2008
    426,321,248       20,249,992
Issued
    72,012,017       -
Treasury Stock Acquired
    -       28,866
Balance, December 31, 2009
    498,333,265       20,278,858
Issued
    2,781,616       -
Treasury Stock Acquired
    -       28,867
Balance, December 31, 2010
    501,114,881       20,307,725
Issued
    2,644,579       -
Treasury Stock Acquired
    -       28,867
Balance, December 31, 2011
    503,759,460       20,336,592

Preferred Stock

In December 2011, AEP subsidiaries redeemed all of their outstanding preferred stock with a par value of $60 million at a premium, resulting in a $2.8 million loss, which is included in Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements of Subsidiaries Including Capital Stock Expense on our statement of income.  The redeemed shares are no longer outstanding and represent only the right to receive the applicable redemption price, to the extent the shares have not yet been presented for payment.

 
131

 
Long-term Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rate at
 
 
 
Outstanding at
 
 
December 31,
 
Interest Rate Ranges at December 31,
 
December 31,
Type of Debt and Maturity
 
2011 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Senior Unsecured Notes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011-2040
 
5.85%
 
0.955%-8.13%
 
0.702%-8.13%
 
$
 11,737 
 
$
 11,669 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollution Control Bonds (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011-2038 (b)
 
3.57%
 
0.06%-6.30%
 
0.29%-6.30%
 
 
 2,112 
 
 
 2,263 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes Payable (c)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011-2026
 
4.77%
 
2.029%-8.03%
 
2.07%-8.03%
 
 
 402 
 
 
 396 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securitization Bonds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013-2020
 
5.36%
 
4.98%-6.25%
 
4.98%-6.25%
 
 
 1,688 
 
 
 1,847 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Junior Subordinated Debentures (d)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2063 
 
8.75%
 
8.75%
 
8.75%
 
 
 315 
 
 
 315 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spent Nuclear Fuel Obligation (e)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 265 
 
 
 265 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Long-term Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011-2059
 
6.07%
 
3.00%-13.718%
 
1.3125%-13.718%
 
 
 29 
 
 
 91 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Interest Rate Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 6 
Unamortized Discount, Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (39)
 
 
 (41)
Total Long-term Debt Outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 16,516 
 
 
 16,811 
Long-term Debt Due Within One Year
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1,433 
 
 
 1,309 
Long-term Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 15,083 
 
$
 15,502 

(a)
For certain series of pollution control bonds, interest rates are subject to periodic adjustment.  Certain series may be purchased on demand at periodic interest adjustment dates.  Letters of credit from banks, standby bond purchase agreements and insurance policies support certain series.
(b)
Certain pollution control bonds are subject to redemption earlier than the maturity date.  Consequently, these bonds have been classified for maturity purposes as Long-term Debt Due Within One Year on our balance sheets.
(c)
Notes payable represent outstanding promissory notes issued under term loan agreements and credit agreements with a number of banks and other financial institutions.  At expiration, all notes then issued and outstanding are due and payable.  Interest rates are both fixed and variable.  Variable rates generally relate to specified short-term interest rates.
(d)
Debentures will mature on March 1, 2063, subject to extensions to no later than March 1, 2068, and are callable at par any time on or after March 1, 2013.
(e)
Spent nuclear fuel obligation consists of a liability along with accrued interest for disposal of spent nuclear fuel (see "SNF Disposal" section of Note 5).

 
132

 
Long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2011 is payable as follows:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
After
 
 
 
2012 
 
2013 
 
2014 
 
2015 
 
2016 
 
2016 
 
Total
 
(in millions)
Principal Amount
$
 1,433 
 
$
 1,383 
 
$
 1,074 
 
$
 1,496 
 
$
 712 
 
$
 10,457 
 
$
 16,555 
Unamortized Discount, Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (39)
Total Long-term Debt Outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 16,516 

In January 2012, TCC retired $98 million of its outstanding Securitization Bonds.

In January and February 2012, I&M retired $2 million and $12 million, respectively, of Notes Payable related to DCC Fuel.

In February 2012, SWEPCo issued $275 million of 3.55% Senior Unsecured Notes due in 2022 and $65 million of 4.58% Notes Payable due in 2032.

In February 2012, APCo retired $30 million of 6.05% Pollution Control Bonds due in 2024 and $19.5 million of 5% Pollution Control Bonds due in 2021.  As of December 31, 2011, these bonds were classified for maturity purposes as Long-term Debt Due Within One Year on our balance sheet.

As of December 31, 2011, trustees held, on our behalf, $478 million of our reacquired Pollution Control Bonds.

Dividend Restrictions

Parent Restrictions

The holders of our common stock are entitled to receive the dividends declared by our Board of Directors provided funds are legally available for such dividends.  Our income derives from our common stock equity in the earnings of our utility subsidiaries.

Pursuant to the leverage restrictions in our credit agreements, we must maintain a percentage of debt to total capitalization at a level that does not exceed 67.5%.  The payment of cash dividends indirectly results in an increase in the percentage of debt to total capitalization of the company distributing the dividend.  The method for calculating outstanding debt and capitalization is contractually defined in the credit agreements.  None of AEP’s retained earnings were restricted for the purpose of the payment of dividends.

We have issued $315 million of Junior Subordinated Debentures.  The debentures will mature on March 1, 2063, subject to extensions to no later than March 1, 2068, and are callable at par any time on or after March 1, 2013.  We have the option to defer interest payments on the debentures for one or more periods of up to 10 consecutive years per period.  During any period in which we defer interest payments, we may not declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, repurchase or acquire our common stock.  We do not anticipate any deferral of those interest payments in the foreseeable future.

Utility Subsidiaries’ Restrictions

Various financing arrangements and regulatory requirements may impose certain restrictions on the ability of our utility subsidiaries to transfer funds to us in the form of dividends.  Specifically, several of our public utility subsidiaries have credit agreements that contain a covenant that limits their debt to capitalization ratio to 67.5%.  At December 31, 2011, the amount of restricted net assets of AEP’s subsidiaries that may not be distributed to Parent in the form of a loan, advance or dividend was approximately $6 billion.

The Federal Power Act prohibits the utility subsidiaries from participating “in the making or paying of any dividends of such public utility from any funds properly included in capital account.”  The term “capital account” is not defined in the Federal Power Act or its regulations.  Management understands “capital account” to mean the value of the common stock.  This restriction does not limit the ability of the utility subsidiaries to pay dividends out of retained earnings.
 
133

 
Lines of Credit and Short-term Debt

We use our commercial paper program to meet the short-term borrowing needs of our subsidiaries.  The program is used to fund both a Utility Money Pool, which funds the utility subsidiaries, and a Nonutility Money Pool, which funds the majority of the nonutility subsidiaries.  In addition, the program also funds, as direct borrowers, the short-term debt requirements of other subsidiaries that are not participants in either money pool for regulatory or operational reasons.  As of December 31, 2011, we had credit facilities totaling $3.25 billion to support our commercial paper program.  The maximum amount of commercial paper outstanding during 2011 was $1.2 billion and the weighted average interest rate of commercial paper outstanding during the year was 0.4%.  Our outstanding short-term debt was as follows:

 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
 
Outstanding
 
Interest
 
Outstanding
 
Interest
Type of Debt
Amount
Rate (a)
 
Amount
Rate (a)
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
Securitized Debt for Receivables (b)
 
$
 666 
 
 0.27 
%
 
$
 690 
 
 0.31 
%
Commercial Paper
 
 
 967 
 
 0.51 
%
 
 
 650 
 
 0.52 
%
Line of Credit – Sabine (c)
 
 
 17 
 
 1.79 
%
 
 
 6 
 
 2.15 
%
Total Short-term Debt
 
$
 1,650 
 
 
 
 
$
 1,346 
 
 
 

(a)
Weighted average rate.
(b)
Amount of securitized debt for receivables as accounted for under the "Transfers and Servicing" accounting guidance.
(c)
This line of credit does not reduce available liquidity under AEP's credit facilities.

Credit Facilities

For a discussion of credit facilities, see “Letters of Credit” section of Note 5.

Securitized Accounts Receivable – AEP Credit

AEP Credit has a receivables securitization agreement with bank conduits.  Under the securitization agreement, AEP Credit receives financing from the bank conduits for the interest in the receivables AEP Credit acquires from affiliated utility subsidiaries.  AEP Credit continues to service the receivables.  These securitized transactions allow AEP Credit to repay its outstanding debt obligations, continue to purchase our operating companies’ receivables and accelerate AEP Credit’s cash collections.

In July 2011, AEP Credit renewed its receivables securitization agreement.  The agreement provides commitments of $750 million from bank conduits to finance receivables from AEP Credit with an increase to $800 million for the months of July, August and September to accommodate seasonal demand.  A commitment of $375 million, with the seasonal increase to $425 million for the months of July, August and September, expires in June 2012 and the remaining commitment of $375 million expires in June 2014.
 
134

 
Accounts receivable information for AEP Credit is as follows:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
 
Proceeds from Sale of Accounts Receivable
 
$
NA
 
$
NA
 
$
 7,043 
 
Loss on Sale of Accounts Receivable
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
 
 
 3 
 
Average Variable Discount Rate on Sale of
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Receivable
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
 
 
 0.57 
%
Effective Interest Rates on Securitization of
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Receivable
 
 
 0.27 
%
 
 0.31 
%
 
NA
 
Net Uncollectible Accounts Receivable Written Off
 
 
 37 
 
 
 22 
 
 
 28 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NA   Not Applicable
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2011 
 
 
2010 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Accounts Receivable Retained Interest and Pledged as Collateral
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less Uncollectible Accounts
 
$
 902 
 
$
 923 
Total Principal Outstanding
 
 
 666 
 
 
 690 
Delinquent Securitized Accounts Receivable
 
 
 38 
 
 
 50 
Bad Debt Reserves Related to Securitization/Sale of Accounts Receivable
 
 
 18 
 
 
 26 
Unbilled Receivables Related to Securitization/Sale of Accounts Receivable
 
 
 370 
 
 
 354 

Customer accounts receivable retained and securitized for our operating companies are managed by AEP Credit.  AEP Credit’s delinquent customer accounts receivable represents accounts greater than 30 days past due.

14.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

As approved by shareholder vote, the Amended and Restated American Electric Power System Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) authorizes the use of 20,000,000 shares of AEP common stock for various types of stock-based compensation awards, including stock options, to employees.  A maximum of 10,000,000 shares may be used under this plan for full value share awards, which includes performance units, restricted shares and restricted stock units.  The AEP Board of Directors and shareholders last approved the LTIP in 2010.  The following sections provide further information regarding each type of stock-based compensation award granted by the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors (HR Committee).

Stock Options

We did not grant stock options in 2011, 2010 or 2009 but we do have outstanding stock options from grants in earlier periods that vested or were exercised in these years.  The exercise price of all outstanding stock options equaled or exceeded the market price of AEP’s common stock on the date of grant.  All outstanding stock options were granted with a ten-year term and generally vested, subject to the participant’s continued employment, in approximately equal 1/3 increments on January 1st of the year following the first, second and third anniversary of the grant date.  We record compensation cost for stock options over the vesting period based on the fair value on the grant date.  The LTIP does not specify a maximum contractual term for stock options.

The total fair value of stock options vested and the total intrinsic value of options exercised are as follows:
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
Stock Options
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Fair Value of Stock Options Vested
    $ -     $ -     $ 25  
Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised (a)
      1,202       2,058       106  
 
(a)
Intrinsic value is calculated as market price at exercise dates less the option exercise price.
 

 
135

 
A summary of AEP stock option transactions during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:

 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted
 
 
 
Weighted
 
 
 
Weighted
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 
 
 
Average
 
 
 
Average
 
 
 
 
 
Exercise
 
 
 
Exercise
 
 
 
Exercise
 
 
 
Options
 
Price
 
Options
 
Price
 
Options
 
Price
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
Outstanding at January 1,
 551 
 
$
 32.88 
 
 1,089 
 
$
 32.78 
 
 1,128 
 
$
 32.73 
 
 
Granted
 - 
 
 
NA
 
 - 
 
 
NA
 
 - 
 
 
NA
 
 
Exercised/Converted
 (104)
 
 
 27.39 
 
 (448)
 
 
 31.53 
 
 (21)
 
 
 27.20 
 
 
Forfeited/Expired
 (126)
 
 
 46.40 
 
 (90)
 
 
 38.44 
 
 (18)
 
 
 36.28 
Outstanding at December 31,
 321 
 
 
 29.35 
 
 551 
 
 
 32.88 
 
 1,089 
 
 
 32.78 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Options Exercisable at December 31,
 321 
 
$
 29.35 
 
 551 
 
$
 32.88 
 
 1,089 
 
$
 32.78 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NA   Not Applicable
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The following table summarizes information about AEP stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2011:

 
 
 
Number
 
Weighted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of Options
 
Average
 
Weighted
 
 
2011 Range of
 
Outstanding
 
Remaining
 
Average
 
Aggregate
Exercise Prices
 
and Exercisable
 
Life
 
Exercise Price
 
Intrinsic Value
 
 
(in thousands)
 
(in years)
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
$27.06-27.95
 
 162 
 
 1.27 
 
$
 27.47 
 
$
 2,240 
$30.76-38.65
 
 159 
 
 2.12 
 
 
 31.26 
 
 
 1,599 
Total
 
 321 
 
 1.69 
 
 
 29.35 
 
$
 3,839 

We include the proceeds received from exercised stock options in common stock and paid-in capital.

Performance Units

Our performance units have a value upon vesting equal to the market value of shares of AEP common stock.  The number of performance units held is multiplied by the performance score to determine the actual number of performance units realized.  The performance score is determined at the end of the performance period based on performance measures, which include both performance and market conditions, established for each grant at the beginning of the performance period by the HR Committee and can range from 0% to 200%.  For the three-year performance and vesting period ending on December 31, 2009, performance units were paid in cash or stock at the employee’s election unless they were needed to satisfy a participant’s stock ownership requirement.  For the three-year performance and vesting periods ending on December 31, 2010 and 2011, performance units were paid in cash, unless they were needed to satisfy a participant’s stock ownership requirement.  In that case, the number of units needed to satisfy the participant’s largest stock ownership requirement was mandatorily deferred as AEP Career Shares until after the end of the participant’s AEP career.  AEP Career Shares are a form of non-qualified deferred compensation that have a value equivalent to shares of AEP common stock.  AEP Career Shares are paid in cash after the participant’s termination of employment.  Amounts equivalent to cash dividends on both performance units and AEP Career Shares accrue as additional units.  We recorded compensation cost for performance units over the three-year vesting period.  The liability for both the performance units and AEP Career Shares, recorded in Employee Benefits and Pension Obligations on our balance sheets, is adjusted for changes in value.  The fair value of performance unit awards is based on the estimated performance score and the current 20-day average closing price of AEP common stock at the date of valuation.
 
136

 
The HR Committee awarded performance units and reinvested dividends on outstanding performance units and AEP Career Shares for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 as follows:

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Performance Units
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
Awarded Units (in thousands)
 
 
 7 
 
 
 736 
 
 
 1,179 
Weighted Average Unit Fair Value at Grant Date
 
$
 38.39 
 
$
 35.43 
 
$
 34.32 
Vesting Period (in years)
 
 
 3 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performance Units and AEP Career Shares
 
Years Ended December 31,
(Reinvested Dividends Portion)
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
Awarded Units (in thousands)
 
 
 198 
 
 
 211 
 
 
 224 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
$
 37.31 
 
$
 34.70 
 
$
 28.82 
Vesting Period (in years)
 
 
(a)
 
 
(a)
 
 
(a)

   (a)
The vesting period for the reinvested dividends on performance units is equal to the remaining life of the related performance units.  Dividends on AEP Career Shares vest immediately upon grant.

In January 2012, the HR Committee awarded 545,685 units of performance units at a grant price of $41.38 for the three-year performance and vesting period ending on December 31, 2014.

Performance scores and final awards are determined and certified by the HR Committee in accordance with the pre-established performance measures within approximately a month after the end of the performance period.  The HR Committee has discretion to reduce or eliminate the value of final awards, but may not increase them.  The performance scores for all open performance periods are dependent on two equally-weighted performance measures: (a) three-year total shareholder return measured relative to the electric utility and multi utility sub-industry segments of the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index and (b) three-year cumulative earnings per share measured relative to an AEP Board of Directors approved target. The value of each performance unit earned is equal to the average closing price of AEP common stock for the last 20 trading days of the performance period.

The certified performance scores and units earned for the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
Certified Performance Score
 89.8 
%
 
 55.8 
%
 
 73.5 
%
Performance Units Earned
 1,216,926 
 
 489,013 
 
 593,175 
Performance Units Mandatorily Deferred as AEP Career Shares
 52,639 
 
 33,501 
 
 26,635 
Performance Units Voluntarily Deferred into the Incentive
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation Deferral Program
 42,502 
 
 6,583 
 
 27,855 
Performance Units to be Paid in Cash
 1,121,785 
 
 448,929 
 
 538,685 

The cash payouts for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in thousands)
Cash Payouts for Performance Units
$ 15,985   $ 18,683   $ 30,034
Cash Payouts for AEP Career Share Distributions
  2,777     3,594     2,184

 
137

 
Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units

The independent members of the AEP Board of Directors granted 300,000 restricted shares to the then Chairman, President and CEO on January 2, 2004 upon the commencement of his AEP employment.  Of these restricted shares, 50,000 vested on January 1, 2005, 50,000 vested on January 1, 2006, 66,666 vested on November 30, 2009, 66,667 vested on November 30, 2010 and 66,667 vested on November 30, 2011.   Compensation cost for restricted shares is measured at fair value on the grant date and recorded over the vesting period.  Fair value is determined by multiplying the number of shares granted by the grant date market closing price, which was $30.76.  The maximum term for these restricted shares was eight years and dividends on these restricted shares were paid in cash.  AEP has not granted other restricted shares.

The HR Committee also grants restricted stock units (RSUs), which generally vest, subject to the participant’s continued employment, over at least three years in approximately equal annual increments.  Additional RSUs granted as dividends vest on the same date as the underlying RSUs on which the dividends were awarded.  Compensation cost is measured at fair value on the grant date and recorded over the vesting period.  Fair value is determined by multiplying the number of units granted by the grant date market closing price.  The maximum contractual term of outstanding RSUs is six years from the grant date.

In 2010, the HR Committee granted a total of 165,520 of RSUs to four CEO succession candidates to better ensure the retention of these candidates.  These grants vest, subject to the candidates’ continuous employment, in three approximately equal installments on August 3, 2013, August 3, 2014 and August 3, 2015.

The HR Committee awarded RSUs, including units awarded for dividends, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 as follows:

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Restricted Stock Units
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
Awarded Units (in thousands)
    121     873     130
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
  $ 37.07   $ 35.24   $ 29.29

In January 2012, the HR Committee awarded 363,790 units of restricted stock units at a grant price of $41.38, which vest in three approximately equal annual increments on May 1, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

The total fair value and total intrinsic value of restricted shares and restricted stock units vested during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
(in thousands)
Fair Value of Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units Vested
  $ 7,164   $ 6,044   $ 6,573
Intrinsic Value of Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units Vested (a)
    8,017     5,993     5,445
 
                 
 
(a)
Intrinsic value is calculated as market price at exercise date.

 
138

 
A summary of the status of our nonvested restricted shares and RSUs as of December 31, 2011 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2011 are as follows:

 
 
 
 
Weighted
 
 
 
 
 
Average
Nonvested Restricted Shares and
 
 
 
Grant Date
Restricted Stock Units
 
Shares/Units
 
Fair Value
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
Nonvested at January 1, 2011
 
 1,026 
 
$
 34.88 
Granted
 
 121 
 
 
 37.07 
Vested
 
 (213)
 
 
 33.61 
Forfeited
 
 (31)
 
 
 35.35 
Nonvested at December 31, 2011
 
 903 
 
 
 35.46 

The total aggregate intrinsic value of nonvested restricted shares and RSUs as of December 31, 2011 was $37 million and the weighted average remaining contractual life was 2.32 years.

Other Stock-Based Plans

We also have a Stock Unit Accumulation Plan for Non-employee Directors providing each non-employee director with AEP stock units as a substantial portion of their quarterly compensation for their services as a director.  The number of stock units provided is based on the closing price of AEP common stock on the last trading day of the quarter for which the stock units were earned.  Amounts equivalent to cash dividends on the stock units accrue as additional AEP stock units.  The non-employee directors vest immediately upon award of the stock units.  Stock units are paid in cash upon termination of board service or up to 10 years later if the participant so elects.  Cash payments for stock units are calculated based on the average closing price of AEP common stock for the last 20 trading days prior to the distribution date.

We recorded the compensation cost for stock units when the units are awarded and adjusted the liability for changes in value based on the current 20-day average closing price of AEP common stock at the date of valuation.

We had no material cash payouts for stock unit distributions for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

The Board of Directors awarded stock units, including units awarded for dividends, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 as follows:

 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Stock Unit Accumulation Plan for Non-Employee Directors
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
Awarded Units (in thousands)
 
 
 52 
 
 
 54 
 
 
 56 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
$
 37.72 
 
$
 34.67 
 
$
 29.56 

 
139

 
Share-based Compensation Plans

Compensation cost and the actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from compensation cost for share-based payment arrangements recognized in income and total compensation cost capitalized in relation to the cost of an asset for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Share-based Compensation Plans
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
(in thousands)
Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements (a)
  $ 61,807   $ 28,116   $ 31,165
Actual Tax Benefit Realized
    21,632     9,841     10,908
Total Compensation Cost Capitalized
    11,608     4,689     5,956

(a)
Compensation cost for share-based payment arrangements is included in Other Operation and Maintenance expenses on our statements of income.

During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, there were no significant modifications affecting any of our share-based payment arrangements.

As of December 31, 2011, there was $47 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the LTIP. Unrecognized compensation cost related to the performance units and AEP Career Shares will change as the fair value is adjusted each period and forfeitures for all award types are realized.  Our unrecognized compensation cost will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.49 years.

Cash received from stock options exercised and actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Share-based Compensation Plans
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
(in thousands)
Cash Received from Stock Options Exercised
  $ 2,855   $ 14,134   $ 567
Actual Tax Benefit Realized for the Tax Deductions from Stock Options Exercised
    411     706     35

Our practice is to use authorized but unissued shares to fulfill share commitments for stock option exercises and RSU vesting.  Although we do not currently anticipate any changes to this practice, we are permitted to use treasury shares, shares acquired in the open market specifically for distribution under the LTIP or any combination thereof for this purpose.  The number of new shares issued to fulfill vesting RSUs is generally reduced to offset our tax withholding obligation.
 
140

 
15.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

We provide for depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment, excluding coal-mining properties, on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of property, generally using composite rates by functional class as follows:

2011 
 
Regulated
 
Nonregulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
 
 
Functional
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
 
 
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
 
 
Class of
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
Property
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate Ranges
 
Life Ranges
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate Ranges
 
Life Ranges
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in years)
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in years)
Generation
 
$
 14,804 
 
$
 6,692 
 
 1.6 
-
 3.8 
%
 
9
-
132 
 
$
 10,134 
 
$
 3,904 
 
 2.6 
-
 3.5 
%
 
20
-
66
Transmission
 
 
 9,048 
 
 
 2,600 
 
 1.3 
-
 2.7 
%
 
25
-
87 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 
-
 - 
%
 
 - 
-
 - 
Distribution
 
 
 14,783 
 
 
 3,828 
 
 2.4 
-
 4.0 
%
 
11
-
75 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 
-
 - 
%
 
 - 
-
 - 
CWIP
 
 
 2,913 
(a)
 
 36 
 
NM
 
NM
 
 
 208 
 
 
 1 
 
NM
 
NM
Other
 
 
 2,587 
 
 
 1,246 
 
 1.7 
-
 9.3 
%
 
5
-
55
 
 
 1,193 
 
 
 392 
 
NM
 
NM
Total
 
$
 44,135 
 
$
 14,402 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 11,535 
 
$
 4,297 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2010 
 
Regulated
 
Nonregulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
 
 
Functional
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
 
 
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
 
 
Class of
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
Property
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate Ranges
 
Life Ranges
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate Ranges
 
Life Ranges
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in years)
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in years)
Generation
 
$
 14,147 
 
$
 6,537 
 
 1.6 
-
 3.8 
%
 
9
-
132
 
$
 10,205 
 
$
 3,788 
 
 2.2 
-
 5.1 
%
 
20
-
70
Transmission
 
 
 8,576 
 
 
 2,481 
 
 1.4 
-
 3.0 
%
 
25
-
87
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 
-
 - 
%
 
 - 
-
 - 
Distribution
 
 
 14,208 
 
 
 3,607 
 
 2.4 
-
 3.9 
%
 
11
-
75
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 
-
 - 
%
 
 - 
-
 - 
CWIP
 
 
 2,615 
(a)
 
 47 
 
NM
 
NM
 
 
 143 
 
 
 9 
 
NM
 
NM
Other
 
 
 2,685 
 
 
 1,268 
 
 3.0 
-
 12.5 
%
 
5
-
55
 
 
 1,161 
 
 
 329 
 
NM
 
NM
Total
 
$
 42,231 
 
$
 13,940 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 11,509 
 
$
 4,126 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2009 
 
Regulated
 
Nonregulated
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
Functional Class of Property
 
Rate Ranges
 
Life Ranges
 
Rate Ranges
 
Life Ranges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in years)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in years)
Generation
 
1.6
-
 3.8 
%
 
9
-
132
 
1.9
-
3.3
%
 
20
-
70
Transmission
 
1.4
-
2.7
%
 
25
-
87
 
 - 
-
 - 
%
 
 - 
-
 - 
Distribution
 
2.4
-
3.9
%
 
11
-
75
 
 - 
-
 - 
%
 
 - 
-
 - 
CWIP
 
NM
 
NM
 
NM
 
NM
Other
 
 4.2 
-
 12.8 
%
 
5
-
55
 
NM
 
NM
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
 
Includes CWIP related to SWEPCo's Arkansas jurisdictional share of the Turk Plant.
NM
 
Not Meaningful

We provide for depreciation, depletion and amortization of coal-mining assets over each asset's estimated useful life or the estimated life of each mine, whichever is shorter, using the straight-line method for mining structures and equipment.  We use either the straight-line method or the units-of-production method to amortize mine development costs and deplete coal rights based on estimated recoverable tonnages.  We include these costs in the cost of coal charged to fuel expense.
 
141

 
For rate-regulated operations, the composite depreciation rate generally includes a component for non-asset retirement obligation (non-ARO) removal costs, which is credited to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization.  Actual removal costs incurred are charged to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization.  Any excess of accrued non-ARO removal costs over actual removal costs incurred is reclassified from Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization and reflected as a regulatory liability.  For nonregulated operations, non-ARO removal costs are expensed as incurred.

Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO)

We record ARO in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations” for our legal obligations for asbestos removal and for the retirement of certain ash disposal facilities, closure and monitoring of underground carbon storage facilities at Mountaineer Plant, wind farms and certain coal mining facilities, as well as for nuclear decommissioning of our Cook Plant.  We have identified, but not recognized, ARO liabilities related to electric transmission and distribution assets as a result of certain easements on property on which we have assets.  Generally, such easements are perpetual and require only the retirement and removal of our assets upon the cessation of the property’s use.  We do not estimate the retirement for such easements because we plan to use our facilities indefinitely.  The retirement obligation would only be recognized if and when we abandon or cease the use of specific easements, which is not expected.

The following is a reconciliation of the 2011 and 2010 aggregate carrying amounts of ARO:

 
 
Carrying
 
 
Amount
 
 
of ARO
 
 
(in millions)
ARO at December 31, 2009
 
$
 1,259 
DHLC Deconsolidation (a)
 
 
 (12)
Accretion Expense
 
 
 75 
Liabilities Incurred
 
 
 32 
Liabilities Settled
 
 
 (20)
Revisions in Cash Flow Estimates
 
 
 64 
ARO at December 31, 2010 (b)
 
 
 1,398 
Accretion Expense
 
 
 82 
Liabilities Incurred
 
 
 7 
Liabilities Settled
 
 
 (26)
Revisions in Cash Flow Estimates
 
 
 13 
ARO at December 31, 2011 (c)
 
$
 1,474 

(a)
We deconsolidated DHLC effective January 1, 2010 in accordance with the accounting guidance for "Consolidations."  As a result, we record only 50% of the final reclamation based on our share of the obligation instead of the previous 100%.
(b)
The current portion of our ARO, totaling $4 million, is included in Other Current Liabilities on our 2010 balance sheet.
(c)
The current portion of our ARO, totaling $2 million, is included in Other Current Liabilities on our 2011 balance sheet.

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, our ARO liability was $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively, and included $979 million and $930 million, respectively, for nuclear decommissioning of the Cook Plant.  As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the fair value of assets that are legally restricted for purposes of settling the nuclear decommissioning liabilities totaled $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, and are recorded in Spent Nuclear Fuel and Decommissioning Trusts on our balance sheets.
 
142

 
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) and Interest Capitalization

Our amounts of allowance for borrowed, including interest capitalized, and equity funds used during construction is summarized in the following table:

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
(in millions)
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
  $ 98     $ 77     $ 82
Allowance for Borrowed Funds Used During Construction
    63       53       67

 
143

 
Jointly-owned Electric Facilities

We have electric facilities that are jointly-owned with nonaffiliated companies.  Using our own financing, we are obligated to pay a share of the costs of these jointly-owned facilities in the same proportion as our ownership interest.  Our proportionate share of the operating costs associated with such facilities is included in our statements of income and the investments and accumulated depreciation are reflected in our balance sheets under Property, Plant and Equipment as follows:

 
 
 
 
   
Company’s Share at December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
Construction
   
 
 
Fuel
 
Percent of
   
Utility Plant
   
Work in
   
Accumulated
 
Type
 
Ownership
   
in Service
   
Progress
   
Depreciation
 
 
 
 
   
(in millions)
W.C. Beckjord Generating Station (Unit No. 6) (a)
Coal
    12.5 %   $ 19     $ -     $ 8
Conesville Generating Station (Unit No. 4) (b)
Coal
    43.5 %     310       12       54
J.M. Stuart Generating Station (c)
Coal
    26.0 %     529       13       172
Wm. H. Zimmer Generating Station (a)
Coal
    25.4 %     771       20       377
Dolet Hills Generating Station (Unit No. 1) (f)
Lignite
    40.2 %     264       -       193
Flint Creek Generating Station (Unit No. 1) (g)
Coal
    50.0 %     118       6       63
Pirkey Generating Station (Unit No. 1) (g)
Lignite
    85.9 %     513       1       362
Oklaunion Generating Station (Unit No. 1) (e)
Coal
    70.3 %     401       2       208
Turk Generating Plant (h)
Coal
    73.33 %     -       1,326       -
Transmission
NA
 
(d)
      63       6       50

 
 
 
 
   
Company’s Share at December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
Construction
   
 
 
Fuel
 
Percent of
   
Utility Plant
   
Work in
   
Accumulated
 
Type
 
Ownership
   
in Service
   
Progress
   
Depreciation
 
 
 
 
   
(in millions)
W.C. Beckjord Generating Station (Unit No. 6) (a)
Coal
    12.5 %   $ 19     $ -     $ 8
Conesville Generating Station (Unit No. 4) (b)
Coal
    43.5 %     301       8       49
J.M. Stuart Generating Station (c)
Coal
    26.0 %     507       23       163
Wm. H. Zimmer Generating Station (a)
Coal
    25.4 %     771       10       366
Dolet Hills Generating Station (Unit No. 1) (f)
Lignite
    40.2 %     258       5       192
Flint Creek Generating Station (Unit No. 1) (g)
Coal
    50.0 %     116       7       62
Pirkey Generating Station (Unit No. 1) (g)
Lignite
    85.9 %     503       10       358
Oklaunion Generating Station (Unit No. 1) (e)
Coal
    70.3 %     395       4       201
Turk Generating Plant (h)
Coal
    73.33 %     -       971       -
Transmission
NA
 
(d)
      63       3       48
 
 (a) Operated by Duke Energy Corporation, a nonaffiliated company.
 (b)   Operated by OPCo.         
 (c)   Operated by The Dayton Power & Light Company, a nonaffiliated company.
 (d)  Varying percentages of ownership.
 (e)   Operated by PSO and also jointly-owned (54.7%) by TNC.
 (f)       Operated by CLECO, a nonaffiliated company.
 (g)          Operated by SWEPCo.
 (h)   Turk Generating Plant is currently under construction with a projected commercial operation date in the fourth quarter of 2012.  SWEPCo jointly owns the plant with Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (11.67%), East Texas Electric Cooperative (8.33%) and Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (6.67%).  Through December 2011, construction costs totaling $374 million have been billed to the other owners.
 NA Not Applicable
 
 
144

 
16.  COST REDUCTION INITIATIVES

In April 2010, we began initiatives to decrease both labor and non-labor expenses with a goal of achieving significant reductions in operation and maintenance expenses.  A total of 2,461 positions was eliminated across the AEP System as a result of process improvements, streamlined organizational designs and other efficiencies.  Most of the affected employees terminated employment May 31, 2010.  The severance program provided two weeks of base pay for every year of service along with other severance benefits.

We recorded a charge of $293 million to Other Operation expense during 2010 primarily related to severance benefits as the result of headcount reduction initiatives.

The following table shows the cost reduction activity for the year ended December 31, 2011:

 
 
Total
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Balance as of December 31, 2010
  $ 17  
Incurred
    -  
Settled
    (15 )
Adjustments
    (2 )
Balance as of December 31, 2011
  $ -  

 
145

 
17.  UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

In our opinion, the unaudited quarterly information reflects all normal and recurring accruals and adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of our net income for interim periods.  Quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of a full year’s operations because of various factors.  Our unaudited quarterly financial information is as follows:

 
 
 
 
2011 Quarterly Periods Ended
 
 
 
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions - except per share amounts)
 
Total Revenues
$
 3,730 
 
$
 3,609 
 
$
 4,333 
 
$
 3,444 
 
Operating Income
 
 832 
 
 
 717 
 
 
 890 
(a)
 
 343 
(b)
Income Before Extraordinary Items
 
 355 
 
 
 353 
 
 
 657 
(a) (c)
 
 211 
(b) (c)
Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 273 
(c)
 
 100 
(c)
Net Income
 
 355 
 
 
 353 
 
 
 930 
(a) (c)
 
 311 
(b) (c)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Before Extraordinary Items
 
 353 
 
 
 352 
 
 
 655 
(a) (c)
 
 208 
(b) (c)
 
 
Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 273 
(c)
 
 100 
(c)
 
 
Net Income
 
 353 
 
 
 352 
 
 
 928 
(a) (c)
 
 308 
(b) (c)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic Earnings per Share Attributable to AEP
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Shareholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per Share Before Extraordinary Items
 
 0.73 
 
 
 0.73 
 
 
 1.35 
 
 
 0.43 
 
 
 
Extraordinary Items per Share
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 0.57 
 
 
 0.20 
 
 
 
Earnings per Share (f)
 
 0.73 
 
 
 0.73 
 
 
 1.92 
 
 
 0.63 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to AEP
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Shareholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per Share Before Extraordinary Items
 
 0.73 
 
 
 0.73 
 
 
 1.35 
 
 
 0.43 
 
 
 
Extraordinary Items per Share
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 0.57 
 
 
 0.20 
 
 
 
Earnings per Share (f)
 
 0.73 
 
 
 0.73 
 
 
 1.92 
 
 
 0.63 
 

 
 
 
 
2010 Quarterly Periods Ended
 
 
 
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions - except per share amounts)
 
Total Revenues
$
 3,569 
 
$
 3,360 
 
$
 4,064 
 
$
 3,434 
 
Operating Income
 
 758 
 
 
 394 
(d)
 
 1,025 
 
 
 486 
(e)
Net Income
 
 346 
 
 
 137 
(d)
 
 557 
 
 
 178 
(e)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
 344 
 
 
 136 
(d)
 
 555 
 
 
 176 
(e)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic Earnings per Share Attributable to AEP
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Shareholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per Share (f)
 
 0.72 
 
 
 0.28 
 
 
 1.16 
 
 
 0.37 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted Earnings per Share Attributable to AEP
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Shareholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per Share (f)
 
 0.72 
 
 
 0.28 
 
 
 1.16 
 
 
 0.37 
 

(a)
Includes pretax write-offs for plant impairments (see Note 6) and a provision for refund of POLR charges in Ohio (see Note 3).
(b)
Includes a refund of POLR charges in Ohio (see Note 3) and OPCo adjustments for fuel disallowances, the 2010 SEET and the obligation to contribute to Partnership with Ohio and Ohio Growth Fund.  Also includes a write-off for SWEPCo's Turk Plant (see Note 6).
(c)
See "TCC Texas Restructuring" section of Note 2 and "Texas Restructuring" section of Note 3 for discussion of gains recorded in the third and fourth quarters of 2011.
(d)
See Note 16 for discussion of expenses related to cost reduction initiatives in 2010.
(e)
Includes a $43 million refund provision for the 2009 SEET in addition to various other provisions for certain regulatory and legal matters.
(f)
Quarterly Earnings per Share amounts are meant to be stand-alone calculations and are not always additive to full-year amount due to rounding.

 
146

 
18.  GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

The changes in our carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 by operating segment are as follows:

 
Utility
 
AEP River
 
AEP
 
Operations
 
Operations
 
Consolidated
 
(in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2009
$
 37 
 
$
 39 
 
$
 76 
Impairment Losses
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Balance at December 31, 2010
 
 37 
 
 
 39 
 
 
 76 
Impairment Losses
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Balance at December 31, 2011
$
 37 
 
$
 39 
 
$
 76 

In the fourth quarters of 2011 and 2010, we performed our annual impairment tests.  The fair values of the operations with goodwill were estimated using cash flow projections and other market value indicators.  There were no goodwill impairment losses.  We do not have any accumulated impairment on existing goodwill.

Other Intangible Assets

Acquired intangible assets subject to amortization were $1.2 million at December 31, 2010, net of accumulated amortization and are included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on our balance sheets.  As of December 31, 2011, all acquired intangible assets were fully amortized.  The amortization life, gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization by major asset class are as follows:

 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
Gross
 
 
 
Amortization
 
Carrying
 
Accumulated
 
Carrying
 
Accumulated
 
Life
 
Amount
 
Amortization
 
Amount
 
Amortization
 
(in years)
 
(in millions)
Easements
10 
 
$
 2.2 
 
$
 2.2 
 
$
 2.2 
 
$
 2.2 
Purchased Technology
10 
 
 
 10.9 
 
 
 10.9 
 
 
 10.9 
 
 
 9.7 
Total
 
 
$
 13.1 
 
$
 13.1 
 
$
 13.1 
 
$
 11.9 

Amortization of intangible assets was $1 million, $1 million and $3 million for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Other than goodwill, we have no intangible assets that are not subject to amortization.
 
147

 
 









APPALACHIAN POWER COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES


 
148

 
APPALACHIAN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Company Overview

As a public utility, APCo engages in the generation and purchase of electric power, and the subsequent sale, transmission and distribution of that power to 960,000 retail customers in its service territory in southwestern Virginia and southern West Virginia.  APCo consolidates Cedar Coal Company, Central Appalachian Coal Company and Southern Appalachian Coal Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  APCo sells power at wholesale to municipalities.

In August 2011, APCo purchased the partially completed Dresden Plant at cost of $302 million from AEGCo following approval by the Virginia SCC and the WVPSC.  The Dresden Plant is located near Dresden, Ohio and is a natural gas, combined cycle power plant.  The Dresden Plant was placed into service in January 2012 and has a generating capacity of 580 MW.

The Interconnection Agreement establishes the AEP Power Pool which permits the AEP East companies to pool their generation assets on a cost basis.  It establishes an allocation method for generating capacity among its members based on relative peak demands and generating reserves through the payment of capacity charges and the receipt of capacity revenues.  AEP Power Pool members are compensated for their costs of energy delivered to the AEP Power Pool and charged for energy received from the AEP Power Pool.  The capacity reserve relationship of the AEP Power Pool members changes as generating assets are added, retired or sold and relative peak demand changes.  The AEP Power Pool calculates each member’s prior twelve-month peak demand relative to the sum of the peak demands of all members as a basis for sharing revenues and costs.  The result of this calculation is the MLR, which determines each member’s percentage share of revenues and costs.  The addition of the Dresden Plant and removal of OPCo’s Sporn Unit 5 will change the capacity reserve relationship of the AEP Power Pool members.

The AEP East companies are parties to a Transmission Agreement defining how they share the revenues and costs associated with their relative ownership of transmission assets.  This sharing was based upon each company’s MLR until the FERC approved a new Transmission Agreement effective November 1, 2010.  The impacts of the new Transmission Agreement will be phased-in for retail rates, adds KGPCo and WPCo as parties to the agreement and changes the allocation method.

Under the SIA, AEPSC allocates physical and financial revenues and expenses from transactions with neighboring utilities, power marketers and other power and gas risk management activities based upon the location of such activity, with margins resulting from trading and marketing activities originating in PJM and MISO generally accruing to the benefit of the AEP East companies and trading and marketing activities originating in SPP generally accruing to the benefit of PSO and SWEPCo.  Margins resulting from other transactions are allocated among the AEP East companies, PSO and SWEPCo in proportion to the marketing realization directly assigned to each zone for the current month plus the preceding eleven months.

AEPSC conducts power, gas, coal and emission allowance risk management activities on APCo’s behalf.  APCo shares in the revenues and expenses associated with these risk management activities, as described in the preceding paragraph, with the other AEP East companies, PSO and SWEPCo.  Power and gas risk management activities are allocated based on the existing power pool agreement and the SIA.  APCo shares in coal and emission allowance risk management activities based on its proportion of fossil fuels burned by the AEP System.  Risk management activities primarily involve the purchase and sale of electricity under physical forward contracts at fixed and variable prices and to a lesser extent gas, coal and emission allowances.  The electricity, gas, coal and emission allowance contracts include physical transactions, OTC options and financially-settled swaps and exchange-traded futures and options.  AEPSC settles the majority of the physical forward contracts by entering into offsetting contracts.

 
149

 
To minimize the credit requirements and operating constraints when operating within PJM, the AEP East companies as well as KGPCo and WPCo, agreed to a netting of all payment obligations incurred by any of the AEP East companies against all balances due to the AEP East companies and to hold PJM harmless from actions that any one or more AEP East companies may take with respect to PJM.

APCo is jointly and severally liable for activity conducted by AEPSC on behalf of the AEP East companies related to purchase power and sale activity pursuant to the SIA.

Applications to Amend Sharing Agreements

Based upon the PUCO’s January 2012 approval of OPCo’s corporate separation plan, applications were filed in February 2012 with the FERC proposing to establish a new power cost sharing agreement between APCo, I&M and KPCo and transfer OPCo’s generation assets to APCo, KPCo and a nonregulated AEP subsidiary.  In conjunction with these filings, APCo and KPCo, which are generation capacity deficit utilities, filed an application with the FERC to acquire approximately 2,400 MWs of OPCo’s 12,000 MW generation capacity at net book value.  This acquisition would allow APCo and KPCo to satisfy their capacity reserve requirements in PJM and provide baseload generation to meet their customers’ energy requirements.  The Ohio corporate separation plan was subsequently rejected on rehearing in February 2012.  Management is in the process of withdrawing the applications and intends to file new FERC and PUCO applications related to corporate separation.
 
If APCo experiences decreases in revenues or increases in costs as a result of changes to its relationship with affiliates and is unable to recover the change in revenues and costs through rates, prices or additional sales, it could have an adverse impact on future net income and cash flows.

Regulatory Activity

Virginia Regulatory Activity

In November 2011, the Virginia SCC issued an order which approved a $55 million increase in generation and distribution base rates, effective February 2012, and a 10.9% return on common equity, which included a 0.5% renewable portfolio standards incentive as allowed by law.  The $55 million increase included $39 million related to an increase in depreciation rates.  See “2011 Virginia Biennial Base Rate Case” section of Note 3.

In January 2012, the Virginia SCC issued an order related to a generation rate adjustment clause which requested recovery of the Dresden Plant costs.  The order allows APCo to recover $26 million annually, effective March 2012.  See “Rate Adjustment Clauses” section of Note 3.

West Virginia Regulatory Activity

In March 2011, the WVPSC modified and approved a settlement agreement which increased annual base rates by approximately $46 million based upon a 10% return on common equity, effective April 2011.  The approved settlement agreement also resulted in a pretax write-off of a portion of the Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage Product Validation Facility in March 2011.  In addition, the WVPSC allowed APCo to defer and amortize $18 million of previously expensed 2009 incremental storm expenses and $14 million of previously expensed costs related to the 2010 cost reduction initiatives, each over a period of seven years.  See “2010 West Virginia Base Rate Case” section of Note 3.

In a November 2009 proceeding established by the WVPSC to explore options to meet WPCo's future power supply requirements, the WVPSC issued an order approving a joint stipulation among APCo, WPCo, the WVPSC staff and the Consumer Advocate Division.  The order approved the recommendation of the signatories to the stipulation that WPCo merge into APCo and be supplied from APCo's existing power resources.  Merger approvals from the WVPSC, the Virginia SCC and the FERC are required.  In December 2011 and February 2012, APCo filed merger applications with the WVPSC and the FERC, respectively.  See “WPCo Merger with APCo” section of Note 3.
 
 
150

 
Litigation and Environmental Issues

In the ordinary course of business, APCo is involved in employment, commercial, environmental and regulatory litigation.  Since it is difficult to predict the outcome of these proceedings, management cannot state what the eventual resolution will be or the timing and amount of any loss, fine or penalty may be.  Management assesses the probability of loss for each contingency and accrues a liability for cases which have a probable likelihood of loss if the loss can be estimated.  For details on regulatory proceedings and pending litigation, see Note 3 – Rate Matters and Note 5 – Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.  Adverse results in these proceedings have the potential to materially affect net income, financial condition and cash flows.

See the “Executive Overview” section of “Combined Management’s Narrative Discussion and Analysis of Registrant Subsidiaries” section beginning on page 375 for additional discussion of relevant factors.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

KWH Sales/Degree Days

Summary of KWH Energy Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in millions of KWHs)
Retail:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
 
 12,011 
 
 
 13,127 
 
 
 12,218 
 
Commercial
 
 6,915 
 
 
 7,208 
 
 
 6,974 
 
Industrial
 
 10,811 
 
 
 10,774 
 
 
 10,388 
 
Miscellaneous
 
 828 
 
 
 869 
 
 
 835 
Total Retail
 
 30,565 
 
 
 31,978 
 
 
 30,415 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wholesale
 
 8,376 
 
 
 6,578 
 
 
 5,648 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total KWHs
 
 38,941 
 
 
 38,556 
 
 
 36,063 

Cooling degree days and heating degree days are metrics commonly used in the utility industry as a measure of the impact of weather on net income.

 
Summary of Heating and Cooling Degree Days
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
(in degree days)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual - Heating (a)
 
 1,996 
 
 
 2,636 
 
 
 2,214 
 
Normal - Heating (b)
 
 2,267 
 
 
 2,272 
 
 
 2,288 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual - Cooling (c)
 
 1,432 
 
 
 1,530 
 
 
 1,053 
 
Normal - Cooling (b)
 
 1,186 
 
 
 1,170 
 
 
 1,176 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Eastern Region heating degree days are calculated on a 55 degree temperature base.
 
(b)
Normal Heating/Cooling represents the thirty-year average of degree days.
 
(c)
Eastern Region cooling degree days are calculated on a 65 degree temperature base.

 
151

 
2011 Compared to 2010
 
Reconciliation of Year Ended December 31, 2010 to Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
Net Income
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2010
  $ 137  
 
       
Changes in Gross Margin:
       
Retail Margins
    (131 )
Off-system Sales
    2  
Transmission Revenues
    9  
Other Revenues
    4  
Total Change in Gross Margin
    (116 )
 
       
Changes in Expenses and Other:
       
Other Operation and Maintenance
    127  
Depreciation and Amortization
    34  
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
    4  
Carrying Costs Income
    (20 )
Other Income
    10  
Interest Expense
    3  
Total Change in Expenses and Other
    158  
 
       
Income Tax Expense
    (16 )
 
       
Year Ended December 31, 2011
  $ 163  

The major components of the decrease in Gross Margin, defined as revenues less the related direct cost of fuel, including consumption of chemicals and emissions allowances, and purchased power were as follows:

 
·
Retail Margins decreased $131 million primarily due to the following:
   
·
An $84 million decrease due to the expiration of E&R cost recovery in Virginia.
   
·
A $47 million decrease in weather-related usage primarily due to a 24% decrease in heating degree days and a 6% decrease in cooling degree days.
   
·
A $28 million decrease in other variable electric generation expenses.
   
·
A $24 million write-off in the fourth quarter of 2011 related to the disallowance of certain Virginia environmental costs incurred in 2009 and 2010 as a result of the November 2011 Virginia SCC order.
   
·
A $24 million decrease in residential and commercial margins primarily due to lower non-weather related usage.
   
These decreases were partially offset by:
   
·
A $53 million increase due to lower capacity settlement expenses under the Interconnection Agreement net of recovery in West Virginia and environmental deferrals in Virginia.
   
·
A $50 million increase due to higher base rates in West Virginia and Virginia.
   
·
A $5 million increase primarily due to formula rate increases in Virginia.
 
·
Transmission Revenues increased $9 million primarily due to the Transmission Agreement modification effective November 2010.
 
·
Other Revenues increased $4 million primarily due to increased gains on emission allowances.

 
152

 
Expenses and Other and Income Tax Expense changed between years as follows:

 
·
Other Operation and Maintenance expenses decreased $127 million primarily due to the following:
   
·
A $54 million decrease due to expenses related to the cost reduction initiatives recorded in 2010.
    ·
A $54 million decrease due to the second quarter 2010 write-off of the Virginia share of the Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage Product Validation Facility as denied for recovery by the Virginia SCC.
    ·
A $32 million decrease due to the first quarter 2011 deferral of 2010 storm costs and costs related to 2010 cost reduction initiatives.  These costs were deferred as a result of the approved modified settlement agreement of APCo’s West Virginia base rate case in March 2011.
    ·
A $27 million decrease due to the favorable fourth quarter 2011 Asset Retirement Obligation adjustment related to the early closure and previous write-off of the Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage Product Validation Facility.
    · 
A $16 million decrease in steam maintenance expenses primarily due to a planned outage at the Amos plant in 2010.
    ·  
A $9 million decrease in transmission expenses primarily due to the expiration of E&R amortization in Virginia.
    These decreases were partially offset by:
    ·  
A $41 million increase due to the first quarter 2011 write-off of a portion of the West Virginia share of the Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage Product Validation Facility as denied for recovery by the WVPSC.
    ·  
A $25 million increase due to the second quarter 2010 deferral of 2009 storm costs as allowed by the Virginia SCC.
    ·  
A $19 million increase in transmission expenses primarily due to the Transmission Agreement modification effective November 2010.
    ·  
A $10 million increase in storm-related expenses.
 
·
Depreciation and Amortization expenses decreased $34 million primarily due to the expiration of E&R amortization of deferred carrying costs in Virginia, partially offset by an increased depreciation base resulting from environmental upgrades at the Amos Plant.
 
·
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes decreased $4 million primarily due to recording a West Virginia franchise tax audit settlement in 2010 and additional employer payroll taxes incurred related to cost reduction initiatives recorded in 2010.
 
·
Carrying Costs Income decreased $20 million primarily due to the following:
   
·
A $15 million decrease due to the expiration of amortization of E&R deferrals in 2010.
   
·
A $9 million write-off in the fourth quarter of 2011 related to the disallowance of certain Virginia environmental costs as a result of the November 2011 Virginia SCC order.
 
·
Other Income increased $10 million primarily due to the following:
   
·
A $6 million increase due to an increase in the equity component of AFUDC as a result of construction at the Dresden Plant.
   
·
A $3 million increase due to interest income recorded in the third quarter of 2011 for favorable adjustments related to the 2001-2006 federal income tax audit.
 
·
Interest Expense decreased $3 million primarily due to more favorable rates on AFUDC and a reduction in tax-related interest, partially offset by higher line of credit fees.
 
·
Income Tax Expense increased $16 million primarily due to an increase in pretax book income and the tax treatment associated with the future reimbursement of Medicare Part D retiree prescription drug benefits, partially offset by the recording of federal and state income tax adjustments resulting from the filing of prior year tax returns.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES, NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section of “Combined Management’s Narrative Discussion and Analysis of Registrant Subsidiaries” beginning on page 375 for a discussion of the estimates and judgments required for regulatory accounting, revenue recognition, the valuation of long-lived assets and pension and other postretirement benefits.

See the “New Accounting Pronouncements” section of “Combined Management’s Narrative Discussion and Analysis of Registrant Subsidiaries” beginning on page 375 for a discussion of the adoption and impact of new accounting pronouncements.

 
153

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
Appalachian Power Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Appalachian Power Company and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in common shareholder’s equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Appalachian Power Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2011 the Company changed its method of presenting comprehensive income due to the adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The change in presentation has been applied retrospectively to all periods presented.

/s/   Deloitte & Touche LLP

Columbus, Ohio
February 28, 2012

 
154

 
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of Appalachian Power Company and subsidiaries (APCo) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  APCo’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of APCo’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011.  In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework.  Based on management’s assessment, APCo’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of APCo’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission rules that permit APCo to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

 
155

 

APPALACHIAN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
REVENUES
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution
  $ 2,835,481     $ 2,950,183     $ 2,604,494  
Sales to AEP Affiliates
    359,802       316,207       263,389  
Other Revenues
    9,942       8,713       8,772  
TOTAL REVENUES
    3,205,225       3,275,103       2,876,655  
 
                       
EXPENSES
                       
Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation
    759,684       663,422       547,266  
Purchased Electricity for Resale
    305,647       257,349       246,742  
Purchased Electricity from AEP Affiliates
    819,182       917,616       803,116  
Other Operation
    316,995       429,107       266,763  
Maintenance
    197,002       211,486       274,543  
Depreciation and Amortization
    270,529       304,192       273,506  
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
    106,606       110,908       92,194  
TOTAL EXPENSES
    2,775,645       2,894,080       2,504,130  
 
                       
OPERATING INCOME
    429,580       381,023       372,525  
 
                       
Other Income (Expense):
                       
Interest Income
    5,016       1,477       1,403  
Carrying Costs Income
    13,433       33,080       22,761  
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
    9,212       2,967       7,000  
Interest Expense
    (204,623 )     (207,649 )     (202,426 )
 
                       
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE
    252,618       210,898       201,263  
 
                       
Income Tax Expense
    89,860       74,230       45,449  
 
                       
NET INCOME
    162,758       136,668       155,814  
 
                       
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements Including Capital
                       
Stock Expense
    1,745       900       900  
 
                       
EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCK
  $ 161,013     $ 135,768     $ 154,914  
 
 
The common stock of APCo is wholly-owned by AEP.
 
 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.
 

 
156

 

APPALACHIAN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
NET INCOME
  $ 162,758     $ 136,668     $ 155,814  
 
                       
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAXES
                       
Cash Flow Hedges, Net of Tax of $123 in 2011, $3,843 in 2010 and $970 in 2009
    (229 )     7,137       (1,801 )
Amortization of Pension and OPEB Deferred Costs, Net of Tax of $1,674 in 2011,
                       
$2,247 in 2010 and $2,642 in 2009
    3,109       4,172       4,907  
Pension and OPEB Funded Status, Net of Tax of $7,215 in 2011, $4,888 in 2010 and
                       
$3,697 in 2009
    (13,400 )     (9,078 )     6,865  
 
                       
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
    (10,520 )     2,231       9,971  
 
                       
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
  $ 152,238     $ 138,899     $ 165,785  
 
                       
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.
 

 
157

 

APPALACHIAN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
Accumulated
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
Other
   
 
 
 
 
Common
   
Paid-in
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
 
 
 
 
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income (Loss)
   
Total
 
TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY –
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 DECEMBER 31, 2008
  $ 260,458     $ 1,225,292     $ 951,066     $ (60,225 )   $ 2,376,591  
 
                                       
Capital Contribution from Parent
            250,000                       250,000  
Common Stock Dividends
                    (20,000 )             (20,000 )
Preferred Stock Dividends
                    (799 )             (799 )
Capital Stock Expense
            101       (101 )             -  
SUBTOTAL – COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                                    2,605,792  
 
                                       
NET INCOME
                    155,814               155,814  
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                            9,971       9,971  
TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY –
                                       
 DECEMBER 31, 2009
    260,458       1,475,393       1,085,980       (50,254 )     2,771,577  
 
                                       
Common Stock Dividends
                    (88,000 )             (88,000 )
Preferred Stock Dividends
                    (799 )             (799 )
Capital Stock Expense
            103       (101 )             2  
SUBTOTAL – COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                                    2,682,780  
 
                                       
NET INCOME
                    136,668               136,668  
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                            2,231       2,231  
TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY –
                                       
 DECEMBER 31, 2010
    260,458       1,475,496       1,133,748       (48,023 )     2,821,679  
 
                                       
Capital Contribution from Parent
            100,000                       100,000  
Common Stock Dividends
                    (135,000 )             (135,000 )
Preferred Stock Dividends
                    (732 )             (732 )
Loss on Reacquired Preferred Stock
            (1,770 )                     (1,770 )
Capital Stock Expense
            26       (27 )             (1 )
SUBTOTAL – COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                                    2,784,176  
 
                                       
NET INCOME
                    162,758               162,758  
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
                            (10,520 )     (10,520 )
TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY –
                                       
 DECEMBER 31, 2011
  $ 260,458     $ 1,573,752     $ 1,160,747     $ (58,543 )   $ 2,936,414  
 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.
 

 
158

 

 
APPALACHIAN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
ASSETS
 
December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
$
 2,317 
 
$
 951 
 
Advances to Affiliates
 
 
 22,008 
 
 
 - 
 
Accounts Receivable:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customers
 
 
 158,382 
 
 
 166,878 
 
 
Affiliated Companies
 
 
 136,194 
 
 
 145,972 
 
 
Accrued Unbilled Revenues
 
 
 68,427 
 
 
 108,210 
 
 
Miscellaneous
 
 
 5,505 
 
 
 3,090 
 
 
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
 
 
 (5,289)
 
 
 (6,667)
 
 
 
Total Accounts Receivable
 
 
 363,219 
 
 
 417,483 
 
Fuel
 
 
 143,931 
 
 
 230,697 
 
Materials and Supplies
 
 
 101,724 
 
 
 89,370 
 
Risk Management Assets
 
 
 39,645 
 
 
 53,242 
 
Accrued Tax Benefits
 
 
 7,715 
 
 
 104,435 
 
Regulatory Asset for Under-Recovered Fuel Costs
 
 
 41,105 
 
 
 18,300 
 
Prepayments and Other Current Assets
 
 
 21,745 
 
 
 35,811 
 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 743,409 
 
 
 950,289 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Generation
 
 
 5,194,967 
 
 
 4,736,150 
 
 
Transmission
 
 
 1,943,969 
 
 
 1,852,415 
 
 
Distribution
 
 
 2,845,405 
 
 
 2,740,752 
 
Other Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 357,326 
 
 
 348,013 
 
Construction Work in Progress
 
 
 565,841 
 
 
 562,280 
 
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 10,907,508 
 
 
 10,239,610 
 
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 2,994,016 
 
 
 2,843,087 
 
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT NET
 
 
 7,913,492 
 
 
 7,396,523 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets
 
 
 1,481,193 
 
 
 1,486,625 
 
Long-term Risk Management Assets
 
 
 39,226 
 
 
 38,420 
 
Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets
 
 
 122,187 
 
 
 125,296 
 
TOTAL OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 1,642,606 
 
 
 1,650,341 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
 10,299,507 
 
$
 9,997,153 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.

 
159

 
 
 
APPALACHIAN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advances from Affiliates
 
$
 198,248 
 
$
 128,331 
 
Accounts Payable:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General
 
 
 186,612 
 
 
 223,144 
 
 
Affiliated Companies
 
 
 137,376 
 
 
 166,884 
 
Long-term Debt Due Within One Year – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 594,525 
 
 
 479,672 
 
Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
 26,606 
 
 
 27,993 
 
Customer Deposits
 
 
 61,690 
 
 
 58,451 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 14,255 
 
 
 44,180 
 
Accrued Taxes
 
 
 63,422 
 
 
 75,619 
 
Accrued Interest
 
 
 57,230 
 
 
 57,871 
 
Other Current Liabilities
 
 
 105,646 
 
 
 93,286 
 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 1,445,610 
 
 
 1,355,431 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term Debt – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 3,131,726 
 
 
 3,081,469 
 
Long-term Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
 12,923 
 
 
 10,873 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 1,736,180 
 
 
 1,642,072 
 
Regulatory Liabilities and Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 576,792 
 
 
 562,381 
 
Employee Benefits and Pension Obligations
 
 
 302,182 
 
 
 306,460 
 
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 157,680 
 
 
 199,041 
 
TOTAL NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 5,917,483 
 
 
 5,802,296 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
 
 7,363,093 
 
 
 7,157,727 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption
 
 
 - 
 
 
 17,747 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rate Matters (Note 3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMON SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock – No Par Value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Authorized – 30,000,000 Shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding  – 13,499,500 Shares
 
 
 260,458 
 
 
 260,458 
 
Paid-in Capital
 
 
 1,573,752 
 
 
 1,475,496 
 
Retained Earnings
 
 
 1,160,747 
 
 
 1,133,748 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 (58,543)
 
 
 (48,023)
 
TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
 
 
 2,936,414 
 
 
 2,821,679 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
$
 10,299,507 
 
$
 9,997,153 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.

 
160

 
 
APPALACHIAN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(in thousands)
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
$
 162,758 
 
$
 136,668 
 
$
 155,814 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows from (Used for)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 270,529 
 
 
 304,192 
 
 
 273,506 
 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 107,565 
 
 
 144,413 
 
 
 322,626 
 
 
Carrying Costs Income
 
 
 (13,433)
 
 
 (33,080)
 
 
 (22,761)
 
 
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
 
 
 (9,212)
 
 
 (2,967)
 
 
 (7,000)
 
 
Mark-to-Market of Risk Management Contracts
 
 
 (26)
 
 
 29,182 
 
 
 (15,346)
 
 
Pension Contributions to Qualified Plan Trust
 
 
 (60,312)
 
 
 (36,784)
 
 
 - 
 
 
Fuel Over/Under-Recovery, Net
 
 
 (9,589)
 
 
 (13,356)
 
 
 (194,436)
 
 
Change in Regulatory Assets
 
 
 (19,355)
 
 
 38,475 
 
 
 (84,159)
 
 
Change in Other Noncurrent Assets
 
 
 (2,402)
 
 
 (15,668)
 
 
 (2,926)
 
 
Change in Other Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 10,392 
 
 
 1,757 
 
 
 3,895 
 
 
Changes in Certain Components of Working Capital:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Receivable, Net
 
 
 59,352 
 
 
 (63,426)
 
 
 (14,489)
 
 
 
Fuel, Materials and Supplies
 
 
 80,191 
 
 
 116,530 
 
 
 (221,280)
 
 
 
Accounts Payable
 
 
 (60,843)
 
 
 (16,823)
 
 
 (41,370)
 
 
 
Accrued Taxes, Net
 
 
 71,610 
 
 
 76,881 
 
 
 (172,126)
 
 
 
Other Current Assets
 
 
 15,570 
 
 
 1,287 
 
 
 (3,608)
 
 
 
Other Current Liabilities
 
 
 3,933 
 
 
 (11,717)
 
 
 (5,607)
Net Cash Flows from (Used for) Operating Activities
 
 
 606,728 
 
 
 655,564 
 
 
 (29,267)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction Expenditures
 
 
 (463,077)
 
 
 (534,334)
 
 
 (543,587)
Change in Advances to Affiliates, Net
 
 
 (22,008)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Acquisitions of Assets
 
 
 (302,512)
 
 
 (2,485)
 
 
 (1,116)
Other Investing Activities
 
 
 15,096 
 
 
 12,871 
 
 
 14,745 
Net Cash Flows Used for Investing Activities
 
 
 (772,501)
 
 
 (523,948)
 
 
 (529,958)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Contribution from Parent
 
 
 100,000 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 250,000 
Issuance of Long-term Debt – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 739,393 
 
 
 363,726 
 
 
 447,883 
Change in Advances from Affiliates, Net
 
 
 69,917 
 
 
 (101,215)
 
 
 34,658 
Retirement of Long-term Debt – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 (579,672)
 
 
 (200,019)
 
 
 (150,017)
Retirement of Long-term Debt – Affiliated
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (100,000)
 
 
 - 
Retirement of Cumulative Preferred Stock
 
 
 (19,517)
 
 
 (4)
 
 
 - 
Principal Payments for Capital Lease Obligations
 
 
 (7,447)
 
 
 (7,001)
 
 
 (3,479)
Dividends Paid on Common Stock
 
 
 (135,000)
 
 
 (88,000)
 
 
 (20,000)
Dividends Paid on Cumulative Preferred Stock
 
 
 (732)
 
 
 (799)
 
 
 (799)
Other Financing Activities
 
 
 197 
 
 
 641 
 
 
 989 
Net Cash Flows from (Used for) Financing Activities
 
 
 167,139 
 
 
 (132,671)
 
 
 559,235 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
 1,366 
 
 
 (1,055)
 
 
 10 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
 
 
 951 
 
 
 2,006 
 
 
 1,996 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
 
$
 2,317 
 
$
 951 
 
$
 2,006 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Paid for Interest, Net of Capitalized Amounts
 
$
 198,465 
 
$
 202,884 
 
$
 209,806 
Net Cash Paid (Received) for Income Taxes
 
 
 (66,520)
 
 
 (153,205)
 
 
 (81,508)
Noncash Acquisitions Under Capital Leases
 
 
 2,692 
 
 
 22,772 
 
 
 2,572 
Government Grants Included in Accounts Receivable at December 31,
 
 
 1,048 
 
 
 1,049 
 
 
 - 
Construction Expenditures Included in Current Liabilities at December 31,
 
 
 65,308 
 
 
 66,048 
 
 
 108,077 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.
 
 
 

 
161

 
APPALACHIAN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX OF NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF REGISTRANT SUBSIDIARIES

The notes to APCo’s financial statements are combined with the notes to financial statements for other registrant subsidiaries.  Listed below are the notes that apply to APCo.  The footnotes begin on page 225.

 
Footnote
Reference
   
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Note 1
New Accounting Pronouncements and Extraordinary Item
Note 2
Rate Matters
Note 3
Effects of Regulation
Note 4
Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies
Note 5
Acquisitions and Impairments
Note 6
Benefit Plans
Note 7
Business Segments
Note 8
Derivatives and Hedging
Note 9
Fair Value Measurements
Note 10
Income Taxes
Note 11
Leases
Note 12
Financing Activities
Note 13
Related Party Transactions
Note 14
Property, Plant and Equipment
Note 15
Cost Reduction Initiatives
Note 16
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information
Note 17

 
162

 










INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARIES



 
163

 
INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Company Overview

As a public utility, I&M engages in the generation and purchase of electric power, and the subsequent sale, transmission and distribution of that power to 582,000 retail customers in its service territory in northern and eastern Indiana and a portion of southwestern Michigan.  I&M consolidates Blackhawk Coal Company and Price River Coal Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  I&M also consolidates DCC Fuel.  I&M sells power at wholesale to municipalities and electric cooperatives.  I&M’s River Transportation Division (RTD) provides barging services to affiliates and nonaffiliated companies.  The revenues from barging represent the majority of other revenues except in 2009 when insurance proceeds related to the Cook Plant Unit 1 outage were the largest amount.

The Interconnection Agreement establishes the AEP Power Pool which permits the AEP East companies to pool their generation assets on a cost basis.  It establishes an allocation method for generating capacity among its members based on relative peak demands and generating reserves through the payment of capacity charges and the receipt of capacity revenues.  AEP Power Pool members are compensated for their costs of energy delivered to the AEP Power Pool and charged for energy received from the AEP Power Pool.  The capacity reserve relationship of the AEP Power Pool members changes as generating assets are added, retired or sold and relative peak demand changes.  The AEP Power Pool calculates each member’s prior twelve-month peak demand relative to the sum of the peak demands of all members as a basis for sharing revenues and costs.  The result of this calculation is the MLR, which determines each member’s percentage share of revenues and costs.  APCo’s Dresden Plant was completed in January 2012.  The addition of the Dresden Plant and removal of OPCo’s Sporn Unit 5 will change the capacity reserve relationship of the AEP Power Pool members.

The AEP East companies are parties to a Transmission Agreement defining how they share the revenues and costs associated with their relative ownership of transmission assets.  This sharing was based upon each company’s MLR until the FERC approved a new Transmission Agreement effective November 1, 2010.  The new Transmission Agreement will be phased-in for retail rates over periods of up to four years, adds KGPCo and WPCo as parties to the agreement and changes the allocation method.  I&M’s recovery mechanism for transmission costs is through its base rates.  Changes in allocation under the new Transmission Agreement and state regulatory phase-in of the new agreement will limit I&M’s ability to fully recover its transmission costs.

Under unit power agreements, I&M purchases AEGCo’s 50% share of the 2,600 MW Rockport Plant capacity unless it is sold to other utilities.  AEGCo is an affiliate that is not a member of the AEP Power Pool.  An agreement between AEGCo and KPCo provides for the sale of 390 MW of AEGCo’s Rockport Plant capacity to KPCo through 2022.  Therefore, I&M purchases 910 MW of AEGCo’s 50% share of Rockport Plant capacity.

Under the SIA, AEPSC allocates physical and financial revenues and expenses from transactions with neighboring utilities, power marketers and other power and gas risk management activities based upon the location of such activity, with margins resulting from trading and marketing activities originating in PJM and MISO generally accruing to the benefit of the AEP East companies and trading and marketing activities originating in SPP generally accruing to the benefit of PSO and SWEPCo.  Margins resulting from other transactions are allocated among the AEP East companies, PSO and SWEPCo in proportion to the marketing realization directly assigned to each zone for the current month plus the preceding eleven months.

AEPSC conducts power, gas, coal and emission allowance risk management activities on I&M’s behalf.  I&M shares in the revenues and expenses associated with these risk management activities, as described in the preceding paragraph, with the other AEP East companies, PSO and SWEPCo.  Power and gas risk management activities are allocated based on the existing power pool agreement and the SIA.  I&M shares in coal and emission allowance risk management activities based on its proportion of fossil fuels burned by the AEP System.  Risk management activities primarily involve the purchase and sale of electricity under physical forward contracts at fixed and variable prices and to a lesser extent gas, coal and emission allowances.  The electricity, gas, coal and emission allowance contracts include physical transactions, OTC options and financially-settled swaps and exchange-traded futures and options.  AEPSC settles the majority of the physical forward contracts by entering into offsetting contracts.

 
164

 
To minimize the credit requirements and operating constraints when operating within PJM, the AEP East companies as well as KGPCo and WPCo, agreed to a netting of all payment obligations incurred by any of the AEP East companies against all balances due to the AEP East companies, and to hold PJM harmless from actions that any one or more AEP East companies may take with respect to PJM.

I&M is jointly and severally liable for activity conducted by AEPSC on behalf of the AEP East companies related to purchase power and sale activity pursuant to the SIA.

Applications to Amend Sharing Agreements
 
Based upon the PUCO’s January 2012 approval of OPCo’s corporate separation plan, applications were filed in February 2012 with the FERC proposing to establish a new power cost sharing agreement between APCo, I&M and KPCo and transfer OPCo’s generation assets to APCo, KPCo and a nonregulated AEP subsidiary.  In conjunction with these filings, APCo and KPCo, which are generation capacity deficit utilities, filed an application with the FERC to acquire approximately 2,400 MWs of OPCo’s 12,000 MW generation capacity at net book value.  This acquisition would allow APCo and KPCo to satisfy their capacity reserve requirements in PJM and provide baseload generation to meet their customers’ energy requirements.  The Ohio corporate separation plan was subsequently rejected on rehearing in February 2012.  Management is in the process of withdrawing the applications and intends to file new FERC and PUCO applications related to corporate separation.
 
If I&M experiences decreases in revenues or increases in costs as a result of changes to its relationship with affiliates and is unable to recover the change in revenues and costs through rates, prices or additional sales, it could have an adverse impact on future net income and cash flows.

Regulatory Activity

Michigan Base Rate Case

In July 2011, I&M filed a request with the MPSC for an annual increase in Michigan base rates of $25 million and a return on common equity of 11.15%.  The request included an increase in depreciation rates that would result in a $6 million increase in annual depreciation expense.  An interim rate increase of $16 million annually was implemented in January 2012, subject to refund.

In February 2012, the MPSC approved a settlement agreement which increased annual base rates by approximately $15 million, effective April 2012, based upon a return on common equity of 10.2% and included a $5 million annual increase in depreciation rates.  See “2011 Michigan Base Rate Case” section of Note 3.

Indiana Base Rate Case

In September 2011, I&M filed a request with the IURC for a net annual increase in Indiana base rates of $149 million based upon a return on equity of 11.15%.  The request included an increase in depreciation rates that would result in a $25 million increase in annual depreciation expense.  See “2011 Indiana Base Rate Case” section of Note 3.

Cook Plant

In September 2008, I&M shut down Cook Plant Unit 1 (Unit 1) due to turbine vibrations, caused by blade failure, which resulted in a fire on the electric generator.  Repair of the property damage and replacement of the turbine rotors and other equipment cost approximately $400 million.  Management believes that I&M should recover a significant portion of repair and replacement costs through the turbine vendor’s warranty, insurance and the regulatory process.  Due to the extensive lead time required to manufacture and install new turbine rotors, I&M repaired Unit 1 and it resumed operations in December 2009.  The installation of the new turbine rotors and other equipment occurred during the refueling outage of Unit 1 in the fall of 2011.  If the ultimate costs of the incident are not covered by warranty, insurance or through the related regulatory process or if any future regulatory proceedings are adverse, it could have an adverse impact on net income, cash flows and financial condition.  See “Cook Plant Unit 1 Fire and Shutdown” section of Note 5.

 
165

 
As a result of the nuclear plant situation in Japan following a March 2011 earthquake, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) initiated a review of safety procedures and requirements for nuclear generating facilities.  This review could increase procedures and testing requirements, require physical modifications to the plant and increase future operating costs at the Cook Plant.  The NRC is also looking into the fuel used at eleven reactors, including the units at the Cook Plant.  Their concern relates to fuel temperatures if abnormal conditions are experienced.  Management has been monitoring this issue and will respond to the NRC’s inquiry.  In addition to the review by the NRC, Congress could consider legislation tightening oversight of nuclear generating facilities.  Management is unable to predict the impact of potential future regulation of nuclear facilities.

Litigation and Environmental Issues

In the ordinary course of business, I&M is involved in employment, commercial, environmental and regulatory litigation.  Since it is difficult to predict the outcome of these proceedings, management cannot state what the eventual resolution will be or the timing and amount of any loss, fine or penalty may be.  Management assesses the probability of loss for each contingency and accrues a liability for cases which have a probable likelihood of loss if the loss can be estimated.  For details on regulatory proceedings and pending litigation, see Note 3 – Rate Matters and Note 5 – Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.  Adverse results in these proceedings have the potential to materially affect net income, financial condition and cash flows.

See the “Executive Overview” section of “Combined Management’s Narrative Discussion and Analysis of Registrant Subsidiaries” section beginning on page 375 for additional discussion of relevant factors.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

KWH Sales/Degree Days

Summary of KWH Energy Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in millions of KWHs)
Retail:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
 
 5,997 
 
 
 6,083 
 
 
 5,767 
 
Commercial
 
 5,045 
 
 
 5,121 
 
 
 5,038 
 
Industrial
 
 7,523 
 
 
 7,445 
 
 
 6,762 
 
Miscellaneous
 
 73 
 
 
 72 
 
 
 76 
Total Retail
 
 18,638 
 
 
 18,721 
 
 
 17,643 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wholesale
 
 9,249 
 
 
 7,839 
 
 
 8,564 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total KWHs
 
 27,887 
 
 
 26,560 
 
 
 26,207 

 
166

 
Cooling degree days and heating degree days are metrics commonly used in the utility industry as a measure of the impact of weather on net income.

 
Summary of Heating and Cooling Degree Days
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
(in degree days)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual - Heating (a)
 
 3,659 
 
 
 3,759 
 
 
 3,876 
 
Normal - Heating (b)
 
 3,766 
 
 
 3,774 
 
 
 3,788 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual - Cooling (c)
 
 1,075 
 
 
 1,165 
 
 
 580 
 
Normal - Cooling (b)
 
 848 
 
 
 832 
 
 
 844 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Eastern Region heating degree days are calculated on a 55 degree temperature base.
 
(b)
Normal Heating/Cooling represents the thirty-year average of degree days.
 
(c)
Eastern Region cooling degree days are calculated on a 65 degree temperature base.


 
167

 
2011 Compared to 2010

Reconciliation of Year Ended December 31, 2010 to Year Ended December 31, 2011
Net Income
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
$
 126 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in Gross Margin:
 
 
 
 
Retail Margins
 
 
 (13)
 
FERC Municipals and Cooperatives
 
 
 3 
 
Off-system Sales
 
 
 2 
 
Transmission Revenues
 
 
 (1)
 
Other Revenues
 
 
 2 
 
Total Change in Gross Margin
 
 
 (7)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in Expenses and Other:
 
 
 
 
Other Operation and Maintenance
 
 
 12 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 3 
 
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
 
 
 (2)
 
Other Income
 
 
 (1)
 
Interest Expense
 
 
 7 
 
Total Change in Expenses and Other
 
 
 19 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Tax Expense
 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
$
 150 
 

The major components of the decrease in Gross Margin, defined as revenues less the related direct cost of fuel, including consumption of chemicals and emissions allowances, and purchased power were as follows:

·
Retail Margins decreased $13 million primarily due to the following:
 
·
A $29 million decrease in capacity settlements under the Interconnection Agreement.
 
·
A $14 million decrease due to customer credits for a settlement relating to the Cook Plant Unit 1 (Unit 1) fire outage.  This decrease was offset by a decrease in Other Operation and Maintenance expenses.
 
These decreases were partially offset by:
 
·
A $27 million increase due to rate relief primarily from the Michigan rate increase effective in 2010 and recovery of costs through trackers.

Expenses and Other and Income Tax Expense changed between years as follows:

·
Other Operation and Maintenance expenses decreased $12 million primarily due to the following:
 
·
A $35 million decrease due to expenses related to the cost reduction initiatives recorded in 2010.
 
·
A $14 million decrease in steam power expenses relating to the Unit 1 fire outage.  This decrease was offset by a decrease in Retail Margins.
  These decreases were partially offset by:
 
·
A $25 million increase in transmission expense primarily due to the Transmission Agreement modification effective November 2010.
 
·
A $9 million increase in customer service costs associated with higher demand side management expenses.  This increase is offset by an increase in Retail Margins above.
·
Interest Expense decreased $7 million primarily due to lower outstanding debt.
·
Income Tax Expense decreased $12 million primarily due to the recording of federal and state income tax adjustments resulting from the filing of prior year tax returns and other book/tax differences which are accounted for on a flow-through basis, partially offset by an increase in pretax book income.

 
168

 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES, NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section of “Combined Management’s Narrative Discussion and Analysis of Registrant Subsidiaries” beginning on page 375 for a discussion of the estimates and judgments required for regulatory accounting, revenue recognition, the valuation of long-lived assets and pension and other postretirement benefits.

See the “New Accounting Pronouncements” section of “Combined Management’s Narrative Discussion and Analysis of Registrant Subsidiaries” beginning on page 375 for a discussion of the adoption and impact of new accounting pronouncements.

 
169

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
Indiana Michigan Power Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Indiana Michigan Power Company and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in common shareholder’s equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Indiana Michigan Power Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2011 the Company changed its method of presenting comprehensive income due to the adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The change in presentation has been applied retrospectively to all periods presented.

/s/   Deloitte & Touche LLP

Columbus, Ohio
February 28, 2012

 
170

 
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of Indiana Michigan Power Company and subsidiaries (I&M) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  I&M’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of I&M’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011.  In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework.  Based on management’s assessment, I&M’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of I&M’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission rules that permit I&M to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

 
171

 

INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
REVENUES
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution
  $ 1,770,447     $ 1,735,338     $ 1,685,308  
Sales to AEP Affiliates
    320,184       330,951       196,151  
Other Revenues - Affiliated
    109,053       114,070       110,143  
Other Revenues - Nonaffiliated
    15,086       15,368       193,422  
TOTAL REVENUES
    2,214,770       2,195,727       2,185,024  
 
                       
EXPENSES
                       
Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation
    472,080       465,482       409,845  
Purchased Electricity for Resale
    121,375       128,369       128,508  
Purchased Electricity from AEP Affiliates
    353,484       327,335       337,308  
Other Operation
    540,595       560,346       500,672  
Maintenance
    229,883       222,406       218,036  
Depreciation and Amortization
    133,394       136,443       134,690  
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
    82,303       80,431       75,262  
TOTAL EXPENSES
    1,933,114       1,920,812       1,804,321  
 
                       
OPERATING INCOME
    281,656       274,915       380,703  
 
                       
Other Income (Expense):
                       
Interest Income
    2,048       3,389       5,776  
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
    15,395       15,678       12,013  
Interest Expense
    (97,665 )     (104,465 )     (101,145 )
 
                       
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE
    201,434       189,517       297,347  
 
                       
Income Tax Expense
    51,760       63,426       81,037  
 
                       
NET INCOME
    149,674       126,091       216,310  
 
                       
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements Including Capital Stock Expense
    626       339       339  
 
                       
EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCK
  $ 149,048     $ 125,752     $ 215,971  
 
                       
The common stock of I&M is wholly-owned by AEP.
                       
 
                       
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.
 

 
172

 

INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
NET INCOME
  $ 149,674     $ 126,091     $ 216,310  
 
                       
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAXES
                       
Cash Flow Hedges, Net of Tax of $3,553 in 2011, $652 in 2010 and $462 in 2009
    (6,599 )     1,211       (857 )
Amortization of Pension and OPEB Deferred Costs, Net of Tax of $510 in 2011,
                       
$470 in 2010 and $445 in 2009
    948       873       826  
Pension and OPEB Funded Status, Net of Tax of $906 in 2011, $685 in 2010 and
                       
$13 in 2009
    (1,681 )     (1,272 )     24  
 
                       
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
    (7,332 )     812       (7 )
 
                       
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
  $ 142,342     $ 126,903     $ 216,303  
 
                       
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.
 

 
173

 

INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
Accumulated
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
Other
   
 
 
 
 
Common
   
Paid-in
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
 
 
 
 
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income (Loss)
   
Total
 
TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY –
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 DECEMBER 31, 2008
  $ 56,584     $ 861,291     $ 538,637     $ (21,694 )   $ 1,434,818  
 
                                       
Capital Contribution from Parent
            120,000                       120,000  
Common Stock Dividends
                    (98,000 )             (98,000 )
Preferred Stock Dividends
                    (339 )             (339 )
Gain on Reacquired Preferred Stock
            1                       1  
SUBTOTAL – COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                                    1,456,480  
 
                                       
NET INCOME
                    216,310               216,310  
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
                            (7 )     (7 )
TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY –
                                       
 DECEMBER 31, 2009
    56,584       981,292       656,608       (21,701 )     1,672,783  
 
                                       
Common Stock Dividends
                    (105,000 )             (105,000 )
Preferred Stock Dividends
                    (339 )             (339 )
Gain on Reacquired Preferred Stock
            2                       2  
SUBTOTAL – COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                                    1,567,446  
 
                                       
NET INCOME
                    126,091               126,091  
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                            812       812  
TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY –
                                       
 DECEMBER 31, 2010
    56,584       981,294       677,360       (20,889 )     1,694,349  
 
                                       
Common Stock Dividends
                    (75,000 )             (75,000 )
Preferred Stock Dividends
                    (313 )             (313 )
Loss on Reacquired Preferred Stock
            (398 )                     (398 )
SUBTOTAL – COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                                    1,618,638  
 
                                       
NET INCOME
                    149,674               149,674  
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
                            (7,332 )     (7,332 )
TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY –
                                       
 DECEMBER 31, 2011
  $ 56,584     $ 980,896     $ 751,721     $ (28,221 )   $ 1,760,980  
 
                                       
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.
 

 
174

 

 
INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
ASSETS
 
December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
$
 1,020 
 
$
 361 
 
Advances to Affiliates
 
 
 95,714 
 
 
 - 
 
Accounts Receivable:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customers
 
 
 72,461 
 
 
 76,193 
 
 
Affiliated Companies
 
 
 90,980 
 
 
 149,169 
 
 
Accrued Unbilled Revenues
 
 
 14,780 
 
 
 19,449 
 
 
Miscellaneous
 
 
 22,685 
 
 
 10,968 
 
 
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
 
 
 (1,750)
 
 
 (1,692)
 
 
 
Total Accounts Receivable
 
 
 199,156 
 
 
 254,087 
 
Fuel
 
 
 52,979 
 
 
 87,551 
 
Materials and Supplies
 
 
 175,924 
 
 
 178,331 
 
Risk Management Assets
 
 
 32,152 
 
 
 27,526 
 
Accrued Tax Benefits
 
 
 38,425 
 
 
 71,113 
 
Deferred Cook Plant Fire Costs
 
 
 63,809 
 
 
 45,752 
 
Prepayments and Other Current Assets
 
 
 35,395 
 
 
 33,713 
 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 694,574 
 
 
 698,434 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Generation
 
 
 3,932,472 
 
 
 3,774,262 
 
 
Transmission
 
 
 1,224,786 
 
 
 1,188,665 
 
 
Distribution
 
 
 1,481,608 
 
 
 1,411,095 
 
Other Property, Plant and Equipment (including nuclear fuel and coal mining)
 
 
 709,558 
 
 
 719,708 
 
Construction Work in Progress
 
 
 236,096 
 
 
 301,534 
 
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 7,584,520 
 
 
 7,395,264 
 
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
 
 
 3,179,920 
 
 
 3,124,998 
 
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT NET
 
 
 4,404,600 
 
 
 4,270,266 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets
 
 
 602,979 
 
 
 556,254 
 
Spent Nuclear Fuel and Decommissioning Trusts
 
 
 1,591,732 
 
 
 1,515,227 
 
Long-term Risk Management Assets
 
 
 29,362 
 
 
 31,485 
 
Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets
 
 
 69,309 
 
 
 77,229 
 
TOTAL OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 2,293,382 
 
 
 2,180,195 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
 7,392,556 
 
$
 7,148,895 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.
 
 
175

 
 
INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
Advances from Affiliates
 
$
 - 
 
$
 42,769 
 
Accounts Payable:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General
 
 
 113,063 
 
 
 121,665 
 
 
Affiliated Companies
 
 
 81,102 
 
 
 105,221 
 
Long-term Debt Due Within One Year – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 279,075 
 
 
 154,457 
 
 
(December 31, 2011 and 2010 amount includes $101,620 and $77,457,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
respectively, related to DCC Fuel)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
 16,980 
 
 
 16,785 
 
Customer Deposits
 
 
 30,696 
 
 
 29,264 
 
Accrued Taxes
 
 
 65,233 
 
 
 62,637 
 
Accrued Interest
 
 
 27,798 
 
 
 27,444 
 
Other Current Liabilities
 
 
 117,879 
 
 
 140,710 
 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 731,826 
 
 
 700,952 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term Debt – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 1,778,600 
 
 
 1,849,769 
 
Long-term Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
 18,871 
 
 
 6,530 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 925,712 
 
 
 760,105 
 
Regulatory Liabilities and Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 875,202 
 
 
 852,197 
 
Asset Retirement Obligations
 
 
 1,013,122 
 
 
 963,029 
 
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 288,243 
 
 
 313,892 
 
TOTAL NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 4,899,750 
 
 
 4,745,522 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
 
 5,631,576 
 
 
 5,446,474 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption
 
 
 - 
 
 
 8,072 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rate Matters (Note 3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMON SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock – No Par Value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Authorized – 2,500,000 Shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding  – 1,400,000 Shares
 
 
 56,584 
 
 
 56,584 
 
Paid-in Capital
 
 
 980,896 
 
 
 981,294 
 
Retained Earnings
 
 
 751,721 
 
 
 677,360 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 (28,221)
 
 
 (20,889)
 
TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
 
 
 1,760,980 
 
 
 1,694,349 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
$
 7,392,556 
 
$
 7,148,895 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.

 
176

 

INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(in thousands)
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
$
 149,674 
 
$
 126,091 
 
$
 216,310 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows from
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 133,394 
 
 
 136,443 
 
 
 134,690 
 
 
Accretion of Asset Retirement Obligations
 
 
 11,668 
 
 
 11,905 
 
 
 11,178 
 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 141,015 
 
 
 63,947 
 
 
 271,264 
 
 
Amortization (Deferral) of Incremental Nuclear Refueling Outage Expenses, Net
 
 
 13,244 
 
 
 (31,939)
 
 
 3,110 
 
 
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
 
 
 (15,395)
 
 
 (15,678)
 
 
 (12,013)
 
 
Mark-to-Market of Risk Management Contracts
 
 
 (1,590)
 
 
 4,592 
 
 
 (10,533)
 
 
Amortization of Nuclear Fuel
 
 
 136,707 
 
 
 139,438 
 
 
 62,699 
 
 
Pension Contributions to Qualified Plan Trust
 
 
 (52,588)
 
 
 (71,681)
 
 
 - 
 
 
Fuel Over/Under Recovery, Net
 
 
 (13,885)
 
 
 (12,589)
 
 
 34,676 
 
 
Change in Other Noncurrent Assets
 
 
 (22,977)
 
 
 (12,597)
 
 
 (16,555)
 
 
Change in Other Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 50,371 
 
 
 56,592 
 
 
 45,276 
 
 
Changes in Certain Components of Working Capital:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Receivable, Net
 
 
 57,661 
 
 
 (85,072)
 
 
 19,338 
 
 
 
Fuel, Materials and Supplies
 
 
 40,239 
 
 
 (16,564)
 
 
 (20,676)
 
 
 
Accounts Payable
 
 
 (52,175)
 
 
 46,579 
 
 
 (65,424)
 
 
 
Accrued Taxes, Net
 
 
 15,508 
 
 
 77,075 
 
 
 (132,214)
 
 
 
Cook Plant Fire Costs, Net
 
 
 18,282 
 
 
 87,347 
 
 
 (89,409)
 
 
 
Other Current Assets
 
 
 6,409 
 
 
 5,056 
 
 
 (5,351)
 
 
 
Other Current Liabilities
 
 
 6,167 
 
 
 4,149 
 
 
 (2,924)
Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
 
 621,729 
 
 
 513,094 
 
 
 443,442 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction Expenditures
 
 
 (301,242)
 
 
 (333,238)
 
 
 (332,775)
Change in Advances to Affiliates, Net
 
 
 (95,714)
 
 
 114,012 
 
 
 (114,012)
Purchases of Investment Securities
 
 
 (1,166,690)
 
 
 (1,414,473)
 
 
 (770,919)
Sales of Investment Securities
 
 
 1,110,909 
 
 
 1,361,813 
 
 
 712,742 
Acquisitions of Nuclear Fuel
 
 
 (105,703)
 
 
 (90,903)
 
 
 (169,138)
Other Investing Activities
 
 
 47,169 
 
 
 17,105 
 
 
 21,004 
Net Cash Flows Used for Investing Activities
 
 
 (511,271)
 
 
 (345,684)
 
 
 (653,098)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Contribution from Parent
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 120,000 
Issuance of Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated
 
 
 185,972 
 
 
 152,464 
 
 
 670,060 
Issuance of Long-term Debt - Affiliated
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 25,000 
Change in Advances from Affiliates, Net
 
 
 (42,769)
 
 
 42,769 
 
 
 (476,036)
Retirement of Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated
 
 
 (160,645)
 
 
 (202,011)
 
 
 - 
Retirement of Long-term Debt - Affiliated
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (25,000)
 
 
 - 
Retirement of Cumulative Preferred Stock
 
 
 (8,470)
 
 
 (3)
 
 
 (2)
Principal Payments for Capital Lease Obligations
 
 
 (8,652)
 
 
 (31,180)
 
 
 (31,637)
Dividends Paid on Common Stock
 
 
 (75,000)
 
 
 (105,000)
 
 
 (98,000)
Dividends Paid on Cumulative Preferred Stock
 
 
 (313)
 
 
 (339)
 
 
 (339)
Other Financing Activities
 
 
 78 
 
 
 472 
 
 
 661 
Net Cash Flows from (Used for) Financing Activities
 
 
 (109,799)
 
 
 (167,828)
 
 
 209,707 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
 659 
 
 
 (418)
 
 
 51 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
 
 
 361 
 
 
 779 
 
 
 728 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
 
$
 1,020 
 
$
 361 
 
$
 779 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Paid for Interest, Net of Capitalized Amounts
 
$
 95,124 
 
$
 100,617 
 
$
 99,079 
Net Cash Paid (Received) for Income Taxes
 
 
 (96,452)
 
 
 (71,268)
 
 
 (51,298)
Noncash Acquisitions Under Capital Leases
 
 
 3,454 
 
 
 10,000 
 
 
 2,651 
Construction Expenditures Included in Current Liabilities at December 31,
 
 
 42,992 
 
 
 21,757 
 
 
 74,251 
Acquisition of Nuclear Fuel Included in Current Liabilities at December 31,
 
 
 715 
 
 
 308 
 
 
 15 
Noncash Increase in Long-term Debt Through the Fort Wayne Lease Settlement
 
 
 26,802 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.

 
177

 
INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX OF NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF REGISTRANT SUBSIDIARIES

The notes to I&M’s financial statements are combined with the notes to financial statements for other registrant subsidiaries.  Listed below are the notes that apply to I&M.  The footnotes begin on page 225.

 
Footnote
Reference
   
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Note 1
New Accounting Pronouncements and Extraordinary Item
Note 2
Rate Matters
Note 3
Effects of Regulation
Note 4
Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies
Note 5
Benefit Plans
Note 7
Business Segments
Note 8
Derivatives and Hedging
Note 9
Fair Value Measurements
Note 10
Income Taxes
Note 11
Leases
Note 12
Financing Activities
Note 13
Related Party Transactions
Note 14
Property, Plant and Equipment
Note 15
Cost Reduction Initiatives
Note 16
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information
Note 17

 
178

 










OHIO POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED



 
179

 
OHIO POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Company Overview

As a public utility, OPCo engages in the generation and purchase of electric power, and the subsequent sale, transmission and distribution of that power to 1,460,000 retail customers in the northwestern, central, eastern and southern sections of Ohio.  OPCo consolidates Conesville Coal Preparation Company, its wholly-owned subsidiary.  OPCo consolidated JMG Funding LP, a variable interest entity, until it was dissolved in December 2009 at which time JMG’s assets were transferred to OPCo.

The Interconnection Agreement establishes the AEP Power Pool which permits the AEP East companies to pool their generation assets on a cost basis.  It establishes an allocation method for generating capacity among its members based on relative peak demands and generating reserves through the payment of capacity charges and the receipt of capacity revenues.  AEP Power Pool members are compensated for their costs of energy delivered to the AEP Power Pool and charged for energy received from the AEP Power Pool.  The capacity reserve relationship of the AEP Power Pool members changes as generating assets are added, retired or sold and relative peak demand changes.  The AEP Power Pool calculates each member’s prior twelve-month peak demand relative to the sum of the peak demands of all members as a basis for sharing revenues and costs.  The result of this calculation is the MLR, which determines each member’s percentage share of revenues and costs.  APCo’s Dresden Plant was completed in January 2012.  The addition of the Dresden Plant and removal of OPCo’s Sporn Unit 5 will change the capacity reserve relationship of the AEP Power Pool members.

The AEP East companies are parties to a Transmission Agreement defining how they share the revenues and costs associated with their relative ownership of transmission assets.  This sharing was based upon each company’s MLR until the FERC approved a new Transmission Agreement effective November 1, 2010.  The impacts of the new Transmission Agreement will be phased-in for retail rates, adds KGPCo and WPCo as parties to the agreement and changes the allocation method.

In 2007, OPCo and AEGCo entered into a 10-year unit power agreement for the entire output from the Lawrenceburg Plant with an option for an additional 2-year period.  OPCo pays AEGCo for the capacity, depreciation, fuel, operation and maintenance and tax expenses.  These payments are due regardless of whether the plant operates.

Under the SIA, AEPSC allocates physical and financial revenues and expenses from transactions with neighboring utilities, power marketers and other power and gas risk management activities based upon the location of such activity, with margins resulting from trading and marketing activities originating in PJM and MISO generally accruing to the benefit of the AEP East companies and trading and marketing activities originating in SPP generally accruing to the benefit of PSO and SWEPCo.  Margins resulting from other transactions are allocated among the AEP East companies, PSO and SWEPCo in proportion to the marketing realization directly assigned to each zone for the current month plus the preceding eleven months.

AEPSC conducts power, gas, coal and emission allowance risk management activities on OPCo’s behalf.  OPCo shares in the revenues and expenses associated with these risk management activities, as described in the preceding paragraph, with the other AEP East companies, PSO and SWEPCo.  Power and gas risk management activities are allocated based on the existing power pool agreement and the SIA.  OPCo shares in coal and emission allowance risk management activities based on its proportion of fossil fuels burned by the AEP System.  Risk management activities primarily involve the purchase and sale of electricity under physical forward contracts at fixed and variable prices and to a lesser extent gas, coal and emission allowances.  The electricity, gas, coal and emission allowance contracts include physical transactions, OTC options and financially-settled swaps and exchange-traded futures and options.  AEPSC settles the majority of the physical forward contracts by entering into offsetting contracts.

To minimize the credit requirements and operating constraints of operating within PJM, the AEP East companies as well as KGPCo and WPCo, agreed to a netting of all payment obligations incurred by any of the AEP East companies against all balances due to the AEP East companies and to hold PJM harmless from actions that any one or more AEP East companies may take with respect to PJM.

 
180

 
OPCo is jointly and severally liable for activity conducted by AEPSC on behalf of the AEP East companies related to purchase power and sale activity pursuant to the SIA.

CSPCo-OPCo Merger

On December 31, 2011, CSPCo merged into OPCo with OPCo being the surviving entity.  All prior reported amounts have been recast as if the merger occurred on the first day of the earliest reporting period.   All contracts and operations of CSPCo and its subsidiary are now part of OPCo.

January 2012 – May 2016 ESP
 
In December 2011, the PUCO approved a modified stipulation for a new ESP for the period January 2012 through May 2016 that includes a standard service offer (SSO) pricing for generation.  Various parties, including OPCo, filed requests for rehearing with the PUCO.  In February 2012, the PUCO issued an entry on rehearing which rejected the modified stipulation and ordered a return to the 2011 ESP rates until a new rate plan is approved.  Under the February 2012 rehearing order, OPCo has 30 days to notify the PUCO whether it plans to modify or withdraw its original application as filed in January 2011.  Management is currently evaluating its options and the potential financial and operational impacts on OPCo.  See “Ohio Electric Security Plan Filing” section of Note 3.

Ohio Customer Choice
 
In OPCo’s service territory, various competitive retail electric service (CRES) providers are targeting retail customers by offering alternative generation service.  As a result, in comparison to 2010, OPCo lost approximately $132 million of generation and transmission related gross margin.  OPCo is recovering a portion of lost margins through collection of capacity and transmission revenues from competitive CRES providers and off-system sales.  As a result of the February 2012 order on rehearing, OPCo is subject to significant risk of revenue loss associated with customer switching, which could materially reduce future net income and cash flows and materially impact financial condition.  Currently, there are no limitations on the obligation of OPCo to provide below cost capacity rate pricing to alternative suppliers to support customers switching in Ohio.  As a result of customer switching, for every 10% decline in the number of retail customers, management estimates OPCo could lose approximately $75 million of generation gross margin, net of estimated off-system sales.  On February 27, 2012, OPCo filed a Motion for Relief and Request for Expedited Ruling with the PUCO related to the review of capacity charges.  The filing seeks a decision within 90 days and the avoidance of an immediate change to pricing for capacity at the Reliability Pricing Model auction price, which is substantially below OPCo’s cost.  Management is evaluating its options to challenge this capacity pricing issue.
Corporate Separation
 
In January 2012, the PUCO approved a corporate separation plan of OPCo’s generation assets to complete the transition to a fully competitive generation market by June 2015, which includes the transfer of generation assets to a nonregulated AEP subsidiary at net book value.  In February 2012, as part of the PUCO’s entry on rehearing which rejected the ESP modified stipulation, the PUCO revoked its approval of OPCo’s corporate separation plan.  Any proposed corporate separation plan will require approval by the PUCO and the FERC.  Management intends to pursue Ohio corporate separation in future regulatory proceedings.

In February 2012, prior to the PUCO revoking OPCo’s corporate separation plan, applications were filed with the FERC proposing to establish a new power cost sharing agreement between APCo, I&M and KPCo and transfer OPCo’s generation assets to APCo, KPCo and a nonregulated AEP subsidiary.  In conjunction with these filings, APCo and KPCo, which are generation capacity deficit utilities, filed an application with the FERC to acquire approximately 2,400 MWs of OPCo’s 12,000 MW generation capacity at net book value.  This acquisition would allow APCo and KPCo to satisfy their capacity reserve requirements in PJM and provide baseload generation to meet their customers’ energy requirements.  As a result of the February 2012 ESP rehearing order, management is reviewing the recoverability of all OPCo generation assets and is in the process of withdrawing the PUCO and the FERC applications.  Management intends to file new FERC and PUCO applications related to corporate seperation.  To the extent existing generation assets and the cost of new equipment and converted facilities are not recoverable, it could materially reduce future net income and cash flows.  Upon receipt of all regulatory approvals, the remaining generation assets of OPCo will be owned by a nonregulated AEP subsidiary.
 
 
181

 
If OPCo receives all regulatory approvals without authority to transfer its generation, OPCo’s results of operations related to generation will be determined by its ability to sell power and capacity at a profit at rates determined by the prevailing market.  If OPCo experiences decreases in revenues or increases in costs as a result of changes to its relationship with affiliates and is unable to recover the change in revenues and costs through rates, prices or additional sales, it could have an adverse impact on future net income and cash flows.

Regulatory Activity

2009 – 2011 ESP

In 2011, the PUCO issued an order in the 2009 – 2011 ESP remand proceeding requiring OPCo to cease POLR billings and apply POLR collections since June 2011 first to the FAC deferral with any remaining balance to be credited to OPCo’s customers in November and December 2011.  As a result, in comparison to 2010, we lost approximately $71 million of pretax income related to POLR.  In February 2012, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) and the Industrial Energy Users-Ohio filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio challenging various issues, including the PUCO’s refusal to order retrospective relief concerning the POLR charges collected during 2009 – 2011 and various aspects of the approved environmental carrying charge, which if ordered could total up to $698 million, excluding carrying costs.

OPCo filed its 2010 Significantly Excessive Earnings Test (SEET) with the PUCO based upon the approach in the PUCO’s 2009 order.  Subsequent testimony and legal briefs from intervenors recommended a refund of up to $62 million of 2010 earnings, which included off-system sales in the SEET calculation.  In December 2011, the PUCO staff filed testimony that recommended a $23 million refund of 2010 earnings.  In the fourth quarter of 2011, OPCo provided a reserve based upon management’s estimate of the probable amount for a PUCO ordered SEET refund.  OPCo is required to file its 2011 SEET filing with the PUCO in 2012.  Management does not currently believe that there are significantly excessive earnings in 2011.  See “Ohio Electric Security Plan Filing” section of Note 3.

Ohio Distribution Base Rate Case

In December 2011, a stipulation was approved by the PUCO which provided for no change in distribution rates and a new rider for a $15 million annual credit to residential ratepayers due principally to the inclusion of the rate base distribution investment in the Distribution Investment Rider (DIR).  The stipulation also approved recovery of certain distribution regulatory assets of $173 million as of December 31, 2011, excluding $154 million of unrecognized equity carrying costs.  These assets and unrecognized carrying costs will be recovered in a distribution asset recovery rider over seven years with an additional long term debt carrying charge, effective January 2012.

Due to the February 2012 PUCO ESP entry on rehearing which rejected the modified stipulation for a new ESP, collection of the DIR terminated.  OPCo has the right to withdraw from the stipulation in the distribution base rate case.  Management is currently evaluating all its options.  See “2011 Ohio Distribution Base Rate Case” section of Note 3.
 
Litigation and Environmental Issues

In the ordinary course of business, OPCo is involved in employment, commercial, environmental and regulatory litigation.  Since it is difficult to predict the outcome of these proceedings, management cannot state what the eventual resolution will be or the timing and amount of any loss, fine or penalty may be.  Management assesses the probability of loss for each contingency and accrues a liability for cases which have a probable likelihood of loss if the loss can be estimated.  For details on regulatory proceedings and pending litigation, see Note 3 – Rate Matters and Note 5 – Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.  Adverse results in these proceedings have the potential to materially affect net income, financial condition and cash flows.

See the “Executive Overview” section of “Combined Management’s Narrative Discussion and Analysis of Registrant Subsidiaries” section beginning on page 375 for additional discussion of relevant factors.

 
182

 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

KWH Sales/Degree Days

Summary of KWH Energy Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in millions of KWHs)
Retail:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
 
 15,082 
 
 
 15,386 
 
 
 14,642 
 
Commercial
 
 14,269 
 
 
 14,454 
 
 
 14,218 
 
Industrial
 
 18,946 
 
 
 17,455 
 
 
 16,605 
 
Miscellaneous
 
 123 
 
 
 129 
 
 
 131 
Total Retail
 
 48,420 
 
 
 47,424 
 
 
 45,596 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wholesale
 
 12,229 
 
 
 8,466 
 
 
 6,958 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total KWHs
 
 60,649 
 
 
 55,890 
 
 
 52,554 

Cooling degree days and heating degree days are metrics commonly used in the utility industry as a measure of the impact of weather on net income.

 
Summary of Heating and Cooling Degree Days
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
(in degree days)
 
Actual - Heating (a)
 
 3,107 
 
 
 3,488 
 
 
 3,336 
 
Normal - Heating (b)
 
 3,266 
 
 
 3,267 
 
 
 3,280 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual - Cooling (c)
 
 1,112 
 
 
 1,189 
 
 
 721 
 
Normal - Cooling (b)
 
 936 
 
 
 921 
 
 
 931 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Eastern Region heating degree days are calculated on a 55 degree temperature base.
 
(b)
Normal Heating/Cooling represents the thirty-year average of degree days.
 
(c)
Eastern Region cooling degree days are calculated on a 65 degree temperature base.

 
183

 
2011 Compared to 2010

Reconciliation of Year Ended December 31, 2010 to Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
Net Income
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2010
  $ 542  
 
       
Changes in Gross Margin:
       
Retail Margins
    (146 )
Off-system Sales
    49  
Transmission Revenues
    20  
Other Revenues
    1  
Total Change in Gross Margin
    (76 )
 
       
Changes in Expenses and Other:
       
Other Operation and Maintenance
    (6 )
Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges
    (90 )
Depreciation and Amortization
    (32 )
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
    (6 )
Carrying Costs Income
    22  
Other Income
    4  
Interest Expense
    20  
Total Change in Expenses and Other
    (88 )
 
       
Income Tax Expense
    87  
 
       
Year Ended December 31, 2011
  $ 465  

The major components of the decrease in Gross Margin, defined as revenues less the related direct cost of fuel, including consumption of chemicals and emissions allowances, and purchased power were as follows:

·
Retail Margins decreased $146 million primarily due to the following:
 
·
A $132 million decrease attributable to customers switching to alternative competitive retail electric service (CRES) providers.
 
·
A $60 million decrease due to the elimination of POLR charges, effective June 2011, as a result of the October 2011 PUCO remand order.
 
·
A $42 million net decrease due to unfavorable regulatory orders in 2011 and 2010.
 
·
A $29 million decrease in capacity settlements under the Interconnection Agreement.
 
·
A $23 million decrease in weather-related usage primarily due to an 11% decrease in heating degree days and a 7% decrease in cooling degree days.
 
These decreases were partially offset by:
 
·
A $39 million increase in revenues due to the implementation of PUCO rider rates related to Environmental Investment Carrying Charge Rider revenues.
 
·
A $38 million increase in revenue due to the implementation of PUCO approved rider rates in June 2010 related to the Energy Efficiency & Peak Demand Reduction (EE/PDR) Programs.  This increase in Retail Margins was offset by increases in Other Operation and Maintenance as discussed below.
 
·
A $29 million increase due to sales to Buckeye Power, Inc. to provide backup energy under the Cardinal Station Agreement.
 
·
A $20 million increase in revenues due to a January 2011 Universal Service Fund (USF) surcharge rate increase.  This increase in Retail Margins was offset by a corresponding increase in Other Operation and Maintenance as discussed below.
 
·
An $18 million net increase in transmission rider revenues.
·
Margins from Off-system Sales increased $49 million primarily due to an increase in PJM capacity revenues and higher physical sales volumes, partially offset by lower trading and marketing margins.
 
 
184

 
·
Transmission Revenues increased $20 million primarily due to the Transmission Agreement modification effective November 2010, a portion of which is included in the Ohio Transmission Cost Recovery Rider and increased transmission revenues for customers who have switched to alternative CRES providers.  The increase in transmission revenues related to CRES providers offsets lost revenues included in Retail Margins above.

Expenses and Other and Income Tax Expense changed between years as follows:

·
Other Operation and Maintenance expenses increased $6 million primarily due to:
 
·
A $50 million increase in plant maintenance expense primarily related to work performed at the Kammer, Amos, Conesville and Mitchell plants.
 
·
A $40 million increase in expenses due to the implementation of PUCO approved EE/PDR programs.  This increase in Other Operation and Maintenance expense was partially offset by an increase in Retail Margins as discussed above.
 
·
A $35 million increase related to the fourth quarter 2011 recording of an obligation to contribute to Partnership with Ohio and Ohio Growth Fund as a result of the approved December 2011 Ohio stipulation agreement.
 
·
A $21 million increase in remitted USF surcharge payments to the Ohio Department of Development to fund an energy assistance program for qualified Ohio customers.  This increase in Other Operation and Maintenance expense was offset by a corresponding increase in Retail Margins as discussed above.
 
·
A $9 million increase primarily due to removal costs at the Cardinal and Amos plants.
 
·
An $8 million increase in expenses related to Cook Coal Terminal.
 
·
A $6 million increase due to the 2011 write-off of Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study costs related to the Mountaineer Carbon Capture Project.
 
These increases were partially offset by:
 
·
An $85 million decrease due to expenses related to the cost reduction initiatives recorded in 2010.
 
·
A $36 million decrease in transmission expense primarily due to the Transmission Agreement modification effective November 2010, a portion of which is included in the Ohio Transmission Cost Recovery Rider.
 
·
A $28 million decrease in recoverable PJM expenses.
 
·
An $11 million gain from the sale of land in January 2011.
·
Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges includes the third quarter 2011 plant impairments of Sporn Unit 5 ($48 million) and the FGD project at Muskingum River Unit 5 ($42 million).
·
Depreciation and Amortization increased $32 million primarily due to:
 
·
A $23 million increase due to the amortization of carrying costs on deferred fuel as a result of the October 2011 POLR remand order.
 
·
A $6 million increase due to higher depreciable property balances as a result of environmental and various other property additions.
 
·
A $4 million increase as a result of accelerated depreciation on various plants beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011.
·
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes increased $6 million primarily due to an $8 million increase in real and property taxes, partially offset by a $3 million decrease due to the employer portion of payroll taxes incurred related to cost reduction initiatives recorded in 2010.
·
Carrying Costs Income increased $22 million primarily due to a higher under-recovered fuel balance in 2011.
·
Interest Expense decreased $20 million primarily due to the retirement of long-term debt in the fourth quarter of 2010.
·
Income Tax Expense decreased $87 million primarily due to a decrease in pretax book income, the recording of federal and state income tax adjustments resulting from the filing of prior year tax returns and the tax treatment associated with the future reimbursement of Medicare Part D retiree prescription drug benefits.

 
185

 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES, NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section of “Combined Management’s Narrative Discussion and Analysis of Registrant Subsidiaries” beginning on page 375 for a discussion of the estimates and judgments required for regulatory accounting, revenue recognition, the valuation of long-lived assets and pension and other postretirement benefits.

See the “New Accounting Pronouncements” section of “Combined Management’s Narrative Discussion and Analysis of Registrant Subsidiaries” beginning on page 375 for a discussion of the adoption and impact of new accounting pronouncements.

 
186

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
Ohio Power Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ohio Power Company Consolidated (the "Company") as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ohio Power Company Consolidated as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2011 the Company changed its method of presenting comprehensive income due to the adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The change in presentation has been applied retrospectively to all periods presented.

/s/   Deloitte & Touche LLP

Columbus, Ohio
February 28, 2012

 
187

 
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of Ohio Power Company Consolidated (OPCo) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  OPCo’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of OPCo’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011.  In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework.  Based on management’s assessment, OPCo’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of OPCo’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission rules that permit OPCo to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

 
188

 

OHIO POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
REVENUES
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution
  $ 4,406,814     $ 4,222,461     $ 3,875,595  
Sales to AEP Affiliates
    977,999       991,285       921,089  
Other Revenues - Affiliated
    27,903       21,069       23,457  
Other Revenues - Nonaffiliated
    18,395       20,301       15,592  
TOTAL REVENUES
    5,431,111       5,255,116       4,835,733  
 
                       
EXPENSES
                       
Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation
    1,597,410       1,488,474       1,286,718  
Purchased Electricity for Resale
    300,653       286,835       263,385  
Purchased Electricity from AEP Affiliates
    515,613       386,618       288,115  
Other Operation
    754,109       795,129       675,785  
Maintenance
    393,943       346,745       350,880  
Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges
    89,824       -       -  
Depreciation and Amortization
    545,376       513,168       496,470  
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
    399,479       393,537       369,461  
TOTAL EXPENSES
    4,596,407       4,210,506       3,730,814  
 
                       
OPERATING INCOME
    834,704       1,044,610       1,104,919  
 
                       
Other Income (Expense):
                       
Interest Income
    7,069       2,567       2,238  
Carrying Costs Income
    53,345       31,796       18,354  
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
    5,549       5,949       6,094  
Interest Expense
    (221,977 )     (242,000 )     (241,134 )
 
                       
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE
    678,690       842,922       890,471  
 
                       
Income Tax Expense
    213,697       301,306       310,195  
 
                       
NET INCOME
    464,993       541,616       580,276  
 
                       
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
    -       -       2,042  
 
                       
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO OPCo
                       
SHAREHOLDERS
    464,993       541,616       578,234  
 
                       
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements Including
                       
Capital Stock Expense
    1,259       881       889  
 
                       
EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO OPCo COMMON
                       
SHAREHOLDER
  $ 463,734     $ 540,735     $ 577,345  
 
                       
The common stock of OPCo is wholly-owned by AEP.
                       
 
                       
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.
 

 
189

 
 
OHIO POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
NET INCOME
  $ 464,993     $ 541,616     $ 580,276  
 
                       
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAXES
                       
Cash Flow Hedges, Net of Tax of $1,477 in 2011, $529 in 2010 and $3,365 in 2009
    (2,743 )     (981 )     6,249  
Amortization of Pension and OPEB Deferred Costs, Net of Tax of $5,894 in 2011,
                       
  $5,128 in 2010 and $4,614 in 2009
    10,946       9,522       8,568  
Pension and OPEB Funded Status, Net of Tax of $13,876 in 2011, $10,901 in 2010
                       
  and $870 in 2009
    (25,770 )     (20,245 )     1,615  
 
                       
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
    (17,567 )     (11,704 )     16,432  
 
                       
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
    447,426       529,912       596,708  
 
                       
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
    -       -       2,042  
 
                       
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO OPCo
                       
  SHAREHOLDERS
  $ 447,426     $ 529,912     $ 594,666  
 
                       
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.
         

 
190

 

OHIO POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPCo Common Shareholder
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common
 
Paid-in
 
Retained
 
Comprehensive
 
Noncontrolling
 
 
 
 
Stock
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Income (Loss)
 
Interest
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL EQUITY – DECEMBER 31, 2008
 
$
 321,201 
 
$
 1,158,172 
 
$
 2,372,720 
 
$
 (184,883)
 
$
 16,799 
 
$
 3,684,009 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Contribution from Parent
 
 
 
 
 
 550,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 550,000 
Common Stock Dividends – Affiliated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (245,000)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (245,000)
Common Stock Dividends – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (2,042)
 
 
 (2,042)
Preferred Stock Dividends
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (732)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (732)
Purchase of JMG
 
 
 
 
 
 36,509 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (17,910)
 
 
 18,599 
Capital Stock Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 157 
 
 
 (157)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 - 
Noncash Dividend of Property to Parent
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (8,123)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (8,123)
Other Changes in Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1,111 
 
 
 1,111 
SUBTOTAL – EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 3,997,822 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 578,234 
 
 
 
 
 
 2,042 
 
 
 580,276 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 16,432 
 
 
 
 
 
 16,432 
TOTAL EQUITY – DECEMBER 31, 2009
 
 
 321,201 
 
 
 1,744,838 
 
 
 2,696,942 
 
 
 (168,451)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,594,530 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock Dividends
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (469,075)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (469,075)
Preferred Stock Dividends
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (732)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (732)
Gain on Reacquired Preferred Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
Capital Stock Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 149 
 
 
 (149)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 - 
SUBTOTAL – EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4,124,727 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 541,616 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 541,616 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (11,704)
 
 
 
 
 
 (11,704)
TOTAL EQUITY – DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 321,201 
 
 
 1,744,991 
 
 
 2,768,602 
 
 
 (180,155)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,654,639 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock Dividends
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (650,000)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (650,000)
Preferred Stock Dividends
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (671)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (671)
Loss on Reacquired Preferred Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 (1,216)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (1,216)
Capital Stock Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 324 
 
 
 (324)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 - 
SUBTOTAL – EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4,002,752 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 464,993 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 464,993 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (17,567)
 
 
 
 
 
 (17,567)
TOTAL EQUITY – DECEMBER 31, 2011
 
$
 321,201 
 
$
 1,744,099 
 
$
 2,582,600 
 
$
 (197,722)
 
$
 - 
 
$
 4,450,178 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.

 
191

 

 
OHIO POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
ASSETS
 
December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
$
 2,095 
 
$
 949 
 
Advances to Affiliates
 
 
 219,458 
 
 
 154,702 
 
Accounts Receivable:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customers
 
 
 146,432 
 
 
 136,373 
 
 
Affiliated Companies
 
 
 162,830 
 
 
 252,851 
 
 
Accrued Unbilled Revenues
 
 
 19,012 
 
 
 60,749 
 
 
Miscellaneous
 
 
 16,994 
 
 
 15,042 
 
 
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
 
 
 (3,563)
 
 
 (3,768)
 
 
 
Total Accounts Receivable
 
 
 341,705 
 
 
 461,247 
 
Fuel
 
 
 262,886 
 
 
 330,171 
 
Materials and Supplies
 
 
 201,325 
 
 
 204,700 
 
Risk Management Assets
 
 
 54,293 
 
 
 54,547 
 
Accrued Tax Benefits
 
 
 11,975 
 
 
 77,818 
 
Prepayments and Other Current Assets
 
 
 41,560 
 
 
 77,884 
 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 1,135,297 
 
 
 1,362,018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Generation
 
 
 9,502,614 
 
 
 9,576,404 
 
 
Transmission
 
 
 1,948,329 
 
 
 1,896,989 
 
 
Distribution
 
 
 3,545,574 
 
 
 3,422,413 
 
Other Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 546,642 
 
 
 562,847 
 
Construction Work in Progress
 
 
 354,465 
 
 
 325,903 
 
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 15,897,624 
 
 
 15,784,556 
 
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 5,742,561 
 
 
 5,533,889 
 
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT NET
 
 
 10,155,063 
 
 
 10,250,667 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets
 
 
 1,370,504 
 
 
 1,232,122 
 
Long-term Risk Management Assets
 
 
 53,614 
 
 
 50,101 
 
Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets
 
 
 309,775 
 
 
 342,127 
 
TOTAL OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 1,733,893 
 
 
 1,624,350 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
 13,024,253 
 
$
 13,237,035 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.
 
 
192

 
 
 
OHIO POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Payable:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General
 
$
 293,730 
 
$
 269,165 
 
 
Affiliated Companies
 
 
 183,898 
 
 
 202,050 
 
Long-term Debt Due Within One Year – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 244,500 
 
 
 165,000 
 
Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
 36,561 
 
 
 38,133 
 
Customer Deposits
 
 
 55,785 
 
 
 57,669 
 
Accrued Taxes
 
 
 450,570 
 
 
 455,825 
 
Accrued Interest
 
 
 66,441 
 
 
 67,017 
 
Other Current Liabilities
 
 
 182,490 
 
 
 210,555 
 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 1,513,975 
 
 
 1,465,414 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term Debt – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 3,609,648 
 
 
 3,803,352 
 
Long-term Debt – Affiliated
 
 
 200,000 
 
 
 200,000 
 
Long-term Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
 17,890 
 
 
 14,626 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 2,245,380 
 
 
 2,136,467 
 
Regulatory Liabilities and Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 301,124 
 
 
 290,291 
 
Employee Benefits and Pension Obligations
 
 
 335,029 
 
 
 383,160 
 
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 351,029 
 
 
 272,470 
 
TOTAL NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 7,060,100 
 
 
 7,100,366 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
 
 8,574,075 
 
 
 8,565,780 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption
 
 
 - 
 
 
 16,616 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rate Matters (Note 3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock – No Par Value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Authorized – 40,000,000 Shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding  – 27,952,473 Shares
 
 
 321,201 
 
 
 321,201 
 
Paid-in Capital
 
 
 1,744,099 
 
 
 1,744,991 
 
Retained Earnings
 
 
 2,582,600 
 
 
 2,768,602 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 (197,722)
 
 
 (180,155)
 
TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
 
 
 4,450,178 
 
 
 4,654,639 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
$
 13,024,253 
 
$
 13,237,035 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.

 
193

 
 
OHIO POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
$
 464,993 
 
$
 541,616 
 
$
 580,276 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows from
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 545,376 
 
 
 513,168 
 
 
 496,470 
 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 119,184 
 
 
 292,831 
 
 
 514,201 
 
 
Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges
 
 
 89,824 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
Carrying Costs Income
 
 
 (53,345)
 
 
 (31,796)
 
 
 (18,354)
 
 
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
 
 
 (5,549)
 
 
 (5,949)
 
 
 (6,094)
 
 
Mark-to-Market of Risk Management Contracts
 
 
 (3,695)
 
 
 25,251 
 
 
 (10,271)
 
 
Pension Contributions to Qualified Plan Trust
 
 
 (127,884)
 
 
 (58,639)
 
 
 - 
 
 
Property Taxes
 
 
 (5,722)
 
 
 (19,324)
 
 
 (14,474)
 
 
Fuel Over/Under-Recovery, Net
 
 
 (727)
 
 
 (131,850)
 
 
 (333,598)
 
 
Change in Other Noncurrent Assets
 
 
 (73,242)
 
 
 3,797 
 
 
 (31,547)
 
 
Change in Other Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 85,173 
 
 
 (17,079)
 
 
 50,986 
 
 
Changes in Certain Components of Working Capital:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Receivable, Net
 
 
 116,197 
 
 
 (126,071)
 
 
 32,482 
 
 
 
Fuel, Materials and Supplies
 
 
 79,787 
 
 
 66,700 
 
 
 (198,124)
 
 
 
Accounts Payable
 
 
 (17,059)
 
 
 72,694 
 
 
 (189,103)
 
 
 
Accrued Taxes, Net
 
 
 36,466 
 
 
 131,441 
 
 
 (136,746)
 
 
 
Other Current Assets
 
 
 7,789 
 
 
 924 
 
 
 16,955 
 
 
 
Other Current Liabilities
 
 
 (15,821)
 
 
 53,985 
 
 
 (34,048)
Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
 
 1,241,745 
 
 
 1,311,699 
 
 
 719,011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction Expenditures
 
 
 (454,873)
 
 
 (504,702)
 
 
 (716,543)
Change in Advances to Affiliates, Net
 
 
 (64,756)
 
 
 283,650 
 
 
 (438,352)
Acquisitions of Assets
 
 
 (2,229)
 
 
 (5,801)
 
 
 (1,429)
Proceeds from Sales of Assets
 
 
 47,463 
 
 
 14,382 
 
 
 35,706 
Other Investing Activities
 
 
 29,014 
 
 
 26,400 
 
 
 21,680 
Net Cash Flows Used for Investing Activities
 
 
 (445,381)
 
 
 (186,071)
 
 
 (1,098,938)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Contribution from Parent
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 550,000 
Issuance of Long-term Debt – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 49,748 
 
 
 351,824 
 
 
 584,936 
Change in Advances from Affiliates, Net
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (24,202)
 
 
 (184,550)
Retirement of Long-term Debt – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 (165,000)
 
 
 (868,580)
 
 
 (295,500)
Retirement of Long-term Debt – Affiliated
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (100,000)
 
 
 - 
Retirement of Cumulative Preferred Stock
 
 
 (17,831)
 
 
 (7)
 
 
 (1)
Principal Payments for Capital Lease Obligations
 
 
 (11,854)
 
 
 (11,617)
 
 
 (6,976)
Dividends Paid on Common Stock – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (2,042)
Dividends Paid on Common Stock – Affiliated
 
 
 (650,000)
 
 
 (469,075)
 
 
 (245,000)
Dividends Paid on Cumulative Preferred Stock
 
 
 (671)
 
 
 (732)
 
 
 (732)
Acquisition of JMG Noncontrolling Interest
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (28,221)
Other Financing Activities
 
 
 390 
 
 
 (5,370)
 
 
 (2,649)
Net Cash Flows from (Used for) Financing Activities
 
 
 (795,218)
 
 
 (1,127,759)
 
 
 369,265 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
 1,146 
 
 
 (2,131)
 
 
 (10,662)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
 
 
 949 
 
 
 3,080 
 
 
 13,742 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
 
$
 2,095 
 
$
 949 
 
$
 3,080 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Paid for Interest, Net of Capitalized Amounts
 
$
 226,711 
 
$
 239,984 
 
$
 241,627 
Net Cash Paid (Received) for Income Taxes
 
 
 81,740 
 
 
 (78,268)
 
 
 (15,759)
Noncash Acquisitions Under Capital Leases
 
 
 5,766 
 
 
 33,369 
 
 
 3,275 
Government Grants Included in Accounts Receivable at December 31,
 
 
 1,383 
 
 
 9,260 
 
 
 - 
Construction Expenditures Included in Current Liabilities at December 31,
 
 
 61,428 
 
 
 31,939 
 
 
 61,035 
Noncash Dividend of Property to Parent
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 8,123 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.

 
194

 
OHIO POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
INDEX OF NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF REGISTRANT SUBSIDIARIES

The notes to OPCo’s financial statements are combined with the notes to financial statements for other registrant subsidiaries.  Listed below are the notes that apply to OPCo.  The footnotes begin on page 225.

 
Footnote
Reference
   
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Note 1
New Accounting Pronouncements and Extraordinary Item
Note 2
Rate Matters
Note 3
Effects of Regulation
Note 4
Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies
Note 5
Acquisitions and Impairments
Note 6
Benefit Plans
Note 7
Business Segments
Note 8
Derivatives and Hedging
Note 9
Fair Value Measurements
Note 10
Income Taxes
Note 11
Leases
Note 12
Financing Activities
Note 13
Related Party Transactions
Note 14
Property, Plant and Equipment
Note 15
Cost Reduction Initiatives
Note 16
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information
Note 17

 
195

 













PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF OKLAHOMA


 
196

 
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF OKLAHOMA
MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Company Overview

As a public utility, PSO engages in the generation and purchase of electric power, and the subsequent sale, transmission and distribution of that power to approximately 532,000 retail customers in its service territory in eastern and southwestern Oklahoma.  PSO sells electric power at wholesale to other utilities, municipalities and electric cooperatives.

PSO, as a member of the CSW Operating Agreement, is compensated for energy delivered to the other member based upon the delivering member’s incremental cost plus a portion of the savings realized by the purchasing member that avoids the use of more costly alternatives.  PSO and SWEPCo share the revenues and costs of sales to neighboring utilities and power marketers made by AEPSC on their behalf based upon the relative magnitude of the energy each company provides to make such sales.  PSO shares off-system sales margins, if positive on an annual basis, with its customers.

Under the SIA, AEPSC allocates physical and financial revenues and expenses from transactions with neighboring utilities, power marketers and other power and gas risk management activities based upon the location of such activity, with margins resulting from trading and marketing activities originating in PJM and MISO generally accruing to the benefit of the AEP East companies and trading and marketing activities originating in SPP generally accruing to the benefit of PSO and SWEPCo.  Margins resulting from other transactions are allocated among the AEP East companies, PSO and SWEPCo in proportion to the marketing realization directly assigned to each zone for the current month plus the preceding eleven months.

AEPSC conducts power, gas, coal and emission allowance risk management activities on PSO’s behalf.  PSO shares in the revenues and expenses associated with these risk management activities, as described in the preceding paragraph, with the AEP East companies and SWEPCo.  Power and gas risk management activities are allocated based on the CSW Operating Agreement and the SIA.  PSO shares in coal and emission allowance risk management activities based on its proportion of fossil fuels burned by the AEP System.  Risk management activities primarily involve the purchase and sale of electricity under physical forward contracts at fixed and variable prices and to a lesser extent gas, coal and emission allowances.  The electricity, gas, coal and emission allowance contracts include physical transactions, OTC options and financially-settled swaps and exchange-traded futures and options.  AEPSC settles the majority of the physical forward contracts by entering into offsetting contracts.

PSO is jointly and severally liable for activity conducted by AEPSC on behalf of PSO and SWEPCo related to purchase power and sale activity pursuant to the SIA.

Litigation and Environmental Issues

In the ordinary course of business, PSO is involved in employment, commercial, environmental and regulatory litigation.  Since it is difficult to predict the outcome of these proceedings, management cannot state what the eventual resolution will be or the timing and amount of any loss, fine or penalty may be.  Management assesses the probability of loss for each contingency and accrues a liability for cases which have a probable likelihood of loss if the loss can be estimated.  For details on regulatory proceedings and pending litigation, see Note 3 – Rate Matters and Note 5 – Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.  Adverse results in these proceedings have the potential to materially affect net income, financial condition and cash flows.

See the “Executive Overview” section of “Combined Management’s Narrative Discussion and Analysis of Registrant Subsidiaries” section beginning on page 375 for additional discussion of relevant factors.

 
197

 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

KWH Sales/Degree Days

Summary of KWH Energy Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in millions of KWHs)
Retail:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
 
 6,741 
 
 
 6,595 
 
 
 6,004 
 
Commercial
 
 5,190 
 
 
 5,136 
 
 
 4,974 
 
Industrial
 
 4,956 
 
 
 4,921 
 
 
 4,742 
 
Miscellaneous
 
 1,310 
 
 
 1,265 
 
 
 1,236 
Total Retail
 
 18,197 
 
 
 17,917 
 
 
 16,956 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wholesale
 
 1,113 
 
 
 1,190 
 
 
 982 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total KWHs
 
 19,310 
 
 
 19,107 
 
 
 17,938 

Cooling degree days and heating degree days are metrics commonly used in the utility industry as a measure of the impact of weather on net income.

 
Summary of Heating and Cooling Degree Days
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
(in degree days)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual - Heating (a)
 
 1,879 
 
 
 1,993 
 
 
 1,840 
 
Normal - Heating (b)
 
 1,796 
 
 
 1,784 
 
 
 1,789 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual - Cooling (c)
 
 2,788 
 
 
 2,380 
 
 
 1,861 
 
Normal - Cooling (b)
 
 2,102 
 
 
 2,095 
 
 
 2,126 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Western Region heating degree days are calculated on a 55 degree temperature base.
 
(b)
Normal Heating/Cooling represents the thirty-year average of degree days.
 
(c)
Western Region cooling degree days are calculated on a 65 degree temperature base.
 
 
198

 
2011 Compared to 2010

Reconciliation of Year Ended December 31, 2010 to Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
Net Income
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2010
  $ 73  
 
       
Changes in Gross Margin:
       
Retail Margins (a)
    15  
Transmission Revenues
    2  
Total Change in Gross Margin
    17  
 
       
Changes in Expenses and Other:
       
Other Operation and Maintenance
    32  
Depreciation and Amortization
    9  
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
    1  
Other Income
    2  
Interest Expense
    9  
Total Change in Expenses and Other
    53  
 
       
Income Tax Expense
    (18 )
 
       
Year Ended December 31, 2011
  $ 125  
 
       
(a)  Includes firm wholesale sales to municipals and cooperatives.
   

The major components of the increase in Gross Margin, defined as revenues less the related direct cost of fuel, including consumption of chemicals and emissions allowances, and purchased power were as follows:

·
Retail Margins increased $15 million primarily due to the following:
 
·
A $14 million increase in weather-related usage primarily due to a 17% increase in cooling degree days.
 
·
A $6 million increase primarily due to decreased capacity and fuel costs.
 
These increases were partially offset by:
 
·
A $7 million decrease primarily due to revenue decreases from rate riders.  This decrease in retail margins had corresponding decreases to riders/trackers recognized in other expense items.

Expenses and Other and Income Tax Expense changed between years as follows:

·
Other Operation and Maintenance expenses decreased $32 million primarily due to the following:
 
·
A $24 million decrease due to expenses related to cost reduction initiatives recorded in 2010.
 
·
A $9 million decrease in plant maintenance expenses resulting primarily from a decrease in planned generation plant maintenance in 2011 and from the 2011 deferral of generation maintenance expenses as a result of PSO’s base rate case.
 
·
A $4 million decrease in operation expenses due to lower employee-related expenses.
 
These decreases were partially offset by:
 
·
A $7 million increase in demand side management programs.
·
Depreciation and Amortization expenses decreased $9 million primarily due to a decrease in amortization of regulatory assets related to the Lawton Settlement which was fully recovered in August 2010.
·
Interest Expense decreased $9 million primarily due to lower long-term interest rates, lower long-term debt outstanding in 2011 and a reduction in tax-related interest.
·
Income Tax Expense increased $18 million primarily due to an increase in pretax book income and the recording of state income tax adjustments resulting from the filing of prior year tax returns.

 
199

 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES, NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section of “Combined Management’s Narrative Discussion and Analysis of Registrant Subsidiaries” beginning on page 375 for a discussion of the estimates and judgments required for regulatory accounting, revenue recognition, the valuation of long-lived assets and pension and other postretirement benefits.

See the “New Accounting Pronouncements” section of “Combined Management’s Narrative Discussion and Analysis of Registrant Subsidiaries” beginning on page 375 for a discussion of the adoption and impact of new accounting pronouncements.

 
200

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
Public Service Company of Oklahoma:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Public Service Company of Oklahoma (the "Company") as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in common shareholder’s equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Public Service Company of Oklahoma as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, in 2011 the Company changed its method of presenting comprehensive income due to the adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The change in presentation has been applied retrospectively to all periods presented.

/s/   Deloitte & Touche LLP

Columbus, Ohio
February 28, 2012

 
201

 
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  PSO’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of PSO’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011.  In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework.  Based on management’s assessment, PSO’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of PSO’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission rules that permit PSO to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

 
202

 

PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF OKLAHOMA
 
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
REVENUES
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution
  $ 1,345,551     $ 1,246,916     $ 1,075,014  
Sales to AEP Affiliates
    14,192       23,528       45,756  
Other Revenues
    3,645       3,218       3,980  
TOTAL REVENUES
    1,363,388       1,273,662       1,124,750  
 
                       
EXPENSES
                       
Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation
    465,546       373,317       310,168  
Purchased Electricity for Resale
    163,550       187,106       180,055  
Purchased Electricity from AEP Affiliates
    50,092       46,013       19,331  
Other Operation
    201,247       222,396       185,575  
Maintenance
    104,732       115,788       108,020  
Depreciation and Amortization
    95,915       104,929       110,149  
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
    41,295       42,121       41,144  
TOTAL EXPENSES
    1,122,377       1,091,670       954,442  
 
                       
OPERATING INCOME
    241,011       181,992       170,308  
 
                       
Other Income (Expense):
                       
Interest Income
    596       308       1,879  
Carrying Costs Income
    4,033       3,145       4,642  
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
    1,317       804       1,787  
Interest Expense
    (54,700 )     (63,362 )     (59,093 )
 
                       
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE
    192,257       122,887       119,523  
 
                       
Income Tax Expense
    67,629       50,100       43,921  
 
                       
NET INCOME
    124,628       72,787       75,602  
 
                       
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements Including Capital Stock
                       
Expense
    434       200       212  
 
                       
EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCK
  $ 124,194     $ 72,587     $ 75,390  
 
                       
The common stock of PSO is wholly-owned by AEP.
                       
 
                       
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.
 

 
203

 
 
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF OKLAHOMA
 
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
    2011       2010       2009  
NET INCOME
  $ 124,628     $ 72,787     $ 75,602  
 
                       
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAXES
                       
Cash Flow Hedges, Net of Tax of $724 in 2011, $4,896 in 2010 and $57 in 2009
    (1,345 )     9,093       105  
 
                       
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
  $ 123,283     $ 81,880     $ 75,707  
 
                       
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.
 

 
204

 

PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF OKLAHOMA
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
Accumulated
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
Other
   
 
 
 
 
Common
   
Paid-in
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
 
 
 
 
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income (Loss)
   
Total
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY –
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 DECEMBER 31, 2008
  $ 157,230     $ 340,016     $ 251,704     $ (704 )   $ 748,246  
 
                                       
Capital Contribution from Parent
            20,000                       20,000  
Common Stock Dividends
                    (32,000 )             (32,000 )
Preferred Stock Dividends
                    (212 )             (212 )
Gain on Reacquired Preferred Stock
            1                       1  
Other Changes in Common Shareholder's Equity
            4,214       (4,214 )             -  
SUBTOTAL – COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                                    736,035  
 
                                       
NET INCOME
                    75,602               75,602  
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                            105       105  
TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY –
                                       
 DECEMBER 31, 2009
    157,230       364,231       290,880       (599 )     811,742  
 
                                       
Common Stock Dividends
                    (51,026 )             (51,026 )
Preferred Stock Dividends
                    (200 )             (200 )
Gain on Reacquired Preferred Stock
            76                       76  
SUBTOTAL – COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                                    760,592  
 
                                       
NET INCOME
                    72,787               72,787  
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                            9,093       9,093  
TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY –
                                       
 DECEMBER 31, 2010
    157,230       364,307       312,441       8,494       842,472  
 
                                       
Common Stock Dividends
                    (72,500 )             (72,500 )
Preferred Stock Dividends
                    (180 )             (180 )
Loss on Reacquired Preferred Stock
            (270 )                     (270 )
SUBTOTAL – COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                                    769,522  
 
                                       
NET INCOME
                    124,628               124,628  
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
                            (1,345 )     (1,345 )
TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY –
                                       
 DECEMBER 31, 2011
  $ 157,230     $ 364,037     $ 364,389     $ 7,149     $ 892,805  
 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.
 

 
205

 

 
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF OKLAHOMA
 
BALANCE SHEETS
 
ASSETS
 
December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
$
 1,413 
 
$
 470 
 
Advances to Affiliates
 
 
 39,876 
 
 
 - 
 
Accounts Receivable:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customers
 
 
 39,977 
 
 
 43,049 
 
 
Affiliated Companies
 
 
 23,079 
 
 
 65,070 
 
 
Miscellaneous
 
 
 8,993 
 
 
 5,497 
 
 
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
 
 
 (777)
 
 
 (971)
 
 
 
Total Accounts Receivable
 
 
 71,272 
 
 
 112,645 
 
Fuel
 
 
 20,854 
 
 
 20,176 
 
Materials and Supplies
 
 
 50,347 
 
 
 46,247 
 
Risk Management Assets
 
 
 565 
 
 
 14,225 
 
Accrued Tax Benefits
 
 
 6,733 
 
 
 38,589 
 
Regulatory Asset for Under-Recovered Fuel Costs
 
 
 4,313 
 
 
 37,262 
 
Prepayments and Other Current Assets
 
 
 13,453 
 
 
 9,416 
 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 208,826 
 
 
 279,030 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Generation
 
 
 1,317,948 
 
 
 1,330,368 
 
 
Transmission
 
 
 692,644 
 
 
 663,994 
 
 
Distribution
 
 
 1,762,110 
 
 
 1,686,470 
 
Other Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 214,626 
 
 
 235,406 
 
Construction Work in Progress
 
 
 70,371 
 
 
 59,091 
 
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 4,057,699 
 
 
 3,975,329 
 
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 1,266,816 
 
 
 1,255,064 
 
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT NET
 
 
 2,790,883 
 
 
 2,720,265 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets
 
 
 266,545 
 
 
 263,545 
 
Long-term Risk Management Assets
 
 
 314 
 
 
 252 
 
Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets
 
 
 13,536 
 
 
 20,979 
 
TOTAL OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 280,395 
 
 
 284,776 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
 3,280,104 
 
$
 3,284,071 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.
 
 
206

 
 
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF OKLAHOMA
 
BALANCE SHEETS
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advances from Affiliates
 
$
 - 
 
$
 91,382 
 
Accounts Payable:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General
 
 
 76,607 
 
 
 69,155 
 
 
Affiliated Companies
 
 
 45,029 
 
 
 53,179 
 
Long-term Debt Due Within One Year – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 311 
 
 
 25,000 
 
Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
 1,280 
 
 
 922 
 
Customer Deposits
 
 
 47,493 
 
 
 41,217 
 
Accrued Taxes
 
 
 21,660 
 
 
 25,390 
 
Accrued Interest
 
 
 12,637 
 
 
 9,238 
 
Other Current Liabilities
 
 
 43,586 
 
 
 38,095 
 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 248,603 
 
 
 353,578 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term Debt – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 947,053 
 
 
 946,186 
 
Long-term Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
 1,330 
 
 
 197 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 726,463 
 
 
 660,783 
 
Regulatory Liabilities and Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 334,812 
 
 
 336,961 
 
Employee Benefits and Pension Obligations
 
 
 84,548 
 
 
 98,107 
 
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 44,490 
 
 
 40,905 
 
TOTAL NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 2,138,696 
 
 
 2,083,139 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
 
 2,387,299 
 
 
 2,436,717 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,882 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rate Matters (Note 3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMON SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock – Par Value – $15 Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Authorized – 11,000,000 Shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issued – 10,482,000 Shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding – 9,013,000 Shares
 
 
 157,230 
 
 
 157,230 
 
Paid-in Capital
 
 
 364,037 
 
 
 364,307 
 
Retained Earnings
 
 
 364,389 
 
 
 312,441 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 7,149 
 
 
 8,494 
 
TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
 
 
 892,805 
 
 
 842,472 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
$
 3,280,104 
 
$
 3,284,071 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.

 
207

 

PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF OKLAHOMA
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(in thousands)
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
$
 124,628 
 
$
 72,787 
 
$
 75,602 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows from
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 95,915 
 
 
 104,929 
 
 
 110,149 
 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 61,581 
 
 
 92,695 
 
 
 56,029 
 
 
Carrying Costs Income
 
 
 (4,033)
 
 
 (3,145)
 
 
 (4,642)
 
 
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
 
 
 (1,317)
 
 
 (804)
 
 
 (1,787)
 
 
Mark-to-Market of Risk Management Contracts
 
 
 1,290 
 
 
 160 
 
 
 1,791 
 
 
Pension Contributions to Qualified Plan Trust
 
 
 (33,189)
 
 
 (12,848)
 
 
 - 
 
 
Fuel Over/Under-Recovery, Net
 
 
 32,949 
 
 
 (88,349)
 
 
 (59,462)
 
 
Unrealized Forward Commitments, Net
 
 
 (1,402)
 
 
 46 
 
 
 (1,928)
 
 
Change in Other Noncurrent Assets
 
 
 16,304 
 
 
 (19,325)
 
 
 7,713 
 
 
Change in Other Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 32,177 
 
 
 16,612 
 
 
 625 
 
 
Changes in Certain Components of Working Capital:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Receivable, Net
 
 
 44,414 
 
 
 (10,094)
 
 
 81,446 
 
 
 
Fuel, Materials and Supplies
 
 
 (4,778)
 
 
 (617)
 
 
 5,301 
 
 
 
Accounts Payable
 
 
 (20,068)
 
 
 (20,601)
 
 
 (16,431)
 
 
 
Accrued Taxes, Net
 
 
 19,535 
 
 
 (23,605)
 
 
 (10,230)
 
 
 
Other Current Assets
 
 
 4,855 
 
 
 4,446 
 
 
 (5,927)
 
 
 
Other Current Liabilities
 
 
 10,628 
 
 
 (18,341)
 
 
 1,404 
Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
 
 379,489 
 
 
 93,946 
 
 
 239,653 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction Expenditures
 
 
 (140,327)
 
 
 (194,896)
 
 
 (175,122)
Change in Advances to Affiliates, Net
 
 
 (39,876)
 
 
 62,695 
 
 
 (62,695)
Other Investing Activities
 
 
 1,126 
 
 
 (368)
 
 
 (158)
Net Cash Flows Used for Investing Activities
 
 
 (179,077)
 
 
 (132,569)
 
 
 (237,975)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Contribution from Parent
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 20,000 
Issuance of Long-term Debt – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 248,909 
 
 
 2,240 
 
 
 280,732 
Change in Advances from Affiliates, Net
 
 
 (91,382)
 
 
 91,382 
 
 
 (70,308)
Retirement of Long-term Debt – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 (275,000)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (200,000)
Retirement of Cumulative Preferred Stock
 
 
 (5,152)
 
 
 (300)
 
 
 (2)
Principal Payments for Capital Lease Obligations
 
 
 (4,189)
 
 
 (3,991)
 
 
 (1,485)
Dividends Paid on Common Stock
 
 
 (72,500)
 
 
 (51,026)
 
 
 (32,000)
Dividends Paid on Cumulative Preferred Stock
 
 
 (180)
 
 
 (200)
 
 
 (212)
Other Financing Activities
 
 
 25 
 
 
 192 
 
 
 1,048 
Net Cash Flows from (Used For) Financing Activities
 
 
 (199,469)
 
 
 38,297 
 
 
 (2,227)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
 943 
 
 
 (326)
 
 
 (549)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
 
 
 470 
 
 
 796 
 
 
 1,345 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
 
$
 1,413 
 
$
 470 
 
$
 796 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Paid for Interest, Net of Capitalized Amounts
 
$
 37,573 
 
$
 57,970 
 
$
 71,135 
Net Cash Paid (Received) for Income Taxes
 
 
 (16,043)
 
 
 (16,770)
 
 
 1,040 
Noncash Acquisitions Under Capital Leases
 
 
 1,078 
 
 
 13,794 
 
 
 3,478 
Construction Expenditures Included in Current Liabilities at December 31,
 
 
 28,427 
 
 
 6,842 
 
 
 11,901 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.

 
208

 
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF OKLAHOMA
INDEX OF NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF REGISTRANT SUBSIDIARIES

The notes to PSO’s financial statements are combined with the notes to financial statements for other registrant subsidiaries.  Listed below are the notes that apply to PSO.  The footnotes begin on page 225.

 
Footnote
Reference
   
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Note 1
New Accounting Pronouncements and Extraordinary Item
Note 2
Rate Matters
Note 3
Effects of Regulation
Note 4
Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies
Note 5
Benefit Plans
Note 7
Business Segments
Note 8
Derivatives and Hedging
Note 9
Fair Value Measurements
Note 10
Income Taxes
Note 11
Leases
Note 12
Financing Activities
Note 13
Related Party Transactions
Note 14
Property, Plant and Equipment
Note 15
Cost Reduction Initiatives
Note 16
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information
Note 17

 
209

 









SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED

 
210

 
SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Company Overview

As a public utility, SWEPCo engages in the generation and purchase of electric power, and the subsequent sale, transmission and distribution of that power to approximately 521,000 retail customers in its service territory in northeastern and panhandle of Texas, northwestern Louisiana and western Arkansas.  SWEPCo consolidates its wholly-owned subsidiary, Southwest Arkansas Utilities Corporation.  SWEPCo also consolidates Sabine Mining Company, a variable interest entity.  SWEPCo sells electric power at wholesale to other utilities, municipalities and electric cooperatives.

SWEPCo, as a member of the CSW Operating Agreement, is compensated for energy delivered to the other member based upon the delivering member’s incremental cost plus a portion of the savings realized by the purchasing member that avoids the use of more costly alternatives.  PSO and SWEPCo share the revenues and costs for sales to neighboring utilities and power marketers made by AEPSC on their behalf based upon the relative magnitude of the energy each company provides to make such sales.  SWEPCo shares these margins with its customers.

Under the SIA, AEPSC allocates physical and financial revenues and expenses from transactions with neighboring utilities, power marketers and other power and gas risk management activities based upon the location of such activity, with margins resulting from trading and marketing activities originating in PJM and MISO generally accruing to the benefit of the AEP East companies and trading and marketing activities originating in SPP generally accruing to the benefit of PSO and SWEPCo.  Margins resulting from other transactions are allocated among the AEP East companies, PSO and SWEPCo in proportion to the marketing realization directly assigned to each zone for the current month plus the preceding eleven months.

AEPSC conducts power, gas, coal and emission allowance risk management activities on SWEPCo’s behalf.  SWEPCo shares in the revenues and expenses associated with these risk management activities, as described in the preceding paragraph, with the AEP East companies and PSO.  Power and gas risk management activities are allocated based on the CSW Operating Agreement and the SIA.  SWEPCo shares in coal and emission allowance risk management activities based on its proportion of fossil fuels burned by the AEP System.  Risk management activities primarily involve the purchase and sale of electricity under physical forward contracts at fixed and variable prices and to a lesser extent gas, coal and emission allowances.  The electricity, gas, coal and emission allowance contracts include physical transactions, OTC options and financially-settled swaps and exchange-traded futures and options.  AEPSC settles the majority of the physical forward contracts by entering into offsetting contracts.

SWEPCo is jointly and severally liable for activity conducted by AEPSC on the behalf of PSO and SWEPCo related to purchase power and sale activity pursuant to the SIA.

Regulatory Activity

Turk Plant

SWEPCo is currently constructing the Turk Plant, a new base load 600 MW coal generating unit in Arkansas, which is expected to be in service in the fourth quarter of 2012.  SWEPCo owns 73% (440 MW) of the Turk Plant and will operate the completed facility.  SWEPCo’s share of construction costs is currently estimated to be $1.3 billion, excluding AFUDC, plus an additional $122 million for transmission, excluding AFUDC.  SWEPCo submitted applications with the APSC, the LPSC and the PUCT for approval to build the Turk Plant.  The APSC and the LPSC approved SWEPCo’s applications.  However, in June 2010, the APSC issued an order which reversed and set aside the previously granted Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (CECPN).  The PUCT approved SWEPCo’s application with several conditions, including a Texas jurisdictional capital costs cap.  In November 2011, the Texas Court of Appeals affirmed the PUCT’s order in all respects.  As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2011, SWEPCo recorded a pretax write-off of $49 million in Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges on the statement of income related to the estimated excess of the Texas jurisdictional portion of the Turk
 
211

 
Plant above the Texas jurisdictional capital costs cap.  In December 2011, SWEPCo and the Texas Industrial Energy Consumers filed motions for rehearing at the Texas Court of Appeals which were denied in January 2012.  SWEPCo intends to seek review of the Texas Court of Appeals decision at the Supreme Court of Texas.

Several parties, including the Hempstead County Hunting Club, the Sierra Club and the National Audubon Society had challenged the air permit, the wastewater discharge permit and the wetlands permit that were issued for the Turk Plant.  In 2011, SWEPCo entered into settlement agreements with these parties which resolved all outstanding issues related to the permits and the APSC’s grant of a CECPN.  The parties dismissed all pending permit and CECPN challenges at the APSC, other administrative agencies and the courts.  See “Turk Plant” section of Note 3.

Litigation and Environmental Issues

In the ordinary course of business, SWEPCo is involved in employment, commercial, environmental and regulatory litigation.  Since it is difficult to predict the outcome of these proceedings, management cannot state what the eventual resolution will be or the timing and amount of any loss, fine or penalty may be.  Management assesses the probability of loss for each contingency and accrues a liability for cases which have a probable likelihood of loss if the loss can be estimated.  For details on regulatory proceedings and pending litigation, see Note 3 – Rate Matters and Note 5 – Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.  Adverse results in these proceedings have the potential to materially affect net income, financial condition and cash flows.

See the “Executive Overview” section of “Combined Management’s Narrative Discussion and Analysis of Registrant Subsidiaries” section beginning on page 375 for additional discussion of relevant factors.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

KWH Sales/Degree Days

Summary of KWH Energy Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in millions of KWHs)
Retail:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
 
 6,908 
 
 
 6,361 
 
 
 5,587 
 
Commercial
 
 6,280 
 
 
 6,117 
 
 
 5,957 
 
Industrial
 
 5,408 
 
 
 5,254 
 
 
 4,460 
 
Miscellaneous
 
 82 
 
 
 81 
 
 
 82 
Total Retail
 
 18,678 
 
 
 17,813 
 
 
 16,086 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wholesale
 
 7,947 
 
 
 7,333 
 
 
 6,527 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total KWHs
 
 26,625 
 
 
 25,146 
 
 
 22,613 

 
212

 
Cooling degree days and heating degree days are metrics commonly used in the utility industry as a measure of the impact of weather on net income.

 
Summary of Heating and Cooling Degree Days
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
(in degree days)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual - Heating (a)
 
 1,271 
 
 
 1,543 
 
 
 1,270 
 
Normal - Heating (b)
 
 1,260 
 
 
 1,253 
 
 
 1,263 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actual - Cooling (c)
 
 2,874 
 
 
 2,592 
 
 
 1,956 
 
Normal - Cooling (b)
 
 2,231 
 
 
 2,213 
 
 
 2,231 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Western Region heating degree days are calculated on a 55 degree temperature base.
 
(b)
Normal Heating/Cooling represents the thirty-year average of degree days.
 
(c)
Western Region cooling degree days are calculated on a 65 degree temperature base.

 
213

 
2011 Compared to 2010

Reconciliation of Year Ended December 31, 2010 to Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
Net Income
 
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2010
  $ 147  
 
       
Changes in Gross Margin:
       
Retail Margins (a)
    71  
Off-system Sales
    (1 )
Transmission Revenues
    2  
Other Revenues
    3  
Total Change in Gross Margin
    75  
 
       
Changes in Expenses and Other:
       
Other Operation and Maintenance
    (16 )
Asset Impairment and Other Related Charges
    (49 )
Depreciation and Amortization
    (6 )
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
    (2 )
Interest Income
    1  
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
    3  
Interest Expense
    5  
Total Change in Expenses and Other
    (64 )
 
       
Income Tax Expense
    7  
 
       
Year Ended December 31, 2011
  $ 165  
 
       
(a) Includes firm wholesale sales to municipals and cooperatives.
   

The major components of the increase in Gross Margin, defined as revenues less the related direct cost of fuel, including consumption of chemicals and emissions allowances, and purchased power were as follows:

·
Retail Margins increased $71 million primarily due to:
 
·
A $30 million increase in revenues primarily due to Stall Unit recovery riders in Arkansas and Louisiana, rate increases from wholesale customers on formula rates and base rate increases in Texas.
 
·
A $30 million increase due to increased gross margin from sales to customers previously served by Valley Electric Membership Corporation (VEMCO).  SWEPCo acquired VEMCO assets and began serving VEMCO customers in October 2010.
 
·
A $5 million increase in weather-related usage primarily due to a 13% increase in cooling degree days, partially offset by an 18% decrease in heating degree days.

 
214

 
Expenses and Other and Income Tax Expense changed between years as follows:

·
Other Operation and Maintenance expenses increased $16 million primarily due to:
 
·
A $38 million increase in maintenance expenses primarily due to planned and unplanned generation plant outages and increased distribution expenses resulting from vegetation management and storm-related expenses.
 
·
A $4 million increase in customer-related expenses primarily due to higher demand side management activities in addition to increased customer record and collection expenses.
 
These increases were partially offset by:
 
·
A $30 million decrease due to expenses related to the cost reduction initiatives recorded in 2010.
·
Asset Impairment and Other Related Charges included a fourth quarter 2011 write-off of $49 million related to the Texas jurisdictional portion of the Turk Plant as a result of the November 2011 Texas Court of Appeals decision upholding the Texas capital cost cap.
·
Depreciation and Amortization expenses increased $6 million primarily due to a greater depreciation base, including the addition of the Stall Unit which was placed into service in June 2010.
·
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction increased $3 million primarily due to construction at the Turk Plant, partially offset by completed construction of the Stall Unit in June 2010.
·
Interest Expense decreased $5 million primarily due to an increase in the debt component of AFUDC due to the new Turk Plant generation project, partially offset by a decrease in the debt component of AFUDC due to completed construction of the Stall Unit in June 2010 and an increase in interest related to the issuance of senior unsecured notes in the first quarter of 2010.
·
Income Tax Expense decreased $7 million primarily due to the recording of federal and state income tax adjustments resulting from the filing of prior year tax returns and other book/tax differences which are accounted for on a flow-through basis, partially offset by an increase in pretax book income.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES, NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section of “Combined Management’s Narrative Discussion and Analysis of Registrant Subsidiaries” beginning on page 375 for a discussion of the estimates and judgments required for regulatory accounting, revenue recognition, the valuation of long-lived assets and pension and other postretirement benefits.

See the “New Accounting Pronouncements” section of “Combined Management’s Narrative Discussion and Analysis of Registrant Subsidiaries” beginning on page 375 for a discussion of the adoption and impact of new accounting pronouncements.

 
215

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
Southwestern Electric Power Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Southwestern Electric Power Company Consolidated (the "Company") as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the  financial position of Southwestern Electric Power Company Consolidated as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2011 the Company changed its method of presenting comprehensive income due to the adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income.  The change in presentation has been applied retrospectively to all periods presented. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-17, Consolidations (Topic 810): Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities, effective January 1, 2010.

/s/   Deloitte & Touche LLP

Columbus, Ohio
February 28, 2012

 
216

 
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of Southwestern Electric Power Company Consolidated (SWEPCo) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  SWEPCo’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of SWEPCo’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011.  In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework.  Based on management’s assessment, SWEPCo’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of SWEPCo’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission rules that permit SWEPCo to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

 
217

 

SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
REVENUES
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution
  $ 1,594,192     $ 1,469,514     $ 1,315,056  
Sales to AEP Affiliates
    57,615       51,870       29,318  
Lignite Revenues – Nonaffiliated
    -       -       43,239  
Other Revenues
    2,019       2,150       1,689  
TOTAL REVENUES
    1,653,826       1,523,534       1,389,302  
 
                       
EXPENSES
                       
Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation
    626,599       587,058       495,928  
Purchased Electricity for Resale
    152,645       125,064       127,170  
Purchased Electricity from AEP Affiliates
    11,808       23,707       42,712  
Other Operation
    224,068       245,504       249,792  
Maintenance
    140,981       103,352       105,602  
Asset Impairment and Other Related Charges
    49,000       -       -  
Depreciation and Amortization
    133,229       126,901       145,144  
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
    65,239       63,151       60,442  
TOTAL EXPENSES
    1,403,569       1,274,737       1,226,790  
 
                       
OPERATING INCOME
    250,257       248,797       162,512  
 
                       
Other Income (Expense):
                       
Interest Income
    2,076       579       1,286  
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
    48,731       45,646       46,737  
Interest Expense
    (81,781 )     (86,538 )     (70,500 )
 
                       
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE AND EQUITY
                       
  EARNINGS
    219,283       208,484       140,035  
 
                       
Income Tax Expense
    56,903       64,214       17,511  
Equity Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiary
    2,746       2,414       4  
 
                       
INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM
    165,126       146,684       122,528  
 
                       
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM, NET OF TAX
    -       -       (5,325 )
 
                       
NET INCOME
    165,126       146,684       117,203  
 
                       
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
    3,841       4,093       3,130  
 
                       
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SWEPCo SHAREHOLDERS
    161,285       142,591       114,073  
 
                       
Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements Including Capital Stock
                       
  Expense
    579       229       229  
 
                       
EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SWEPCo COMMON
                       
  SHAREHOLDER
  $ 160,706     $ 142,362     $ 113,844  
 
                       
The common stock of SWEPCo is wholly-owned by AEP.
                       
 
                       
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.
 

 
218

 

SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
NET INCOME
  $ 165,126     $ 146,684     $ 117,203  
 
                       
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAXES
                       
Cash Flow Hedges, Net of Tax of $6,103 in 2011, $401 in 2010 and $533 in 2009
    (11,334 )     745       989  
Reapplication of Regulated Operations Accounting Guidance for Pensions, Net of Tax
                       
 of $8,223 in 2009
    -       -       15,271  
Amortization of Pension and OPEB Deferred Costs, Net of Tax of $275 in 2011, $505
                       
 in 2010 and $928 in 2009
    511       937       1,724  
Pension and OPEB Funded Status, Net of Tax of $1,885 in 2011, $636 in 2010 and
                       
 $617 in 2009
    (3,501 )     (1,182 )     1,145  
 
                       
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
    (14,324 )     500       19,129  
 
                       
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
    150,802       147,184       136,332  
 
                       
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
    3,841       4,093       3,130  
 
                       
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SWEPCo
                       
 SHAREHOLDERS
  $ 146,961     $ 143,091     $ 133,202  
 
                       
 
                       
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.
 

 
219

 
 
SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SWEPCo Common Shareholder
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common
 
Paid-in
 
Retained
 
Comprehensive
 
Noncontrolling
 
 
 
 
Stock
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Income (Loss)
 
Interest
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL EQUITY – DECEMBER 31, 2008
 
$
 135,660 
 
$
 530,003 
 
$
 615,110 
 
$
 (32,120)
 
$
 276 
 
$
 1,248,929 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Contribution from Parent
 
 
 
 
 
 142,500 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 142,500 
Common Stock Dividends – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (3,375)
 
 
 (3,375)
Preferred Stock Dividends
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (229)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (229)
Other Changes in Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 2,476 
 
 
 (2,476)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 - 
SUBTOTAL – EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1,387,825 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 114,073 
 
 
 
 
 
 3,130 
 
 
 117,203 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 19,129 
 
 
 
 
 
 19,129 
TOTAL EQUITY – DECEMBER 31, 2009
 
 
 135,660 
 
 
 674,979 
 
 
 726,478 
 
 
 (12,991)
 
 
 31 
 
 
 1,524,157 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock Dividends – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (3,763)
 
 
 (3,763)
Preferred Stock Dividends
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (229)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (229)
SUBTOTAL – EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1,520,165 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 142,591 
 
 
 
 
 
 4,093 
 
 
 146,684 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 500 
 
 
 
 
 
 500 
TOTAL EQUITY – DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
 
 135,660 
 
 
 674,979 
 
 
 868,840 
 
 
 (12,491)
 
 
 361 
 
 
 1,667,349 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock Dividends – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (3,811)
 
 
 (3,811)
Preferred Stock Dividends
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (210)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (210)
Loss on Reacquired Preferred Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 (373)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (373)
SUBTOTAL – EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1,662,955 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 161,285 
 
 
 
 
 
 3,841 
 
 
 165,126 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (14,324)
 
 
 
 
 
 (14,324)
TOTAL EQUITY – DECEMBER 31, 2011
 
$
 135,660 
 
$
 674,606 
 
$
 1,029,915 
 
$
 (26,815)
 
$
 391 
 
$
 1,813,757 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.

 
220

 

 
SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
ASSETS
 
December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
$
 801 
 
$
 1,514 
 
Advances to Affiliates
 
 
 - 
 
 
 86,222 
 
Accounts Receivable:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customers
 
 
 35,054 
 
 
 34,434 
 
 
Affiliated Companies
 
 
 23,730 
 
 
 43,219 
 
 
Miscellaneous
 
 
 19,370 
 
 
 17,739 
 
 
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
 
 
 (989)
 
 
 (588)
 
 
 
Total Accounts Receivable
 
 
 77,165 
 
 
 94,804 
 
Fuel
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(December 31, 2011 and 2010 amounts include $32,651 and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$35,055, respectively, related to Sabine)
 
 
 102,015 
 
 
 91,777 
 
Materials and Supplies
 
 
 55,325 
 
 
 50,395 
 
Risk Management Assets
 
 
 445 
 
 
 1,209 
 
Deferred Income Tax Benefits
 
 
 8,195 
 
 
 15,529 
 
Accrued Tax Benefits
 
 
 1,541 
 
 
 37,900 
 
Regulatory Asset for Under-Recovered Fuel Costs
 
 
 10,843 
 
 
 758 
 
Prepayments and Other Current Assets
 
 
 16,827 
 
 
 24,270 
 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 273,157 
 
 
 404,378 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Generation
 
 
 2,326,102 
 
 
 2,297,463 
 
 
Transmission
 
 
 988,534 
 
 
 943,724 
 
 
Distribution
 
 
 1,675,764 
 
 
 1,611,129 
 
Other Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(December 31, 2011 and 2010 amounts include $232,948 and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$224,857, respectively, related to Sabine)
 
 
 637,019 
 
 
 632,158 
 
Construction Work in Progress
 
 
 1,443,569 
 
 
 1,071,603 
 
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 7,070,988 
 
 
 6,556,077 
 
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(December 31, 2011 and 2010 amounts include $103,586 and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$91,840, respectively, related to Sabine)
 
 
 2,211,912 
 
 
 2,130,351 
 
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT NET
 
 
 4,859,076 
 
 
 4,425,726 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets
 
 
 394,276 
 
 
 332,698 
 
Long-term Risk Management Assets
 
 
 282 
 
 
 438 
 
Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets
 
 
 74,992 
 
 
 80,327 
 
TOTAL OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 469,550 
 
 
 413,463 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
 5,601,783 
 
$
 5,243,567 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.
 
 
221

 
 
SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advances from Affiliates
 
$
 132,473 
 
$
 - 
 
Accounts Payable:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General
 
 
 181,268 
 
 
 162,271 
 
 
Affiliated Companies
 
 
 59,201 
 
 
 64,474 
 
Short-term Debt – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 17,016 
 
 
 6,217 
 
Long-term Debt Due Within One Year – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 20,000 
 
 
 41,135 
 
Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
 24,359 
 
 
 4,067 
 
Customer Deposits
 
 
 52,095 
 
 
 48,245 
 
Accrued Taxes
 
 
 44,404 
 
 
 30,516 
 
Accrued Interest
 
 
 39,629 
 
 
 39,856 
 
Obligations Under Capital Leases
 
 
 15,058 
 
 
 13,265 
 
Regulatory Liability for Over-Recovered Fuel Costs
 
 
 5,032 
 
 
 16,432 
 
Provision for Refund
 
 
 4,404 
 
 
 7,698 
 
Other Current Liabilities
 
 
 60,009 
 
 
 59,420 
 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 654,948 
 
 
 493,596 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term Debt – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 1,708,637 
 
 
 1,728,385 
 
Long-term Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
 221 
 
 
 338 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 665,668 
 
 
 624,333 
 
Regulatory Liabilities and Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 428,571 
 
 
 393,673 
 
Asset Retirement Obligations
 
 
 65,673 
 
 
 56,632 
 
Employee Benefits and Pension Obligations
 
 
 87,159 
 
 
 96,314 
 
Obligations Under Capital Leases
 
 
 112,802 
 
 
 115,399 
 
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 64,347 
 
 
 62,852 
 
TOTAL NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 3,133,078 
 
 
 3,077,926 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
 
 3,788,026 
 
 
 3,571,522 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,696 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rate Matters (Note 3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock – Par Value – $18 Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Authorized –  7,600,000 Shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding  – 7,536,640 Shares
 
 
 135,660 
 
 
 135,660 
 
Paid-in Capital
 
 
 674,606 
 
 
 674,979 
 
Retained Earnings
 
 
 1,029,915 
 
 
 868,840 
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 (26,815)
 
 
 (12,491)
 
TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY
 
 
 1,813,366 
 
 
 1,666,988 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling Interest
 
 
 391 
 
 
 361 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL EQUITY
 
 
 1,813,757 
 
 
 1,667,349 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
 5,601,783 
 
$
 5,243,567 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.

 
222

 

SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
$
 165,126 
 
$
 146,684 
 
$
 117,203 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 133,229 
 
 
 126,901 
 
 
 145,144 
 
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 16,726 
 
 
 81,764 
 
 
 28,016 
 
 
Extraordinary Item, Net of Tax
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,325 
 
 
Asset Impairment and Other Related Charges
 
 
 49,000 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
 
 
 (48,731)
 
 
 (45,646)
 
 
 (46,737)
 
 
Mark-to-Market of Risk Management Contracts
 
 
 1,732 
 
 
 4,826 
 
 
 650 
 
 
Pension Contributions to Qualified Plan Trust
 
 
 (31,263)
 
 
 (29,065)
 
 
 - 
 
 
Fuel Over/Under-Recovery, Net
 
 
 (21,485)
 
 
 (6,089)
 
 
 68,024 
 
 
Change in Regulatory Liabilities
 
 
 28,031 
 
 
 26,671 
 
 
 (2,310)
 
 
Change in Other Noncurrent Assets
 
 
 24,519 
 
 
 (15,207)
 
 
 20,333 
 
 
Change in Other Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 20,904 
 
 
 21,958 
 
 
 9,111 
 
 
Changes in Certain Components of Working Capital:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Receivable, Net
 
 
 20,751 
 
 
 (21,507)
 
 
 113,134 
 
 
 
Fuel, Materials and Supplies
 
 
 (15,168)
 
 
 21,498 
 
 
 (26,190)
 
 
 
Accounts Payable
 
 
 1,168 
 
 
 (23,004)
 
 
 40,981 
 
 
 
Accrued Taxes, Net
 
 
 40,189 
 
 
 (18,788)
 
 
 (25,252)
 
 
 
Accrued Interest
 
 
 (910)
 
 
 6,570 
 
 
 (3,468)
 
 
 
Other Current Assets
 
 
 2,983 
 
 
 (3,182)
 
 
 700 
 
 
 
Other Current Liabilities
 
 
 340 
 
 
 (1,433)
 
 
 (33,844)
Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
 
 387,141 
 
 
 272,951 
 
 
 410,820 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction Expenditures
 
 
 (551,163)
 
 
 (420,485)
 
 
 (596,581)
Change in Advances to Affiliates, Net
 
 
 86,222 
 
 
 (34,405)
 
 
 (34,883)
Equity Investments
 
 
 (1,460)
 
 
 (200)
 
 
 (12,873)
Acquisitions of Assets
 
 
 (8,045)
 
 
 (103,225)
 
 
 (17,639)
Proceeds from Sales of Assets
 
 
 1,197 
 
 
 5,356 
 
 
 105,999 
Other Investing Activities
 
 
 2,365 
 
 
 (211)
 
 
 (510)
Net Cash Flows Used for Investing Activities
 
 
 (470,884)
 
 
 (553,170)
 
 
 (556,487)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Contribution from Parent
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 142,500 
Issuance of Long-term Debt – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 - 
 
 
 399,394 
 
 
 - 
Credit Facility Borrowings
 
 
 58,435 
 
 
 99,688 
 
 
 126,903 
Change in Advances from Affiliates, Net
 
 
 132,473 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (2,526)
Retirement of Long-term Debt – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 (41,135)
 
 
 (53,500)
 
 
 (4,406)
Retirement of Long-term Debt – Affiliated
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (50,000)
 
 
 - 
Retirement of Cumulative Preferred Stock
 
 
 (5,069)
 
 
 (1)
 
 
 - 
Credit Facility Repayments
 
 
 (47,636)
 
 
 (100,361)
 
 
 (127,185)
Proceeds from Sale/Leaseback
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 22,831 
Principal Payments for Capital Lease Obligations
 
 
 (13,675)
 
 
 (12,183)
 
 
 (10,952)
Dividends Paid on Common Stock – Nonaffiliated
 
 
 (3,811)
 
 
 (3,763)
 
 
 (3,375)
Dividends Paid on Cumulative Preferred Stock
 
 
 (210)
 
 
 (229)
 
 
 (229)
Other Financing Activities
 
 
 3,658 
 
 
 1,027 
 
 
 1,857 
Net Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
 
 83,030 
 
 
 280,072 
 
 
 145,418 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
 (713)
 
 
 (147)
 
 
 (249)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
 
 
 1,514 
 
 
 1,661 
 
 
 1,910 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
 
$
 801 
 
$
 1,514 
 
$
 1,661 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Paid for Interest, Net of Capitalized Amounts
 
$
 71,713 
 
$
 70,729 
 
$
 80,671 
Net Cash Paid (Received) for Income Taxes
 
 
 (336)
 
 
 8,350 
 
 
 19,615 
Noncash Acquisitions Under Capital Leases
 
 
 13,334 
 
 
 1,593 
 
 
 51,217 
Construction Expenditures Included in Current Liabilities at December 31,
 
 
 109,600 
 
 
 94,836 
 
 
 71,431 
Noncash Assumption of Liabilities Related to Acquisitions of Assets
 
 
 - 
 
 
 8,400 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Financial Statements of Registrant Subsidiaries beginning on page 225.

 
223

 
SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
INDEX OF NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF REGISTRANT SUBSIDIARIES

The notes to SWEPCo’s financial statements are combined with the notes to financial statements for other registrant subsidiaries. Listed below are the notes that apply to SWEPCo.  The footnotes begin on page 225.

 
Footnote
Reference
   
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Note 1
New Accounting Pronouncements and Extraordinary Item
Note 2
Rate Matters
Note 3
Effects of Regulation
Note 4
Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies
Note 5
Acquisitions and Impairments
Note 6
Benefit Plans
Note 7
Business Segments
Note 8
Derivatives and Hedging
Note 9
Fair Value Measurements
Note 10
Income Taxes
Note 11
Leases
Note 12
Financing Activities
Note 13
Related Party Transactions
Note 14
Property, Plant and Equipment
Note 15
Cost Reduction Initiatives
Note 16
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information
Note 17


 
224

 

INDEX OF NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF REGISTRANT SUBSIDIARIES

The notes to financial statements that follow are a combined presentation for the Registrant Subsidiaries.  The following list indicates the registrants to which the footnotes apply:
     
1.
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO, SWEPCo
2.
New Accounting Pronouncements and Extraordinary Item
APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO, SWEPCo
3.
Rate Matters
APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO, SWEPCo
4.
Effects of Regulation
APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO, SWEPCo
5.
Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies
APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO, SWEPCo
6.
Acquisitions and Impairments
APCo, OPCo, SWEPCo
7.
Benefit Plans
APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO, SWEPCo
8.
Business Segments
APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO, SWEPCo
9.
Derivatives and Hedging
APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO, SWEPCo
10.
Fair Value Measurements
APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO, SWEPCo
11.
Income Taxes
APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO, SWEPCo
12.
Leases
APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO, SWEPCo
13.
Financing Activities
APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO, SWEPCo
14.
Related Party Transactions
APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO, SWEPCo
15.
Property, Plant and Equipment
APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO, SWEPCo
16.
Cost Reduction Initiatives
APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO, SWEPCo
17.
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information
APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO, SWEPCo

 
225

 

1.  ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

ORGANIZATION

The principal business conducted by the Registrant Subsidiaries is the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power.  These companies are subject to regulation by the FERC under the Federal Power Act and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and maintain accounts in accordance with the FERC and other regulatory guidelines.  These companies are subject to further regulation with regard to rates and other matters by state regulatory commissions.

The Registrant Subsidiaries also engage in wholesale electricity marketing and risk management activities in the United States.  I&M provides barging services to both affiliated and nonaffiliated companies.  SWEPCo, through consolidated and nonconsolidated affiliates, conducts lignite mining operations to fuel certain of its generation facilities.

CSPCo-OPCo Merger

On December 31, 2011, CSPCo was merged into OPCo with OPCo being the surviving entity.  All prior reported amounts have been recast as if the merger occurred on the first day of the earliest reporting period.   All contracts and operations of CSPCo and its subsidiary are now part of OPCo.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Rates and Service Regulation

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ rates are regulated by the FERC and state regulatory commissions in the nine state operating territories in which they operate.  The FERC also regulates the Registrant Subsidiaries’ affiliated transactions, including AEPSC intercompany service billings which are generally at cost, under the 2005 Public Utility Holding Company Act and the Federal Power Act.  The FERC also has jurisdiction over the issuances and acquisitions of securities of the public utility subsidiaries, the acquisition or sale of certain utility assets and mergers with another electric utility or holding company.  For non-power goods and services, the FERC requires that a nonregulated affiliate can bill an affiliated public utility company no more than market while a public utility must bill the higher of cost or market to a nonregulated affiliate.  The state regulatory commissions also regulate certain intercompany transactions under various orders and affiliate statutes.  Both the FERC and state regulatory commissions are permitted to review and audit the relevant books and records of companies within a public utility holding company system.

The FERC regulates wholesale power markets and wholesale power transactions.  The Registrant Subsidiaries’ wholesale power transactions are generally market-based.  Wholesale power transactions are cost-based regulated when the Registrant Subsidiaries negotiate and file a cost-based contract with the FERC or the FERC determines that the Registrant Subsidiaries have “market power” in the region where the transaction occurs.  The Registrant Subsidiaries have entered into wholesale power supply contracts with various municipalities and cooperatives that are FERC-regulated, cost-based contracts.  These contracts are generally formula rate mechanisms, which are trued up to actual costs annually.  PSO’s and SWEPCo’s wholesale power transactions in the SPP region are cost-based due to PSO and SWEPCo having market power in the SPP region.

The state regulatory commissions regulate all of the retail distribution operations and rates of the Registrant Subsidiaries on a cost basis.  The state regulatory commissions also regulate the retail generation/power supply operations and rates except in Ohio.  The ESP rates in Ohio continue the process of aligning generation/power supply rates over time with market rates.  SWEPCo operates in the SPP area which includes a portion of Texas.  In 2009, the Texas legislature amended its restructuring legislation for the generation portion of SWEPCo’s Texas retail jurisdiction to delay indefinitely restructuring requirements.  As a result, SWEPCo reapplied accounting guidance for “Regulated Operations” to its Texas generation operations.

 
226

 
The FERC also regulates the Registrant Subsidiaries’ wholesale transmission operations and rates.  The FERC claims jurisdiction over retail transmission rates when retail rates are unbundled in connection with restructuring.  OPCo’s retail transmission rates in Ohio, APCo’s retail transmission rates in Virginia and I&M’s retail transmission rates in Michigan are unbundled and are based on the FERC’s Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT) rates that are cost-based.  Bundled retail transmission rates are regulated, on a cost basis, by the state commissions.

In addition, the FERC regulates the SIA, the Interconnection Agreement, the CSW Operating Agreement, the System Transmission Integration Agreement, the Transmission Agreement, the Transmission Coordination Agreement and the AEP System Interim Allowance Agreement, all of which allocate shared system costs and revenues to the Registrant Subsidiaries that are parties to each agreement.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements for APCo include the Registrant Subsidiary and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  The consolidated financial statements for I&M include the Registrant Subsidiary, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and DCC Fuel (substantially-controlled variable interest entities (VIEs)).  The consolidated financial statements for OPCo include the Registrant Subsidiary and a wholly-owned subsidiary.  The consolidated financial statements for SWEPCo include the Registrant Subsidiary, its wholly-owned subsidiaries excluding DHLC (as of January 1, 2010, SWEPCo is no longer the primary beneficiary of DHLC and is no longer required to consolidate DHLC, in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Consolidations”) and Sabine (a substantially-controlled VIE).  Intercompany items are eliminated in consolidation.  The Registrant Subsidiaries use the equity method of accounting for equity investments where they exercise significant influence but do not hold a controlling financial interest.  Such investments are recorded as Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheets; equity earnings are included in Equity Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries on the statements of income.  OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo have ownership interests in generating units that are jointly-owned with nonaffiliated companies.  The proportionate share of the operating costs associated with such facilities is included in the income statements and the assets and liabilities are reflected in the balance sheets.  See “Variable Interest Entities” section of Note 14.

Accounting for the Effects of Cost-Based Regulation

As rate-regulated electric public utility companies, the Registrant Subsidiaries’ financial statements reflect the actions of regulators that result in the recognition of certain revenues and expenses in different time periods than enterprises that are not rate-regulated.  In accordance with accounting guidance for “Regulated Operations,” the Registrant Subsidiaries record regulatory assets (deferred expenses) and regulatory liabilities (future revenue reductions or refunds) to reflect the economic effects of regulation by matching expenses with their recovery through regulated revenues and income with its passage to customers through the reduction of regulated revenues.  Due to the passage of legislation requiring restructuring and a transition to customer choice and market-based rates, OPCo discontinued the application of “Regulated Operations” accounting treatment for the generation portion of its business.  In 2009, the Texas legislature amended its restructuring legislation for the generation portion of SWEPCo’s Texas retail jurisdiction to delay indefinitely restructuring requirements.  As a result, SWEPCo reapplied accounting guidance for “Regulated Operations” to its Texas generation operations.

Accounting guidance for “Discontinuation of Rate-Regulated Operations” requires the recognition of an impairment of stranded net regulatory assets and stranded plant costs if they are not recoverable in regulated rates.  In addition, an enterprise is required to eliminate from its balance sheet the effects of any actions of regulators that had been recognized as regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities.  Such impairments and adjustments are classified as an extraordinary item.

 
227

 
Use of Estimates

The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  These estimates include, but are not limited to, inventory valuation, allowance for doubtful accounts, long-lived asset impairment, unbilled electricity revenue, valuation of long-term energy contracts, the effects of regulation, long-lived asset recovery, storm costs, the effects of contingencies and certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and postretirement benefits.  The estimates and assumptions used are based upon management’s evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the financial statements.  Actual results could ultimately differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents include temporary cash investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Inventory

Fossil fuel inventories are generally carried at average cost.  Materials and supplies inventories are carried at average cost.

Accounts Receivable

Customer accounts receivable primarily include receivables from wholesale and retail energy customers, receivables from energy contract counterparties related to risk management activities and customer receivables primarily related to other revenue-generating activities.

Revenue is recognized from electric power sales when power is delivered to customers.  To the extent that deliveries have occurred but a bill has not been issued, the Registrant Subsidiaries accrue and recognize, as Accrued Unbilled Revenues on the balance sheets, an estimate of the revenues for energy delivered since the last billing.

AEP Credit factors accounts receivable on a daily basis, excluding receivables from risk management activities, through purchase agreements with I&M, KGPCo, KPCo, OPCo, PSO, SWEPCo and a portion of APCo.  Since APCo does not have regulatory authority to sell accounts receivable in its West Virginia regulatory jurisdiction, only a portion of APCo’s accounts receivable are sold to AEP Credit.  See “Sale of Receivables – AEP Credit” section of Note 13 for additional information.

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts

Generally, AEP Credit records bad debt expense related to receivables purchased from the Registrant Subsidiaries under a sale of receivables agreement.  For receivables related to APCo’s West Virginia operations, the bad debt reserve is calculated based on a rolling two-year average write-off in proportion to gross accounts receivable.  For customer accounts receivables relating to risk management activities, accounts receivables are reviewed for bad debt reserves at a specific counterparty level basis.  For miscellaneous accounts receivable, bad debt expense is recorded for all amounts outstanding 180 days or greater at 100%, unless specifically identified.  Miscellaneous accounts receivable items open less than 180 days may be reserved using specific identification for bad debt reserves.

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Significant Customers

The Registrant Subsidiaries do not have any significant customers that comprise 10% or more of their Operating Revenues as of December 31, 2011.

The Registrant Subsidiaries monitor credit levels and the financial condition of their customers on a continuing basis to minimize credit risk.  The regulatory commissions allow recovery in rates for a reasonable level of bad debt costs.  Management believes adequate provisions for credit loss have been made in the accompanying Registrant Subsidiary financial statements.

 
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Emission Allowances

The Registrant Subsidiaries in regulated jurisdictions record emission allowances at cost, including the annual SO2 and NOx emission allowance entitlements received at no cost from the Federal EPA.  OPCo records allowances at the lower of cost or market for the period after our FAC expires in May 2015.  The Registrant Subsidiaries follow the inventory model for these allowances.  Allowances expected to be consumed within one year are reported in Materials and Supplies.  Allowances with expected consumption beyond one year are included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets.  These allowances are consumed in the production of energy and are recorded in Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation at an average cost.  Allowances held for speculation are included in Prepayments and Other Current Assets.  The purchases and sales of allowances are reported in the Operating Activities section of the statements of cash flows.  The net margin on sales of emission allowances is included in Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution Revenues for nonaffiliated transactions and in Sales to AEP Affiliates Revenues for affiliated transactions because of its integral nature to the production process of energy and the Registrant Subsidiaries’ revenue optimization strategy for their operations.  The net margin on sales of emission allowances affects the determination of deferred fuel or deferred emission allowance costs and the amortization of regulatory assets for certain jurisdictions.

Property, Plant and Equipment and Equity Investments

Regulated

Electric utility property, plant and equipment for rate-regulated operations are stated at original purchase cost. Additions, major replacements and betterments are added to the plant accounts.  Normal and routine retirements from the plant accounts, net of salvage, are charged to accumulated depreciation under the group composite method of depreciation.  The group composite method of depreciation assumes that on average, asset components are retired at the end of their useful lives and thus there is no gain or loss.  The equipment in each primary electric plant account is identified as a separate group.  Under the group composite method of depreciation, continuous interim routine replacements of items such as boiler tubes, pumps, motors, etc. result in the original cost, less salvage, being charged to accumulated depreciation.  The depreciation rates that are established take into account the past history of interim capital replacements and the amount of salvage received.  These rates and the related lives are subject to periodic review.  Removal costs are charged to regulatory liabilities.  The costs of labor, materials and overhead incurred to operate and maintain plants are included in operating expenses.

Long-lived assets are required to be tested for impairment when it is determined that the carrying value of the assets may no longer be recoverable or when the assets meet the held-for-sale criteria under the accounting guidance for “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”  When it becomes probable that an asset in service or an asset under construction will be abandoned and regulatory cost recovery has been disallowed, the cost of that asset shall be removed from plant-in-service or CWIP and charged to expense.  Equity investments are required to be tested for impairment when it is determined there may be an other-than-temporary loss in value.

The fair value of an asset or investment is the amount at which that asset or investment could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties, as opposed to a forced or liquidation sale.  Quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value and are used as the basis for the measurement, if available.  In the absence of quoted prices for identical or similar assets or investments in active markets, fair value is estimated using various internal and external valuation methods including cash flow analysis and appraisals.

Nonregulated

The generation operations of OPCo and the mining operations of SWEPCo generally follow the policies of cost-based rate-regulated operations listed above but with the following exceptions.  Property, plant and equipment are stated at fair value at acquisition (or as adjusted for any applicable impairments) plus the original cost of property acquired or constructed since the acquisition, less disposals.  Normal and routine retirements from the plant accounts, net of salvage, are charged to accumulated depreciation for most nonregulated operations under the group composite method of depreciation.  A gain or loss would be recorded if the retirement is not considered an interim routine replacement.  Removal costs are charged to expense.

 
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Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) and Interest Capitalization

AFUDC represents the estimated cost of borrowed and equity funds used to finance construction projects that is capitalized and recovered through depreciation over the service life of regulated electric utility plant.  For nonregulated operations, including generating assets owned by OPCo and mining operations at SWEPCo, interest is capitalized during construction in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Capitalization of Interest.”  The Registrant Subsidiaries record the equity component of AFUDC in Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction and the debt component of AFUDC as a reduction to Interest Expense.

Valuation of Nonderivative Financial Instruments

The book values of Cash and Cash Equivalents, Accounts Receivable, Short-term Debt and Accounts Payable approximate fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.  The book value of the pre-April 1983 spent nuclear fuel disposal liability for I&M approximates the best estimate of its fair value.

Fair Value Measurements of Assets and Liabilities

The accounting guidance for “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement).  Where observable inputs are available for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, the instrument is categorized in Level 2.  When quoted market prices are not available, pricing may be completed using comparable securities, dealer values, operating data and general market conditions to determine fair value.  Valuation models utilize various inputs such as commodity, interest rate and, to a lesser degree, volatility and credit that include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, market corroborated inputs (i.e. inputs derived principally from, or correlated to, observable market data) and other observable inputs for the asset or liability.

For commercial activities, exchange traded derivatives, namely futures contracts, are generally fair valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified as Level 1.  Level 2 inputs primarily consist of OTC broker quotes in moderately active or less active markets, as well as exchange traded contracts where there is insufficient market liquidity to warrant inclusion in Level 1.  Management verifies price curves using these broker quotes and classifies these fair values within Level 2 when substantially all of the fair value can be corroborated.  Management typically obtains multiple broker quotes, which are non-binding in nature but are based on recent trades in the marketplace.  When multiple broker quotes are obtained, the quoted bid and ask prices are averaged.  In certain circumstances, a broker quote may be discarded if it is a clear outlier.  Management uses a historical correlation analysis between the broker quoted location and the illiquid locations and if the points are highly correlated, these locations are included within Level 2 as well.  Certain OTC and bilaterally executed derivative instruments are executed in less active markets with a lower availability of pricing information.  Long-dated and illiquid complex or structured transactions and FTRs can introduce the need for internally developed modeling inputs based upon extrapolations and assumptions of observable market data to estimate fair value.  When such inputs have a significant impact on the measurement of fair value, the instrument is categorized as Level 3.

AEP utilizes its trustee’s external pricing service to estimate the fair value of the underlying investments held in the benefit plan and nuclear trusts.  AEP’s investment managers review and validate the prices utilized by the trustee to determine fair value.  AEP’s management performs its own valuation testing to verify the fair values of the securities.  AEP receives audit reports of the trustee’s operating controls and valuation processes.  The trustee uses multiple pricing vendors for the assets held in the trusts.

Assets in the benefits and nuclear trusts and Other Cash Deposits are classified using the following methods.  Equities are classified as Level 1 holdings if they are actively traded on exchanges.  Items classified as Level 1 are investments in money market funds, fixed income and equity mutual funds and domestic equity securities.  They are valued based on observable inputs primarily unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.  Items classified as Level 2 are primarily investments in individual fixed income securities and cash equivalents funds.  Fixed income securities do not trade on an exchange and do not have an official closing price but their valuation inputs are based on observable market data.  Pricing vendors calculate bond valuations using financial models and matrices.  The models use observable inputs including yields on benchmark securities, quotes by securities brokers,
 
 
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rating agency actions, discounts or premiums on securities compared to par prices, changes in yields for U.S. Treasury securities, corporate actions by bond issuers, prepayment schedules and histories, economic events and, for certain securities, adjustments to yields to reflect changes in the rate of inflation.  Other securities with model-derived valuation inputs that are observable are also classified as Level 2 investments.  Investments with unobservable valuation inputs are classified as Level 3 investments.  Benefit plan assets included in Level 3 are primarily real estate and private equity investments that are valued using methods requiring judgment including appraisals.

Deferred Fuel Costs

The cost of fuel and related emission allowances and emission control chemicals/consumables is charged to Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation expense when the fuel is burned or the allowance or consumable is utilized.  The cost of fuel also includes the cost of nuclear fuel burned which is computed primarily on the units-of-production method.  In regulated jurisdictions with an active FAC, fuel cost over-recoveries (the excess of fuel revenues billed to customers over applicable fuel costs incurred) are generally deferred as current regulatory liabilities and under-recoveries (the excess of applicable fuel costs incurred over fuel revenues billed to customers) are generally deferred as current regulatory assets.  These deferrals are amortized when refunded or when billed to customers in later months with the state regulatory commissions’ review and approval.  The amount of an over-recovery or under-recovery can also be affected by actions of the state regulatory commissions.  On a routine basis, state regulatory commissions review and/or audit the Registrant Subsidiaries’ fuel procurement policies and practices, the fuel cost calculations and FAC deferrals.  When a fuel cost disallowance becomes probable, the Registrant Subsidiaries adjust their FAC deferrals and record provisions for estimated refunds to recognize these probable outcomes.  Fuel cost over-recovery and under-recovery balances are classified as noncurrent when there is a phase-in plan or the FAC has been suspended or terminated.

Changes in fuel costs, including purchased power in Indiana and Michigan for I&M, in Ohio (beginning in 2012 through May 2015) for OPCo, in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas for SWEPCo, in Oklahoma for PSO and in Virginia for APCo are reflected in rates in a timely manner through the FAC.  Changes in fuel costs, including purchased power in Ohio (beginning in 2009 through 2011) for OPCo and in West Virginia for APCo are reflected in rates through FAC phase-in plans.  The FAC generally includes some sharing of off-system sales.  In West Virginia for APCo, all of the profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC.  None of the profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC in Ohio for OPCo.  A portion of profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC and other rate mechanisms in Oklahoma for PSO, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas for SWEPCo, Virginia for APCo and in Indiana and Michigan (all areas of Michigan beginning in December 2010) for I&M.  Where the FAC or off-system sales sharing mechanism is capped, frozen or non-existent, changes in fuel costs or sharing of off-system sales impacted earnings.

Revenue Recognition

Regulatory Accounting

The financial statements of the Registrant Subsidiaries reflect the actions of regulators that can result in the recognition of revenues and expenses in different time periods than enterprises that are not rate-regulated.  Regulatory assets (deferred expenses) and regulatory liabilities (deferred revenue reductions or refunds) are recorded to reflect the economic effects of regulation in the same accounting period by matching expenses with their recovery through regulated revenues and by matching income with its passage to customers in cost-based regulated rates.

When regulatory assets are probable of recovery through regulated rates, the Registrant Subsidiaries record them as assets on the balance sheets.  The Registrant Subsidiaries test for probability of recovery at each balance sheet date or whenever new events occur.  Examples of new events include the issuance of a regulatory commission order or passage of new legislation.  If it is determined that recovery of a regulatory asset is no longer probable, the Registrant Subsidiaries write off that regulatory asset as a charge against income.

 
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Traditional Electricity Supply and Delivery Activities

The Registrant Subsidiaries recognize revenues from retail and wholesale electricity sales and electricity transmission and distribution delivery services.  The Registrant Subsidiaries recognize the revenues on the statements of income upon delivery of the energy to the customer and include unbilled as well as billed amounts.  In accordance with the applicable state commission regulatory treatment, PSO and SWEPCo do not record the fuel portion of unbilled revenue.

Most of the power produced at the generation plants of the AEP East companies is sold to PJM, the RTO operating in the east service territory.  The AEP East companies purchase power from PJM to supply power to their customers.  Generally, these power sales and purchases are reported on a net basis as revenues on the statements of income.  However, purchases of power in excess of sales to PJM, on an hourly net basis, used to serve retail load are recorded gross as Purchased Electricity for Resale on the statements of income.  Other RTOs in which the Registrant Subsidiaries participate do not function in the same manner as PJM.  They function as balancing organizations and not as exchanges.

Physical energy purchases arising from non-derivative contracts are accounted for on a gross basis in Purchased Electricity for Resale on the statements of income.  Energy purchases arising from non-trading derivative contracts are recorded based on the transaction’s economic substance.  Purchases under non-trading derivatives used to serve accrual based obligations are recorded in Purchased Electricity for Resale on the statements of income.  All other non-trading derivative purchases are recorded net in revenues.

In general, the Registrant Subsidiaries record expenses when purchased electricity is received and when expenses are incurred, with the exception of certain power purchase contracts that are derivatives and accounted for using MTM accounting where generation/supply rates are not cost-based regulated, such as in Ohio for OPCo and until April 2009 in Texas for SWEPCo.  In jurisdictions where the generation/supply business is subject to cost-based regulation, the unrealized MTM amounts are deferred as regulatory assets (for losses) and regulatory liabilities (for gains).

Energy Marketing and Risk Management Activities

AEPSC, on behalf of the Registrant Subsidiaries, engages in wholesale electricity, coal, natural gas and emission allowances marketing and risk management activities focused on wholesale markets where the AEP System owns assets and adjacent markets.  These activities include the purchase and sale of energy under forward contracts at fixed and variable prices and the buying and selling of financial energy contracts which include exchange traded futures and options, as well as OTC options and swaps.  Certain energy marketing and risk management transactions are with RTOs.

The Registrant Subsidiaries recognize revenues and expenses from wholesale marketing and risk management transactions that are not derivatives upon delivery of the commodity.  The Registrant Subsidiaries use MTM accounting for wholesale marketing and risk management transactions that are derivatives unless the derivative is designated in a qualifying cash flow hedge relationship or a normal purchase or sale.  The Registrant Subsidiaries include realized gains and losses on wholesale marketing and risk management transactions in revenues on a net basis.  For OPCo, the unrealized gains and losses on wholesale marketing and risk management transactions that are accounted for using MTM are included in revenues on a net basis.  For APCo, I&M, PSO and SWEPCo, who are subject to cost-based regulation, the unrealized MTM amounts and some realized gains and losses are deferred as regulatory assets (for losses) and regulatory liabilities (for gains).  Unrealized MTM gains and losses are included on the balance sheets as Risk Management Assets or Liabilities as appropriate.

 
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Certain qualifying wholesale marketing and risk management derivatives transactions are designated as hedges of variability in future cash flows as a result of forecasted transactions (cash flow hedge).  The Registrant Subsidiaries initially record the effective portion of the cash flow hedge’s gain or loss as a component of AOCI.  When the forecasted transaction is realized and affects net income, the Registrant Subsidiaries subsequently reclassify the gain or loss on the hedge from AOCI into revenues or expenses within the same financial statement line item as the forecasted transaction on their statements of income.  For OPCo, the ineffective portion of the gain or loss is recognized in revenues or expense on the income statements immediately.  APCo, I&M, PSO, and SWEPCo, who are subject to cost-based regulation, defer the ineffective portion as regulatory assets (for losses) and regulatory liabilities (for gains).  See “Accounting for Cash Flow Hedging Strategies” section of Note 9.

Levelization of Nuclear Refueling Outage Costs

In accordance with regulatory orders, I&M defers incremental operation and maintenance costs associated with periodic refueling outages at its Cook Plant and amortizes the costs over the period beginning with the month following the start of each unit’s refueling outage and lasting until the end of the month in which the same unit’s next scheduled refueling outage begins.  I&M adjusts the amortization amount as necessary to ensure full amortization of all deferred costs by the end of the refueling cycle.

Maintenance

The Registrant Subsidiaries expense maintenance costs as incurred.  If it becomes probable that the Registrant Subsidiaries will recover specifically-incurred costs through future rates, a regulatory asset is established to match the expensing of those maintenance costs with their recovery in cost-based regulated revenues.  In certain regulatory jurisdictions, the Registrant Subsidiaries defer costs above the level included in base rates and amortize those deferrals commensurate with recovery through rate riders.

Income Taxes and Investment Tax Credits

The Registrant Subsidiaries use the liability method of accounting for income taxes.  Under the liability method, deferred income taxes are provided for all temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities which will result in a future tax consequence.

When the flow-through method of accounting for temporary differences is reflected in regulated revenues (that is, when deferred taxes are not included in the cost of service for determining regulated rates for electricity), deferred income taxes are recorded and related regulatory assets and liabilities are established to match the regulated revenues and tax expense.

Investment tax credits are accounted for under the flow-through method except where regulatory commissions have reflected investment tax credits in the rate-making process on a deferral basis.  Investment tax credits that have been deferred are amortized over the life of the plant investment.

The Registrant Subsidiaries account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Income Taxes.”  The Registrant Subsidiaries classify interest expense or income related to uncertain tax positions as interest expense or income as appropriate and classify penalties as Other Operation.

Excise Taxes

As agents for some state and local governments, the Registrant Subsidiaries collect from customers certain excise taxes levied by those state or local governments on customers.  The Registrant Subsidiaries do not record these taxes as revenue or expense.

 
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Government Grants

For APCo’s commercial scale Carbon Capture and Sequestration facility at the Mountaineer Plant and OPCo’s gridSMART® demonstration program, APCo and OPCo are reimbursed by the Department of Energy for allowable costs incurred during the billing period.  These reimbursements result in the reduction of Other Operation and Maintenance expenses on the statements of income or a reduction in Construction Work in Progress on the balance sheets.

Debt

Gains and losses from the reacquisition of debt used to finance regulated electric utility plants are deferred and amortized over the remaining term of the reacquired debt in accordance with their rate-making treatment unless the debt is refinanced.  If the reacquired debt associated with the regulated business is refinanced, the reacquisition costs attributable to the portions of the business that are subject to cost-based regulatory accounting are generally deferred and amortized over the term of the replacement debt consistent with its recovery in rates.  Some jurisdictions require that these costs be expensed upon reacquisition.  The Registrant Subsidiaries report gains and losses on the reacquisition of debt for operations that are not subject to cost-based rate regulation in Interest Expense.

Debt discount or premium and debt issuance expenses are deferred and amortized generally utilizing the straight-line method over the term of the related debt.  The straight-line method approximates the effective interest method and is consistent with the treatment in rates for regulated operations.  The net amortization expense is included in Interest Expense.

Investments Held in Trust for Future Liabilities

AEP has several trust funds with significant investments intended to provide for future payments of pension and OPEB benefits, nuclear decommissioning and spent nuclear fuel disposal.  All of the trust funds’ investments are diversified and managed in compliance with all laws and regulations.  The investment strategy for trust funds is to use a diversified portfolio of investments to achieve an acceptable rate of return while managing the interest rate sensitivity of the assets relative to the associated liabilities.  To minimize investment risk, the trust funds are broadly diversified among classes of assets, investment strategies and investment managers.  Management regularly reviews the actual asset allocations and periodically rebalances the investments to targeted allocations when appropriate.  Investment policies and guidelines allow investment managers in approved strategies to use financial derivatives to obtain or manage market exposures and to hedge assets and liabilities.  The investments are reported at fair value under the “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” accounting guidance.

Benefit Plans

All benefit plan assets are invested in accordance with each plan’s investment policy.  The investment policy outlines the investment objectives, strategies and target asset allocations by plan.

The investment philosophies for AEP’s benefit plans support the allocation of assets to minimize risks and optimize net returns.  Strategies used include:

·  
Maintaining a long-term investment horizon.
·  
Diversifying assets to help control volatility of returns at acceptable levels.
·  
Managing fees, transaction costs and tax liabilities to maximize investment earnings.
·  
Using active management of investments where appropriate risk/return opportunities exist.
·  
Keeping portfolio structure style-neutral to limit volatility compared to applicable benchmarks.
·  
Using alternative asset classes such as real estate and private equity to maximize return and provide additional portfolio diversification.

 
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The investment policy for the pension fund allocates assets based on the funded status of the pension plan.  The objective of the asset allocation policy is to reduce the investment volatility of the plan over time.  Generally, more of the investment mix will be allocated to fixed income investments as the plan becomes better funded.  Assets will be transferred away from equity investments into fixed income investments based on the market value of plan assets compared to the plan’s projected benefit obligation.  The current target asset allocations are as follows:

Pension Plan Assets
 
Target
Equity
    45.0 %  
Fixed Income
    45.0 %  
Other Investments
    10.0 %  
 
         
OPEB Plans Assets
 
Target
Equity
    66.0 %  
Fixed Income
    33.0 %  
Cash
    1.0 %  

The investment policy for each benefit plan contains various investment limitations.  The investment policies establish concentration limits for securities.  Investment policies prohibit the benefit trust funds from purchasing securities issued by AEP (with the exception of proportionate and immaterial holdings of AEP securities in passive index strategies).  However, the investment policies do not preclude the benefit trust funds from receiving contributions in the form of AEP securities, provided that the AEP securities acquired by each plan may not exceed the limitations imposed by law.  Each investment manager's portfolio is compared to a diversified benchmark index.

For equity investments, the limits are as follows:

·  
No security in excess of 5% of all equities.
·  
Cash equivalents must be less than 10% of an investment manager's equity portfolio.
·  
No individual stock may be more than 10% of each manager's equity portfolio.
·  
No investment in excess of 5% of an outstanding class of any company.
·  
No securities may be bought or sold on margin or other use of leverage.

For fixed income investments, the concentration limits must not exceed:

·  
3% in one issuer
·  
5% private placements
·  
5% convertible securities
·  
60% for bonds rated AA+ or lower
·  
50% for bonds rated A+ or lower
·  
10% for bonds rated BBB- or lower

For obligations of non-government issuers, the following limitations apply:

·  
AAA rated debt: a single issuer should account for no more than 5% of the portfolio.
·  
AA+, AA, AA- rated debt: a single issuer should account for no more than 3% of the portfolio.
·  
Debt rated A+ or lower:  a single issuer should account for no more than 2% of the portfolio.
·  
No more than 10% of the portfolio may be invested in high yield and emerging market debt combined at any time.

A portion of the pension assets is invested in real estate funds to provide diversification, add return and hedge against inflation.  Real estate properties are illiquid, difficult to value and not actively traded.  The pension plan uses external real estate investment managers to invest in commingled funds that hold real estate properties.  To mitigate investment risk in the real estate portfolio, commingled real estate funds are used to ensure that holdings are diversified by region, property type and risk classification.  Real estate holdings include core, value-added and development risk classifications and some investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), which are publicly traded real estate securities classified as Level 1.

 
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A portion of the pension assets is invested in private equity.  Private equity investments add return and provide diversification and typically require a long-term time horizon to evaluate investment performance.  Private equity is classified as an alternative investment because it is illiquid, difficult to value and not actively traded.  The pension plan uses limited partnerships and commingled funds to invest across the private equity investment spectrum.   The private equity holdings are with eleven general partners who help monitor the investments and provide investment selection expertise.  The holdings are currently comprised of venture capital, buyout and hybrid debt and equity investment instruments.  Commingled private equity funds are used to enhance the holdings’ diversity.

AEP participates in a securities lending program with BNY Mellon to provide incremental income on idle assets and to provide income to offset custody fees and other administrative expenses.  AEP lends securities to borrowers approved by BNY Mellon in exchange for cash collateral.  All loans are collateralized by at least 102% of the loaned asset’s market value and the cash collateral is invested.  The difference between the rebate owed to the borrower and the cash collateral rate of return determines the earnings on the loaned security.  The securities lending program’s objective is providing modest incremental income with a limited increase in risk.

Trust owned life insurance (TOLI) underwritten by The Prudential Insurance Company is held in the OPEB plan trusts.  The strategy for holding life insurance contracts in the taxable Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust is to minimize taxes paid on the asset growth in the trust.  Earnings on plan assets are tax-deferred within the TOLI contract and can be tax-free if held until claims are paid.  Life insurance proceeds remain in the trust and are used to fund future retiree medical benefit liabilities.  With consideration to other investments held in the trust, the cash value of the TOLI contracts is invested in two diversified funds.  A portion is invested in a commingled fund with underlying investments in stocks that are actively traded on major international equity exchanges.  The other portion of the TOLI cash value is invested in a diversified, commingled fixed income fund with underlying investments in government bonds, corporate bonds and asset-backed securities.

Cash and cash equivalents are held in each trust to provide liquidity and meet short-term cash needs. Cash equivalent funds are used to provide diversification and preserve principal.  The underlying holdings in the cash funds are investment grade money market instruments including commercial paper, certificates of deposit, treasury bills and other types of investment grade short-term debt securities.  The cash funds are valued each business day and provide daily liquidity.

Nuclear Trust Funds

Nuclear decommissioning and spent nuclear fuel trust funds represent funds that regulatory commissions allow I&M to collect through rates to fund future decommissioning and spent nuclear fuel disposal liabilities.  By rules or orders, the IURC, the MPSC and the FERC established investment limitations and general risk management guidelines.  In general, limitations include:

·  
Acceptable investments (rated investment grade or above when purchased).
·  
Maximum percentage invested in a specific type of investment.
·  
Prohibition of investment in obligations of AEP, I&M or their affiliates.
·  
Withdrawals permitted only for payment of decommissioning costs and trust expenses.

I&M maintains trust funds for each regulatory jurisdiction.  The trust assets may not be used for another jurisdiction’s liabilities.  Regulatory approval is required to withdraw decommissioning funds.  These funds are managed by external investment managers who must comply with the guidelines and rules of the applicable regulatory authorities. The trust assets are invested to optimize the net of tax earnings of the trust giving consideration to liquidity, risk, diversification and other prudent investment objectives.

I&M records securities held in these trust funds in Spent Nuclear Fuel and Decommissioning Trusts on its balance sheets.  I&M records these securities at fair value.  I&M classifies securities in the trust funds as available-for-sale due to their long-term purpose.  Other-than-temporary impairments for investments in both debt and equity securities are considered realized losses as a result of securities being managed by an external investment management firm.  The external investment management firm makes specific investment decisions regarding the equity and debt investments held in these trusts and generally intends to sell debt securities in an unrealized loss position as part of a tax optimization strategy.  Impairments reduce the cost basis of the securities which will affect
 
 
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any future unrealized gain or realized gains or losses due to the adjusted cost of investment.  I&M records unrealized gains and other-than-temporary impairments from securities in these trust funds as adjustments to the regulatory liability account for the nuclear decommissioning trust funds and to regulatory assets or liabilities for the SNF disposal trust funds in accordance with their treatment in rates.  Consequently, changes in fair value of trust assets do not affect earnings or AOCI.  See the “Nuclear Contingencies” section of Note 5 for additional discussion of nuclear matters.  See “Fair Value Measurements of Trust Assets for Decommissioning and SNF Disposal” section of Note 10 for disclosure of the fair value of assets within the trusts.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity (net assets) of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from nonowner sources.  It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.  Comprehensive income (loss) has two components: net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss).

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI)

AOCI is included on the balance sheets in the equity section.  Components of AOCI for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are shown in the following table:

 
 
December 31,
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
(in thousands)
Cash Flow Hedges, Net of Tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
APCo
 
$
 (285)
 
$
 (56)
I&M
 
 
 (15,284)
 
 
 (8,685)
OPCo
 
 
 7,706 
 
 
 10,449 
PSO
 
 
 7,149 
 
 
 8,494 
SWEPCo
 
 
 (15,524)
 
 
 (4,190)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of Pension and OPEB Deferred Costs, Net of Tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
APCo
 
$
 15,521 
 
$
 12,412 
I&M
 
 
 3,088 
 
 
 2,140 
OPCo
 
 
 32,977 
 
 
 22,031 
SWEPCo
 
 
 4,113 
 
 
 3,602 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and OPEB Funded Status, Net of Tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
APCo
 
$
 (73,779)
 
$
 (60,379)
I&M
 
 
 (16,025)
 
 
 (14,344)
OPCo
 
 
 (238,405)
 
 
 (212,635)
SWEPCo
 
 
 (15,404)
 
 
 (11,903)

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

The Registrant Subsidiaries are wholly-owned subsidiaries of AEP.  Therefore, none are required to report EPS.

OPCo Revised Depreciation Rates

Effective December 1, 2011, OPCo revised book depreciation rates for certain of OPCo’s generating plants consistent with shortened depreciable lives for the generating units.  This change in depreciable lives is expected to result in a $54 million increase in depreciation expense in 2012.

 
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2.  NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEM

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Management reviews the new accounting literature to determine its relevance, if any, to the Registrant Subsidiaries’ business.  The following represents a summary of final pronouncements that impact the financial statements.

Pronouncements Adopted in 2011

The following standards were adopted during 2011.  Consequently, the financial statements reflect their impact. The following paragraphs discuss their impact.
 
ASU 2011-05 “Presentation of Comprehensive Income” (ASU 2011-05)

The Registrant Subsidiaries adopted ASU 2011-05 effective for the 2011 Annual Report.  The standard requires other comprehensive income be presented as part of a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in a statement of other comprehensive income immediately following the statement of net income.

This standard requires retrospective application to all reporting periods presented in the financial statements.  This standard changed the presentation of the financial statements but did not affect the calculation of net income or comprehensive income.  The FASB deferred the reclassification adjustment presentation provisions of ASU 2011-05 under the terms in ASU 2011-12, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.”

EXTRAORDINARY ITEM

SWEPCo Texas Restructuring

In August 2006, the PUCT adopted a rule extending the delay in implementation of customer choice in SWEPCo’s SPP area of Texas until no sooner than January 1, 2011.  In May 2009, the governor of Texas signed a bill related to SWEPCo’s SPP area of Texas that requires continued cost of service regulation until certain stages have been completed and approved by the PUCT such that fair competition is available to all Texas retail customer classes.  Based upon the signing of the bill, SWEPCo re-applied “Regulated Operations” accounting guidance for the generation portion of SWEPCo’s Texas retail jurisdiction effective second quarter of 2009.  Management believes that a switch to competition in the SPP area of Texas will not occur.  The reapplication of “Regulated Operations” accounting guidance resulted in an $8 million ($5 million, net of tax) extraordinary loss.

3.  RATE MATTERS

The Registrant Subsidiaries are involved in rate and regulatory proceedings at the FERC and their state commissions.  Rate matters can have a material impact on net income, cash flows and possibly financial condition.  The Registrant Subsidiaries recent significant rate orders and pending rate filings are addressed in this note.

OPCo Rate Matters

Ohio Electric Security Plan Filing

2009 – 2011 ESP

The PUCO issued an order in March 2009 that modified and approved the ESP which established rates at the start of the April 2009 billing cycle through 2011.  OPCo collected the 2009 annualized revenue increase over the last nine months of 2009.  The order also provided a phase-in FAC, which was authorized to be recovered through a non-bypassable surcharge over the period 2012 through 2018 or until securitized.  The net FAC deferral as of December 31, 2011 was $507 million, excluding unrecognized equity carrying costs.  Collection of the FAC began in January 2012.  If OPCo is not ultimately permitted to fully recover its FAC deferral, it would reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.  The PUCO’s March 2009 order was appealed to the Supreme Court of Ohio, which issued an opinion and remanded certain issues back to the PUCO.
 
 
238

 
In October 2011, the PUCO issued an order in the remand proceeding.  The order required OPCo to cease POLR billings and apply POLR collections since June 2011 first to the FAC deferral with any remaining balance to be credited to OPCo’s customers in November and December 2011.  As a result, OPCo recorded a pretax write-off of $47 million on the statement of income related to POLR for the period June 2011 through October 2011.  OPCo ceased collection of POLR billings in November 2011.  The PUCO order also agreed with OPCo’s position that the ESP statute provided a legal basis for reflecting an environmental carrying charge in OPCo’s base generation rates.  In addition, the PUCO rejected the intervenors’ proposed adjustments to the FAC deferral balance for POLR charges and environmental carrying charges for the period from April 2009 through May 2011.  In February 2012, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) and the Industrial Energy Users-Ohio (IEU) filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio challenging various issues, including the PUCO’s refusal to order retrospective relief concerning the POLR charges collected during 2009 – 2011 and various aspects of the approved environmental carrying charge, which if ordered could total up to $698 million, excluding carrying costs.

In January 2011, the PUCO issued an order on the 2009 Significantly Excessive Earnings Test (SEET) filing and determined that 2009 earnings exceeded the PUCO determined threshold by 2.13%.  As a result, the PUCO ordered a $43 million refund of pretax earnings to customers, which was recorded in OPCo’s 2010 statement of income.  The PUCO ordered that the significantly excessive earnings be applied first to the FAC deferral, as of the date of the order, with any remaining balance to be credited to customers on a per kilowatt basis.  That credit began with the first billing cycle in February 2011 and continued through December 2011.  In May 2011, the IEU and the Ohio Energy Group (OEG) filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio challenging the PUCO’s SEET decision.  The OEG’s appeal seeks the inclusion of off-system sales (OSS) in the calculation of SEET, which, if ordered, could require an additional refund of $22 million based on the PUCO approved SEET calculation.  The IEU’s appeal also sought the inclusion of OSS as well as other items in the determination of SEET, but did not quantify the amount.  Management is unable to predict the outcome of the appeals.  If the Supreme Court of Ohio ultimately determines that additional amounts should be refunded, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

In July 2011, OPCo filed its 2010 SEET filing with the PUCO based upon the approach in the PUCO’s 2009 order.  Subsequent testimony and legal briefs from intervenors recommended a refund of up to $62 million of 2010 earnings, which included OSS in the SEET calculation.  In December 2011, the PUCO staff filed testimony that recommended a $23 million refund of 2010 earnings.  In the fourth quarter of 2011, OPCo provided a reserve based upon management’s estimate of the probable amount for a PUCO ordered SEET refund.

OPCo is required to file its 2011 SEET filing with the PUCO in 2012.  Management does not currently believe that there are significantly excessive earnings in 2011.  Management is unable to predict the outcome of the unresolved litigation discussed above.  If these proceedings, including future SEET filings, result in adverse rulings, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

January 2012 – May 2016 ESP

In January 2011, OPCo filed an application with the PUCO to approve a new ESP that includes a standard service offer (SSO) pricing for generation.  The filed ESP also included alternative energy resource requirements and addressed provisions regarding distribution service, energy efficiency requirements, economic development, job retention in Ohio, generation resources and other matters.
 
In December 2011, a modified stipulation was approved by the PUCO which involved various issues pending before the PUCO.  Various parties, including OPCo, filed requests for rehearing with the PUCO.  In February 2012, the PUCO issued an entry on rehearing which rejected the modified stipulation and ordered a return to the 2011 ESP rates until a new rate plan is approved.  Under the February 2012 rehearing order, OPCo has 30 days to notify the PUCO whether it plans to modify or withdraw its original application as filed in January 2011.  Management is currently evaluating its options and the potential financial and operational impacts on OPCo.

 
239

 
2011 Ohio Distribution Base Rate Case
 
In February 2011, OPCo filed with the PUCO for an annual increase in distribution rates of $94 million based upon an 11.15% return on common equity to be effective January 2012.  In December 2011, a stipulation was approved by the PUCO which provided for no change in distribution rates and a new rider for a $15 million annual credit to residential ratepayers due principally to the inclusion of the rate base distribution investment in the Distribution Investment Rider (DIR).  See the “January 2012 – May 2016 ESP” section above.  The stipulation also approved recovery of certain distribution regulatory assets of $173 million as of December 31, 2011, excluding $154 million of unrecognized equity carrying costs.  These assets and unrecognized carrying costs will be recovered in a distribution asset recovery rider over seven years with an additional long term debt carrying charge, effective January 2012.

Due to the February 2012 PUCO ESP entry on rehearing which rejected the modified stipulation for a new ESP, collection of the DIR terminated.  OPCo has the right to withdraw from the stipulation in the distribution base rate case.  Management is currently evaluating all its options.  If OPCo is not ultimately permitted to fully recover its costs and deferrals, it would reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

Sporn Unit 5

In October 2010, OPCo filed an application with the PUCO for the approval of a December 2010 closure of Sporn Unit 5 and the simultaneous establishment of a new non-bypassable distribution rider outside the rate caps established in the 2009 – 2011 ESP proceeding.

In the third quarter of 2011, management decided to no longer offer the output of Sporn Unit 5 into the PJM market.  Sporn Unit 5 is not expected to operate in the future, resulting in the removal of Sporn Unit 5 from the AEP Power Pool.  As a result, in the third quarter of 2011, OPCo recorded a pretax write-off of $48 million in Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges on the statement of income.  In January 2012, the PUCO issued an order which denied recovery of a new non-bypassable distribution rider and declined to exercise jurisdiction over the closure of Sporn Unit 5.

2009 Fuel Adjustment Clause Audit

As required under the ESP orders, the PUCO selected an outside consultant to conduct the audit of the FAC for OPCo for the period of January 2009 through December 2009.  In May 2010, the outside consultant provided its confidential audit report to the PUCO.  The audit report included a recommendation that the PUCO review whether any proceeds from a 2008 coal contract settlement agreement which totaled $72 million should reduce OPCo’s FAC under-recovery balance.  Of the total proceeds, approximately $58 million was recognized as a reduction to fuel expense prior to 2009 and $14 million was recognized as a reduction to fuel expense in 2009 and 2010, of which approximately $7 million was the retail jurisdictional share which reduced the FAC deferral in 2009 and 2010.

In January 2012, the PUCO ordered that the remaining $65 million in proceeds from the 2008 coal contract settlement be applied against OPCo’s under-recovered fuel balance pending a PUCO decision in OPCo's February 2012 rehearing request.  OPCo’s rehearing request stated that no additional gain should be credited to the FAC or at most only the retail share of the $58 million gain be applied to the FAC, which approximated $30 million.  Further, the January 2012 PUCO order stated that a consultant be hired to review the coal reserve valuation and recommend whether any additional value should benefit ratepayers.  Management is unable to predict the outcome of the consultant’s recommendation.  If the PUCO ultimately determines that additional amounts related to the coal reserve valuation should benefit ratepayers, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

 
240

 
2010 Fuel Adjustment Clause Audit

In May 2011, the PUCO-selected outside consultant issued its results of the 2010 FAC audit for OPCo.  The audit report included a recommendation that the PUCO reexamine the carrying costs on the deferred FAC balance and determine whether the carrying costs on the balance should be net of accumulated income taxes.  As of December 31, 2011, the amount of OPCo’s carrying costs that could potentially be at risk is estimated to be $15 million, excluding $17 million of unrecognized equity carrying costs.  A decision from the PUCO is pending.  Management is unable to predict the outcome of this proceeding.  If the PUCO order results in a reduction in the carrying charges related to the FAC deferrals, it would reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

Ormet Interim Arrangement

OPCo and Ormet, a large aluminum company, filed an application with the PUCO for approval of an interim arrangement governing the provision of generation service to Ormet.  This interim arrangement was approved by the PUCO and was effective from January 2009 through September 2009.  In March 2009, the PUCO approved a FAC in the ESP filing and the FAC aspect of the ESP order was upheld by the Supreme Court of Ohio.  The approval of the FAC as part of the ESP, together with the PUCO approval of the interim arrangement, provided the basis to record a regulatory asset for the difference between the approved market price and the rate paid by Ormet.  Through September 2009, the last month of the interim arrangement, OPCo had $64 million of deferred FAC costs related to the interim arrangement, excluding $2 million of unrecognized equity carrying costs.  In November 2009, OPCo requested that the PUCO approve recovery of the deferral under the interim agreement plus a weighted average cost of capital carrying charge.  The interim arrangement deferral is included in OPCo’s FAC phase-in deferral balance.  In the ESP proceeding, intervenors requested that OPCo be required to refund the Ormet-related regulatory asset and requested that the PUCO prevent OPCo from collecting the Ormet-related revenues in the future.  The PUCO did not take any action on this request in the 2009-2011 ESP proceeding.  The intervenors raised the issue again in response to OPCo’s November 2009 filing to approve recovery of the deferral under the interim agreement and this issue remains pending before the PUCO.  If OPCo is not ultimately permitted to fully recover its requested deferrals under the interim arrangement, it would reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

Economic Development Rider

In April 2010, the Industrial Energy Users-Ohio (IEU) filed a notice of appeal of the 2009 PUCO-approved Economic Development Rider (EDR) with the Supreme Court of Ohio.  The EDR collects from ratepayers the difference between the standard tariff and lower contract billings to qualifying industrial customers, subject to PUCO approval.  In June 2011, the Supreme Court of Ohio affirmed the PUCO’s decision and dismissed the IEU’s appeal.

In June 2010, the IEU filed a notice of appeal of the 2010 PUCO-approved EDR with the Supreme Court of Ohio raising the same issues as in the 2009 EDR appeal.  In addition, the IEU added a claim that OPCo should not be able to take the benefits of the higher ESP rates while simultaneously challenging the ESP orders.  In June 2011, the IEU voluntarily dismissed the 2010 EDR appeal issues that were the same issues dismissed by the Supreme Court of Ohio in its 2009 EDR appeal referenced above.  In August 2011, the Supreme Court of Ohio affirmed the PUCO’s decision on the remaining issues.

Ohio IGCC Plant

In March 2005, OPCo filed an application with the PUCO seeking authority to recover costs of building and operating an IGCC power plant.  Through December 31, 2011, OPCo has collected $24 million in pre-construction costs authorized in a June 2006 PUCO order and has incurred pre-construction costs.  Intervenors have filed motions with the PUCO requesting all collected pre-construction costs be refunded to Ohio ratepayers with interest.

Management cannot predict the outcome of any cost recovery litigation concerning the Ohio IGCC plant or what effect, if any, such litigation would have on future net income and cash flows.  However, if OPCo is required to refund pre-construction costs collected, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

 
241

 
SWEPCo Rate Matters

Turk Plant

SWEPCo is currently constructing the Turk Plant, a new base load 600 MW pulverized coal ultra-supercritical generating unit in Arkansas, which is expected to be in service in the fourth quarter of 2012.  SWEPCo owns 73% (440 MW) of the Turk Plant and will operate the completed facility.  The Turk Plant is currently estimated to cost $1.8 billion, excluding AFUDC, plus an additional $122 million for transmission, excluding AFUDC.  SWEPCo’s share is currently estimated to cost $1.3 billion, excluding AFUDC, plus the additional $122 million for transmission, excluding AFUDC.  As of December 31, 2011, excluding costs attributable to its joint owners and a provision for a Texas capital costs cap, SWEPCo has capitalized approximately $1.4 billion of expenditures (including AFUDC and capitalized interest of $220 million and related transmission costs of $104 million).  As of December 31, 2011, the joint owners and SWEPCo have contractual construction obligations of approximately $125 million (including related transmission costs of $8 million).  SWEPCo’s share of the contractual construction commitments is $94 million.

The APSC granted approval for SWEPCo to build the Turk Plant by issuing a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (CECPN) for the 88 MW SWEPCo Arkansas jurisdictional share of the Turk Plant.  Following an appeal by certain intervenors, the Arkansas Supreme Court issued a decision that reversed the APSC’s grant of the CECPN.  SWEPCo filed a notice with the APSC of its intent to proceed with construction of the Turk Plant but that SWEPCo no longer intends to pursue a CECPN to seek recovery of the originally approved 88 MW portion of Turk Plant costs in Arkansas retail rates.

The PUCT issued an order approving a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) for the Turk Plant with the following conditions: (a) a cap on the recovery of jurisdictional capital costs for the Turk Plant based on the previously estimated $1.522 billion projected construction cost, excluding AFUDC and related transmission costs, (b) a cap on recovery of annual CO2 emission costs at $28 per ton through the year 2030 and (c) a requirement to hold Texas ratepayers financially harmless from any adverse impact related to the Turk Plant not being fully subscribed to by other utilities or wholesale customers.  SWEPCo appealed the PUCT’s order contending the two cost cap restrictions are unlawful.  The Texas Industrial Energy Consumers filed an appeal contending that the PUCT’s grant of a conditional CCN for the Turk Plant should be revoked because the Turk Plant is unnecessary to serve retail customers.  In February 2010, the Texas District Court affirmed the PUCT’s order in all respects.  In March 2010, SWEPCo and the Texas Industrial Energy Consumers appealed this decision to the Texas Court of Appeals.  In November 2011, the Texas Court of Appeals affirmed the PUCT’s order in all respects.  As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2011, SWEPCo recorded a pretax write-off of $49 million in Asset Impairment and Other Related Charges on the statement of income related to the estimated excess of the Texas jurisdictional portion of the Turk Plant above the Texas jurisdictional capital costs cap.  In December 2011, SWEPCo and the Texas Industrial Energy Consumers filed motions for rehearing at the Texas Court of Appeals which were denied in January 2012.  SWEPCo intends to seek review of the Texas Court of Appeals decision at the Supreme Court of Texas.

Several parties, including the Hempstead County Hunting Club (Hunting Club), the Sierra Club and the National Audubon Society had challenged the air permit, the wastewater discharge permit and the wetlands permit that were issued for the Turk Plant.  Those parties also sought a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to stop construction of the Turk Plant.  The motion for preliminary injunction was partially granted in 2010.  In 2011, SWEPCo entered into settlement agreements with these parties which resolved all outstanding issues related to the permits and the APSC’s grant of a CECPN.  The parties dismissed all pending permit and CECPN challenges at the APSC, other administrative agencies and the courts.

If SWEPCo cannot recover all of its investment and expenses related to the Turk Plant, it would materially reduce future net income and cash flows and materially impact financial condition.

 
242

 
Texas Turk Plant Rate Plan

In August 2011, SWEPCo requested approval of a plan from the PUCT for including the Turk Plant investment in Texas retail rates.  SWEPCo’s application was dismissed in December 2011.  The PUCT stated that, as a matter of policy, the PUCT would not order a return on CWIP outside of a full base rate case proceeding.    SWEPCo intends to file a full base rate case in 2012 with a proposed rate increase closely aligned with the commercial operation date of the Turk Plant.

Louisiana Fuel Adjustment Clause Audit

Consultants for the LPSC issued their audit report of SWEPCo’s Louisiana retail FAC recommending that the LPSC discontinue SWEPCo’s tiered sharing mechanism related to the off-system sales margins and reduce the FAC.  In April 2011, a settlement agreement was filed with the LPSC which resulted in an immaterial impact for SWEPCo.  The settlement agreement deferred the off-system sales issue to SWEPCo’s formula rate plan (FRP) extension filing, which was filed in January 2012.  In June 2011, the LPSC approved the settlement agreement.

Louisiana 2008 Formula Rate Filing

In April 2008, SWEPCo filed its first formula rate filing under an approved three-year FRP.  SWEPCo requested an increase in its annual Louisiana retail rates of $11 million to be effective in August 2008 in order to earn the approved formula return on common equity of 10.565%.  In August 2008, as provided by the FRP, SWEPCo implemented the FRP rates, subject to refund.  During 2009, SWEPCo recorded a provision for refund of approximately $1 million after reaching a settlement in principle with intervenors.  SWEPCo began refunding customers in August 2010.  In March 2011, the LPSC approved the settlement stipulation.

Louisiana 2009 Formula Rate Filing

In April 2009, SWEPCo filed the second FRP which would increase its annual Louisiana retail rates by an additional $4 million effective in August 2009.  SWEPCo implemented the FRP rate increase as filed in August 2009, subject to refund.  Consultants for the LPSC objected to certain components of SWEPCo’s FRP calculation.  A settlement stipulation was reached by the parties and approved by the LPSC in March 2011.  The settlement stipulation provided for a $2 million refund, which was recorded in 2010 as a provision in Other Current Liabilities on SWEPCo's balance sheets.  The refund to customers, with interest, began in August 2011.

Louisiana 2010 Formula Rate Filing

In April 2010, SWEPCo filed the third FRP which would decrease its annual Louisiana retail rates by $3 million effective in August 2010 pursuant to the approved FRP, subject to refund.  In October 2010 and September 2011, consultants for the LPSC filed testimony objecting to certain components of SWEPCo’s FRP calculations.  Hearings are scheduled for May 2012.  SWEPCo believes the rates as filed are in compliance with the FRP methodology previously approved by the LPSC.  If the LPSC disagrees with SWEPCo, it could result in refunds which could reduce future net income and cash flows.

APCo Rate Matters

2011 Virginia Biennial Base Rate Case

In March 2011, APCo filed a generation and distribution base rate request with the Virginia SCC to increase annual base rates by $126 million based upon an 11.65% return on common equity.  The return on common equity included a requested 0.5% renewable portfolio standards (RPS) incentive as allowed by law.

In November 2011, the Virginia SCC issued an order which approved a $55 million increase in generation and distribution base rates, effective February 2012, and a 10.9% return on common equity, which included a 0.5% RPS incentive.  The $55 million increase included $39 million related to an increase in depreciation rates.

 
243

 
Rate Adjustment Clauses

In 2007, the Virginia law governing the regulation of electric utility service was amended to, among other items, provide for rate adjustment clauses (RACs) beginning in January 2009 for the timely and current recovery of costs of: (a) transmission services billed by an RTO, (b) demand side management and energy efficiency programs, (c) renewable energy programs, (d) environmental compliance projects and (e) new generation facilities, including major unit modifications.  In accordance with Virginia law, APCo is deferring incremental environmental costs incurred after December 2008 and renewable energy costs incurred after December 2007 which are not being recovered in current revenues.  As of December 31, 2011, APCo has deferred $24 million of environmental costs, excluding $6 million of unrecognized equity carrying costs, incurred from January 2009 through December 2010, $18 million of environmental costs, excluding $4 million of unrecognized equity carrying costs, incurred in 2011 and $44 million of renewable energy costs.

In March 2011, APCo filed for approval of an environmental RAC, a renewable energy program RAC and a generation RAC.  The environmental RAC requested recovery of $77 million of incremental environmental compliance costs incurred from January 2009 through December 2010.  The renewable energy program RAC requested recovery of $6 million for the incremental portion of deferred wind power costs for the Camp Grove and Fowler Ridge projects through December 2010.  The generation RAC requested recovery of the Dresden Plant, which was placed into service in January 2012.  With Virginia SCC approval, APCo purchased the Dresden Plant from AEGCo in August 2011 for $302 million. 

In August 2011, a stipulation was filed with the Virginia SCC related to the generation RAC.  The stipulation requested recovery of the Dresden Plant costs totaling up to $27 million annually, effective March 2012.  In January 2012, the Virginia SCC issued an order which modified and approved the stipulation to allow APCo to recover $26 million annually, effective March 2012.
 
In November 2011, the Virginia SCC issued an order which approved recovery of $6 million for the incremental portion of deferred wind power costs for the Camp Grove and Fowler Ridge projects, effective February 2012.  In addition, the order found that APCo can recover the non-incremental deferred wind power costs of $27 million as of December 31, 2011 through the FAC.

Also in November 2011, the Virginia SCC issued an order which approved environmental RAC recovery of $30 million to be collected over one year beginning in February 2012.  The Virginia SCC denied recovery of certain environmental costs.  As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2011, APCo recorded a pretax write-off of $31 million on the statement of income related to environmental compliance costs incurred from January 2009 through December 2010.  In December 2011, APCo filed a notice of appeal with the Supreme Court of Virginia regarding the Virginia SCC’s environmental RAC decision.  If the Virginia SCC were to disallow a portion of APCo’s deferred environmental compliance costs incurred since January 2011, it would reduce future net income and cash flows.

2010 West Virginia Base Rate Case

In May 2010, APCo filed a request with the WVPSC to increase APCo’s annual base rates by $140 million based upon an 11.75% return on common equity.  In March 2011, the WVPSC modified and approved a settlement agreement which increased annual base rates by approximately $46 million based upon a 10% return on common equity, effective April 2011.  The settlement agreement also resulted in a pretax write-off of a portion of the Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage Product Validation Facility in March 2011.  See “Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage Project” section below.  In addition, the WVPSC allowed APCo to defer and amortize $18 million of previously expensed 2009 incremental storm expenses and $14 million of previously expensed costs related to the 2010 cost reduction initiatives, each over a period of seven years.

 
244

 
Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage Project

Product Validation Facility (PVF)

APCo and ALSTOM Power, Inc., an unrelated third party, jointly constructed a CO2 capture validation facility, which was placed into service in September 2009.  APCo also constructed and owns the necessary facilities to store the CO2.  In October 2009, APCo started injecting CO2 into the underground storage facilities.  The injection of CO2 required the recording of an asset retirement obligation and an offsetting regulatory asset.  In May 2011, the PVF ended operations.

In APCo’s May 2010 West Virginia base rate filing, APCo requested rate base treatment of the PVF, including recovery of the related asset retirement obligation regulatory asset amortization and accretion.  In March 2011, a WVPSC order denied the request for rate base treatment of the PVF largely due to its experimental operation.  The base rate order provided that should APCo construct a commercial scale carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) facility, only the West Virginia portion of the PVF costs, based on load sharing among certain AEP operating companies, may be considered used and useful plant in service and included in future rate base.  See “2010 West Virginia Base Rate Case” section above.  In 2011, APCo recorded a net pretax write-off of $14 million in Other Operation expense on the statements of income related to the write-off of a portion of the West Virginia jurisdictional share of the PVF offset by an asset retirement obligation adjustment.  As of December 31, 2011, APCo has recorded $14 million in Regulatory Assets on the balance sheets related to the PVF.  If APCo cannot recover its remaining PVF investment and related accretion expenses, it would reduce future net income and cash flows.

Carbon Capture and Sequestration Project with the Department of Energy (DOE) (Commercial Scale Project)

During 2010, AEPSC, on behalf of APCo, began the project definition stage for the potential construction of a new commercial scale CCS facility at the Mountaineer Plant.  The DOE agreed to fund 50% of allowable costs incurred for the CCS facility up to a maximum of $334 million.  A Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study was completed during the third quarter of 2011.  Management postponed any further CCS project activities because of the uncertainty about the regulation of CO2.  In June 2011, the FEED study costs were allocated among the AEP East companies, PSO and SWEPCo based on eligible plants that could potentially benefit from the carbon capture.  As of December 31, 2011, the project has incurred $34 million in total project costs and has received $20 million of DOE and other eligible funding resulting in $14 million of net costs, of which $8 million was written off.  The remaining $6 million in net costs are recorded in Regulatory Assets on the balance sheets.  APCo’s, I&M’s, and SWEPCo’s portions of remaining net costs are as follows:

Company
 
(in millions)
APCo
 
$
 1.3 
I&M
 
 
 1.7 
SWEPCo
 
 
 2.4 

If the costs of the CCS project cannot be recovered, it would reduce future net income and cash flows.

APCo’s Filings for an IGCC Plant

Through December 31, 2011, APCo deferred for future recovery pre-construction IGCC costs of approximately $9 million applicable to its West Virginia jurisdiction, approximately $2 million applicable to its FERC jurisdiction and approximately $9 million applicable to its Virginia jurisdiction.  APCo will not start construction of the IGCC plant until sufficient assurance of full cost recovery exists in Virginia and West Virginia.  If the plant is cancelled, APCo plans to seek recovery of its prudently incurred deferred pre-construction costs.  If the costs are not recoverable, it would reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

 
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APCo’s 2009 Expanded Net Energy Charge (ENEC) Filing

In September 2009, the WVPSC issued an order approving APCo’s March 2009 ENEC request.  The approved order provided for recovery of an under-recovered balance plus a projected increase in ENEC costs over a four-year phase-in period with an overall increase of $320 million and a first-year increase of $112 million, effective October 2009.

In June 2010, the WVPSC approved a settlement agreement for $86 million, including $9 million of construction surcharges related to APCo’s second year ENEC increase.  The settlement agreement allows APCo to accrue a weighted average cost of capital carrying charge on the excess under-recovery balance due to the ENEC phase-in as adjusted for the impacts of accumulated deferred income taxes.  The new rates became effective in July 2010.

In June 2011, the WVPSC issued an order approving an $88 million annual increase including $7 million of construction surcharges and $7 million of carrying charges related to APCo’s third year ENEC increase.  The order also allows APCo to accrue a fixed annual carrying cost rate of 4%.  The new rates became effective in July 2011.  Additionally, the order approved APCo’s request to purchase the Dresden Plant from AEGCo and approved deferral of post in-service Dresden Plant costs, including a return, for future recovery.  APCo purchased the Dresden Plant from AEGCo in August 2011 for $302 million.  As of December 31, 2011, APCo’s ENEC under-recovery balance of $359 million was recorded in Regulatory Assets on the balance sheet, excluding $7 million of unrecognized equity carrying costs.  If the WVPSC were to disallow a portion of APCo’s deferred ENEC costs, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

WPCo Merger with APCo

In a November 2009 proceeding established by the WVPSC to explore options to meet WPCo's future power supply requirements, the WVPSC issued an order approving a joint stipulation among APCo, WPCo, the WVPSC staff and the Consumer Advocate Division.  The order approved the recommendation of the signatories to the stipulation that WPCo merge into APCo and be supplied from APCo's existing power resources.  Merger approvals from the WVPSC, Virginia SCC and the FERC are required.  In December 2011 and February 2012, APCo filed merger applications with the WVPSC and the FERC, respectively.

PSO Rate Matters

PSO 2008 Fuel and Purchased Power

In July 2009, the OCC initiated a proceeding to review PSO’s fuel and purchased power adjustment clause for the calendar year 2008 and also initiated a prudence review of the related costs.  In March 2010, the Oklahoma Attorney General and the Oklahoma Industrial Energy Consumers (OIEC) recommended the fuel clause adjustment rider be amended so that the shareholder’s portion of off-system sales margins decrease from 25% to 10%.  The OIEC also recommended that the OCC conduct a comprehensive review of all affiliate fuel transactions during 2007 and 2008.  In July 2010, additional testimony regarding the 2007 transfer of ERCOT trading contracts to AEPEP was filed.  The testimony included unquantified refund recommendations relating to re-pricing of those ERCOT trading contracts.  Hearings were held in June 2011.  If the OCC were to issue an unfavorable decision, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

 
246

 
I&M Rate Matters

Michigan 2009 and 2010 Power Supply Cost Recovery (PSCR) Reconciliation (Cook Plant Unit 1 Fire and Shutdown)

In March 2010, I&M filed its 2009 PSCR reconciliation with the MPSC.  The filing included an adjustment to exclude from the PSCR the incremental fuel cost of replacement power due to the Cook Plant Unit 1 (Unit 1) outage from mid-December 2008 through December 2009, the period during which I&M received and recognized accidental outage insurance proceeds.  In October 2010, a settlement agreement was filed with the MPSC which included deferring the Unit 1 outage issue to the 2010 PSCR reconciliation.  In November 2011, the MPSC approved a settlement agreement for the 2010 PSCR reconciliation which resolved the Unit 1 outage issue by ordering no disallowances associated with the Unit 1 outage issue.  See the “Cook Plant Unit 1 Fire and Shutdown” section of Note 5.

2011 Michigan Base Rate Case

In July 2011, I&M filed a request with the MPSC for an annual increase in Michigan base rates of $25 million and a return on common equity of 11.15%.  The request included an increase in depreciation rates that would result in a $6 million increase in annual depreciation expense.  An interim rate increase of $16 million annually was implemented in January 2012, subject to refund.

In February 2012, the MPSC approved a settlement agreement which increased annual base rates by approximately $15 million, effective April 2012, based upon a return on common equity of 10.2% and included a $5 million annual increase in depreciation rates.  The approved settlement agreement also excluded the Michigan jurisdictional share of the net costs of the Cook Plant Unit 1 (Unit 1) turbine replacement from rate base but provided for a return on and of the net cost as a regulatory asset, effective February 2012.  As of December 31, 2011, the Michigan jurisdictional share of the net costs of the Unit 1 turbine replacement was $9 million.  Future rate recovery of the regulatory asset will be reviewed in a future rate proceeding.

2011 Indiana Base Rate Case

In September 2011, I&M filed a request with the IURC for a net annual increase in Indiana base rates of $149 million based upon a return on common equity of 11.15%.  The request included an increase in depreciation rates that would result in a $25 million increase in annual depreciation expense.

FERC Rate Matters

Seams Elimination Cost Allocation (SECA) Revenue Subject to Refund – Affecting APCo, I&M and OPCo

In 2004, AEP eliminated transaction-based through-and-out transmission service charges and collected, at the FERC’s direction, load-based charges, referred to as RTO SECA through March 2006.  Intervenors objected and the FERC set SECA rate issues for hearing and ordered that the SECA rate revenues be collected, subject to refund.  The AEP East companies recognized gross SECA revenues of $220 million.  APCo’s, I&M’s and OPCo’s portions of recognized gross SECA revenues are as follows:

Company
 
(in millions)
APCo
 
$
 70.2 
I&M
 
 
 41.3 
OPCo
 
 
 92.1 

In 2006, a FERC Administrative Law Judge issued an initial decision finding that the SECA rates charged were unfair, unjust and discriminatory and that new compliance filings and refunds should be made.

 
247

 
AEP filed briefs jointly with other affected companies asking the FERC to reverse the decision.  In May 2010, the FERC issued an order that generally supported AEP’s position and required a compliance filing to be filed with the FERC by August 2010.

The AEP East companies provided reserves for net refunds for SECA settlements totaling $44 million applicable to the $220 million of SECA revenues collected.  APCo’s, I&M’s and OPCo’s portions of the provision are as follows:

Company
 
(in millions)
APCo
 
$
 14.1 
I&M
 
 
 8.3 
OPCo
 
 
 18.5 

Settlements approved by the FERC consumed $10 million of the reserve for refunds applicable to $112 million of SECA revenue.  In December 2010, the FERC issued an order approving a settlement agreement resulting in the collection of $2 million of previously deemed uncollectible SECA revenue.  Therefore, the AEP East companies reduced their reserves for net refunds for SECA settlements by $2 million.  The balance in the reserve for future settlements as of December 31, 2011 was $32 million.  APCo’s, I&M’s and OPCo’s reserve balances as of December 31, 2011 were:

Company
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
(in millions)
APCo
 
$
 10.0 
I&M
 
 
 5.9 
OPCo
 
 
 13.2 

In August 2010, the affected companies, including the AEP East companies, filed a compliance filing with the FERC.  If the compliance filing is accepted, the AEP East companies would have to pay refunds of approximately $20 million including estimated interest of $5 million.  The AEP East companies could also potentially receive payments up to approximately $10 million including estimated interest of $3 million.  A decision is pending from the FERC.  APCo’s, I&M’s and OPCo’s portions of potential refund payments and potential payments to be received are as follows:

 
 
Potential
 
Potential
 
 
Refund
 
Payments to
Company
 
Payments
 
be Received
 
 
(in millions)
APCo
 
$
 6.4 
 
$
 3.2 
I&M
 
 
 3.7 
 
 
 1.9 
OPCo
 
 
 8.3 
 
 
 4.2 

Based on the analysis of the May 2010 order and the compliance filing, management believes that the reserve is adequate to pay the refunds, including interest, that will be required should the compliance filing be made final.  Management cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this proceeding at the FERC which could impact future net income and cash flows.

Possible Termination of the Interconnection Agreement – Affecting APCo, I&M and OPCo

In December 2010, each of the AEP Power Pool members gave notice to AEPSC and each other of their decision to terminate the Interconnection Agreement effective January 2014 or such other date approved by FERC, subject to state regulatory input.  In February 2012, an application was filed with the FERC proposing to establish a new power cost sharing agreement between APCo, I&M and KPCo.  If any of the AEP Power Pool members experience decreases in revenues or increases in costs as a result of the termination of the AEP Power Pool and are unable to recover the change in revenues and costs through rates, prices or additional sales, it could reduce future net income and cash flows.  As a result of the February 2012 ESP rehearing order, management is in the process of withdrawing the PUCO and FERC applications.  See “January 2012 – May 2016 ESP” section of the OPCo rate matters.

 
248

 
PJM/MISO Market Flow Calculation Settlement Adjustments - Affecting APCo, I&M and OPCo

During 2009, an analysis conducted by MISO and PJM discovered several instances of unaccounted for power flows on numerous coordinated flowgates.  These flows affected the settlement data for congestion revenues and expenses and dated back to the start of the MISO market in 2005.  In January 2011, PJM and MISO reached a settlement agreement where the parties agreed to net various issues to zero.  In June 2011, the FERC approved the settlement agreement. 

Modification of the Transmission Coordination Agreement (TCA) – Affecting PSO and SWEPCo

PSO, SWEPCo and TNC are parties to the TCA, originally dated January 1, 1997, as amended.  The TCA provides for the allocation among the parties of revenues collected for transmission and ancillary services provided under the Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT).

In April 2011, the FERC accepted proposed revisions to the TCA.  Under this amendment, TNC was removed from the TCA.  In addition, the amended TCA provides for the allocation of SPP OATT revenues between PSO and SWEPCo based on the SPP formula rate revenue requirements for transmission investment and related expenses of each company.  The amended TCA was effective May 1, 2011.

 
249

 
4.  EFFECTS OF REGULATION

Regulatory assets and liabilities are comprised of the following items:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remaining
 
 
 
Remaining
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Recovery
 
December 31,
 
Recovery
Regulatory Assets:
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
Period
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
Period
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Current Regulatory Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Under-recovered Fuel Costs - earns a return
 
$
 41,105 
 
$
 18,300 
 
1 year
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
 
Under-recovered Fuel Costs - does not earn a return
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 8,876 
 
 
 8,467 
 
1 year
Total Current Regulatory Assets
 
$
 41,105 
 
$
 18,300 
 
 
 
$
 8,876 
 
$
 8,467 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent Regulatory Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory assets not yet being recovered pending
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
future proceedings to determine the recovery
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
method and timing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets Currently Not Earning a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Wind Power Costs
 
$
 38,192 
 
$
 28,584 
 
 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Virginia Environmental Rate Adjustment Clause
 
 
 17,950 
 
 
 55,724 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product Validation Facility
 
 
 14,155 
 
 
 59,866 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Special Rate Mechanism for Century Aluminum
 
 
 12,811 
 
 
 12,628 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Transmission Agreement Phase-In
 
 
 1,925 
 
 
 288 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Scale Facility
 
 
 1,335 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 1,680 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Litigation Settlement
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 10,803 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Storm Related Costs
 
 
 - 
 
 
 25,225 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Assets Not Yet Being Recovered
 
 
 1,010 
 
 
 316 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
Total Regulatory Assets Not Yet Being Recovered
 
 
 87,378 
 
 
 182,631 
 
 
 
 
 12,483 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory assets being recovered:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets Currently Earning a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expanded Net Energy Charge
 
 
 326,766 
 
 
 361,314 
 
2 years
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Storm Related Costs
 
 
 25,225 
 
 
 - 
 
7 years
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Unamortized Loss on Reacquired Debt
 
 
 13,592 
 
 
 12,679 
 
31 years
 
 
 17,355 
 
 
 18,507 
 
21 years
 
 
 
RTO Formation/Integration Costs
 
 
 5,194 
 
 
 5,952 
 
8 years
 
 
 3,858 
 
 
 4,437 
 
8 years
 
 
 
Customer Choice Implementation Costs
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 4,680 
 
 
 6,767 
 
2 years
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Assets Being Recovered
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,103 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets Currently Not Earning a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Taxes, Net
 
 
 512,025 
 
 
 523,009 
 
30 years
 
 
 188,749 
 
 
 159,453 
 
37 years
 
 
 
Pension and OPEB Funded Status
 
 
 362,322 
 
 
 335,105 
 
13 years
 
 
 291,392 
 
 
 268,080 
 
13 years
 
 
 
Expanded Net Energy Charge
 
 
 31,979 
 
 
 - 
 
6 years
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Virginia Environmental Rate Adjustment Clause
 
 
 23,844 
 
 
 - 
 
2 years
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Postemployment Benefits
 
 
 22,645 
 
 
 25,484 
 
4 years
 
 
 9,137 
 
 
 8,968 
 
4 years
 
 
 
Virginia Transmission Rate Adjustment Clause
 
 
 19,553 
 
 
 19,271 
 
2 years
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Storm Related Costs
 
 
 16,324 
 
 
 - 
 
7 years
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Restructuring Costs
 
 
 12,537 
 
 
 - 
 
7 years
 
 
 4,952 
 
 
 6,217 
 
4 years
 
 
 
Asset Retirement Obligation
 
 
 10,524 
 
 
 12,560 
 
6 years
 
 
 3,396 
 
 
 2,700 
 
9 years
 
 
 
Deferred Wind Power Costs
 
 
 6,284 
 
 
 - 
 
2 years
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Virginia Environmental and Reliability Costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recovery
 
 
 3,838 
 
 
 4,421 
 
2 years
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Cook Nuclear Plant Refueling Outage Levelization
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 40,551 
 
 
 53,795 
 
2 years
 
 
 
Deferred PJM Fees
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 21,746 
 
 
 7,078 
 
1 year
 
 
 
River Transportation Division Expenses
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 1,899 
 
 
 339 
 
1 year
 
 
 
West Virginia Reliability Expense
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,158 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Off-system Sales Margin Sharing
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 13,091 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Assets Being Recovered
 
 
 1,163 
 
 
 1,041 
 
various
 
 
 2,781 
 
 
 5,719 
 
various
Total Regulatory Assets Being Recovered
 
 
 1,393,815 
 
 
 1,303,994 
 
 
 
 
 590,496 
 
 
 556,254 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Noncurrent Regulatory Assets
 
$
 1,481,193 
 
$
 1,486,625 
 
 
 
$
 602,979 
 
$
 556,254 
 
 

 
250

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remaining
 
 
 
Remaining
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Refund
 
December 31,
 
Refund
Regulatory Liabilities:
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
Period
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
Period
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Current Regulatory Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Over-recovered Fuel Costs - pays a return
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
 
 
$
 25 
 
$
 1 
 
1 year
Total Current Regulatory Liabilities
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
 
 
$
 25 
 
$
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory liabilities not yet being paid:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities Currently Paying a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Liabilities Not Yet Being Paid
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
 
 
$
 318 
 
$
 - 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities Currently Not Paying a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Liabilities Not Yet Being Paid
 
 
 327 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 136 
 
 
 147 
 
 
Total Regulatory Liabilities Not Yet Being Paid
 
 
 327 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 454 
 
 
 147 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory liabilities being paid:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities Currently Paying a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset Removal Costs
 
 
 526,885 
 
 
 500,667 
 
(a)
 
 
 362,134 
 
 
 357,493 
 
(a)
 
 
 
Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 3,231 
 
 
 5,097 
 
9 years
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities Currently Not Paying a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred State Income Tax Coal Credits
 
 
 28,727 
 
 
 28,900 
 
10 years
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized Gain on Forward Commitments
 
 
 15,597 
 
 
 25,799 
 
5 years
 
 
 21,785 
 
 
 28,045 
 
5 years
 
 
 
Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 1,214 
 
 
 1,918 
 
9 years
 
 
 52,633 
 
 
 55,416 
 
75 years
 
 
 
Energy Efficiency/Peak Demand Reduction
 
 
 811 
 
 
 - 
 
1 year
 
 
 11,078 
 
 
 1,287 
 
1 year
 
 
 
Excess Asset Retirement Obligations for Nuclear
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Decommissioning Liability
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 377,162 
 
 
 353,689 
 
(b)
 
 
 
Spent Nuclear Fuel Liability
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 42,603 
 
 
 41,932 
 
(b)
 
 
 
Off-system Sales Margin Sharing
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 5,892 
 
 
 - 
 
1 year
 
 
 
Indiana Clean Coal Technology Rider Liability
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 1,242 
 
 
 2,494 
 
1 year
 
 
 
Over-recovery of PJM Expenses
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 11,671 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Liabilities Being Paid
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 219 
 
 
 23 
 
various
Total Regulatory Liabilities Being Paid
 
 
 576,465 
 
 
 562,381 
 
 
 
 
 874,748 
 
 
 852,050 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
$
 576,792 
 
$
 562,381 
 
 
 
$
 875,202 
 
$
 852,197 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
 
Relieved as removal costs are incurred.
(b)
 
Relieved when plant is decommissioned.

 
251

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remaining
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Recovery
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
Period
Regulatory Assets:
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent Regulatory Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory assets not yet being recovered pending future
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
proceedings to determine the recovery method and timing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets Currently Earning a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Economic Development Rider
 
$
 12,572 
 
$
 6,114 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer Choice Deferrals
 
 
 - 
 
 
 58,857 
 
 
 
 
 
Line Extension Carrying Costs
 
 
 - 
 
 
 54,955 
 
 
 
 
 
Storm Related Costs
 
 
 - 
 
 
 30,143 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisition of Monongahela Power
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,929 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Assets Not Yet Being Recovered
 
 
 - 
 
 
 678 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets Currently Not Earning a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Storm Related Costs
 
 
 8,375 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisition of Monongahela Power
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,052 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Assets Not Yet Being Recovered
 
 
 - 
 
 
 101 
 
 
Total Regulatory Assets Not Yet Being Recovered
 
 
 20,947 
 
 
 162,829 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory assets being recovered:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets Currently Earning a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel Adjustment Clause
 
 
 506,607 
 
 
 475,835 
 
7 years
 
 
 
Distribution Asset Recovery Rider
 
 
 173,274 
 
 
 - 
 
7 years
 
 
 
Transmission Cost Recovery Rider
 
 
 28,404 
 
 
 383 
 
2 years
 
 
 
Unamortized Loss on Reacquired Debt
 
 
 14,552 
 
 
 15,889 
 
27 years
 
 
 
Economic Development Rider
 
 
 11,738 
 
 
 1,406 
 
1 year
 
 
 
RTO Formation/Integration Costs
 
 
 7,836 
 
 
 8,967 
 
8 years
 
 
 
Acquisition of Monongahela Power
 
 
 - 
 
 
 504 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets Currently Not Earning a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and OPEB Funded Status
 
 
 389,712 
 
 
 363,831 
 
13 years
 
 
 
Income Taxes, Net
 
 
 190,981 
 
 
 182,286 
 
20 years
 
 
 
Unrealized Loss on Forward Commitments
 
 
 9,930 
 
 
 5,788 
 
1 year
 
 
 
Postemployment Benefits
 
 
 8,669 
 
 
 8,806 
 
4 years
 
 
 
Enhanced Service Reliability Plan
 
 
 4,454 
 
 
 3,377 
 
1 year
 
 
 
Deferred Contribution Expense
 
 
 3,400 
 
 
 - 
 
4 years
 
 
 
Energy Efficiency/Peak Demand Reduction
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,221 
 
 
Total Regulatory Assets Being Recovered
 
 
 1,349,557 
 
 
 1,069,293 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Noncurrent Regulatory Assets
 
$
 1,370,504 
 
$
 1,232,122 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
252

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remaining
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Refund
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
Period
Regulatory Liabilities:
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities and Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory liabilities not yet being paid:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities Currently Paying a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IGCC Preconstruction Costs
 
$
 4,196 
 
$
 - 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities Currently Not Paying a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Over-recovery of Costs Related to gridSMART®
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,182 
 
 
 
 
 
Low Income Customers/Economic Recovery
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,420 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Liabilities Not Yet Being Paid
 
 
 216 
 
 
 3,166 
 
 
Total Regulatory Liabilities Not Yet Being Paid
 
 
 4,412 
 
 
 12,768 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory liabilities being paid:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities Currently Paying a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset Removal Costs
 
 
 251,100 
 
 
 256,546 
 
(a)
 
 
 
Economic Development Rider
 
 
 2,428 
 
 
 336 
 
1 year
 
 
 
Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 549 
 
 
 1,085 
 
8 years
 
 
 
Transmission Cost Recovery Rider
 
 
 542 
 
 
 2,419 
 
1 year
 
Regulatory Liabilities Currently Not Paying a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy Efficiency/Peak Demand Reduction
 
 
 19,124 
 
 
 2,245 
 
3 years
 
 
 
Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 12,944 
 
 
 14,787 
 
13 years
 
 
 
Over-recovery of Costs Related to gridSMART®
 
 
 7,504 
 
 
 - 
 
2 years
 
 
 
Low Income Customers/Economic Recovery
 
 
 2,521 
 
 
 - 
 
5 years
 
 
 
Unrealized Gain on Forward Commitments
 
 
 - 
 
 
 105 
 
 
Total Regulatory Liabilities Being Paid
 
 
 296,712 
 
 
 277,523 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities and Deferred Investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax Credits
 
$
 301,124 
 
$
 290,291 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
 
Relieved as removal costs are incurred.

 
253

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remaining
 
 
 
Remaining
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Recovery
 
December 31,
 
Recovery
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
Period
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
Period
Regulatory Assets:
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Regulatory Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Under-recovered Fuel Costs - earns a return
 
$
 4,313 
 
$
 37,262 
 
1 year
 
$
 10,843 
 
$
 758 
 
1 year
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent Regulatory Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory assets not yet being recovered pending
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
future proceedings to determine the recovery
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
method and timing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets Currently Not Earning a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Scale Facility
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
 
 
$
 2,380 
 
$
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Storm Related Costs
 
 
 - 
 
 
 17,256 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,239 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Assets Not Yet Being Recovered
 
 
 - 
 
 
 574 
 
 
 
 
 1,699 
 
 
 613 
 
 
Total Regulatory Assets Not Yet Being Recovered
 
 
 - 
 
 
 17,830 
 
 
 
 
 4,079 
 
 
 1,852 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory assets being recovered:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets Currently Earning a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Storm Related Costs
 
 
 38,659 
 
 
 38,499 
 
2 years
 
 
 965 
 
 
 - 
 
2 years
 
 
 
Unamortized Loss on Reacquired Debt
 
 
 12,538 
 
 
 8,277 
 
21 years
 
 
 10,768 
 
 
 12,422 
 
32 years
 
 
 
Red Rock Generating Facility
 
 
 10,180 
 
 
 10,406 
 
45 years
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisition of Valley Electric Membership
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporation (VEMCO)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 8,789 
 
 
 6,500 
 
4 years
 
Regulatory Assets Currently Not Earning a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and OPEB Funded Status
 
 
 178,295 
 
 
 166,333 
 
13 years
 
 
 176,587 
 
 
 163,870 
 
13 years
 
 
 
Vegetation Management
 
 
 11,196 
 
 
 13,303 
 
1 year
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferral of Major Generation Overhauls
 
 
 6,133 
 
 
 4,083 
 
6 years
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy Efficiency/Peak Demand Reduction
 
 
 4,394 
 
 
 3,705 
 
1 year
 
 
 1,284 
 
 
 495 
 
1 year
 
 
 
Income Taxes, Net
 
 
 2,923 
 
 
 691 
 
33 years
 
 
 178,826 
 
 
 132,118 
 
28 years
 
 
 
Unrealized Loss on Forward Commitments
 
 
 1,706 
 
 
 285 
 
2 years
 
 
 4,684 
 
 
 2,975 
 
2 years
 
 
 
Rate Case Expense
 
 
 216 
 
 
 - 
 
2 years
 
 
 3,602 
 
 
 4,606 
 
2 years
 
 
 
Storm Related Costs
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 2,556 
 
 
 4,800 
 
2 years
 
 
 
Dolet Hills Deferred Fuel
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 1,886 
 
 
 2,725 
 
3 years
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Assets Being Recovered
 
 
 305 
 
 
 133 
 
various
 
 
 250 
 
 
 335 
 
various
Total Regulatory Assets Being Recovered
 
 
 266,545 
 
 
 245,715 
 
 
 
 
 390,197 
 
 
 330,846 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Noncurrent Regulatory Assets
 
$
 266,545 
 
$
 263,545 
 
 
 
$
 394,276 
 
$
 332,698 
 
 

 
254

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remaining
 
 
 
Remaining
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Refund
 
December 31,
 
Refund
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
Period
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
Period
Regulatory Liabilities:
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Regulatory Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Over-recovered Fuel Costs - pays a return
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
 
 
$
 5,032 
 
$
 16,432 
 
1 year
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory liabilities not yet being paid:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities Currently Paying a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Refundable Construction Financing Costs
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
 
 
$
 52,594 
 
$
 20,139 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities Currently Not Paying a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Over-recovery of Costs Related to gridSMART®
 
 
 4,232 
 
 
 3,806 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Storm Related Costs
 
 
 2,248 
 
 
 3,493 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Liabilities Not Yet Being Paid
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 806 
 
 
 806 
 
 
Total Regulatory Liabilities Not Yet Being Paid
 
 
 6,480 
 
 
 7,299 
 
 
 
 
 53,400 
 
 
 20,945 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory liabilities being paid:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities Currently Paying a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset Removal Costs
 
 
 280,491 
 
 
 284,230 
 
(a)
 
 
 353,067 
 
 
 346,402 
 
(a)
 
 
 
Excess Earnings
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 3,047 
 
 
 3,119 
 
42 years
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Liabilities Being Paid
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 1,305 
 
 
 1,667 
 
various
 
Regulatory Liabilities Currently Not Paying a Return
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 40,310 
 
 
 41,166 
 
37 years
 
 
 13,318 
 
 
 13,868 
 
27 years
 
 
 
Energy Efficiency/Peak Demand Reduction
 
 
 6,444 
 
 
 4,266 
 
1 year
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Vegetation Management
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 
 3,158 
 
 
 5,672 
 
1 year
 
 
 
Other Regulatory Liabilities Being Paid
 
 
 1,087 
 
 
 - 
 
various
 
 
 1,276 
 
 
 2,000 
 
various
Total Regulatory Liabilities Being Paid
 
 
 328,332 
 
 
 329,662 
 
 
 
 
 375,171 
 
 
 372,728 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
$
 334,812 
 
$
 336,961 
 
 
 
$
 428,571 
 
$
 393,673 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
 
Relieved as removal costs are incurred.

 
255

 
5.  COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES

The Registrant Subsidiaries are subject to certain claims and legal actions arising in their ordinary course of business.  In addition, their business activities are subject to extensive governmental regulation related to public health and the environment.  The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation cannot be predicted.  For current proceedings not specifically discussed below, management does not anticipate that the liabilities, if any, arising from such proceedings would have a material adverse effect on the financial statements.

COMMITMENTS

Construction and Commitments – Affecting APCo,  I&M, OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo

The Registrant Subsidiaries have substantial construction commitments to support their operations and environmental investments.  In managing the overall construction program and in the normal course of business, the Registrant Subsidiaries contractually commit to third-party construction vendors for certain material purchases and other construction services.  The following table shows the forecasted construction expenditures, excluding equity AFUDC and capitalized interest, by Registrant Subsidiary for 2012:

 
 
Forecasted
 
 
 
Construction
 
Company
 
Expenditures
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
APCo
 
$
 449 
 
I&M
 
 
 468 
 
OPCo
 
 
 569 
 
PSO
 
 
 204 
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 475 
 

The Registrant Subsidiaries also purchase fuel, materials, supplies, services and property, plant and equipment under contract as part of their normal course of business.  Certain supply contracts contain penalty provisions for early termination.

The following tables summarize the Registrant Subsidiaries’ actual contractual commitments at December 31, 2011:

 
 
 
Less Than 1
 
 
 
 
 
After
 
 
 
Contractual Commitments - APCo
 
year
 
2-3 years
 
4-5 years
 
5 years
 
Total
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Fuel Purchase Contracts (a)
 
$
 702,667 
 
$
 884,784 
 
$
 444,453 
 
$
 233,099 
 
$
 2,265,003 
 
Energy and Capacity Purchase Contracts (b)
 
 
 14,154 
 
 
 26,779 
 
 
 27,508 
 
 
 172,766 
 
 
 241,207 
 
Construction Contracts for Capital Assets (c)
 
 
 3,891 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,891 
 
Total
 
$
 720,712 
 
$
 911,563 
 
$
 471,961 
 
$
 405,865 
 
$
 2,510,101 

 
 
 
Less Than 1
 
 
 
 
 
After
 
 
 
Contractual Commitments - I&M
 
year
 
2-3 years
 
4-5 years
 
5 years
 
Total
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Fuel Purchase Contracts (a)
 
$
 331,673 
 
$
 427,890 
 
$
 276,480 
 
$
 45,700 
 
$
 1,081,743 
 
Energy and Capacity Purchase Contracts (b)
 
 
 1,068 
 
 
 612 
 
 
 326 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,006 
 
Construction Contracts for Capital Assets (c)
 
 
 1,217 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,217 
 
Total
 
$
 333,958 
 
$
 428,502 
 
$
 276,806 
 
$
 45,700 
 
$
 1,084,966 

 
 
 
Less Than 1
 
 
 
 
 
After
 
 
 
Contractual Commitments - OPCo
 
year
 
2-3 years
 
4-5 years
 
5 years
 
Total
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Fuel Purchase Contracts (a)
 
$
 1,210,682 
 
$
 2,120,731 
 
$
 1,716,511 
 
$
 2,732,577 
 
$
 7,780,501 
 
Energy and Capacity Purchase Contracts (b)
 
 
 12,745 
 
 
 6,676 
 
 
 6,017 
 
 
 35,845 
 
 
 61,283 
 
Construction Contracts for Capital Assets (c)
 
 
 11,509 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 11,509 
 
Total
 
$
 1,234,936 
 
$
 2,127,407 
 
$
 1,722,528 
 
$
 2,768,422 
 
$
 7,853,293 

 
256

 
 
 
 
Less Than 1
 
 
 
 
 
After
 
 
 
Contractual Commitments - PSO
 
year
 
2-3 years
 
4-5 years
 
5 years
 
Total
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Fuel Purchase Contracts (a)
 
$
 180,454 
 
$
 137,450 
 
$
 82,450 
 
$
 41,225 
 
$
 441,579 
 
Energy and Capacity Purchase Contracts (b)
 
 
 55,550 
 
 
 139,468 
 
 
 143,326 
 
 
 593,040 
 
 
 931,384 
 
Construction Contracts for Capital Assets (c)
 
 
 1,272 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,272 
 
Total
 
$
 237,276 
 
$
 276,918 
 
$
 225,776 
 
$
 634,265 
 
$
 1,374,235 

 
 
 
Less Than 1
 
 
 
 
 
After
 
 
 
Contractual Commitments - SWEPCo
 
year
 
2-3 years
 
4-5 years
 
5 years
 
Total
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Fuel Purchase Contracts (a)
 
$
 260,709 
 
$
 269,631 
 
$
 50,567 
 
$
 54,930 
 
$
 635,837 
 
Energy and Capacity Purchase Contracts (b)
 
 
 19,349 
 
 
 39,169 
 
 
 39,946 
 
 
 264,706 
 
 
 363,170 
 
Construction Contracts for Capital Assets (c)
 
 
 10,712 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,712 
 
Total
 
$
 290,770 
 
$
 308,800 
 
$
 90,513 
 
$
 319,636 
 
$
 1,009,719 

 
(a)
Represents contractual commitments to purchase coal, natural gas, uranium and other consumables as fuel for electric generation along with related transportation of the fuel.
 
(b)
Represents contractual commitments for energy and capacity purchase contracts.
 
(c)
Represents only capital assets for which there are signed contracts.  Actual payments are dependent upon and may vary significantly based upon the decision to build, regulatory approval schedules, timing and escalation of projects costs.

GUARANTEES

Liabilities for guarantees are recorded in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Guarantees.”  There is no collateral held in relation to any guarantees.  In the event any guarantee is drawn, there is no recourse to third parties unless specified below.

Letters of Credit – Affecting APCo, I&M, OPCo and SWEPCo

Certain Registrant Subsidiaries enter into standby letters of credit with third parties.  These letters of credit are issued in the ordinary course of business and cover items such as insurance programs, security deposits and debt service reserves.

AEP has credit facilities totaling $3.25 billion, under which up to $1.35 billion may be issued as letters of credit.  In July 2011, AEP replaced the $1.5 billion facility due in 2012 with a new $1.75 billion facility maturing in July 2016 and extended the $1.5 billion facility due in 2013 to expire in June 2015.  As of December 31, 2011, the maximum future payments of the letters of credit were as follows:

Company
 
Amount
 
Maturity
(in thousands)
I&M
 
$
 150 
 
March 2012
SWEPCo
 
 
 4,448 
 
March 2012

In March 2011, the Registrant Subsidiaries and certain other companies in the AEP System terminated a $478 million credit agreement that was scheduled to mature in April 2011 and was used to support $472 million of variable rate Pollution Control Bonds. In March 2011, certain of these variable rate Pollution Control bonds were remarketed and supported by bilateral letters of credit for $361 million while others were reacquired and are being held in trust as follows:

 
 
 
 
 
 
Reacquired
 
 
Bilateral
 
 
Maturity of
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Held
 
 
Letters of
 
 
Bilateral Letters
Company
 
Remarketed
 
 
in Trust
 
 
Credit
 
 
of Credit
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
APCo
 
$
 229,650 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 232,293 
 
 
March 2013 to March 2014
I&M
 
 
 77,000 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 77,886 
 
 
March 2013
OPCo
 
 
 50,000 
 
 
 115,000 
 
 
 50,575 
 
 
March 2013

 
257

 
Guarantees of Third-Party Obligations – Affecting SWEPCo

As part of the process to receive a renewal of a Texas Railroad Commission permit for lignite mining, SWEPCo provides guarantees of mine reclamation.  In July 2011, SWEPCo’s guarantee was increased from $65 million to $100 million due to expansion of the mining area.  Since SWEPCo uses self-bonding, the guarantee provides for SWEPCo to commit to use its resources to complete the reclamation in the event the work is not completed by Sabine.  This guarantee ends upon depletion of reserves and completion of final reclamation.  Based on the latest study, it is estimated the reserves will be depleted in 2036 with final reclamation completed by 2046 at an estimated cost of approximately $58 million.  As of December 31, 2011, SWEPCo has collected approximately $54 million through a rider for final mine closure and reclamation costs, of which $2 million is recorded in Other Current Liabilities, $22 million is recorded in Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities and $30 million is recorded in Asset Retirement Obligations on SWEPCo’s balance sheets.

Sabine charges SWEPCo, its only customer, all of its costs.  SWEPCo passes these costs to customers through its fuel clause.

Indemnifications and Other Guarantees – Affecting APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo

Contracts

The Registrant Subsidiaries enter into certain types of contracts which require indemnifications.  Typically these contracts include, but are not limited to, sale agreements, lease agreements, purchase agreements and financing agreements.  Generally, these agreements may include, but are not limited to, indemnifications around certain tax, contractual and environmental matters.  With respect to sale agreements, exposure generally does not exceed the sale price.  As of December 31, 2011, there were no material liabilities recorded for any indemnifications.

APCo, I&M and OPCo are jointly and severally liable for activity conducted by AEPSC on behalf of the AEP East companies related to purchase power and sale activity pursuant to the SIA.  PSO and SWEPCo are jointly and severally liable for activity conducted by AEPSC on behalf of PSO and SWEPCo related to purchase power and sale activity pursuant to the SIA.

Lease Obligations

Certain Registrant Subsidiaries lease certain equipment under master lease agreements.  See “Master Lease Agreements” and “Railcar Lease” sections of Note 12 for disclosure of lease residual value guarantees.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTINGENCIES

Carbon Dioxide Public Nuisance Claims – Affecting APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo

In 2004, eight states and the City of New York filed an action in Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York against AEP, AEPSC, Cinergy Corp, Xcel Energy, Southern Company and Tennessee Valley Authority.  The Natural Resources Defense Council, on behalf of three special interest groups, filed a similar complaint against the same defendants.  The actions allege that CO2 emissions from the defendants’ power plants constitute a public nuisance under federal common law due to impacts of global warming and sought injunctive relief in the form of specific emission reduction commitments from the defendants.  The trial court dismissed the lawsuits.

In September 2009, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling on appeal remanding the cases to the Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York.  The Second Circuit held that the issues of climate change and global warming do not raise political questions and that Congress’ refusal to regulate CO2 emissions does not mean that plaintiffs must wait for an initial policy determination by Congress or the President’s administration to secure the relief sought in their complaints.  In 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the defendants’ petition for review.  In June 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed and remanded the case to the Court of Appeals, finding that plaintiffs’ federal common law claims are displaced by the regulatory authority granted to the Federal EPA under the CAA.  After the remand, the plaintiffs asked the Second Circuit to return the case to the district court so that they could withdraw their complaints.  The cases were returned to the district court and the plaintiffs’ federal common law claims were dismissed in December 2011.

 
258

 
In October 2009, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a decision by the Federal District Court for the District of Mississippi dismissing state common law nuisance claims in a putative class action by Mississippi residents asserting that CO2 emissions exacerbated the effects of Hurricane Katrina.  The Fifth Circuit held that there was no exclusive commitment of the common law issues raised in plaintiffs’ complaint to a coordinate branch of government and that no initial policy determination was required to adjudicate these claims.  The court granted petitions for rehearing.  An additional recusal left the Fifth Circuit without a quorum to reconsider the decision and the appeal was dismissed, leaving the district court’s decision in place.  Plaintiffs filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court asking the court to remand the case to the Fifth Circuit and reinstate the panel decision.  The petition was denied in January 2011.  Plaintiffs refiled their complaint in federal district court.  The court ordered all defendants to respond to the refiled complaints in October 2011.  Management believes the claims are without merit, and in addition to other defenses, are barred by the doctrine of collateral estoppel and the applicable statute of limitations.  Management intends to defend against the claims.  Management is unable to determine a range of potential losses that are reasonably possible of occurring.

Alaskan Villages’ Claims – Affecting APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo

In 2008, the Native Village of Kivalina and the City of Kivalina, Alaska filed a lawsuit in Federal Court in the Northern District of California against AEP, AEPSC and 22 other unrelated defendants including oil and gas companies, a coal company and other electric generating companies.  The complaint alleges that the defendants' emissions of CO2 contribute to global warming and constitute a public and private nuisance and that the defendants are acting together.  The complaint further alleges that some of the defendants, including AEP, conspired to create a false scientific debate about global warming in order to deceive the public and perpetuate the alleged nuisance.  The plaintiffs also allege that the effects of global warming will require the relocation of the village at an alleged cost of $95 million to $400 million.  In October 2009, the judge dismissed plaintiffs’ federal common law claim for nuisance, finding the claim barred by the political question doctrine and by plaintiffs’ lack of standing to bring the claim.  The judge also dismissed plaintiffs’ state law claims without prejudice to refiling in state court.  The plaintiffs appealed the decision.  The defendants requested that the court defer setting this case for oral argument until after the Supreme Court issues its decision in the CO2 public nuisance case discussed above.  The court accepted supplemental briefing on the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision and heard oral argument in November 2011.  Management believes the action is without merit and intends to defend against the claims.  Management is unable to determine a range of potential losses that are reasonably possible of occurring.

The Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund) and State Remediation – Affecting APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo

By-products from the generation of electricity include materials such as ash, slag, sludge, low-level radioactive waste and SNF.  Coal combustion by-products, which constitute the overwhelming percentage of these materials, are typically treated and deposited in captive disposal facilities or are beneficially utilized.  In addition, the generating plants and transmission and distribution facilities have used asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls and other hazardous and nonhazardous materials.  The Registrant Subsidiaries currently incur costs to dispose of these substances safely.

Superfund addresses clean-up of hazardous substances that have been released to the environment.  The Federal EPA administers the clean-up programs.  Several states have enacted similar laws.  At December 31, 2011, APCo is named as a Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) for one site and OPCo is named a PRP for three sites by the Federal EPA.  There are eight additional sites for which APCo, I&M, OPCo, and SWEPCo have received information requests which could lead to PRP designation.  I&M and SWEPCo have also been named potentially liable at two sites each under state law including the I&M site discussed in the next paragraph.  In those instances where the Registrant Subsidiaries have been named a PRP or defendant, disposal or recycling activities were in accordance with the then-applicable laws and regulations.  Superfund does not recognize compliance as a defense, but imposes strict liability on parties who fall within its broad statutory categories.  Liability has been resolved for a number of sites with no significant effect on net income.

 
259

 
In 2008, I&M received a letter from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) concerning conditions at a site under state law and requesting I&M take voluntary action necessary to prevent and/or mitigate public harm.  I&M started remediation work in accordance with a plan approved by MDEQ and recorded a provision of approximately $10 million.  As the remediation work is completed, I&M’s cost may continue to increase as new information becomes available concerning either the level of contamination at the site or changes in the scope of remediation required by the MDEQ.  Management cannot predict the amount of additional cost, if any.

Management evaluates the potential liability for each Superfund site separately, but several general statements can be made about potential future liability.  Allegations that materials were disposed at a particular site are often unsubstantiated and the quantity of materials deposited at a site can be small and often nonhazardous.  Although Superfund liability has been interpreted by the courts as joint and several, typically many parties are named as PRPs for each site and several of the parties are financially sound enterprises.  At present, management’s estimates do not anticipate material cleanup costs for identified Superfund sites, except the I&M site discussed above.

Amos Plant – State and Federal Enforcement Proceedings – Affecting APCo and OPCo

In March 2010, APCo and OPCo received a letter from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Air Quality (DAQ), alleging that at various times in 2007 through 2009 the units at Amos Plant reported periods of excess opacity (indicator of compliance with particulate matter emission limits) that lasted for more than 30 consecutive minutes in a 24-hour period and that certain required notifications were not made.  Management met with representatives of DAQ to discuss these occurrences and the steps taken to prevent a recurrence.  DAQ indicated that additional enforcement action may be taken, including imposition of a civil penalty of approximately $240 thousand.  APCo and OPCo denied that violations of the reporting requirements occurred and maintain that the proper reporting was done.  In March 2011, APCo and OPCo resolved these issues through the entry of a consent order that included the payment of a $75 thousand civil penalty and certain improvements in the opacity reports.

In March 2010, APCo and OPCo received a request to show cause from the Federal EPA alleging that certain reporting requirements under Superfund and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act had been violated and inviting APCo and OPCo to engage in settlement negotiations.  The request includes a proposed civil penalty of approximately $300 thousand.  Management provided additional information to representatives of the Federal EPA.  Based on the information, the Federal EPA determined that it will not further pursue enforcement for several alleged violations and management agreed to resolve the remaining allegations through a consent order that includes payment of a $36 thousand civil penalty by APCo and OPCo.

NUCLEAR CONTINGENCIES – AFFECTING I&M

I&M owns and operates the two-unit 2,191 MW Cook Plant under licenses granted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).  I&M has a significant future financial commitment to dispose of SNF and to safely decommission and decontaminate the plant.  The licenses to operate the two nuclear units at the Cook Plant expire in 2034 and 2037.  The operation of a nuclear facility also involves special risks, potential liabilities and specific regulatory and safety requirements.  By agreement, I&M is partially liable, together with all other electric utility companies that own nuclear generating units, for a nuclear power plant incident at any nuclear plant in the U.S.  Should a nuclear incident occur at any nuclear power plant in the U.S., the liability could be substantial.

Decommissioning and Low Level Waste Accumulation Disposal

The cost to decommission a nuclear plant is affected by NRC regulations and the SNF disposal program.  Decommissioning costs are accrued over the service life of the Cook Plant.  The most recent decommissioning cost study was performed in 2009.  According to that study, the estimated cost of decommissioning and disposal of low-level radioactive waste ranges from $831 million to $1.5 billion in 2009 nondiscounted dollars.  The wide range in estimated costs is caused by variables in assumptions.  I&M recovers estimated decommissioning costs for the Cook Plant in its rates.  The amount recovered in rates was $14 million in 2011, $14 million in 2010 and $16 million in 2009.  Reduced annual decommissioning cost recovery amounts reflect the units’ longer estimated life and operating licenses granted by the NRC.  Decommissioning costs recovered from customers are deposited in external trusts.

 
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At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the total decommissioning trust fund balance was $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively.  Trust fund earnings increase the fund assets and decrease the amount remaining to be recovered from ratepayers.  The decommissioning costs (including interest, unrealized gains and losses and expenses of the trust funds) increase or decrease the recorded liability.

I&M continues to work with regulators and customers to recover the remaining estimated costs of decommissioning the Cook Plant.  However, future net income, cash flows and possibly financial condition would be adversely affected if the cost of SNF disposal and decommissioning continues to increase and cannot be recovered.

SNF Disposal

The Federal government is responsible for permanent SNF disposal and assesses fees to nuclear plant owners for SNF disposal.  A fee of one mill per KWH for fuel consumed after April 6, 1983 at the Cook Plant is being collected from customers and remitted to the U.S. Treasury.  At December 31, 2011 and 2010, fees and related interest of $265 million and $265 million, respectively, for fuel consumed prior to April 7, 1983 have been recorded as Long-term Debt and funds collected from customers along with related earnings totaling $308 million and $307 million, respectively, to pay the fee are recorded as part of Spent Nuclear Fuel and Decommissioning Trusts.  I&M has not paid the government the pre-April 1983 fees due to continued delays and uncertainties related to the federal disposal program.

In 2011, I&M signed a settlement agreement with the Federal government which permits I&M to make annual filings to recover certain SNF storage costs incurred as a result of the government’s delays in accepting SNF for permanent storage.  Under the settlement agreement, I&M received $14 million to recover costs and will be eligible to receive additional payment of annual claims for allowed costs that are incurred through December 31, 2013.  The proceeds reduced capital costs for dry cask storage.

See “Fair Value Measurements of Trust Assets for Decommissioning and SNF Disposal” section of Note 10 for disclosure of the fair value of assets within the trusts.

Nuclear Incident Liability

I&M carries insurance coverage for property damage, decommissioning and decontamination at the Cook Plant in the amount of $1.8 billion.  I&M purchases $1 billion of excess coverage for property damage, decommissioning and decontamination.  Additional insurance provides coverage for a weekly indemnity payment resulting from an insured accidental outage.  I&M utilizes an industry mutual insurer for the placement of this insurance coverage.  Participation in this mutual insurance requires a contingent financial obligation of up to $41 million for I&M which is assessable if the insurer’s financial resources would be inadequate to pay for losses.

The Price-Anderson Act, extended through December 31, 2025, establishes insurance protection for public liability arising from a nuclear incident at $12.6 billion and covers any incident at a licensed reactor in the U.S.  Commercially available insurance, which must be carried for each licensed reactor, provides $375 million of coverage.  In the event of a nuclear incident at any nuclear plant in the U.S., the remainder of the liability would be provided by a deferred premium assessment of $117.5 million on each licensed reactor in the U.S. payable in annual installments of $17.5 million.  As a result, I&M could be assessed $235 million per nuclear incident payable in annual installments of $35 million.  The number of incidents for which payments could be required is not limited.

In the event of an incident of a catastrophic nature, I&M is initially covered for the first $375 million through commercially available insurance.  The next level of liability coverage of up to $12.2 billion would be covered by claims made under the Price-Anderson Act.  If the liability were in excess of amounts recoverable from insurance and retrospective claim payments made under the Price-Anderson Act, I&M would seek to recover those amounts from customers through rate increases.  In the event nuclear losses or liabilities are underinsured or exceed accumulated funds and recovery from customers is not possible, net income, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected.

 
261

 
Cook Plant Unit 1 Fire and Shutdown

In September 2008, I&M shut down Cook Plant Unit 1 (Unit 1) due to turbine vibrations, caused by blade failure, which resulted in significant turbine damage and a small fire on the electric generator.  This equipment, located in the turbine building, is separate and isolated from the nuclear reactor.  The turbine rotors that caused the vibration were installed in 2006 and are within the vendor’s warranty period.  The warranty provides for the repair or replacement of the turbine rotors if the damage was caused by a defect in materials or workmanship.  Repair of the property damage and replacement of the turbine rotors and other equipment cost approximately $400 million.  Management believes that I&M should recover a significant portion of these costs through the turbine vendor’s warranty, insurance and the regulatory process.  Due to the extensive lead time required to manufacture and install new turbine rotors, I&M repaired Unit 1 and it resumed operations in December 2009 at slightly reduced power.  The installation of the new turbine rotors and other equipment occurred as planned during the fall 2011 refueling outage of Unit 1.

I&M maintains insurance through NEIL.  As of December 31, 2011, I&M recorded $64 million on its balance sheet representing amounts due from NEIL under the insurance policies.  Through December 31, 2011, I&M received partial payments of $203 million from NEIL for the cost incurred to date to repair the property damage.

I&M also maintains a separate accidental outage policy with NEIL.  In 2009, I&M recorded $185 million in revenue under the policy and reduced the cost of replacement power in customers’ bills by $78 million.

NEIL is reviewing claims made under the insurance policies to ensure that claims associated with the outage are covered by the policies.  The review by NEIL includes the timing of the unit’s return to service and whether the return should have occurred earlier reducing the amount received under the accidental outage policy.  If the ultimate costs of the incident are not covered by warranty, insurance or through the regulatory process or if any future regulatory proceedings are adverse, it could have an adverse impact on net income, cash flows and financial condition.

OPERATIONAL CONTINGENCIES

Insurance and Potential Losses – Affecting APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo

The Registrant Subsidiaries maintain insurance coverage normal and customary for electric utilities, subject to various deductibles.  Insurance coverage includes all risks of physical loss or damage to nonnuclear assets, subject to insurance policy conditions and exclusions.  Covered property generally includes power plants, substations, facilities and inventories.  Excluded property generally includes transmission and distribution lines, poles and towers.  The insurance programs also generally provide coverage against loss arising from certain claims made by third parties and are in excess of retentions absorbed by the Registrant Subsidiaries.  Coverage is generally provided by a combination of the protected cell of EIS and/or various industry mutual and/or commercial insurance carriers.

See “Nuclear Contingencies” section of this footnote for a discussion of I&M’s nuclear exposures and related insurance.

Some potential losses or liabilities may not be insurable or the amount of insurance carried may not be sufficient to meet potential losses and liabilities, including, but not limited to, liabilities relating to damage to the Cook Plant and costs of replacement power in the event of an incident at the Cook Plant.  Future losses or liabilities, if they occur, which are not completely insured, unless recovered from customers, could have a material adverse effect on net income, cash flows and financial condition.

 
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Fort Wayne Lease – Affecting I&M

Since 1975, I&M has leased certain energy delivery assets from the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana under a long-term lease that expired on February 28, 2010.  I&M negotiated with Fort Wayne to purchase the assets at the end of the lease and reached an agreement (subject to IURC approval) in 2010.  The agreement required I&M to purchase the remaining leased property and settled claims Fort Wayne asserted.  The agreement provided that I&M pay Fort Wayne a total of $39 million, including interest, over 15 years and Fort Wayne recognized that I&M is the exclusive electricity supplier in the Fort Wayne area.   In August 2011, the IURC approved a settlement agreement with the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor.  The transaction is final.

Coal Transportation Rate Dispute – Affecting PSO

In 1985, the Burlington Northern Railroad Co. (now BNSF) entered into a coal transportation agreement with PSO.  The agreement contained a base rate subject to adjustment, a rate floor, a reopener provision and an arbitration provision.  In 1992, PSO reopened the pricing provision.  The parties failed to reach an agreement and the matter was arbitrated, with the arbitration panel establishing a lowered rate as of July 1, 1992 (the 1992 Rate) and modifying the rate adjustment formula.  The decision did not mention the rate floor.  From April 1996 through the contract termination in December 2001, the 1992 Rate exceeded the adjusted rate determined according to the decision.  PSO paid the adjusted rate and contended that the panel eliminated the rate floor.  BNSF invoiced at the 1992 Rate and contended that the 1992 Rate was the new rate floor.  PSO terminated the contract by paying a termination fee, as required by the agreement.  BNSF contends that the termination fee should have been calculated on the 1992 Rate, not the adjusted rate, resulting in an underpayment of approximately $9.5 million, including interest.

This matter was submitted to an arbitration board.  In April 2006, the arbitration board filed its decision, denying BNSF’s underpayments claim.  PSO filed a request for an order confirming the arbitration award and a request for entry of judgment on the award with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma.  On July 14, 2006, the U.S. District Court issued an order confirming the arbitration award.  BNSF pursued the matter by filing a Motion to Reconsider, which was granted, but in August 2009, the U.S. District Court upheld the arbitration board’s decision.  BNSF further pursued the decision by appealing to the U.S. Court of Appeals, where in December 2010, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the U.S. District Court’s order confirming the arbitration award.  PSO then sought and received approval for reimbursement for attorneys’ fees and expenses related to the proceedings at the district court and appellate courts.  This matter is resolved.

6.  ACQUISITIONS AND IMPAIRMENTS

2011

Dresden Plant  - Affecting APCo

In August 2011, APCo purchased the partially completed Dresden Plant from AEGCo, at cost, for $302 million.  The Dresden Plant was completed and placed in service in January 2012.  The Dresden Plant is located near Dresden, Ohio and is a natural gas, combined cycle power plant with a generating capacity of 580 MW.

2010

Valley Electric Membership Corporation – Affecting SWEPCo

In October 2010, SWEPCo purchased certain transmission and distribution assets of Valley Electric Membership Corporation (VEMCO) for approximately $102 million and began serving VEMCO’s 30,000 customers in Louisiana.

 
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2009

Oxbow Lignite Company and Red River Mining Company – Affecting SWEPCo

In December 2009, SWEPCo purchased 50% of the Oxbow Lignite Company, LLC (OLC) membership interest for $13 million.  CLECO acquired the remaining 50% membership interest in the OLC for $13 million.  The Oxbow Mine is located near Coushatta, Louisiana and is used as one of the fuel sources for SWEPCo’s and CLECO’s jointly-owned Dolet Hills Generating Station.  SWEPCo accounts for OLC as an equity investment.  Also, in December 2009, DHLC purchased mining equipment and assets for $16 million from the Red River Mining Company.

IMPAIRMENTS

2011

Turk Plant (Utility Operations segment) – Affecting SWEPCo

In the fourth quarter of 2011, SWEPCo recorded a pretax write-off of $49 million in Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges on the statements of income related to the Texas jurisdictional portion of the Turk Plant as a result of the November 2011 Texas Court of Appeals decision upholding the Texas capital cost cap.

Muskingum River Plant Unit 5 FGD Project (MR5) – Affecting OPCo

In September 2011, subsequent to the stipulation agreement filed with the PUCO, management determined that OPCo was not likely to complete the previously suspended MR5 project and that the project’s preliminary engineering costs were no longer probable of being recovered.  As a result, in the third quarter of 2011, OPCo recorded a pretax write-off of $42 million in Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges on the statements of income.

Sporn Plant Unit 5 – Affecting OPCo

In the third quarter of 2011, management decided to no longer offer the output of Sporn Unit 5 into the PJM market.  Sporn Unit 5 is not expected to operate in the future, resulting in the removal of Sporn Unit 5 from the AEP Power Pool.  As a result, in the third quarter of 2011, OPCo recorded a pretax write-off of $48 million in Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges on the statements of income.

7.  BENEFIT PLANS

For a discussion of investment strategy, investment limitations, target asset allocations and the classification of investments within the fair value hierarchy, see “Investments Held in Trust for Future Liabilities” and “Fair Value Measurements of Assets and Liabilities” sections of Note 1.

The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in an AEP sponsored qualified pension plan and two unfunded nonqualified pension plans.  Substantially all employees are covered by the qualified plan or both the qualified and a nonqualified pension plan.  The Registrant Subsidiaries also participate in OPEB plans sponsored by AEP to provide medical and life insurance benefits for retired employees.

Due to the Registrant Subsidiaries’ participation in AEP’s benefits plans, the assumptions used by the actuary and the accounting for the plans by each subsidiary are the same.  This section details the assumptions that apply to all Registrant Subsidiaries and the rate of compensation increase for each subsidiary.

The Registrant Subsidiaries recognize the funded status associated with defined benefit pension and OPEB plans in their balance sheets.  Disclosures about the plans are required by the “Compensation – Retirement Benefits” accounting guidance.  The Registrant Subsidiaries recognize an asset for a plan’s overfunded status or a liability for a plan’s underfunded status, and recognize, as a component of other comprehensive income, the changes in the funded status of the plan that arise during the year that are not recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost.  The Registrant Subsidiaries record a regulatory asset instead of other comprehensive income for qualifying
 
 
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benefit costs of regulated operations that for ratemaking purposes are deferred for future recovery.  The cumulative funded status adjustment is equal to the remaining unrecognized deferrals for unamortized actuarial losses or gains, prior service costs and transition obligations, such that remaining deferred costs result in an AOCI equity reduction or regulatory asset and deferred gains result in an AOCI equity addition or regulatory liability.

Actuarial Assumptions for Benefit Obligations

The weighted-average assumptions as of December 31 of each year used in the measurement of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ benefit obligations are shown in the following tables:

 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
Pension Plans
 
 
Benefit Plans
Assumption
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
Discount Rate
 
 4.55 
%
 
 5.05 
%
 
 
 4.75 
%
 
 5.25 
%

 
 
Pension Plans
Assumption - Rate of Compensation Increase (a)
 
2011 
 
2010 
APCo
 
 4.65 
%
 
 4.70 
%
I&M
 
 4.90 
%
 
 4.90 
%
OPCo
 
 4.95 
%
 
 5.05 
%
PSO
 
 4.85 
%
 
 4.95 
%
SWEPCo
 
 4.70 
%
 
 4.80 
%

(a)
Rates are for base pay only.  In addition, an amount is added to reflect target incentive compensation for exempt employees and overtime and incentive pay for nonexempt employees.

A duration-based method is used to determine the discount rate for the plans.  A hypothetical portfolio of high quality corporate bonds similar to those included in the Moody’s Aa bond index is constructed with a duration matching the benefit plan liability.  The composite yield on the hypothetical bond portfolio is used as the discount rate for the plan.  The discount rate is the same for each Registrant Subsidiary.

For 2011, the rate of compensation increase assumed varies with the age of the employee, ranging from 3.5% per year to 11.5% per year, with the average increase shown in the table above.  The compensation increase rates reflect variations in each Registrant Subsidiary’s population participating in the pension plan.

Actuarial Assumptions for Net Periodic Benefit Costs

The weighted-average assumptions as of January 1 of each year used in the measurement of each Registrant Subsidiary’s benefit costs are shown in the following tables:

 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
Assumptions
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
Discount Rate
 
 5.05 
%
 
 5.60 
%
 
 6.00 
%
 
 5.25 
%
 
 5.85 
%
 
 6.10 
%
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
 7.75 
%
 
 8.00 
%
 
 8.00 
%
 
 7.50 
%
 
 8.00 
%
 
 7.75 
%

 
 
Pension Plans
Assumption - Rate of Compensation Increase
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
APCo
 
 4.65 
%
 
 4.35 
%
 
 5.65 
%
I&M
 
 4.90 
%
 
 4.55 
%
 
 5.85 
%
OPCo
 
 4.95 
%
 
 4.70 
%
 
 6.00 
%
PSO
 
 4.85 
%
 
 4.60 
%
 
 5.90 
%
SWEPCo
 
 4.70 
%
 
 4.45 
%
 
 5.75 
%

 
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The expected return on plan assets was determined by evaluating historical returns, the current investment climate (yield on fixed income securities and other recent investment market indicators), rate of inflation and current prospects for economic growth.  The expected return on plan assets is the same for each Registrant Subsidiary.

The health care trend rate assumptions as of January 1 of each year used for OPEB plans measurement purposes are shown below:

Health Care Trend Rates
 
2011 
 
2010 
Initial
 
 7.50 
%
 
 8.00 
%
Ultimate
 
 5.00 
%
 
 5.00 
%
Year Ultimate Reached
 
2016 
 
2016 

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the OPEB health care plans.  A 1% change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

 
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Effect on Total Service and Interest Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Components of Net Periodic Postretirement
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Health Care Benefit Cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   1% Increase
 
$
 3,806 
 
$
 2,972 
 
$
 5,188 
 
$
 1,300 
 
$
 1,500 
 
   1% Decrease
 
 
 (3,015)
 
 
 (2,367)
 
 
 (4,110)
 
 
 (1,036)
 
 
 (1,195)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect on the Health Care Component of the
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated Postretirement Benefit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   1% Increase
 
$
 50,216 
 
$
 33,657 
 
$
 65,251 
 
$
 15,088 
 
$
 17,499 
 
   1% Decrease
 
 
 (40,748)
 
 
 (27,448)
 
 
 (53,015)
 
 
 (12,314)
 
 
 (14,281)

Significant Concentrations of Risk within Plan Assets

In addition to establishing the target asset allocation of plan assets, the investment policy also places restrictions on securities to limit significant concentrations within plan assets.  The investment policy establishes guidelines that govern maximum market exposure, security restrictions, prohibited asset classes, prohibited types of transactions, minimum credit quality, average portfolio credit quality, portfolio duration and concentration limits.  The guidelines were established to mitigate the risk of loss due to significant concentrations in any investment.  Management monitors the plans to control security diversification and ensure compliance with the investment policy.  At December 31, 2011, the assets were invested in compliance with all investment limits.  See “Investments Held in Trust for Future Liabilities” section of Note 1 for limit details.

 
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Benefit Plan Obligations, Plan Assets and Funded Status as of December 31, 2011 and 2010

The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets and funded status as of December 31.  The benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension and OPEB plans are the projected benefit obligation and the accumulated benefit obligation, respectively.

APCo
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2010 
Change in Benefit Obligation
 
(in thousands)
Benefit Obligation at January 1
 
$
 652,219 
 
$
 632,832 
 
$
 383,152 
 
$
 348,787 
Service Cost
 
 
 7,199 
 
 
 12,908 
 
 
 4,983 
 
 
 5,722 
Interest Cost
 
 
 32,293 
 
 
 33,956 
 
 
 19,468 
 
 
 20,300 
Actuarial Loss
 
 
 29,137 
 
 
 28,909 
 
 
 41,306 
 
 
 33,656 
Plan Amendment Prior Service Credit
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (31,145)
 
 
 (4,257)
Benefit Payments
 
 
 (39,398)
 
 
 (56,386)
 
 
 (30,040)
 
 
 (27,677)
Participant Contributions
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,005 
 
 
 4,782 
Medicare Subsidy
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,753 
 
 
 1,839 
Benefit Obligation at December 31
 
$
 681,450 
 
$
 652,219 
 
$
 395,482 
 
$
 383,152 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Plan Assets at January 1
 
$
 512,836 
 
$
 474,657 
 
$
 243,771 
 
$
 217,160 
Actual Gain (Loss) on Plan Assets
 
 
 36,970 
 
 
 57,745 
 
 
 (4,102)
 
 
 29,112 
Company Contributions
 
 
 60,348 
 
 
 36,820 
 
 
 14,101 
 
 
 20,394 
Participant Contributions
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,005 
 
 
 4,782 
Benefit Payments
 
 
 (39,398)
 
 
 (56,386)
 
 
 (30,040)
 
 
 (27,677)
Fair Value of Plan Assets at December 31
 
$
 570,756 
 
$
 512,836 
 
$
 229,735 
 
$
 243,771 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underfunded Status at December 31
 
$
 (110,694)
 
$
 (139,383)
 
$
 (165,747)
 
$
 (139,381)

I&M
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2010 
Change in Benefit Obligation
 
(in thousands)
Benefit Obligation at January 1
 
$
 560,982 
 
$
 526,363 
 
$
 266,742 
 
$
 241,847 
Service Cost
 
 
 9,447 
 
 
 15,284 
 
 
 6,119 
 
 
 6,750 
Interest Cost
 
 
 27,726 
 
 
 29,085 
 
 
 13,610 
 
 
 14,164 
Actuarial Loss
 
 
 17,289 
 
 
 40,694 
 
 
 28,876 
 
 
 20,980 
Plan Amendment Prior Service Credit
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (24,846)
 
 
 (4,273)
Benefit Payments
 
 
 (33,767)
 
 
 (50,444)
 
 
 (18,387)
 
 
 (17,439)
Participant Contributions
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,112 
 
 
 3,526 
Medicare Subsidy
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,127 
 
 
 1,187 
Benefit Obligation at December 31
 
$
 581,677 
 
$
 560,982 
 
$
 277,353 
 
$
 266,742 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Plan Assets at January 1
 
$
 451,688 
 
$
 379,562 
 
$
 188,690 
 
$
 166,682 
Actual Gain (Loss) on Plan Assets
 
 
 32,773 
 
 
 50,811 
 
 
 (3,946)
 
 
 20,983 
Company Contributions
 
 
 53,232 
 
 
 71,759 
 
 
 10,768 
 
 
 14,938 
Participant Contributions
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,112 
 
 
 3,526 
Benefit Payments
 
 
 (33,767)
 
 
 (50,444)
 
 
 (18,387)
 
 
 (17,439)
Fair Value of Plan Assets at December 31
 
$
 503,926 
 
$
 451,688 
 
$
 181,237 
 
$
 188,690 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underfunded Status at December 31
 
$
 (77,751)
 
$
 (109,294)
 
$
 (96,116)
 
$
 (78,052)

 
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OPCo
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2010 
Change in Benefit Obligation
 
(in thousands)
Benefit Obligation at January 1
 
$
 984,089 
 
$
 981,481 
 
$
 506,255 
 
$
 457,872 
Service Cost
 
 
 10,230 
 
 
 17,254 
 
 
 7,827 
 
 
 8,187 
Interest Cost
 
 
 48,350 
 
 
 51,900 
 
 
 25,497 
 
 
 26,498 
Actuarial Loss
 
 
 42,693 
 
 
 31,409 
 
 
 49,132 
 
 
 45,633 
Plan Amendment Prior Service Credit
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (42,357)
 
 
 (6,039)
Curtailment
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 605 
 
 
 - 
Benefit Payments
 
 
 (64,472)
 
 
 (97,955)
 
 
 (38,347)
 
 
 (35,673)
Participant Contributions
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 8,828 
 
 
 7,253 
Medicare Subsidy
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,452 
 
 
 2,524 
Benefit Obligation at December 31
 
$
 1,020,890 
 
$
 984,089 
 
$
 519,892 
 
$
 506,255 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Plan Assets at January 1
 
$
 799,281 
 
$
 756,768 
 
$
 333,198 
 
$
 299,551 
Actual Gain (Loss) on Plan Assets
 
 
 63,181 
 
 
 81,765 
 
 
 (6,589)
 
 
 38,466 
Company Contributions
 
 
 127,949 
 
 
 58,703 
 
 
 14,746 
 
 
 23,601 
Participant Contributions
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 8,828 
 
 
 7,253 
Benefit Payments
 
 
 (64,472)
 
 
 (97,955)
 
 
 (38,347)
 
 
 (35,673)
Fair Value of Plan Assets at December 31
 
$
 925,939 
 
$
 799,281 
 
$
 311,836 
 
$
 333,198 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underfunded Status at December 31
 
$
 (94,951)
 
$
 (184,808)
 
$
 (208,056)
 
$
 (173,057)

PSO
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2010 
Change in Benefit Obligation
 
(in thousands)
Benefit Obligation at January 1
 
$
 268,180 
 
$
 285,592 
 
$
 116,935 
 
$
 108,220 
Service Cost
 
 
 5,760 
 
 
 6,052 
 
 
 2,621 
 
 
 2,815 
Interest Cost
 
 
 13,285 
 
 
 14,888 
 
 
 6,046 
 
 
 6,360 
Actuarial (Gain) Loss
 
 
 7,679 
 
 
 (1,047)
 
 
 16,705 
 
 
 7,540 
Plan Amendment Prior Service Credit
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (11,612)
 
 
 (2,408)
Benefit Payments
 
 
 (17,456)
 
 
 (37,305)
 
 
 (8,110)
 
 
 (8,049)
Participant Contributions
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,926 
 
 
 1,763 
Medicare Subsidy
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 653 
 
 
 694 
Benefit Obligation at December 31
 
$
 277,448 
 
$
 268,180 
 
$
 125,164 
 
$
 116,935 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Plan Assets at January 1
 
$
 213,576 
 
$
 216,966 
 
$
 83,917 
 
$
 75,700 
Actual Gain on Plan Assets
 
 
 16,430 
 
 
 21,040 
 
 
 646 
 
 
 6,357 
Company Contributions
 
 
 33,219 
 
 
 12,875 
 
 
 4,711 
 
 
 8,146 
Participant Contributions
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,926 
 
 
 1,763 
Benefit Payments
 
 
 (17,456)
 
 
 (37,305)
 
 
 (8,110)
 
 
 (8,049)
Fair Value of Plan Assets at December 31
 
$
 245,769 
 
$
 213,576 
 
$
 83,090 
 
$
 83,917 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underfunded Status at December 31
 
$
 (31,679)
 
$
 (54,604)
 
$
 (42,074)
 
$
 (33,018)

 
268

 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2010 
Change in Benefit Obligation
 
(in thousands)
Benefit Obligation at January 1
 
$
 267,206 
 
$
 288,081 
 
$
 129,726 
 
$
 118,571 
Service Cost
 
 
 6,573 
 
 
 7,046 
 
 
 3,029 
 
 
 3,108 
Interest Cost
 
 
 13,331 
 
 
 15,093 
 
 
 6,969 
 
 
 6,940 
Actuarial (Gain) Loss
 
 
 7,861 
 
 
 (2,014)
 
 
 24,547 
 
 
 9,084 
Plan Amendment Prior Service Credit
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (13,534)
 
 
 (2,399)
Benefit Payments
 
 
 (17,377)
 
 
 (41,000)
 
 
 (8,226)
 
 
 (8,125)
Participant Contributions
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,041 
 
 
 1,907 
Medicare Subsidy
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 608 
 
 
 640 
Benefit Obligation at December 31
 
$
 277,594 
 
$
 267,206 
 
$
 145,160 
 
$
 129,726 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Plan Assets at January 1
 
$
 224,618 
 
$
 212,626 
 
$
 93,097 
 
$
 82,940 
Actual Gain on Plan Assets
 
 
 17,283 
 
 
 23,854 
 
 
 3,797 
 
 
 8,150 
Company Contributions
 
 
 31,337 
 
 
 29,138 
 
 
 5,655 
 
 
 8,225 
Participant Contributions
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,041 
 
 
 1,907 
Benefit Payments
 
 
 (17,377)
 
 
 (41,000)
 
 
 (8,226)
 
 
 (8,125)
Fair Value of Plan Assets at December 31
 
$
 255,861 
 
$
 224,618 
 
$
 96,364 
 
$
 93,097 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Underfunded Status at December 31
 
$
 (21,733)
 
$
 (42,588)
 
$
 (48,796)
 
$
 (36,629)

Amounts Recognized on the Registrant Subsidiaries' Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
APCo
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Other Current Liabilities - Accrued Short-term
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Liability
 
$
 (34)
 
$
 (34)
 
$
 (2,956)
 
$
 (2,854)
 
Employee Benefits and Pension Obligations -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Long-term Benefit Liability
 
 
 (110,660)
 
 
 (139,349)
 
 
 (162,791)
 
 
 (136,527)
 
Underfunded Status
 
$
 (110,694)
 
$
 (139,383)
 
$
 (165,747)
 
$
 (139,381)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
I&M
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Other Current Liabilities - Accrued Short-term
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Liability
 
$
 (14)
 
$
 (57)
 
$
 (308)
 
$
 (313)
 
Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Long-term Benefit Liability
 
 
 (77,737)
 
 
 (109,237)
 
 
 (95,808)
 
 
 (77,739)
 
Underfunded Status
 
$
 (77,751)
 
$
 (109,294)
 
$
 (96,116)
 
$
 (78,052)

 
269

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
OPCo
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Other Current Liabilities - Accrued Short-term
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Liability
 
$
 (62)
 
$
 (59)
 
$
 (991)
 
$
 (667)
 
Employee Benefits and Pension Obligations -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Long-term Benefit Liability
 
 
 (94,889)
 
 
 (184,749)
 
 
 (207,065)
 
 
 (172,390)
 
Underfunded Status
 
$
 (94,951)
 
$
 (184,808)
 
$
 (208,056)
 
$
 (173,057)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
PSO
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Other Current Liabilities - Accrued Short-term
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Liability
 
$
 (88)
 
$
 (68)
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
Employee Benefits and Pension Obligations -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Long-term Benefit Liability
 
 
 (31,591)
 
 
 (54,536)
 
 
 (42,074)
 
 
 (33,018)
 
Underfunded Status
 
$
 (31,679)
 
$
 (54,604)
 
$
 (42,074)
 
$
 (33,018)

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
SWEPCo
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Other Current Liabilities - Accrued Short-term
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Liability
 
$
 (78)
 
$
 (73)
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
Employee Benefits and Pension Obligations -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Long-term Benefit Liability
 
 
 (21,655)
 
 
 (42,515)
 
 
 (48,796)
 
 
 (36,629)
 
Underfunded Status
 
$
 (21,733)
 
$
 (42,588)
 
$
 (48,796)
 
$
 (36,629)

Amounts Included in AOCI and Regulatory Assets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010

 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
APCo
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2010 
Components
 
(in thousands)
Net Actuarial Loss
 
$
 308,223 
 
$
 290,798 
 
$
 174,615 
 
$
 115,350 
Prior Service Cost (Credit)
 
 
 1,393 
 
 
 2,310 
 
 
 (33,060)
 
 
 (2,086)
Transition Obligation
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 780 
 
 
 1,947 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recorded as
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets
 
$
 305,558 
 
$
 289,214 
 
$
 56,764 
 
$
 45,891 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 1,420 
 
 
 1,366 
 
 
 29,951 
 
 
 23,881 
Net of Tax AOCI
 
 
 2,638 
 
 
 2,528 
 
 
 55,620 
 
 
 45,439 

 
270

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
I&M
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2010 
Components
 
(in thousands)
Net Actuarial Loss
 
$
 216,107 
 
$
 208,879 
 
$
 121,238 
 
$
 78,483 
Prior Service Cost (Credit)
 
 
 1,307 
 
 
 2,051 
 
 
 (27,491)
 
 
 (2,882)
Transition Obligation
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 132 
 
 
 320 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recorded as
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets
 
$
 207,237 
 
$
 199,982 
 
$
 84,155 
 
$
 68,098 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 3,561 
 
 
 3,830 
 
 
 3,403 
 
 
 2,737 
Net of Tax AOCI
 
 
 6,616 
 
 
 7,118 
 
 
 6,321 
 
 
 5,086 

 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
OPCo
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2010 
Components
 
(in thousands)
Net Actuarial Loss
 
$
 517,180 
 
$
 497,032 
 
$
 231,189 
 
$
 158,876 
Prior Service Cost (Credit)
 
 
 2,025 
 
 
 3,499 
 
 
 (44,742)
 
 
 (2,597)
Transition Obligation
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 104 
 
 
 254 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recorded as
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets
 
$
 305,240 
 
$
 292,702 
 
$
 84,472 
 
$
 71,129 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 74,888 
 
 
 72,741 
 
 
 35,728 
 
 
 29,888 
Net of Tax AOCI
 
 
 139,077 
 
 
 135,088 
 
 
 66,351 
 
 
 55,516 

 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
PSO
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2010 
Components
 
(in thousands)
Net Actuarial Loss
 
$
 136,056 
 
$
 134,101 
 
$
 54,516 
 
$
 33,922 
Prior Service Cost (Credit)
 
 
 181 
 
 
 (769)
 
 
 (12,458)
 
 
 (921)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recorded as
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets
 
$
 136,237 
 
$
 133,332 
 
$
 42,058 
 
$
 33,001 

 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
SWEPCo
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2010 
Components
 
(in thousands)
Net Actuarial Loss
 
$
 133,542 
 
$
 131,343 
 
$
 59,541 
 
$
 37,707 
Prior Service Cost (Credit)
 
 
 560 
 
 
 (235)
 
 
 (10,762)
 
 
 (1,095)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recorded as
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets
 
$
 134,102 
 
$
 131,108 
 
$
 31,407 
 
$
 23,842 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,081 
 
 
 4,469 
Net of Tax AOCI
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 11,291 
 
 
 8,301 

 
271

 
Components of the change in amounts included in AOCI and Regulatory Assets by Registrant Subsidiary during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:

Pension Plans - Components
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Actuarial Loss During the Year
    $ 33,995     $ 21,372     $ 44,976     $ 8,712     $ 8,958  
Amortization of Actuarial Loss
      (16,570 )     (14,144 )     (24,828 )     (6,757 )     (6,759 )
Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)
      (917 )     (744 )     (1,474 )     950       795  
Change for the Year Ended
                                         
 December 31, 2011
    $ 16,508     $ 6,484     $ 18,674     $ 2,905     $ 2,994  
 
                                         
Pension Plans - Components
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Actuarial Loss (Gain) During the Year
    $ 14,769     $ 24,732     $ 26,308     $ (2,346 )   $ (6,379 )
Amortization of Actuarial Loss
      (11,842 )     (10,065 )     (18,150 )     (5,188 )     (5,242 )
Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)
      (917 )     (744 )     (1,474 )     950       796  
Change for the Year Ended
                                         
December 31, 2010
    $ 2,010     $ 13,923     $ 6,684     $ (6,584 )   $ (10,825 )
 
                                         
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans - Components
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Actuarial Loss During the Year
    $ 65,104     $ 46,321     $ 79,611     $ 22,147     $ 23,619  
Amortization of Actuarial Loss
      (5,839 )     (3,566 )     (7,298 )     (1,553 )     (1,785 )
Prior Service Credit
      (31,145 )     (24,846 )     (42,357 )     (11,612 )     (9,409 )
Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)
      171       237       212       75       (258 )
Amortization of Transition Obligation
      (1,167 )     (188 )     (150 )     -       -  
Change for the Year Ended
                                         
December 31, 2011
    $ 27,124     $ 17,958     $ 30,018     $ 9,057     $ 12,167  
 
                                         
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans - Components
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Actuarial Loss During the Year
    $ 23,876     $ 13,372     $ 31,207     $ 7,283     $ 7,570  
Amortization of Actuarial Loss
      (5,410 )     (3,526 )     (6,877 )     (1,573 )     (1,711 )
Prior Service Credit
      (4,257 )     (4,273 )     (6,039 )     (2,408 )     (2,399 )
Amortization of Transition Obligation
      (5,244 )     (2,814 )     (6,642 )     (2,805 )     (2,461 )
Change for the Year Ended
                                         
December 31, 2010
    $ 8,965     $ 2,759     $ 11,649     $ 497     $ 999  

 
272

 
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans’ Assets

The following tables present the classification of pension plan assets within the fair value hierarchy by Registrant Subsidiary at December 31, 2011:

 
APCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 192,957 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 192,957 
 
 33.8 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 52,904 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 52,904 
 
 9.3 
%
 
 
Real Estate Investment Trusts
 
 
 13,794 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 13,794 
 
 2.4 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International
 
 
 - 
 
 
 17,038 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 17,038 
 
 3.0 
%
 
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 259,655 
 
 
 17,038 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 276,693 
 
 48.5 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Collective Trust - Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,483 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,483 
 
 0.6 
%
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 75,042 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 75,042 
 
 13.2 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 130,606 
 
 
 846 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 131,452 
 
 23.0 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 25,289 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 25,289 
 
 4.4 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,374 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,374 
 
 1.1 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,449 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,449 
 
 0.6 
%
 
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 244,243 
 
 
 846 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 245,089 
 
 42.9 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 21,666 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 21,666 
 
 3.8 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alternative Investments
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 21,269 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 21,269 
 
 3.7 
%
 
Securities Lending
 
 
 - 
 
 
 28,488 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 28,488 
 
 5.0 
%
 
Securities Lending Collateral (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (31,276)
 
 
 (31,276)
 
 (5.5)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
 - 
 
 
 12,306 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 12,306 
 
 2.2 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (b)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (3,479)
 
 
 (3,479)
 
 (0.6)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 259,655 
 
$
 302,075 
 
$
 43,781 
 
$
 (34,755)
 
$
 570,756 
 
 100.0 
%

 
273

 
 
I&M
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 170,364 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 170,364 
 
 33.8 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 46,709 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 46,709 
 
 9.3 
%
 
 
Real Estate Investment Trusts
 
 
 12,179 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 12,179 
 
 2.4 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International
 
 
 - 
 
 
 15,043 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 15,043 
 
 3.0 
%
 
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 229,252 
 
 
 15,043 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 244,295 
 
 48.5 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Collective Trust - Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,075 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,075 
 
 0.6 
%
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 66,255 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 66,255 
 
 13.2 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 115,313 
 
 
 747 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 116,060 
 
 23.0 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 22,328 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 22,328 
 
 4.4 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,628 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,628 
 
 1.1 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,045 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,045 
 
 0.6 
%
 
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 215,644 
 
 
 747 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 216,391 
 
 42.9 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 19,129 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 19,129 
 
 3.8 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alternative Investments
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 18,779 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 18,779 
 
 3.7 
%
 
Securities Lending
 
 
 - 
 
 
 25,153 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 25,153 
 
 5.0 
%
 
Securities Lending Collateral (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (27,614)
 
 
 (27,614)
 
 (5.5)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,865 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,865 
 
 2.2 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (b)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (3,072)
 
 
 (3,072)
 
 (0.6)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 229,252 
 
$
 266,705 
 
$
 38,655 
 
$
 (30,686)
 
$
 503,926 
 
 100.0 
%

 
274

 
 
OPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 313,034 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 313,034 
 
 33.8 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 85,825 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 85,825 
 
 9.3 
%
 
 
Real Estate Investment Trusts
 
 
 22,379 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 22,379 
 
 2.4 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International
 
 
 - 
 
 
 27,641 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 27,641 
 
 3.0 
%
 
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 421,238 
 
 
 27,641 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 448,879 
 
 48.5 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Collective Trust - Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,650 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,650 
 
 0.6 
%
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 121,741 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 121,741 
 
 13.2 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 211,883 
 
 
 1,372 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 213,255 
 
 23.0 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 41,027 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 41,027 
 
 4.4 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,341 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,341 
 
 1.1 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,595 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,595 
 
 0.6 
%
 
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 396,237 
 
 
 1,372 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 397,609 
 
 42.9 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 35,148 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 35,148 
 
 3.8 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alternative Investments
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 34,505 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 34,505 
 
 3.7 
%
 
Securities Lending
 
 
 - 
 
 
 46,217 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 46,217 
 
 5.0 
%
 
Securities Lending Collateral (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (50,739)
 
 
 (50,739)
 
 (5.5)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
 - 
 
 
 19,964 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 19,964 
 
 2.2 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (b)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (5,644)
 
 
 (5,644)
 
 (0.6)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 421,238 
 
$
 490,059 
 
$
 71,025 
 
$
 (56,383)
 
$
 925,939 
 
 100.0 
%

 
275

 
 
PSO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 83,086 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 83,086 
 
 33.8 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 22,781 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 22,781 
 
 9.3 
%
 
 
Real Estate Investment Trusts
 
 
 5,940 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,940 
 
 2.4 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,337 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,337 
 
 3.0 
%
 
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 111,807 
 
 
 7,337 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 119,144 
 
 48.5 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Collective Trust - Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,500 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,500 
 
 0.6 
%
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 32,313 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 32,313 
 
 13.2 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 56,239 
 
 
 364 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 56,603 
 
 23.0 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,890 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,890 
 
 4.4 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,745 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,745 
 
 1.1 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,485 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,485 
 
 0.6 
%
 
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 105,172 
 
 
 364 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 105,536 
 
 42.9 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 9,329 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 9,329 
 
 3.8 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alternative Investments
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 9,159 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 9,159 
 
 3.7 
%
 
Securities Lending
 
 
 - 
 
 
 12,267 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 12,267 
 
 5.0 
%
 
Securities Lending Collateral (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (13,467)
 
 
 (13,467)
 
 (5.5)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,299 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,299 
 
 2.2 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (b)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (1,498)
 
 
 (1,498)
 
 (0.6)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 111,807 
 
$
 130,075 
 
$
 18,852 
 
$
 (14,965)
 
$
 245,769 
 
 100.0 
%

 
276

 
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 86,499 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 86,499 
 
 33.8 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 23,716 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 23,716 
 
 9.3 
%
 
 
Real Estate Investment Trusts
 
 
 6,184 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,184 
 
 2.4 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,638 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,638 
 
 3.0 
%
 
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 116,399 
 
 
 7,638 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 124,037 
 
 48.5 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Collective Trust - Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,561 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,561 
 
 0.6 
%
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 33,640 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 33,640 
 
 13.2 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 58,549 
 
 
 379 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 58,928 
 
 23.0 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 11,337 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 11,337 
 
 4.4 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,857 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,857 
 
 1.1 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,546 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,546 
 
 0.6 
%
 
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 109,490 
 
 
 379 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 109,869 
 
 42.9 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 9,712 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 9,712 
 
 3.8 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alternative Investments
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 9,535 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 9,535 
 
 3.7 
%
 
Securities Lending
 
 
 - 
 
 
 12,771 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 12,771 
 
 5.0 
%
 
Securities Lending Collateral (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (14,020)
 
 
 (14,020)
 
 (5.5)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,517 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,517 
 
 2.2 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (b)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (1,560)
 
 
 (1,560)
 
 (0.6)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 116,399 
 
$
 135,416 
 
$
 19,626 
 
$
 (15,580)
 
$
 255,861 
 
 100.0 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(a)
Amounts in "Other" column primarily represent an obligation to repay cash collateral received as part of the Securities Lending Program.
(b)
Amounts in "Other" column primarily represent accrued interest, dividend receivables and transactions pending settlement.

The following tables set forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of assets classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy by Registrant Subsidiary for pension assets:

 
 
 
 
Corporate
 
Real
 
Alternative
 
Total
 
APCo
 
Debt
 
Estate
 
Investments
 
Level 3
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance as of January 1, 2011
 
$
 - 
 
$
 11,060 
 
$
 17,281 
 
$
 28,341 
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Relating to Assets Still Held as of the Reporting Date
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,952 
 
 
 1,142 
 
 
 4,094 
 
 
Relating to Assets Sold During the Period
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 392 
 
 
 392 
 
Purchases and Sales
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,654 
 
 
 2,454 
 
 
 10,108 
 
Transfers into Level 3
 
 
 846 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 846 
 
Transfers out of Level 3
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2011
 
$
 846 
 
$
 21,666 
 
$
 21,269 
 
$
 43,781 

 
277

 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
 
Real
 
Alternative
 
Total
 
I&M
 
Debt
 
Estate
 
Investments
 
Level 3
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance as of January 1, 2011
 
$
 - 
 
$
 9,742 
 
$
 15,220 
 
$
 24,962 
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Relating to Assets Still Held as of the Reporting Date
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,612 
 
 
 1,019 
 
 
 3,631 
 
 
Relating to Assets Sold During the Period
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 350 
 
 
 350 
 
Purchases and Sales
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,775 
 
 
 2,190 
 
 
 8,965 
 
Transfers into Level 3
 
 
 747 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 747 
 
Transfers out of Level 3
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2011
 
$
 747 
 
$
 19,129 
 
$
 18,779 
 
$
 38,655 

 
 
 
 
Corporate
 
 
 
Alternative
 
Total
 
OPCo
 
Debt
 
Real Estate
 
Investments
 
Level 3
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance as of January 1, 2011
 
$
 - 
 
$
 17,239 
 
$
 26,933 
 
$
 44,172 
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Relating to Assets Still Held as of the Reporting Date
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,985 
 
 
 2,167 
 
 
 7,152 
 
 
Relating to Assets Sold During the Period
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 744 
 
 
 744 
 
Purchases and Sales
 
 
 - 
 
 
12,924 
 
 
 4,661 
 
 
 17,585 
 
Transfers into Level 3
 
 
 1,372 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,372 
 
Transfers out of Level 3
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2011
 
$
 1,372 
 
$
 35,148 
 
$
 34,505 
 
$
 71,025 

 
 
 
 
Corporate
 
Real
 
Alternative
 
Total
 
PSO
 
Debt
 
Estate
 
Investments
 
Level 3
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance as of January 1, 2011
 
$
 - 
 
$
 4,606 
 
$
 7,197 
 
$
 11,803 
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Relating to Assets Still Held as of the Reporting Date
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,314 
 
 
 561 
 
 
 1,875 
 
 
Relating to Assets Sold During the Period
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 193 
 
 
 193 
 
Purchases and Sales
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,409 
 
 
 1,208 
 
 
 4,617 
 
Transfers into Level 3
 
 
 364 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 364 
 
Transfers out of Level 3
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2011
 
$
 364 
 
$
 9,329 
 
$
 9,159 
 
$
 18,852 

 
 
 
 
Corporate
 
Real
 
Alternative
 
Total
 
SWEPCo
 
Debt
 
Estate
 
Investments
 
Level 3
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance as of January 1, 2011
 
$
 - 
 
$
 4,844 
 
$
 7,569 
 
$
 12,413 
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Relating to Assets Still Held as of the Reporting Date
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,355 
 
 
 563 
 
 
 1,918 
 
 
Relating to Assets Sold During the Period
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 194 
 
 
 194 
 
Purchases and Sales
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,513 
 
 
 1,209 
 
 
 4,722 
 
Transfers into Level 3
 
 
 379 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 379 
 
Transfers out of Level 3
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2011
 
$
 379 
 
$
 9,712 
 
$
 9,535 
 
$
 19,626 

 
278

 
The following tables present the classification of OPEB plan assets within the fair value hierarchy by Registrant Subsidiary at December 31, 2011:

 
APCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 56,670 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 56,670 
 
 24.7 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 61,982 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 61,982 
 
 27.0 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Global
 
 
 - 
 
 
 16,159 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 16,159 
 
 7.0 
%
 
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 118,652 
 
 
 16,159 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 134,811 
 
 58.7 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Collective Trust - Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 11,279 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 11,279 
 
 4.9 
%
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 13,165 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 13,165 
 
 5.7 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 24,792 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 24,792 
 
 10.8 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,256 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,256 
 
 2.3 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,371 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,371 
 
 0.6 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 312 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 312 
 
 0.1 
%
 
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 56,175 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 56,175 
 
 24.4 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust Owned Life Insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International Equities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,533 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,533 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
United States Bonds
 
 
 - 
 
 
 25,719 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 25,719 
 
 11.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
 2,739 
 
 
 3,816 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,555 
 
 2.9 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (1,058)
 
 
 (1,058)
 
 (0.5)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 121,391 
 
$
 109,402 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 (1,058)
 
$
 229,735 
 
 100.0 
%

 
279

 
 
I&M
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 44,707 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 44,707 
 
 24.7 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 48,897 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 48,897 
 
 27.0 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Global
 
 
 - 
 
 
 12,748 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 12,748 
 
 7.0 
%
 
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 93,604 
 
 
 12,748 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 106,352 
 
 58.7 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Collective Trust - Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 8,898 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 8,898 
 
 4.9 
%
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,386 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,386 
 
 5.7 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 19,558 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 19,558 
 
 10.8 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,146 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,146 
 
 2.3 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,082 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,082 
 
 0.6 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 246 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 246 
 
 0.1 
%
 
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 44,316 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 44,316 
 
 24.4 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust Owned Life Insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International Equities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,943 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,943 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
United States Bonds
 
 
 - 
 
 
 20,290 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 20,290 
 
 11.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
 2,161 
 
 
 3,010 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,171 
 
 2.9 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (835)
 
 
 (835)
 
 (0.5)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 95,765 
 
$
 86,307 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 (835)
 
$
 181,237 
 
 100.0 
%

 
280

 
 
OPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 76,921 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 76,921 
 
 24.7 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 84,133 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 84,133 
 
 27.0 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Global
 
 
 - 
 
 
 21,934 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 21,934 
 
 7.0 
%
 
 
 
 
Subtotal Equities
 
 
 161,054 
 
 
 21,934 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 182,988 
 
 58.7 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Collective Trust - Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 15,310 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 15,310 
 
 4.9 
%
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 17,870 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 17,870 
 
 5.7 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 33,652 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 33,652 
 
 10.8 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,134 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,134 
 
 2.3 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,861 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,861 
 
 0.6 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 424 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 424 
 
 0.1 
%
 
 
 
 
Subtotal Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 76,251 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 76,251 
 
 24.4 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust Owned Life Insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International Equities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,225 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,225 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
United States Bonds
 
 
 - 
 
 
 34,910 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 34,910 
 
 11.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
 3,718 
 
 
 5,180 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 8,898 
 
 2.9 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (1,436)
 
 
 (1,436)
 
 (0.5)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 164,772 
 
$
 148,500 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 (1,436)
 
$
 311,836 
 
 100.0 
%

 
281

 
 
PSO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 20,497 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 20,497 
 
 24.7 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 22,417 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 22,417 
 
 27.0 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Global
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,844 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,844 
 
 7.0 
%
 
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 42,914 
 
 
 5,844 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 48,758 
 
 58.7 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Collective Trust - Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,079 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,079 
 
 4.9 
%
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,762 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,762 
 
 5.7 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 8,967 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 8,967 
 
 10.8 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,901 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,901 
 
 2.3 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 496 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 496 
 
 0.6 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 113 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 113 
 
 0.1 
%
 
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 20,318 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 20,318 
 
 24.4 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust Owned Life Insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International Equities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,724 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,724 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
United States Bonds
 
 
 - 
 
 
 9,302 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 9,302 
 
 11.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
 991 
 
 
 1,380 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,371 
 
 2.9 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (383)
 
 
 (383)
 
 (0.5)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 43,905 
 
$
 39,568 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 (383)
 
$
 83,090 
 
 100.0 
%

 
282

 
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 23,770 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 23,770 
 
 24.7 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 25,999 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 25,999 
 
 27.0 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Global
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,778 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,778 
 
 7.0 
%
 
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 49,769 
 
 
 6,778 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 56,547 
 
 58.7 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Collective Trust - Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,731 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,731 
 
 4.9 
%
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,522 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,522 
 
 5.7 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,399 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,399 
 
 10.8 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,205 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,205 
 
 2.3 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 575 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 575 
 
 0.6 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 131 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 131 
 
 0.1 
%
 
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 23,563 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 23,563 
 
 24.4 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust Owned Life Insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International Equities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,160 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,160 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
United States Bonds
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,788 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,788 
 
 11.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 
 1,149 
 
 
 1,601 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,750 
 
 2.9 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (444)
 
 
 (444)
 
 (0.5)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 50,918 
 
$
 45,890 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 (444)
 
$
 96,364 
 
 100.0 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(a)
Amounts in "Other" column primarily represent accrued interest, dividend receivables and transactions pending settlement.

 
283

 
The following tables present the classification of pension plan assets within the fair value hierarchy by Registrant Subsidiary at December 31, 2010:

 
APCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 179,421 
 
$
 366 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 179,787 
 
 35.1 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 53,559 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 53,559 
 
 10.4 
%
 
 
Real Estate Investment Trusts
 
 
 14,932 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 14,932 
 
 2.9 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International
 
 
 - 
 
 
 21,619 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 21,619 
 
 4.2 
%
 
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 247,912 
 
 
 21,985 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 269,897 
 
 52.6 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 84,280 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 84,280 
 
 16.4 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 89,296 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 89,296 
 
 17.4 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 16,900 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 16,900 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,021 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,021 
 
 0.6 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,798 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,798 
 
 1.3 
%
 
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 200,295 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 200,295 
 
 39.0 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 11,060 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 11,060 
 
 2.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alternative Investments
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 17,281 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 17,281 
 
 3.4 
%
 
Securities Lending
 
 
 - 
 
 
 33,804 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 33,804 
 
 6.6 
%
 
Securities Lending Collateral (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (36,664)
 
 
 (36,664)
 
 (7.1)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents (b)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 16,870 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 212 
 
 
 17,082 
 
 3.3 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (c)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 81 
 
 
 81 
 
 - 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 247,912 
 
$
 272,954 
 
$
 28,341 
 
$
 (36,371)
 
$
 512,836 
 
 100.0 
%

 
284

 
 
I&M
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 158,027 
 
$
 323 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 158,350 
 
 35.1 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 47,173 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 47,173 
 
 10.4 
%
 
 
Real Estate Investment Trusts
 
 
 13,152 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 13,152 
 
 2.9 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International
 
 
 - 
 
 
 19,041 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 19,041 
 
 4.2 
%
 
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 218,352 
 
 
 19,364 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 237,716 
 
 52.6 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 74,231 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 74,231 
 
 16.4 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 78,649 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 78,649 
 
 17.4 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 14,885 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 14,885 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,661 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,661 
 
 0.6 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,987 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,987 
 
 1.3 
%
 
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 176,413 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 176,413 
 
 39.0 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 9,742 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 9,742 
 
 2.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alternative Investments
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 15,220 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 15,220 
 
 3.4 
%
 
Securities Lending
 
 
 - 
 
 
 29,773 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 29,773 
 
 6.6 
%
 
Securities Lending Collateral (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (32,292)
 
 
 (32,292)
 
 (7.1)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents (b)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 14,859 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 186 
 
 
 15,045 
 
 3.3 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (c)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 71 
 
 
 71 
 
 - 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 218,352 
 
$
 240,409 
 
$
 24,962 
 
$
 (32,035)
 
$
 451,688 
 
 100.0 
%

 
285

 
 
OPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 279,635 
 
$
 571 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 280,206 
 
 35.1 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 83,473 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 83,473 
 
 10.4 
%
 
 
Real Estate Investment Trusts
 
 
 23,273 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 23,273 
 
 2.9 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International
 
 
 - 
 
 
 33,695 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 33,695 
 
 4.2 
%
 
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 386,381 
 
 
 34,266 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 420,647 
 
 52.6 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 131,355 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 131,355 
 
 16.4 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 139,172 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 139,172 
 
 17.4 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 26,340 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 26,340 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,708 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,708 
 
 0.6 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,594 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,594 
 
 1.3 
%
 
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 312,169 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 312,169 
 
 39.0 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 17,239 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 17,239 
 
 2.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alternative Investments
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 26,933 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 26,933 
 
 3.4 
%
 
Securities Lending
 
 
 - 
 
 
 52,686 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 52,686 
 
 6.6 
%
 
Securities Lending Collateral (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (57,142)
 
 
 (57,142)
 
 (7.1)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents (b)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 26,293 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 330 
 
 
 26,623 
 
 3.3 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (c)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 126 
 
 
 126 
 
 - 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 386,381 
 
$
 425,414 
 
$
 44,172 
 
$
 (56,686)
 
$
 799,281 
 
 100.0 
%

 
286

 
 
PSO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 74,721 
 
$
 153 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 74,874 
 
 35.1 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 22,305 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 22,305 
 
 10.4 
%
 
 
Real Estate Investment Trusts
 
 
 6,219 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,219 
 
 2.9 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International
 
 
 - 
 
 
 9,004 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 9,004 
 
 4.2 
%
 
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 103,245 
 
 
 9,157 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 112,402 
 
 52.6 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 35,099 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 35,099 
 
 16.4 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 37,188 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 37,188 
 
 17.4 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,038 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,038 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,258 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,258 
 
 0.6 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,831 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,831 
 
 1.3 
%
 
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 83,414 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 83,414 
 
 39.0 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,606 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,606 
 
 2.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alternative Investments
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,197 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,197 
 
 3.4 
%
 
Securities Lending
 
 
 - 
 
 
 14,078 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 14,078 
 
 6.6 
%
 
Securities Lending Collateral (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (15,269)
 
 
 (15,269)
 
 (7.1)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents (b)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,026 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 88 
 
 
 7,114 
 
 3.3 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (c)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 34 
 
 
 34 
 
 - 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 103,245 
 
$
 113,675 
 
$
 11,803 
 
$
 (15,147)
 
$
 213,576 
 
 100.0 
%

 
287

 
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 78,585 
 
$
 160 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 78,745 
 
 35.1 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 23,458 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 23,458 
 
 10.4 
%
 
 
Real Estate Investment Trusts
 
 
 6,540 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,540 
 
 2.9 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International
 
 
 - 
 
 
 9,469 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 9,469 
 
 4.2 
%
 
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 108,583 
 
 
 9,629 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 118,212 
 
 52.6 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 36,914 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 36,914 
 
 16.4 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 39,111 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 39,111 
 
 17.4 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,402 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,402 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,323 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,323 
 
 0.6 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,977 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,977 
 
 1.3 
%
 
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 87,727 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 87,727 
 
 39.0 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,844 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,844 
 
 2.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alternative Investments
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,569 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,569 
 
 3.4 
%
 
Securities Lending
 
 
 - 
 
 
 14,806 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 14,806 
 
 6.6 
%
 
Securities Lending Collateral (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (16,058)
 
 
 (16,058)
 
 (7.1)
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents (b)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,389 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 93 
 
 
 7,482 
 
 3.3 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (c)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 36 
 
 
 36 
 
 - 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 108,583 
 
$
 119,551 
 
$
 12,413 
 
$
 (15,929)
 
$
 224,618 
 
 100.0 
%

(a)
Amounts in "Other" column primarily represent an obligation to repay cash collateral received as part of the Securities Lending Program.
(b)
Amounts in "Other" column primarily represent foreign currency holdings.
(c)
Amounts in "Other" column primarily represent accrued interest, dividend receivables and transactions pending settlement.

The following tables set forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of real estate and alternative investments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for pension assets by Registrant Subsidiary:

 
 
 
 
 
 
Alternative
 
Total
 
APCo
 
Real Estate
 
Investments
 
Level 3
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance as of January 1, 2010
 
$
 12,623 
 
$
 14,739 
 
$
 27,362 
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Relating to Assets Still Held as of the Reporting Date
 
 
 (1,563)
 
 
 412 
 
 
 (1,151)
 
 
Relating to Assets Sold During the Period
 
 
 - 
 
 
 134 
 
 
 134 
 
Purchases and Sales
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,996 
 
 
 1,996 
 
Transfers into Level 3
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Transfers out of Level 3
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 11,060 
 
$
 17,281 
 
$
 28,341 

 
288

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alternative
 
Total
 
I&M
 
Real Estate
 
Investments
 
Level 3
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance as of January 1, 2010
 
$
 10,094 
 
$
 11,786 
 
$
 21,880 
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Relating to Assets Still Held as of the Reporting Date
 
 
 (352)
 
 
 556 
 
 
 204 
 
 
Relating to Assets Sold During the Period
 
 
 - 
 
 
 181 
 
 
 181 
 
Purchases and Sales
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,697 
 
 
 2,697 
 
Transfers into Level 3
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Transfers out of Level 3
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 9,742 
 
$
 15,220 
 
$
 24,962 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Alternative
 
Total
 
OPCo
 
Real Estate
 
Investments
 
Level 3
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance as of January 1, 2010
 
$
 20,125 
 
$
 23,498 
 
$
 43,623 
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Relating to Assets Still Held as of the Reporting Date
 
 
 (2,886)
 
 
 557 
 
 
 (2,329)
 
 
Relating to Assets Sold During the Period
 
 
 - 
 
 
 181 
 
 
 181 
 
Purchases and Sales
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,697 
 
 
 2,697 
 
Transfers into Level 3
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Transfers out of Level 3
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 17,239 
 
$
 26,933 
 
$
 44,172 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Alternative
 
Total
 
PSO
 
Real Estate
 
Investments
 
Level 3
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance as of January 1, 2010
 
$
 5,770 
 
$
 6,737 
 
$
 12,507 
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Relating to Assets Still Held as of the Reporting Date
 
 
 (1,164)
 
 
 75 
 
 
 (1,089)
 
 
Relating to Assets Sold During the Period
 
 
 - 
 
 
 24 
 
 
 24 
 
Purchases and Sales
 
 
 - 
 
 
 361 
 
 
 361 
 
Transfers into Level 3
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Transfers out of Level 3
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 4,606 
 
$
 7,197 
 
$
 11,803 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Alternative
 
Total
 
SWEPCo
 
Real Estate
 
Investments
 
Level 3
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance as of January 1, 2010
 
$
 5,654 
 
$
 6,602 
 
$
 12,256 
 
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Relating to Assets Still Held as of the Reporting Date
 
 
 (810)
 
 
 156 
 
 
 (654)
 
 
Relating to Assets Sold During the Period
 
 
 - 
 
 
 51 
 
 
 51 
 
Purchases and Sales
 
 
 - 
 
 
 760 
 
 
 760 
 
Transfers into Level 3
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Transfers out of Level 3
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 4,844 
 
$
 7,569 
 
$
 12,413 

 
289

 
The following tables present the classification of OPEB plan assets within the fair value hierarchy by Registrant Subsidiary at December 31, 2010:

 
APCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 97,469 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 97,469 
 
 40.0 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 36,792 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 36,792 
 
 15.1 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Global
 
 
 - 
 
 
 19,153 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 19,153 
 
 7.9 
%
 
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 134,261 
 
 
 19,153 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 153,414 
 
 63.0 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Collective Trust - Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,966 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,966 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 15,636 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 15,636 
 
 6.4 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 18,365 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 18,365 
 
 7.5 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,140 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,140 
 
 1.7 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 583 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 583 
 
 0.2 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 158 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 158 
 
 0.1 
%
 
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 46,848 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 46,848 
 
 19.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust Owned Life Insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International Equities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 8,189 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 8,189 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
United States Bonds
 
 
 - 
 
 
 27,130 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 27,130 
 
 11.1 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents (a)
 
 
 3,422 
 
 
 4,179 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 143 
 
 
 7,744 
 
 3.2 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (b)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 446 
 
 
 446 
 
 0.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 137,683 
 
$
 105,499 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 589 
 
$
 243,771 
 
 100.0 
%

 
290

 
 
I&M
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 75,446 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 75,446 
 
 40.0 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 28,479 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 28,479 
 
 15.1 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Global
 
 
 - 
 
 
 14,825 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 14,825 
 
 7.9 
%
 
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 103,925 
 
 
 14,825 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 118,750 
 
 63.0 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Collective Trust - Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,166 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,166 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 12,103 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 12,103 
 
 6.4 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 14,215 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 14,215 
 
 7.5 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,204 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,204 
 
 1.7 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 452 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 452 
 
 0.2 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 122 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 122 
 
 0.1 
%
 
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 36,262 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 36,262 
 
 19.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust Owned Life Insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International Equities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,338 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,338 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
United States Bonds
 
 
 - 
 
 
 21,000 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 21,000 
 
 11.1 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents (a)
 
 
 2,649 
 
 
 3,234 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 111 
 
 
 5,994 
 
 3.2 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (b)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 346 
 
 
 346 
 
 0.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 106,574 
 
$
 81,659 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 457 
 
$
 188,690 
 
 100.0 
%

 
291

 
 
OPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 133,225 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 133,225 
 
 40.0 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 50,290 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 50,290 
 
 15.1 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Global
 
 
 - 
 
 
 26,179 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 26,179 
 
 7.9 
%
 
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 183,515 
 
 
 26,179 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 209,694 
 
 63.0 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Collective Trust - Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,889 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,889 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 21,372 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 21,372 
 
 6.4 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 25,102 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 25,102 
 
 7.5 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,658 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,658 
 
 1.7 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 797 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 797 
 
 0.2 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 216 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 216 
 
 0.1 
%
 
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 64,034 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 64,034 
 
 19.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust Owned Life Insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International Equities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 11,192 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 11,192 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
United States Bonds
 
 
 - 
 
 
 37,082 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 37,082 
 
 11.1 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents (a)
 
 
 4,678 
 
 
 5,712 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 195 
 
 
 10,585 
 
 3.2 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (b)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 611 
 
 
 611 
 
 0.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 188,193 
 
$
 144,199 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 806 
 
$
 333,198 
 
 100.0 
%

 
292

 
 
PSO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 33,555 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 33,555 
 
 40.0 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 12,666 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 12,666 
 
 15.1 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Global
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,593 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,593 
 
 7.9 
%
 
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 46,221 
 
 
 6,593 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 52,814 
 
 63.0 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Collective Trust - Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,742 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,742 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,382 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,382 
 
 6.4 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,322 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,322 
 
 7.5 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,425 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,425 
 
 1.7 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 201 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 201 
 
 0.2 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 54 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 54 
 
 0.1 
%
 
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 16,126 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 16,126 
 
 19.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust Owned Life Insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International Equities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,819 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,819 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
United States Bonds
 
 
 - 
 
 
 9,339 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 9,339 
 
 11.1 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents (a)
 
 
 1,178 
 
 
 1,438 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 49 
 
 
 2,665 
 
 3.2 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (b)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 154 
 
 
 154 
 
 0.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 47,399 
 
$
 36,315 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 203 
 
$
 83,917 
 
 100.0 
%

 
293

 
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End
 
Asset Class
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Other
 
Total
 
Allocation
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Equities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 37,225 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 37,225 
 
 40.0 
%
 
 
International
 
 
 14,051 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 14,051 
 
 15.1 
%
 
 
Common Collective Trust -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Global
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,314 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,314 
 
 7.9 
%
 
Subtotal - Equities
 
 
 51,276 
 
 
 7,314 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 58,590 
 
 63.0 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Collective Trust - Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,042 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,042 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
United States Government and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency Securities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,971 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,971 
 
 6.4 
%
 
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,014 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,014 
 
 7.5 
%
 
 
Foreign Debt
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,581 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,581 
 
 1.7 
%
 
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 - 
 
 
 223 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 223 
 
 0.2 
%
 
 
Other - Asset Backed
 
 
 - 
 
 
 60 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 60 
 
 0.1 
%
 
Subtotal - Fixed Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 17,891 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 17,891 
 
 19.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust Owned Life Insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International Equities
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,127 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,127 
 
 3.3 
%
 
 
United States Bonds
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,361 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,361 
 
 11.1 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents (a)
 
 
 1,307 
 
 
 1,596 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 55 
 
 
 2,958 
 
 3.2 
%
 
Other - Pending Transactions and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued Income (b)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 170 
 
 
 170 
 
 0.2 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
 52,583 
 
$
 40,289 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 225 
 
$
 93,097 
 
 100.0 
%

(a)
Amounts in "Other" column primarily represent foreign currency holdings.
(b)
Amounts in "Other" column primarily represent accrued interest, dividend receivables and transactions pending settlement.

Determination of Pension Expense

The determination of pension expense or income is based on a market-related valuation of assets which reduces year-to-year volatility.  This market-related valuation recognizes investment gains or losses over a five-year period from the year in which they occur.  Investment gains or losses for this purpose are the difference between the expected return calculated using the market-related value of assets and the actual return based on the market-related value of assets.  Since the market-related value of assets recognizes gains or losses over a five-year period, the future value of assets will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recorded.

Accumulated Benefit Obligation
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
(in thousands)
Qualified Pension Plan
 
$
 672,967 
 
$
 569,855 
 
$
 1,005,608 
 
$
 269,230 
 
$
 269,809 
Nonqualified Pension Plans
 
 
 234 
 
 
 168 
 
 
 821 
 
 
 1,368 
 
 
 1,223 
Total as of December 31, 2011
 
$
 673,201 
 
$
 570,023 
 
$
 1,006,429 
 
$
 270,598 
 
$
 271,032 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
(in thousands)
Qualified Pension Plan
 
$
 646,513 
 
$
 551,702 
 
$
 973,802 
 
$
 261,535 
 
$
 260,838 
Nonqualified Pension Plans
 
 
 221 
 
 
 994 
 
 
 799 
 
 
 1,326 
 
 
 1,133 
Total as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 646,734 
 
$
 552,696 
 
$
 974,601 
 
$
 262,861 
 
$
 261,971 

 
294

 
For the underfunded pension plans that had an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, the projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets of these plans at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

 
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Projected Benefit Obligation
$
 681,450 
 
$
 581,677 
 
$
 1,020,890 
 
$
 277,448 
 
$
 277,594 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
 
$
 673,201 
 
$
 570,023 
 
$
 1,006,429 
 
$
 270,598 
 
$
 271,032 
Fair Value of Plan Assets
 
 
 570,756 
 
 
 503,926 
 
 
 925,939 
 
 
 245,769 
 
 
 255,861 
Underfunded Accumulated Benefit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Obligation as of December 31, 2011
 
$
 (102,445)
 
$
 (66,097)
 
$
 (80,490)
 
$
 (24,829)
 
$
 (15,171)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Projected Benefit Obligation
$
 652,219 
 
$
 560,982 
 
$
 984,089 
 
$
 268,180 
 
$
 267,206 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
 
$
 646,734 
 
$
 552,696 
 
$
 974,601 
 
$
 262,861 
 
$
 261,971 
Fair Value of Plan Assets
 
 
 512,836 
 
 
 451,688 
 
 
 799,281 
 
 
 213,576 
 
 
 224,618 
Underfunded Accumulated Benefit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Obligation as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 (133,898)
 
$
 (101,008)
 
$
 (175,320)
 
$
 (49,285)
 
$
 (37,353)

Estimated Future Benefit Payments and Contributions

The estimated pension benefit payments for the unfunded plan and contributions to the trust are at least the minimum amount required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act plus payment of unfunded nonqualified benefits.  For the qualified pension plan, additional discretionary contributions may be made to the trust to maintain the funded status of the plan.  The contributions to the OPEB plans are generally based on the amount of the OPEB plans’ periodic benefit costs for accounting purposes as provided in agreements with state regulatory authorities, plus the additional discretionary contribution of the Medicare subsidy receipts.  The following table provides the estimated contributions and payments by Registrant Subsidiary for 2012:

 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
Company
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 33,442 
 
$
 16,775 
I&M
 
 
 23,938 
 
 
 13,465 
OPCo
 
 
 39,095 
 
 
 19,705 
PSO
 
 
 11,612 
 
 
 5,982 
SWEPCo
 
 
 9,089 
 
 
 7,089 

 
295

 
The tables below reflect the total benefits expected to be paid from the plan or from the Registrant Subsidiary’s assets.  The payments include the participants’ contributions to the plan for their share of the cost.  In December 2011, the prescription drug plan was amended for certain participants.  The impact of the change is reflected in the Benefit Plan Obligation table as a plan amendment.  As a result of this amendment to the plan, the Medicare subsidy receipts in the following table are reduced from prior published estimates.  Future benefit payments are dependent on the number of employees retiring, whether the retiring employees elect to receive pension benefits as annuities or as lump sum distributions, future integration of the benefit plans with changes to Medicare and other legislation, future levels of interest rates and variances in actuarial results.  The estimated payments for the pension benefits and OPEB are as follows:

Pension Plans
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
(in thousands)
2012 
 
$
 44,506 
 
$
 34,963 
 
$
 69,978 
 
$
 19,989 
 
$
 19,329 
2013 
 
 
 45,202 
 
 
 35,686 
 
 
 72,422 
 
 
 20,472 
 
 
 20,281 
2014 
 
 
 47,192 
 
 
 37,289 
 
 
 76,712 
 
 
 22,199 
 
 
 22,080 
2015 
 
 
 46,327 
 
 
 37,831 
 
 
 75,063 
 
 
 22,020 
 
 
 22,288 
2016 
 
 
 48,178 
 
 
 39,781 
 
 
 75,042 
 
 
 21,847 
 
 
 22,331 
Years 2017 to 2021, in Total
 
 
 248,647 
 
 
 213,381 
 
 
 371,555 
 
 
 113,723 
 
 
 115,691 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans:  
Benefit Payments
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
(in thousands)
2012 
 
$
 27,515 
 
$
 17,849 
 
$
 36,517 
 
$
 7,833 
 
$
 8,302 
2013 
 
 
 27,741 
 
 
 18,289 
 
 
 36,412 
 
 
 8,120 
 
 
 8,628 
2014 
 
 
 28,782 
 
 
 19,085 
 
 
 37,271 
 
 
 8,438 
 
 
 9,179 
2015 
 
 
 29,668 
 
 
 20,117 
 
 
 38,306 
 
 
 8,934 
 
 
 9,598 
2016 
 
 
 30,657 
 
 
 21,358 
 
 
 39,774 
 
 
 9,467 
 
 
 10,214 
Years 2017 to 2021, in Total
 
 
 168,810 
 
 
 123,258 
 
 
 218,695 
 
 
 54,491 
 
 
 61,146 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans:  
Medicare Subsidy Receipts
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
(in thousands)
2012 
 
$
 1,777 
 
$
 1,096 
 
$
 2,276 
 
$
 618 
 
$
 586 
2013 
 
 
 272 
 
 
 28 
 
 
 43 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
2014 
 
 
 287 
 
 
 27 
 
 
 48 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
2015 
 
 
 298 
 
 
 26 
 
 
 59 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
2016 
 
 
 307 
 
 
 26 
 
 
 67 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Years 2017 to 2021, in Total
 
 
 1,578 
 
 
 110 
 
 
 536 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 

 
296

 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The following tables provide the components of net periodic benefit cost by Registrant Subsidiary for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
APCo
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Service Cost
 
$
 7,199 
 
$
 12,908 
 
$
 12,689 
 
$
 4,983 
 
$
 5,722 
 
$
 5,142 
 
Interest Cost
 
 
 32,293 
 
 
 33,956 
 
 
 34,050 
 
 
 19,468 
 
 
 20,300 
 
 
 19,710 
 
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 (41,833)
 
 
 (43,805)
 
 
 (44,885)
 
 
 (17,985)
 
 
 (17,628)
 
 
 (13,531)
 
Amortization of Transition Obligation
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,167 
 
 
 5,244 
 
 
 5,244 
 
Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)
 
 
 917 
 
 
 917 
 
 
 917 
 
 
 (171)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Amortization of Net Actuarial Loss
 
 
 16,570 
 
 
 11,842 
 
 
 7,688 
 
 
 5,839 
 
 
 5,410 
 
 
 7,666 
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
 
 15,146 
 
 
 15,818 
 
 
 10,459 
 
 
 13,301 
 
 
 19,048 
 
 
 24,231 
 
Capitalized Portion
 
 
 (5,604)
 
 
 (6,058)
 
 
 (3,661)
 
 
 (4,921)
 
 
 (7,295)
 
 
 (8,481)
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost Recognized as
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expense
 
$
 9,542 
 
$
 9,760 
 
$
 6,798 
 
$
 8,380 
 
$
 11,753 
 
$
 15,750 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
I&M
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Service Cost
 
$
 9,447 
 
$
 15,284 
 
$
 14,002 
 
$
 6,119 
 
$
 6,750 
 
$
 5,990 
 
Interest Cost
 
 
 27,726 
 
 
 29,085 
 
 
 28,520 
 
 
 13,610 
 
 
 14,164 
 
 
 13,675 
 
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 (36,856)
 
 
 (35,040)
 
 
 (35,733)
 
 
 (13,886)
 
 
 (13,397)
 
 
 (10,259)
 
Amortization of Transition Obligation
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 188 
 
 
 2,814 
 
 
 2,814 
 
Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)
 
 
 744 
 
 
 744 
 
 
 744 
 
 
 (237)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Amortization of Net Actuarial Loss
 
 
 14,144 
 
 
 10,065 
 
 
 6,406 
 
 
 3,566 
 
 
 3,526 
 
 
 5,213 
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
 
 15,205 
 
 
 20,138 
 
 
 13,939 
 
 
 9,360 
 
 
 13,857 
 
 
 17,433 
 
Capitalized Portion
 
 
 (3,163)
 
 
 (4,028)
 
 
 (2,732)
 
 
 (1,947)
 
 
 (2,771)
 
 
 (3,417)
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost Recognized as
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expense
 
$
 12,042 
 
$
 16,110 
 
$
 11,207 
 
$
 7,413 
 
$
 11,086 
 
$
 14,016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
OPCo
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Service Cost
 
$
 10,230 
 
$
 17,254 
 
$
 16,538 
 
$
 7,827 
 
$
 8,187 
 
$
 7,347 
 
Interest Cost
 
 
 48,350 
 
 
 51,900 
 
 
 52,629 
 
 
 25,497 
 
 
 26,498 
 
 
 25,818 
 
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 (65,464)
 
 
 (69,077)
 
 
 (71,554)
 
 
 (24,514)
 
 
 (24,092)
 
 
 (18,685)
 
Curtailment
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 605 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Amortization of Transition Obligation
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 150 
 
 
 6,642 
 
 
 6,643 
 
Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)
 
 
 1,474 
 
 
 1,474 
 
 
 1,475 
 
 
 (212)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Amortization of Net Actuarial Loss
 
 
 24,828 
 
 
 18,150 
 
 
 11,931 
 
 
 7,298 
 
 
 6,877 
 
 
 9,988 
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
 
 19,418 
 
 
 19,701 
 
 
 11,019 
 
 
 16,651 
 
 
 24,112 
 
 
 31,111 
 
Capitalized Portion
 
 
 (6,932)
 
 
 (6,843)
 
 
 (3,901)
 
 
 (5,944)
 
 
 (8,334)
 
 
 (10,913)
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost Recognized as
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expense
 
$
 12,486 
 
$
 12,858 
 
$
 7,118 
 
$
 10,707 
 
$
 15,778 
 
$
 20,198 

 
297

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
PSO
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Service Cost
 
$
 5,760 
 
$
 6,052 
 
$
 5,744 
 
$
 2,621 
 
$
 2,815 
 
$
 2,522 
 
Interest Cost
 
 
 13,285 
 
 
 14,888 
 
 
 15,369 
 
 
 6,046 
 
 
 6,360 
 
 
 6,154 
 
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 (17,464)
 
 
 (19,739)
 
 
 (20,438)
 
 
 (6,264)
 
 
 (6,110)
 
 
 (4,695)
 
Amortization of Transition Obligation
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,805 
 
 
 2,805 
 
Amortization of Prior Service Credit
 
 
 (950)
 
 
 (950)
 
 
 (1,082)
 
 
 (75)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Amortization of Net Actuarial Loss
 
 
 6,757 
 
 
 5,188 
 
 
 3,487 
 
 
 1,553 
 
 
 1,573 
 
 
 2,348 
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
 
 7,388 
 
 
 5,439 
 
 
 3,080 
 
 
 3,881 
 
 
 7,443 
 
 
 9,134 
 
Capitalized Portion
 
 
 (2,379)
 
 
 (1,806)
 
 
 (1,087)
 
 
 (1,249)
 
 
 (2,471)
 
 
 (3,224)
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost Recognized as
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expense
 
$
 5,009 
 
$
 3,633 
 
$
 1,993 
 
$
 2,632 
 
$
 4,972 
 
$
 5,910 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
SWEPCo
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Service Cost
 
$
 6,573 
 
$
 7,046 
 
$
 6,757 
 
$
 3,029 
 
$
 3,108 
 
$
 2,817 
 
Interest Cost
 
 
 13,331 
 
 
 15,093 
 
 
 15,557 
 
 
 6,969 
 
 
 6,940 
 
 
 6,735 
 
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 (18,380)
 
 
 (19,489)
 
 
 (20,083)
 
 
 (7,200)
 
 
 (6,646)
 
 
 (5,120)
 
Amortization of Transition Obligation
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,461 
 
 
 2,461 
 
Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)
 
 
 (795)
 
 
 (796)
 
 
 (916)
 
 
 258 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Amortization of Net Actuarial Loss
 
 
 6,759 
 
 
 5,242 
 
 
 3,516 
 
 
 1,785 
 
 
 1,711 
 
 
 2,560 
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
 
 7,488 
 
 
 7,096 
 
 
 4,831 
 
 
 4,841 
 
 
 7,574 
 
 
 9,453 
 
Capitalized Portion
 
 
 (2,636)
 
 
 (2,406)
 
 
 (1,546)
 
 
 (1,704)
 
 
 (2,568)
 
 
 (3,025)
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost Recognized as
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expense
 
$
 4,852 
 
$
 4,690 
 
$
 3,285 
 
$
 3,137 
 
$
 5,006 
 
$
 6,428 

 
298

 
Estimated amounts expected to be amortized to net periodic benefit costs and the impact on each Registrant Subsidiary’s balance sheet during 2012 are shown in the following tables:

 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
Pension Plan - Components
(in thousands)
 
Net Actuarial Loss
  $ 19,816     $ 16,915     $ 29,690     $ 8,074     $ 8,077  
Prior Service Cost (Credit)
    475       407       743       (948 )     (793 )
Total Estimated 2012 Amortization
  $ 20,291     $ 17,322     $ 30,433     $ 7,126     $ 7,284  
 
                                       
Pension Plans -
                                       
Expected to be Recorded as
                                       
Regulatory Asset
  $ 20,190     $ 16,303     $ 16,299     $ 7,126     $ 7,284  
Deferred Income Taxes
    35       357       4,947       -       -  
Net of Tax AOCI
    66       662       9,187       -       -  
Total
  $ 20,291     $ 17,322     $ 30,433     $ 7,126     $ 7,284  
 
                                       
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans -
(in thousands)
 
Components
                                       
Net Actuarial Loss
  $ 10,671     $ 7,325     $ 13,951     $ 3,296     $ 3,822  
Prior Service Credit
    (2,862 )     (2,383 )     (3,873 )     (1,079 )     (933 )
Transition Obligation
    780       132       104       -       -  
Total Estimated 2012 Amortization
  $ 8,589     $ 5,074     $ 10,182     $ 2,217     $ 2,889  
 
                                       
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans -
Expected to be Recorded as
                                       
Regulatory Asset
  $ 3,049     $ 4,400     $ 4,565     $ 2,217     $ 1,804  
Deferred Income Taxes
    1,939       236       1,966       -       380  
Net of Tax AOCI
    3,601       438       3,651       -       705  
Total
  $ 8,589     $ 5,074     $ 10,182     $ 2,217     $ 2,889  

American Electric Power System Retirement Savings Plans

The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in an AEP sponsored defined contribution retirement savings plan, the American Electric Power System Retirement Savings Plan, for substantially all employees who are not members of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA).  This qualified plan offers participants an opportunity to contribute a portion of their pay, includes features under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code and provides for company matching contributions.  The matching contributions to the plan are 100% of the first 1% of eligible employee contributions and 70% of the next 5% of contributions.

The 2009 contributions below for SWEPCo include a legacy savings plan of an acquired subsidiary.

The following table provides the cost for matching contributions to the retirement savings plans by Registrant Subsidiary for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 7,432 
 
$
 7,284 
 
$
 8,673 
I&M
 
 
 9,541 
 
 
 8,969 
 
 
 10,315 
OPCo
 
 
 10,166 
 
 
 9,706 
 
 
 11,640 
PSO
 
 
 3,626 
 
 
 3,505 
 
 
 4,083 
SWEPCo
 
 
 4,438 
 
 
 3,866 
 
 
 5,269 

 
299

 
UMWA Benefits

APCo, I&M and OPCo provide UMWA pension, health and welfare benefits for certain unionized mining employees, retirees and their survivors who meet eligibility requirements.  UMWA trustees make final interpretive determinations with regard to all benefits.  The pension benefits are administered by UMWA trustees and contributions are made to their trust funds.  APCo, I&M and OPCo administer the health and welfare benefits and pay them from their general assets.

The UMWA pension benefits are administered through a multiemployer plan that is different from single-employer plans as an employer’s contributions may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers.  Required contributions not made by an employer may result in other employers bearing the unfunded plan obligations, while a withdrawing employer may be subject to a withdrawal liability.  UMWA pension benefits are provided through the United Mine Workers of America 1974 Pension Plan (Employer Identification Number: 52-1050282, Plan Number 002), which under the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA) was in Seriously Endangered Status for the plan years ending June 30, 2011 and 2010, without utilization of extended amortization provisions.  The Plan is required under the PPA to adopt a funding improvement plan by May 25, 2012.  Contributions in 2011, 2010 and 2009, which were made under a collective bargaining agreement that expires December 31, 2012, were immaterial and represent less than 5% of the total contributions in the plan’s latest annual report for the years ended June 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009.  Contributions did not include a surcharge, and there are no minimum contributions for future years.

8.  BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Registrant Subsidiaries each have one reportable segment, an integrated electricity generation, transmission and distribution business.  The Registrant Subsidiaries’ other activities are insignificant.  The Registrant Subsidiaries’ operations are managed on an integrated basis because of the substantial impact of cost-based rates and regulatory oversight on the business process, cost structures and operating results.

9.  DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

OBJECTIVES FOR UTILIZATION OF DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Registrant Subsidiaries are exposed to certain market risks as major power producers and marketers of wholesale electricity, coal and emission allowances.  These risks include commodity price risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and, to a lesser extent, foreign currency exchange risk.  These risks represent the risk of loss that may impact the Registrant Subsidiaries due to changes in the underlying market prices or rates.  AEPSC, on behalf of the Registrant Subsidiaries, manages these risks using derivative instruments.

STRATEGIES FOR UTILIZATION OF DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS TO ACHIEVE OBJECTIVES

Trading Strategies

The strategy surrounding the use of derivative instruments for trading purposes focuses on seizing market opportunities to create value driven by expected changes in the market prices of the commodities in which AEPSC transacts on behalf of the Registrant Subsidiaries.

Risk Management Strategies

The strategy surrounding the use of derivative instruments focuses on managing risk exposures, future cash flows and creating value utilizing both economic and formal hedging strategies.  To accomplish these objectives, AEPSC, on behalf of the Registrant Subsidiaries, primarily employs risk management contracts including physical forward purchase and sale contracts, financial forward purchase and sale contracts and financial swap instruments.  Not all risk management contracts meet the definition of a derivative under the accounting guidance for “Derivatives and Hedging.”  Derivative risk management contracts elected normal under the normal purchases and normal sales scope exception are not subject to the requirements of this accounting guidance.

 
300

 
AEPSC, on behalf of the Registrant Subsidiaries, enters into power, coal, natural gas, interest rate and, to a lesser degree, heating oil and gasoline, emission allowance and other commodity contracts to manage the risk associated with the energy business.  AEPSC, on behalf of the Registrant Subsidiaries, enters into interest rate derivative contracts in order to manage the interest rate exposure associated with the Registrant Subsidiaries’ commodity portfolio.  For disclosure purposes, such risks are grouped as “Commodity,” as these risks are related to energy risk management activities.  AEPSC, on behalf of the Registrant Subsidiaries, also engages in risk management of interest rate risk associated with debt financing and foreign currency risk associated with future purchase obligations denominated in foreign currencies.  For disclosure purposes, these risks are grouped as “Interest Rate and Foreign Currency.”  The amount of risk taken is determined by the Commercial Operations and Finance groups in accordance with established risk management policies as approved by the Finance Committee of AEP’s Board of Directors.

The following tables represent the gross notional volume of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ outstanding derivative contracts as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:

 
Notional Volume of Derivative Instruments
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Primary Risk
 
Unit of
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exposure
 
Measure
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Commodity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Power
 
MWHs
 
 
 169,459 
 
 
 109,326 
 
 
 229,468 
 
 
 39 
 
 
 49 
 
Coal
 
Tons
 
 
 3,714 
 
 
 1,920 
 
 
 8,337 
 
 
 3,574 
 
 
 2,974 
 
Natural Gas
 
MMBtus
 
 
 7,923 
 
 
 5,081 
 
 
 10,728 
 
 
 115 
 
 
 145 
 
Heating Oil and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gasoline
 
Gallons
 
 
 1,057 
 
 
 525 
 
 
 1,254 
 
 
 618 
 
 
 569 
 
Interest Rate
 
USD
 
$
 31,029 
 
$
 19,890 
 
$
 42,093 
 
$
 175 
 
$
 203 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Currency
 
USD
 
$
 - 
 
$
 200,000 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 200,069 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notional Volume of Derivative Instruments
 
December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Primary Risk
 
Unit of
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exposure
 
Measure
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Commodity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Power
 
MWHs
 
 
 194,217 
 
 
 117,862 
 
 
 248,616 
 
 
 21 
 
 
 34 
 
Coal
 
Tons
 
 
 11,195 
 
 
 6,571 
 
 
 28,583 
 
 
 4,936 
 
 
 8,777 
 
Natural Gas
 
MMBtus
 
 
 2,166 
 
 
 1,302 
 
 
 2,772 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 19 
 
Heating Oil and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gasoline
 
Gallons
 
 
 1,054 
 
 
 521 
 
 
 1,243 
 
 
 616 
 
 
 564 
 
Interest Rate
 
USD
 
$
 9,541 
 
$
 5,732 
 
$
 12,656 
 
$
 609 
 
$
 793 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Currency
 
USD
 
$
 200,000 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 200,000 
 
$
 189 

Fair Value Hedging Strategies

AEPSC, on behalf of the Registrant Subsidiaries, enters into interest rate derivative transactions as part of an overall strategy to manage the mix of fixed-rate and floating-rate debt.  Certain interest rate derivative transactions effectively modify an exposure to interest rate risk by converting a portion of fixed-rate debt to a floating rate.  Provided specific criteria are met, these interest rate derivatives are designated as fair value hedges.

 
301

 
Cash Flow Hedging Strategies

AEPSC, on behalf of the Registrant Subsidiaries, enters into and designates as cash flow hedges certain derivative transactions for the purchase and sale of power, coal, natural gas and heating oil and gasoline (“Commodity”) in order to manage the variable price risk related to the forecasted purchase and sale of these commodities.  Management monitors the potential impacts of commodity price changes and, where appropriate, enters into derivative transactions to protect profit margins for a portion of future electricity sales and fuel or energy purchases.  The Registrant Subsidiaries do not hedge all commodity price risk.

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ vehicle fleet is exposed to gasoline and diesel fuel price volatility.  AEPSC, on behalf of the Registrant Subsidiaries, enters into financial heating oil and gasoline derivative contracts in order to mitigate price risk of future fuel purchases.  For disclosure purposes, these contracts are included with other hedging activities as “Commodity.”  The Registrant Subsidiaries do not hedge all fuel price risk.

AEPSC, on behalf of the Registrant Subsidiaries, enters into a variety of interest rate derivative transactions in order to manage interest rate risk exposure.  Some interest rate derivative transactions effectively modify exposure to interest rate risk by converting a portion of floating-rate debt to a fixed rate.  AEPSC, on behalf of the Registrant Subsidiaries, also enters into interest rate derivative contracts to manage interest rate exposure related to future borrowings of fixed-rate debt.  The forecasted fixed-rate debt offerings have a high probability of occurrence as the proceeds will be used to fund existing debt maturities and projected capital expenditures.  The Registrant Subsidiaries do not hedge all interest rate exposure.

At times, the Registrant Subsidiaries are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks primarily when some fixed assets are purchased from foreign suppliers.  In accordance with AEP’s risk management policy, AEPSC, on behalf of the Registrant Subsidiaries, may enter into foreign currency derivative transactions to protect against the risk of increased cash outflows resulting from a foreign currency’s appreciation against the dollar.  The Registrant Subsidiaries do not hedge all foreign currency exposure.

ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND THE IMPACT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The accounting guidance for “Derivatives and Hedging” requires recognition of all qualifying derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value.  The fair values of derivative instruments accounted for using MTM accounting or hedge accounting are based on exchange prices and broker quotes.  If a quoted market price is not available, the estimate of fair value is based on the best information available including valuation models that estimate future energy prices based on existing market and broker quotes, supply and demand market data and assumptions.  In order to determine the relevant fair values of the derivative instruments, the Registrant Subsidiaries also apply valuation adjustments for discounting, liquidity and credit quality.

Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will fail to perform on the contract or fail to pay amounts due.  Liquidity risk represents the risk that imperfections in the market will cause the price to vary from estimated fair value based upon prevailing market supply and demand conditions.  Since energy markets are imperfect and volatile, there are inherent risks related to the underlying assumptions in models used to fair value risk management contracts.  Unforeseen events may cause reasonable price curves to differ from actual price curves throughout a contract’s term and at the time a contract settles.  Consequently, there could be significant adverse or favorable effects on future net income and cash flows if market prices are not consistent with management’s estimates of current market consensus for forward prices in the current period.  This is particularly true for longer term contracts.  Cash flows may vary based on market conditions, margin requirements and the timing of settlement of risk management contracts.

 
302

 
According to the accounting guidance for “Derivatives and Hedging,” the Registrant Subsidiaries reflect the fair values of derivative instruments subject to netting agreements with the same counterparty net of related cash collateral.  For certain risk management contracts, the Registrant Subsidiaries are required to post or receive cash collateral based on third party contractual agreements and risk profiles.  For the December 31, 2011 and 2010 balance sheets, the Registrant Subsidiaries netted cash collateral received from third parties against short-term and long-term risk management assets and cash collateral paid to third parties against short-term and long-term risk management liabilities as follows:

 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
 
Cash Collateral
 
Cash Collateral
 
Cash Collateral
 
Cash Collateral
 
 
 
Received
 
Paid
 
Received
 
Paid
 
 
 
Netted Against
 
Netted Against
 
Netted Against
 
Netted Against
 
 
 
Risk Management
 
Risk Management
 
Risk Management
 
Risk Management
Company
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 4,291 
 
$
 28,964 
 
$
 1,809 
 
$
 16,229 
I&M
 
 
 2,752 
 
 
 18,547 
 
 
 1,087 
 
 
 9,757 
OPCo
 
 
 5,810 
 
 
 39,183 
 
 
 2,314 
 
 
 20,908 
PSO
 
 
 53 
 
 
 130 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 44 
SWEPCo
 
 
 66 
 
 
 124 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 72 

 
303

 
The following tables represent the gross fair value of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ derivative activity on the balance sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
APCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracts
 
Hedging Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Commodity (a)
 
Commodity (a)
 
Currency (a)
 
Other (b)
 
Total
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Current Risk Management Assets
 
$
232,784 
 
$
1,040 
 
$
 
$
(194,179)
 
$
39,645 
Long-term Risk Management Assets
 
 
99,751 
 
 
90 
 
 
 
 
(60,615)
 
 
39,226 
Total Assets
 
 
332,535 
 
 
1,130 
 
 
 
 
(254,794)
 
 
78,871 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
235,354 
 
 
2,767 
 
 
 
 
(211,515)
 
 
26,606 
Long-term Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
82,058 
 
 
350 
 
 
 
 
(69,485)
 
 
12,923 
Total Liabilities
 
 
317,412 
 
 
3,117 
 
 
 
 
(281,000)
 
 
39,529 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total MTM Derivative Contract Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets (Liabilities)
 
$
15,123 
 
$
(1,987)
 
$
 
$
26,206 
 
$
39,342 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
APCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracts
 
Hedging Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Commodity (a)
 
Commodity (a)
 
Currency (a)
 
Other (b)
 
Total
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Current Risk Management Assets
 
$
267,702 
 
$
1,956 
 
$
11,888 
 
$
(228,304)
 
$
53,242 
Long-term Risk Management Assets
 
 
79,560 
 
 
714 
 
 
 
 
(41,854)
 
 
38,420 
Total Assets
 
 
347,262 
 
 
2,670 
 
 
11,888 
 
 
(270,158)
 
 
91,662 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
262,027 
 
 
2,363 
 
 
 
 
(236,397)
 
 
27,993 
Long-term Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
61,724 
 
 
701 
 
 
 
 
(51,552)
 
 
10,873 
Total Liabilities
 
 
323,751 
 
 
3,064 
 
 
 
 
(287,949)
 
 
38,866 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total MTM Derivative Contract Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets (Liabilities)
 
$
23,511 
 
$
(394)
 
$
11,888 
 
$
17,791 
 
$
52,796 

 
304

 


Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I&M
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracts
 
Hedging Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Commodity (a)
 
Commodity (a)
 
Currency (a)
 
Other (b)
 
Total
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Current Risk Management Assets
 
$
154,628 
 
$
667 
 
$
 
$
(123,143)
 
$
32,152 
Long-term Risk Management Assets
 
 
68,047 
 
 
58 
 
 
 
 
(38,743)
 
 
29,362 
Total Assets
 
 
222,675 
 
 
725 
 
 
 
 
(161,886)
 
 
61,514 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
149,466 
 
 
1,747 
 
 
 
 
(134,233)
 
 
16,980 
Long-term Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
52,441 
 
 
224 
 
 
10,637 
 
 
(44,431)
 
 
18,871 
Total Liabilities
 
 
201,907 
 
 
1,971 
 
 
10,637 
 
 
(178,664)
 
 
35,851 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total MTM Derivative Contract Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets (Liabilities)
 
$
20,768 
 
$
(1,246)
 
$
(10,637)
 
$
16,778 
 
$
25,663 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I&M
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracts
 
Hedging Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Commodity (a)
 
Commodity (a)
 
Currency (a)
 
Other (b)
 
Total
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Current Risk Management Assets
 
$
162,896 
 
$
1,151 
 
$
 
$
(136,521)
 
$
27,526 
Long-term Risk Management Assets
 
 
56,154 
 
 
429 
 
 
 
 
(25,098)
 
 
31,485 
Total Assets
 
 
219,050 
 
 
1,580 
 
 
 
 
(161,619)
 
 
59,011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
156,750 
 
 
1,421 
 
 
 
 
(141,386)
 
 
16,785 
Long-term Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
37,039 
 
 
421 
 
 
 
 
(30,930)
 
 
6,530 
Total Liabilities
 
 
193,789 
 
 
1,842 
 
 
 
 
(172,316)
 
 
23,315 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total MTM Derivative Contract Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets (Liabilities)
 
$
25,261 
 
$
(262)
 
$
 
$
10,697 
 
$
35,696 

 
305

 


Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracts
 
Hedging Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Commodity (a)
 
Commodity (a)
 
Currency (a)
 
Other (b)
 
Total
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Current Risk Management Assets
 
$
325,904 
 
$
1,409 
 
$
 
$
(273,020)
 
$
54,293 
Long-term Risk Management Assets
 
 
136,519 
 
 
122 
 
 
 
 
(83,027)
 
 
53,614 
Total Assets
 
 
462,423 
 
 
1,531 
 
 
 
 
(356,047)
 
 
107,907 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
329,307 
 
 
3,712 
 
 
 
 
(296,458)
 
 
36,561 
Long-term Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
112,454 
 
 
474 
 
 
 
 
(95,038)
 
 
17,890 
Total Liabilities
 
 
441,761 
 
 
4,186 
 
 
 
 
(391,496)
 
 
54,451 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total MTM Derivative Contract Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets (Liabilities)
 
$
20,662 
 
$
(2,655)
 
$
 
$
35,449 
 
$
53,456 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracts
 
Hedging Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Commodity (a)
 
Commodity (a)
 
Currency (a)
 
Other (b)
 
Total
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Current Risk Management Assets
 
$
412,637 
 
$
2,480 
 
$
 
$
(360,570)
 
$
54,547 
Long-term Risk Management Assets
 
 
108,946 
 
 
915 
 
 
 
 
(59,760)
 
 
50,101 
Total Assets
 
 
521,583 
 
 
3,395 
 
 
 
 
(420,330)
 
 
104,648 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
406,175 
 
 
3,025 
 
 
 
 
(371,067)
 
 
38,133 
Long-term Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
85,901 
 
 
897 
 
 
 
 
(72,172)
 
 
14,626 
Total Liabilities
 
 
492,076 
 
 
3,922 
 
 
 
 
(443,239)
 
 
52,759 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total MTM Derivative Contract Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets (Liabilities)
 
$
29,507 
 
$
(527)
 
$
 
$
22,909 
 
$
51,889 

 
306

 


Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PSO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracts
 
Hedging Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Commodity (a)
 
Commodity (a)
 
Currency (a)
 
Other (b)
 
Total
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Current Risk Management Assets
 
$
6,980 
 
$
 
$
 
$
(6,415)
 
$
565 
Long-term Risk Management Assets
 
 
914 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(600)
 
 
314 
Total Assets
 
 
7,894 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(7,015)
 
 
879 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
7,665 
 
 
107 
 
 
 
 
(6,492)
 
 
1,280 
Long-term Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
1,930 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(600)
 
 
1,330 
Total Liabilities
 
 
9,595 
 
 
107 
 
 
 
 
(7,092)
 
 
2,610 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total MTM Derivative Contract Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets (Liabilities)
 
$
(1,701)
 
$
(107)
 
$
 
$
77 
 
$
(1,731)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PSO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracts
 
Hedging Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Commodity (a)
 
Commodity (a)
 
Currency (a)
 
Other (b)
 
Total
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Current Risk Management Assets
 
$
19,174 
 
$
134 
 
$
13,558 
 
$
(18,641)
 
$
14,225 
Long-term Risk Management Assets
 
 
1,944 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,692)
 
 
252 
Total Assets
 
 
21,118 
 
 
134 
 
 
13,558 
 
 
(20,333)
 
 
14,477 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
19,607 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(18,685)
 
 
922 
Long-term Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
1,889 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,692)
 
 
197 
Total Liabilities
 
 
21,496 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(20,377)
 
 
1,119 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total MTM Derivative Contract Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets (Liabilities)
 
$
(378)
 
$
134 
 
$
13,558 
 
$
44 
 
$
13,358 

 
307

 


Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracts
 
Hedging Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Commodity (a)
 
Commodity (a)
 
Currency (a)
 
Other (b)
 
Total
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Current Risk Management Assets
 
$
6,327 
 
$
 
$
 
$
(5,885)
 
$
445 
Long-term Risk Management Assets
 
 
818 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(536)
 
 
282 
Total Assets
 
 
7,145 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(6,421)
 
 
727 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
11,062 
 
 
97 
 
 
19,143 
 
 
(5,943)
 
 
24,359 
Long-term Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
757 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(536)
 
 
221 
Total Liabilities
 
 
11,819 
 
 
97 
 
 
19,143 
 
 
(6,479)
 
 
24,580 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total MTM Derivative Contract Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets (Liabilities)
 
$
(4,674)
 
$
(97)
 
$
(19,140)
 
$
58 
 
$
(23,853)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracts
 
Hedging Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Commodity (a)
 
Commodity (a)
 
Currency (a)
 
Other (b)
 
Total
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Current Risk Management Assets
 
$
33,284 
 
$
123 
 
$
 
$
(32,198)
 
$
1,209 
Long-term Risk Management Assets
 
 
3,346 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,913)
 
 
438 
Total Assets
 
 
36,630 
 
 
123 
 
 
 
 
(35,111)
 
 
1,647 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
36,338 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(32,271)
 
 
4,067 
Long-term Risk Management Liabilities
 
 
3,250 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,912)
 
 
338 
Total Liabilities
 
 
39,588 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(35,183)
 
 
4,405 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total MTM Derivative Contract Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets (Liabilities)
 
$
(2,958)
 
$
123 
 
$
 
$
72 
 
$
(2,758)
 
(a)
Derivative instruments within these categories are reported gross.  These instruments are subject to master netting agreements and are presented on the balance sheets on a net basis in accordance with the accounting guidance for "Derivatives and Hedging.”
(b)
Amounts include counterparty netting of risk management and hedging contracts and associated cash collateral in accordance with the accounting guidance for "Derivatives and Hedging."  Amounts also include de-designated risk management contracts.
 
308

 

The tables below present the Registrant Subsidiaries’ activity of derivative risk management contracts for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized on
 
Risk Management Contracts
 
 Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Location of Gain (Loss)
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Electric Generation, Transmission and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distribution Revenues
 
$
 2,843 
 
$
 12,786 
 
$
 27,292 
 
$
 297 
 
$
 547 
 
Sales to AEP Affiliates
 
 
 154 
 
 
 92 
 
 
 196 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 4 
 
Fuel and Other Consumables Used for
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Generation
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (2)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Regulatory Assets (a)
 
 
 373 
 
 
 (1,470)
 
 
 (17,928)
 
 
 (1,421)
 
 
 (1,709)
 
Regulatory Liabilities (a)
 
 
 2,552 
 
 
 (5,178)
 
 
 (105)
 
 
 708 
 
 
 (118)
 
Total Gain (Loss) on Risk Management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracts
 
$
 5,922 
 
$
 6,230 
 
$
 9,453 
 
$
 (413)
 
$
 (1,276)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized on
 
Risk Management Contracts
 
 Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Location of Gain (Loss)
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Electric Generation, Transmission and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distribution Revenues
 
$
 5,057 
 
$
 21,834 
 
$
 40,893 
 
$
 3,156 
 
$
 3,880 
 
Sales to AEP Affiliates
 
 
 (2,379)
 
 
 (2,471)
 
 
 5,043 
 
 
 (794)
 
 
 (1,523)
 
Fuel and Other Consumables Used for
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Generation
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Regulatory Assets (a)
 
 
 (372)
 
 
 (186)
 
 
 (5,788)
 
 
 46 
 
 
 (2,902)
 
Regulatory Liabilities (a)
 
 
 27,790 
 
 
 8,217 
 
 
 3,451 
 
 
 878 
 
 
 351 
 
Total Gain (Loss) on Risk Management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracts
 
$
 30,096 
 
$
 27,394 
 
$
 43,599 
 
$
 3,286 
 
$
 (194)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized on
 
Risk Management Contracts
 
 Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Location of Gain (Loss)
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Electric Generation, Transmission and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distribution Revenues
 
$
 16,213 
 
$
 39,188 
 
$
 59,313 
 
$
 (94)
 
$
 44 
 
Sales to AEP Affiliates
 
 
 (8,978)
 
 
 (5,450)
 
 
 (6,770)
 
 
 912 
 
 
 750 
 
Fuel and Other Consumables Used for
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Generation
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Regulatory Assets (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (5,837)
 
 
 (22,065)
 
 
 (331)
 
 
 (73)
 
Regulatory Liabilities (a)
 
 
 6,908 
 
 
 (2,394)
 
 
 (7,805)
 
 
 (1,280)
 
 
 190 
 
Total Gain (Loss) on Risk Management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracts
 
$
 14,143 
 
$
 25,507 
 
$
 22,673 
 
$
 (793)
 
$
 911 

 
(a)
Represents realized and unrealized gains and losses subject to regulatory accounting treatment recorded as either current or noncurrent on the balance sheets.

Certain qualifying derivative instruments have been designated as normal purchase or normal sale contracts, as provided in the accounting guidance for “Derivatives and Hedging.”  Derivative contracts that have been designated as normal purchases or normal sales under that accounting guidance are not subject to MTM accounting treatment and are recognized on the statements of income on an accrual basis.

 
309

 
The accounting for the changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it qualifies for and has been designated as part of a hedging relationship and further, on the type of hedging relationship.  Depending on the exposure, management designates a hedging instrument as a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge.

For contracts that have not been designated as part of a hedging relationship, the accounting for changes in fair value depends on whether the derivative instrument is held for trading purposes.  Unrealized and realized gains and losses on derivative instruments held for trading purposes are included in revenues on a net basis on the statements of income.  Unrealized and realized gains and losses on derivative instruments not held for trading purposes are included in revenues or expenses on the statements of income depending on the relevant facts and circumstances.  However, unrealized and some realized gains and losses in regulated jurisdictions (APCo, I&M, PSO, the non-Texas portion of SWEPCo generation and, beginning in the second quarter of 2009, the Texas portion of SWEPCo generation) for both trading and non-trading derivative instruments are recorded as regulatory assets (for losses) or regulatory liabilities (for gains) in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Regulated Operations.”  SWEPCo re-applied the accounting guidance for “Regulated Operations” for the generation portion of SWEPCo’s Texas retail jurisdiction effective the second quarter of 2009.

Accounting for Fair Value Hedging Strategies

For fair value hedges (i.e. hedging the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability or an identified portion thereof attributable to a particular risk), the gain or loss on the derivative instrument as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item associated with the hedged risk impacts Net Income during the period of change.

The Registrant Subsidiaries record realized and unrealized gains or losses on interest rate swaps that qualify for fair value hedge accounting treatment and any offsetting changes in the fair value of the debt being hedged in Interest Expense on the statements of income.  During 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Registrant Subsidiaries did not employ any fair value hedging strategies.

Accounting for Cash Flow Hedging Strategies

For cash flow hedges (i.e. hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk), the Registrant Subsidiaries initially report the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the balance sheets until the period the hedged item affects Net Income.  The Registrant Subsidiaries recognize any hedge ineffectiveness in Net Income immediately during the period of change, except in regulated jurisdictions where hedge ineffectiveness is recorded as a regulatory asset (for losses) or a regulatory liability (for gains).

Realized gains and losses on derivative contracts for the purchase and sale of power, coal, natural gas and heating oil and gasoline designated as cash flow hedges are included in Revenues, Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation or Purchased Electricity for Resale on the statements of income or in Regulatory Assets or Regulatory Liabilities on the balance sheets, depending on the specific nature of the risk being hedged.  During 2011, 2010 and 2009, APCo, I&M and OPCo designated commodity derivatives as cash flow hedges.

The Registrant Subsidiaries reclassify gains and losses on financial fuel derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the balance sheets into Other Operation expense, Maintenance expense or Depreciation and Amortization expense, as it relates to capital projects, on the statements of income.  During 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Registrant Subsidiaries designated heating oil and gasoline derivatives as cash flow hedges.

The Registrant Subsidiaries reclassify gains and losses on interest rate derivative hedges related to debt financings from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Interest Expense in those periods in which hedged interest payments occur.  During 2011, APCo, I&M and SWEPCo designated interest rate derivatives as cash flow hedges.  During 2010, APCo and PSO designated interest rate derivatives as cash flow hedges.  During 2009, OPCo designated interest rate derivatives as cash flow hedges.

 
310

 
The accumulated gains or losses related to foreign currency hedges are reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the balance sheets into Depreciation and Amortization expense on the statements of income over the depreciable lives of the fixed assets that were designated as the hedged items in qualifying foreign currency hedging relationships.  During 2011, 2010 and 2009, SWEPCo designated foreign currency derivatives as cash flow hedges.

During 2009, OPCo recognized a $6 million gain in Interest Expense related to hedge ineffectiveness on interest rate derivatives designated in cash flow hedge strategies.  During 2011, 2010 and 2009, hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial or nonexistent for all of the other cash flow hedge strategies disclosed above.

 
311

 
The following tables provide details on designated, effective cash flow hedges included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the balance sheets and the reasons for changes in cash flow hedges for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.  All amounts in the following tables are presented net of related income taxes.

 
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Activity for Cash Flow Hedges
 
 Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
 
 
Commodity Contracts
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 (273)
 
$
 (178)
 
$
 (364)
 
$
 88 
 
$
 82 
 
Changes in Fair Value Recognized in AOCI
 
 
 (2,077)
 
 
 (1,294)
 
 
 (2,748)
 
 
 108 
 
 
 102 
 
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Reclassified
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
from AOCI to Statement of Income/within
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Generation, Transmission and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distribution Revenues
 
 
 249 
 
 
 544 
 
 
 1,457 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Fuel and Other Consumables Used for
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Generation
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Purchased Electricity for Resale
 
 
 62 
 
 
 79 
 
 
 425 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Other Operation Expense
 
 
 (95)
 
 
 (71)
 
 
 (160)
 
 
 (93)
 
 
 (93)
 
 
 
Maintenance Expense
 
 
 (169)
 
 
 (64)
 
 
 (141)
 
 
 (62)
 
 
 (65)
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 (175)
 
 
 (90)
 
 
 (217)
 
 
 (110)
 
 
 (88)
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets (a)
 
 
 1,169 
 
 
 255 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2011
 
$
 (1,309)
 
$
 (819)
 
$
 (1,748)
 
$
 (69)
 
$
 (62)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Currency Contracts
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 217 
 
$
 (8,507)
 
$
 10,813 
 
$
 8,406 
 
$
 (4,272)
 
Changes in Fair Value Recognized in AOCI
 
 
 (373)
 
 
 (6,913)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (475)
 
 
 (12,438)
 
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Reclassified
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
from AOCI to Statement of Income/within
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expense
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Other Operation Expense
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Interest Expense
 
 
 1,180 
 
 
 955 
 
 
 (1,363)
 
 
 (713)
 
 
 1,248 
 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2011
 
$
 1,024 
 
$
 (14,465)
 
$
 9,454 
 
$
 7,218 
 
$
 (15,462)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Contracts
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 (56)
 
$
 (8,685)
 
$
 10,449 
 
$
 8,494 
 
$
 (4,190)
 
Changes in Fair Value Recognized in AOCI
 
 
 (2,450)
 
 
 (8,207)
 
 
 (2,748)
 
 
 (367)
 
 
 (12,336)
 
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Reclassified
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
from AOCI to Statement of Income/within
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Generation, Transmission and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distribution Revenues
 
 
 249 
 
 
 544 
 
 
 1,457 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Fuel and Other Consumables Used for
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Generation
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Purchased Electricity for Resale
 
 
 62 
 
 
 79 
 
 
 425 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Other Operation Expense
 
 
 (95)
 
 
 (71)
 
 
 (160)
 
 
 (93)
 
 
 (93)
 
 
 
Maintenance Expense
 
 
 (169)
 
 
 (64)
 
 
 (141)
 
 
 (62)
 
 
 (65)
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expense
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Interest Expense
 
 
 1,180 
 
 
 955 
 
 
 (1,363)
 
 
 (713)
 
 
 1,248 
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 (175)
 
 
 (90)
 
 
 (217)
 
 
 (110)
 
 
 (88)
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets (a)
 
 
 1,169 
 
 
 255 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2011
 
$
 (285)
 
$
 (15,284)
 
$
 7,706 
 
$
 7,149 
 
$
 (15,524)

 
312

 
 
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Activity for Cash Flow Hedges
 
 Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
 
 
Commodity Contracts
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2009
 
$
 (743)
 
$
 (382)
 
$
 (742)
 
$
 (78)
 
$
 112 
 
Changes in Fair Value Recognized in AOCI
 
 
 (1,450)
 
 
 (901)
 
 
 (1,958)
 
 
 77 
 
 
 69 
 
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Reclassified
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
from AOCI to Statement of Income/within
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Generation, Transmission and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distribution Revenues
 
 
 51 
 
 
 87 
 
 
 229 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Fuel and Other Consumables Used for
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Generation
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (13)
 
 
 197 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Purchased Electricity for Resale
 
 
 393 
 
 
 895 
 
 
 2,338 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Other Operation Expense
 
 
 (43)
 
 
 (31)
 
 
 (72)
 
 
 (39)
 
 
 (44)
 
 
 
Maintenance Expense
 
 
 (70)
 
 
 (28)
 
 
 (54)
 
 
 (24)
 
 
 (23)
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 (71)
 
 
 (36)
 
 
 (87)
 
 
 (45)
 
 
 (32)
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets (a)
 
 
 1,660 
 
 
 218 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (5)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 (273)
 
$
 (178)
 
$
 (364)
 
$
 88 
 
$
 82 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Currency Contracts
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2009
 
$
 (6,450)
 
$
 (9,514)
 
$
 12,172 
 
$
 (521)
 
$
 (5,047)
 
Changes in Fair Value Recognized in AOCI
 
 
 5,042 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 8,813 
 
 
 (74)
 
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Reclassified
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
from AOCI to Statement of Income/within
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expense
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Other Operation Expense
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 21 
 
 
 
Interest Expense
 
 
 1,625 
 
 
 1,007 
 
 
 (1,363)
 
 
 114 
 
 
 828 
 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 217 
 
$
 (8,507)
 
$
 10,813 
 
$
 8,406 
 
$
 (4,272)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Contracts
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2009
 
$
 (7,193)
 
$
 (9,896)
 
$
 11,430 
 
$
 (599)
 
$
 (4,935)
 
Changes in Fair Value Recognized in AOCI
 
 
 3,592 
 
 
 (901)
 
 
 (1,958)
 
 
 8,890 
 
 
 (5)
 
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Reclassified
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
from AOCI to Statement of Income/within
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Generation, Transmission and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distribution Revenues
 
 
 51 
 
 
 87 
 
 
 229 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Fuel and Other Consumables Used for
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Generation
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (13)
 
 
 197 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Purchased Electricity for Resale
 
 
 393 
 
 
 895 
 
 
 2,338 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Other Operation Expense
 
 
 (43)
 
 
 (31)
 
 
 (72)
 
 
 (39)
 
 
 (23)
 
 
 
Maintenance Expense
 
 
 (70)
 
 
 (28)
 
 
 (54)
 
 
 (24)
 
 
 (23)
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expense
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Interest Expense
 
 
 1,625 
 
 
 1,007 
 
 
 (1,363)
 
 
 114 
 
 
 828 
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 (71)
 
 
 (36)
 
 
 (87)
 
 
 (45)
 
 
 (32)
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets (a)
 
 
 1,660 
 
 
 218 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (5)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 (56)
 
$
 (8,685)
 
$
 10,449 
 
$
 8,494 
 
$
 (4,190)

 
313

 
 
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Activity for Cash Flow Hedges
 
 Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
 
 
Commodity Contracts
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2008
 
$
 2,726 
 
$
 1,482 
 
$
 3,429 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
Changes in Fair Value Recognized in AOCI
 
 
 (669)
 
 
 (435)
 
 
 (984)
 
 
 5 
 
 
 190 
 
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Reclassified
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
from AOCI to Statement of Income/within
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Generation, Transmission and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distribution Revenues
 
 
 (1,646)
 
 
 (3,189)
 
 
 (8,991)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Fuel and Other Consumables Used for
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Generation
 
 
 (95)
 
 
 (50)
 
 
 (108)
 
 
 (49)
 
 
 (54)
 
 
 
Purchased Electricity for Resale
 
 
 1,093 
 
 
 2,142 
 
 
 5,982 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Other Operation Expense
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Maintenance Expense
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 (58)
 
 
 (29)
 
 
 (70)
 
 
 (34)
 
 
 (24)
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets (a)
 
 
 4,003 
 
 
 481 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities (a)
 
 
 (6,097)
 
 
 (784)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2009
 
$
 (743)
 
$
 (382)
 
$
 (742)
 
$
 (78)
 
$
 112 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Currency Contracts
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2008
 
$
 (8,118)
 
$
 (10,521)
 
$
 1,752 
 
$
 (704)
 
$
 (5,924)
 
Changes in Fair Value Recognized in AOCI
 
 
 (1)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 10,915 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 49 
 
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Reclassified
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
from AOCI to Statement of Income/within
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expense
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (4)
 
 
 4 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Other Operation Expense
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Interest Expense
 
 
 1,669 
 
 
 1,011 
 
 
 (499)
 
 
 183 
 
 
 828 
 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2009
 
$
 (6,450)
 
$
 (9,514)
 
$
 12,172 
 
$
 (521)
 
$
 (5,047)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Contracts
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2008
 
$
 (5,392)
 
$
 (9,039)
 
$
 5,181 
 
$
 (704)
 
$
 (5,924)
 
Changes in Fair Value Recognized in AOCI
 
 
 (670)
 
 
 (435)
 
 
 9,931 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 239 
 
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Reclassified
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
from AOCI to Statement of Income/within
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Generation, Transmission and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distribution Revenues
 
 
 (1,646)
 
 
 (3,189)
 
 
 (8,991)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Fuel and Other Consumables Used for
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Generation
 
 
 (95)
 
 
 (50)
 
 
 (108)
 
 
 (49)
 
 
 (54)
 
 
 
Purchased Electricity for Resale
 
 
 1,093 
 
 
 2,142 
 
 
 5,982 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Other Operation Expense
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Maintenance Expense
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expense
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (4)
 
 
 4 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Interest Expense
 
 
 1,669 
 
 
 1,011 
 
 
 (499)
 
 
 183 
 
 
 828 
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 (58)
 
 
 (29)
 
 
 (70)
 
 
 (34)
 
 
 (24)
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets (a)
 
 
 4,003 
 
 
 481 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
Regulatory Liabilities (a)
 
 
 (6,097)
 
 
 (784)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Balance in AOCI as of December 31, 2009
 
$
 (7,193)
 
$
 (9,896)
 
$
 11,430 
 
$
 (599)
 
$
 (4,935)

 (a)
Represents realized and unrealized gains and losses subject to regulatory accounting treatment recorded as either current or noncurrent on the balance sheets.

 
314

 
Cash flow hedges included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the balance sheets at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were:

Impact of Cash Flow Hedges on the Registrant Subsidiaries’
Balance Sheets
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
Hedging Assets (a)
 
Hedging Liabilities (a)
 
AOCI Gain (Loss) Net of Tax
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
and Foreign
Company
 
Commodity
 
Currency
 
Commodity
 
Currency
 
Commodity
 
Currency
 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 431 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 2,418 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 (1,309)
 
$
 1,024 
I&M
 
 
 277 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,523 
 
 
 10,637 
 
 
 (819)
 
 
 (14,465)
OPCo
 
 
 584 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,239 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (1,748)
 
 
 9,454 
PSO
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 107 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (69)
 
 
 7,218 
SWEPCo
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 97 
 
 
 19,143 
 
 
 (62)
 
 
 (15,462)

 
 
 
Expected to be Reclassified to
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income During the Next
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve Months
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maximum Term for
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
Exposure to
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
Variability of Future
Company
 
Commodity
 
Currency
 
Cash Flows
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
(in months)
APCo
 
$
 (1,140)
 
$
 (1,052)
 
 
 29 
I&M
 
 
 (712)
 
 
 (595)
 
 
 29 
OPCo
 
 
 (1,518)
 
 
 1,359 
 
 
 29 
PSO
 
 
 (70)
 
 
 759 
 
 
 12 
SWEPCo
 
 
 (63)
 
 
 (1,864)
 
 
 12 

 
315

 
Impact of Cash Flow Hedges on the Registrant Subsidiaries’
Balance Sheets
December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
Hedging Assets (a)
 
Hedging Liabilities (a)
 
AOCI Gain (Loss) Net of Tax
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
 
 
and Foreign
Company
 
Commodity
 
Currency
 
Commodity
 
Currency
 
Commodity
 
Currency
 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 333 
 
$
 11,888 
 
$
 727 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 (273)
 
$
 217 
I&M
 
 
 175 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 437 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (178)
 
 
 (8,507)
OPCo
 
 
 403 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 930 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (364)
 
 
 10,813 
PSO
 
 
 134 
 
 
 13,558 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 88 
 
 
 8,406 
SWEPCo
 
 
 123 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 82 
 
 
 (4,272)

 
 
 
Expected to be Reclassified to
 
 
 
 
Net Income During the Next
 
 
 
 
Twelve Months
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
and Foreign
 
Company
 
Commodity
 
Currency
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
APCo
 
$
 (280)
 
$
 (1,173)
 
I&M
 
 
 (184)
 
 
 (955)
 
OPCo
 
 
 (373)
 
 
 1,359 
 
PSO
 
 
 88 
 
 
 735 
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 82 
 
 
 (829)
 

(a)
Hedging Assets and Hedging Liabilities are included in Risk Management Assets and Liabilities on the balance sheets.

The actual amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to Net Income can differ from the estimate above due to market price changes.

Credit Risk

AEPSC, on behalf of the Registrant Subsidiaries, limits credit risk in their wholesale marketing and trading activities by assessing the creditworthiness of potential counterparties before entering into transactions with them and continuing to evaluate their creditworthiness on an ongoing basis.  AEPSC, on behalf of the Registrant Subsidiaries, uses Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s and current market-based qualitative and quantitative data as well as financial statements to assess the financial health of counterparties on an ongoing basis.

AEPSC, on behalf of the Registrant Subsidiaries, uses standardized master agreements which may include collateral requirements.  These master agreements facilitate the netting of cash flows associated with a single counterparty.  Cash, letters of credit and parental/affiliate guarantees may be obtained as security from counterparties in order to mitigate credit risk.  The collateral agreements require a counterparty to post cash or letters of credit in the event an exposure exceeds the established threshold.  The threshold represents an unsecured credit limit which may be supported by a parental/affiliate guaranty, as determined in accordance with AEP’s credit policy.  In addition, collateral agreements allow for termination and liquidation of all positions in the event of a failure or inability to post collateral.

 
316

 
Collateral Triggering Events

Under the tariffs of the RTOs and Independent System Operators (ISOs) and a limited number of derivative and non-derivative contracts primarily related to competitive retail auction loads, the Registrant Subsidiaries are obligated to post an additional amount of collateral if certain credit ratings decline below investment grade.  The amount of collateral required fluctuates based on market prices and total exposure.  On an ongoing basis, AEP’s risk management organization assesses the appropriateness of these collateral triggering items in contracts.  The Registrant Subsidiaries have not experienced a downgrade below investment grade.  The following tables represent: (a) the Registrant Subsidiaries’ aggregate fair values of such derivative contracts, (b) the amount of collateral the Registrant Subsidiaries would have been required to post for all derivative and non-derivative contracts if credit ratings of the Registrant Subsidiaries had declined below investment grade and (c) how much was attributable to RTO and ISO activities as of December 31, 2011 and  2010:

 
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
Liabilities for
 
Amount of Collateral the
 
Amount
 
 
 
Derivative Contracts
 
Registrant Subsidiaries
 
Attributable to
 
 
 
with Credit
 
Would Have Been
 
RTO and ISO
Company
 
Downgrade Triggers
 
Required to Post
 
Activities
 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 10,007 
 
$
 6,211 
 
$
 6,211 
I&M
 
 
 6,418 
 
 
 3,983 
 
 
 3,983 
OPCo
 
 
 13,550 
 
 
 8,410 
 
 
 8,410 
PSO
 
 
 - 
 
 
 856 
 
 
 414 
SWEPCo
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,128 
 
 
 522 

 
 
 
December 31, 2010
 
 
 
Liabilities for
 
Amount of Collateral the
 
Amount
 
 
 
Derivative Contracts
 
Registrant Subsidiaries
 
Attributable to
 
 
 
with Credit
 
Would Have Been
 
RTO and ISO
Company
 
Downgrade Triggers
 
Required to Post
 
Activities
 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 6,594 
 
$
 12,607 
 
$
 12,574 
I&M
 
 
 3,965 
 
 
 7,581 
 
 
 7,561 
OPCo
 
 
 8,441 
 
 
 16,138 
 
 
 16,095 
PSO
 
 
 16 
 
 
 1,785 
 
 
 1,385 
SWEPCo
 
 
 19 
 
 
 2,139 
 
 
 1,659 

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Registrant Subsidiaries were not required to post any collateral.

 
317

 
In addition, a majority of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ non-exchange traded commodity contracts contain cross-default provisions that, if triggered, would permit the counterparty to declare a default and require settlement of the outstanding payable.  These cross-default provisions could be triggered if there was a non-performance event by Parent or the obligor under outstanding debt or a third party obligation in excess of $50 million.  On an ongoing basis, AEP’s risk management organization assesses the appropriateness of these cross-default provisions in the contracts.  Management does not anticipate a non-performance event under these provisions.  The following tables represent: (a) the fair value of these derivative liabilities subject to cross-default provisions prior to consideration of contractual netting arrangements, (b) the amount this exposure has been reduced by cash collateral posted by the Registrant Subsidiaries and (c) if a cross-default provision would have been triggered, the settlement amount that would be required after considering the Registrant Subsidiaries’ contractual netting arrangements as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:

 
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
Liabilities for
 
 
 
Additional
 
 
 
Contracts with Cross
 
 
 
Settlement
 
 
 
Default Provisions
 
 
 
Liability if Cross
 
 
 
Prior to Contractual
 
Amount of Cash
 
Default Provision
Company
 
Netting Arrangements
 
Collateral Posted
 
is Triggered
 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 76,868 
 
$
 8,107 
 
$
 27,603 
I&M
 
 
 59,936 
 
 
 5,200 
 
 
 28,339 
OPCo
 
 
 104,091 
 
 
 10,978 
 
 
 37,380 
PSO
 
 
 142 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 61 
SWEPCo
 
 
 19,322 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 19,220 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2010
 
 
 
Liabilities for
 
 
 
Additional
 
 
 
Contracts with Cross
 
 
 
Settlement
 
 
 
Default Provisions
 
 
 
Liability if Cross
 
 
 
Prior to Contractual
 
Amount of Cash
 
Default Provision
Company
 
Netting Arrangements
 
Collateral Posted
 
is Triggered
 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 76,810 
 
$
 6,637 
 
$
 23,748 
I&M
 
 
 46,188 
 
 
 3,991 
 
 
 14,280 
OPCo
 
 
 98,343 
 
 
 8,496 
 
 
 30,420 
PSO
 
 
 60 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 28 
SWEPCo
 
 
 75 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 37 

10.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair Value Measurements of Long-term Debt

The fair values of Long-term Debt are based on quoted market prices, without credit enhancements, for the same or similar issues and the current interest rates offered for instruments with similar maturities.  These instruments are not marked-to-market.  The estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange.

The book values and fair values of Long-term Debt for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are summarized in the following table:

 
 
December 31,
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
Company
 
Book Value
 
Fair Value
 
Book Value
 
Fair Value
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 3,726,251 
 
$
 4,431,912 
 
$
 3,561,141 
 
$
 3,878,557 
I&M
 
 
 2,057,675 
 
 
 2,339,344 
 
 
 2,004,226 
 
 
 2,169,520 
OPCo
 
 
 4,054,148 
 
 
 4,665,739 
 
 
 4,168,352 
 
 
 4,516,499 
PSO
 
 
 947,364 
 
 
 1,123,306 
 
 
 971,186 
 
 
 1,040,656 
SWEPCo
 
 
 1,728,637 
 
 
 2,019,094 
 
 
 1,769,520 
 
 
 1,931,516 

 
318

 
Fair Value Measurements of Trust Assets for Decommissioning and SNF Disposal

I&M records securities held in trust funds for decommissioning nuclear facilities and for the disposal of SNF at fair value.  See “Nuclear Trust Funds” section of Note 1.

The following is a summary of nuclear trust fund investments at December 31, 2011 and 2010:

 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
 
Estimated
 
Gross
 
Other-Than-
 
Estimated
 
Gross
 
Other-Than-
 
 
Fair
Unrealized
Temporary
Fair
Unrealized
Temporary
 
 
Value
Gains
Impairments
Value
Gains
Impairments
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
$
 18,229 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 20,039 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
Fixed Income Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States Government
 
 
 543,506 
 
 
 60,946 
 
 
 (547)
 
 
 461,084 
 
 
 22,582 
 
 
 (1,489)
 
Corporate Debt
 
 
 53,979 
 
 
 4,932 
 
 
 (1,536)
 
 
 59,463 
 
 
 3,716 
 
 
 (1,905)
 
State and Local Government
 
 
 329,986 
 
 
 (430)
 
 
 (2,236)
 
 
 340,786 
 
 
 (975)
 
 
 (340)
 
  Subtotal Fixed Income Securities
 
 927,471 
 
 
 65,448 
 
 
 (4,319)
 
 
 861,333 
 
 
 25,323 
 
 
 (3,734)
Equity Securities - Domestic
 
 
 646,032 
 
 
 214,748 
 
 
 (79,536)
 
 
 633,855 
 
 
 183,447 
 
 
 (122,889)
Spent Nuclear Fuel and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Decommissioning Trusts
 
$
 1,591,732 
 
$
 280,196 
 
$
 (83,855)
 
$
 1,515,227 
 
$
 208,770 
 
$
 (126,623)

The following table provides the securities activity within the decommissioning and SNF trusts for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
(in thousands)
Proceeds from Investment Sales
$
 1,110,909 
 
$
 1,361,813 
 
$
 712,742 
Purchases of Investments
 
 1,166,690 
 
 
 1,414,473 
 
 
 770,919 
Gross Realized Gains on Investment Sales
 
 33,382 
 
 
 11,570 
 
 
 28,218 
Gross Realized Losses on Investment Sales
 
 22,159 
 
 
 2,087 
 
 
 1,241 

The adjusted cost of debt securities was $862 million and $835 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The adjusted cost of equity securities was $431 million and $451 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The fair value of debt securities held in the nuclear trust funds, summarized by contractual maturities, at December 31, 2011 was as follows:

 
Fair Value
 
 
of Debt
 
 
Securities
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Within 1 year
  $ 62,383  
1 year – 5 years
    284,942  
5 years – 10 years
    349,587  
After 10 years
    230,559  
Total
  $ 927,471  

 
319

 
Fair Value Measurements of Financial Assets and Liabilities

For a discussion of fair value accounting and the classification of assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy, see the “Fair Value Measurements of Assets and Liabilities” section of Note 1.

The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Registrant Subsidiaries’ financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.  As required by the accounting guidance for “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  Management’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.  There have not been any significant changes in management’s valuation techniques.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
December 31, 2011
 
APCo
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Other
   
Total
 
Assets:
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Risk Management Assets
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
  $ 4,680     $ 302,128     $ 25,423     $ (255,324 )   $ 76,907  
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                       
Commodity Hedges (a)
    -       1,095       -       (664 )     431  
De-designated Risk Management Contracts (b)
    -       -       -       1,533       1,533  
Total Risk Management Assets
  $ 4,680     $ 303,223     $ 25,423     $ (254,455 )   $ 78,871  
 
                                       
Liabilities:
                                       
 
                                       
Risk Management Liabilities
                                       
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
  $ 2,535     $ 291,194     $ 23,379     $ (279,997 )   $ 37,111  
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                       
Commodity Hedges (a)
    -       3,009       73       (664 )     2,418  
Total Risk Management Liabilities
  $ 2,535     $ 294,203     $ 23,452     $ (280,661 )   $ 39,529  

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
December 31, 2010
 
APCo
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Other
   
Total
 
Assets:
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Risk Management Assets
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
  $ 1,686     $ 330,605     $ 13,791     $ (270,012 )   $ 76,070  
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                       
Commodity Hedges (a)
    -       2,591       -       (2,258 )     333  
Interest Rate/Foreign Currency Hedges
    -       11,888       -       -       11,888  
De-designated Risk Management Contracts (b)
    -       -       -       3,371       3,371  
Total Risk Management Assets
  $ 1,686     $ 345,084     $ 13,791     $ (268,899 )   $ 91,662  
 
                                       
Liabilities:
                                       
 
                                       
Risk Management Liabilities
                                       
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
  $ 1,653     $ 312,258     $ 8,660     $ (284,432 )   $ 38,139  
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                       
Commodity Hedges (a)
    -       2,985       -       (2,258 )     727  
Total Risk Management Liabilities
  $ 1,653     $ 315,243     $ 8,660     $ (286,690 )   $ 38,866  

 
320

 


Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
December 31, 2011
 
I&M
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Other
   
Total
 
Assets:
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Risk Management Assets
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
  $ 3,001     $ 203,175     $ 16,305     $ (162,227 )   $ 60,254  
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                       
Commodity Hedges (a)
    -       702       -       (425 )     277  
De-designated Risk Management Contracts (b)
    -       -       -       983       983  
Total Risk Management Assets
    3,001       203,877       16,305       (161,669 )     61,514  
 
                                       
Spent Nuclear Fuel and Decommissioning Trusts
                                       
Cash and Cash Equivalents (d)
    -       5,431       -       12,798       18,229  
Fixed Income Securities:
                                       
United States Government
    -       543,506       -       -       543,506  
Corporate Debt
    -       53,979       -       -       53,979  
State and Local Government
    -       329,986       -       -       329,986  
Subtotal Fixed Income Securities
    -       927,471       -       -       927,471  
Equity Securities - Domestic (e)
    646,032       -       -       -       646,032  
Total Spent Nuclear Fuel and Decommissioning Trusts
    646,032       932,902       -       12,798       1,591,732  
 
                                       
Total Assets
  $ 649,033     $ 1,136,779     $ 16,305     $ (148,871 )   $ 1,653,246  
 
                                       
Liabilities:
                                       
 
                                       
Risk Management Liabilities
                                       
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
  $ 1,626     $ 185,092     $ 14,995     $ (178,022 )   $ 23,691  
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                       
Commodity Hedges (a)
    -       1,901       47       (425 )     1,523  
Interest Rate/Foreign Currency Hedges
    -       10,637       -       -       10,637  
Total Risk Management Liabilities
  $ 1,626     $ 197,630     $ 15,042     $ (178,447 )   $ 35,851  

 
321

 
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
December 31, 2010
 
I&M
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Other
   
Total
 
Assets:
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Risk Management Assets
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
  $ 1,014     $ 209,031     $ 8,295     $ (161,531 )   $ 56,809  
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                       
Commodity Hedges (a)
    -       1,533       -       (1,358 )     175  
De-designated Risk Management Contracts (b)
    -       -       -       2,027       2,027  
Total Risk Management Assets
    1,014       210,564       8,295       (160,862 )     59,011  
 
                                       
Spent Nuclear Fuel and Decommissioning Trusts
                                       
Cash and Cash Equivalents (d)
    -       7,898       -       12,141       20,039  
Fixed Income Securities:
                                       
United States Government
    -       461,084       -       -       461,084  
Corporate Debt
    -       59,463       -       -       59,463  
State and Local Government
    -       340,786       -       -       340,786  
Subtotal Fixed Income Securities
    -       861,333       -       -       861,333  
Equity Securities - Domestic (e)
    633,855       -       -       -       633,855  
Total Spent Nuclear Fuel and Decommissioning Trusts
    633,855       869,231       -       12,141       1,515,227  
 
                                       
Total Assets
  $ 634,869     $ 1,079,795     $ 8,295     $ (148,721 )   $ 1,574,238  
 
                                       
Liabilities:
                                       
 
                                       
Risk Management Liabilities
                                       
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
  $ 994     $ 186,898     $ 5,187     $ (170,201 )   $ 22,878  
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                       
Commodity Hedges (a)
    -       1,795       -       (1,358 )     437  
Total Risk Management Liabilities
  $ 994     $ 188,693     $ 5,187     $ (171,559 )   $ 23,315  

 
322

 
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
December 31, 2011
 
OPCo
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Other
   
Total
 
Assets:
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Other Cash Deposits (c)
  $ 26     $ -     $ -     $ 22     $ 48  
 
                                       
Risk Management Assets
                                       
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
    6,339       421,249       34,425       (356,766 )     105,247  
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                       
Commodity Hedges (a)
    -       1,483       -       (899 )     584  
De-designated Risk Management Contracts (b)
    -       -       -       2,076       2,076  
Total Risk Management Assets
    6,339       422,732       34,425       (355,589 )     107,907  
 
                                       
Total Assets
  $ 6,365     $ 422,732     $ 34,425     $ (355,567 )   $ 107,955  
 
                                       
Liabilities:
                                       
 
                                       
Risk Management Liabilities
                                       
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
  $ 3,433     $ 406,259     $ 31,659     $ (390,139 )   $ 51,212  
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                       
Commodity Hedges (a)
    -       4,038       100       (899 )     3,239  
Total Risk Management Liabilities
  $ 3,433     $ 410,297     $ 31,759     $ (391,038 )   $ 54,451  

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
December 31, 2010
 
OPCo
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Other
   
Total
 
Assets:
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Other Cash Deposits (c)
  $ 26     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 26  
 
                                       
Risk Management Assets
                                       
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
    2,158       500,259       17,659       (420,146 )     99,930  
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                       
Commodity Hedges (a)
    -       3,295       -       (2,892 )     403  
De-designated Risk Management Contracts (b)
    -       -       -       4,315       4,315  
Total Risk Management Assets
    2,158       503,554       17,659       (418,723 )     104,648  
 
                                       
Total Assets
  $ 2,184     $ 503,554     $ 17,659     $ (418,723 )   $ 104,674  
 
                                       
Liabilities:
                                       
 
                                       
Risk Management Liabilities
                                       
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
  $ 2,116     $ 477,377     $ 11,076     $ (438,740 )   $ 51,829  
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                       
Commodity Hedges (a)
    -       3,822       -       (2,892 )     930  
Total Risk Management Liabilities
  $ 2,116     $ 481,199     $ 11,076     $ (441,632 )   $ 52,759  

 
323

 
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
December 31, 2011
 
PSO
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Other
   
Total
 
Assets:
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Risk Management Assets
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
  $ 97     $ 7,797     $ -     $ (7,015 )   $ 879  
 
                                       
Liabilities:
                                       
 
                                       
Risk Management Liabilities
                                       
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
  $ 53     $ 9,542     $ -     $ (7,092 )   $ 2,503  
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                       
Commodity Hedges
    -       107       -       -       107  
Total Risk Management Liabilities
  $ 53     $ 9,649     $ -     $ (7,092 )   $ 2,610  

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
December 31, 2010
 
PSO
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Other
   
Total
 
Assets:
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Risk Management Assets
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
  $ -     $ 21,119     $ 1     $ (20,335 )   $ 785  
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                       
Commodity Hedges
    -       134       -       -       134  
Interest Rate/Foreign Currency Hedges
    -       13,558       -       -       13,558  
Total Risk Management Assets
  $ -     $ 34,811     $ 1     $ (20,335 )   $ 14,477  
 
                                       
Liabilities:
                                       
 
                                       
Risk Management Liabilities
                                       
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
  $ -     $ 21,498     $ -     $ (20,379 )   $ 1,119  

 
324

 


Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
December 31, 2011
 
SWEPCo
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Other
   
Total
 
Assets:
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Risk Management Assets
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
  $ 122     $ 7,023     $ -     $ (6,421 )   $ 724  
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                       
Interest Rate/Foreign Currency Hedges
    -       3       -       -       3  
Total Risk Management Assets
  $ 122     $ 7,026     $ -     $ (6,421 )   $ 727  
 
                                       
Liabilities:
                                       
 
                                       
Risk Management Liabilities
                                       
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
  $ 66     $ 11,753     $ -     $ (6,479 )   $ 5,340  
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                       
Commodity Hedges
    -       97       -       -       97  
Interest Rate/Foreign Currency Hedges
    -       19,143       -       -       19,143  
Total Risk Management Liabilities
  $ 66     $ 30,993     $ -     $ (6,479 )   $ 24,580  

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
December 31, 2010
 
SWEPCo
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Other
   
Total
 
Assets:
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Risk Management Assets
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
  $ -     $ 36,632     $ 2     $ (35,115 )   $ 1,519  
Cash Flow Hedges:
                                       
Commodity Hedges
    -       123       -       -       123  
Interest Rate/Foreign Currency Hedges
    -       5       -       -       5  
Total Risk Management Assets
  $ -     $ 36,760     $ 2     $ (35,115 )   $ 1,647  
 
                                       
Liabilities:
                                       
 
                                       
Risk Management Liabilities
                                       
Risk Management Commodity Contracts (a) (f)
  $ -     $ 39,592     $ -     $ (35,187 )   $ 4,405  

(a)
Amounts in “Other” column primarily represent counterparty netting of risk management and hedging contracts and associated cash collateral under the accounting guidance for “Derivatives and Hedging.”
(b)
Represents contracts that were originally MTM but were subsequently elected as normal under the accounting guidance for “Derivatives and Hedging.”  At the time of the normal election, the MTM value was frozen and no longer fair valued.  This MTM value will be amortized into revenues over the remaining life of the contracts.
(c)
Amounts in “Other” column primarily represent cash deposits with third parties.  Level 1 amounts primarily represent investments in money market funds.
(d)
Amounts in “Other” column primarily represent accrued interest receivables from financial institutions.  Level 2 amounts primarily represent investments in money market funds.
(e)        Amounts represent publicly traded equity securities and equity-based mutual funds.
(f)
Substantially comprised of power contracts for APCo, I&M and OPCo and coal contracts for PSO and SWEPCo.
 
There have been no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

 
325

 
The following tables set forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of net trading derivatives classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy:

Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
(in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 5,131 
 
$
 3,108 
 
$
 6,583 
 
$
 1 
 
$
 2 
Realized Gain (Loss) Included in Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(or Changes in Net Assets) (a) (b)
 
 
 (2,154)
 
 
 (1,261)
 
 
 (2,711)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (or Changes in Net Assets) Relating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
to Assets Still Held at the Reporting Date (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7,741 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 (73)
 
 
 (47)
 
 
 (100)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Purchases, Issuances and Settlements (c)
 
 
 1,574 
 
 
 847 
 
 
 1,858 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Transfers into Level 3 (d) (f)
 
 
 2,488 
 
 
 1,531 
 
 
 3,257 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Transfers out of Level 3 (e) (f)
 
 
 (3,003)
 
 
 (1,906)
 
 
 (4,032)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Changes in Fair Value Allocated to Regulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jurisdictions (g)
 
 
 (1,992)
 
 
 (1,009)
 
 
 (9,930)
 
 
 (1)
 
 
 (2)
Balance as of December 31, 2011
 
$
 1,971 
 
$
 1,263 
 
$
 2,666 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 

Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
(in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2009
 
$
 9,428 
 
$
 4,816 
 
$
 10,345 
 
$
 2 
 
$
 3 
Realized Gain (Loss) Included in Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(or Changes in Net Assets) (a) (b)
 
 
 1,670 
 
 
 963 
 
 
 2,053 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 2 
Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (or Changes in Net Assets) Relating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
to Assets Still Held at the Reporting Date (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 21,314 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Purchases, Issuances and Settlements (c)
 
 
 (7,163)
 
 
 (4,121)
 
 
 (8,800)
 
 
 (1)
 
 
 (1)
Transfers into Level 3 (d) (f)
 
 
 1,133 
 
 
 616 
 
 
 1,333 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Transfers out of Level 3 (e) (f)
 
 
 (10,999)
 
 
 (6,558)
 
 
 (13,978)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Changes in Fair Value Allocated to Regulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jurisdictions (g)
 
 
 11,062 
 
 
 7,392 
 
 
 (5,684)
 
 
 (2)
 
 
 (2)
Balance as of December 31, 2010
 
$
 5,131 
 
$
 3,108 
 
$
 6,583 
 
$
 1 
 
$
 2 
 
 
326

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
(in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2008
 
$
 8,009 
 
$
 4,352 
 
$
 10,060 
 
$
 (2)
 
$
 (3)
Realized Gain (Loss) Included in Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(or Changes in Net Assets) (a) (b)
 
 
 (1,324)
 
 
 (719)
 
 
 (1,664)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (or Changes in Net Assets) Relating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
to Assets Still Held at the Reporting Date (a)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 9,181 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Purchases, Issuances and Settlements (c)
 
 
 (5,464)
 
 
 (2,847)
 
 
 (6,623)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (h)
 
 
 (500)
 
 
 (263)
 
 
 (609)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Changes in Fair Value Allocated to Regulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jurisdictions (g)
 
 
 8,707 
 
 
 4,293 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 6 
Balance as of December 31, 2009
 
$
 9,428 
 
$
 4,816 
 
$
 10,345 
 
$
 2 
 
$
 3 
 
(a)
Included in revenues on the statements of income.
(b)
Represents the change in fair value between the beginning of the reporting period and the settlement of the risk management commodity contract.
(c)
Represents the settlement of risk management commodity contracts for the reporting period.
(d)
Represents existing assets or liabilities that were previously categorized as Level 2.
(e)        Represents existing assets or liabilities that were previously categorized as Level 3.
(f)
Transfers are recognized based on their value at the beginning of the reporting period that the transfer occurred.
(g)
Relates to the net gains (losses) of those contracts that are not reflected on the statements of income.  These net gains (losses) are recorded as regulatory assets/liabilities.
(h)
Represents existing assets or liabilities that were either previously categorized as a higher level for which the inputs to the model became unobservable or assets and liabilities that were previously classified as Level 3 for which the lowest significant input became observable during the period.
 
11.  INCOME TAXES

The details of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ income taxes before extraordinary item as reported are as follows:

Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Income Tax Expense (Credit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current
 
$
 (15,136)
 
$
 (86,471)
 
$
 96,893 
 
$
 6,904 
 
$
 40,727 
 
Deferred
 
 
 107,565 
 
 
 141,014 
 
 
 119,184 
 
 
 61,581 
 
 
 16,726 
 
Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 (2,569)
 
 
 (2,783)
 
 
 (2,380)
 
 
 (856)
 
 
 (550)
Income Tax Expense
 
$
 89,860 
 
$
 51,760 
 
$
 213,697 
 
$
 67,629 
 
$
 56,903 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Income Tax Expense (Credit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current
 
$
 (66,216)
 
$
 1,795 
 
$
 11,403 
 
$
 (46,528)
 
$
 (16,066)
 
Deferred
 
 
 144,413 
 
 
 63,947 
 
 
 292,831 
 
 
 92,695 
 
 
 81,764 
 
Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 (3,967)
 
 
 (2,316)
 
 
 (2,928)
 
 
 3,933 
 
 
 (1,484)
Income Tax Expense
 
$
 74,230 
 
$
 63,426 
 
$
 301,306 
 
$
 50,100 
 
$
 64,214 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Income Tax Expense (Credit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current
 
$
 (273,084)
 
$
 (187,911)
 
$
 (201,077)
 
$
 (11,338)
 
$
 (6,963)
 
Deferred
 
 
 322,626 
 
 
 271,264 
 
 
 514,201 
 
 
 56,029 
 
 
 28,016 
 
Deferred Investment Tax Credits
 
 
 (4,093)
 
 
 (2,316)
 
 
 (2,929)
 
 
 (770)
 
 
 (3,542)
Income Tax Expense
 
$
 45,449 
 
$
 81,037 
 
$
 310,195 
 
$
 43,921 
 
$
 17,511 

 
327

 
Shown below for each Registrant Subsidiary is a reconciliation of the difference between the amounts of federal income taxes computed by multiplying book income before income taxes by the federal statutory rate and the amount of income taxes reported.

APCo
Years Ended December 31,
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
(in thousands)
Net Income
$
 162,758 
 
$
 136,668 
 
$
 155,814 
Income Tax Expense
 
 89,860 
 
 
 74,230 
 
 
 45,449 
Pretax Income
$
 252,618 
 
$
 210,898 
 
$
 201,263 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Taxes on Pretax Income at Statutory Rate (35%)
$
 88,416 
 
$
 73,814 
 
$
 70,442 
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes resulting from the following items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
 17,923 
 
 
 18,134 
 
 
 11,357 
 
 
AFUDC
 
 (5,314)
 
 
 (1,860)
 
 
 (4,469)
 
 
Removal Costs
 
 (4,447)
 
 
 (6,709)
 
 
 (6,424)
 
 
Investment Tax Credits, Net
 
 (2,569)
 
 
 (3,967)
 
 
 (4,093)
 
 
State and Local Income Taxes, Net
 
 (35,532)
 
 
 (7,189)
 
 
 (15,821)
 
 
Medicare Subsidy
 
 4,908 
 
 
 (1,159)
 
 
 (1,665)
 
 
Valuation Allowance
 
 30,541 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
Conservation Easement
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (5,250)
 
 
Other
 
 (4,066)
 
 
 3,166 
 
 
 1,372 
Income Tax Expense
$
 89,860 
 
$
 74,230 
 
$
 45,449 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective Income Tax Rate
 
 35.6 
%
 
 
 35.2 
%
 
 
 22.6 
%

I&M
Years Ended December 31,
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
(in thousands)
Net Income
$
 149,674 
 
$
 126,091 
 
$
 216,310 
Income Tax Expense
 
 51,760 
 
 
 63,426 
 
 
 81,037 
Pretax Income
$
 201,434 
 
$
 189,517 
 
$
 297,347 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Taxes on Pretax Income at Statutory Rate (35%)
$
 70,502 
 
$
 66,331 
 
$
 104,071 
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes resulting from the following items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
 7,895 
 
 
 11,419 
 
 
 9,550 
 
 
Nuclear Fuel Disposal Costs
 
 (1,400)
 
 
 (1,655)
 
 
 (3,249)
 
 
AFUDC
 
 (9,223)
 
 
 (9,032)
 
 
 (7,413)
 
 
Removal Costs
 
 (5,566)
 
 
 (3,663)
 
 
 (5,960)
 
 
Investment Tax Credits, Net
 
 (2,783)
 
 
 (2,316)
 
 
 (2,316)
 
 
State and Local Income Taxes, Net
 
 (1,376)
 
 
 3,966 
 
 
 (15,059)
 
 
Other
 
 (6,289)
 
 
 (1,624)
 
 
 1,413 
Income Tax Expense
$
 51,760 
 
$
 63,426 
 
$
 81,037 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective Income Tax Rate
 
 25.7 
%
 
 
 33.5 
%
 
 
 27.3 
%

 
328

 
OPCo
Years Ended December 31,
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
(in thousands)
Net Income
$
 464,993 
 
$
 541,616 
 
$
 580,276 
Income Tax Expense
 
 213,697 
 
 
 301,306 
 
 
 310,195 
Pretax Income
$
 678,690 
 
$
 842,922 
 
$
 890,471 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Taxes on Pretax Income at Statutory Rate (35%)
$
 237,542 
 
$
 295,023 
 
$
 311,665 
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes resulting from the following items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
 6,368 
 
 
 11,443 
 
 
 9,146 
 
 
Investment Tax Credits, Net
 
 (2,380)
 
 
 (2,928)
 
 
 (2,929)
 
 
State and Local Income Taxes, Net
 
 (3,222)
 
 
 906 
 
 
 7,646 
 
 
Parent Company Loss Benefit
 
 (7,117)
 
 
 (9,583)
 
 
 (2,986)
 
 
Tax Reserve Adjustments
 
 (1,759)
 
 
 (620)
 
 
 (1,713)
 
 
Other
 
 (15,735)
 
 
 7,065 
 
 
 (10,634)
Income Tax Expense
$
 213,697 
 
$
 301,306 
 
$
 310,195 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective Income Tax Rate
 
 31.5 
%
 
 
 35.7 
%
 
 
 34.8 
%

PSO
Years Ended December 31,
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
(in thousands)
Net Income
$
 124,628 
 
$
 72,787 
 
$
 75,602 
Income Tax Expense
 
 67,629 
 
 
 50,100 
 
 
 43,921 
Pretax Income
$
 192,257 
 
$
 122,887 
 
$
 119,523 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Taxes on Pretax Income at Statutory Rate (35%)
$
 67,290 
 
$
 43,010 
 
$
 41,833 
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes resulting from the following items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
 (165)
 
 
 (166)
 
 
 (174)
 
 
Investment Tax Credits, Net
 
 (781)
 
 
 (781)
 
 
 (770)
 
 
State and Local Income Taxes, Net
 
 4,744 
 
 
 10,307 
 
 
 6,025 
 
 
Other
 
 (3,459)
 
 
 (2,270)
 
 
 (2,993)
Income Tax Expense
$
 67,629 
 
$
 50,100 
 
$
 43,921 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective Income Tax Rate
 
 35.2 
%
 
 
 40.8 
%
 
 
 36.7 
%

SWEPCo
Years Ended December 31,
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
(in thousands)
Net Income
$
 165,126 
 
$
 146,684 
 
$
 117,203 
Extraordinary Item, Net of Tax of $2,867 in 2009
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,325 
Income Tax Expense
 
 56,903 
 
 
 64,214 
 
 
 17,511 
Pretax Income
$
 222,029 
 
$
 210,898 
 
$
 140,039 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Taxes on Pretax Income at Statutory Rate (35%)
$
 77,710 
 
$
 73,814 
 
$
 49,014 
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes resulting from the following items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
 (7)
 
 
 1,223 
 
 
 1,506 
 
 
Depletion
 
 (1,506)
 
 
 (1,506)
 
 
 (3,150)
 
 
AFUDC
 
 (16,962)
 
 
 (15,856)
 
 
 (16,243)
 
 
Investment Tax Credits, Net
 
 (550)
 
 
 (1,484)
 
 
 (3,542)
 
 
State and Local Income Taxes, Net
 
 4,004 
 
 
 (637)
 
 
 647 
 
 
Parent Company Loss Benefit
 
 (1,948)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (4,232)
 
 
Other
 
 (3,838)
 
 
 8,660 
 
 
 (6,489)
Income Tax Expense
$
 56,903 
 
$
 64,214 
 
$
 17,511 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective Income Tax Rate
 
 25.6 
%
 
 
 30.4 
%
 
 
 12.5 
%

 
329

 
The following tables show elements of the net deferred tax liability and significant temporary differences for each Registrant Subsidiary:

APCo
 
December 31,
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
(in thousands)
Deferred Tax Assets
 
$
 591,379 
 
$
 417,393 
Deferred Tax Liabilities
 
 
 (2,341,814)
 
 
 (2,103,645)
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities
 
$
 (1,750,435)
 
$
 (1,686,252)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property Related Temporary Differences
 
$
 (1,303,698)
 
$
 (1,151,667)
Amounts Due from Customers for Future Federal Income Taxes
 
 
 (95,960)
 
 
 (104,995)
Deferred State Income Taxes
 
 
 (235,296)
 
 
 (242,579)
Deferred Income Taxes on Other Comprehensive Loss
 
 
 31,523 
 
 
 25,859 
Deferred Fuel and Purchased Power
 
 
 (131,137)
 
 
 (129,671)
Accrued Pensions
 
 
 45,782 
 
 
 52,406 
Regulatory Assets
 
 
 (194,161)
 
 
 (179,686)
Postretirement Benefits
 
 
 61,109 
 
 
 54,484 
Net Operating Loss Carryforward
 
 
 88,721 
 
 
 - 
Tax Credit Carryforward
 
 
 37,850 
 
 
 - 
Valuation Allowance
 
 
 (30,541)
 
 
 - 
All Other, Net
 
 
 (24,627)
 
 
 (10,403)
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities
 
$
 (1,750,435)
 
$
 (1,686,252)

I&M
 
December 31,
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
(in thousands)
Deferred Tax Assets
 
$
 773,679 
 
$
 751,455 
Deferred Tax Liabilities
 
 
 (1,700,182)
 
 
 (1,530,993)
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities
 
$
 (926,503)
 
$
 (779,538)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property Related Temporary Differences
 
$
 (305,400)
 
$
 (246,395)
Amounts Due from Customers for Future Federal Income Taxes
 
 
 (28,551)
 
 
 (27,932)
Deferred State Income Taxes
 
 
 (107,497)
 
 
 (79,522)
Deferred Income Taxes on Other Comprehensive Loss
 
 
 15,196 
 
 
 11,248 
Accrued Nuclear Decommissioning
 
 
 (435,916)
 
 
 (394,441)
Postretirement Benefits
 
 
 51,037 
 
 
 41,727 
Accrued Pensions
 
 
 27,819 
 
 
 36,564 
Regulatory Assets
 
 
 (116,474)
 
 
 (108,842)
All Other, Net
 
 
 (26,717)
 
 
 (11,945)
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities
 
$
 (926,503)
 
$
 (779,538)

 
330

 
OPCo
 
December 31,
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
(in thousands)
Deferred Tax Assets
 
$
 574,007 
 
$
 434,066 
Deferred Tax Liabilities
 
 
 (2,834,046)
 
 
 (2,602,853)
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities
 
$
 (2,260,039)
 
$
 (2,168,787)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property Related Temporary Differences
 
$
 (1,966,581)
 
$
 (1,839,786)
Amounts Due from Customers for Future Federal Income Taxes
 
 
 (59,699)
 
 
 (57,519)
Deferred State Income Taxes
 
 
 (98,093)
 
 
 (106,759)
Deferred Income Taxes on Other Comprehensive Loss
 
 
 106,466 
 
 
 97,006 
Deferred Fuel and Purchased Power
 
 
 (194,509)
 
 
 (182,794)
Postretirement Benefits
 
 
 74,447 
 
 
 56,224 
Accrued Pensions
 
 
 (30,853)
 
 
 (1,925)
Regulatory Assets
 
 
 (205,925)
 
 
 (149,842)
All Other, Net
 
 
 114,708 
 
 
 16,608 
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities
 
$
 (2,260,039)
 
$
 (2,168,787)

PSO
 
December 31,
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
(in thousands)
Deferred Tax Assets
 
$
 121,181 
 
$
 90,750 
Deferred Tax Liabilities
 
 
 (840,631)
 
 
 (751,592)
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities
 
$
 (719,450)
 
$
 (660,842)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property Related Temporary Differences
 
$
 (626,456)
 
$
 (561,364)
Amounts Due from Customers for Future Federal Income Taxes
 
 
 (1,023)
 
 
 (242)
Deferred State Income Taxes
 
 
 (89,605)
 
 
 (76,254)
Deferred Income Taxes on Other Comprehensive Loss
 
 
 (3,849)
 
 
 (4,574)
Postretirement Benefits
 
 
 25,607 
 
 
 20,858 
DFIT on DSIT
 
 
 36,018 
 
 
 31,345 
Accrued Pensions
 
 
 12,978 
 
 
 18,389 
Regulatory Assets
 
 
 (77,016)
 
 
 (74,404)
Net Operating Loss Carryforward
 
 
 5,247 
 
 
 - 
Tax Credit Carryforward
 
 
 6,872 
 
 
 - 
All Other, Net
 
 
 (8,223)
 
 
 (14,596)
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities
 
$
 (719,450)
 
$
 (660,842)

SWEPCo
 
December 31,
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
(in thousands)
Deferred Tax Assets
 
$
 143,200 
 
$
 104,444 
Deferred Tax Liabilities
 
 
 (800,673)
 
 
 (713,248)
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities
 
$
 (657,473)
 
$
 (608,804)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property Related Temporary Differences
 
$
 (588,612)
 
$
 (521,210)
Amounts Due from Customers for Future Federal Income Taxes
 
 
 (36,289)
 
 
 (25,800)
Deferred State Income Taxes
 
 
 (70,211)
 
 
 (56,315)
Deferred Income Taxes on Other Comprehensive Loss
 
 
 14,440 
 
 
 6,726 
Postretirement Benefits
 
 
 21,654 
 
 
 17,589 
Impairment Loss - Turk Plant
 
 
 17,150 
 
 
 - 
Accrued Pensions
 
 
 5,861 
 
 
 9,821 
Regulatory Assets
 
 
 (35,349)
 
 
 (41,956)
All Other, Net
 
 
 13,883 
 
 
 2,341 
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities
 
$
 (657,473)
 
$
 (608,804)

 
331

 
AEP System Tax Allocation Agreement

The Registrant Subsidiaries join in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return with their affiliates in the AEP System.  The allocation of the AEP System’s current consolidated federal income tax to the AEP System companies allocates the benefit of current tax losses to the AEP System companies giving rise to such losses in determining their current tax expense.  The tax benefit of the Parent is allocated to its subsidiaries with taxable income.  With the exception of the loss of the Parent, the method of allocation reflects a separate return result for each company in the consolidated group.

Federal and State Income Tax Audit Status

The Registrant Subsidiaries are no longer subject to U.S. federal examination for years before 2009.  The Registrant Subsidiaries completed the examination of the years 2007 and 2008 in April 2011 and settled all outstanding issues on appeal for the years 2001 through 2006 in October 2011.  The settlements did not have a material impact on the Registrant Subsidiaries’ net income, cash flows or financial condition.  The IRS examination of years 2009 and 2010 started in October 2011.  Although the outcome of tax audits is uncertain, in management’s opinion, adequate provisions for federal income taxes have been made for potential liabilities resulting from such matters.  In addition, the Registrant Subsidiaries accrue interest on these uncertain tax positions.  Management is not aware of any issues for open tax years that upon final resolution are expected to have a material effect on net income.

The Registrant Subsidiaries file income tax returns in various state and local jurisdictions.  These taxing authorities routinely examine their tax returns and the Registrant Subsidiaries are currently under examination in several state and local jurisdictions.  Management believes that previously filed tax returns have positions that may be challenged by these tax authorities.  However, management believes that adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for potential liabilities resulting from such challenges and that the ultimate resolution of these audits will not materially impact net income.  With few exceptions, the Registrant Subsidiaries are no longer subject to state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2000.

 
332

 
Net Income Tax Operating Loss Carryforward

In 2011, APCo and I&M sustained federal net income tax operating losses of $313 million and $123 million, respectively, driven primarily by bonus depreciation, pension plan contributions and other book versus tax temporary differences.  APCo, OPCo and PSO also had state net income tax operating loss carryforwards as indicated in the table below.  As a result, APCo, I&M, OPCo and PSO accrued deferred federal and/or state and local income tax benefits in 2011 and expect to realize the federal, state and local cash flow benefits in future periods as there was insufficient capacity in prior periods to carry the net operating losses back.  Management anticipates future taxable income will be sufficient to realize the net income tax operating loss tax benefits before the federal carryforward expires after 2031.

 
 
 
 
 
State Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax Operating
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss
 
Year of
Company
 
State
 
Carryforward
 
Expiration
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
APCo
 
Tennessee
 
$
 13,406 
 
 
2026 
APCo
 
Virginia
 
 
 358,469 
 
 
2031 
APCo
 
West Virginia
 
 
 468,621 
 
 
2031 
OPCo
 
West Virginia
 
 
 41,932 
 
 
2031 
PSO
 
Oklahoma
 
 
 134,536 
 
 
2031 

 
 
 
 
 
Federal Tax
 
 
 
State Tax
 
 
 
 
 
Credit
 
 
 
 
Credit
 
 
Total Federal
 
Carryforward
 
Total State
 
Carryforward
 
 
Tax Credit
 
Subject to
 
Tax Credit
 
Subject to
Company
 
Carryforward
 
Expiration
 
Carryforward
 
Expiration
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 36,966 
 
$
 4,487 
 
$
 61,307 
 
$
 28,727 
I&M
 
 
 3,863 
 
 
 2,564 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
OPCo
 
 
 51,703 
 
 
 1,500 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
PSO
 
 
 6,982 
 
 
 214 
 
 
 13,303 
 
 
 - 
SWEPCo
 
 
 5,631 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 

The Registrant Subsidiaries anticipate future federal taxable income will be sufficient to realize the tax benefits of the federal tax credits before they expire unused.  APCo does not anticipate that state taxable income will be sufficient in future periods to realize the tax benefits of all state tax credits before they expire unused and a valuation allowance has been provided accordingly.

Valuation Allowance

Management assesses past results and future operations to estimate and evaluate available positive and negative evidence to evaluate whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to use existing deferred tax assets.  A significant piece of objective negative information evaluated were the net income tax operating losses sustained in 2009 and 2011.  On the basis of this evaluation of available positive and negative evidence, as of December 31, 2011, a valuation allowance of $30.5 million for state tax credits, net of federal tax, has been recorded by APCo in order to measure only the portion of the deferred tax assets that, more likely than not, will be realized.  The amount of the deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced or if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and additional weight may be given to subjective evidence, such as projections for growth.

 
333

 
Uncertain Tax Positions

The Registrant Subsidiaries recognize interest accruals related to uncertain tax positions in interest income or expense as applicable and penalties in Other Operation in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Income Taxes.”

The following tables show amounts reported for interest expense, interest income and reversal of prior period interest expense:

 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reversal of
 
 
 
 
 
Reversal of
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior Period
 
 
 
 
 
Prior Period
 
 
 
Interest
 
Interest
 
Interest
 
Interest
 
Interest
 
Interest
Company
 
Expense
 
Income
 
Expense
 
Expense
 
Income
 
Expense
 
 
(in thousands)
 
APCo
 
$
 737 
 
$
 3,229 
 
$
 2,416 
 
$
 2,330 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 1,146 
 
I&M
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,681 
 
 
 638 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 209 
 
 
 159 
 
OPCo
 
 
 1,213 
 
 
 5,173 
 
 
 4,019 
 
 
 3,948 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,653 
 
PSO
 
 
 239 
 
 
 344 
 
 
 3,123 
 
 
 455 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 871 
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 1,382 
 
 
 1,991 
 
 
 2,255 
 
 
 749 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 320 

 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reversal of
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior Period
 
 
Interest
 
Interest
 
Interest
Company
 
Expense
 
Income
 
Expense
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 593 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 1,803 
I&M
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4,090 
 
 
 119 
OPCo
 
 
 3,312 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,695 
PSO
 
 
 - 
 
 
 721 
 
 
 382 
SWEPCo
 
 
 12 
 
 
 424 
 
 
 428 

The following table shows balances for amounts accrued for the receipt of interest:

 
 
December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 70 
 
$
 934 
I&M
 
 
 759 
 
 
 7,642 
OPCo
 
 
 869 
 
 
 2,790 
PSO
 
 
 134 
 
 
 - 
SWEPCo
 
 
 452 
 
 
 957 

The following table shows balances for amounts accrued for the payment of interest and penalties:

 
 
December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 120 
 
$
 1,274 
I&M
 
 
 145 
 
 
 1,823 
OPCo
 
 
 1,513 
 
 
 6,077 
PSO
 
 
 426 
 
 
 877 
SWEPCo
 
 
 668 
 
 
 1,107 

 
334

 
The reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
(in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2011
$
 13,267 
 
$
 17,871 
 
$
 68,655 
 
$
 9,845 
 
$
 14,410 
Increase - Tax Positions Taken During
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 a Prior Period
 
 5,990 
 
 
 9,256 
 
 
 11,330 
 
 
 1,339 
 
 
 14,355 
Decrease - Tax Positions Taken During
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 a Prior Period
 
 (2,100)
 
 
 (8,622)
 
 
 (20,299)
 
 
 (1,171)
 
 
 (2,706)
Increase - Tax Positions Taken During
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 the Current Year
 
 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Decrease - Settlements with Taxing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Authorities
 
 (2,587)
 
 
 (1,424)
 
 
 (6,935)
 
 
 (1,178)
 
 
 (12,997)
Decrease - Lapse of the Applicable
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Statute of Limitations
 
 (7,259)
 
 
 (3,010)
 
 
 (9,186)
 
 
 (5,250)
 
 
 (4,031)
Balance at December 31, 2011
$
 7,311 
 
$
 14,071 
 
$
 43,565 
 
$
 3,585 
 
$
 9,031 

 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
(in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2010
$
 17,292 
 
$
 20,007 
 
$
 65,551 
 
$
 12,216 
 
$
 10,163 
Increase - Tax Positions Taken During
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 a Prior Period
 
 4,177 
 
 
 4,964 
 
 
 19,214 
 
 
 151 
 
 
 6,128 
Decrease - Tax Positions Taken During
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 a Prior Period
 
 (6,376)
 
 
 (5,287)
 
 
 (8,837)
 
 
 (1,200)
 
 
 (376)
Decrease - Tax Positions Taken During
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 the Current Year
 
 (1,015)
 
 
 (1,487)
 
 
 (1,749)
 
 
 (517)
 
 
 (691)
Decrease - Settlements with Taxing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Authorities
 
 (811)
 
 
 (236)
 
 
 (70)
 
 
 (265)
 
 
 (4)
Decrease - Lapse of the Applicable
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Statute of Limitations
 
 - 
 
 
 (90)
 
 
 (5,454)
 
 
 (540)
 
 
 (810)
Balance at December 31, 2010
$
 13,267 
 
$
 17,871 
 
$
 68,655 
 
$
 9,845 
 
$
 14,410 

 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
(in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2009
$
 20,573 
 
$
 11,815 
 
$
 73,517 
 
$
 13,310 
 
$
 10,252 
Increase - Tax Positions Taken During
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 a Prior Period
 
 5,339 
 
 
 8,336 
 
 
 18,038 
 
 
 2,304 
 
 
 4,102 
Decrease - Tax Positions Taken During
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 a Prior Period
 
 (8,263)
 
 
 (14,921)
 
 
 (24,024)
 
 
 (2,322)
 
 
 (3,065)
Increase - Tax Positions Taken During
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 the Current Year
 
 2,471 
 
 
 14,398 
 
 
 890 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Decrease - Tax Positions Taken During
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 the Current Year
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (195)
 
 
 (533)
 
 
 (357)
Increase - Settlements with Taxing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Authorities
 
 - 
 
 
 645 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Decrease - Lapse of the Applicable
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Statute of Limitations
 
 (2,828)
 
 
 (266)
 
 
 (2,675)
 
 
 (543)
 
 
 (769)
Balance at December 31, 2009
$
 17,292 
 
$
 20,007 
 
$
 65,551 
 
$
 12,216 
 
$
 10,163 

 
335

 
Management believes that there will be no significant net increase or decrease in unrecognized benefits within 12 months of the reporting date.  The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate for each Registrant Subsidiary was as follows:

Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 806 
 
$
 1,109 
 
$
 3,777 
I&M
 
 
 654 
 
 
 1,664 
 
 
 1,271 
OPCo
 
 
 21,177 
 
 
 28,749 
 
 
 33,504 
PSO
 
 
 1,882 
 
 
 1,977 
 
 
 2,985 
SWEPCo
 
 
 3,717 
 
 
 2,481 
 
 
 2,278 

Federal Tax Legislation – Affecting APCo

Under the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005, AEP filed applications with the United States Department of Energy and the IRS in 2008 for the West Virginia IGCC project and in July 2008 the IRS allocated the project $134 million in credits.  In September 2008, AEP entered into a memorandum of understanding with the IRS concerning the requirements of claiming the credits.  AEP had until July 2010 to meet certain minimum requirements under the agreement with the IRS or the credits would be forfeited.  In July 2010, AEP forfeited the allocated tax credits.

Federal Tax Legislation – Affecting APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided for several new grant programs and expanded tax credits and an extension of the 50% bonus depreciation provision enacted in the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008.  The enacted provisions did not have a material impact on net income or financial condition.  However, the bonus depreciation contributed to AEP’s 2009 federal net operating tax loss that resulted in a 2010 cash flow benefit to the Registrant Subsidiaries as follows:

Company
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
APCo
 
$
 170,466 
I&M
 
 
 78,456 
OPCo
 
 
 141,111 
PSO
 
 
 10,741 
SWEPCo
 
 
 - 

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the related Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (Health Care Acts) were enacted in March 2010.  The Health Care Acts amend tax rules so that the portion of employer health care costs that are reimbursed by the Medicare Part D prescription drug subsidy will no longer be deductible by the employer for federal income tax purposes effective for years beginning after December 31, 2012.  Because of the loss of the future tax deduction, a reduction in the deferred tax asset related to the nondeductible OPEB liabilities accrued to date was recorded by the Registrant Subsidiaries in March 2010.  This reduction did not materially affect the Registrant Subsidiaries' cash flows or financial condition.  For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Registrant Subsidiaries reflected a decrease in deferred tax assets, which was partially offset by recording net tax regulatory assets in jurisdictions with regulated operations, resulting in a decrease in net income as follows:

 
 
Net Reduction
 
Tax
 
 
 
 
to Deferred
 
Regulatory
 
Decrease in
Company
 
Tax Assets
 
Assets, Net
 
Net Income
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 9,397 
 
$
8,831 
 
$
 566 
I&M
 
 
 7,212 
 
 
6,528 
 
 
 684 
OPCo
 
 
 12,771 
 
 
6,990 
 
 
 5,781 
PSO
 
 
 3,172 
 
 
3,172 
 
 
 - 
SWEPCo
 
 
 3,412 
 
 
3,412 
 
 
 - 

 
336

 
The Small Business Jobs Act (the Act) was enacted in September 2010.  Included in the Act was a one-year extension of the 50% bonus depreciation provision.  The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and the Job Creation Act of 2010 extended the life of research and development, employment and several energy tax credits originally scheduled to expire at the end of 2010.  In addition, the Act extended the time for claiming bonus depreciation and increased the deduction to 100% for part of 2010 and 2011.  The enacted provisions did not have a material impact on the Registrant Subsidiaries’ net income or financial condition but had a favorable impact on cash flows in 2010 as follows:

Company
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 43,379 
I&M
 
 
 49,740 
OPCo
 
 
 124,637 
PSO
 
 
 - 
SWEPCo
 
 
 30,269 

In December 2011, the U.S. Treasury Department issued guidance regarding the deduction and capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property.  The guidance was in the form of proposed and temporary regulations and generally is effective for tax years beginning in 2012.  These regulations did not have an impact on net income or cash flows in 2011.  We are still evaluating the impact these regulations will have on future periods.

State Tax Legislation – Affecting APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo

Under Ohio House Bill 66, in 2005, AEP reversed deferred state income tax liabilities that are not expected to reverse during the phase-out as follows:

 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred State
 
 
Regulatory
 
Regulatory
 
State Income
 
Income Tax
Company
 
Liabilities (a)
 
Asset, Net (b)
 
Tax Expense (c)
 
Liabilities (d)
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 - 
 
$
 10,945 
 
$
 2,769 
 
$
 13,714 
I&M
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,195 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5,195 
OPCo
 
 
 56,968 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 56,968 
PSO
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 706 
 
 
 706 
SWEPCo
 
 
 - 
 
 
 582 
 
 
 119 
 
 
 701 

(a)
The reversal of deferred state income taxes for OPCo was recorded as a regulatory liability pending rate-making treatment in Ohio.
(b)
Deferred state income tax adjustments related to those companies in which state income taxes flow through for rate-making purposes reduced the regulatory asset associated with the deferred state income tax liabilities.
(c)
These amounts were recorded as a reduction to Income Tax Expense.
(d)
Total deferred state income tax liabilities that reversed during 2005 related to Ohio law change.

The Ohio legislation also imposed a new commercial activity tax at a fully phased-in rate of 0.26% on all Ohio gross receipts.  The tax was phased-in over a five-year period that began July 1, 2005 at 23% of the full 0.26% rate.  As a result of this tax, expenses of approximately $12 million, $11 million and $10 million for OPCo were recorded in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, in Taxes Other Than Income Taxes.

State Tax Legislation – Affecting APCo, I&M and OPCo

Legislation was passed by the state of Indiana in May 2011 enacting a phased reduction in corporate income tax rates from 8.5% to 6.5%.  The current 8.5% Indiana corporate income tax rate is scheduled for a 0.5% reduction each year beginning after June 30, 2012 with the final reduction occurring in years beginning after June 30, 2015.

In May 2011, Michigan repealed its Business Tax regime and replaced it with a traditional corporate net income tax with a rate of 6%, effective January 1, 2012.

 
337

 
During the third quarter of 2011, the state of West Virginia determined that the State had achieved certain minimum levels of shortfall reserve funds and thus, the West Virginia corporate income tax rate will be reduced to 7.75% in 2012.  The enacted provisions will not have a material impact on the Registrant Subsidiaries’ net income, cash flows or financial condition.

12.  LEASES

Leases of property, plant and equipment are for periods up to 60 years and require payments of related property taxes, maintenance and operating costs.  The majority of the leases have purchase or renewal options and will be renewed or replaced by other leases.

Lease rentals for both operating and capital leases are generally charged to Other Operation and Maintenance expense in accordance with rate-making treatment for regulated operations.  Additionally, for regulated operations with capital leases, a capital lease asset and offsetting liability are recorded at the present value of the remaining lease payments for each reporting period.  Capital leases for nonregulated property are accounted for as if the assets were owned and financed.  The components of rental costs are as follows:

Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
(in thousands)
Net Lease Expense on Operating Leases
 
$
 13,488 
 
$
 94,317 
 
$
 59,983 
 
$
 6,532 
 
$
 5,990 
Amortization of Capital Leases
 
 
 7,880 
 
 
 8,762 
 
 
 13,118 
 
 
 4,438 
 
 
 12,694 
Interest on Capital Leases
 
 
 1,898 
 
 
 2,115 
 
 
 3,753 
 
 
 1,098 
 
 
 9,651 
Total Lease Rental Costs
 
$
 23,266 
 
$
 105,194 
 
$
 76,854 
 
$
 12,068 
 
$
 28,335 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
(in thousands)
Net Lease Expense on Operating Leases
 
$
 18,034 
 
$
 91,973 
 
$
 62,887 
 
$
 2,649 
 
$
 5,877 
Amortization of Capital Leases
 
 
 7,002 
 
 
 31,178 
 
 
 12,069 
 
 
 3,992 
 
 
 11,742 
Interest on Capital Leases
 
 
 1,598 
 
 
 2,298 
 
 
 3,132 
 
 
 1,057 
 
 
 9,892 
Total Lease Rental Costs
 
$
 26,634 
 
$
 125,449 
 
$
 78,088 
 
$
 7,698 
 
$
 27,511 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
(in thousands)
Net Lease Expense on Operating Leases
 
$
 21,001 
 
$
 94,409 
 
$
 73,458 
 
$
 5,807 
 
$
 8,052 
Amortization of Capital Leases
 
 
 3,480 
 
 
 31,612 
 
 
 7,403 
 
 
 1,485 
 
 
 10,739 
Interest on Capital Leases
 
 
 206 
 
 
 1,937 
 
 
 1,424 
 
 
 85 
 
 
 6,372 
Total Lease Rental Costs
 
$
 24,687 
 
$
 127,958 
 
$
 82,285 
 
$
 7,377 
 
$
 25,163 

 
338

 
The following table shows the property, plant and equipment under capital leases and related obligations recorded on the Registrant Subsidiaries’ balance sheets.  For SWEPCo, current and long-term capital lease obligations are included in Obligations Under Capital Leases on SWEPCo’s balance sheets.  For all other Registrant Subsidiaries, current capital lease obligations are included in Other Current Liabilities and long-term capital lease obligations are included in Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities on the balance sheets.

December 31, 2011
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
(in thousands)
Property, Plant and Equipment Under
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Leases:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Generation
 
$
 11,712 
 
$
 16,100 
 
$
 36,689 
 
$
 3,617 
 
$
 20,453 
Other Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 25,201 
 
 
 27,712 
 
 
 36,264 
 
 
 16,441 
 
 
 145,273 
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 36,913 
 
 
 43,812 
 
 
 72,953 
 
 
 20,058 
 
 
 165,726 
Accumulated Amortization
 
 
 9,886 
 
 
 12,779 
 
 
 22,075 
 
 
 5,196 
 
 
 38,163 
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Under Capital Leases
 
$
 27,027 
 
$
 31,033 
 
$
 50,878 
 
$
 14,862 
 
$
 127,563 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligations Under Capital Leases:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent Liability
 
$
 19,293 
 
$
 23,117 
 
$
 40,152 
 
$
 11,101 
 
$
 112,802 
Liability Due Within One Year
 
 
 7,734 
 
 
 7,916 
 
 
 14,096 
 
 
 3,761 
 
 
 15,058 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Obligations Under Capital Leases
 
$
 27,027 
 
$
 31,033 
 
$
 54,248 
 
$
 14,862 
 
$
 127,860 

December 31, 2010
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
(in thousands)
Property, Plant and Equipment Under
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Leases:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Generation
 
$
 10,255 
 
$
 19,147 
 
$
 34,220 
 
$
 3,471 
 
$
 15,528 
Other Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 29,154 
 
 
 26,922 
 
 
 44,109 
 
 
 19,256 
 
 
 142,210 
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 39,409 
 
 
 46,069 
 
 
 78,329 
 
 
 22,727 
 
 
 157,738 
Accumulated Amortization
 
 
 6,678 
 
 
 10,366 
 
 
 18,963 
 
 
 4,338 
 
 
 29,370 
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Under Capital Leases
 
$
 32,731 
 
$
 35,703 
 
$
 59,366 
 
$
 18,389 
 
$
 128,368 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligations Under Capital Leases:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent Liability
 
$
 24,617 
 
$
 26,858 
 
$
 46,202 
 
$
 13,838 
 
$
 115,399 
Liability Due Within One Year
 
 
 8,114 
 
 
 8,845 
 
 
 16,060 
 
 
 4,551 
 
 
 13,265 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Obligations Under Capital Leases
 
$
 32,731 
 
$
 35,703 
 
$
 62,262 
 
$
 18,389 
 
$
 128,664 

Future minimum lease payments consisted of the following at December 31, 2011:

Capital Leases
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
(in thousands)
2012 
 
$
 8,933 
 
$
 9,246 
 
$
 13,260 
 
$
 4,484 
 
$
 23,626 
2013 
 
 
 6,443 
 
 
 5,519 
 
 
 12,613 
 
 
 3,938 
 
 
 22,496 
2014 
 
 
 4,006 
 
 
 4,345 
 
 
 9,176 
 
 
 2,867 
 
 
 20,979 
2015 
 
 
 3,276 
 
 
 3,025 
 
 
 6,075 
 
 
 1,633 
 
 
 18,947 
2016 
 
 
 2,794 
 
 
 2,568 
 
 
 5,512 
 
 
 1,356 
 
 
 16,104 
Later Years
 
 
 5,430 
 
 
 13,998 
 
 
 19,898 
 
 
 2,909 
 
 
 69,586 
Total Future Minimum Lease
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payments
 
 
 30,882 
 
 
 38,701 
 
 
 66,534 
 
 
 17,187 
 
 
 171,738 
Less Estimated Interest Element
 
 
 3,855 
 
 
 7,668 
 
 
 12,286 
 
 
 2,325 
 
 
 43,879 
Estimated Present Value of Future
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Minimum Lease Payments
 
$
 27,027 
 
$
 31,033 
 
$
 54,248 
 
$
 14,862 
 
$
 127,859 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncancelable Operating Leases
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
(in thousands)
2012 
 
$
 14,338 
 
$
 99,114 
 
$
 59,914 
 
$
 2,563 
 
$
 5,988 
2013 
 
 
 13,683 
 
 
 98,625 
 
 
 55,820 
 
 
 1,969 
 
 
 5,261 
2014 
 
 
 12,370 
 
 
 97,825 
 
 
 53,837 
 
 
 1,438 
 
 
 3,629 
2015 
 
 
 9,443 
 
 
 94,694 
 
 
 50,881 
 
 
 1,107 
 
 
 3,020 
2016 
 
 
 8,699 
 
 
 89,368 
 
 
 44,592 
 
 
 818 
 
 
 2,375 
Later Years
 
 
 53,149 
 
 
 506,585 
 
 
 106,540 
 
 
 1,769 
 
 
 10,882 
Total Future Minimum Lease
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payments
 
$
 111,682 
 
$
 986,211 
 
$
 371,584 
 
$
 9,664 
 
$
 31,155 

 
339

 
Master Lease Agreements

The Registrant Subsidiaries lease certain equipment under master lease agreements.  In December 2010, management signed a new master lease agreement with GE Capital Commercial Inc. (GE) to replace existing operating and capital leases with GE.  These assets were included in existing master lease agreements that were to be terminated in 2011 since GE exercised the termination provision related to these leases in 2008.  In January 2011, $5 million of previously leased assets not included in the 2010 refinancing were purchased.

For equipment under the GE master lease agreements, the lessor is guaranteed receipt of up to 78% of the unamortized balance of the equipment at the end of the lease term.  If the fair value of the leased equipment is below the unamortized balance at the end of the lease term, the Registrant Subsidiaries are committed to pay the difference between the fair value and the unamortized balance, with the total guarantee not to exceed 78% of the unamortized balance.  For equipment under other master lease agreements, the lessor is guaranteed a residual value up to a stated percentage of either the unamortized balance or the equipment cost at the end of the lease term.  If the actual fair value of the leased equipment is below the guaranteed residual value at the end of the lease term, the Registrant Subsidiaries are committed to pay the difference between the actual fair value and the residual value guarantee.  At December 31, 2011, the maximum potential loss by Registrant Subsidiary for these lease agreements assuming the fair value of the equipment is zero at the end of the lease term is as follows:

 
 
Maximum
 
Company
 
Potential Loss
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
APCo
 
$
 2,055 
 
I&M
 
 
 2,139 
 
OPCo
 
 
 2,700 
 
PSO
 
 
 818 
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 2,092 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Historically, at the end of the lease term the fair value has been in excess of the unamortized balance.
 
Rockport Lease

AEGCo and I&M entered into a sale-and-leaseback transaction in 1989 with Wilmington Trust Company (Owner Trustee), an unrelated, unconsolidated trustee for Rockport Plant Unit 2 (the Plant).  The Owner Trustee was capitalized with equity from six owner participants with no relationship to AEP or any of its subsidiaries and debt from a syndicate of banks and securities in a private placement to certain institutional investors.

The gain from the sale was deferred and is being amortized over the term of the lease, which expires in 2022.  The Owner Trustee owns the Plant and leases it equally to AEGCo and I&M.  The lease is accounted for as an operating lease with the payment obligations included in the future minimum lease payments schedule earlier in this note.  The lease term is for 33 years with potential renewal options.  At the end of the lease term, AEGCo and I&M have the option to renew the lease or the Owner Trustee can sell the Plant.  AEP, AEGCo and I&M have no ownership interest in the Owner Trustee and do not guarantee its debt.  I&M’s future minimum lease payments for this sale-and-leaseback transaction as of December 31, 2011 are as follows:

Future Minimum Lease Payments
 
I&M
 
 
 
(in millions)
2012 
 
$
 74 
2013 
 
 
 74 
2014 
 
 
 74 
2015 
 
 
 74 
2016 
 
 
 74 
Later Years
 
 
 443 
Total Future Minimum Lease Payments
 
$
 813 

 
340

 
Railcar Lease

In June 2003, AEP Transportation LLC (AEP Transportation), a subsidiary of AEP, entered into an agreement with BTM Capital Corporation, as lessor, to lease 875 coal-transporting aluminum railcars.  The lease is accounted for as an operating lease.  In January 2008, AEP Transportation assigned the remaining 848 railcars under the original lease agreement to I&M (390 railcars) and SWEPCo (458 railcars).  The assignment is accounted for as operating leases for I&M and SWEPCo.  The initial lease term was five years with three consecutive five-year renewal periods for a maximum lease term of twenty years.  I&M and SWEPCo intend to renew these leases for the full lease term of twenty years via the renewal options.  The future minimum lease obligations are $16 million for I&M and $18 million for SWEPCo for the remaining railcars as of December 31, 2011.  These obligations are included in the future minimum lease payments schedule earlier in this note.

Under the lease agreement, the lessor is guaranteed that the sale proceeds under a return-and-sale option will equal at least a lessee obligation amount specified in the lease, which declines from approximately 84% under the current five year lease term to 77% at the end of the 20-year term of the projected fair value of the equipment.  I&M and SWEPCo have assumed the guarantee under the return-and-sale option.  I&M’s maximum potential loss related to the guarantee is approximately $12 million and SWEPCo’s is approximately $13 million assuming the fair value of the equipment is zero at the end of the current five-year lease term.  However, management believes that the fair value would produce a sufficient sales price to avoid any loss.

Sabine Dragline Lease

During 2009, Sabine, an entity consolidated in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Variable Interest Entities,” entered into capital lease arrangements with a nonaffiliated company to finance the purchase of two electric draglines to be used for Sabine’s mining operations totaling $47 million.  The amounts included in the lease represented the aggregate fair value of the existing equipment and a sale-and-leaseback transaction for additional dragline rebuild costs required to keep the dragline operational.  In addition to the 2009 transactions, Sabine has one additional $53 million dragline completed in 2008 that was financed under a capital lease.  These capital lease assets are included in Other Property, Plant and Equipment on SWEPCo’s December 31, 2011 and 2010 balance sheets.  The short-term and long-term capital lease obligations are included in Obligations Under Capital Leases on SWEPCo’s December 31, 2011 and 2010 balance sheets.  The future payment obligations are included in SWEPCo’s future minimum lease payments schedule earlier in this note.

I&M Nuclear Fuel Lease

In December 2007, I&M entered into a sale-and-leaseback transaction with Citicorp Leasing, Inc. (CLI), an unrelated, unconsolidated, wholly-owned subsidiary of Citibank, N.A. to lease nuclear fuel for I&M’s Cook Plant.  In December 2007, I&M sold a portion of its unamortized nuclear fuel inventory to CLI at cost for $85 million.  The lease has a variable rate based on one month LIBOR and is accounted for as a capital lease with lease terms up to 60 months.  The future payment obligations of $383 thousand are included in I&M’s future minimum lease payments schedule earlier in this note.  The net capital lease asset is included in Other Property, Plant and Equipment and the short-term and long-term capital lease obligations are included in Other Current Liabilities and Deferred Credits and Other Noncurrent Liabilities, respectively, on I&M’s December 31, 2011 and 2010 balance sheets.  The future minimum lease payments for this sale-and-leaseback transaction as of December 31, 2011 are $383 thousand for 2012, based on estimated fuel burn.

 
341

 
13.  FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Preferred Stock

In December 2011, the Registrant Subsidiaries redeemed all of their outstanding preferred stock, resulting in a loss, which is included in Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements Including Capital Stock Expense on the statements of income.  The redeemed shares are no longer outstanding and represent only the right to receive the applicable redemption price, to the extent the shares have not yet been presented for payment.  The par value of preferred stock redeemed and the loss recorded by the Registrant Subsidiaries was as follows:

 
 
 
Par Value of
 
Loss on
Company
 
Stock Redeemed
 
Redemption
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 17,736 
 
$
 1,013 
I&M
 
 
 8,072 
 
 
 314 
OPCo
 
 
 16,613 
 
 
 488 
PSO
 
 
 4,882 
 
 
 254 
SWEPCo
 
 
 4,694 
 
 
 369 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of Shares Redeemed for
 
 
 
 
 
 
the Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
Series
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
APCo
 
4.50 
%
 
 177,465 
 
 53 
 
 2 
I&M
 
4.12 
%
 
 11,055 
 
 - 
 
 - 
I&M
 
4.125 
%
 
 55,257 
 
 44 
 
 34 
I&M
 
4.56 
%
 
 14,412 
 
 - 
 
 - 
OPCo
 
4.08 
%
 
 14,495 
 
 100 
 
 - 
OPCo
 
4.20 
%
 
 22,824 
 
 - 
 
 - 
OPCo
 
4.40 
%
 
 31,482 
 
 - 
 
 - 
OPCo
 
4.50 
%
 
 97,357 
 
 6 
 
 10 
PSO
 
4.00 
%
 
 44,508 
 
 - 
 
 40 
PSO
 
4.24 
%
 
 4,310 
 
 3,759 
 
 - 
SWEPCo
 
4.28 
%
 
 7,386 
 
 - 
 
 - 
SWEPCo
 
4.65 
%
 
 1,907 
 
 - 
 
 - 
SWEPCo
 
5.00 
%
 
 37,665 
 
 8 
 
 - 

 
342

 
Long-term Debt

There are certain limitations on establishing liens against the Registrant Subsidiaries’ assets under their respective indentures.  None of the long-term debt obligations of the Registrant Subsidiaries have been guaranteed or secured by AEP or any of its affiliates.

The following details long-term debt outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:

 
 
 
 
Weighted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rate at
 
 
 
Outstanding at
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Interest Rate Ranges at December 31,
 
December 31,
Company
 
Maturity
 
2011 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2010 
Senior Unsecured Notes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
2011-2038
 
5.86%
 
3.40%-7.95%
 
3.40%-7.95%
 
$
 3,141,843 
 
$
 3,042,060 
I&M
 
2012-2037
 
6.25%
 
5.05%-7.00%
 
5.05%-7.00%
 
 
 1,270,599 
 
 
 1,270,116 
OPCo
 
2012-2035
 
5.61%
 
0.955%-6.60%
 
0.702%-6.60%
 
 
 3,291,823 
 
 
 3,291,027 
PSO
 
2011-2037
 
5.52%
 
4.40%-6.625%
 
4.70%-6.625%
 
 
 896,023 
 
 
 922,576 
SWEPCo
 
2015-2040
 
5.92%
 
4.90%-6.45%
 
4.90%-6.45%
 
 
 1,548,437 
 
 
 1,548,185 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pollution Control Bonds (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
APCo
 
2011-2038 (b)
2.27%
 
0.07%-6.05%
 
0.29%-6.05%
 
 
 582,000 
 
 
 516,650 
I&M
 
2011-2025 (b)
4.02%
 
0.06%-6.25%
 
0.33%-6.25%
 
 
 266,494 
 
 
 266,456 
OPCo
 
2011-2038 (b)
3.81%
 
0.07%-5.80%
 
0.30%-5.80%
 
 
 562,325 
 
 
 677,325 
PSO
 
2014-2020
 
5.03%
 
4.45%-5.25%
 
4.45%-5.25%
 
 
 46,360 
 
 
 46,360 
SWEPCo
 
2011-2018
 
4.28%
 
3.25%-4.95%
 
3.25%-4.95%
 
 
 135,200 
 
 
 176,335 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes Payable - Affiliated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPCo
 
2015 
 
5.25%
 
5.25%
 
5.25%
 
 
 200,000 
 
 
 200,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes Payable - Nonaffiliated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I&M
 
2013-2016
 
3.01%
 
2.029%-5.44%
 
2.07%-5.44%
 
 
 234,590 
 
 
 202,753 
SWEPCo
 
2012-2024
 
6.66%
 
6.37%-7.03%
 
6.37%-7.03%
 
 
 45,000 
 
 
 45,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spent Nuclear Fuel Obligation (c)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I&M
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 265,065 
 
 
 264,901 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Long-term Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
APCo
 
2026 
 
13.718%
 
13.718%
 
13.718%
 
 
 2,408 
 
 
 2,431 
I&M
 
2025 
 
6.00%
 
6.00%
 
-
 
 
 20,927 
 
 
 - 
PSO
 
2027 
 
3.00%
 
3.00%
 
3.00%
 
 
 4,981 
 
 
 2,250 

 
(a)
For certain series of pollution control bonds, interest rates are subject to periodic adjustment.  Certain series may be purchased on demand at periodic interest adjustment dates.  Letters of credit from banks, standby bond purchase agreements and insurance policies support certain series.
 
(b)
Certain pollution control bonds are subject to redemption earlier than the maturity date.  Consequently, these bonds   have been classified for maturity purposes as Long-term Debt Due Within One Year – Nonaffiliated on the balance sheets.
 
(c)
Spent nuclear fuel obligation consists of a liability along with accrued interest for disposal of spent nuclear fuel (see “SNF Disposal” section of Note 5).

 
343

 
Long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2011 is payable as follows:

 
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
(in thousands)
2012 
$
 594,525 
 
$
 279,075 
 
$
 244,500 
 
$
 311 
 
$
 20,000 
2013 
 
 70,029 
 
 
 78,977 
 
 
 806,000 
 
 
 479 
 
 
 - 
2014 
 
 100,033 
 
 
 322,972 
 
 
 403,580 
 
 
 34,193 
 
 
 - 
2015 
 
 500,037 
 
 
 132,813 
 
 
 286,000 
 
 
 508 
 
 
 303,500 
2016 
 
 43 
 
 
 2,662 
 
 
 350,000 
 
 
 150,523 
 
 
 - 
After 2016
 
 2,469,741 
 
 
 1,246,083 
 
 
 1,972,245 
 
 
 765,327 
 
 
 1,406,700 
Principal Amount
 
 3,734,408 
 
 
 2,062,582 
 
 
 4,062,325 
 
 
 951,341 
 
 
 1,730,200 
Unamortized Discount, Net
 
 (8,157)
 
 
 (4,907)
 
 
 (8,177)
 
 
 (3,977)
 
 
 (1,563)
Total Long-term Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding
$
 3,726,251 
 
$
 2,057,675 
 
$
 4,054,148 
 
$
 947,364 
 
$
 1,728,637 

In January and February 2012, I&M retired $2 million and $12 million, respectively, of Notes Payable related to DCC Fuel.

In February 2012, SWEPCo issued $275 million of 3.55% Senior Unsecured Notes due in 2022 and $65 million of 4.58% Notes Payable due in 2032.

In February 2012, APCo retired $30 million of 6.05% Pollution Control Bonds due in 2024 and $19.5 million of 5% Pollution Control Bonds due in 2021.  As of December 31, 2011, these bonds were classified for maturity purposes as Long-term Debt Due Within One Year - Nonaffiliated on APCo’s balance sheet.

As of December 31, 2011, trustees held, on behalf of OPCo, $418 million of its reacquired Pollution Control Bonds.

Dividend Restrictions

The Registrant Subsidiaries pay dividends to Parent provided funds are legally available.  Various financing arrangements and regulatory requirements may impose certain restrictions on the ability of the Registrant Subsidiaries to transfer funds to Parent in the form of dividends.

Federal Power Act

The Federal Power Act prohibits each of the Registrant Subsidiaries from participating “in the making or paying of any dividends of such public utility from any funds properly included in capital account.”  The term “capital account” is not defined in the Federal Power Act or its regulations.  As applicable, the Registrant Subsidiaries understand “capital account” to mean the value of the common stock.

Additionally, the Federal Power Act creates a reserve on earnings attributable to hydroelectric generating plants.  Because of their respective ownership of such plants, this reserve applies to APCo, I&M and OPCo.

None of these restrictions limit the ability of the Registrant Subsidiaries to pay dividends out of retained earnings.

Leverage Restrictions

Pursuant to the credit agreement leverage restrictions, APCo, I&M and OPCo must maintain a percentage of debt to total capitalization at a level that does not exceed 67.5%.  At December 31, 2011, $59 million of APCo’s retained earnings and none of I&M’s or OPCo’s retained earnings have restrictions related to the payment of dividends to Parent.

 
344

 
Utility Money Pool – AEP System

The AEP System uses a corporate borrowing program to meet the short-term borrowing needs of its subsidiaries.  The corporate borrowing program includes a Utility Money Pool, which funds the utility subsidiaries.  The AEP System Utility Money Pool operates in accordance with the terms and conditions approved in a regulatory order.  The amount of outstanding loans (borrowings) to/from the Utility Money Pool as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 is included in Advances to/from Affiliates on each of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ balance sheets.  The Utility Money Pool participants’ money pool activity and their corresponding authorized borrowing limits for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are described in the following tables:

Year Ended December 31, 2011:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maximum
 
Maximum
 
Average
 
Average
 
(Borrowings)
 
Authorized
 
 
 
Borrowings
 
Loans
 
Borrowings
 
Loans
 
to/from Utility
 
Short-term
 
 
 
from Utility
 
to Utility
 
from Utility
 
to Utility
 
Money Pool as of
 
Borrowing
 
Company
 
Money Pool
 
Money Pool
 
Money Pool
 
Money Pool
 
December 31, 2011
 
Limit
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
APCo
 
$
 217,876 
 
$
 393,811 
 
$
 117,378 
 
$
 96,186 
 
$
 (176,240)
 
$
 600,000 
 
I&M
 
 
 57,352 
 
 
 219,386 
 
 
 23,793 
 
 
 56,999 
 
 
 95,714 
 
 
 500,000 
 
OPCo
 
 
 46,761 
 
 
 452,187 
 
 
 31,365 
 
 
 225,728 
 
 
 219,458 
 
 
 600,000 
 
PSO
 
 
 96,034 
 
 
 255,611 
 
 
 41,971 
 
 
 88,805 
 
 
 39,876 
 
 
 300,000 
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 136,752 
 
 
 105,184 
 
 
 47,232 
 
 
 38,798 
 
 
 (132,473)
 
 
 350,000 

Year Ended December 31, 2010:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
 
 
 
 
 
Maximum
 
Maximum
 
Average
 
Average
 
(Borrowings)
 
Authorized
 
 
 
Borrowings
 
Loans
 
Borrowings
 
Loans
 
to/from Utility
 
Short-term
 
 
 
from Utility
 
to Utility
 
from Utility
 
to Utility
 
Money Pool as of
 
Borrowing
 
Company
 
Money Pool
 
Money Pool
 
Money Pool
 
Money Pool
 
December 31, 2010
 
Limit
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
APCo
 
$
 438,039 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 227,002 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 (128,331)
 
$
 600,000 
 
I&M
 
 
 42,769 
 
 
 223,111 
 
 
 17,972 
 
 
 107,123 
 
 
 (42,769)
 
 
 500,000 
 
OPCo
 
 
 - 
 
 
 655,118 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 304,747 
 
 
 154,702 
 
 
 950,000 
 
PSO
 
 
 107,320 
 
 
 74,751 
 
 
 45,287 
 
 
 31,211 
 
 
 (91,382)
 
 
 300,000 
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 78,616 
 
 
 274,958 
 
 
 39,458 
 
 
 184,126 
 
 
 86,222 
 
 
 350,000 

The maximum and minimum interest rates for funds either borrowed from or loaned to the Utility Money Pool were as follows:

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2011 
 
 
2010 
 
 
2009 
 
Maximum Interest Rate
 
 0.56 
%
 
0.55 
%
 
 2.28 
%
Minimum Interest Rate
 
 0.06 
%
 
0.09 
%
 
 0.15 
%

 
345

 
The average interest rates for funds borrowed from and loaned to the Utility Money Pool for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 are summarized for all Registrant Subsidiaries in the following table:

 
 
Average Interest Rate
 
Average Interest Rate
 
 
for Funds Borrowed
 
for Funds Loaned
 
 
from Utility Money Pool for
 
to Utility Money Pool for
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
APCo
    0.42 %     0.26 %     0.89 %     0.32 %     - %     - %
I&M
    0.39 %     0.43 %     1.46 %     0.38 %     0.24 %     0.26 %
OPCo
    0.45 %     - %     1.19 %     0.35 %     0.22 %     0.21 %
PSO
    0.41 %     0.31 %     2.01 %     0.32 %     0.17 %     0.56 %
SWEPCo
    0.40 %     0.19 %     1.66 %     0.33 %     0.27 %     0.52 %

Interest expense related to the Utility Money Pool is included in Interest Expense on each of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ statements of income.  The Registrant Subsidiaries incurred interest expense for amounts borrowed from the Utility Money Pool as follows:

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
APCo
 
$
 198 
 
$
611 
 
$
1,887 
I&M
 
 
 20 
 
 
17 
 
 
924 
OPCo
 
 
 12 
 
 
16 
 
 
3,156 
PSO
 
 
 85 
 
 
102 
 
 
86 
SWEPCo
 
 
 174 
 
 
11 
 
 
68 

Interest income related to the Utility Money Pool is included in Interest Income on each of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ statements of income.  The Registrant Subsidiaries earned interest income for amounts advanced to the Utility Money Pool as follows:

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
APCo
 
$
 313 
 
$
 9 
 
$
 - 
I&M
 
 
 226 
 
 
 219 
 
 
 129 
OPCo
 
 
 820 
 
 
 708 
 
 
 228 
PSO
 
 
 250 
 
 
 19 
 
 
 322 
SWEPCo
 
 
 32 
 
 
 438 
 
 
 278 

Short-term Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Registrant Subsidiaries’ outstanding short-term debt was as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding
 
Interest
 
Outstanding
 
Interest
Company
 
Type of Debt
Amount
Rate (a)
 
Amount
Rate (a)
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
SWEPCo
 
Line of Credit – Sabine
 
$
 17,016 
 
 1.79  %
 
$
 6,217 
 
 2.15  %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Weighted average rate.

 
346

 
Credit Facilities

For a discussion of credit facilities, see “Letters of Credit” section of Note 5.

Sale of Receivables – AEP Credit

Under a sale of receivables arrangement, the Registrant Subsidiaries sell, without recourse, certain of their customer accounts receivable and accrued unbilled revenue balances to AEP Credit and are charged a fee based on AEP Credit’s financing costs, administrative costs and uncollectible accounts experience for each Registrant Subsidiary’s receivables.  APCo does not have regulatory authority to sell its West Virginia accounts receivable.  The costs of customer accounts receivable sold are reported in Other Operation on the Registrant Subsidiaries’ income statements.  The Registrant Subsidiaries manage and service their customer accounts receivable sold.

In July 2011, AEP Credit renewed its receivables securitization agreement.  The agreement provides commitments of $750 million from bank conduits to finance receivables from AEP Credit with an increase to $800 million for the months of July, August and September to accommodate seasonal demand.  A commitment of $375 million, with the seasonal increase to $425 million for the months of July, August and September, expires in June 2012 and the remaining commitment of $375 million expires in June 2014.

The amount of accounts receivable and accrued unbilled revenues under the sale of receivables agreement for each Registrant Subsidiary as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 was as follows:

 
 
 
December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 121,605 
 
$
 145,515 
I&M
 
 
 121,597 
 
 
 123,366 
OPCo
 
 
 346,695 
 
 
 344,698 
PSO
 
 
 123,172 
 
 
 121,679 
SWEPCo
 
 
 140,440 
 
 
 135,092 

The fees paid by the Registrant Subsidiaries to AEP Credit for customer accounts receivable sold were:

 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 9,612 
 
$
 9,194 
 
$
 5,132 
I&M
 
 
 6,168 
 
 
 6,770 
 
 
 6,191 
OPCo
 
 
 18,851 
 
 
 20,630 
 
 
 19,994 
PSO
 
 
 6,363 
 
 
 5,406 
 
 
 6,954 
SWEPCo
 
 
 5,672 
 
 
 5,688 
 
 
 6,171 

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ proceeds on the sale of receivables to AEP Credit were:

 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 1,248,253 
 
$
 1,418,487 
 
$
 1,258,860 
I&M
 
 
 1,323,068 
 
 
 1,283,955 
 
 
 1,228,502 
OPCo
 
 
 3,461,758 
 
 
 3,495,609 
 
 
 3,201,767 
PSO
 
 
 1,299,190 
 
 
 1,196,586 
 
 
 1,028,770 
SWEPCo
 
 
 1,495,397 
 
 
 1,402,525 
 
 
 1,300,393 

 
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14.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

For other related party transactions, also see “AEP System Tax Allocation Agreement” section of Note 11 in addition to “Utility Money Pool – AEP System” and “Sale of Receivables – AEP Credit” sections of Note 13.

AEP Power Pool

APCo, I&M, KPCo, OPCo and AEPSC are parties to the Interconnection Agreement, which defines the sharing of costs and benefits associated with the respective generating plants.  This sharing is based upon each AEP utility subsidiary’s MLR and is calculated monthly on the basis of each AEP utility subsidiary’s maximum peak demand in relation to the sum of the maximum peak demands of all four AEP utility subsidiaries during the preceding 12 months.  In addition, APCo, I&M, KPCo and OPCo are parties to the AEP System Interim Allowance Agreement, which provides, among other things, for the transfer of SO2 allowances associated with the transactions under the Interconnection Agreement.

Based upon the PUCO’s January 2012 approval of OPCo’s corporate separation plan, applications were filed in February 2012 with the FERC proposing to establish a new power cost sharing agreement between APCo, I&M and KPCo and transfer OPCo’s generation assets to APCo, KPCo and a nonregulated AEP subsidiary.  The Ohio corporate separation plan was subsequently rejected on rehearing in February 2012.  Management is in the process of withdrawing the applications and intends to file new FERC and PUCO applications related to corporate separation.
 
Power, gas and risk management activities are conducted by AEPSC and profits and losses are allocated under the SIA to AEP Power Pool members, PSO and SWEPCo.  Risk management activities involve the purchase and sale of electricity and gas under physical forward contracts at fixed and variable prices.  In addition, the risk management of electricity, and to a lesser extent gas contracts, includes exchange traded futures and options and OTC options and swaps.  The majority of these transactions represent physical forward contracts in the AEP System’s traditional marketing area and are typically settled by entering into offsetting contracts.  In addition, AEPSC enters into transactions for the purchase and sale of electricity and gas options, futures and swaps, and for the forward purchase and sale of electricity outside of the AEP System’s traditional marketing area.

CSW Operating Agreement

PSO, SWEPCo and AEPSC are parties to a Restated and Amended Operating Agreement originally dated as of January 1, 1997 (CSW Operating Agreement), which was approved by the FERC.  The CSW Operating Agreement requires PSO and SWEPCo to maintain adequate annual planning reserve margins and requires that capacity in excess of the required margins be made available for sale to other operating companies as capacity commitments.  Parties are compensated for energy delivered to recipients based upon the deliverer’s incremental cost plus a portion of the recipient’s savings realized by the purchaser that avoids the use of more costly alternatives.  Revenues and costs arising from third party sales are generally shared based on the amount of energy PSO or SWEPCo contributes that is sold to third parties.

System Integration Agreement (SIA)

The SIA provides for the integration and coordination of AEP East companies’ and AEP West companies’ zones.  This includes joint dispatch of generation within the AEP System and the distribution, between the two zones, of costs and benefits associated with the transfers of power between the two zones (including sales to third parties and risk management and trading activities).  The SIA is designed to function as an umbrella agreement in addition to the Interconnection Agreement and the CSW Operating Agreement, each of which controls the distribution of costs and benefits within a zone.

Power generated, allocated or provided under the Interconnection Agreement or CSW Operating Agreement to any Registrant Subsidiary is primarily sold to customers by such Registrant Subsidiary at rates approved (other than in Ohio) by the public utility commission in the jurisdiction of sale.  In Ohio, such rates are based on a statutory formula as that jurisdiction transitions to the use of market rates for generation.

 
348

 
Under both the Interconnection Agreement and CSW Operating Agreement, power generated that is not needed to serve the native load of any Registrant Subsidiary is sold in the wholesale market by AEPSC on behalf of the generating subsidiary.

Affiliated Revenues and Purchases

The following tables show the revenues derived from sales to the pools, direct sales to affiliates, net transmission agreement sales, natural gas contracts with AEPES and other revenues for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

Related Party Revenues
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales to AEP Power Pool
 
$
 186,788 
 
$
 308,336 
 
$
 823,703 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
Direct Sales to East Affiliates
 
 
 126,737 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 115,120 
 
 
 124 
 
 
 3,535 
 
Direct Sales to West Affiliates
 
 
 1,492 
 
 
 908 
 
 
 1,936 
 
 
 10,624 
 
 
 43,714 
 
Direct Sales to AEPEP
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (637)
 
Transmission Agreement and Transmission
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Coordination Agreement Sales
 
 
 2,348 
 
 
 9,379 
 
 
 3,375 
 
 
 111 
 
 
 8,962 
 
Natural Gas Contracts with AEPES
 
 
 154 
 
 
 92 
 
 
 196 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 4 
 
Other Revenues
 
 
 42,283 
 
 
 1,469 
 
 
 33,669 
 
 
 3,330 
 
 
 2,037 
 
Total Affiliated Revenues
 
$
 359,802 
 
$
 320,184 
 
$
 977,999 
 
$
 14,192 
 
$
 57,615 

Related Party Revenues
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales to AEP Power Pool
 
$
 158,873 
 
$
 327,992 
 
$
 839,441 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
Direct Sales to East Affiliates
 
 
 123,832 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 115,406 
 
 
 1,210 
 
 
 1,248 
 
Direct Sales to West Affiliates
 
 
 3,471 
 
 
 1,931 
 
 
 4,125 
 
 
 19,629 
 
 
 39,851 
 
Direct Sales to AEPEP
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (286)
 
Direct Sales to Transmission Companies
 
 
 44 
 
 
 1,848 
 
 
 236 
 
 
 30 
 
 
 1 
 
Natural Gas Contracts with AEPES
 
 
 (2,171)
 
 
 (1,087)
 
 
 (2,330)
 
 
 2 
 
 
 3 
 
Other Revenues
 
 
 32,158 
 
 
 267 
 
 
 34,407 
 
 
 2,657 
 
 
 11,053 
 
Total Affiliated Revenues
 
$
 316,207 
 
$
 330,951 
 
$
 991,285 
 
$
 23,528 
 
$
 51,870 

Related Party Revenues
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales to AEP Power Pool
 
$
 130,331 
 
$
 198,579 
 
$
 813,692 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
Direct Sales to East Affiliates
 
 
 123,549 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 84,078 
 
 
 3,136 
 
 
 1,220 
 
Direct Sales to West Affiliates
 
 
 2,255 
 
 
 1,154 
 
 
 2,553 
 
 
 39,197 
 
 
 16,434 
 
Direct Sales to AEPEP
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (659)
 
Natural Gas Contracts with AEPES
 
 
 (8,340)
 
 
 (4,637)
 
 
 (11,008)
 
 
 (328)
 
 
 (387)
 
Other Revenues
 
 
 15,594 
 
 
 1,055 
 
 
 31,774 
 
 
 3,751 
 
 
 12,710 
 
Total Affiliated Revenues
 
$
 263,389 
 
$
 196,151 
 
$
 921,089 
 
$
 45,756 
 
$
 29,318 

 
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The following tables show the purchased power expense incurred for purchases from the pools and affiliates for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

Related Party Purchases
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases from AEP Power Pool
 
$
 818,943 
 
$
 124,598 
 
$
 326,871 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
Direct Purchases from East Affiliates
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,378 
 
 
 1,184 
 
Direct Purchases from West Affiliates
 
 
 239 
 
 
 147 
 
 
 312 
 
 
 43,714 
 
 
 10,624 
 
Purchases from AEGCo
 
 
 - 
 
 
 228,739 
 
 
 185,741 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Gas Purchases from AEPES
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,689 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Total Purchases
 
$
 819,182 
 
$
 353,484 
 
$
 515,613 
 
$
 50,092 
 
$
 11,808 

Related Party Purchases
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases from AEP Power Pool
 
$
 916,791 
 
$
 91,129 
 
$
 268,964 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
Direct Purchases from East Affiliates
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 6,162 
 
 
 4,078 
 
Direct Purchases from West Affiliates
 
 
 825 
 
 
 466 
 
 
 996 
 
 
 39,851 
 
 
 19,629 
 
Purchases from AEGCo
 
 
 - 
 
 
 235,740 
 
 
 113,801 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Gas Purchases from AEPES
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,857 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Total Purchases
 
$
 917,616 
 
$
 327,335 
 
$
 386,618 
 
$
 46,013 
 
$
 23,707 

Related Party Purchases
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases from AEP Power Pool
 
$
 801,624 
 
$
 99,159 
 
$
 209,606 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
Direct Purchases from East Affiliates
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,896 
 
 
 3,515 
 
Direct Purchases from West Affiliates
 
 
 1,492 
 
 
 777 
 
 
 1,789 
 
 
 16,435 
 
 
 39,197 
 
Direct Purchases from AEGCo
 
 
 - 
 
 
 237,372 
 
 
 75,469 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Gas Purchases from AEPES
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,251 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
Total Purchases
 
$
 803,116 
 
$
 337,308 
 
$
 288,115 
 
$
 19,331 
 
$
 42,712 

The above summarized related party revenues and expenses are reported in Sales to AEP Affiliates and Purchased Electricity from AEP Affiliates on the Registrant Subsidiaries’ statements of income.  Since the Registrant Subsidiaries are included in AEP’s consolidated results, the above summarized related party transactions are eliminated in total in AEP’s consolidated revenues and expenses.

System Transmission Integration Agreement

AEP’s System Transmission Integration Agreement provides for the integration and coordination of the planning, operation and maintenance of the transmission facilities of AEP East companies’ and AEP West companies’ zones.  Similar to the SIA, the System Transmission Integration Agreement functions as an umbrella agreement in addition to the Transmission Agreement (TA) and the Transmission Coordination Agreement (TCA).  The System Transmission Integration Agreement contains two service schedules that govern:

·  
The allocation of transmission costs and revenues.
·  
The allocation of third-party transmission costs and revenues and AEP System dispatch costs.

The System Transmission Integration Agreement anticipates that additional service schedules may be added as circumstances warrant.

APCo, I&M, KPCo and OPCo are parties to the TA, dated April 1, 1984, as amended, defining how they share the costs associated with their relative ownership of the extra-high-voltage transmission system (facilities rated 345 kV and above) and certain facilities operated at lower voltages (138 kV and above).  Like the Interconnection Agreement, this sharing is based upon each company’s MLR.  The FERC approved a new TA effective November 2010.  The impacts of the new TA will be phased-in for retail rates, adds KGPCo and WPCo as parties to the agreement and changes the allocation method.

 
350

 
The following table shows the net charges recorded by the Registrant Subsidiaries, party to the new TA, for the year ended December 31, 2011:

 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 4,608 
I&M
 
 
 1,538 
OPCo
 
 
 17,186 

The charges shown above are recorded in Other Operation expense on the statements of income.

The following table shows the net charges (credits) allocated among the Registrant Subsidiaries, party to the original TA, for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:

 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 (16,079)
 
$
 (12,535)
I&M
 
 
 (25,188)
 
 
 (38,400)
OPCo
 
 
 49,281 
 
 
 59,770 

The net charges (credits) shown above are recorded in Other Operation expense on the statements of income.

PSO, SWEPCo and AEPSC are parties to the TCA, dated January 1, 1997, revised 1999 and 2011, as restated and amended, by and among PSO, SWEPCo and AEPSC, in connection with the operation of the transmission assets of the two AEP utility subsidiaries.  Effective May 2011, TNC is no longer a party to the agreement.  The TCA has been approved by the FERC and establishes a coordinating committee, which is charged with overseeing the coordinated planning of the transmission facilities of the parties to the agreement.  This includes the performance of transmission planning studies, the interaction of such companies with independent system operators (ISO) and other regional bodies interested in transmission planning and compliance with the terms of the Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT) filed with the FERC and the rules of the FERC relating to such a tariff.

Under the TCA, the parties to the agreement delegated to AEPSC the responsibility of monitoring the reliability of their transmission systems and administering the OATT on their behalf.  The allocations have been governed by the FERC-approved OATT for the SPP (with respect to PSO and SWEPCo).

The following table shows the net (revenues) expenses allocated among parties to the TCA pursuant to the SPP OATT protocols as described above for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:

 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in thousands)
PSO
 
$
 9,000 
 
$
 10,600 
 
$
 11,100 
SWEPCo
 
 
 (9,000)
 
 
 (10,500)
 
 
 (11,100)

The net (revenues) expenses shown above are recorded in Sales to AEP Affiliates on SWEPCo’s statements of income and Other Operation expense on PSO’s statements of income.

Assignment from SWEPCo to AEPEP

In March 2008, SWEPCo assigned its portion of a 20-year Purchase Power Agreement (PPA) to AEPEP.  In addition to the PPA assignment, an intercompany agreement was executed between AEPEP and SWEPCo to provide SWEPCo with future margins related to its share.  SWEPCo also retained the rights to the Renewable Energy Credit Offsets from the PPA.  The PPA and intercompany agreements are effective through 2019.  SWEPCo recorded losses of $637 thousand, $286 thousand and $659 thousand from AEPEP in Sales to AEP Affiliates on the 2011, 2010 and 2009 statements of income, respectively.

 
351

 
ERCOT Contracts Transferred to AEPEP

Effective January 1, 2007, PSO and SWEPCo transferred certain existing ERCOT energy marketing contracts to AEPEP and entered into intercompany financial and physical purchase and sale agreements with AEPEP.  This was done to lock in PSO and SWEPCo’s margins on ERCOT trading and marketing contracts and to transfer the future associated commodity price and credit risk to AEPEP.  The contracts ended in December 2009.

PSO and SWEPCo have historically presented third party ERCOT trading and marketing activity on a net basis in Revenues - Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution.  The applicable ERCOT third party trading and marketing contracts that were not transferred to AEPEP will remain until maturity on the balance sheets and will be presented on a net basis in Sales to AEP Affiliates on the statements of income.

The following tables indicate the sales to AEPEP and the amounts reclassified from third party to affiliates:

 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
 
 
 
 
Third Party Amounts
 
Net Amount
 
 
 
Net Settlement
 
Reclassified to
 
Included in Sales
Company
 
with AEPEP
 
Affiliate
 
to AEP Affiliates
 
 
(in thousands)
PSO
 
$
 (3,871)
 
$
 4,318 
 
$
 447 
SWEPCo
 
 
 (4,569)
 
 
 5,098 
 
 
 529 

OPCo Transfer of Property

In May 2009, OPCo transferred a parking garage to AEP through a dividend.  AEP then transferred the property to AEPSC through a capital contribution.  The transfers were effective May 2009 and were recorded at net book value of $8 million.

Fuel Agreement between OPCo and AEPES

OPCo and National Power Cooperative, Inc (NPC) have an agreement whereby OPCo operates a 500 MW gas plant owned by NPC (Mone Plant).  AEPES entered into a fuel management agreement with OPCo and NPC to manage and procure fuel for the Mone Plant.  The gas purchased by AEPES and used in generation is first sold to OPCo then allocated to the AEP East companies, who have an agreement to purchase 100% of the available generating capacity from the plant through May 2012.  The related purchases of gas managed by AEPES were as follows:

 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 866 
 
$
 940 
 
$
 431 
I&M
 
 
 523 
 
 
 547 
 
 
 224 
OPCo
 
 
 1,117 
 
 
 1,175 
 
 
 508 

These purchases are reflected in Purchased Electricity for Resale on the statements of income.

Unit Power Agreements (UPA)

Lawrenceburg UPA between OPCo and AEGCo

In March 2007, OPCo and AEGCo entered into a 10-year UPA for the entire output from the Lawrenceburg Generating Station effective with AEGCo’s purchase of the plant in May 2007.  The UPA has an option for an additional 2-year period.  I&M operates the plant under an agreement with AEGCo.  Under the UPA, OPCo pays AEGCo for the capacity, depreciation, fuel, operation and maintenance and tax expenses.  These payments are due regardless of whether the plant is operating.  The fuel and operation and maintenance payments are based on actual costs incurred.  All expenses are trued up periodically.

 
352

 
UPA between AEGCo and I&M

A UPA between AEGCo and I&M (the I&M Power Agreement) provides for the sale by AEGCo to I&M of all the power (and the energy associated therewith) available to AEGCo at the Rockport Plant unless it is sold to another utility.  I&M is obligated, whether or not power is available from AEGCo, to pay as a demand charge for the right to receive such power (and as an energy charge for any associated energy taken by I&M) net of amounts received by AEGCo from any other sources, sufficient to enable AEGCo to pay all its operating and other expenses, including a rate of return on the common equity of AEGCo as approved by the FERC.  The I&M Power Agreement will continue in effect until the expiration of the lease term of Unit 2 of the Rockport Plant unless extended in specified circumstances.

UPA between AEGCo and KPCo

Pursuant to an assignment between I&M and KPCo and a UPA between KPCo and AEGCo, AEGCo sells KPCo 30% of the power (and the energy associated therewith) available to AEGCo from both units of the Rockport Plant.  KPCo pays to AEGCo in consideration for the right to receive such power the same amounts which I&M would have paid AEGCo under the terms of the I&M Power Agreement for such entitlement.  The KPCo UPA ends in December 2022.

Cook Coal Terminal

Cook Coal Terminal, a division of OPCo, performs coal transloading services at cost for APCo and I&M.  OPCo included revenues for these services in Other Revenues – Affiliated and expenses in Other Operation expense on the statements of income.  The coal transloading revenues in 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 31 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 916 
I&M
 
 
 21,852 
 
 
 17,208 
 
 
 18,908 

APCo and I&M recorded the cost of transloading services in Fuel on the balance sheets.

Cook Coal Terminal also performs railcar maintenance services at cost for APCo, I&M, PSO and SWEPCo.  OPCo included revenues for these services in Sales to AEP Affiliates and expenses in Other Operation expense on the statements of income.  The railcar maintenance revenues in 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 9 
 
$
 7 
 
$
 98 
I&M
 
 
 3,012 
 
 
 1,870 
 
 
 2,045 
PSO
 
 
 542 
 
 
 522 
 
 
 510 
SWEPCo
 
 
 2,348 
 
 
 1,044 
 
 
 914 

APCo, I&M, PSO and SWEPCo recorded the cost of the railcar maintenance services in Fuel on the balance sheets.

In addition, Cook Coal Terminal provides railcar maintenance services for OVEC.  OPCo recorded revenue in Other Revenues – Nonaffiliated on the statements of income in the amount of $1 million, for each year in 2011, 2010 and 2009.  OVEC is 43.47% owned by AEP (includes OPCo’s 4.3% ownership of OVEC).

 
353

 
SWEPCo Railcar Facility

SWEPCo operates a railcar maintenance facility in Alliance, Nebraska.  The facility performs maintenance on its own railcars as well as railcars belonging to I&M, PSO and third parties.  SWEPCo billed I&M $2.9 million and $1.8 million for railcar services provided in 2011 and 2010, respectively, and billed PSO $287 thousand and $655 thousand in 2011 and 2010, respectively.  These billings, for SWEPCo, and costs, for I&M and PSO, are recorded in Fuel on the balance sheets.

I&M Barging, Urea Transloading and Other Services

I&M provides barging, urea transloading and other transportation services to affiliates.  Urea is a chemical used to control NOx emissions at certain generation plants in the AEP System.  I&M recorded revenues from barging, transloading and other services in Other Revenues – Affiliated on the statements of income.  The affiliated companies recorded these costs paid to I&M as fuel expense or other operation expense.  The amount of affiliated revenues and affiliated expenses were:

 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in thousands)
I&M – Revenue
 
$
 105,373 
 
$
 105,811 
 
$
 94,921 
AEGCo – Expense
 
 
 15,460 
 
 
 12,548 
 
 
 13,167 
APCo – Expense
 
 
 27,455 
 
 
 28,241 
 
 
 29,442 
KPCo – Expense
 
 
 122 
 
 
 133 
 
 
 112 
OPCo – Expense
 
 
 36,980 
 
 
 44,160 
 
 
 38,039 
AEP River Operations LLC Expense (Nonutility
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsidiary of AEP)
 
 
 25,356 
 
 
 20,729 
 
 
 14,161 

In addition, I&M provided transloading services to OVEC.  I&M recorded revenues of $116 thousand, $112 thousand and $135 thousand for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, in Other Revenues – Nonaffiliated on the statements of income.

Services Provided by AEP River Operations LLC

AEP River Operations LLC provides services for barge towing, chartering and general and administrative expenses to I&M.  The costs are recorded by I&M as Other Operation expense.  For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, I&M recorded expenses of $24 million, $28 million and $24 million, respectively, for these activities.

Central Machine Shop

APCo operates a facility which repairs and rebuilds specialized components for the generation plants across the AEP System.  APCo defers the cost of performing these services on the balance sheet, then transfers the cost to the affiliate for reimbursement.  The AEP subsidiaries recorded these billings as capital or maintenance expense depending on the nature of the services received.  These billings are recoverable from customers.  The following table provides the amounts billed by APCo to the following affiliates:

 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in thousands)
AEGCo
 
$
 102 
 
$
 180 
 
$
 31 
I&M
 
 
 2,157 
 
 
 2,112 
 
 
 2,818 
KGPCo
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 5 
KPCo
 
 
 298 
 
 
 368 
 
 
 358 
OPCo
 
 
 3,684 
 
 
 3,665 
 
 
 4,137 
PSO
 
 
 53 
 
 
 412 
 
 
 848 
SWEPCo
 
 
 946 
 
 
 560 
 
 
 966 

 
354

 
In addition, APCo billed OVEC and IKEC a total of $569 thousand, $541 thousand and $202 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Affiliate Coal Purchases

In 2008, OPCo entered into contracts to sell excess coal purchases to certain AEP subsidiaries through 2010.  These sales (purchases) are reflected in Sales to AEP Affiliates on the statements of income.  The following table shows the realized and unrealized amounts recorded for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 (2,830)
 
$
 (1,573)
I&M
 
 
 (1,383)
 
 
 (813)
KPCo
 
 
 (837)
 
 
 (340)
OPCo
 
 
 7,372 
 
 
 4,239 
PSO
 
 
 (796)
 
 
 (585)
SWEPCo
 
 
 (1,526)
 
 
 (928)

Affiliate Railcar Agreement

Certain AEP subsidiaries have an agreement providing for the use of each other’s leased or owned railcars when available.  The agreement specifies that the company using the railcar will be billed, at cost, by the company furnishing the railcar.  The AEP subsidiaries recorded these costs or reimbursements as costs or reduction of costs, respectively, in Fuel on the balance sheets and such costs are recoverable from customers.  The following tables show the net effect of the railcar agreement on the balance sheets:

December 31, 2011
Billing Company
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Billed Company
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 1,373 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 1,373 
I&M
 
 
 91 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,190 
 
 
 80 
 
 
 787 
 
 
 2,148 
KPCo
 
 
 289 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 355 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 644 
OPCo
 
 
 840 
 
 
 170 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 66 
 
 
 1,084 
PSO
 
 
 289 
 
 
 842 
 
 
 234 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 382 
 
 
 1,747 
SWEPCo
 
 
 12 
 
 
 2,662 
 
 
 605 
 
 
 91 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,370 
Total
 
$
 1,521 
 
$
 3,674 
 
$
 3,757 
 
$
 179 
 
$
 1,235 
 
$
 10,366 

December 31, 2010
Billing Company
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Billed Company
 
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 1,195 
 
$
 1 
 
$
 (1)
 
$
 1,195 
I&M
 
 
 142 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,536 
 
 
 123 
 
 
 502 
 
 
 2,303 
KPCo
 
 
 399 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 245 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 644 
OPCo
 
 
 919 
 
 
 418 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 21 
 
 
 106 
 
 
 1,464 
PSO
 
 
 177 
 
 
 921 
 
 
 191 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 493 
 
 
 1,782 
SWEPCo
 
 
 328 
 
 
 2,162 
 
 
 594 
 
 
 110 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,194 
Total
 
$
 1,965 
 
$
 3,501 
 
$
 3,761 
 
$
 255 
 
$
 1,100 
 
$
 10,582 

 
355

 
Purchased Power from OVEC

The amounts of power purchased by the Registrant Subsidiaries from OVEC for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were:

 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 114,311 
 
$
 105,307 
 
$
 103,369 
I&M
 
 
 57,192 
 
 
 52,687 
 
 
 51,710 
OPCo
 
 
 145,207 
 
 
 133,776 
 
 
 131,318 

The amounts shown above are recoverable from customers and are included in Purchased Electricity for Resale on the statements of income.

AEP Power Pool Purchases from OVEC

In 2011, the AEP Power Pool purchased power from OVEC to serve off-system sales and retail sales.  These purchases are reported in Purchased Electricity for Resale on the statements of income.  The following table shows the amounts recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011:

 
 
 
Year Ended
Company
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 21,110 
I&M
 
 
 12,942 
OPCo
 
 
 27,566 

In January 2010, the AEP Power Pool began purchasing power from OVEC to serve off-system sales and retail sales through June 2010.  Purchases serving off-system sales are reported net as a reduction in Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution revenues and purchases serving retail sales are reported in Purchased Electricity for Resale on the statements of income.  The following table shows the amounts recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010:

 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
 
 
Reported in
 
Reported in
Company
 
Revenues
 
Expenses
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 6,631 
 
$
 3,635 
I&M
 
 
 3,721 
 
 
 1,980 
OPCo
 
 
 7,937 
 
 
 4,231 

SWEPCo Transactions with Oxbow Lignite Company

Oxbow Lignite Company, LLC (OLC) is jointly-owned by SWEPCo and CLECO, each owning 50%.  As joint-owners, SWEPCo and CLECO have equal representation in OLC regarding ownership, liability, profit and distributions.  OLC has surface lease and lignite and coal lease agreements which provide equal rights to each owner to mine the reserves and equal liability for the depletion costs.  DHLC is the exclusive miner of OLC’s reserves and 100% of the lignite mined is sold to SWEPCo and CLECO.  SWEPCo paid OLC $890 thousand and $465 thousand for land leases, lignite leases and administrative services in 2011 and 2010, respectively.  SWEPCo recorded these costs in Fuel on the balance sheets.  See “Oxbow Lignite Company and Red River Mining Company” section of Note 6 for additional information regarding the purchase of OLC.

 
356

 
Sales and Purchases of Property – Transmission Companies

In 2009, AEP Transmission Company, LLC (AEP Transco) formed seven wholly-owned transmission companies.  AEP Transco is the holding company for the seven transmission companies.  These seven companies (collectively Transcos) consist of:  AEP Appalachian Transmission Company, Inc., AEP Indiana Michigan Transmission Company, Inc. (IMTCo), AEP Kentucky Transmission Company, Inc., AEP Ohio Transmission Company, Inc. (OHTCo), AEP West Virginia Transmission Company, Inc., AEP Oklahoma Transmission Company, Inc. (OKTCo) and AEP Southwestern Transmission Company, Inc. (SWTCo).

In 2010, certain AEP subsidiaries began selling and purchasing transmission property to/from certain Transcos.  There were no gains or losses recorded on the transactions.  The following table shows the sales, that were recorded at net book value, for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Companies
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
(in thousands)
IMTCo to I&M
 
$
 1,156 
 
$
 - 
OPCo to OHTCo
 
 
 8,723 
 
 
 - 
PSO to OKTCo
 
 
 1 
 
 
 1,543 
SWTCo to SWEPCo
 
 
 27 
 
 
 - 

The amounts above are recorded in Property, Plant and Equipment on the balance sheets.

 
357

 
Sales and Purchases of Property

Certain AEP subsidiaries had affiliated sales and purchases of electric property individually amounting to $100 thousand or more for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 as shown in the following tables:

 
 
 
Year Ended
Companies
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo to I&M
 
$
 277 
APCo to KPCo
 
 
 555 
APCo to OPCo
 
 
 523 
OPCo to APCo
 
 
 438 
OPCo to I&M
 
 
 848 
PSO to SWEPCo
 
 
 271 

 
 
 
Year Ended
Companies
 
December 31, 2010
 
 
(in thousands)
AEGCo to APCo
 
$
 332 
AEGCo to OPCo
 
 
 190 
APCo to I&M
 
 
 1,090 
APCo to KPCo
 
 
 209 
I&M to APCo
 
 
 444 
I&M to OPCo
 
 
 485 
I&M to SWEPCo
 
 
 218 
OPCo to APCo
 
 
 3,011 
OPCo to I&M
 
 
 2,435 
OPCo to KPCo
 
 
 960 
SWEPCo to PSO
 
 
 3,680 
TCC to SWEPCo
 
 
 360 

 
 
 
Year Ended
Companies
 
December 31, 2009
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo to I&M
 
$
 155 
I&M to APCo
 
 
 4,004 
I&M to OPCo
 
 
 6,378 
OPCo to APCo
 
 
 908 
OPCo to I&M
 
 
 6,026 
OPCo to TCC
 
 
 526 
PSO to SWEPCo
 
 
 118 
TCC to APCo
 
 
 426 
TCC to SWEPCo
 
 
 684 

 
358

 
In addition, certain AEP subsidiaries had aggregate affiliated sales and purchases of meters and transformers for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 as shown in the following tables:

Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
 
Purchaser
Seller
 
APCo
 
 
I&M
 
KGPCo
 
KPCo
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
TCC
 
TNC
 
WPCo
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 - 
 
 
$
 38 
 
$
 1,106 
 
$
 119 
 
$
 731 
 
$
 3 
 
$
 293 
 
$
 333 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 2,623 
I&M
 
 
 61 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 324 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 14 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 441 
KGPCo
 
 
 903 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 906 
KPCo
 
 
 289 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 91 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 404 
OPCo
 
 
 54 
 
 
 
 1,338 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 44 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 25 
 
 
 96 
 
 
 90 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 456 
 
 
 2,104 
PSO
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 13 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 150 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 170 
SWEPCo
 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 63 
 
 
 402 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 145 
 
 
 26 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 650 
TCC
 
 
 550 
 
 
 
 11 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 240 
 
 
 568 
 
 
 19 
 
 
 1,410 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2,106 
 
 
 11 
 
 
 4,915 
TNC
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 539 
 
 
 16 
 
 
 723 
 
 
 2,021 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3,311 
WPCo
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 193 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 200 
Total
 
$
 1,874 
 
 
$
 1,397 
 
$
 1,107 
 
$
 425 
 
$
 2,522 
 
$
 475 
 
$
 2,695 
 
$
 2,607 
 
$
 2,140 
 
$
 482 
 
$
 15,724 

Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
 
Purchaser
Seller
 
APCo
 
 
I&M
 
KGPCo
 
KPCo
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
TCC
 
TNC
 
WPCo
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 - 
 
 
$
 112 
 
$
 225 
 
$
 139 
 
$
 137 
 
$
 61 
 
$
 31 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 705 
I&M
 
 
 138 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 356 
 
 
 116 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 63 
 
 
 14 
 
 
 695 
KGPCo
 
 
 154 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 154 
KPCo
 
 
 364 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 23 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 92 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 487 
OPCo
 
 
 211 
 
 
 
 432 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 139 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 79 
 
 
 1,104 
 
 
 165 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 372 
 
 
 2,513 
PSO
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 44 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 560 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 613 
SWEPCo
 
 
 48 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 214 
 
 
 1,203 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 70 
 
 
 11 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,553 
TCC
 
 
 22 
 
 
 
 38 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 23 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 266 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 966 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,321 
TNC
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 70 
 
 
 642 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 725 
WPCo
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 111 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 111 
Total
 
$
 945 
 
 
$
 592 
 
$
 249 
 
$
 288 
 
$
 977 
 
$
 1,466 
 
$
 2,034 
 
$
 883 
 
$
 1,053 
 
$
 390 
 
$
 8,877 

Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
 
Purchaser
Seller
 
APCo
 
 
I&M
 
KGPCo
 
KPCo
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
TCC
 
TNC
 
WPCo
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 - 
 
 
$
 87 
 
$
 305 
 
$
 161 
 
$
 147 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 19 
 
$
 44 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 763 
I&M
 
 
 39 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 50 
 
 
 403 
 
 
 119 
 
 
 65 
 
 
 37 
 
 
 75 
 
 
 17 
 
 
 805 
KGPCo
 
 
 213 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 213 
KPCo
 
 
 505 
 
 
 
 64 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 156 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 744 
OPCo
 
 
 402 
 
 
 
 323 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 87 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 99 
 
 
 91 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 44 
 
 
 467 
 
 
 1,514 
PSO
 
 
 23 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 43 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 607 
 
 
 26 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 707 
SWEPCo
 
 
 38 
 
 
 
 21 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 26 
 
 
 85 
 
 
 1,360 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 162 
 
 
 28 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,720 
TCC
 
 
 13 
 
 
 
 72 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 19 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 87 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 873 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,066 
TNC
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 17 
 
 
 18 
 
 
 25 
 
 
 750 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 828 
WPCo
 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 176 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 176 
Total
 
$
 1,241 
 
 
$
 584 
 
$
 312 
 
$
 324 
 
$
 1,046 
 
$
 1,601 
 
$
 902 
 
$
 1,020 
 
$
 1,021 
 
$
 485 
 
$
 8,536 

The amounts above are recorded in Property, Plant and Equipment.  Sales are recorded at cost.

Global Borrowing Notes

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, AEP has an intercompany note in place with OPCo.  The debt is reflected in Long-term Debt – Affiliated on OPCo’s balance sheets.  OPCo accrues interest for its share of the global borrowing and remits the interest to AEP.  The accrued interest is reflected in Accrued Interest on OPCo’s balance sheets.

 
359

 
Intercompany Billings

The Registrant Subsidiaries and other AEP subsidiaries perform certain utility services for each other when necessary or practical.  The costs of these services are billed on a direct-charge basis, whenever possible, or on reasonable bases of proration for services that benefit multiple companies.  The billings for services are made at cost and include no compensation for the use of equity capital.

Variable Interest Entities

The accounting guidance for “Variable Interest Entities” is a consolidation model that considers if a company has a controlling financial interest in a VIE.  A controlling financial interest will have both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.  Entities are required to consolidate a VIE when it is determined that they have a controlling financial interest in a VIE and therefore, are the primary beneficiary of that VIE, as defined by the accounting guidance for “Variable Interest Entities.”  In determining whether they are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, management considers for each Registrant Subsidiary factors such as equity at risk, the amount of the VIE’s variability the Registrant Subsidiary absorbs, guarantees of indebtedness, voting rights including kick-out rights, the power to direct the VIE, variable interests held by related parties and other factors.  Management believes that significant assumptions and judgments were applied consistently.  In addition, the Registrant Subsidiaries have not provided financial or other support to any VIE that was not previously contractually required.

SWEPCo is the primary beneficiary of Sabine.  I&M is the primary beneficiary of DCC Fuel.  APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo each hold a significant variable interest in AEPSC.  I&M and OPCo each hold a significant variable interest in AEGCo.  SWEPCo holds a significant variable interest in DHLC.

Sabine is a mining operator providing mining services to SWEPCo.  SWEPCo has no equity investment in Sabine but is Sabine’s only customer.  SWEPCo guarantees the debt obligations and lease obligations of Sabine.  Under the terms of the note agreements, substantially all assets are pledged and all rights under the lignite mining agreement are assigned to SWEPCo.  The creditors of Sabine have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo.  Under the provisions of the mining agreement, SWEPCo is required to pay, as a part of the cost of lignite delivered, an amount equal to mining costs plus a management fee.  In addition, SWEPCo determines how much coal will be mined each year.  Based on these facts, management concluded that SWEPCo is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate Sabine.  SWEPCo’s total billings from Sabine for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $128 million, $133 million and $99 million, respectively.  See the tables below for the classification of Sabine’s assets and liabilities on SWEPCo’s balance sheets.

The balances below represent the assets and liabilities of Sabine that are consolidated.  These balances include intercompany transactions that are eliminated upon consolidation.

SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
 
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
 
December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
(in millions)
 
 
Sabine
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
ASSETS
 
 
   
 
 
Current Assets
  $ 48     $ 50  
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
    154       139  
Other Noncurrent Assets
    42       34  
Total Assets
  $ 244     $ 223  
 
               
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Current Liabilities
  $ 68     $ 33  
Noncurrent Liabilities
    176       190  
Equity
    -       -  
Total Liabilities and Equity
  $ 244     $ 223  

 
360

 
I&M has nuclear fuel lease agreements with DCC Fuel LLC, DCC Fuel II LLC, DCC Fuel III LLC and DCC Fuel IV LLC (collectively DCC Fuel).  DCC Fuel was formed for the purpose of acquiring, owning and leasing nuclear fuel to I&M.  DCC Fuel purchased the nuclear fuel from I&M with funds received from the issuance of notes to financial institutions.  Each entity is a single-lessee leasing arrangement with only one asset and is capitalized with all debt.  DCC Fuel LLC, DCC Fuel II LLC, DCC Fuel III LLC and DCC Fuel IV LLC are separate legal entities from I&M, the assets of which are not available to satisfy the debts of I&M.  Payments on the DCC Fuel LLC and DCC Fuel II LLC leases are made semi-annually and began in April 2010 and October 2010, respectively.  Payments on the DCC Fuel III LLC lease are made monthly and began in January 2011.  Payments on the DCC Fuel IV LLC lease are made quarterly and began in February 2012.  Payments on the leases for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $85 million and $59 million, respectively.  No payments were made to DCC Fuel in 2009.  The leases were recorded as capital leases on I&M’s balance sheet as title to the nuclear fuel transfers to I&M at the end of the 48, 54, 54 and 54 month lease term, respectively.  Based on I&M’s control of DCC Fuel, management concluded that I&M is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate DCC Fuel.  The capital leases are eliminated upon consolidation.  See the table below for the classification of DCC Fuel’s assets and liabilities on I&M’s balance sheets.

The balances below represent the assets and liabilities of DCC Fuel that are consolidated.  These balances include intercompany transactions that are eliminated upon consolidation.

INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
 
December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
(in millions)
 
 
DCC Fuel
 
ASSETS
2011
 
2010
 
Current Assets
  $ 118     $ 92  
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
    188       173  
Other Noncurrent Assets
    118       112  
Total Assets
  $ 424     $ 377  
 
               
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Current Liabilities
  $ 103     $ 79  
Noncurrent Liabilities
    321       298  
Equity
    -       -  
Total Liabilities and Equity
  $ 424     $ 377  

DHLC is a mining operator which sells 50% of the lignite produced to SWEPCo and 50% to CLECO.  SWEPCo and CLECO share the executive board seats and voting rights equally.  Each entity guarantees 50% of DHLC’s debt.  SWEPCo and CLECO equally approve DHLC’s annual budget.  The creditors of DHLC have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo.  As SWEPCo is the sole equity owner of DHLC, it receives 100% of the management fee.  SWEPCo’s total billings from DHLC for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $62 million, $56 million and $43 million, respectively.  SWEPCo is not required to consolidate DHLC as it is not the primary beneficiary, although SWEPCo holds a significant variable interest in DHLC.  SWEPCo’s equity investment in DHLC is included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on SWEPCo’s balance sheets.

SWEPCo’s investment in DHLC was:

 
 
December 31,
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
As Reported on
 
Maximum
 
As Reported on
 
Maximum
 
 
the Balance Sheet
 
Exposure
 
the Balance Sheet
 
Exposure
 
 
(in millions)
 
Capital Contribution from SWEPCo
$
 8 
 
$
 8 
 
$
 6 
 
$
 6 
 
Retained Earnings
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 2 
 
SWEPCo's Guarantee of Debt
 
 - 
 
 
 52 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 48 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Investment in DHLC
$
 9 
 
$
 61 
 
$
 8 
 
$
 56 

 
361

 
AEPSC provides certain managerial and professional services to AEP’s subsidiaries.  AEP is the sole equity owner of AEPSC.  AEP management controls the activities of AEPSC.  The costs of the services are based on a direct charge or on a prorated basis and billed to the AEP subsidiary companies at AEPSC’s cost.  AEP subsidiaries have not provided financial or other support outside of the reimbursement of costs for services rendered.  AEPSC finances its operations through cost reimbursement from other AEP subsidiaries.  There are no other terms or arrangements between AEPSC and any of the AEP subsidiaries that could require additional financial support from an AEP subsidiary or expose them to losses outside of the normal course of business.  AEPSC and its billings are subject to regulation by the FERC.  AEP subsidiaries are exposed to losses to the extent they cannot recover the costs of AEPSC through their normal business operations.  AEP subsidiaries are considered to have a significant interest in AEPSC due to their activity in AEPSC’s cost reimbursement structure.  However, AEP subsidiaries do not have control over AEPSC.  AEPSC is consolidated by AEP.  In the event AEPSC would require financing or other support outside the cost reimbursement billings, this financing would be provided by AEP.

Total AEPSC billings to the Registrant Subsidiaries were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 195,787 
 
$
 238,367 
 
$
 200,828 
I&M
 
 
 126,505 
 
 
 139,920 
 
 
 128,372 
OPCo
 
 
 279,652 
 
 
 332,431 
 
 
 299,248 
PSO
 
 
 84,028 
 
 
 102,116 
 
 
 86,375 
SWEPCo
 
 
 130,148 
 
 
 147,928 
 
 
 129,887 
 
The carrying amount and classification of variable interest in AEPSC's accounts payable are as follows:
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
As Reported on
 
Maximum
 
As Reported on
 
Maximum
Company
 
the Balance Sheet
 
Exposure
 
the Balance Sheet
 
Exposure
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 20,812 
 
$
 20,812 
 
$
 23,230 
 
$
 23,230 
I&M
 
 
 13,741 
 
 
 13,741 
 
 
 12,980 
 
 
 12,980 
OPCo
 
 
 29,823 
 
 
 29,823 
 
 
 29,603 
 
 
 29,603 
PSO
 
 
 9,280 
 
 
 9,280 
 
 
 9,384 
 
 
 9,384 
SWEPCo
 
 
 14,699 
 
 
 14,699 
 
 
 14,465 
 
 
 14,465 

AEGCo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AEP, is consolidated by AEP.  AEGCo owns a 50% ownership interest in Rockport Plant Unit 1, leases a 50% interest in Rockport Plant Unit 2 and owns 100% of the Lawrenceburg Generating Station.  AEGCo sells all the output from the Rockport Plant to I&M and KPCo.   AEGCo leases the Lawrenceburg Generating Station to OPCo.  AEP guarantees all the debt obligations of AEGCo.  I&M and OPCo are considered to have a significant interest in AEGCo due to these transactions.  I&M and OPCo are exposed to losses to the extent they cannot recover the costs of AEGCo through their normal business operations.  In the event AEGCo would require financing or other support outside the billings to I&M, OPCo and KPCo, this financing would be provided by AEP.  For additional information regarding AEGCo’s lease, see “Rockport Lease” section of Note 12.

 
362

 
Total billings from AEGCo were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in thousands)
I&M
 
$
 228,739 
 
$
 235,741 
 
$
 237,372 
OPCo
 
 
 185,741 
 
 
 113,801 
 
 
 75,469 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The carrying amount and classification of variable interest in AEGCo’s accounts payable are as follows:
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
 
As Reported on
 
Maximum
 
As Reported on
 
Maximum
Company
 
the Balance Sheet
 
Exposure
 
the Balance Sheet
 
Exposure
 
 
(in thousands)
I&M
 
$
 25,731 
 
$
 25,731 
 
$
 27,899 
 
$
 27,899 
OPCo
 
 
 22,139 
 
 
 22,139 
 
 
 18,165 
 
 
 18,165 

 
363

 
15.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

The Registrant Subsidiaries provide for depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment, excluding coal-mining properties, on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of property, generally using composite rates by functional class.  The following table provides the annual composite depreciation rates by functional class generally used by the Registrant Subsidiaries:

APCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
Regulated
 
Nonregulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
Functional
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
Class of
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
Property
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
Generation
 
$
 5,194,967 
 
$
 1,783,154 
 
2.6%
 
40-121
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
-
 
-
Transmission
 
 
 1,943,969 
 
 
 457,235 
 
1.6%
 
25-87
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
Distribution
 
 
 2,845,405 
 
 
 595,122 
 
3.2%
 
11-52
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
CWIP
 
 
 565,841 
 
 
 (9,918)
 
NM
 
NM
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
Other
 
 
 323,630 
 
 
 155,688 
 
6.6%
 
24-55
 
 
 33,696 
 
 
 12,735 
 
NM
 
NM
Total
 
$
 10,873,812 
 
$
 2,981,281 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 33,696 
 
$
 12,735 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2010 
 
Regulated
 
Nonregulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
Functional
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
Class of
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
Property
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
Generation
 
$
 4,736,150 
 
$
 1,701,839 
 
2.4%
 
40-121
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
-
 
-
Transmission
 
 
 1,852,415 
 
 
 445,671 
 
1.6%
 
25-87
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
Distribution
 
 
 2,740,752 
 
 
 562,139 
 
3.2%
 
11-52
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
CWIP
 
 
 562,280 
 
 
 (18,470)
 
NM
 
NM
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
Other
 
 
 314,301 
 
 
 139,167 
 
7.8%
 
24-55
 
 
 33,712 
 
 
 12,741 
 
NM
 
NM
Total
 
$
 10,205,898 
 
$
 2,830,346 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 33,712 
 
$
 12,741 
 
 
 
 

2009 
 
Regulated
 
Nonregulated
 
 
Annual Composite
 
 
 
Annual Composite
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
Functional Class of Property
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
 
 
 
(in years)
 
 
 
(in years)
Generation
 
2.3%
 
40-121
 
-
 
-
Transmission
 
1.6%
 
25-87
 
-
 
-
Distribution
 
3.2%
 
11-52
 
-
 
-
CWIP
 
NM
 
NM
 
-
 
-
Other
 
8.9%
 
24-55
 
NM
 
NM
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NM  Not Meaningful

 
364

 

I&M
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
Regulated
 
Nonregulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
Functional
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
Class of
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
Property
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
Generation
 
$
 3,932,472 
 
$
 2,078,651 
 
1.6%
 
59-132
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
-
 
-
Transmission
 
 
 1,224,786 
 
 
 414,941 
 
1.4%
 
46-75
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
-
 
-
Distribution
 
 
 1,481,608 
 
 
 374,137 
 
2.4%
 
14-70
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
-
 
-
CWIP
 
 
 236,096 
 
 
 60,665 
 
NM
 
NM
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
-
 
-
Other
 
 
 559,698 
 
 
 143,312 
 
7.4%
 
NM
 
 
 149,860 
 
 
 108,214 
 
NM
 
NM
Total
 
$
 7,434,660 
 
$
 3,071,706 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 149,860 
 
$
 108,214 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2010 
 
Regulated
 
Nonregulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
Functional
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
Class of
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
Property
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
Generation
 
$
 3,774,262 
 
$
 2,085,746 
 
1.6%
 
59-132
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
-
 
-
Transmission
 
 
 1,188,665 
 
 
 408,832 
 
1.4%
 
46-75
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
-
 
-
Distribution
 
 
 1,411,095 
 
 
 361,259 
 
2.5%
 
14-70
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
-
 
-
CWIP
 
 
 301,534 
 
 
 33,046 
 
NM
 
NM
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
-
 
-
Other
 
 
 572,328 
 
 
 129,703 
 
11.7%
 
NM
 
 
 147,380 
 
 
 106,412 
 
NM
 
NM
Total
 
$
 7,247,884 
 
$
 3,018,586 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 147,380 
 
$
 106,412 
 
 
 
 

2009 
 
Regulated
 
Nonregulated
 
 
Annual Composite
 
 
 
Annual Composite
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
Functional Class of Property
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
 
 
 
(in years)
 
 
 
(in years)
Generation
 
1.6%
 
59-132
 
-
 
-
Transmission
 
1.4%
 
46-75
 
-
 
-
Distribution
 
2.4%
 
14-70
 
-
 
-
CWIP
 
NM
 
NM
 
-
 
-
Other
 
12.8%
 
NM
 
NM
 
NM
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NM  Not Meaningful

 
365

 
 
OPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
Regulated
 
Nonregulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
Functional
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
Class of
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
Property
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
Generation
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
-
 
-
 
$
 9,502,614 
 
$
 3,596,589 
 
3.2%
 
35-66
Transmission
 
 
 1,948,329 
 
 
 763,664 
 
2.3%
 
27-70
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
Distribution
 
 
 3,545,574 
 
 
 1,146,202 
 
3.7%
 
12-56
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
CWIP
 
 
 183,096 
 
 
 (3,371)
 
NM
 
NM
 
 
 171,369 
 
 
 1,152 
 
NM
 
NM
Other
 
 
 407,044 
 
 
 222,368 
 
8.7%
 
NM
 
 
 139,598 
 
 
 15,957 
 
NM
 
NM
Total
 
$
 6,084,043 
 
$
 2,128,863 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 9,813,581 
 
$
 3,613,698 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2010 
 
Regulated
 
Nonregulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
Functional
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
Class of
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
Property
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
Generation
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
-
 
-
 
$
 9,576,404 
 
$
 3,494,690 
 
3.3%
 
35-70
Transmission
 
 
 1,896,989 
 
 
 733,191 
 
2.3%
 
27-70
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
Distribution
 
 
 3,422,413 
 
 
 1,066,797 
 
3.7%
 
12-56
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
CWIP
 
 
 193,377 
 
 
 (1,540)
 
NM
 
NM
 
 
 132,526 
 
 
 9,151 
 
NM
 
NM
Other
 
 
 420,514 
 
 
 217,286 
 
9.2%
 
NM
 
 
 142,333 
 
 
 14,314 
 
NM
 
NM
Total
 
$
 5,933,293 
 
$
 2,015,734 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 9,851,263 
 
$
 3,518,155 
 
 
 
 

2009 
 
Regulated
 
Nonregulated
 
 
Annual Composite
 
 
 
Annual Composite
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
Functional Class of Property
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
 
 
 
(in years)
 
 
 
(in years)
Generation
 
-
 
-
 
3.0%
 
35-70
Transmission
 
2.3%
 
27-70
 
-
 
-
Distribution
 
3.6%
 
12-56
 
-
 
-
CWIP
 
NM
 
NM
 
NM
 
NM
Other
 
10.9%
 
NM
 
NM
 
NM
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NM  Not Meaningful

 
366

 


PSO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
Regulated
 
Nonregulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
Functional
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
Class of
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
Property
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
Generation
 
$
 1,317,948 
 
$
 652,526 
 
1.8%
 
9-70
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
-
 
-
Transmission
 
 
 692,644 
 
 
 167,827 
 
1.9%
 
40-75
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
Distribution
 
 
 1,762,110 
 
 
 329,041 
 
2.4%
 
30-65
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
CWIP
 
 
 70,371 
 
 
 (5,413)
 
NM
 
NM
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
Other
 
 
 209,467 
 
 
 122,838 
 
8.3%
 
5-35
 
 
 5,159 
 
 
 (3)
 
NM
 
NM
Total
 
$
 4,052,540 
 
$
 1,266,819 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 5,159 
 
$
 (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2010 
 
Regulated
 
Nonregulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
Functional
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
Class of
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
Property
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
Generation
 
$
 1,330,368 
 
$
 648,205 
 
1.8%
 
9-70
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
-
 
-
Transmission
 
 
 663,994 
 
 
 161,835 
 
1.9%
 
40-75
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
Distribution
 
 
 1,686,470 
 
 
 311,005 
 
2.4%
 
27-65
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
CWIP
 
 
 59,091 
 
 
 (1,958)
 
NM
 
NM
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
Other
 
 
 230,286 
 
 
 135,977 
 
8.3%
 
5-35
 
 
 5,120 
 
 
 - 
 
NM
 
NM
Total
 
$
 3,970,209 
 
$
 1,255,064 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 5,120 
 
$
 - 
 
 
 
 

2009 
 
Regulated
 
Nonregulated
 
 
Annual Composite
 
 
 
Annual Composite
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
Functional Class of Property
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
 
 
 
(in years)
 
 
 
(in years)
Generation
 
1.8%
 
9-70
 
-
 
-
Transmission
 
2.0%
 
40-75
 
-
 
-
Distribution
 
2.4%
 
27-65
 
-
 
-
CWIP
 
NM
 
NM
 
-
 
-
Other
 
8.3%
 
5-35
 
NM
 
NM
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NM  Not Meaningful

 
367

 

SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 
 
Regulated
 
Nonregulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
Functional
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
Class of
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
Property
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
Generation
 
$
 2,326,102 
 
$
 1,060,825 
 
2.1%
 
35-68
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
-
 
-
Transmission
 
 
 988,534 
 
 
 285,785 
 
2.3%
 
50-70
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
Distribution
 
 
 1,675,764 
 
 
 535,565 
 
2.6%
 
25-65
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
CWIP
 
 
 1,419,216 
(a)
 (3,527)
 
NM
 
NM
 
 
 24,353 
 
 
 - 
 
NM
 
NM
Other
 
 
 400,492 
 
 
 229,695 
 
6.9%
 
7-47
 
 
 236,527 
 
 
 103,569 
 
NM
 
NM
Total
 
$
 6,810,108 
 
$
 2,108,343 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 260,880 
 
$
 103,569 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2010 
 
Regulated
 
Nonregulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual
 
 
Functional
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
 
Property,
 
 
 
Composite
 
 
Class of
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
 
Plant and
 
Accumulated
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
Property
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
Equipment
 
Depreciation
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in years)
Generation
 
$
 2,297,463 
 
$
 1,026,467 
 
1.9%
 
35-68
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
-
 
-
Transmission
 
 
 943,724 
 
 
 272,619 
 
2.4%
 
50-70
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
Distribution
 
 
 1,611,129 
 
 
 513,472 
 
2.7%
 
25-65
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
 
-
 
-
CWIP
 
 
 1,065,949 
(a)
 700 
 
NM
 
NM
 
 
 5,654 
 
 
 - 
 
NM
 
NM
Other
 
 
 403,881 
 
 
 248,544 
 
7.7%
 
7-47
 
 
 228,277 
 
 
 68,549 
 
NM
 
NM
Total
 
$
 6,322,146 
 
$
 2,061,802 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 233,931 
 
$
 68,549 
 
 
 
 

2009 
 
Regulated
 
Nonregulated
 
 
Annual Composite
 
 
 
Annual Composite
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciable
Functional Class of Property
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
Rate
 
Life Ranges
 
 
 
 
(in years)
 
 
 
(in years)
Generation
 
2.7%
 
22-68
 
-
 
-
Transmission
 
2.6%
 
40-72
 
-
 
-
Distribution
 
3.6%
 
18-67
 
-
 
-
CWIP
 
NM
 
NM
 
NM
 
NM
Other
 
7.6%
 
7-48
 
NM
 
NM
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)    Includes CWIP related to SWEPCo's Arkansas jurisdictional share of the Turk Plant.
NM  Not Meaningful

SWEPCo provides for depreciation, depletion and amortization of coal-mining assets over each asset's estimated useful life or the estimated life of each mine, whichever is shorter, using the straight-line method for mining structures and equipment.  SWEPCo uses either the straight-line method or the units-of-production method to amortize mine development costs and deplete coal rights based on estimated recoverable tonnages.  SWEPCo includes these costs in fuel expense.

For cost-based rate-regulated operations, the composite depreciation rate generally includes a component for nonasset retirement obligation (non-ARO) removal costs, which is credited to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization.  Actual removal costs incurred are charged to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization.  Any excess of accrued non-ARO removal costs over actual removal costs incurred is reclassified from Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization and reflected as a regulatory liability.  For nonregulated operations, non-ARO removal costs are expensed as incurred.

 
368

 
Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO)

The Registrant Subsidiaries record ARO in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations” for the retirement of certain ash disposal facilities, closure and monitoring of underground carbon storage facilities at Mountaineer Plant and coal mining facilities as well as asbestos removal.  I&M records ARO for the decommissioning of the Cook Plant.  The Registrant Subsidiaries have identified, but not recognized, ARO liabilities related to electric transmission and distribution assets as a result of certain easements on property on which assets are owned.  Generally, such easements are perpetual and require only the retirement and removal of assets upon the cessation of the property’s use.  The retirement obligation is not estimable for such easements since the Registrant Subsidiaries plan to use their facilities indefinitely.  The retirement obligation would only be recognized if and when the Registrant Subsidiaries abandon or cease the use of specific easements, which is not expected.

As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, I&M’s ARO liability for nuclear decommissioning of the Cook Plant was $979 million and $930 million, respectively.  These liabilities are reflected in Asset Retirement Obligations on I&M’s balance sheets.  As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the fair value of I&M’s assets that are legally restricted for purposes of settling decommissioning liabilities totaled $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively.  These assets are included in Spent Nuclear Fuel and Decommissioning Trusts on I&M’s balance sheets.

The following is a reconciliation of the 2011 and 2010 aggregate carrying amounts of ARO by Registrant Subsidiary:

 
 
 
ARO at
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revisions in
 
ARO at
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Accretion
 
Liabilities
 
Liabilities
 
Cash Flow
 
December 31,
Company
 
2010
 
Expense
 
Incurred
 
Settled
 
Estimates
 
2011
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo (a)(d)
 
$
 141,924 
 
$
 9,534 
 
$
 3 
 
$
 (3,600)
 
$
 (35,094)
 
$
 112,767 
I&M (a)(b)(d)
 
 
 963,029 
 
 
 51,308 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (1,370)
 
 
 155 
 
 
 1,013,122 
OPCo (a)(d)
 
 
 189,271 
 
 
 13,499 
 
 
 165 
 
 
 (4,872)
 
 
 43,765 
 
 
 241,828 
PSO (a)(d)
 
 
 21,557 
 
 
 1,708 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (414)
 
 
 (3,228)
 
 
 19,623 
SWEPCo (a)(c)(d)(e)
 
 
 59,382 
 
 
 4,114 
 
 
 7,063 
 
 
 (14,947)
 
 
 11,571 
 
 
 67,183 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ARO at
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revisions in
 
ARO at
 
 
 
December 31,
 
Accretion
 
Liabilities
 
Liabilities
 
Cash Flow
 
December 31,
Company
 
2009
 
Expense
 
Incurred
 
Settled
 
Estimates
 
2010
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo (a)(d)
 
$
 125,289 
 
$
 8,541 
 
$
 5,341 
 
$
 (4,064)
 
$
 6,817 
 
$
 141,924 
I&M (a)(b)(d)
 
 
 894,746 
 
 
 47,844 
 
 
 7,216 
 
 
 (1,694)
 
 
 14,917 
 
 
 963,029 
OPCo (a)(d)
 
 
 134,743 
 
 
 11,434 
 
 
 5,031 
 
 
 (4,208)
 
 
 42,271 
 
 
 189,271 
PSO (a)(d)
 
 
 15,652 
 
 
 1,332 
 
 
 4,746 
 
 
 (173)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 21,557 
SWEPCo (a)(c)(d)(e)
 
 
 51,684 
(f)
 
 4,290 
 
 
 9,056 
 
 
 (7,709)
 
 
 2,061 
 
 
 59,382 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Includes ARO related to ash disposal facilities.
(b)
Includes ARO related to nuclear decommissioning costs for the Cook Plant ($979 million and $930 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively).
(c)
Includes ARO related to Sabine and DHLC.
(d)
Includes ARO related to asbestos removal.
(e)
The current portion of SWEPCo’s ARO, totaling $1.5 million and $2.6 million, at December 31, 2011 and
 
2010 respectively, is included in Other Current Liabilities on SWEPCo’s balance sheets.
(f)
 
SWEPCo deconsolidated DHLC effective January 1, 2010 in accordance with the accounting guidance for "Consolidations."  As a result, SWEPCo recorded only 50% ($12 million) of the final reclamation based on its share of the obligation instead of the previous 100%.

 
369

 
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) and Interest Capitalization

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ amounts of allowance for equity funds used during construction are summarized in the following table:

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 9,212 
 
$
 2,967 
 
$
 7,000 
I&M
 
 
 15,395 
 
 
 15,678 
 
 
 12,013 
OPCo
 
 
 5,549 
 
 
 5,949 
 
 
 6,094 
PSO
 
 
 1,317 
 
 
 804 
 
 
 1,787 
SWEPCo
 
 
 48,731 
 
 
 45,646 
 
 
 46,737 

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ amounts of allowance for borrowed funds used during construction, including capitalized interest, are summarized in the following table:

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Company
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 6,257 
 
$
 2,251 
 
$
 6,014 
I&M
 
 
 7,838 
 
 
 8,500 
 
 
 8,348 
OPCo
 
 
 2,350 
 
 
 3,786 
 
 
 16,506 
PSO
 
 
 822 
 
 
 572 
 
 
 1,142 
SWEPCo
 
 
 40,904 
 
 
 33,668 
 
 
 29,546 

 
370

 
Jointly-owned Electric Facilities

APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo have electric facilities that are jointly-owned with affiliated and nonaffiliated companies. Using its own financing, each participating company is obligated to pay its share of the costs of any such jointly-owned facilities in the same proportion as its ownership interest.  Each Registrant Subsidiary’s proportionate share of the operating costs associated with such facilities is included in its statements of income and the investments and accumulated depreciation are reflected in its balance sheets under Property, Plant and Equipment as follows:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company’s Share at December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction
 
 
 
 
Fuel
Percent of
Utility Plant
Work in
Accumulated
Company
Type
Ownership
 in Service
Progress
Depreciation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
John E. Amos Generating Station (Unit No. 3) (a)
 
Coal
 
 33.33 
%
 
$
 554,555 
 
$
 16,987 
 
$
 93,404 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I&M
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rockport Generating Plant (Unit No. 1) (e)
 
Coal
 
 50.0 
%
 
$
 759,033 
 
$
 19,357 
 
$
 443,857 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
John E. Amos Generating Station (Unit No. 3) (a)
 
Coal
 
 66.67 
%
 
$
 988,510 
 
$
 15,344 
 
$
 188,820 
W.C. Beckjord Generating Station
 
Coal
 
 12.5 
%
 
 
 19,131 
 
 
 108 
 
 
 8,476 
 
(Unit No. 6) (b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Conesville Generating Station (Unit No. 4) (c)
 
Coal
 
 43.5 
%
 
 
 309,771 
 
 
 11,633 
 
 
 53,980 
J.M. Stuart Generating Station (d)
 
Coal
 
 26.0 
%
 
 
 528,271 
 
 
 13,292 
 
 
 171,830 
Wm. H. Zimmer Generating Station (b)
 
Coal
 
 25.4 
%
 
 
 771,158 
 
 
 19,949 
 
 
 376,585 
Transmission
 
NA
 
(f)
 
 
 
 63,115 
 
 
 5,805 
 
 
 49,487 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 2,679,956 
 
$
 66,131 
 
$
 849,178 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PSO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oklaunion Generating Station (Unit No. 1) (g)
 
Coal
 
 15.6 
%
 
$
 92,805 
 
$
 446 
 
$
 56,539 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dolet Hills Generating Station (Unit No. 1) (h)
 
Lignite
 
 40.2 
%
 
$
 264,487 
 
$
 465 
 
$
 193,565 
Flint Creek Generating Station (Unit No. 1) (i)
 
Coal
 
 50.0 
%
 
 
 118,163 
 
 
 6,532 
 
 
 62,988 
Pirkey Generating Station (Unit No. 1) (i)
 
Lignite
 
 85.9 
%
 
 
 512,557 
 
 
 674 
 
 
 361,667 
Turk Generating Plant (j)
 
Coal
 
 73.33 
%
 
 
 - 
 
 
 1,326,013 
 
 
 - 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 895,207 
 
$
 1,333,684 
 
$
 618,220 

 
371

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company’s Share at December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction
 
 
 
 
Fuel
Percent of
Utility Plant
Work in
Accumulated
Company
Type
Ownership
 in Service
Progress
Depreciation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
John E. Amos Generating Station (Unit No. 3) (a)
 
Coal
 
 33.33 
%
 
$
 472,244 
 
$
 5,638 
 
$
 77,786 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I&M
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rockport Generating Plant (Unit No. 1) (e)
 
Coal
 
 50.0 
%
 
$
 742,538 
 
$
 25,304 
 
$
 437,371 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
John E. Amos Generating Station (Unit No. 3) (a)
 
Coal
 
 66.67 
%
 
$
 988,870 
 
$
 6,354 
 
$
 168,933 
W.C. Beckjord Generating Station
 
Coal
 
 12.5 
%
 
 
 19,079 
 
 
 248 
 
 
 8,003 
 
(Unit No. 6) (b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Conesville Generating Station (Unit No. 4) (c)
 
Coal
 
 43.5 
%
 
 
 300,618 
 
 
 8,259 
 
 
 49,121 
J.M. Stuart Generating Station (d)
 
Coal
 
 26.0 
%
 
 
 506,756 
 
 
 22,435 
 
 
 162,869 
Wm. H. Zimmer Generating Station (b)
 
Coal
 
 25.4 
%
 
 
 771,236 
 
 
 9,636 
 
 
 365,989 
Transmission
 
NA
 
(f)
 
 
 
 62,952 
 
 
 3,008 
 
 
 47,957 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 2,649,511 
 
$
 49,940 
 
$
 802,872 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PSO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oklaunion Generating Station (Unit No. 1) (g)
 
Coal
 
 15.6 
%
 
$
 91,275 
 
$
 1,124 
 
$
 56,160 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dolet Hills Generating Station (Unit No. 1) (h)
 
Lignite
 
 40.2 
%
 
$
 258,261 
 
$
 4,648 
 
$
 191,486 
Flint Creek Generating Station (Unit No. 1) (i)
 
Coal
 
 50.0 
%
 
 
 115,742 
 
 
 6,725 
 
 
 61,750 
Pirkey Generating Station (Unit No. 1) (i)
 
Lignite
 
 85.9 
%
 
 
 502,520 
 
 
 10,317 
 
 
 358,241 
Turk Generating Plant (j)
 
Coal
 
 73.33 
%
 
 
 - 
 
 
 971,131 
 
 
 - 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 876,523 
 
$
 992,821 
 
$
 611,477 

(a)         Operated by APCo.
(b)         Operated by Duke Energy Corporation, a nonaffiliated company.
(c)         Operated by OPCo.
(d)         Operated by The Dayton Power & Light Company, a nonaffiliated company.
(e)         Operated by I&M.
(f)          Varying percentages of ownership.
(g)         Operated by PSO and also jointly-owned (54.7%) by TNC.
(h)         Operated by CLECO Corporation, a nonaffiliated company.
(i)          Operated by SWEPCo.
(j)
Turk Generating Plant is currently under construction with a projected commercial operation date in the fourth quarter of 2012.  SWEPCo jointly owns the plant with Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (11.67%), East Texas Electric Cooperative (8.33%) and Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (6.67%).  Through December 2011, construction costs totaling $374 million have been billed to the other owners.
NA
Not Applicable

 
372

 
16.  COST REDUCTION INITIATIVES

In April 2010, management began initiatives to decrease both labor and non-labor expenses with a goal of achieving significant reductions in operation and maintenance expenses.  A total of 2,461 positions was eliminated across the AEP System as a result of process improvements, streamlined organizational designs and other efficiencies.  Most of the affected employees terminated employment May 31, 2010.  The severance program provided two weeks of base pay for every year of service along with other severance benefits.

The Registrant Subsidiaries recorded a charge to Other Operation expense during 2010 primarily related to severance benefits as the result of headcount reduction initiatives.  The total amount incurred in 2010 by Registrant Subsidiary was as follows:

Company
 
Total Cost Incurred
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 56,925 
I&M
 
 
 45,036 
OPCo
 
 
 85,400 
PSO
 
 
 24,005 
SWEPCo
 
 
 29,662 

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ cost reduction activity for the year ended December 31, 2011 is described in the following table:

 
 
 
Balance at
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at
 
Company
 
December 31, 2010
 
Incurred
 
Settled
 
Adjustments
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
APCo
 
$
 3,726 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 (3,030)
 
$
 (604)
 
$
 92 
 
I&M
 
 
 2,198 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (2,006)
 
 
 (192)
 
 
 - 
 
OPCo
 
 
 4,373 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (3,927)
 
 
 (308)
 
 
 138 
 
PSO
 
 
 1,526 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (1,234)
 
 
 (292)
 
 
 - 
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 1,753 
 
 
 - 
 
 
 (1,593)
 
 
 (160)
 
 
 - 

The remaining accruals are included primarily in Other Current Liabilities on the balance sheets.

 
373

 
17.  UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

In management’s opinion, the unaudited quarterly information reflects all normal and recurring accruals and adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for interim periods.  Quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of a full year’s operations because of various factors.  The unaudited quarterly financial information for each Registrant Subsidiary is as follows:

Quarterly Periods Ended:
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Revenues
$
 831,820 
 
$
 560,492 
 
$
 1,394,190 
 
$
 288,003 
 
$
 362,955 
 
Operating Income
 
 116,061 
(a)
 
 95,994 
 
 
 299,396 
 
 
 38,881 
 
 
 54,528 
 
Net Income
 
 38,980 
(a)
 
 45,427 
 
 
 165,970 
 
 
 15,389 
 
 
 29,827 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Revenues
$
 751,445 
 
$
 521,478 
 
$
 1,285,558 
 
$
 328,588 
 
$
 399,534 
 
Operating Income
 
 88,567 
 
 
 64,351 
 
 
 261,534 
 
 
 64,185 
 
 
 80,054 
 
Net Income
 
 31,627 
 
 
 31,386 
 
 
 142,194 
 
 
 31,560 
 
 
 51,071 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Revenues
$
 858,336 
 
$
 611,232 
 
$
 1,540,231 
 
$
 457,586 
 
$
 534,982 
 
Operating Income
 
 122,716 
 
 
 100,352 
 
 
 210,453 
(b)
 
 103,006 
 
 
 128,406 
 
Net Income
 
 52,804 
 
 
 51,702 
 
 
 128,339 
(b)
 
 57,349 
 
 
 87,795 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Revenues
$
 763,624 
 
$
 521,568 
 
$
 1,211,132 
 
$
 289,211 
 
$
 356,355 
 
Operating Income (Loss)
 
 102,236 
(c)
 
 20,959 
 
 
 63,321 
(d)
 
 34,939 
 
 
 (12,731)
(e)
Net Income (Loss)
 
 39,347 
(c)
 
 21,159 
 
 
 28,490 
(d)
 
 20,330 
 
 
 (3,567)
(e)

Quarterly Periods Ended:
APCo
 
I&M
 
OPCo
 
PSO
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
March 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Revenues
$
 926,623 
 
$
 553,056 
 
$
 1,335,776 
 
$
 237,755 
 
$
 342,804 
 
Operating Income
 
 157,938 
 
 
 87,870 
 
 
 279,744 
 
 
 22,622 
 
 
 43,468 
 
Net Income
 
 70,282 
 
 
 45,058 
 
 
 143,553 
 
 
 4,139 
 
 
 31,083 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Revenues
$
 703,274 
 
$
 509,915 
 
$
 1,220,236 
 
$
 327,686 
 
$
 361,467 
 
Operating Income (f)
 
 9,033 
(g)
 
 42,140 
 
 
 186,773 
 
 
 39,265 
 
 
 43,518 
 
Net Income (Loss) (f)
 
 (19,619)
(g)
 
 14,602 
 
 
 89,664 
 
 
 15,489 
 
 
 26,705 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Revenues
$
 840,622 
 
$
 608,250 
 
$
 1,474,401 
 
$
 426,569 
 
$
 480,982 
 
Operating Income
 
 112,060 
 
 
 115,904 
 
 
 376,907 
 
 
 104,654 
 
 
 128,428 
 
Net Income
 
 50,071 
 
 
 62,300 
 
 
 207,922 
 
 
 55,432 
 
 
 81,685 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Revenues
$
 804,584 
 
$
 524,506 
 
$
 1,224,703 
 
$
 281,652 
 
$
 338,281 
 
Operating Income
 
 101,992 
 
 
 29,001 
(h)
 
 201,186 
(i)
 
 15,451 
 
 
 33,383 
 
Net Income (Loss)
 
 35,934 
 
 
 4,131 
(h)
 
 100,477 
(i)
 
 (2,273)
 
 
 7,211 
 

(a)
Includes a $41 million increase due to the pretax write-off of a portion of the Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage Product Validation Facility as denied for recovery by the WVPSC.  This increase was partially offset by the $32 million decrease due to the deferral of 2010 costs related to storms and our cost reduction initiatives as allowed by the WVPSC.
(b)
Includes a $48 million pretax write-off related to Sporn Unit 5 shutdown (see Note 6), a $42 million pretax write-off related to the FGD project at Muskingum River Unit 5 (see Note 6) and a $43 million provision for refund of POLR charges (see Note 3).
(c)
This increase was partially offset by a $31 million pretax write-off related to the disallowance of certain Virginia environmental costs incurred in 2009 and 2010 as a result of APCo’s November 2011 Virginia SCC order.  Includes a $27 million increase due to a favorable Asset Retirement Obligation adjustment related to the early closure and previous write-off of the Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage Product Validation Facility.
(d)
Includes provisions related to the FAC, the 2010 SEET and the obligation to contribute to Partnership with Ohio and Ohio Growth Fund.
(e)
Includes a $49 million pretax write-off related to SWEPCo’s Texas jurisdictional portion of the Turk Plant (see Note 6) as a result of the November 2011 Texas Court of Appeals decision upholding the Texas capital cost cap.
(f)
See Note 16 for discussion of expenses related to cost reduction initiatives in 2010.
(g)
Includes a $54 million pretax write-off of APCo’s Virginia share of the Mountaineer Carbon Capture and Storage Product Validation Facility.
(h)
Includes provisions for certain regulatory and legal matters.
(i)
Includes a $43 million refund provision for the 2009 SEET.

 
374

 

COMBINED MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE DISCUSSION
AND ANALYSIS OF REGISTRANT SUBSIDIARIES

The following is a combined presentation of certain components of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ management’s discussion and analysis.  The information in this section completes the information necessary for management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and net income and is meant to be read with (a) Management’s Narrative Financial Discussion and Analysis, (b) financial statements, (c) footnotes and (d) the schedules of each individual registrant.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

LITIGATION

Potential Uninsured Losses

Some potential losses or liabilities may not be insurable or the amount of insurance carried may not be sufficient to meet potential losses and liabilities, including, but not limited to, liabilities relating to damage to the Cook Plant and costs of replacement power in the event of a nuclear incident at the Cook Plant.  Future losses or liabilities, which are not completely insured, unless recovered from customers, could have a material adverse effect on net income, cash flows and financial condition.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

The Registrant Subsidiaries are implementing a substantial capital investment program and incurring additional operational costs to comply with new environmental control requirements.  The Registrant Subsidiaries will need to make additional investments and operational changes in response to existing and anticipated requirements such as CAA requirements to reduce emissions of SO2, NOx, PM and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from fossil fuel-fired power plants, new proposals governing the beneficial use and disposal of coal combustion products and proposed clean water rules.

The Registrant Subsidiaries are engaged in litigation about environmental issues, have been notified of potential responsibility for the clean-up of contaminated sites and incur costs for disposal of SNF and future decommissioning of I&M’s nuclear units.  Management is also engaged in the development of possible future requirements including the items discussed below and reductions of CO2 emissions to address concerns about global climate change.  AEP, various industry groups, affected states and other parties have challenged some of the Federal EPA requirements in court.  The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation called the Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation (the TRAIN Act) that would delay implementation of certain Federal EPA rules and facilitate a comprehensive analysis of their impacts.  The Senate is considering similar legislation.  Management believes that further analysis and better coordination of these future environmental requirements would facilitate planning and lower overall compliance costs while achieving the same environmental goals.

Management will seek recovery of expenditures for pollution control technologies and associated costs from customers through rates in regulated jurisdictions.  The Registrant Subsidiaries should be able to recover certain of these expenditures through market prices in deregulated jurisdictions.  If not, the costs of environmental compliance could adversely affect future net income, cash flows and possibly financial condition.

 
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Environmental Controls Impact on the Generating Fleet

The rules and proposed environmental controls discussed in the next several sections will have a material impact on the generating units in the AEP System.  Management continues to evaluate the impact of these rules, project scope and technology available to achieve compliance.  As of December 31, 2011, the AEP System had a total generating capacity of nearly 37,200 MWs, of which 23,900 MWs are coal-fired.  Management continues to refine the cost estimates of complying with these rules and other impacts of the environmental proposals on the coal-fired generating facilities.  For the Registrant Subsidiaries, management’s current ranges of estimates of environmental investments to comply with these proposed requirements are listed below:

 
 
 
2012 to 2020
 
 
 
Estimated Environmental Investment
Company
 
Low
 
High
 
 
(in millions)
APCo
 
$
 415 
 
$
 515 
I&M
 
 
 1,490 
 
 
 1,710 
OPCo
 
 
 1,260 
 
 
 1,510 
PSO
 
 
 830 
 
 
 940 
SWEPCo
 
 
 1,250 
 
 
 1,450 

For APCo, the projected environmental investments above include both the conversion of 470 MWs of coal generation to natural gas generation and the completion of 580 MWs of natural gas-fired generation in January 2012.  For OPCo, the investments above include the conversion of 585 MWs of coal generation to natural gas-fired generation.

The cost estimates will change depending on the timing of implementation and whether the Federal EPA provides flexibility in the final rules.  The cost estimates for each Registrant Subsidiary will also change based on: (a) the states’ implementation of these regulatory programs, including the potential for state implementation plans or federal implementation plans that impose standards more stringent than the proposed rules, (b) additional rulemaking activities in response to court decisions, (c) the actual performance of the pollution control technologies installed on the units, (d) changes in costs for new pollution controls, (e) new generating technology developments, (f) total MWs of capacity retired and replaced, including the type and amount of such replacement capacity and (g) other factors.

Subject to the factors listed above and based upon management’s continuing evaluation, the Registrant Subsidiaries may retire the following plants or units of plants before or during 2015:

 
 
 
 
Generating
Company
 
Plant Name and Unit
 
Capacity
 
 
 
 
(in MWs)
APCo
 
Clinch River Plant, Unit 3
 
 
 235 
APCo
 
Glen Lyn Plant
 
 
 335 
APCo
 
Kanawha River Plant
 
 
 400 
APCo/OPCo
 
Philip Sporn Plant, Units 1-4
 
 
 600 
I&M
 
Tanners Creek Plant, Units 1-3
 
 
 495 
OPCo
 
Conesville Plant, Unit 3
 
 
 165 
OPCo
 
Kammer Plant
 
 
 630 
OPCo
 
Muskingum River Plant, Units 1-4
 
 
 840 
OPCo
 
Picway Plant
 
 
 100 
SWEPCo
 
Welsh Plant, Unit 2
 
 
 528 

Duke Energy Corporation, the operator of W. C. Beckjord Generating Station, has announced its intent to close the facility in 2015.  OPCo owns 12.5% (54 MWs) of one unit at that station.

 
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Effective December 1, 2011, book depreciation rates for certain OPCo generating units were revised consistent with shortened depreciable lives for the generating units.  This change in depreciable lives is expected to result in a $54 million increase in depreciation expense in 2012.  However, as a result of the January and February 2012 PUCO orders and the expected corporate separation of OPCo’s generation assets and the termination of the AEP Power Pool, management is reviewing the recoverability of all OPCo generation assets.
 
In February 2012, PSO retired Unit 3 of the 65 MW Tulsa Power Station, an older natural gas fired unit.

Plans for and the timing of conversion of some of the coal units to natural gas, installing emission control equipment on other units and closure of existing units will be impacted by changes in emission requirements and demand for power.  As part of environmental compliance, management is evaluating options related to maturity of the lease for Rockport Plant Unit 2 in 2022.

To the extent existing generation assets and the cost of new equipment and converted facilities are not recoverable, it could reduce materially future net income and cash flows.

Clean Air Act Requirements

The CAA establishes a comprehensive program to protect and improve the nation’s air quality and control sources of air emissions.  The states implement and administer many of these programs and could impose additional or more stringent requirements.

The Federal EPA issued the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) in 2005 requiring specific reductions in SO2 and NOx emissions from power plants.  In 2008, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision remanding CAIR to the Federal EPA.  The Federal EPA issued the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) (discussed in detail below) in August 2011 to replace CAIR.  The CSAPR has been challenged in the courts, and the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued an order in December 2011 staying the effective date of the rule pending judicial review.  CAIR remains in effect while the litigation continues.  Nearly all of the states in which the Registrant Subsidiaries’ power plants are located are covered by CAIR.

The Federal EPA issued final maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards for coal and oil-fired power plants (discussed in detail below) in February 2012.

The Federal EPA issued a Clean Air Visibility Rule (CAVR), detailing how the CAA’s requirement that certain facilities install best available retrofit technology (BART) to address regional haze in federal parks and other protected areas.  BART requirements apply to facilities built between 1962 and 1977 that emit more than 250 tons per year of certain pollutants in specific industrial categories, including power plants.  CAVR will be implemented through individual state implementation plans (SIPs) or, if SIPs are not adequate or are not developed on schedule, through federal implementation plans (FIPs).  The Federal EPA proposed disapproval of SIPs in a few states, including Arkansas and Oklahoma.  The Federal EPA finalized a FIP for Oklahoma that contains more stringent control requirements for SO2 emissions from affected units in that state.  PSO has challenged the FIP in the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.  No action has been finalized in Arkansas.  If the Federal EPA is upheld and similar action is taken in Arkansas, it could increase the costs of compliance, accelerate the installation of required controls and/or force the premature retirement of existing units.

In 2009, the Federal EPA issued a final mandatory reporting rule for CO2 and other greenhouse gases covering a broad range of facilities emitting in excess of 25,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year.   The Federal EPA issued a final endangerment finding for greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles in 2009.  The Federal EPA determined that greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources will be subject to regulation under the CAA beginning January 2011 and finalized its proposed scheme to streamline and phase-in regulation of stationary source CO2 emissions through the NSR prevention of significant deterioration and Title V operating permit programs through the issuance of final federal rules, SIP calls and FIPs.  The Federal EPA is reconsidering whether to include CO2 emissions in a number of stationary source standards, including standards that apply to new and modified electric utility units and announced a settlement agreement to issue proposed new source performance standards for utility boilers.

 
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The Federal EPA has also issued new, more stringent national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for SO2, NO2 and lead, and is currently reviewing the NAAQS for ozone and PM.  States are in the process of evaluating the attainment status and need for additional control measures in order to attain and maintain the new NAAQS and may develop additional requirements for facilities as a result of those evaluations.  Management cannot currently predict the nature, stringency or timing of those requirements.

Notable developments in significant CAA regulatory requirements affecting the Registrant Subsidiaries’ operations are discussed in the following sections.

Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (formerly the Clean Air Act Transport Rule)

In July 2010, the Federal EPA issued a proposed rule to replace CAIR that would impose new and more stringent requirements to control SO2 and NOx emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric generating units in 31 states and the District of Columbia.

In August 2011, the Federal EPA issued the final rule, CSAPR.  The CSAPR relies on newly-created SO2 and NOx allowances and individual state budgets to compel further emission reductions from electric utility generating units in 28 states.  Interstate trading of allowances is allowed on a restricted sub-regional basis beginning in 2012.  Arkansas and Louisiana are subject only to the seasonal NOx program in the final rule.  Texas is subject to the annual programs for SO2 and NOx in addition to the seasonal NOx program.  The annual SO2 allowance budgets in Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia have been reduced significantly in the final rule.  A supplemental rule includes Oklahoma in the seasonal NOx program.  The supplemental rule was finalized in December 2011, with an increased NOx emission budget for the 2012 compliance year.

In October 2011, the Federal EPA released a proposed rule revising portions of the final CSAPR.  The proposed rule would correct errors in unit-specific assumptions and make available additional allowances in 10 states, including Louisiana and Texas, and provide additional allowances for the new unit set aside in Arkansas.  In addition, the proposed rule would make the allowance trading assurance provisions which restrict interstate trading of allowances effective January 1, 2014 instead of January 1, 2012.

Numerous affected entities, states and other parties filed petitions to review the CSAPR in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.  Several of the petitioners filed motions to stay the implementation of the rule pending judicial review.  In December 2011, the court granted the motions for stay and ordered the parties to submit schedules for expedited briefing in order to allow the case to be heard in April 2012.  A final supplemental rule addressing seasonal NOx emissions in five states was finalized in December 2011, and has been the subject of separate appeals by certain Oklahoma entities, including PSO.  The Federal EPA has announced that the provisions of the supplemental rule will not be enforced while the stay of the final CSAPR remains in effect.

The time frames and stringency of the required emission reductions, coupled with the lack of robust interstate trading and the elimination of historic allowance banks, pose significant concerns for the AEP System and its electric utility customers.

Mercury and Other Hazardous Air Pollutants Regulation

In February 2012, the Federal EPA issued a rule addressing a broad range of HAPs from coal and oil-fired power plants.  The rule establishes unit-specific emission rates for mercury, PM (as a surrogate for particles of nonmercury metal) and hydrogen chloride (as a surrogate for acid gases) for units burning coal on a site-wide 30-day rolling average basis.  In addition, the rule proposes work practice standards, such as boiler tune-ups, for controlling emissions of organic HAPs and dioxin/furans.  The effective date of the final rule is April 16, 2012 and compliance is required within three years.
 
 
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The final rule contains a slightly less stringent PM limit than the original proposal and allows operators to exclude periods of startup and shutdown from the emissions averaging periods.  The compliance time frame remains a serious concern.  A one-year administrative extension may be available if the extension is necessary for the installation of controls or to avoid a serious reliability problem.  In addition, the Federal EPA issued an enforcement policy describing the circumstances under which an administrative consent order might be issued to provide a fifth year for the installation of controls or completion of reliability upgrades.  Management is concerned about the availability of compliance extensions and the inability to foreclose citizen suits being filed under the CAA for failure to achieve compliance by the required deadlines.

Regional Haze – Oklahoma Affecting PSO

In March 2011, the Federal EPA proposed to approve in part and disapprove in part the regional haze SIP submitted by the State of Oklahoma through the Department of Environmental Quality.  The Federal EPA is proposing to approve all of the NOx control measures in the SIP and disapprove the SO2 control measures for six electric generating units, including two units owned by PSO.  The Federal EPA is proposing a FIP that would require these units to install technology capable of reducing SO2 emissions to 0.06 pounds per million British thermal units within three years of the effective date of the FIP.  PSO submitted comments on the proposed action demonstrating that the cost-effectiveness calculations performed by the Federal EPA were unsound, challenging the period for compliance with the final rule and showing that the visibility improvements secured by the proposed SIP were significant and cost-effective.  The Federal EPA finalized the FIP in December 2011.  PSO will appeal the FIP and pursue its claims in the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Coal Combustion Residual Rule

In June 2010, the Federal EPA published a proposed rule to regulate the disposal and beneficial re-use of coal combustion residuals, including fly ash and bottom ash generated at coal-fired electric generating units.  The rule contains two alternative proposals.  One proposal would impose federal hazardous waste disposal and management standards on these materials and another would allow states to retain primary authority to regulate the beneficial re-use and disposal of these materials under state solid waste management standards, including minimum federal standards for disposal and management.  Both proposals would impose stringent requirements for the construction of new coal ash landfills and would require existing unlined surface impoundments to upgrade to the new standards or stop receiving coal ash and initiate closure within five years of the issuance of a final rule.  In October 2011, the Federal EPA issued a notice of data availability requesting comments on a number of technical reports and other data received during the comment period for the original proposal and requesting comments on potential modeling analyses to update its risk assessment.

Currently, approximately 40% of the coal ash and other residual products from the AEP System’s generating facilities are re-used in the production of cement and wallboard, as structural fill or soil amendments, as abrasives or road treatment materials and for other beneficial uses.  Certain of these uses would no longer be available and others are likely to significantly decline if coal ash and related materials are classified as hazardous wastes.  In addition,  surface impoundments and landfills to manage these materials are currently used at the generating facilities. The Registrant Subsidiaries will incur significant costs to upgrade or close and replace their existing facilities under the proposed solid waste management alternative.  Regulation of these materials as hazardous wastes would significantly increase these costs.  As the rule is not final, management is unable to determine a range of potential costs that are reasonably possible of occurring but expect the costs to be significant.

Clean Water Act Regulations

In April 2011, the Federal EPA issued a proposed rule setting forth standards for existing power plants that will reduce mortality of aquatic organisms pinned against a plant’s cooling water intake screen (impingement) or entrained in the cooling water.  Entrainment is when small fish, eggs or larvae are drawn into the cooling water system and affected by heat, chemicals or physical stress.  The proposed standards affect all plants withdrawing more than two million gallons of cooling water per day and establish specific intake design and intake velocity standards meant to allow fish to avoid or escape impingement.  Compliance with this standard is required within eight years of the effective date of the final rule.  The proposed standard for entrainment for existing facilities requires a site-specific evaluation of the available measures for reducing entrainment.  The proposed entrainment
 
 
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standard for new units at existing facilities requires either intake flows commensurate with closed cycle cooling or achieving entrainment reductions equivalent to 90% or greater of the reductions that could be achieved with closed cycle cooling.  Plants withdrawing more than 125 million gallons of cooling water per day must submit a detailed technology study to be reviewed by the state permitting authority.  Management is evaluating the proposal and engaged in the collection of additional information regarding the feasibility of implementing this proposal at the AEP System’s facilities.  Comments on the proposal were submitted in July and August 2011.

Global Warming

National public policy makers and regulators in the 10 states the Registrant Subsidiaries serve have conflicting views on global warming.  Management is focused on taking, in the short term, actions that are seen as prudent, such as improving energy efficiency, investing in developing cost-effective and less carbon-intensive technologies and evaluating assets across a range of plausible scenarios and outcomes.  Management is also an active participant in a variety of public policy discussions at state and federal levels to assure that proposed new requirements are feasible and the economies of the states served are not placed at a competitive disadvantage.

While comprehensive economy-wide regulation of CO2 emissions might be achieved through future legislation, Congress has yet to enact such legislation.  The Federal EPA continues to take action to regulate CO2 emissions under the existing requirements of the CAA, permitting programs for new sources and is expected to propose new source emissions standards for fossil fuel-fired plants in 2012.

Several states have adopted programs that directly regulate CO2 emissions from power plants, but none of these programs are currently in effect in states where the Registrant Subsidiaries have generating facilities.  Certain states, including Michigan, Ohio, Texas and Virginia, passed legislation establishing renewable energy, alternative energy and/or energy efficiency requirements.  The Registrant Subsidiaries are taking steps to comply with these requirements.  In order to meet these requirements and as a key part of AEP’s corporate sustainability effort, management pledged to increase wind power from 2007 levels.  By the end of 2011, the AEP System secured, through power purchase agreements, 1,893 MW of wind and solar power.

The AEP System has taken measurable, voluntary actions to reduce and offset CO2 emissions.  The AEP System participates in a number of voluntary programs to monitor, mitigate and reduce CO2 emissions, but many of these programs have been discontinued due to anticipated legislative or regulatory actions.  Through the end of 2010, the AEP System reduced emissions by a cumulative 96 million metric tons from adjusted baseline levels in 1998 through 2001 under Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) rules.  The AEP System’s total CO2 emissions in 2010, as reported to CCX, were 138 million metric tons.  Management estimates that 2011 emissions were approximately 139 million metric tons.

Certain groups have filed lawsuits alleging that emissions of CO2 are a “public nuisance” and seeking injunctive relief and/or damages from small groups of coal-fired electricity generators, petroleum refiners and marketers, coal companies and others.  The Registrant Subsidiaries have been named in pending lawsuits, which management is defending.  It is not possible to predict the outcome of these lawsuits or their impact on operations or financial condition.  See “Carbon Dioxide Public Nuisance Claims” and “Alaskan Villages’ Claims” sections of Note 5.

Future federal and state legislation or regulations that mandate limits on the emission of CO2 would result in significant increases in capital expenditures and operating costs, which, in turn, could lead to increased liquidity needs and higher financing costs.  Excessive costs to comply with future legislation or regulations might force the Registrant Subsidiaries to close some coal-fired facilities and could lead to possible impairment of assets.  As a result, mandatory limits could have a material adverse impact on net income, cash flows and financial condition.

Global warming creates the potential for physical and financial risk.  The materiality of the risks depends on whether any physical changes occur quickly or over several decades and the extent and nature of those changes.  Physical risks from climate change could include changes in weather conditions.  Customers' energy needs currently vary with weather conditions, primarily temperature and humidity.  For residential customers, heating and cooling today represent their largest energy use.  To the extent weather patterns change significantly, customers' energy use could increase or decrease depending on the duration and magnitude of the changes.  Increased energy use due to weather changes could require the Registrant Subsidiaries to invest in more generating assets, transmission and other infrastructure to serve increased load, driving the cost of electricity higher.  Decreased energy use due to weather
 
 
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changes could affect financial condition through lower sales and decreased revenues.  Extreme weather conditions in general require more system backup, adding to costs, and can contribute to increased system stresses, including service interruptions and increased storm restoration costs.  The Registrant Subsidiaries may not recover all costs related to mitigating these physical and financial risks.  Weather conditions outside of the AEP System’s service territory could also have an impact on revenues, either directly through changes in the patterns of off-system power purchases and sales or indirectly through demographic changes as people adapt to changing weather.  The Registrant Subsidiaries buy and sell electricity depending upon system needs and market opportunities.  Extreme weather conditions that create high energy demand could raise electricity prices, which would increase the cost of energy the Registrant Subsidiaries provide to customers and could provide opportunity for increased wholesale sales and higher margins.

To the extent climate change impacts a region's economic health, it could also affect revenues.  The Registrant Subsidiaries’ financial performance is tied to the health of the regional economies served.  The price of energy, as a factor in a region's cost of living as well as an important input into the cost of goods, has an impact on the economic health of communities served.  The cost of additional regulatory requirements would normally be borne by consumers through higher prices for energy and purchased goods.

For additional information on climate change see Part I of the Annual Report under the headings entitled “Business – General – Environmental and Other Matters – Global Warming.”

FINANCIAL CONDITION

BUDGETED CONSTRUCTION EXPENDITURES

The 2012 estimated construction expenditures by Registrant Subsidiary include generation, transmission and distribution related investments, as well as expenditures for compliance with environmental regulations as follows:
 
 
 
Budgeted Construction Expenditures
Company
 
Environmental
 
Generation
 
Transmission
 
Distribution
 
Other
 
Total
 
 
 
(in millions)
APCo
 
$
 78 
 
$
 123 
 
$
 89 
 
$
 147 
 
$
 12 
 
$
 449 
I&M
 
 
 90 
 
 
 235 
 
 
 32 
 
 
 94 
 
 
 17 
 
 
 468 
OPCo
 
 
 123 
 
 
 140 
 
 
 82 
 
 
 207 
 
 
 17 
 
 
 569 
PSO
 
 
 43 
 
 
 17 
 
 
 35 
 
 
 101 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 204 
SWEPCo
 
 
 76 
 
 
 242 
 
 
 72 
 
 
 76 
 
 
 9 
 
 
 475 

For 2013 and 2014, management forecasts annual construction expenditures for the AEP System to average between $3.4 billion and $3.5 billion.  The projected increases are generally the result of required environmental investment to comply with Federal EPA rules and additional transmission spending.  Estimated construction expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints, environmental regulations, business opportunities, market volatility, economic trends, weather, legal reviews and the ability to access capital.  The budgeted amounts exclude equity AFUDC and capitalized interest.  These construction expenditures will be funded through cash flows from operations and financing activities.  Generally, the Registrant Subsidiaries use cash or short-term borrowings under the money pool to fund these expenditures until long-term funding is arranged.  SWEPCo’s budgeted construction expenditures include an amount for scheduled completion of the Turk Plant in the fourth quarter of 2012.

SIGNIFICANT TAX LEGISLATION

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 provided for several new grant programs, expanded tax credits and extended the 50% bonus depreciation provision enacted in the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008.  The Small Business Jobs Act, enacted in September 2010, included a one-year extension of the 50% bonus depreciation provision.  The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and the Job Creation Act of 2010 extended the life of research and development, employment and several energy tax credits originally scheduled to expire at the end of 2010.  In addition, this act extended the time for claiming bonus depreciation and increased the deduction to 100% starting in September 2010 through 2011 and decreasing the deduction to 50% for 2012.

 
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These enacted provisions did not have a material impact on the Registrant Subsidiaries’ net income or financial condition but had a favorable impact on their cash flows in 2010 and 2011 and are expected to result in material future cash flow benefits in 2012.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES, NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures, including amounts related to legal matters and contingencies.  Management considers an accounting estimate to be critical if:

·  
It requires assumptions to be made that were uncertain at the time the estimate was made; and
·  
Changes in the estimate or different estimates that could have been selected could have a material effect on net income or financial condition.

Management discusses the development and selection of critical accounting estimates as presented below with the Audit Committee of AEP’s Board of Directors and the Audit Committee reviews the disclosure relating to them.

Management believes that the current assumptions and other considerations used to estimate amounts reflected in the financial statements are appropriate.  However, actual results can differ significantly from those estimates.

The sections that follow present information about the Registrant Subsidiaries’ critical accounting estimates, as well as the effects of hypothetical changes in the material assumptions used to develop each estimate.

Regulatory Accounting

Nature of Estimates Required

The financial statements of the Registrant Subsidiaries with cost-based rate-regulated operations (APCo, I&M, PSO, SWEPCo, and a portion of OPCo) reflect the actions of regulators that can result in the recognition of revenues and expenses in different time periods than enterprises that are not rate-regulated.

The Registrant Subsidiaries recognize regulatory assets (deferred expenses to be recovered in the future) and regulatory liabilities (deferred future revenue reductions or refunds) for the economic effects of regulation.  Specifically, the Registrant Subsidiaries match the timing of expense and income recognition with regulated revenues.  Liabilities are also recorded for refunds, or probable refunds, to customers that have not been made.

Assumptions and Approach Used

When incurred costs are probable of recovery through regulated rates, the Registrant Subsidiaries record them as regulatory assets on the balance sheet.  Management reviews the probability of recovery at each balance sheet date and whenever new events occur.  Similarly, the Registrant Subsidiaries record regulatory liabilities when a determination is made that a refund is probable or when ordered by a commission.   Examples of new events that affect probability include changes in the regulatory environment, issuance of a regulatory commission order or passage of new legislation.  The assumptions and judgments used by regulatory authorities continue to have an impact on the recovery of costs as well as the return of revenues, rate of return earned on invested capital and timing and amount of assets to be recovered through regulated rates.  If recovery of a regulatory asset is no longer probable, that regulatory asset is written-off as a charge against earnings.  A write-off of regulatory assets or establishment of a regulatory liability may also reduce future cash flows since there will be no recovery through regulated rates.

 
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Effect if Different Assumptions Used

A change in the above assumptions may result in a material impact on net income.  Refer to Note 4 for further detail related to regulatory assets and liabilities.

Revenue Recognition – Unbilled Revenues

Nature of Estimates Required

The Registrant Subsidiaries record revenues when energy is delivered to the customer.  The determination of sales to individual customers is based on the reading of their meters, which is performed on a systematic basis throughout the month.  At the end of each month, amounts of energy delivered to customers since the date of the last meter reading are estimated and the corresponding unbilled revenue accrual is recorded.  This estimate is reversed in the following month and actual revenue is recorded based on meter readings.  In accordance with the applicable state commission regulatory treatment in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas, PSO and SWEPCo do not record the fuel portion of unbilled revenue.

The changes in unbilled electricity utility revenues included in Revenue for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 Company  
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
   
(in thousands)
APCo  
$
 (41,979)
 
$
 30,337 
 
$
 25,378 
I&M  
 
 (2,628)
 
 
 2,194 
 
 
 2,695 
OPCo  
 
 (20,449)
 
 
 9,864 
 
 
 12,875 
PSO  
 
 641 
 
 
 (4,159)
 
 
 4,415 
SWEPCo  
 
 643 
 
 
 (1,175)
 
 
 (282)

Assumptions and Approach Used

For each Registrant Subsidiary, the monthly estimate for unbilled revenues is computed as net generation less the current month’s billed KWH plus the prior month’s unbilled KWH.  However, due to meter reading issues, meter drift and other anomalies, a separate monthly calculation limits the unbilled estimate within a range of values.  This limiter calculation is derived from an allocation of billed KWH to the current month and previous month, on a cycle-by-cycle basis, and dividing the current month aggregated result by the billed KWH.  The limits are statistically set at one standard deviation from this percentage to determine the upper and lower limits of the range.  The unbilled estimate is compared to the limiter calculation and adjusted for variances exceeding the upper and lower limits.

Effect if Different Assumptions Used

Significant fluctuations in energy demand for the unbilled period, weather, line losses or changes in the composition of customer classes could impact the accuracy of the unbilled revenue estimate.  A 1% change in the limiter calculation when it is outside the range would increase or decrease unbilled revenues by 1% of the accrued unbilled revenues.

Accounting for Derivative Instruments

Nature of Estimates Required

Management considers fair value techniques, valuation adjustments related to credit and liquidity and judgments related to the probability of forecasted transactions occurring within the specified time period to be critical accounting estimates.  These estimates are considered significant because they are highly susceptible to change from period to period and are dependent on many subjective factors.

 
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Assumptions and Approach Used

The Registrant Subsidiaries measure the fair values of derivative instruments and hedge instruments accounted for using MTM accounting based on exchange prices and broker quotes.  If a quoted market price is not available, the fair value is estimated based on the best market information available including valuation models that estimate future energy prices based on existing market and broker quotes, supply and demand market data and other assumptions.  Fair value estimates, based upon the best market information available, involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment.  These uncertainties include projections of macroeconomic trends and future commodity prices, including supply and demand levels and future price volatility.

The Registrant Subsidiaries reduce fair values by estimated valuation adjustments for items such as discounting, liquidity and credit quality.  Liquidity adjustments are calculated by utilizing bid/ask spreads to estimate the potential fair value impact of liquidating open positions over a reasonable period of time.  Credit adjustments on risk management contracts are calculated using estimated default probabilities and recovery rates relative to the  counterparties or counterparties with similar credit profiles and contractual netting agreements.  With respect to hedge accounting, management assesses hedge effectiveness and evaluates a forecasted transaction’s probability of occurrence within the specified time period as provided in the original hedge documentation.

Effect if Different Assumptions Used

There is inherent risk in valuation modeling given the complexity and volatility of energy markets.  Therefore, it is possible that results in future periods may be materially different as contracts settle.

The probability that hedged forecasted transactions will not occur by the end of the specified time period could change operating results by requiring amounts currently classified in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be classified into operating income.

For additional information regarding derivatives, hedging and fair value measurements, see Notes 9 and 10.  See “Fair Value Measurements of Assets and Liabilities” section of Note 1 for fair value calculation policy.

Long-Lived Assets

Nature of Estimates Required

In accordance with the requirements of “Property, Plant and Equipment” accounting guidance, the Registrant Subsidiaries evaluate long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of any such assets may not be recoverable including planned abandonments and a probable disallowance for rate-making on a plant under construction or the assets meet the held-for-sale criteria.  The Registrant Subsidiaries utilize a group composite method of depreciation to estimate the useful lives of long-lived assets.  The evaluations of long-lived, held-and-used assets may result from abandonments, significant decreases in the market price of an asset, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which an asset is being used or in its physical condition, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate that could affect the value of an asset, as well as other economic or operations analyses.  If the carrying amount is not recoverable, the Registrant Subsidiary records an impairment to the extent that the fair value of the asset is less than its book value.  For assets held for sale, an impairment is recognized if the expected net sales price is less than its book value.  For regulated assets, the earnings impact of an impairment charge could be offset by the establishment of a regulatory asset, if rate recovery is probable.  For nonregulated assets, any impairment charge is recorded against earnings.

Assumptions and Approach Used

The fair value of an asset is the amount at which that asset could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties other than in a forced or liquidation sale.  Quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value and are used as the basis for the measurement, if available.  In the absence of quoted prices for identical or similar assets in active markets, management estimates fair value using various internal and external valuation methods including cash flow projections or other market indicators of fair value such as bids received, comparable sales or independent appraisals.  Management performs depreciation studies that include a review of any
 
 
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external factors that may affect the useful life to determine composite depreciation rates and related lives which are subject to periodic review by state regulatory commissions for cost-based regulated assets.  The fair value of the asset could be different using different estimates and assumptions in these valuation techniques.

Effect if Different Assumptions Used

In connection with the evaluation of long-lived assets in accordance with the requirements of “Property, Plant and Equipment” accounting guidance, the fair value of the asset can vary if different estimates and assumptions would have been used in the applied valuation techniques.  The estimate for depreciation rates takes into account the past history of interim capital replacements and the amount of salvage expected.  In cases of impairment, the best estimate of fair value was made using valuation methods based on the most current information at that time.  Fluctuations in realized sales proceeds versus the estimated fair value of the asset are generally due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to, differences in subsequent market conditions, the level of bidder interest, timing and terms of the transactions and management’s analysis of the benefits of the transaction.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

AEP maintains a qualified, defined benefit pension plan (Qualified Plan), which covers substantially all nonunion and certain union employees, and unfunded, nonqualified supplemental plans (Nonqualified Plans) to provide benefits in excess of deductible amounts as permitted under the provisions of the tax law to be paid to participants in the Qualified Plan (collectively the Pension Plans).  Additionally, AEP entered into individual employment contracts with certain current and retired executives that provide additional retirement benefits as a part of the Nonqualified Plans.  AEP also sponsors other postretirement benefit plans to provide medical and life insurance benefits for retired employees (Postretirement Plans).  The Pension Plans and Postretirement Plans are collectively the Plans.

The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in the Plans.  The Plans cover all employees who meet eligibility requirements.

For a discussion of investment strategy, investment limitations, target asset allocations and the classification of investments within the fair value hierarchy, see “Investments Held in Trust for Future Liabilities” and “Fair Value Measurements of Assets and Liabilities” sections of Note 1.  See Note 7 for information regarding costs and assumptions for employee retirement and postretirement benefits.

The following table shows the net periodic cost for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 by Registrant Subsidiary for the Plans:

 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
Net Periodic Cost
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 15,146 
 
$
 15,818 
 
$
 10,459 
 
$
 13,301 
 
$
 19,048 
 
$
 24,231 
I&M
 
 
 15,205 
 
 
 20,138 
 
 
 13,939 
 
 
 9,360 
 
 
 13,857 
 
 
 17,433 
OPCo
 
 
 19,418 
 
 
 19,701 
 
 
 11,019 
 
 
 16,651 
 
 
 24,112 
 
 
 31,111 
PSO
 
 
 7,388 
 
 
 5,439 
 
 
 3,080 
 
 
 3,881 
 
 
 7,443 
 
 
 9,134 
SWEPCo
 
 
 7,488 
 
 
 7,096 
 
 
 4,831 
 
 
 4,841 
 
 
 7,574 
 
 
 9,453 

The net periodic benefit cost is calculated based upon a number of actuarial assumptions, including expected long-term rates of return on the Plans’ assets.  In developing the expected long-term rate of return assumption for 2012, management evaluated input from actuaries and investment consultants, including their reviews of asset class return expectations as well as long-term inflation assumptions.  Management also considered historical returns of the investment markets.  Management anticipates that the investment managers employed for the Plans will invest the assets to generate future returns averaging 7.25%.

 
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The expected long-term rate of return on the Plans’ assets is based on AEP’s targeted asset allocation and expected investment returns for each investment category.  Assumptions for the Plans are summarized in the following table:

 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
 
Assumed/
 
 
 
Assumed/
 
2012 
 
Expected
 
2012 
 
Expected
 
Target
 
Long-Term
 
Target
 
Long-Term
 
Asset
 
Rate of
 
Asset
 
Rate of
 
Allocation
 
Return
 
Allocation
 
Return
Equity
 45 
%
 
 8.75 
%
 
 66 
%
 
 8.50 
%
Fixed Income
 45 
%
 
 5.25 
%
 
 33 
%
 
 5.08 
%
Other Investments
 10 
%
 
 8.75 
%
 
-
%
 
 - 
%
Cash and Cash Equivalents
-
%
 
-
%
 
 1 
%
 
 1.55 
%
Total
 100 
%
 
 
 
 
 100 
%
 
 
 

Management regularly reviews the actual asset allocation and periodically rebalances the investments to the targeted allocation.  Management believes that 7.25% is a reasonable estimate of the long-term rate of return on the Plans’ assets despite the recent market volatility.  The Pension Plans’ assets had an actual gain of 8.1% and 13.4% for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The Postretirement Plans’ assets had an actual gain of 0.4% and 11.3% for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Management will continue to evaluate the actuarial assumptions, including the expected rate of return, at least annually, and will adjust the assumptions as necessary.

AEP bases the determination of pension expense or income on a market-related valuation of assets, which reduces year-to-year volatility.  This market-related valuation recognizes investment gains or losses over a five-year period from the year in which they occur.  Investment gains or losses for this purpose are the difference between the expected return calculated using the market-related value of assets and the actual return based on the market-related value of assets.  Since the market-related value of assets recognizes gains or losses over a five-year period, the future value of assets will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recorded.  As of December 31, 2011, AEP had cumulative losses of approximately $104 million that remain to be recognized in the calculation of the market-related value of assets.  These unrecognized net actuarial losses may result in increases in the future pension costs depending on several factors, including whether such losses at each measurement date exceed the corridor in accordance with “Compensation – Retirement Benefits” accounting guidance.  See the table below for the amount of cumulative losses by Registrant Subsidiary.
 
Cumulative Losses –
 
 
Deferred Asset Loss
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 13,764 
I&M
 
 
 12,152 
OPCo
 
 
 22,330 
PSO
 
 
 5,927 
SWEPCo
 
 
 6,170 
 
 
 
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The method used to determine the discount rate that AEP utilizes for determining future obligations is a duration-based method in which a hypothetical portfolio of high quality corporate bonds similar to those included in the Moody’s Aa bond index is constructed with a duration matching the benefit plan liability.  The composite yield on the hypothetical bond portfolio is used as the discount rate for the plan.  The discount rate at December 31, 2011 under this method was 4.55% for the Qualified Plan, 4.4% for the Nonqualified Plans and 4.75% for the Postretirement Plans.  Due to the effect of the unrecognized actuarial losses and based on an expected rate of return on the Pension Plans’ assets of 7.25%, a discount rate of 4.55% and 4.4% and various other assumptions, management estimates that the pension costs by Registrant Subsidiary for all pension plans will approximate the amounts in the following table.  Based on an expected rate of return on the OPEB plans’ assets of 7.25%, a discount rate of 4.75% and various other assumptions, management estimates Postretirement Plan costs by Registrant Subsidiary will approximate the amounts in the following table.

 
 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
Estimated Postretirement
 
Years Ended December 31,
Plan Costs
 
2012 
 
2013 
 
2014 
 
2012 
 
2013 
 
2014 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
APCo
 
$
 16,131 
 
$
 17,965 
 
$
 14,072 
 
$
 16,414 
 
$
 14,253 
 
$
 12,876 
I&M
 
 
 16,221 
 
 
 18,288 
 
 
 15,221 
 
 
 12,348 
 
 
 11,480 
 
 
 10,712 
OPCo
 
 
 18,335 
 
 
 22,007 
 
 
 16,468 
 
 
 21,298 
 
 
 19,675 
 
 
 18,165 
PSO
 
 
 7,598 
 
 
 10,293 
 
 
 9,221 
 
 
 5,248 
 
 
 4,907 
 
 
 4,551 
SWEPCo
 
 
 7,924 
 
 
 10,744 
 
 
 9,799 
 
 
 6,405 
 
 
 6,023 
 
 
 5,614 

Future actual costs will depend on future investment performance, changes in future discount rates and various other factors related to each Registrant Subsidiary’s populations participating in the Plans.  The actuarial assumptions used may differ materially from actual results.  The effects of a 50 basis point change to selective actuarial assumptions are included in the “Effect if Different Assumptions Used” section below.

The value of AEP’s Pension Plans’ assets increased to $4.3 billion at December 31, 2011 from $3.9 billion at December 31, 2010 primarily due to a $450 million contribution.  During 2011, the Qualified Plan paid $287 million and the nonqualified plans paid $7 million in benefits to plan participants.  The value of AEP’s Postretirement Plans’ assets decreased to $1.4 billion at December 31, 2011 from $1.5 billion at December 31, 2010 primarily due to benefits paid exceeding contributions.  The Postretirement Plans paid $150 million in benefits to plan participants during 2011.  See Note 7 for complete details by Registrant Subsidiary.

Nature of Estimates Required

The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in AEP sponsored pension and other retirement and postretirement benefit plans in various forms covering all employees who meet eligibility requirements.  These benefits are accounted for under “Compensation” and “Plan Accounting” accounting guidance.  The measurement of pension and postretirement benefit obligations, costs and liabilities is dependent on a variety of assumptions.

Assumptions and Approach Used

The critical assumptions used in developing the required estimates include the following key factors:

·  
Discount rate
·  
Compensation increase rate
·  
Cash balance crediting rate
·  
Health care cost trend rate
·  
Expected return on plan assets

Other assumptions, such as retirement, mortality and turnover, are evaluated periodically and updated to reflect actual experience.

 
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Effect if Different Assumptions Used

The actuarial assumptions used may differ materially from actual results due to changing market and economic conditions, higher or lower withdrawal rates, longer or shorter life spans of participants or higher or lower lump sum versus annuity payout elections by plan participants.  These differences may result in a significant impact to the amount of pension and postretirement benefit expense recorded.  If a 50 basis point change were to occur for the following assumptions, the approximate effect on the financial statements would be as follows:

APCo
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
+0.5%
 
-0.5%
 
+0.5%
 
-0.5%
 
 
(in thousands)
Effect on December 31, 2011 Benefit Obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
$
 (35,309)
 
$
 38,790 
 
$
 (23,643)
 
$
 26,307 
Compensation Increase Rate
 
 
 929 
 
 
 (835)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Cash Balance Crediting Rate
 
 
 4,700 
 
 
 (3,927)
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
Health Care Cost Trend Rate
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
 
 
 19,970 
 
 
 (18,143)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect on 2011 Periodic Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
 
 (2,458)
 
 
 2,662 
 
 
 (1,918)
 
 
 2,132 
Compensation Increase Rate
 
 
 534 
 
 
 (484)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Cash Balance Crediting Rate
 
 
 1,748 
 
 
 (1,596)
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
Health Care Cost Trend Rate
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
 
 
 3,185 
 
 
 (2,849)
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 (2,824)
 
 
 2,824 
 
 
 (1,130)
 
 
 1,136 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I&M
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
+0.5%
 
-0.5%
 
+0.5%
 
-0.5%
 
 
(in thousands)
Effect on December 31, 2011 Benefit Obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
$
 (31,941)
 
$
 35,245 
 
$
 (17,539)
 
$
 19,622 
Compensation Increase Rate
 
 
 1,393 
 
 
 (1,266)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Cash Balance Crediting Rate
 
 
 5,338 
 
 
 (4,600)
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
Health Care Cost Trend Rate
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
 
 
 15,032 
 
 
 (13,586)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect on 2011 Periodic Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
 
 (2,098)
 
 
 2,273 
 
 
 (1,329)
 
 
 1,473 
Compensation Increase Rate
 
 
 456 
 
 
 (414)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Cash Balance Crediting Rate
 
 
 1,492 
 
 
 (1,363)
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
Health Care Cost Trend Rate
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
 
 
 2,185 
 
 
 (1,960)
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 (2,411)
 
 
 2,411 
 
 
 (892)
 
 
 896 
 
 
388

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPCo
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
+0.5%
 
-0.5%
 
+0.5%
 
-0.5%
 
 
(in thousands)
Effect on December 31, 2011 Benefit Obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
$
 (50,279)
 
$
 55,100 
 
$
 (32,553)
 
$
 36,449 
Compensation Increase Rate
 
 
 1,559 
 
 
 (1,417)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Cash Balance Crediting Rate
 
 
 6,277 
 
 
 (5,291)
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
Health Care Cost Trend Rate
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
 
 
 27,815 
 
 
 (25,084)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect on 2011 Periodic Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
 
 (3,682)
 
 
 3,988 
 
 
 (2,513)
 
 
 2,793 
Compensation Increase Rate
 
 
 800 
 
 
 (726)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Cash Balance Crediting Rate
 
 
 2,618 
 
 
 (2,391)
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
Health Care Cost Trend Rate
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
 
 
 4,165 
 
 
 (3,727)
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 (4,229)
 
 
 4,229 
 
 
 (1,534)
 
 
 1,541 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PSO
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
+0.5%
 
-0.5%
 
+0.5%
 
-0.5%
 
 
(in thousands)
Effect on December 31, 2011 Benefit Obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
$
 (12,844)
 
$
 14,008 
 
$
 (8,050)
 
$
 9,016 
Compensation Increase Rate
 
 
 837 
 
 
 (767)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Cash Balance Crediting Rate
 
 
 3,926 
 
 
 (3,709)
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
Health Care Cost Trend Rate
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
 
 
 6,798 
 
 
 (6,133)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect on 2011 Periodic Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
 
 (998)
 
 
 1,081 
 
 
 (599)
 
 
 664 
Compensation Increase Rate
 
 
 218 
 
 
 (197)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Cash Balance Crediting Rate
 
 
 709 
 
 
 (648)
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
Health Care Cost Trend Rate
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
 
 
 983 
 
 
 (882)
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 (1,445)
 
 
 1,445 
 
 
 (409)
 
 
 411 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SWEPCo
 
 
 
Other Postretirement
 
 
Pension Plans
 
Benefit Plans
 
 
+0.5%
 
-0.5%
 
+0.5%
 
-0.5%
 
 
(in thousands)
Effect on December 31, 2011 Benefit Obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
$
 (12,940)
 
$
 14,115 
 
$
 (9,712)
 
$
 10,897 
Compensation Increase Rate
 
 
 829 
 
 
 (750)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Cash Balance Crediting Rate
 
 
 4,671 
 
 
 (4,407)
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
Health Care Cost Trend Rate
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
 
 
 8,339 
 
 
 (7,516)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect on 2011 Periodic Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount Rate
 
 
 (999)
 
 
 1,082 
 
 
 (694)
 
 
 770 
Compensation Increase Rate
 
 
 218 
 
 
 (197)
 
 
 - 
 
 
 - 
Cash Balance Crediting Rate
 
 
 710 
 
 
 (648)
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
Health Care Cost Trend Rate
 
 
NA
 
 
NA
 
 
 1,140 
 
 
 (1,023)
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 
 
 (1,146)
 
 
 1,146 
 
 
 (474)
 
 
 476 

NA   Not Applicable

 
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NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

New Accounting Pronouncement Adopted During 2011

The Registrant Subsidiaries adopted ASU 2011-5 “Presentation of Comprehensive Income” effective for the 2011 Annual Report including the deferral of  the reclassification adjustment presentation provisions of ASU 2011-05 under the terms in ASU 2011-12, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.”  The standard requires other comprehensive income be presented as part of a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in a statement of other comprehensive income immediately following the statement of net income.  This standard changed the presentation of the financial statements but did not affect the calculation of net income or comprehensive income.

See Note 2 for further discussion of accounting pronouncements.

Future Accounting Changes

The FASB’s standard-setting process is ongoing and until new standards have been finalized and issued, management cannot determine the impact on the reporting of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ operations and financial position that may result from any such future changes.  The FASB is currently working on several projects including revenue recognition, contingencies, financial instruments, leases, insurance, hedge accounting and consolidation policy.  Management also expects to see more FASB projects as a result of its desire to converge International Accounting Standards with GAAP.  The ultimate pronouncements resulting from these and future projects could have an impact on future net income and financial position.
 
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