United States
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
For the :
For the transition period from _______________ _______________
Commission File No. | Name of Registrant, State of Incorporation, Address of Principal Executive Offices, and Telephone No. | IRS Employer Identification No. |
(a ( | ||
(a ( |
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
|
Title of Class |
Trading Symbol | Name of Each Exchange on which Registered |
MGE Energy, Inc. | The |
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
| Title of Class |
Madison Gas and Electric Company | Common Stock, $1 Par Value Per Share |
Indicate by check mark if the registrants are well-known seasoned issuers, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
MGE Energy, Inc.
Indicate by check mark if the registrants are not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
MGE Energy, Inc. Yes ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to file such reports) and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
MGE Energy, Inc.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit and post such files):
MGE Energy, Inc.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
| Large Accelerated Filer | Accelerated Filer | Non-accelerated Filer | Smaller Reporting Company | Emerging Growth Company |
MGE Energy, Inc. | ☐ | ☐ | |||
Madison Gas and Electric Company | ☐ | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by checkmark if the registrants have elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial reporting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
MGE Energy, Inc. ☐ Madison Gas and Electric Company ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
MGE Energy, Inc. Yes ☐ No
The aggregate market value of the voting and nonvoting common equity held by nonaffiliates of each registrant as of June 30, 2019 was as follows:
$ | |
| $0 |
The number of shares outstanding of each registrant's common stock as of January 31, 2020, were as follows:
MGE Energy, Inc. | |
Madison Gas and Electric Company |
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of MGE Energy, Inc.'s definitive proxy statement to be filed before April 28, 2020, relating to its annual meeting of shareholders, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this annual report on Form 10-K.
Madison Gas and Electric Company meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction (I)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore omitting (i.) the information otherwise required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K relating to a list of subsidiaries of the registrant as permitted by General Instruction (I)(2)(b), (ii.) the information otherwise required by Item 6 relating to Selected Financial Data as permitted by General Instruction (I)(2)(a), (iii.) the information otherwise required by Item 10 relating to Directors and Executive Officers as permitted by General Instruction (I)(2)(c), (iv.) the information otherwise required by Item 11 relating to executive compensation as permitted by General Instruction (I)(2)(c), (v.) the information otherwise required by Item 12 relating to Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management as permitted by General Instruction (I)(2)(c), and (vi.) the information otherwise required by Item 13 relating to Certain Relationships and Related Transactions as permitted by General Instruction (I)(2)(c).
Table of Contents
Where to Find More Information4
Definitions, Abbreviations, and Acronyms Used in the Text and Notes of this Report5
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.23
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures26
Item 5. Market for Registrants' Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.26
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.28
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.29
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk48
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.54
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.108
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.108
Item 9B. Other Information.108
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance.109
Item 11. Executive Compensation.109
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.109
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.109
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.110
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.111
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.114
3
Filing Format
This combined Form 10-K is being filed separately by MGE Energy, Inc. (MGE Energy) and Madison Gas and Electric Company (MGE). MGE is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGE Energy and represents a majority of its assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and operations. Thus, all information contained in this report relates to, and is filed by, MGE Energy. Information that is specifically identified in this report as relating solely to MGE Energy, such as its financial statements and information relating to its nonregulated business, does not relate to, and is not filed by, MGE. MGE makes no representation as to that information. The terms "we" and "our," as used in this report, refer to MGE Energy and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.
Forward-Looking Statements
This report, and other documents filed by MGE Energy and MGE with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from time to time, contain forward-looking statements that reflect management's current assumptions and estimates regarding future performance and economic conditions—especially as they relate to economic conditions, future load growth, revenues, expenses, capital expenditures, financial resources, regulatory matters, and the scope and expense associated with future environmental regulation. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "could," "should," "intend," "will," and other similar words generally identify forward-looking statements. Both MGE Energy and MGE caution investors that these forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, expressed, or implied.
The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made by a registrant include (a) those factors discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Footnote 16. Commitments and Contingencies, and (b) other factors discussed herein and in other filings made by that registrant with the SEC.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this report. MGE Energy and MGE undertake no obligation to release publicly any revision to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report, except as required by law.
Where to Find More Information
The public may read and copy any reports or other information that MGE Energy and MGE file with the SEC at the SEC's public reference room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. These documents also are available to the public from commercial document retrieval services, the website maintained by the SEC at sec.gov, MGE Energy's website at mgeenergy.com, and MGE's website at mge.com. Copies may be obtained from our websites free of charge. Information contained on MGE Energy's and MGE's websites shall not be deemed incorporated into, or to be a part of, this report.
4
Definitions, Abbreviations, and Acronyms Used in the Text and Notes of this Report
Abbreviations, acronyms, and definitions used in the text and notes of this report are defined below.
MGE Energy and Subsidiaries:
CWDCCentral Wisconsin Development Corporation
MAGAELMAGAEL, LLC
MGEMadison Gas and Electric Company
MGE EnergyMGE Energy, Inc.
MGE PowerMGE Power, LLC
MGE Power Elm RoadMGE Power Elm Road, LLC
MGE Power West CampusMGE Power West Campus, LLC
MGE ServicesMGE Services, LLC
MGE State Energy ServicesMGE State Energy Services, LLC
MGE TranscoMGE Transco Investment, LLC
MGEE TranscoMGEE Transco, LLC
North MendotaNorth Mendota Energy & Technology Park, LLC
Other Defined Terms:
ACEAffordable Clean Energy
AFUDCAllowance for Funds Used During Construction
ANRANR Pipeline
AROAsset Retirement Obligation
ATCAmerican Transmission Company LLC
ATC HoldcoATC Holdco, LLC
Badger Hollow IBadger Hollow I Solar Farm
Badger Hollow IIBadger Hollow II Solar Farm
BARTBest Available Retrofit Technology
BlountBlount Station
BSERBest System of Emissions Reductions
BTABest Technology Available
CAAClean Air Act
CAVRClean Air Visibility Rule
CCRCoal Combustion Residual
CO2Carbon Dioxide
codificationFinancial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification
ColumbiaColumbia Energy Center
Cooling degree daysMeasure of the extent to which the average daily temperature is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considered an indicator of possible increased demand for energy to provide cooling
COSOCommittee of Sponsoring Organizations
CPPClean Power Plan
CSAPRCross-State Air Pollution Rule
CWAClean Water Act
DthDekatherms
EEIEdison Electric Institute
EGUsElectric Generating Units
electric marginElectric revenues less fuel for electric generation and purchase power costs, a non-GAAP measure
ELGEffluent Limitations Guidelines
Elm Road UnitsElm Road Generating Station
EPAUnited States Environmental Protection Agency
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
FERCFederal Energy Regulatory Commission
Forward WindForward Wind Energy Center
FTRFinancial Transmission Rights
GAAPGenerally Accepted Accounting Principles
gas marginGas revenues less cost of gas sold, a non-GAAP measure
GHGGreenhouse Gas
5
heating degree days (HDD)Measure of the extent to which the average daily temperature is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considered an indicator of possible increased demand for energy to provide heating
ICFInsurance Continuance Fund
IPCCIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
IRSInternal Revenue Service
kVAKilovolt Ampere
kWhKilowatt-hour
MISOMidcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. (a regional transmission organization)
MROMidwest Reliability Organization
MWMegawatt
MWhMegawatt-hour
NAAQSNational Ambient Air Quality Standards
NasdaqThe Nasdaq Stock Market
NERCNorth American Electric Reliability Corporation
NNGNorthern Natural Gas Company
NOVNotice of Violation
NOxNitrogen Oxides
NYSENew York Stock Exchange
PCBsPolychlorinated Biphenyls
PGAPurchased Gas Adjustment clause
PJMPJM Interconnection, LLC (a regional transmission organization)
PMParticulate Matter
PPAPurchased power agreement
PSCWPublic Service Commission of Wisconsin
RECRenewable Energy Credit
RERRenewable Energy Rider
RiversideRiverside Energy Center in Beloit, Wisconsin
ROEReturn on Equity
RTORegional Transmission Organization
SaratogaSaratoga Wind Farm
SCRSelective Catalytic Reduction
SECSecurities and Exchange Commission
SIPState Implementation Plan
SO2Sulfur Dioxide
the StateState of Wisconsin
Stock PlanDirect Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan of MGE Energy
Tax ActTax Cuts and Jobs Act
Two CreeksTwo Creeks Solar Farm
UWUniversity of Wisconsin at Madison
VIEVariable Interest Entity
WCCFWest Campus Cogeneration Facility
WDNRWisconsin Department of Natural Resources
WEPCOWisconsin Electric Power Company
working capitalCurrent assets less current liabilities
WPDESWisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
WPLWisconsin Power and Light Company
WPSCWisconsin Public Service Corporation
WRERAWorker, Retiree and Employer Recovery Act of 2008
XBRLeXtensible Business Reporting Language
6
PART I.
Item 1. Business.
MGE Energy operates in the following business segments:
Regulated electric utility operations – generating, purchasing, and distributing electricity through MGE.
Regulated gas utility operations – purchasing and distributing natural gas through MGE.
Nonregulated energy operations – owning and leasing electric generating capacity that assists MGE through MGE Energy's wholly owned subsidiaries MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus.
Transmission investments – representing our investment in American Transmission Company LLC, a company engaged in the business of providing electric transmission services primarily in Wisconsin, and our investment in ATC Holdco LLC, a company created to facilitate out-of-state electric transmission development and investments.
All other – investing in companies and property that relate to the regulated operations and financing the regulated operations, through its wholly owned subsidiaries CWDC, MAGAEL, MGE State Energy Services, North Mendota, and Corporate functions.
MGE's utility operations represent a majority of the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and operations of MGE Energy. MGE Energy's nonregulated energy operations currently include an undivided interest in two coal-fired generating units located in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, which we refer to as the Elm Road Units, and an undivided interest in a cogeneration facility located on the Madison campus of the University of Wisconsin, which we refer to as the West Campus Cogeneration Facility or WCCF.
As a public utility, MGE is subject to regulation by the PSCW and the FERC. The PSCW has authority to regulate most aspects of MGE's business including rates, accounts, issuance of securities, and plant siting. The PSCW also has authority over certain aspects of MGE Energy as a holding company of a public utility. FERC has jurisdiction, under the Federal Power Act, over certain accounting practices and certain other aspects of MGE's business.
MGE Energy's subsidiaries are also subject to regulation under local, state, and federal laws regarding air and water quality and solid waste disposal. See "Environmental" below.
MGE Energy was organized as a Wisconsin corporation in 2001. MGE was organized as a Wisconsin corporation in 1896. Our principal offices are located at 133 South Blair Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53788, and our telephone number is (608) 252-7000.
Electric Utility Operations
MGE distributes electricity in a service area covering a 264 square-mile area of Dane County, Wisconsin. The service area includes the city of Madison, Wisconsin. It owns or leases ownership interests in electric generation facilities located in Wisconsin and Iowa.
As of December 31, 2019, MGE supplied electric service to approximately 155,000 customers, with approximately 90% located in the cities of Fitchburg, Madison, Middleton, and Monona and 10% in adjacent areas. Of the total number of customers, approximately 87% were residential and 13% were commercial or industrial.
7
Electric retail revenues for 2019, 2018, and 2017 were comprised of the following:
|
|
| Year Ended December 31, |
| ||||
|
|
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
|
| Residential |
| 34.8% |
| 35.4% |
| 33.5% |
|
| Commercial |
| 53.2% |
| 52.3% |
| 53.2% |
|
| Industrial |
| 3.2% |
| 3.6% |
| 4.0% |
|
| Public authorities (including the UW) |
| 8.8% |
| 8.7% |
| 9.3% |
|
| Total |
| 100.0% |
| 100.0% |
| 100.0% |
|
Electric operations accounted for approximately 71.9%, 71.8%, and 73.6% of MGE's total 2019, 2018, and 2017 regulated revenues, respectively.
See Item 2. Properties for a description of MGE's electric utility plant.
MGE is registered with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and one regional entity, the Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO). The essential purposes of these entities are to develop and implement regional and NERC reliability standards and determine compliance with those standards, including enforcement mechanisms.
Transmission
American Transmission Company LLC (ATC) was formed by Wisconsin-based utilities who were required by Wisconsin law to contribute their transmission facilities to it in 2001 and is owned by those utilities and their affiliates. ATC's purpose is to provide reliable, economic transmission service to all customers in a fair and equitable manner. ATC plans, constructs, operates, maintains, and expands transmission facilities that it owns to provide adequate and reliable transmission of power. ATC is regulated by FERC for all rate terms and conditions of service. ATC is also regulated by the PSCW for some aspects of its governance and is a transmission-owning member of the MISO.
Regional Transmission Organizations (RTO)
MISO
MGE is a nontransmission owning member of the MISO. MISO, a FERC-approved RTO, is responsible for monitoring the electric transmission system that delivers power from generating plants to wholesale power transmitters. MISO's role is to ensure equal access to the transmission system and to maintain or improve electric system reliability across 15 U.S. states and the Canadian providence of Manitoba.
MISO maintains a bid-based energy market. MGE offers substantially all of its generation on the MISO market and purchases much of its load requirement from the MISO market in accordance with the MISO Tariff. MGE participates in the ancillary services market operated by MISO. That market is an extension of the existing energy market in which MISO assumes the responsibility of maintaining sufficient generation reserves. In the ancillary services market, MISO provides the reserves for MGE's load, and MGE may offer to sell reserves from its generating units.
MGE participates in the voluntary capacity auction, which provides an optional monthly forum for buyers and sellers of aggregate planning resource credits to interact. Load serving entities such as MGE may participate in the voluntary capacity auction potentially to obtain the necessary aggregate planning resource credits needed to meet their planning reserve margin requirement established by the PSCW. Generator owners may participate to sell any excess aggregate planning resource credits.
PJM
MGE is a member of PJM. PJM, an RTO, is a neutral and independent party that coordinates and directs the operation of the transmission grid within its area of coverage, administers a competitive wholesale electricity market, and plans regional transmission expansion improvements to maintain grid reliability and relieve congestion.
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Fuel supply and generation
MGE satisfies its customers' electric demand with internal generation and purchased power. MGE's current fuel mix for generation will fluctuate from year-to-year due to fuel pricing in the market, generating unit availability, weather, and customer demand. MGE has a responsibility to its customers to dispatch the lowest cost generation available pursuant to regulatory requirements.
During 2019, 2018, and 2017, MGE's electric energy delivery requirements were satisfied from the following fuel sources:
| (in MWh) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
|
| Coal |
| 1,751,224 |
| 1,869,981 |
| 1,821,381 |
|
| Natural gas |
| 501,093 |
| 492,291 |
| 390,359 |
|
| Renewable sources(a) |
| 470,716 |
| 373,271 |
| 429,492 |
|
| Fuel oil |
| 695 |
| 578 |
| 491 |
|
| Purchased power - other(b)(c) |
| 762,894 |
| 836,741 |
| 816,464 |
|
| Total fuel sources |
| 3,486,622 |
| 3,572,862 |
| 3,458,187 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Adjusted total fuel sources(c) |
| 3,807,652 |
| 3,842,502 |
| 3,685,279 |
|
(a)Includes both internal generation and purchased power.
(b)Includes third-party purchased power and MISO market activity. A significant percentage of MGE's electric supply comes from internal generation sources. MGE supplements this internal generation with long-term purchase power agreements and spot purchases in the MISO market.
(c)The MISO market consists of two energy markets, the Day-ahead market and the Real-time market. The table above nets purchases and sales within the same hour in the two MISO markets. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, 321,030 MWh, 269,640 MWh, and 227,092 MWh, respectively, was netted between the Day-ahead and the Real-time MISO markets. These amounts are reflected in "Adjusted total fuel sources."
MGE's Energy 2030 framework describes our plan for growth in renewables generation. This growth is expected to continue as legacy fossil fuel-fired generation assets are retired and replaced with renewables, such as wind and solar assets. The transition or displacement of coal-fired resources is ongoing and active.
MGE's carbon intensity is expected to decrease as our use of coal decreases over time. This is due in part to our investments in the following renewable generation resources: Saratoga (wind), which became operational in February 2019; Two Creeks (solar) and Badger Hollow I (solar), which are expected to come online in 2020; and Badger Hollow II (solar), which is expected to come online by the end of 2021.
Beyond 2030, MGE's goals are aligned with those of the scientific community, specifically the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which has recognized the need to hold an increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels to significantly reduce the risks and most adverse impacts of climate change. IPCC further recognized that holding global average temperature rise to the more aggressive scenario, (1.5°C), requires CO2 emissions to reach net-zero around 2050. Consistent with that objective, MGE is targeting net-zero carbon electricity by 2050. The above solar and wind projects are a major step toward deep decarbonization and greater use of clean energy sources, in pursuit of our net-zero carbon goal. Additionally, MGE plans to continue to reduce its use of fossil fuels and work to help customers with energy efficiency and electrification, including transportation.
MGE is working to achieve a more sustainable energy future using cost-effective renewable generation technologies for customers. The renewable energy rider and shared solar programs reduce MGE's carbon emissions while providing customers the ability to purchase renewable energy to meet their energy needs.
Renewable Energy Rider (RER) – Under this program, MGE partners with large energy users on customized renewable energy solutions to meet their specific energy needs. MGE will own the generation assets and RER customers are billed a contractual renewable resource rate for all costs associated with the construction and ongoing operations of the renewable generation facility. This contractual rate is approved by the PSCW and subject to terms and conditions specified in the renewable energy rider rate schedule. The program entitles RER customers to the entire energy output of the renewable energy resource. MGE will continue to recover the distribution system costs related to the energy consumed by these customers. MGE has received PSCW approval
9
for a 1.5MW RER project (Morey Field) and is currently awaiting approval on a separate 9MW project (Dane County Airport). MGE is actively working on additional RER projects for approximately 27 MW and expects to file for PSCW approval in the near future.
Shared Solar Program – This program provides an opportunity for eligible customers to add locally-generated solar to their energy mix without having to install solar panels on their premises. The first solar array associated with this program, owned by MGE, became operational in 2017 and was fully subscribed for its capacity value of 500 KW. MGE recently received PSCW approval to expand the program to a second solar facility will be owned by MGE, which adds 3.5 MW of capacity to the program. Construction on the Shared Solar Program expansion is expected to be completed in 2020.
Since 2015, MGE has announced several new utility-scale wind and solar projects, including Saratoga, Forward Wind, Two Creeks, Badger Hollow I & II, and other RER and shared solar facilities. These projects will be operational by the end of 2021 or are, in the cases of Saratoga, Forward Wind, and certain shared solar facilities, currently operational. For the period from 2015 to 2021, the growth in MGE's owned renewable generation capacity as a result of these projects is expected to be over 600%.
Generation sources
MGE receives electric generation supply from coal-fired, gas-fired, and renewable energy sources. These sources include owned facilities as well as facilities leased from affiliates and accounted for under our nonregulated energy operations. See Item 2. Properties for more information regarding these generation sources, including location, capacity, ownership or lease arrangement, and fuel source. See "Nonregulated Energy Operations" below for more information regarding generating capacity leased to MGE by nonregulated subsidiaries.
Purchased power
MGE enters into short and long-term purchase power commitments with third parties to meet a portion of its anticipated electric energy supply needs. The following table identifies purchase power commitments as of December 31, 2019, with unaffiliated parties for the next five years.
| (Megawatts) |
| 2020 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
|
| Purchase power commitments | 83 |
| 83 |
| 33 |
| 30 |
| 30 |
|
Gas Utility Operations
MGE transports and distributes natural gas in a service area covering 1,684 square miles in seven south-central Wisconsin counties. The service area includes the city of Madison, Wisconsin and surrounding areas.
As of December 31, 2019, MGE supplied natural gas service to approximately 163,000 customers in the cities of Elroy, Fitchburg, Lodi, Madison, Middleton, Monona, Prairie du Chien, Verona, and Viroqua; 25 villages; and all or parts of 48 townships. Of the total number of customers, approximately 90% were residential and 10% were commercial or industrial. Gas revenues for 2019, 2018, and 2017 were comprised of the following:
|
| Year Ended December 31, |
| ||||
|
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
|
| Residential | 59.5% |
| 59.4% |
| 59.6% |
|
| Commercial | 35.8% |
| 35.8% |
| 35.8% |
|
| Industrial | 1.1% |
| 1.6% |
| 1.3% |
|
| Transportation service and other | 3.6% |
| 3.2% |
| 3.3% |
|
| Total | 100.0% |
| 100.0% |
| 100.0% |
|
Gas operations accounted for approximately 28.1%, 28.2%, and 26.4% of MGE's total 2019, 2018, and 2017 regulated revenues, respectively.
MGE can curtail gas deliveries to interruptible customers. These are customers who agree to reduce their load in the case of an emergency interruption. Approximately 3% of retail gas deliveries in 2019 and 2018 and approximately 4% in 2017 were to interruptible customers.
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Gas supply
MGE has physical interconnections with ANR Pipeline Company (ANR) and Northern Natural Gas Company (NNG). MGE's primary service territory, which includes Madison and the surrounding area, receives deliveries at one NNG and four ANR gate stations. MGE's outlying territory receives deliveries at NNG gate stations located in Elroy, Prairie du Chien, Viroqua, and Crawford County. Interconnections with two major pipelines provide competition in interstate pipeline service and a more reliable and economical gas supply mix, which includes gas from Canada and the mid-continent and Gulf Coast regions of the United States.
During the winter months, when customer demand is high, MGE is primarily concerned with meeting its obligation to customers. MGE meets customer demand by using firm supplies under contracts finalized before the heating season, supplies in storage (injected during the summer), and other firm supplies purchased during the winter period.
By contract, a total of 5,927,332 Dth of gas can be injected into ANR's storage fields in Michigan from April 1 through October 31. These gas supplies are then available for withdrawal during the subsequent heating season, November 1 through March 31. Using storage allows MGE to buy gas supplies during the summer season, when prices are normally lower, and withdraw these supplies during the winter season, when prices are typically higher. Storage also gives MGE more flexibility in meeting daily load fluctuations.
MGE's contracts for firm transportation service of gas include winter maximum daily quantities of:
•175,650 Dth (including 106,078 Dth of storage withdrawals) on ANR.
•65,828 Dth on NNG.
Nonregulated Energy Operations
MGE Energy, through our subsidiaries, has developed generation sources that assist MGE in meeting the electricity needs of our customers. These sources consist of the Elm Road Units and the WCCF, which are owned by subsidiaries of MGE Energy and leased to MGE. See Item 2. Properties for a description of these facilities, their joint owners, and the related lease arrangements.
Transmission Investments
ATC owns and operates electric transmission facilities primarily in Wisconsin. MGE received an interest in ATC when it, like other Wisconsin electric utilities, contributed its electric transmission facilities to ATC as required by Wisconsin law. That interest is presently held by MGE Transco, which is owned by MGE Energy. As of December 31, 2019, MGE Transco held a 3.6% ownership interest in ATC.
In 2016, ATC Holdco was formed by several of the members of ATC, including MGE Energy, to facilitate electric transmission development and investments outside of Wisconsin. MGE Energy's ownership interest in ATC Holdco is held by MGEE Transco, a wholly-owned subsidiary. As of December 31, 2019, MGEE Transco held a 4.4% ownership interest in ATC Holdco. In the near term, it is expected that ATC Holdco will be pursuing transmission development opportunities that typically have long development and investment lead times before becoming operational.
Environmental
MGE Energy and MGE are subject to frequently changing local, state, and federal regulations concerning air quality, water quality, land use, threatened and endangered species, hazardous materials handling, and solid waste disposal. These regulations affect the manner in which we conduct our operations, the costs of those operations, as well as capital and operating expenditures. Regulatory initiatives, proposed rules, and court challenges to adopted rules, have the potential to have a material effect on our capital expenditures and operating costs. In addition to the regulations discussed below, MGE continues to track state and federal initiatives such as potential state and federal regulations governing surface water and/or groundwater containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, potential changes to regulations governing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), potential
11
changes to air and water standards, and potential climate change legislation.
Water Quality
EPA's Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category
In November 2015, the EPA published its final rule setting Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG) for the steam electric power generating industry. The ELG rule establishes federal limits on the amount of metals and other pollutants that can be discharged in wastewater from new and existing steam electric generation plants. The rule will be applied to Wisconsin-based power plants as they renew their WPDES permits, no later than 2023. The operators of the Columbia and Elm Road Units have indicated that equipment upgrades may be necessary to comply with the current discharge standards.
In November 2019, the EPA published proposed modifications to the ELG rule that if finalized would, among other things, revise overall technology-based effluent standards and discharge limits for flue gas desulfurization wastewater and bottom ash transport water. The proposed rule would also add subcategories with specific standards for high-flow and low-use boilers, and revise standards for boilers that will retire by 2028.
MGE is currently evaluating the proposed rule modifications for applicability to the Columbia and Elm Road Units. Until the modifications are finalized, MGE will not know with any certainty if and how any final rule may impact operations. Management believes that any compliance costs will be recovered in future rates based on previous treatment of environmental compliance projects.
EPA Cooling Water Intake Rules (Section 316(b))
Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act requires that the cooling water intake structures at electric power plants meet best available technology standards so that mortality from entrainment (drawing aquatic life into a plant's cooling system) and impingement (trapping aquatic life on screens) are reduced. The EPA finalized its Section 316(b) rule for existing facilities in 2014. Section 316(b) requirements are implemented in Wisconsin through modifications to plants' WPDES permits, which govern plant wastewater discharges.
The WCCF, Blount, and Columbia plants are considered existing plants under this rule. The WCCF facility already employs a system that meets the Section 316(b) rule. Future best technology available (BTA) requirements at Blount and Columbia will be based on the results of water intake studies at the respective plants and will be specified in the next permits expected to be issued in 2023 or later. MGE expects that the Section 316(b) rule will not have a material effect on its existing plants. Management believes that any compliance costs will be recovered in future rates based on previous treatment of environmental compliance projects.
Air Quality
Air quality regulations promulgated by the EPA and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) in accordance with the Federal Clean Air Act and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 impose restrictions on emission of particulates, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hazardous air pollutants and other pollutants, and require permits for operation of emission sources. These permits must be renewed periodically. Various newly enacted and/or proposed federal and state initiatives may result in additional operating and capital expenditure costs for fossil-fueled electric generating units.
Ozone NAAQS
In May 2018, the EPA issued a final rule designating the northeast portion of Milwaukee County as being in nonattainment with Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The Elm Road Units are located in Milwaukee County, outside the designated nonattainment area. In August 2018, several environmental groups, the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois filed federal lawsuits challenging several of the EPA's attainment designation decisions, including the EPA's partial Milwaukee County designation as being too narrow and not sufficiently protective. MGE is monitoring the outcome of this lawsuit and how it may affect the Elm Road Units in Milwaukee County. See Footnote 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for additional information.
EPA's Cross-State Air Pollution Rule: Proposed Ozone Season Update based on 2008 Ozone NAAQS
The EPA's CSAPR and its progeny are a suite of interstate air pollution transport rules designed to reduce ozone
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and fine particulate (PM2.5) air levels in areas that the EPA has determined are being significantly impacted by pollution from upwind states. This is accomplished in the CSAPR through a reduction in SO2 and NOx from qualifying fossil-fuel fired power plants in upwind or "contributing" states. NOx and SO2 contribute to fine particulate pollution and NOx contributes to ozone formation in downwind areas. Reductions are achieved through a cap and trade system. Individual plants can meet their caps through modifications and/or buying allowances on the market. CSAPR has been subject to ongoing legal challenges.
In September 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals upheld the legal argument that the EPA cannot provide a partial remedy to the Clean Air Act's "Good Neighbor Provision," which addresses interstate transport of pollutants from upwind states to downwind states. Under the current rule, the EPA was not holding upwind states to the same attainment deadlines as the downwind states that they impacted. The court indicated that this leniency on the upwind states effectively causes downwind states to miss attainment deadlines or over comply to meet deadlines. The court remanded the rule to the EPA without vacating it. No deadline has been set for the EPA to revise the rule. Wisconsin is considered an upwind state under CSAPR and is potentially impacted by rules that the EPA will develop to address this remand.
MGE has met its CSAPR obligations through a combination of reduced emissions through pollution control (e.g. SCR installation at Columbia), as well as owned, received, and purchased allowances. Uncertainty remains around CSAPR due to legal challenges; however, MGE expects that it will meet ongoing CSAPR obligations for the foreseeable future. MGE will continue to monitor developments in EPA revisions after the remand and any ongoing litigation over this rule.
Clean Air Visibility Rule (CAVR)
Columbia is subject to the best available retrofit technology (BART) regulations, a subsection of the EPA's CAVR, which may require pollution control retrofits. Columbia's existing pollution control upgrades, and the EPA's stance that compliance with the CSAPR equals compliance with BART, should mean that Columbia will not need to do additional work to meet BART requirements. At this time, however, the BART regulatory obligations, compliance strategies, and costs remain uncertain in Wisconsin due to the continued legal uncertainty regarding CSAPR and CAVR. MGE will continue to monitor developments to this rule.
Global Climate Change
MGE is a producer of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, primarily from the fossil fuel generating facilities it uses to meet customers' energy needs, as well as from its natural gas pipeline system and fleet vehicles. Climate change and the regulatory response to it could significantly affect our operations in a number of ways, including increased operating costs and capital expenditures, restrictions on energy supply options, operational limits on our fossil fuel fired plants, permitting difficulties, and emission limits. MGE management would expect to seek and receive rate recovery of such compliance costs, if and when required. MGE continues to monitor proposed climate change legislation and regulation.
MGE has taken steps to address GHG emissions through voluntary actions. In 2005, MGE implemented its Energy 2015 Plan, which committed to ensuring a balanced, economic energy supply with reduced environmental emissions. The Plan emphasized increased renewable energy, energy efficiency, and new cleaner generation – three strategies that reduced GHG emissions. Under the Plan and other actions, our CO2 emissions declined from 2005 to 2015 by approximately 20% even though total system delivered energy increased. In 2015, MGE announced its Energy 2030 framework that continues steps to reduce CO2 emissions. Subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions, MGE aims to increase renewable energy to 25% of retail electric sales by 2025 and to 30% by 2030. Under our Energy 2030 framework, we will also work to reduce CO2 emissions by 40% from 2005 levels by 2030. Beyond 2030, we are targeting net-zero carbon electricity by 2050.
EPA's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Guidelines under the Clean Air Act 111(d) Rule
In July 2019, the EPA published a final Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing coal-fired EGUs. The ACE rule directs states to submit plans to the EPA for approval that implement standards of performance (called Best System of Emissions Reductions, or BSER) for individual coal-fired EGUs over 25 MW. The ACE defines BSER as on-site “inside the fenceline,” heat-rate efficiency improvements. Under the ACE rule, states have the primary role in developing standards of performance that result from the application of BSER. The EPA has not provided a standard of performance that it will deem presumptively acceptable in a state plan but
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urges states to provide full justification for each component of their plans for the EPA to evaluate BSER on a unit-by-unit basis. States have three years to develop and submit compliance plans to the EPA. The EPA will have a year to review and approve those plans. States are then given 24 months from the approval date to implement the rule and can extend the compliance schedule for units that meet progress milestones.
The ACE rule will apply to Columbia and the Elm Road Units. EGUs compliance with the ACE rule may not be required until 2024 or later. MGE is currently evaluating how this rule may impact operations and monitoring state activity on BSER development. Until the State of Wisconsin develops a plan that is accepted by the EPA, MGE will not be able to determine the final impact of the rule. Additionally, the ACE rule is subject to a legal challenge pending in the United States District Court of the District of Columbia. MGE will continue to evaluate the rule development within the state and monitor ongoing and potential legal proceedings associated with the rule. See Footnote 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for additional information.
Solid Waste
EPA's Coal Combustion Residuals Rule
The EPA's 2015 Coal Combustion Residuals Rule (CCR) regulates coal ash from burning coal for the purpose of generating electricity as a solid waste and defines what ash use activities would be considered generally exempt beneficial reuse of coal ash. The CCR rule also regulates existing, modified, and new landfills, ash ponds, and other surface impoundments used for coal combustion residuals by regulating their design, location, monitoring, and operation.
Review of the Elm Road Units has indicated that the costs to comply with this rule are not expected to be significant. Columbia's operator is continuing to evaluate options to meet the rule requirements.
In July 2018, the EPA published a final rule that included amendments to the CCR. The amendments include the allowance of alternative performance standards for landfills and surface impoundments, revised risk-based groundwater protection standards, and an extension of the deadline by which certain facilities must cease the placement of waste in CCR units. In August 2018, the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit vacated parts of the 2015 CCR for not being sufficiently protective of the environment. In December 2019, the EPA introduced a proposed rule to revise some of the closure standards that are in the 2015 CCR Rule. MGE is currently evaluating the newly proposed rule revision for applicability to our units.
In 2015, MGE recorded an asset retirement obligation for its share of the legal liability associated with the effect of the CCR. Actual costs of compliance may be different than the amount recorded due to potential changes in compliance strategies that will be used, as well as other potential cost estimate changes. MGE will continue to monitor final rule modifications to assess potential impacts on our operations.
Columbia
Columbia Clean Air Act Litigation
Columbia is a coal-fired generating station operated by WPL and in which WPL, WPSC, and MGE have ownership interests. In December 2009, the EPA sent a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the co-owners, including MGE. The NOV alleged that WPL and the Columbia co-owners failed to comply with appropriate pre-construction review and permitting requirements and, as a result, violated the Prevention of Significant Deterioration program requirements, Title V Operating Permit requirements of the CAA, and the Wisconsin SIP. In June 2013, the court approved and entered a consent decree entered by the EPA, Sierra Club, and the co-owners of Columbia. One of the requirements of the consent decree requires installation of an SCR system at Columbia Unit 2 by December 31, 2018. Installation of the SCR was approved by the PSCW and the SCR was placed in service in 2018. The consent decree remains open for compliance monitoring, but significant additional operating and capital expenditures are not expected.
Renewable Energy Standards
Wisconsin law establishes a minimum amount of energy MGE must supply from renewable sources. MGE currently exceeds its minimum requirement of approximately 8%. The costs to comply with this requirement are being recovered in rates.
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Employees
As of December 31, 2019, MGE had 731 employees. MGE employs 231 employees who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with Local Union 2304 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and 90 employees who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with Local Union No. 39 of the Office and Professional Employees International Union. These collective bargaining agreements expire on April 30, 2023 and May 31, 2023, respectively. There are also 5 employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement with Local Union No. 2006, Unit 6 of the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial, and Service Workers International Union. This collective bargaining agreement expires on October 31, 2023.
Financial Information About Segments
See Footnote 22 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for financial information relating to MGE Energy's and MGE's business segments.
Information About our Executive Officers
As of December 31, 2019, the executive officers of the registrants were as follows:
Executive | Title | Effective Date | Service Years as an Officer |
Jeffrey M. Keebler(a) | Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer | 10/01/2018 | 8 |
Age: 48
| President and Chief Executive Officer Senior Vice President – Energy Supply and Planning | 03/01/2017 07/23/2015 |
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| Assistant VP – Energy Supply and Customer Service | 01/01/2012 |
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Lynn K. Hobbie(b) | Executive Vice President – Marketing and Communications | 03/01/2017 | 25 |
Age: 61 | Senior Vice President – Marketing and Communications | 02/01/2000 |
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Jeffrey C. Newman(a) | Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, | 03/01/2017 | 22 |
Age: 57 | and Treasurer |
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| Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, | 07/23/2015 |
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| and Treasurer |
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| Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer | 01/01/2009 |
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Donald D. Peterson(b) | Vice President – Energy Technology | 03/01/2019 | 4 |
Age: 60 | Assistant Vice President – Strategic Products and Services | 07/23/2015 |
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| Executive Director – Energy Products and Services | 03/01/2004 |
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Cari Anne Renlund(b) Age: 46 | Vice President and General Counsel Dewitt Ross & Stevens S.C. (law firm) – Partner | 11/02/2015 06/11 – 10/15 | 4
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Note: Ages, years of service, and positions as of December 31, 2019.
(a) Executive officer of MGE Energy and MGE.
(b) Executive officer of MGE.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
MGE Energy and our subsidiaries, including MGE, operate in a market environment that involves significant risks, many of which are beyond our control. The following risk factors may adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial position and market price for our publicly traded securities. While we believe we have identified and discussed below the key risk factors affecting our business, additional unknown risks and uncertainties may adversely affect our performance or financial condition in the future.
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Regulatory Risk
We are subject to extensive government regulation in our business, which affects our costs and responsiveness to changing events and circumstances.
Our business is subject to regulation at the State and Federal levels. We are subject to regulation as a holding company by the PSCW. The PSCW regulates MGE's rates, terms and conditions of service; various business practices and transactions; financing; and transactions between it and its affiliates, including MGE Energy. MGE is also subject to regulation by the FERC, which regulates certain aspects of its business. ATC, in which we have an investment, is subject to regulation by FERC as to, among other things, rates. The regulations adopted by the State and Federal agencies affect how we do business, our ability to undertake specified actions since pre-approval or authorization may be required for projects, the costs of operations, and the rates charged to recover those costs. Our ability to attract capital also depends, in part, upon our ability to obtain a fair return from the PSCW.
Our utility revenues are subject to regulatory proceedings, which can affect our ability to recover, and the timing of recovery of, costs that we incur in our operations.
Our utility customer rates have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. Our ability to obtain adjustments to those rates depends upon timely regulatory action under applicable statues and regulations. Rate regulation is based on providing an opportunity to recover costs that have been reasonably incurred and the ability to earn a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. However, we have no assurance that our regulators will consider all of our costs to have been reasonably incurred. In addition, our rate proceedings may not always result in rates that fully recover our costs or provide a reasonable return on equity (ROE). Certain costs and revenues are deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities for future recovery or refund to customers, as authorized by our regulators. If recovery of regulatory assets is not approved or is no longer deemed probable, these costs would be recognized as a current period expense and could materially and adversely impact our operations and financial performance in that period.
We could be subject to higher costs and potential penalties resulting from mandatory reliability standards.
MGE must adhere in its electric distribution system to mandatory reliability standards established by NERC. These standards cover areas such as critical infrastructure protection, emergency preparedness, facility design, and transmission operations, among others. The critical infrastructure protection standards focus on physical and access security of cyber assets, as well as incident response and recovery planning. Compliance with these standards affects operating costs and any noncompliance can result in sanctions, including monetary penalties.
We are subject to changing environmental laws and regulations that may affect our costs and business plans.
MGE Energy's subsidiaries are subject to environmental laws and regulations that affect the manner in which we conduct business, including capital expenditures, operating costs, and potential liabilities. Changes and developments in these laws and evolving regulations may alter or limit our business plans, make them more costly, or expose us to liabilities for past, present, or future operations.
Numerous environmental laws and regulations govern many aspects of our present and future operations. These include: air emissions limits and reporting; ambient air quality standards; water quality; water intake and discharges; wetlands; solid and hazardous waste; handling and disposal of hazardous substances; protection of endangered resources, such as threatened and endangered species, protection of cultural resources and archaeological sites; remediation and management of contaminated sites; and control of potential pollution from electric and gas construction sites. These evolving regulations affect us by:
Introducing uncertainty into our planning and capital expenditures processes, as changes in requirements may affect the timing and choice of compliance methods and require costly revisions to prior plans and commitments.
Imposing or modifying limits on the operations of our facilities in order to meet restrictions on air emissions, water use or water discharges.
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Requiring capital expenditures and changes in operating procedures and costs as a result of the need to install additional pollution controls or more advanced technology or equipment at new or existing facilities.
Mandating increasing purchases of renewable energy, which affects the use of existing generation, and energy efficiency initiatives, which affect revenues.
We may be subject to future laws, regulations, or actions associated with public concern with fossil-fuel generation, greenhouse gases, and the effects of global climate change.
Our subsidiaries operate or co-own electric power plants that burn fossil fuels, deliver natural gas, and deliver electricity to customers. These business activities are subject to evolving public concern regarding greenhouse gases (GHG), legislative and regulatory action, and possible litigation in response to that public concern. The primary greenhouse gas associated with our subsidiaries' combustion of fossil fuels, and the largest emission in our system overall, is carbon dioxide (CO2).
Our subsidiaries could incur costs from more stringent regulation of GHG from power plants, natural gas delivery, greenhouse gases used in power distribution, and efficiencies lost during power distribution. While the federal government and that of the state in which we operate are unlikely to pass comprehensive greenhouse gas legislation or regulations in the immediate future, future legislation is likely. In addition, litigation by environmental nongovernment organizations targeting GHG emissions from the electric power industry is also likely if the federal government fails to act on greenhouse gas initiatives.
Climate change could affect us in several other ways:
Changes in weather patterns, including swings in intensity, could affect use of electricity and gas by our customers, affecting revenues; and could affect the condition of our facilities, affecting our costs.
We may also incur costs associated with actions taken due to investor interest in reducing our subsidiaries' reliance on fossil fuel generation, and coal in particular. Investors may also move away from investing in fossil fuel generated electricity for reputational or perceived risk-related reasons, which could raise our costs of attracting capital.
If we are not seen as being proactive in addressing concerns, we may experience reputational issues among our customers and the communities that we serve. Those issues could affect customers’ energy choices, including efforts at self-supply, and could affect the handling and treatment of our rate requests and cost recovery.
These matters represent uncertainties in the operation and management of our business.
We face risks associated with the passing of the new tax reform.
On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act) into law. The passing of the law significantly lowered MGE's corporate tax rates and triggers a remeasurement of deferred taxes. We have reflected the impact of the Tax Act in our financial results; however, those estimates could be affected by, and require subsequent adjustment as a result of, clarity and regulatory guidance that develops around the implementation and interpretation of the Tax Act. Furthermore, while regulation allows us to incorporate changes in tax law into the rate-setting process, there will most likely be timing delays before realization of the changes.
We face risk for the recovery of fuel and purchased power costs.
MGE has price risk exposure with respect to the price of natural gas, electricity, coal, emission credits, and oil. MGE burns natural gas in several of its peak electric generation facilities. In many cases, the cost of purchased power is tied to the cost of natural gas. In the event of an unexpected interruption in energy supply, whether due to equipment problems, transmission constraints, or otherwise, we may incur additional costs to obtain alternative sources of energy supply, in order to meet our contractual or regulatory obligations to our customers. Under the electric fuel rules, MGE is required to defer electric fuel-related costs that fall outside a symmetrical cost tolerance band that is currently plus or minus 2% around the amount approved in its most recent rate order. Any over- or under-recovery of the actual costs in a year is determined in the following year and is then reflected in future billings to electric retail customers. Under the electric fuel rules, MGE is required to defer the benefit of lower
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costs, if its actual fuel costs fall outside the lower end of the range, and is required to defer costs, less any excess revenues, if its actual fuel costs exceed the upper end of the range. Excess revenues are defined as revenues in the year in question that provide MGE with a greater return on common equity than authorized by the PSCW in MGE's latest rate order. MGE assumes the risks and benefits of variances that are within the cost tolerance band.
Operating Risk
We are affected by weather, which affects customer demand and can affect the operation of our facilities.
The demand for electricity and gas is affected by weather. Very warm and very cold temperatures, especially for prolonged periods, can dramatically increase the demand for electricity and gas for cooling and heating, respectively, as opposed to the softening effect of more moderate temperatures. Our electric revenues are sensitive to the summer cooling season and, to a lesser extent, the winter heating season. Similarly, very cold temperatures can dramatically increase the demand for gas for heating. A significant portion of our gas system demand is driven by heating. Extreme summer conditions or storms may stress electric systems, resulting in increased maintenance costs and limiting the ability to meet peak customer demand.
We could be adversely affected by changes in the development, and utilization by our customers, of power generation, storage, and use technologies.
Our revenues and the timing of the recovery of our costs could be adversely affected by improvements in power generation, storage, and use technology.
Advancements in power generation technology, including commercial and residential solar generation installations and commercial micro turbine installations, are improving the cost-effectiveness of customer self-supply of electricity. Improvements in energy storage technology, including batteries and fuel cells, could also better position customers to meet their around-the-clock electricity requirements. Improvements in the energy efficiency of lighting, appliances, and equipment will also affect energy consumption by customers. Such developments could reduce customer purchases of electricity but may not necessarily reduce our investment and operating requirements due to our obligation to serve customers, including those self-supply customers whose equipment has failed for any reason to provide the power they need whether due to inadequate on-site resources, restricted operating hours, or equipment failure. In addition, since a portion of our costs are recovered through charges based upon the volume of power delivered, a reduction in electricity deliveries will affect the timing of our recovery of those costs and may require changes to our rate structures.
Changes in power generation, storage, and use technologies could have significant effects on customer behaviors and their energy consumption. Customers could engage in individual conservation efforts by voluntarily reducing their consumption of electricity through changes in energy use and through the use of more energy efficient lighting, appliances, and equipment. They could also change their consumption of electricity from us through the installation of alternative energy sources, such as rooftop solar panels and micro turbines for self-supply. Customer energy conservation could adversely affect our results of operations by reducing our revenues without necessarily changing our operating costs due to our obligation to serve.
We are affected by economic activity within our service area.
Higher levels of development and business activity generally increase the numbers of customers and their use of electricity and gas. Likewise, recessionary economic conditions generally have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
The ability to obtain an adequate supply of coal could limit the ability to operate the co-owned coal-fired facilities from which we receive a significant portion of our electric supply.
The availability of coal and the means to transport coal could:
Affect our operating costs due to increased costs associated with lower levels of generation or the need for alternate supply or alternate transportation,
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Limit the ability to generate electricity if the plant operator is unable to arrange adequate deliveries of coal, and
Result in potentially higher costs for replacement purchased power as well as potential lost market sales opportunities.
A significant portion of our electric generating capacity is dependent on coal. Demand for coal has been impacted by prevailing prices for natural gas and may affect mine performance. Consequently, we are exposed to the risk that counterparties to these contracts will not be able to fulfill their obligations. Disruption in the delivery of fuel, including disruptions as a result of transportation delays, weather, labor relations, force majeure events, or environmental regulations affecting any of our fuel suppliers, could limit our ability to generate electricity at our facilities at the desired level. Should counterparties fail to perform, or other unplanned disruptions occur, we may be forced to fulfill the underlying obligation at higher prices. The plant operators may also be forced to reduce generation at our coal units and causing us to replace this generation through additional power purchases from third parties. These factors may also affect the terms under which any of the existing coal supply or transportation agreements are renewed or replaced upon the expiration of their current terms.
Our ability to manage our purchased power costs is influenced by a number of uncontrollable factors.
We are exposed to additional purchased power costs to the extent that our power needs cannot be fully covered by the supplies available from our existing facilities and contractual arrangements. Those needs, and our costs, could be affected by:
Increased demand due to, for example, abnormal weather, customer growth, or customer obligations,
The inability to transmit our contracted power from the generation source to our customers due to transmission line constraints, outages, or equipment failures,
Reductions in the availability of power from our owned or contracted generation sources due to equipment failures, shortages of fuel or environmental limitations on operations, and
Failure to perform on the part of any party from which we purchase capacity or energy, whether due to equipment failures, transmission constraints or other causes.
An unexpected change in demand or the availability of generation or transmission facilities can expose us to increased costs of sourcing electricity in the short-term market where pricing may be more volatile.
The equipment and facilities in our operational system are subject to risks that may adversely affect our financial performance.
Weather conditions, accidents, and catastrophic events can result in damage or failures of equipment or facilities and disrupt or limit our ability to generate, transmit, transport, purchase, or distribute electricity and gas. Efforts to repair or replace equipment and facilities may take place over prolonged periods or may be unsuccessful. We may also be unable to make the necessary improvements to our operational system, causing service interruptions. Furthermore, our facilities are interconnected with third-party transmission providers. Damage to or failures of these providers' equipment or facilities is out of our control but could lead to service interruptions. The resulting interruption of services would result in lost revenues and additional costs. We are also exposed to the risk of accidents or other incidents that could result in damage to or destruction of our facilities or damage to persons or property. Such issues could adversely affect revenues or increase costs to repair and maintain our systems.
Our operations and confidential information are subject to the risk of cyber-attacks.
Our operations rely on sophisticated information technology systems and networks. Cyber-attacks targeting our electronic control systems used at our generating facilities and for electric and gas distribution systems, including denial of service and ransomware attacks, could result in a full or partial disruption of our operations. Any disruption of these operations could result in a loss of service to customers and loss of revenue, as well as significant expense to repair system damage and remedy security breaches.
Our business requires the collection and retention of personally identifiable information of our customers, shareholders, and employees, who expect that we will adequately protect such information. A significant theft, loss, or fraudulent use of personally identifiable information may cause our business reputation to be adversely
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impacted and could lead to potentially large costs to notify and protect the impacted persons. The occurrence of such an event may cause us to become subject to legal claims, fines, or penalties, any of which could adversely impact our results of operations.
The safeguards we have may not always be effective due to the evolving nature of cyber-attacks. We cannot guarantee that such protections will be completely successful in the event of a cyber-attack. If the technology systems were to fail or be breached by a cyber-attack, and not be recovered in a timely fashion, we may be unable to fulfill critical business functions and confidential data could be compromised, adversely impacting our financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on the performance of our information technology systems, the failure of which could have an adverse effect on our business and performance.
We operate in a highly engineered industry that requires the continued operation of sophisticated information technology systems and network infrastructure to manage our finances, to operate our control facilities, to provide electric and gas service to our customers, and to enable compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Our computer-based systems are vulnerable to interruption or failure due to the age of certain systems, the introduction of viruses, malware, ransomware, security breaches, fire, power loss, system malfunction, network outages and other events that may be beyond our control. System interruptions or failures, whether isolated or more widespread, could impact our ability to provide service to our customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial performance.
Catastrophic and unpredictable events could have a material adverse effect on our business.
A terrorist attack, war, natural disaster, pandemic virus or disease, or other catastrophic or unpredictable event could adversely affect our future revenues, expenses and operating results by: interrupting our normal business operations; causing employee absences or casualties, including loss of our key employees; interrupting or affecting supplier operations; requiring substantial expenditures and expenses to repair, replace and restore normal business operations; and reducing investor confidence. Facilities for electric generation, transmission, and gas and electric distribution are potential targets of terrorist threats and activities. A terrorist act or catastrophic event at our facilities or the facilities of other companies to which we are interconnected could result in a disruption of our ability to generate, transmit, transport, purchase, or distribute electricity or natural gas. Such an event would have additional adverse effects, including environmental ramifications, increased security and insurance costs, as well as general economic volatility or uncertainty within our service territories. The inability to maintain operational continuity and any additional costs incurred for repairing our facilities or making alternative arrangements could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We face construction risk in connection with the completion of significant capital projects.
Our capital projects, such as our renewable generation projects, are subject to various risks that could cause costs to increase or delays in completion. These risks include shortages of, the inability to obtain, the cost of, and the consistency of, labor, materials and equipment; the inability of the contractors to perform under their contracts; the inability to agree to terms of contracts or disputes in contract terms; work stoppages; adverse weather conditions; the inability to obtain necessary permits in a timely manner; changes in applicable laws or regulations; adverse interpretation or enforcement of permit conditions; governmental actions; legal action; and unforeseen engineering or technology issues. If a capital project is over budget, we may not be able to recover excess costs. Inability to recover excess costs, or inability to complete the project in a timely manner, could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Our stated long-term goals are based on various assumptions and beliefs that may not prove to be achievable in the time frame projected.
Some of our current long-term goals include MGE's targeting of a net‐zero carbon electricity by 2050 and MGE's Energy 2030 framework, which describes our plan for growth in renewables generation. MGE is working to achieve a more sustainable energy future using cost‐effective renewable generation technologies. Management established these goals in conjunction with our board of directors based upon a number of different internal and external factors that characterize and influence our current and expected future activities. These long-term goals
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are based on certain assumptions including the timing, scope and relative costs of technological advancements, including generation, storage and energy use technologies; customer participation in programs and partnerships will be critical to the achievement of the goals; our ability to transition or displace existing coal-fired resources on an ongoing basis; our ability to complete renewable generation projects in a timely manner and within approved budgets; our ability to obtain recovery of costs in rates; and our ability to obtain the necessary permits or licenses for such projects. These assumptions may prove to differ materially from actual future results. Accordingly, we may not achieve our stated long-term goals in the timeframe projected.
Failure to successfully manage the implementation of our Enterprise Forward corporate initiative could adversely affect our operations.
MGE committed to undertake a multi-year information technology project aimed at transforming our foundational customer engagement capabilities and enabling it to be flexible in delivering new products and services as outlined in our energy 2030 framework. These objectives are expected to be accomplished through the implementation of a new customer information and billing system, and enterprise resource planning platform, along with other solutions that meet the goals of the initiative. Integrating new systems is complex, costly and time consuming and could result in performance delays and errors. If the systems and related processes do not operate as intended, it could result in disruptions to our business as well as unrecoverable excess costs. Inability to recover excess capital and operating costs, or inability to implement the project successfully and in a timely manner, could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
We do not own all of the land on which our facilities are located, and we access certain facilities through rights-of-way which could disrupt our operations.
We do not own all of the land on which certain of our facilities are located, and we are, therefore, subject to the risk of increased costs to maintain necessary land use. We obtain the rights to construct and operate certain of our related facilities on land owned by third parties for a specific period of time. Our loss of these rights, through our inability to renew right-of-way contracts on acceptable terms or increased costs to renew such rights, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Failure to attract and retain an appropriately qualified workforce could affect our operations.
An aging workforce and the retirement of key employees without appropriate replacements may lead to operating challenges and increased costs. Some of the challenges include lack of resources, loss of knowledge, and time required for replacement employees to develop necessary skills. Failure to identify qualified replacement employees could result in decreased productivity and increased safety costs. If we are unable to attract and retain an appropriately qualified workforce, our operations could be negatively affected.
Financial Risk
We are exposed to commodity price risk relating to our purchases of natural gas, electricity, coal, oil, and environmental allowances.
We face commodity price risk exposure with respect to the purchase of natural gas, electricity, coal, oil, and environmental allowances. We also face risk through our use of derivatives such as futures, forwards, and swaps, to manage our commodity price risk. We could experience increased costs as a result of volatility in the market values of those commodities. We could also experience losses on our derivative contracts as a result of that market value volatility or if a counterparty fails to perform under a contract. In the absence of actively quoted market prices and pricing information from external sources, the valuation of these derivative contracts involves our exercise of judgment and use of estimates. As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions or use of alternative valuation methods could affect the reported fair value of these contracts.
Our business is concentrated in Wisconsin.
Our business activities, including those of our subsidiaries, are concentrated in Wisconsin. Changes in the economies of Wisconsin and surrounding regions could negatively impact the growth opportunities available to us and our subsidiaries, and the financial condition of our customers and prospects.
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Future construction and development costs could exceed our forecasts, and our cash flow from construction and development projects may not be immediate, which may limit our liquidity and affect our financial position.
Our long-term goals contemplate significant expenditures for the development, construction or other acquisition of energy infrastructure assets. The construction of new assets involves numerous regulatory, environmental, legal, political, materials and labor cost and operational risks that are difficult to predict and subject to matters beyond our control. As a result, we may not be able to complete our projects at the budgeted costs or within the time periods we have projected. There can also be no assurance that we can recover capital expenditures through regulated customer rates. If our capital expenditures exceed the budgeted levels, we will have to finance these overruns through cash from operations, delaying other projects or additional financing. Any or all of these methods may not be available when or in the amounts needed or may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Further, our revenues and cash flows may not increase immediately following our expenditure of funds on a particular project, which could affect our liquidity and financial position.
Interest rate movements and market performance affects our employee benefit plan costs.
Prevailing interest rates affect our assessment and determination of discount rates and are a key assumption in the determination of the costs and funding of our defined benefit pension plans. Changes in rates may impact the amount of expense and timing of contributions to those plans. The performance of the capital markets affects the values of the assets that are held in trust to satisfy the future obligations under our pension and postretirement benefit plans. We have significant obligations in these areas and hold significant assets in these trusts. A decline in the market value of those assets may increase our current and longer-term funding requirements for these obligations. Changes in the value of trust fund assets may affect the level of required contributions to these trusts to meet benefit obligations. Reduced benefit plan assets could result in increased benefit costs in future years and may increase the amount and accelerate the timing of required future funding contributions.
We are exposed to interest rate risk.
We are exposed to interest rate risk on our variable rate financing. Borrowing levels under commercial paper arrangements vary from period to period depending upon capital investments and other factors. Such interest rate risk means that we are exposed to increased financing costs and associated cash payments as a result of changes in the short-term interest rates.
We are exposed to credit risk primarily through our regulated energy business.
Credit risk is the loss that may result from counterparty nonperformance. We face credit risk primarily through MGE's regulated energy business. Failure of contractual counterparties to perform their obligations under purchase power agreements, commodity supply arrangements, or other agreements may result in increased expenses for MGE as a result of being forced to cover the shortfall in the spot or short-term market, where prices may be more volatile.
As a holding company, we are dependent on upstream cash flows from our subsidiaries for the payment of dividends on our common stock.
As a holding company, we have no operations of our own, and our ability to pay dividends on our common stock is dependent on the earnings and cash flows of our operating subsidiaries and their ability to pay upstream dividends or to repay funds to us. Our subsidiaries have financial obligations that must be satisfied before funding us. These obligations include debt service and obligations to trade creditors, among others. Our subsidiaries are also subject to contractual and regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends.
Disruptions in the financial markets or changes to our credit ratings may affect our ability to finance at a reasonable cost and in accordance with our planned schedule.
The credit markets have experienced disruption and uncertainty in prior years. To the extent that such issues affect the ability or willingness of credit providers or investors to participate in the credit markets or particular types of investments, or affect their perception of the risk associated with particular types of investments, our cost
22
of borrowing could be affected. Furthermore, if we are unable to access the capital and credit markets on favorable terms, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity and our ability to repay or refinance our debt. We also rely on our credit ratings to access the credit markets. If our credit ratings are downgraded for any reason, borrowing costs would increase, the number of potential investors could decrease, or we could be required to provide additional credit assurance, including cash collateral, to contract counterparties.
Our insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover losses caused by an operating failure or catastrophic events, including severe weather events, or it may not be available at a reasonable cost, or available at all.
We may experience increased costs and difficulties in obtaining insurance coverage for risks that could arise from our ordinary operations. We or our contractors and customers could continue to experience coverage reductions and/or increased insurance costs in future years. No assurance can be given that future losses will not exceed the limits of our insurance coverage. Uninsured losses and increases in the cost of insurance may not be recoverable in customer rates. A loss that is not fully insured or cannot be recovered in customer rates could materially affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows. In addition, we are unable to predict whether we would be allowed to recover in rates the increased costs of insurance or the costs of any uninsured losses. If the amount of insurance is insufficient or otherwise unavailable, or if we are unable to obtain insurance at a reasonable cost or recover in rates the costs of any uninsured losses, our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows could be materially affected.
General economic conditions may affect our operating revenues and our counterparty risks.
Operational
MGE Energy's and MGE's operations are affected by local, national and worldwide economic conditions. The consequences of a prolonged period of reduced economic activity may include lower demand for energy, uncertainty regarding energy prices and the capital and commodity markets, and increased credit risk. A decline in energy consumption may adversely affect our revenues and future growth. Increased credit risk reflects the risk that our retail customers will not pay their bills in a timely manner or at all, which may lead to a reduction in liquidity and an eventual increase in bad debt expense.
Counterparty creditworthiness
Credit risk also includes the risk that trading counterparties that owe us money or product will breach their obligations. MGE's risk management policy is to limit transactions to a group of high-quality counterparties. Should the counterparties to these arrangements fail to perform, we may be forced to enter into alternative arrangements. In that event, our financial results could be adversely affected and we could incur losses.
The stock market can be volatile, and various factors, could cause our stock price to decline.
The stock market has experienced, and may continue to experience, fluctuations that significantly impact the market prices of securities issued by many companies. Many factors affect the volatility and price of our common stock in addition to our operating results and prospects, including economic conditions changes locally and in the broader economy. These conditions include technological change, the level of interest rates and yields on other investments, and the effects of the other risk factors discussed in this report. Our stock price could fluctuate significantly in response to our quarterly or annual results, as well as factors affecting the broader economy that are beyond our control.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
MGE Energy and MGE
None.
23
Item 2. Properties.
Electric Generation
Net summer rated capacity in service as of December 31, 2019, was as follows:
Plants |
| Location |
| Commercial Operation Date |
| Fuel |
| Net Summer Rated Capacity (MW)(a) |
| No. of Units |
Steam plants: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Columbia |
| Portage, WI |
| 1975 & 1978 |
| Low-sulfur coal |
| 217(b)(c) |
| 2 |
Blount |
| Madison, WI |
| 1957 & 1961 |
| Gas |
| 94(f) |
| 2 |
WCCF |
| Madison, WI |
| 2005 |
| Gas/oil |
| 130(d) |
| 2 |
Elm Road Units |
| Oak Creek, WI |
| 2010 & 2011 |
| Coal |
| 105(b)(e) |
| 2 |
Combustion turbines |
| Madison, WI |
| 1964-2000 |
| Gas/oil |
| 144(f) |
| 6 |
|
| Marinette, WI |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portable generators |
| Madison, WI |
| 1998-2019 |
| Diesel |
| 49(f) |
| 57 |
Wind turbines |
| Townships of Lincoln |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| and Red River, WI |
| 1999 |
| Wind |
| 1(f)(g) |
| 17 |
|
| Township of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Brookfield, IA |
| 2008 |
| Wind |
| 4(f)(h) |
| 18 |
|
| Counties of Dodge |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| and Fond du Lac, WI |
| 2008(i) |
| Wind |
| 3(i) |
| 86 |
|
| Howard County, IA |
| 2019 |
| Wind |
| 8(f)(j) |
| 33 |
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 755 |
|
|
(a)Net summer rated capacity is determined by annual testing and may vary from year to year due to, among other things, the operating and physical conditions of the units.
(b)Baseload generation.
(c)MGE's share. See "Columbia" below.
(d)Facility is jointly owned. Based on the terms of the joint plant agreement between MGE and the UW, the UW has the ability to reduce net capability of these units by approximately 17 MW in the summer. The net summer rated capacity shown reflects this decrease. See "WCCF" below.
(e)MGE's share. See "Elm Road Units" below.
(f)These facilities are owned by MGE.
(g)Nameplate capacity rating is 11.2 MW.
(h)Nameplate capacity rating is 29.7 MW.
(i) Facility is jointly owned with WPL and WPSC. Power from this facility is shared in proportion to each owner's ownership interest. Nameplate capacity rating of the MGE-owned portion is 17.6 MW. Commercial operation date of facility is 2008; MGE purchased its ownership interest in 2018.
(j)Nameplate capacity rating is 66.0 MW. Expected net summer rated capacity based on historical results in the area of the wind farm.
Columbia
MGE and two other utilities jointly own Columbia, a coal-fired generating facility consisting of two 556 MW units, which, as of December 31, 2019, accounted for 29% of MGE's net summer rated capacity. Power from this facility is shared in proportion to each owner's ownership interest. As of December 31, 2019, MGE had a 19.1% ownership interest in Columbia. The other owners are WPL, which operates Columbia, and WPSC. The Columbia units burn low-sulfur sub-bituminous coal obtained from the Powder River Basin coal fields located in Wyoming. The coal inventory supply for the Columbia units increased from approximately 46 days as of December 31, 2018, to approximately 70 days as of December 31, 2019. See "Executive Overview" under Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, for a discussion of the reduction in MGE's ownership share in Columbia that commenced in January 2017 and will continue through a final adjustment in June 2020.
Elm Road Units
MGE Power Elm Road and two other owners own undivided interests in the Elm Road Units, consisting of two 615 MW units, which, as of December 31, 2019, accounted for 14% of MGE's net summer rated capacity. Power from these units is shared in proportion to each owner's ownership interest. MGE Power Elm Road owns an 8.33% ownership interest in the Elm Road Units, and its interest in the Elm Road Units is leased to MGE. The other owners are Wisconsin Energy Corporation, which operates the units, and WPPI Energy, Inc. The Elm Road Units burn bituminous coal obtained from northern West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania, and sub-bituminous coal from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming. MGE's share of the coal inventory supply for the Elm Road Units
24
decreased from approximately 56 days as of December 31, 2018, to approximately 53 days as of December 31, 2019.
MGE leases MGE Power Elm Road's ownership interest in the Elm Road Units pursuant to two separate facility leases. The financial terms of each facility lease include a capital structure of 55% equity and 45% long-term debt, return on equity of 12.7%, and a lease term of 30 years. At the end of the respective lease terms, MGE may, at its option, renew the facility lease for an additional term, purchase the leased ownership interest at fair market value, or allow the lease to end. The Unit 1 and Unit 2 leases commenced with the commercial operation of each respective unit.
WCCF
MGE Power West Campus and the UW jointly own undivided interests in a natural gas-fired cogeneration facility on the UW campus. The facility has the capacity to produce 30,000 tons of chilled water, 500,000 pounds per hour of steam, and approximately 150 MW of electricity. The UW owns 45% of the facility, which represents its interest in the chilled-water and steam assets. These assets are used to meet a part of the UW's need for air-conditioning and steam-heat capacity. MGE Power West Campus owns 55% of the facility, which represents its interest in the electric generating assets. These assets are used to provide electricity to MGE's customers. The UW's share of the plant and portion of the earnings from the WCCF are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements of MGE Energy or MGE. MGE Power West Campus' share of the plant is reflected in property, plant, and equipment on MGE Energy's and MGE's consolidated balance sheets.
MGE leases the electric generating assets owned by MGE Power West Campus and is responsible for operating the entire facility. The financial terms of the facility lease include a capital structure of 53% equity and 47% long-term debt, return on equity of 12.1%, and a lease term of 30 years. At the end of the lease term in 2035, MGE may, at its option, renew the facility lease for an additional term, purchase the generating facility at fair market value, or allow the lease contract to end.
Electric and Gas Distribution Facilities
As of December 31, 2019, MGE owned 861 miles of overhead electric distribution line and 1,246 miles of underground electric distribution cable, all of which are located in Wisconsin. These electric distribution facilities are connected by approximately 52 substations, installed with a capacity of 1,202,500 kVA. MGE's gas facilities include 2,945 miles of distribution mains, which are all owned by MGE.
A significant portion of MGE's electric and gas distribution facilities are located above or underneath highways, streets, other public places, or property that others own. MGE believes that it has satisfactory rights to use those places or property in the form of permits, grants, easements, and licenses; however, it has not necessarily undertaken to examine the underlying title to the land upon which the rights rest.
Encumbrances
The principal plants and properties of MGE are subject to the lien of its Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of January 1, 1946, as amended and supplemented, under which MGE's first mortgage bonds are issued. As of December 31, 2019, there were $1.2 million of first mortgage bonds outstanding. MGE Power Elm Road has collaterally assigned its right to lease payments from MGE for the Elm Road Units in order to secure the repayment of $54.6 million of senior secured notes issued by MGE Power Elm Road. MGE Power West Campus has collaterally assigned its right to lease payments from MGE for the WCCF in order to secure the repayment of $39.7 million of senior secured notes issued by MGE Power West Campus. See Footnote 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for additional information regarding these First Mortgage Bonds and the entitlement of certain senior notes to be equally and ratably secured if MGE issues additional first mortgage bonds.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
MGE Energy and MGE
MGE Energy and its subsidiaries, including MGE, from time to time are involved in various legal proceedings that are handled and defended in the ordinary course of business.
25
See "Environmental" under Item 1. Business and Footnote 16.a. of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for a description of several environmental proceedings involving MGE. See Footnote 16.b. of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for a description of other legal matters.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
MGE Energy and MGE - Not applicable.
PART II.
Item 5. Market for Registrants' Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market for Common Equity
MGE Energy
MGE Energy common stock is traded on Nasdaq under the symbol MGEE. As of January 31, 2020, there were approximately 38,568 shareholders of record. For additional information regarding dividends and dividend restrictions, see Footnote 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report.
MGE
As of January 31, 2020, there were 17,347,894 outstanding shares of MGE common stock, all of which were held by MGE Energy. There is no market for shares of common stock of MGE.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
MGE Energy
| Period |
| Total Number of Shares Purchased |
| Average Price Paid per Share |
| Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(a) |
| Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(a) |
|
| October 1-31, 2019 |
| 7,132 | $ | 77.21 |
| - |
| - |
|
| November 1-30, 2019 |
| 8,702 |
| 75.84 |
| - |
| - |
|
| December 1-31, 2019 |
| 34,899 |
| 78.90 |
| - |
| - |
|
| Total |
| 50,733 | $ | 78.14 |
| - |
| - |
|
(a) Under the MGE Energy, Inc. Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Stock Plan), common stock shares deliverable to plan participants may be either newly issued shares or shares purchased on the open market, as determined from time to time by MGE Energy. During 2019, MGE Energy's transfer agent used open market purchases to provide shares to meet obligations to participants in the Stock Plan. The shares are purchased on the open market through the transfer agent's securities broker-dealer and then are reissued under the Stock Plan as needed to meet share delivery requirements. The volume and timing of share repurchases in the open market depends upon the level of dividend reinvestment and optional share purchases being made from time to time by plan participants. As a result, there is no specified maximum number of shares to be repurchased and no specified termination date for the repurchases. All shares issued through the Stock Plan, whether newly issued or reissued following open market purchases, are issued and sold pursuant to a registration statement that was filed with the SEC and is currently effective.
MGE
None.
26
Stock Performance Graph
The performance graph below illustrates a five-year comparison of cumulative total returns based on an initial investment of $1,000 in MGE Energy common stock, as compared with the Russell 2000 and the EEI Index for the period 2014 through 2019. The EEI Index reflects the consolidated performance of Edison Electric Institute investor-owned electric utilities.
Cumulative Five-Year Total Return Comparison
(assumes $1,000 invested on 12/31/2014 with dividends reinvested)
Value of Investment as of December 31,
|
|
| 2014 |
| 2015 |
| 2016 |
| 2017 |
| 2018 |
| 2019 |
|
| MGEE | $ | 1,000 | $ | 1,046 | $ | 1,506 | $ | 1,484 | $ | 1,441 | $ | 1,932 |
|
| Russell 2000 |
| 1,000 |
| 956 |
| 1,160 |
| 1,329 |
| 1,183 |
| 1,485 |
|
| EEI Index |
| 1,000 |
| 961 |
| 1,129 |
| 1,261 |
| 1,307 |
| 1,644 |
|
27
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
MGE Energy, Inc.
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
|
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
| 2016 |
| 2015 |
Summary of Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Electric | $ | 408,980 | $ | 402,001 | $ | 414,274 | $ | 410,202 | $ | 420,291 |
Gas |
| 159,875 |
| 157,767 |
| 148,825 |
| 134,543 |
| 143,737 |
Total operating revenues |
| 568,855 |
| 559,768 |
| 563,099 |
| 544,745 |
| 564,028 |
Operating expenses |
| 438,087 |
| 426,151 |
| 419,180 |
| 400,801 |
| 423,159 |
Other general taxes |
| 19,858 |
| 19,410 |
| 19,294 |
| 20,062 |
| 19,879 |
Operating income |
| 110,910 |
| 114,207 |
| 124,625 |
| 123,882 |
| 120,990 |
Other income, net |
| 18,811 |
| 17,055 |
| 14,399 |
| 14,057 |
| 11,878 |
Interest expense, net |
| (23,063) |
| (19,609) |
| (19,324) |
| (19,866) |
| (20,162) |
Income before taxes |
| 106,658 |
| 111,653 |
| 119,700 |
| 118,073 |
| 112,706 |
Income tax provision(a) |
| (19,784) |
| (27,434) |
| (22,094) |
| (42,513) |
| (41,363) |
Net income | $ | 86,874 | $ | 84,219 | $ | 97,606 | $ | 75,560 | $ | 71,343 |
Average shares outstanding |
| 34,668 |
| 34,668 |
| 34,668 |
| 34,668 |
| 34,668 |
Basic and diluted earnings per share | $ | 2.51 | $ | 2.43 | $ | 2.82 | $ | 2.18 | $ | 2.06 |
Dividends declared per share | $ | 1.38 | $ | 1.32 | $ | 1.26 | $ | 1.21 | $ | 1.16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Electric | $ | 1,308,277 | $ | 1,193,083 | $ | 1,058,988 | $ | 1,038,308 | $ | 1,004,087 |
Gas |
| 408,001 |
| 377,005 |
| 354,875 |
| 329,538 |
| 318,336 |
Nonregulated energy operations |
| 258,004 |
| 265,301 |
| 270,384 |
| 271,277 |
| 277,858 |
Transmission investments(a) |
| 71,668 |
| 66,366 |
| 61,783 |
| 74,535 |
| 69,470 |
All others |
| 443,278 |
| 465,661 |
| 485,548 |
| 465,202 |
| 434,868 |
Eliminations |
| (407,564) |
| (378,798) |
| (376,396) |
| (377,800) |
| (378,216) |
Total assets | $ | 2,081,664 | $ | 1,988,618 | $ | 1,855,182 | $ | 1,801,060 | $ | 1,726,403 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capitalization including Short-Term Debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shareholders' equity | $ | 855,676 | $ | 816,644 | $ | 778,187 | $ | 724,088 | $ | 690,458 |
Long-term debt(b) |
| 543,400 |
| 497,896 |
| 422,613 |
| 387,124 |
| 391,010 |
Short-term debt |
| - |
| 13,000 |
| 4,000 |
| - |
| - |
Total capitalization and short-term debt | $ | 1,399,076 | $ | 1,327,540 | $ | 1,204,800 | $ | 1,111,212 | $ | 1,081,468 |
(a)In December 2017, a one-time tax impact, as a result of the Tax Act, decreased income tax provision and transmission investment $21.7 million and $20.4 million, respectively.
(b)Includes long-term debt due within one year, debt issuance costs, and unamortized discount.
28
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
General
MGE Energy is an investor-owned public utility holding company operating through subsidiaries in five business segments:
Regulated electric utility operations, conducted through MGE,
Regulated gas utility operations, conducted through MGE,
Nonregulated energy operations, conducted through MGE Power and its subsidiaries,
Transmission investments, representing our equity investment in ATC and ATC Holdco, and
All other, which includes corporate operations and services.
Our principal subsidiary is MGE, which generates and distributes electric energy, distributes natural gas, and represents a majority portion of our assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. MGE generates and distributes electricity to approximately 155,000 customers in Dane County, Wisconsin, including the city of Madison, and purchases and distributes natural gas to approximately 163,000 customers in the Wisconsin counties of Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Iowa, Juneau, Monroe, and Vernon.
Our nonregulated energy operations own interests in electric generating capacity that is leased to MGE. The ownership/leasing structure was adopted under applicable state regulatory guidelines for MGE's participation in these generation facilities, consisting principally of a stable return on the equity investment in the new generation facilities over the term of the related leases. The nonregulated energy operations include an ownership interest in two coal-fired generating units in Oak Creek, Wisconsin and a partial ownership of a cogeneration project on the UW-Madison campus. A third party operates the units in Oak Creek, and MGE operates the cogeneration project. Due to the nature of MGE's participation in these facilities, the results of MGE Energy's nonregulated operations are also consolidated into MGE's consolidated financial position and results of operations under applicable accounting standards.
We have not included a discussion of results of operations and changes in financial position for the year ended
December 31, 2018, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. That discussion can be found in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, which was filed with the SEC on February 22, 2019.
Executive Overview
Our primary focus today and for the foreseeable future is our core utility customers at MGE as well as creating long-term value for our shareholders. MGE continues to face the challenge of providing its customers with reliable power at competitive prices. MGE works on meeting this challenge by investing in more efficient generation projects, including renewable energy sources. MGE continues to examine and pursue opportunities to reduce the proportion that coal generation represents in its generation mix, including a reduction in its ownership of Columbia and its growing ownership of renewable generation sources. MGE will continue to focus on growing earnings while controlling operating and fuel costs. MGE's goal is to provide safe and efficient operations in addition to providing customer value. We believe it is critical to maintain a strong credit standing consistent with financial strength in MGE as well as the parent company in order to accomplish these goals.
We earn revenue and generate cash from operations by providing electric and natural gas utility services, including electric power generation and electric power and gas distribution. The earnings and cash flows from the utility business are sensitive to various external factors, including:
Weather, and its impact on customer sales,
Economic conditions, including current business activity and employment and their impact on customer demand,
Regulation and regulatory issues, and their impact on the timing and recovery of costs,
Energy commodity prices, including natural gas prices,
Equity price risk pertaining to pension related assets,
29
Credit market conditions, including interest rates and our debt credit rating,
Environmental laws and regulations, including adopted and pending environmental rule changes, and
Other factors listed in Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Report.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, MGE Energy's earnings were $86.9 million or $2.51 per share compared to $84.2 million or $2.43 per share for the same period in the prior year. MGE's earnings for the year ended December 31, 2019, were $58.4 million compared to $56.5 million for the same period in the prior year.
MGE Energy's net income was derived from our business segments as follows:
| (In millions) |
| Year Ended December 31, |
| ||
| Business Segment: |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Electric Utility | $ | 46.3 | $ | 45.9 |
|
| Gas Utility |
| 14.1 |
| 12.9 |
|
| Nonregulated Energy |
| 20.4 |
| 20.2 |
|
| Transmission Investments |
| 6.9 |
| 6.2 |
|
| All Others |
| (0.8) |
| (1.0) |
|
| Net Income | $ | 86.9 | $ | 84.2 |
|
Our net income during 2019 compared to 2018 primarily reflects the effects of the following factors:
Electric Utility
An increase in owned generation assets included in rate base was the primary contributor to increased earnings for 2019 as a result of the completion of the Saratoga Wind Farm.
Gas Utility
For 2019, gas operating income increased primarily related to an increase in gas retail sales from an increase in retail customers and higher customer demand resulting from colder weather experienced compared to the same period in the prior year. Heating degree days (a measure for determining the impact of weather during the heating season) increased by 1.4% compared to 2018.
During 2019, the following events occurred:
2019/2020 Rate Change Settlement: In December 2018, the PSCW approved a settlement agreement between MGE and intervening parties in the then pending rate case. The settlement decreased electric rates by 2.24%, or $9.2 million, in 2019. MGE will maintain this rate level for 2020, with the exception that MGE's electric rates will be adjusted by the 2020 Fuel Cost Plan. The decrease in electric rates reflects the ongoing impacts of the Tax Act. Lower fuel costs and an increase in rate base from renewable generation assets further impacted the rate change. In 2020, electric rates will decrease 0.84%, or $3.37 million, as approved by the PSCW in December 2019 in the 2020 Fuel Cost Plan. The settlement agreement increased gas rates by 1.06%, or $1.7 million, in 2019 and 1.46%, or $2.4 million, in 2020. The increase covers infrastructure costs. The settlement agreement also reflects the impacts of the Tax Act.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs: Costs for pension and other postretirement benefits are affected by actual investment returns on the assets held for those benefits and by the discount rate, which is sensitive to interest rates, used to calculate those benefits. Volatility in interest rates and investment returns could affect the value of the pension and postretirement benefit obligations. These changes may affect benefit costs in future years. As a result of lower investment returns in the fourth quarter of 2018, pension and postretirement benefit costs increased in 2019. In August 2019, the PSCW approved MGE's request to defer the difference between estimated pension and other postretirement costs included in the 2019 and 2020 rate settlement and actual expense incurred. For 2019, MGE deferred approximately $6.2 million of pension and other postretirement costs. MGE expects to overcollect benefit costs in 2020 rates by approximately $1 million to $2 million. This amount will reduce the regulatory asset that we expect to be factored into future rate actions starting in 2021.
30
Saratoga Wind Farm: In December 2017, the PSCW authorized construction of a 66 MW wind farm, consisting of 33 turbines, located near Saratoga, Iowa. The project was placed in service in February 2019. Total capitalized expenditures of the project were $107.9 million, including AFUDC. MGE received specific approval to recover 100% AFUDC on the project. After tax, MGE has recognized $0.8 million in AFUDC equity related to this project for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Columbia: MGE and WPL negotiated an amendment to the existing Columbia joint operating agreement, which took effect on January 1, 2017, under which MGE has reduced its obligation to pay certain capital expenditures (other than SCR-related expenditures) at Columbia in exchange for a proportional reduction in MGE's ownership in Columbia. On January 1 of each year from 2017 through 2019 and then on June 1, 2020, the ownership percentage is adjusted through a partial sale based on the amount of capital expenditures foregone. As of December 31, 2018, MGE classified $3.1 million of Columbia assets as held-for-sale on the consolidated balance sheets. In January 2019, MGE reduced its ownership interest in Columbia from 19.4% to 19.1% as a result of the partial sale of plant assets to WPL.
Utility Solar – Two Creeks: In May 2019, MGE acquired a 33% ownership interest in a 150 MW solar generation array being constructed in the Town of Two Creeks and the City of Two Rivers in Manitowoc and Kewaunee Counties, Wisconsin. MGE's sole principal asset will be the 33% undivided ownership interest in the solar generation facility. The estimated share of capital costs for that ownership interest is approximately $65 million (excluding AFUDC). As of December 31, 2019, $43.9 million (excluding AFUDC) related to this project is reflected in "Construction work in progress" on the consolidated balance sheets. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2020. MGE received specific approval to recover 100% AFUDC on the project. After tax, MGE has recognized $1.4 million in AFUDC equity related to this project for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Utility Solar – Badger Hollow I: In July 2019, MGE acquired a 33% ownership interest in a 150 MW solar generation array being constructed in southwestern Wisconsin in Iowa County, near the villages of Montfort and Cobb. MGE's sole principal asset will be the 33% undivided ownership interest in the solar generation facility. The estimated share of capital costs for that ownership interest is approximately $65 million (excluding AFUDC). As of December 31, 2019, $18.7 million (excluding AFUDC) related to this project is reflected in "Construction work in progress" on the consolidated balance sheets. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2020. MGE received specific approval to recover 100% AFUDC on the project. After tax, MGE has recognized $0.3 million in AFUDC equity related to this project for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Deferred Fuel Costs – Subject to Refund: As of December 31, 2019, MGE has deferred $1.5 million of 2019 fuel savings. These costs will be subject to the PSCW's annual review of 2019 fuel costs, expected to be completed during 2020.
2018 Annual Fuel Proceeding: In July 2019, the PSCW issued a final decision in the 2018 fuel rules proceedings for MGE to refund $9.5 million of additional fuel savings realized during 2018 plus accrued interest to its retail electric customers. That amount was returned over a one-month period in October 2019. There was no change to the refund in the fuel rules proceedings from the amount MGE deferred as of December 31, 2018.
2018 Tax Reform: In August 2019, the PSCW issued a decision on the 2018 tax reform proceedings for MGE to refund the remaining 2018 overcollection of income tax expense to its retail customers as a one-time bill credit. MGE returned $3.2 million in September 2019. There was no change to the refund order from the amount MGE deferred as of December 31, 2018.
Debt Issuance: MGE issued $50 million of long-term unsecured debt in November 2019. The proceeds of this debt financing were used to assist with the financing of additional capital expenditures, including Two Creeks and Badger Hollow I, maturing short-term debt, and other corporate obligations. The covenants of this debt issue are substantially consistent with MGE's existing unsecured long-term debt. See Footnote 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for more information regarding long-term debt.
During 2020, several items may affect us, including:
Tax Reform: Pursuant to the Tax Act, deferred income tax balances as of December 31, 2017, were remeasured to reflect the decrease in corporate tax rate. Approximately $131 million of regulatory liability was recorded given
31
that changes in income taxes are generally passed through in customer rates for the regulated utility. The amount and timing of the cash impacts will depend on the period over which certain income tax benefits are provided to customers. Approximately $117 million of the regulatory liability is being returned to customers using a normalization method of accounting. The return of the remaining portion will be determined by the PSCW in MGE's next rate case.
ATC Return on Equity: Several parties have filed complaints with the FERC seeking to reduce the ROE used by MISO transmission owners, including ATC. Any change to ATC's ROE could result in lower equity earnings and distributions from ATC in the future. We derived approximately 8.0% of our net income for the year ended December 31, 2019, from our investment in ATC. See "Other Matters" below for additional information concerning ATC.
Environmental Initiatives: There are proposed legislative rules and initiatives involving matters related to air emissions, water effluent, hazardous materials, and greenhouse gases, all of which affect generation plant capital expenditures and operating costs as well as future operational planning. At present, it is unclear how the changes in the Presidential, Congressional, and EPA administrations may affect existing, pending or new legislative or rulemaking proposals or regulatory initiatives. Such legislation and rulemaking could significantly affect the costs of owning and operating fossil-fueled generating plants, such as Columbia and the Elm Road Units, from which we derive approximately 43% of our electric generating capacity as of December 31, 2019. We would expect to seek and receive recovery of any such costs in rates; however, it is difficult to estimate the amount of such costs due to the uncertainty as to the timing and form of the legislation and rules, and the scope and time of the recovery of costs in rates, which may lag the incurrence of those costs.
EPA’s Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Rule: In July 2019, the EPA published a final ACE rule to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing coal-fired EGUs. The ACE rule directs states to submit plans to the EPA for approval that implement standards of performance (called Best System of Emissions Reductions, or BSER) for individual coal-fired EGUs over 25 MW. The ACE defines BSER as on-site “inside the fenceline,” heat-rate efficiency improvements. Under the ACE rule, states such as Wisconsin have the primary role in developing standards of performance that result from the application of BSER. The ACE rule will apply to Columbia and the Elm Road Units. EGUs compliance with the ACE rule may not be required until 2024 or later. Until the State of Wisconsin develops a plan that is accepted by the EPA, MGE will not be able to determine the final impact of the rule. Additionally, the ACE rule is subject to a legal challenge pending in the United States District Court of the District of Columbia. MGE will continue to evaluate the rule development within the state and monitor ongoing and potential legal proceedings associated with the rule.
Columbia: MGE has reduced its obligation to pay certain capital expenditures (other than SCR-related expenditures) at Columbia in exchange for proportional reductions in MGE's ownership in Columbia. By June 2020, MGE's ownership in Columbia is forecasted to be approximately 19%, a decrease of 3% from the 22% ownership interest held by MGE on January 1, 2016, and a decrease of 0.1% from the ownership percentage held as of December 31, 2019.
Future Generation - Riverside: In 2016, MGE entered into an agreement with WPL under which MGE may acquire up to 50 MW of capacity in a gas-fired generating plant being constructed by WPL at its Riverside Energy Center in Beloit, Wisconsin, during the five-year period following the in-service date of the plant. The plant is expected to be completed by early 2020. MGE has not yet determined whether it will exercise its option in the Riverside plant. A determination will be made based on a variety of factors during the option period.
Future Generation – Utility Solar: In February 2020, the PSCW issued a final decision regarding the Badger Hollow II solar project. The project, jointly owned with WEPCO, consists of 150MW of solar generation assets to be located in southwestern Wisconsin. MGE's ownership share is expected to be 50 MW. Construction of the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2021. MGE's share of the construction cost is expected to be approximately $65 million.
The following discussion is based on the business segments as discussed in Footnote 22 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report.
32
Results of Operations
Results of operations include financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP and electric and gas margins, both which are non-GAAP measures. Electric margin (electric revenues less fuel for electric generation and purchase power costs) and gas margin (gas revenues less cost of gas sold) are non-GAAP measures because they exclude items used in the calculation of the most comparable GAAP measure, operating income. These exclusions consist of nonregulated operating revenues, other operations and maintenance expense, depreciation and amortization expense, and other general taxes expense. Thus, electric and gas margin are not measures determined in accordance with GAAP.
Management believes that electric and gas margins provide a meaningful basis for evaluating and managing utility operations since fuel for electric generation, purchase power costs, and cost of gas sold are passed through without mark-up to customers in current rates. As a result, management uses electric and gas margins internally when assessing the operating performance of our segments. The presentation of utility electric and gas margins herein is intended to provide supplemental information for investors regarding operating performance. These electric and gas margins may not be comparable to how other entities calculate utility electric and gas margin or similar measures. Furthermore, these measures are not intended to replace operating income as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of operating performance.
Year Ended December 31, 2019, Versus the Year Ended December 31, 2018
|
|
| Year Ended December 31, |
| ||||
| (In millions) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| $ Change |
|
| Electric revenues | $ | 408.3 | $ | 400.9 | $ | 7.4 |
|
| Fuel for electric generation |
| (52.0) |
| (56.2) |
| 4.2 |
|
| Purchased power |
| (41.5) |
| (50.8) |
| 9.3 |
|
| Total Electric Margins (non-GAAP) |
| 314.8 |
| 293.9 |
| 20.9 |
|
| Gas revenues |
| 159.9 |
| 157.8 |
| 2.1 |
|
| Cost of gas sold |
| (79.8) |
| (85.0) |
| 5.2 |
|
| Total Gas Margins (non-GAAP) |
| 80.1 |
| 72.8 |
| 7.3 |
|
| Total Electric and Gas Margins (non-GAAP) |
| 394.9 |
| 366.7 |
| 28.2 |
|
| Other operating revenues |
| 0.7 |
| 1.1 |
| (0.4) |
|
| Other operations and maintenance |
| (193.3) |
| (177.8) |
| (15.5) |
|
| Depreciation and amortization |
| (71.6) |
| (56.4) |
| (15.2) |
|
| Other general taxes |
| (19.8) |
| (19.4) |
| (0.4) |
|
| Operating Income | $ | 110.9 | $ | 114.2 | $ | (3.3) |
|
Operating income for 2019 compared to 2018 primarily reflects the effects of the following factors:
Electric revenues and fuel costs
oA $7.4 million increase in electric revenue reflecting the comparison to 2018 electric revenues that were reduced to account for an over-collection of costs in customer rates in 2018. See revenue subject to refund discussed in the "Electric Margin" section below.
oA $4.2 million decrease in fuel for electric generation reflecting lower costs from the wind generation of Saratoga that came on-line during 2019 (construction was completed in February 2019).
oA $9.3 million decrease in purchased power costs driven by the purchase of Forward Wind in April 2018. Prior to the purchase, Forward Wind was covered by a purchased power agreement and reflected in purchased power cost. Following the purchase, it is reflected as internal generation.
Gas revenues and cost of gas sold
oA $2.1 million increase in gas revenues reflecting an increase in retail customers, higher customer demand resulting from colder weather in the first quarter, and an increase in customer rates effective January 1, 2019, to cover infrastructure costs.
oA $5.2 million decrease in cost of gas sold driven by a lower cost per therm of gas.
33
A $15.5 million increase in other operations and maintenance largely due to increased technology costs associated with the Enterprise Forward project. See "Consolidated operations and maintenance expenses" section below for additional detail.
A $15.2 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense driven by accelerated depreciation expense for specified electric assets as discussed in the "Consolidated depreciation expenses" section below.
Electric sales and revenues
The following table compares MGE's electric revenues and electric kWh sales by customer class for each of the years indicated:
|
|
| Revenues |
| Sales (kWh) |
| ||||||||
| (In thousands, except cooling degree days) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| % Change |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| % Change |
|
| Residential | $ | 140,006 | $ | 138,566 |
| 1.0 % |
| 833,646 |
| 860,246 |
| (3.1)% |
|
| Commercial |
| 213,265 |
| 204,683 |
| 4.2 % |
| 1,844,050 |
| 1,867,418 |
| (1.3)% |
|
| Industrial |
| 12,772 |
| 13,878 |
| (8.0)% |
| 171,932 |
| 180,151 |
| (4.6)% |
|
| Other-retail/municipal |
| 35,174 |
| 34,023 |
| 3.4 % |
| 364,254 |
| 381,610 |
| (4.5)% |
|
| Total retail |
| 401,217 |
| 391,150 |
| 2.6 % |
| 3,213,882 |
| 3,289,425 |
| (2.3)% |
|
| Sales to the market |
| 5,664 |
| 7,438 |
| (23.9)% |
| 168,833 |
| 181,342 |
| (6.9)% |
|
| Other revenues |
| 1,404 |
| 2,294 |
| (38.8)% |
| - |
| - |
| -% |
|
| Total | $ | 408,285 | $ | 400,882 |
| 1.8 % |
| 3,382,715 |
| 3,470,767 |
| (2.5)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Cooling degree days (normal 680) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 657 |
| 796 |
| (17.5)% |
|
Electric Margin
Electric margin, a non-GAAP measure, increased $20.9 million during 2019 compared to 2018, due to the following:
| (In millions) |
|
|
|
| Revenue subject to refund, net | $ | 22.7 |
|
| Decreased fuel costs |
| 14.3 |
|
| Rate changes |
| (9.0) |
|
| Decrease in volume |
| (4.7) |
|
| Other |
| (2.4) |
|
| Total | $ | 20.9 |
|
Revenue subject to refund. For cost recovery mechanisms, any over-collection of revenues resulting from the amount of costs authorized to be collected from customers in rates exceeding actual costs is recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period incurred, as the over-collection is expected to be refunded to customers in a subsequent period.
oTax Act. MGE received a PSCW order in January 2018 to defer the over-collection of income tax expense collected in customer rates as a result of the Tax Act reduction in federal income tax rate to 21 percent. MGE's income tax subject to refund decreased $3.5 million compared to the same period in the prior year. During 2018, MGE returned $6.3 million to electric customers through bill credits related to the tax credit.
oFuel-related costs. MGE's fuel-related costs subject to refund decreased $8.0 million compared to the same period in the prior year. Under fuel rules, MGE is required to defer electric fuel-related costs that fall outside a 2% cost tolerance band around the amount used in the most recent rate proceeding.
oOperating Costs. MGE's electric plant operating costs subject to refund decreased $5.0 million compared to the same period in the prior year primarily related to lower leased generation costs due to the reduction in tax rate.
34
Fuel Costs. Fuel costs decreased during 2019, primarily as a result of a reduction in purchased power. The purchase of Forward Wind in April 2018 replaced an existing purchase power agreement that was previously recorded as purchased power expense in fuel costs. The commencement of commercial operations at Saratoga in February 2019 further decreased the need for purchased power, contributing to the reduction in fuel costs in the current year.
Rate changes. Rates charged to retail customers during 2019, were $9.0 million lower than those charged during the same period in the prior year.
In December 2018, the PSCW authorized MGE to decrease 2019 rates for electric retail customers by 2.24%.
Volume. During 2019, there was a 3.1% decrease in residential electric sales volumes compared to the same period in the prior year driven by less favorable weather conditions.
Other. During 2019, other items affecting electric operating revenues decreased $2.4 million primarily attributable to adjustments to revenue and a decrease in demand charges. MGE leases electric generating capacity from MGE Power Elm Road. MGE collects in rates the lease payments associated with the electric generating capacity as authorized by the PSCW. Any differential between estimated lease payments collected in rates and actual lease payments paid to MGE Power Elm Road are included in other revenues.
Gas deliveries and revenues
The following table compares MGE's gas revenues and gas therms delivered by customer class during each of the years indicated:
| (In thousands, except HDD and average rate per therm of retail customer) |
| Revenues |
| Therms Delivered |
| ||||||||
|
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| % Change |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| % Change |
| |
| Residential | $ | 95,146 | $ | 94,017 |
| 1.2 % |
| 111,144 |
| 106,899 |
| 4.0 % |
|
| Commercial/Industrial |
| 59,051 |
| 59,060 |
| -% |
| 104,740 |
| 101,028 |
| 3.7 % |
|
| Total retail |
| 154,197 |
| 153,077 |
| 0.7 % |
| 215,884 |
| 207,927 |
| 3.8 % |
|
| Gas transportation |
| 5,293 |
| 4,283 |
| 23.6 % |
| 75,902 |
| 74,773 |
| 1.5 % |
|
| Other revenues |
| 385 |
| 407 |
| (5.4)% |
| - |
| - |
| -% |
|
| Total | $ | 159,875 | $ | 157,767 |
| 1.3 % |
| 291,786 |
| 282,700 |
| 3.2 % |
|
| Heating degree days (normal 6,971) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 7,406 |
| 7,306 |
| 1.4 % |
|
| Average rate per therm of retail customer | $ | 0.714 | $ | 0.736 |
| (3.0)% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gas Margin
Gas margin, a non-GAAP measure, increased $7.3 million during 2019 compared to 2018, due to the following:
| (In millions) |
|
|
|
| Revenue subject to refund, net | $ | 3.4 |
|
| Rate changes |
| 1.5 |
|
| Other |
| 1.4 |
|
| Increase in volume |
| 1.0 |
|
| Total | $ | 7.3 |
|
Revenue subject to refund. For cost recovery mechanisms, any over-collection of revenues resulting from the amount of costs authorized to be collected from customers in rates exceeding actual costs is recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period incurred, as the over-collection is expected to be refunded to customers in a subsequent period.
oTax Act. MGE received a PSCW order in January 2018 to defer the over-collection of income tax expense collected in customer rates as a result of the Tax Act reduction in federal income tax rate to 21 percent. MGE's income tax subject to refund decreased $1.5 million compared to the same period in the prior year. During 2018, MGE returned $1.9 million to gas customers through bill credits related to the tax credit.
35
Rate changes. In December 2018, the PSCW authorized MGE to increase 2019 rates for retail gas customers by 1.06%.
Other. During 2019, other items affecting gas operating revenues increased $1.4 million partially attributable to an increase in fixed charges as a result of an increase in customers.
Volume. For 2019, retail gas deliveries increased 3.8% compared to the same period in the prior year primarily related to customer growth and more favorable weather conditions in the current year.
Consolidated operations and maintenance expenses
For 2019, operations and maintenance expenses increased $15.5 million, compared to the same period in the prior year. The following contributed to the net change:
| (In millions) |
|
|
|
| Increased administrative and general costs | $ | 7.6 |
|
| Increased electric production costs |
| 2.6 |
|
| Increased gas distribution costs |
| 1.7 |
|
| Increased electric distribution costs |
| 1.5 |
|
| Increased customer accounts costs |
| 0.8 |
|
| Increased customer services |
| 0.6 |
|
| Increased other costs |
| 0.7 |
|
| Total | $ | 15.5 |
|
Increased administrative and general costs and customer account costs are primarily related to increased technology costs associated with the multi-year Enterprise Forward information technology project, which includes a new customer information and billing system. In addition, higher administrative and general costs are related to an increase in stock price increasing the costs associated with the performance unit awards. See Footnote 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for additional information on performance unit awards.
Increased electric production expenses are primarily related to increased operations and maintenance costs at the Elm Road Units and Forward Wind facility.
Increased gas and electric distribution expenses are primarily related to increased costs for locator services for underground lines.
Consolidated depreciation expense
Electric depreciation expense increased $13.9 million and gas depreciation expense increased $1.3 million for 2019, compared to the same period in the prior year. MGE accelerated depreciation for combustion turbines and Columbia Unit 1 in 2019, as approved in the December 2018 rate settlement, increasing electric depreciation expense compared to the prior period.
Nonregulated Energy Operations - MGE Energy and MGE
The nonregulated energy operations are conducted through MGE Energy's subsidiaries: MGE Power Elm Road (the Elm Road Units) and MGE Power West Campus (WCCF), which have been formed to own and lease electric generating capacity to assist MGE. For 2019 and 2018, net income at the nonregulated energy operations segment was $20.4 million and $20.2 million, respectively.
Transmission Investment Operations - MGE Energy and MGE
For 2019 and 2018, other income at the transmission investment segment was $9.5 million and $8.6 million, respectively. The transmission investment segment holds our interest in ATC and ATC Holdco, and its income reflects our equity in the earnings of the investments. ATC Holdco was formed in December 2016. In the near term, it is expected that ATC Holdco will be pursuing transmission development opportunities that typically have long
36
development and investment lead times before becoming operational. See Footnote 7.b. of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report and "Other Matters" below for additional information concerning ATC and summarized financial information regarding ATC.
Consolidated Income Taxes - MGE Energy and MGE
In 2019, the effective electric tax rate decreased as a result of a tax credit produced by wind generation at Saratoga. See Footnote 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for details of effective income tax rates for continuing operations.
Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax - MGE
The noncontrolling interest, net of tax, reflects the accounting required for MGE Energy's interest in MGE Power Elm Road (the Elm Road Units) and MGE Power West Campus (WCCF). MGE Energy owns 100% of MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus; however, due to the contractual agreements for these projects with MGE, the entities are considered VIEs with respect to MGE and their results are consolidated with those of MGE, the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. The following table shows MGE Energy's noncontrolling interest, net of tax, reflected on MGE's consolidated statement of income:
|
|
| Year Ended December 31, |
| ||
| (In millions) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| MGE Power Elm Road | $ | 15.1 | $ | 15.4 |
|
| MGE Power West Campus |
| 7.2 |
| 7.2 |
|
Liquidity and Capital Resources
MGE Energy and MGE believe we have adequate liquidity to fund operations and capital expenditures over the next twelve months. Available resources include cash and cash equivalents, operating cash flows, liquid assets, borrowing capacity under revolving credit facilities, and access to equity and debt capital markets.
Cash Flows
The following summarizes cash flows for MGE Energy and MGE during 2019 and 2018:
|
|
| MGE Energy |
| MGE |
| ||||
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Cash provided by/(used for): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Operating activities | $ | 130,475 | $ | 153,040 | $ | 125,870 | $ | 147,994 |
|
| Investing activities |
| (172,357) |
| (218,328) |
| (164,818) |
| (213,302) |
|
| Financing activities |
| (17,233) |
| 38,123 |
| 37,807 |
| 61,885 |
|
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
MGE Energy
MGE Energy's consolidated net cash provided by operating activities is derived mainly from the electric and gas operations of its principal subsidiary, MGE.
Cash provided by operating activities for 2019 was $130.5 million, a decrease of $22.6 million when compared to the prior year.
MGE Energy's net income increased $2.7 million for 2019 when compared to the prior year.
MGE Energy's federal and state taxes paid increased $1.8 million during 2019, when compared to the prior year.
Working capital accounts (excluding prepaid and accrued taxes) resulted in $19.7 million in cash used for operating activities for 2019, primarily due to decreased accounts payable, decreased current liabilities, and increased inventories, partially offset by decreased unbilled revenues. The decrease in other current liabilities is attributable
37
to a $3.2 million one-time tax bill credit and a $9.4 million one-time fuel credit to retail customers in 2019.
Working capital accounts (excluding prepaid and accrued taxes) resulted in $10.5 million in cash provided by operating activities for 2018, primarily due to decreased unbilled revenues and decreased inventories, partially offset by decreased accounts payable, decreased current liabilities, and increased receivables. The decrease in other current liabilities is attributable to a $8.2 million one-time tax bill credit and a $4.3 million one-time fuel credit to retail customers in 2018.
An increase in hosted software asset expenditures resulted in additional $6.6 million in cash used for operating activities for 2019, when compared to the prior year. This amount represents a decrease of $1.6 million of cash used when compared to the prior year.
MGE
Cash provided by operating activities for 2019 was $125.9 million, a decrease of $22.1 million when compared to the prior year.
Net income increased $1.7 million for 2019, when compared to the prior year.
MGE's federal and state taxes paid increased $1.9 million during 2019, when compared to the prior year.
Working capital accounts (excluding prepaid and accrued taxes) resulted in $19.4 million in cash used for operating activities for 2019, primarily due to decreased accounts payable, decreased current liabilities, and increased inventories, partially offset by decreased unbilled revenues. The decrease in other current liabilities is attributable to a $3.2 million one-time tax bill credit and a $9.4 million one-time fuel credit to retail customers in 2019.
Working capital accounts (excluding prepaid and accrued taxes) resulted in $10.1 million in cash provided by operating activities for 2018, primarily due to decreased unbilled revenues and decreased inventories, partially offset by decreased accounts payable, decreased current liabilities, and increased accounts receivable. The decrease in other current liabilities is attributable to a $8.2 million one-time tax bill credit and a $4.3 million one-time fuel credit to retail customers in 2018.
An increase in hosted software asset expenditures resulted in additional $6.6 million in cash used for operating activities for 2019, when compared to the prior year. This amount represents a decrease of $1.6 million of cash used when compared to the prior year.
Capital Requirements and Investing Activities
MGE Energy
MGE Energy's cash used for investing activities decreased $46.0 million for 2019 when compared to the prior year.
Capital expenditures for 2019 were $164.0 million. This amount represents a decrease of $48.2 million from the expenditures made in the prior year. This decrease primarily reflects reduced expenditures on the construction of Saratoga in 2019. Capital expenditures in 2019 include $49.8 million related to Two Creeks and Badger Hollow I. Total cost of the two projects is expected to be approximately $130 million. The projects are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2020.
Capital contributions in ATC and other investments increased $1.9 million for 2019 when compared to the prior year.
MGE
MGE's cash used for investing activities decreased $48.5 million for 2019 when compared to the prior year.
Capital expenditures for 2019 were $164.0 million. This amount represents a decrease of $48.2 million from the expenditures made in the prior year. This decrease primarily reflects reduced expenditures on the construction of
38
Saratoga in 2019. Capital expenditures in 2019 include $49.8 million related to Two Creeks and Badger Hollow I. Total cost of the two projects is expected to be approximately $130 million. The projects are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2020.
Capital expenditures
The following table shows MGE Energy's actual capital expenditures for both 2019 and 2018, forecasted capital expenditures for 2020 through 2022:
|
|
| Actual |
| Forecasted |
| ||||||
| (In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the years ended December 31, | 2018 |
| 2019 | 2020 |
| 2021 | 2022 |
| |||
| Electric | $ | 176,399 | $ | 125,086 | $ | 179,183 | $ | 180,520 | $ | 89,070 |
|
| Gas |
| 30,497 |
| 36,193 |
| 41,544 |
| 39,112 |
| 40,674 |
|
| Utility plant total |
| 206,896 |
| 161,279 |
| 220,727 |
| 219,632 |
| 129,744 |
|
| Nonregulated |
| 5,301 |
| 2,757 |
| 5,623 |
| 4,401 |
| 7,035 |
|
| MGE Energy total | $ | 212,197 | $ | 164,036 | $ | 226,350 | $ | 224,033 | $ | 136,779 |
|
MGE Energy used internally generated funds from operations, short-term borrowings under existing lines of credit pending long-term financing, and long-term external financing to meet our 2019 capital requirements and cash obligations, including dividend payments. MGE's Energy 2030 framework details our plan for growth in generation for renewables. This growth will continue as legacy fossil fuel-fired generation assets are retired and replaced with renewables, such as wind and solar assets. Beyond 2030, MGE is targeting net-zero carbon electricity by 2050. These solar and wind projects are a major step toward deep decarbonization and greater use of clean energy sources, in pursuit of our goal. MGE Energy expects to generate funds from both long-term debt financing, including tax exempt, short-term debt financing, or equity issuances from the public market or through our Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
The forecasted capital expenditures are based upon management's assumptions with respect to future events, including the timing and amount of expenditures associated with compliance with environmental compliance initiatives, legislative and regulatory initiatives, customer demand and support for electrification and renewable energy resources, energy conservation initiatives, load growth, the timing of any required regulatory approvals and the adequacy of rate recovery. Actual events may differ materially from those assumptions and result in material changes to those forecasted amounts.
The following table provides further detail of MGE Energy's forecasted capital expenditures, separating spending into capital project categories for 2020 through 2022:
|
|
| Forecasted |
| ||||
| (In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the years ended December 31, | 2020 |
| 2021 | 2022 |
| ||
| Electric renewables | $ | 108,091 | $ | 90,919 | $ | 11,064 |
|
| Electric distribution |
| 43,157 |
| 38,601 |
| 49,586 |
|
| Electric production |
| 6,881 |
| 30,488 |
| 15,329 |
|
| Gas distribution |
| 27,507 |
| 25,438 |
| 31,947 |
|
| Common(a) |
| 9,840 |
| 11,685 |
| 15,710 |
|
| Enterprise Forward(a) |
| 25,251 |
| 22,501 |
| 6,108 |
|
| Utility plant total |
| 220,727 |
| 219,632 |
| 129,744 |
|
| Nonregulated |
| 5,623 |
| 4,401 |
| 7,035 |
|
| MGE Energy total | $ | 226,350 | $ | 224,033 | $ | 136,779 |
|
(a)Common and Enterprise Forward (information technology) is allocated to electric and gas segments based on formulas prescribed by the PSCW.
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Our capital expenditure plans reflect the following projects:
Badger Hollow I and Two Creeks Solar Generation Projects: Badger Hollow I and Two Creeks, located in Wisconsin, began construction in 2019, and are jointly owned with other Wisconsin utilities. These projects accounted for $62.6 million of electric capital expenditures for 2019. MGE's share of the total construction cost is expected to be approximately $130 million. The projects are expected to be completed in 2020.
Badger Hollow II Solar Generation Project: In February 2020, the PSCW issued a final decision regarding the Badger Hollow II solar project. The project is jointly owned and construction of the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2021. MGE's share of the total construction cost is expected to be approximately $65 million and is included in the forecasted electric capital expenditures for 2021.
Other Service Area Renewable Solar Projects: MGE is actively pursuing additional local solar projects through the Renewable Energy Rider (RER) and Shared Solar programs. The RER program allows MGE to partner with a large energy user to tailor a renewable energy solution and related project financing to meet a customer's specific energy needs. The Shared Solar program provides an opportunity for eligible customers to add locally-generated solar to their energy mix without having to install solar panels. The forecasted capital expenditures related to these local solar projects are expected to total $64 million for the years 2020 through 2021 and require regulatory approval.
Electric and Gas Distribution: In 2022, electric and gas distribution include expenditures for enhanced metering solutions to provide customers with more timely and detailed energy use information. Investments in advanced metering infrastructure will provide additional benefits including outage and demand response and automated meter reading capabilities. Forecasted capital expenditures in 2022 include approximately $25 million related to this project.
Electric Production: MGE has consistently valued reliability for its electric and natural gas utility customers. MGE utilizes backup generation programs to provide significant capacity sources for overall system reliability and resiliency. Forecasted capital expenditures in 2021 and 2022 include additional projects of approximately $17 million related to these programs.
Enterprise Forward: Enterprise Forward is a multi-year information technology project, which includes implementation of a new customer information system and other applications. This project is expected to involve capital expenditures of approximately $108 million, including approximately $61 million of forecasted capital expenditures for the years 2020 through 2022. A portion of the Enterprise Forward expenditures are implementation costs of internal use software incurred in a hosted arrangement, totaling approximately $21 million for the project and including $7 million of forecasted expenditures for the years 2020 through 2022. Based on applicable accounting guidance, these expenditures are recorded in "Other deferred assets and other" on the consolidated balance sheets rather than in "Property, plant, and equipment, net" and as such are excluded from the tables above.
Financing Activities
MGE Energy
Cash used for MGE Energy's financing activities was $17.2 million for 2019, compared to $38.1 million of cash provided by financing activities in 2018.
For 2019, cash dividends paid were $47.8 million compared to $45.8 million in the prior year. This increase was a result of a higher dividend per share ($1.38 vs. $1.32).
During 2019, MGE issued $50.0 million of senior unsecured notes, which was used to assist with financing additional capital expenditures, including Two Creeks and Badger Hollow I, maturing short-term debt, and other corporate obligations. During 2018, MGE issued $100.0 million of senior unsecured notes, which was used to refinance $20.0 million of maturing long-term notes and assist with financing additional capital expenditures. The increase in long-term debt primarily reflected expenditures on the construction of Saratoga.
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For 2019, net short-term debt repayments were $13.0 million compared to net short-term debt borrowings of $9.0 million in the prior year.
MGE
During 2019, cash provided by MGE's financing activities was $37.8 million, compared to $61.9 million of cash provided by financing activities in 2018.
Capital contributions made by MGE Energy to MGE were $30.5 million in 2019. There were no capital contributions made by MGE Energy to MGE in 2018.
Distributions to parent (MGE Energy) from noncontrolling interest, which represent distributions from MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus, were $23.5 million for 2019, compared to $22.0 million in the prior year.
During 2019, MGE issued $50.0 million of senior unsecured notes, which was used to assist with financing additional capital expenditures, including Two Creeks and Badger Hollow I, maturing short-term debt, and other corporate obligations. During 2018, MGE issued $100.0 million of senior unsecured notes, which was used to refinance $20.0 million of maturing long-term notes and assist with financing additional capital expenditures. The increase in long-term debt primarily reflects expenditures on the construction of Saratoga.
For 2019, net short-term debt repayments were $13.0 million compared to net short-term debt borrowings of $9.0 million in the prior year.
Dividend Restrictions
Dividend payments by MGE to MGE Energy are subject to restrictions arising under a PSCW rate order and, to a lesser degree, MGE's first mortgage bonds. The PSCW order restricts any dividends that MGE may pay MGE Energy if its common equity ratio, calculated in the manner used in the rate proceeding, is less than 55%. MGE's thirteen month rolling average common equity ratio as of December 31, 2019, is 57.3%, as determined under the calculation used in the rate proceeding. This restriction did not impact MGE's payment of dividends in 2019. No cash dividends were paid by MGE to MGE Energy in 2019 or 2018. The rate proceeding calculation includes as indebtedness imputed amounts for MGE's outstanding purchase power capacity payments and other PSCW adjustments but does not include the indebtedness associated with MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus, which are consolidated into MGE's financial statements but are not direct obligations of MGE.
MGE has covenanted with the holders of its first mortgage bonds not to declare or pay any dividend or make any other distribution on or purchase any shares of its common stock unless, after giving effect thereto, the aggregate amount of all such dividends and distributions and all amounts applied to such purchases, after December 31, 1945, shall not exceed the earned surplus (retained earnings) accumulated subsequent to December 31, 1945. As of December 31, 2019, approximately $465.2 million was available for the payment of dividends under this covenant.
MGE Power West Campus has covenanted with the holders of its outstanding senior secured notes not to declare or make distributions to us in the event that, both before and after giving effect to such distribution, its total debt to total capitalization would exceed .65 to 1.00 or its projected debt service coverage ratio for the following four fiscal quarters would be less than 1.25 to 1.00. Projected debt service coverage considers the projected revenues available for debt service, after deducting expenses other than debt service, in relation to projected debt service on indebtedness.
MGE Power Elm Road has covenanted with the holders of its outstanding senior secured notes not to declare or make distributions to us in the event that, both before and after giving effect to such distribution, its projected debt service coverage ratio for the following four fiscal quarters would be less than 1.25 to 1.00. Projected debt service coverage considers the projected revenues available for debt service, after deducting expenses other than debt service, in relation to projected debt service on indebtedness.
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Credit Facilities
As of December 31, 2019, MGE Energy and MGE had the following aggregate bank commitments and available capacity under their credit agreements:
Borrower |
| Aggregate Bank Commitments |
| Outstanding Commercial Paper |
| Outstanding Borrowings |
| Available Capacity |
| Expiration Date |
|
| (Dollars in millions) |
|
| ||||||
MGE Energy | $ | 50.0 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 50.0 |
| February 7, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MGE | $ | 100.0 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 100.0 |
| February 7, 2024 |
Borrowings under the Credit Agreements may bear interest at a rate based upon either a "floating rate" or a "Eurodollar Rate" adjusted for statutory reserve requirements, plus an adder based upon the credit ratings assigned to MGE's senior unsecured long-term debt securities. The "floating rate" is calculated on a daily basis as the highest of a prime rate, a Federal Funds effective rate plus 0.5% per annum, or a Eurodollar Rate for a one-month interest period plus 1%. The "floating rate" adder ranges from zero to 0.125%. The "Eurodollar Rate" is calculated as provided in the Credit Agreements. The "Eurodollar Rate" adder ranges from 0.625% to 1.125%.
The credit agreements require the borrower to maintain a ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated total capitalization not to exceed a maximum of 65%. The ratio calculation excludes assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses included in MGE's financial statements as a result of the consolidation of VIEs, such as MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus. As of December 31, 2019, the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated total capitalization for each of MGE Energy and MGE, as calculated under the credit agreements' covenant, were 39.0% and 43.9%, respectively. See Footnote 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for additional information regarding the credit facilities.
Capitalization Ratios
MGE Energy's capitalization ratios were as follows:
|
| MGE Energy |
| ||
|
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Common shareholders' equity | 61.2% |
| 61.5% |
|
| Long-term debt(a) | 38.8% |
| 37.5% |
|
| Short-term debt | -% |
| 1.0% |
|
(a)Includes the current portion of long-term debt.
Credit Ratings
MGE Energy's and MGE's access to the capital markets, including, in the case of MGE, the commercial paper market, and their respective financing costs in those markets, may depend on the credit ratings of the entity that is accessing the capital markets.
None of MGE Energy's or MGE's borrowing is subject to default or prepayment as a result of a downgrading of credit ratings, although a downgrading of MGE's credit ratings would increase fees and interest charges under both MGE Energy's and MGE's credit agreements.
42
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments for MGE Energy and MGE
MGE Energy's and MGE's contractual obligations as of December 31, 2019, representing cash obligations that are considered to be firm commitments, are as follows:
|
|
|
| Payment Due Within: |
| Due After | ||||
(In thousands) |
| Total |
| 1 Year |
| 2-3 Years |
| 4-5 Years |
| 5 Years |
MGE Energy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt(a) | $ | 547,879 | $ | 19,659 | $ | 9,660 | $ | 40,160 | $ | 478,400 |
Interest expense(b) |
| 416,959 |
| 24,212 |
| 46,092 |
| 43,867 |
| 302,788 |
Leases(c) |
| 47,896 |
| 1,872 |
| 2,990 |
| 2,031 |
| 41,003 |
Purchase obligations(d) |
| 358,572 |
| 83,721 |
| 117,754 |
| 68,472 |
| 88,625 |
Construction obligations(e) |
| 115,350 |
| 100,369 |
| 14,981 |
| - |
| - |
Other obligations(f) |
| 27,935 |
| 20,748 |
| 2,077 |
| 1,659 |
| 3,451 |
Total MGE Energy contractual obligations | $ | 1,514,591 | $ | 250,581 | $ | 193,554 | $ | 156,189 | $ | 914,267 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MGE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt(a) | $ | 547,879 | $ | 19,659 | $ | 9,660 | $ | 40,160 | $ | 478,400 |
Interest expense(b) |
| 416,959 |
| 24,212 |
| 46,092 |
| 43,867 |
| 302,788 |
Leases(c) |
| 47,896 |
| 1,872 |
| 2,990 |
| 2,031 |
| 41,003 |
Purchase obligations(d) |
| 358,572 |
| 83,721 |
| 117,754 |
| 68,472 |
| 88,625 |
Construction obligations(e) |
| 115,350 |
| 100,369 |
| 14,981 |
| - |
| - |
Other obligations(f) |
| 27,935 |
| 20,748 |
| 2,077 |
| 1,659 |
| 3,451 |
Total MGE contractual obligations | $ | 1,514,591 | $ | 250,581 | $ | 193,554 | $ | 156,189 | $ | 914,267 |
(a)Long-term debt consisting of secured first mortgage bonds, unsecured medium-term notes, and Industrial Development Revenue Bonds issued by MGE, and private placement debt issued by MGE, MGE Power Elm Road, and MGE Power West Campus.
(b)Amount represents interest expense on long-term debt. See Footnote 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for further discussion of the long-term debt outstanding as of December 31, 2019.
(c)Leases. See Footnote 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report.
(d)Purchase obligations for MGE Energy and MGE consist primarily of the purchase of electricity and natural gas, electric transmission, natural gas storage capacity, natural gas pipeline transportation, and the purchase and transport of coal. See Footnote 16.c. of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report.
(e)Construction obligations consist primarily of Badger Hollow I, Two Creeks, other renewable solar projects and software development related to the Enterprise Forward initiative that includes a new customer information and billing system.
(f)Other obligations are primarily related to investment commitments, chattel paper agreement, environmental projects, fuel credit, and uncertain tax positions.
The above amounts do not include any contributions for MGE's pension and postretirement plans. MGE does not expect to need to make any required contributions to the qualified plans for 2020. The contributions for years after 2020 are not yet currently estimated. Due to uncertainties in the future economic performance of plan assets, discount rates, and other key assumptions, estimated contributions are subject to change. MGE may also elect to make additional discretionary contributions to the plans.
The above amounts do not include future capital calls by ATC and ATC Holdco. In January 2020, MGE Transco made a $0.2 million capital contribution to ATC. The amount and timing of future capital calls to these entities is uncertain and primarily dependent on the operations and expansion of ATC and the development activities of ATC Holdco.
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MGE Energy's and MGE's commercial commitments as of December 31, 2019, representing commitments triggered by future events and including financing arrangements to secure obligations of MGE Energy and MGE, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
| Expiration Within: |
| Due After |
| ||||
| (In thousands) |
| Total |
| 1 Year |
| 2-3 Years |
| 4-5 Years |
| 5 Years |
|
| MGE Energy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Available lines of credit(a) | $ | 150,000 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 150,000 | $ | - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| MGE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Available lines of credit(b) | $ | 100,000 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 100,000 | $ | - |
|
(a)Amount includes the facilities discussed in (b) plus an additional line of credit. MGE Energy has available at any time a $50 million committed revolving credit agreement, expiring in February 2024. As of December 31, 2019, MGE Energy had no borrowings outstanding under this credit facility.
(b)Amount includes two committed revolving credit agreements totaling $100 million expiring in February 2024. These credit facilities are used to support commercial paper issuances. As of December 31, 2019, MGE had no borrowings outstanding under these facilities. On that date, MGE had no commercial paper outstanding.
Other Matters
Rate Matters
In December 2018, the PSCW approved a settlement agreement between MGE and intervening parties in the then pending rate case. The settlement decreased electric rates by 2.24%, or $9.2 million, in 2019. MGE will maintain this rate level for 2020, with the exception that MGE's electric rates will be adjusted by the 2020 Fuel Cost Plan. The decrease in electric rates reflects the ongoing impacts of the Tax Act. Lower fuel costs and an increase in rate base from renewable generation assets further impacted the rate change. In 2020, electric rates will decrease 0.84%, or $3.37 million, as approved by the PSCW in December 2019 in the 2020 Fuel Cost Plan. The settlement agreement increased gas rates by 1.06%, or $1.7 million, in 2019 and 1.46%, or $2.4 million, in 2020. The increase covers infrastructure costs. The settlement agreement also reflects the impacts of the Tax Act.
Details related to MGE's December 2018 PSCW approved settlement agreement are as follows:
(dollars in thousands) |
| Authorized Average Rate Base(a) |
| Authorized Return on Common Equity(b) |
| Common Equity Component of Regulatory Capital Structure |
| Effective Date |
Electric (2019 Test Period) | $ | 842,629 |
| 9.8 % |
| 56.55 % |
| 1/1/2019 |
Gas (2019 Test Period) |
| 233,405 |
| 9.8 % |
| 56.55 % |
| 1/1/2019 |
Electric (2020 Test Period) |
| 860,538 |
| 9.8 % |
| 56.06 % |
| 1/1/2020 |
Gas (2020 Test Period) |
| 250,743 |
| 9.8 % |
| 56.06 % |
| 1/1/2020 |
(a)Average rate base amounts reflect MGE's allocated share of rate base and do not include CWIP or a cash working capital allowance and were calculated using a forecasted 13-month average for the test periods. The PSCW provides a return on selected CWIP and a cash working capital allowance by adjusting the percentage return on rate base.
(b)Authorized returns on common equity may not be indicative of actual returns earned or projections of future returns.
ATC
2013 FERC Complaint - In 2013, several parties filed a complaint with the FERC seeking to reduce the base return on equity (ROE) used by MISO transmission owners, including ATC. The complaint provided for a statutory refund period of November 2013 through February 2015. The complaint asserted that the MISO ROE should not exceed 9.15%, that the equity components of hypothetical capital structures should be restricted to 50%, and that the relevant incentive ROE adders should be discontinued. At the time MISO's base ROE was 12.38% and ATC's base ROE was 12.2%. On September 28, 2016, FERC issued an order on the first complaint, for the period November 2013 through February 2015, reducing the base ROE to 10.32%. In November 2019, FERC issued an
44
order to further reduce the base ROE to 9.88% on the complaint for the period November 2013 through February 2015. This base ROE became effective in September 2016 and will apply to future periods.
2015 FERC Complaint - In February 2015, several parties filed a complaint with the FERC seeking to reduce the base ROE used by MISO transmission owners, including ATC, to 8.67%. The complaint provided for a statutory refund period of February 2015 through May 2016 with a refund effective date retroactive to the complaint filing date. In June 2016, an administrative law judge issued an initial decision for the complaint that would reduce the transmission owner's base ROE to 9.7%. In November 2019, FERC issued an order dismissing the complaint with the determination that the ROE was reasonable. As a result of this order and methodology FERC used to determine the applicable ROE in the 2013 FERC complaint, several parties have requested a rehearing by FERC. If FERC denies these requests, the complainants are likely to file an appeal with the appellate court. Any change to ATC's ROE could result in lower equity earnings and distributions from ATC in the future.
In January 2015, FERC accepted the transmission owners' request for a 50 basis-point incentive ROE adder for participating in MISO. The adder became effective January 6, 2015.
As of December 31, 2018, our share of the estimated refund recorded is $2.5 million, including interest. Following the November 2019 order, our share of ATC's earnings reflects a pre-tax adjustment of $2.0 million, including interest, related to the 2013 complaint refund period and from September 28, 2016 through December 31, 2019. Additionally, our share of ATC's earnings reflects the derecognition of a possible refund related to the 2015 complaint as ATC considers such a refund to be no longer considered probable due to FERC's November 2019 dismissal of that complaint. However, due to pending requests for rehearing, a loss related to the 2015 complaint remains possible. Our share of the estimated refund for the 2015 complaint is approximately $2.4 million. As of December 31, 2019, our share of the estimated refund amount reflected a net increase in ATC's earnings with a pre-tax adjustment of $0.6 million, inclusive of interest. We derived approximately 8.0%, 7.3%, and 6.2% of our net income for 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, from our investment in ATC.
Critical Accounting Estimates - MGE Energy and MGE
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to regulatory assets and liabilities, unbilled revenues, pension obligations, income taxes, and derivatives. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Those values may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting estimates affect our more significant judgments used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Regulatory Assets/Liabilities
Regulatory assets represent costs that have been deferred to future periods when it is probable that the regulator will allow future recovery of those costs through rates. MGE bases its assessment of recovery on precedents established by the regulatory body. Regulatory liabilities represent previous collections from customers that are expected to be refunded to customers in future periods. Regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities typically include deferral of energy costs, the normalization of income taxes, the deferral of certain operating expenses, and non-ARO removal costs. The accounting for these regulatory assets and liabilities is in accordance with regulatory accounting standards.
MGE continually assesses whether the regulatory assets and liabilities meet the criteria for probability of future recovery or deferral. This assessment considers factors such as changes in the regulatory environment, recent rate orders to other regulated entities under the same jurisdiction, and the status of any pending or potential deregulation legislation. If future recovery of costs becomes no longer probable, the assets and liabilities would be recognized as current-period revenues or expenses.
45
Amortization of regulatory assets and liabilities is provided over the recovery or deferral period as allowed in the related regulatory agreement.
Unbilled Revenues
Revenues from the sale of electricity and gas are recorded when they are delivered to customers. Sales quantity is measured by customers' meters. Due to the large volume of those meters, it is impractical to read all of them at month end. Meters are read on a systematic basis throughout the month based on established meter-reading schedules. Consequently, at the end of any month, there exists a quantity of electricity and gas that has been delivered to customers but has not been captured by the meter readings. As a result, management must estimate revenue related to electricity and gas delivered to customers between meter-read dates and the end of the reporting period. These estimates include:
The amount of electricity expected to be lost in the process of its transmission and distribution to customers (referred to as line loss) and the amount of electricity actually delivered to customers.
The amount of gas expected to be lost in the process of distribution to customers and the amount of gas actually delivered to customers.
The mix of sales between customer rate classes having different rates, which is based upon historical utilization assumptions.
MGE monitors the reasonableness of the unbilled revenue estimate through the review of ratios such as unbilled electric consumption compared to billed electric sales. To confirm the reasonableness of unbilled gas, the estimated unbilled consumption is compared to various other statistics, including percent of gas available for sale, change in unbilled month-to-month and change in unbilled compared to the prior year.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
MGE provides employees with certain retirement (pension) and postretirement (health care and life insurance) benefits. In order to measure the expense and obligations associated with these benefits, management must make a variety of estimates, including discount rates used to value certain liabilities, the expected return on plan assets set aside to fund these costs, the rate of compensation increase, employee turnover rates, retirement rates, health care trends, mortality rates, and other factors. These accounting estimates may change due to the uncertainty attached to the estimate as well as the fact that these estimates are difficult to measure. Different estimates used could result in recognizing different amounts of expense over different periods of time. Recovery in rates is expected.
MGE uses third-party specialists to assist it in evaluating its assumptions as well as to appropriately measure the costs and obligations associated with these retirement benefits. The discount rate and expected return on plan assets are based primarily on available investment yields and the historical performance of plan assets. They are critical accounting estimates because they are subject to management's judgment and can materially affect financial performance.
Assumed return on assets. This assumption represents the rate of return on plan assets reflecting the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested (or to be invested) to provide for the benefits included in the projected benefit obligation. For 2019, MGE used an assumed return on assets of 7.20% for pension and 6.72% for other postretirement benefits. In 2020, the pension asset assumption will remain at 7.20% and the postretirement benefit assumption will increase to 6.76%. The annual expected rate of return is based on projected long-term equity and bond returns, maturities and asset allocations. Holding other assumptions constant, for every 1% reduction in the expected rate of return on plan assets, annual pension and other postretirement cost would increase by approximately $3.6 million, before taxes.
Discount rate. The discount rate represents the rate at which pension obligations could effectively be settled on a present-value basis. MGE uses high-grade bond yields as a benchmark for determining the appropriate discount rate. MGE uses individual spot rates rather than a weighted average of the yield curve spot rates to measure the service cost and interest cost components for net periodic benefit cost. Holding other
46
assumptions constant, a 0.5% reduction in the discount rate on the obligation balance as of December 31, 2019, would increase annual pension and other postretirement cost by approximately $3.1 million, before taxes.
Medical trend assumptions. The health care cost trend rate is the assumed rate of increase in per-capita health care charges.
Mortality rate assumption. Expected mortality rates are used in the valuation to determine the expected duration of future benefit payments to the plan participants. MGE utilizes mortality tables and projection scales developed by a third-party actuary. These tables and scales were last updated in 2019.
See Footnote 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for additional discussion of these plans.
Income Tax Provision
MGE Energy's and MGE's income tax provisions, including both current and deferred components, are based on estimates, assumptions, calculations, and interpretation of tax statutes for the current and future years. Determination of current-year federal and state income tax will not be settled for years.
Management regularly makes assessments of tax return outcomes relative to financial statement tax provisions and adjusts the tax provisions in the period when facts become final.
Additionally, in determining our current income tax provision, we assess temporary differences resulting from differing treatments of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are recorded in our balance sheets. When we maintain deferred tax assets, we assess the likelihood that these assets will be recovered through adjustments to future taxable income. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not. A valuation allowance is recorded for those benefits that do not meet this criterion. We record an allowance reducing the asset to a value we believe will be recoverable based on our expectation of future taxable income. We believe the accounting estimate related to the valuation allowance is a critical accounting estimate because it is highly susceptible to change from period to period as it requires management to make assumptions about our future income over the lives of the deferred tax assets, and the impact of increasing or decreasing the valuation allowance is potentially material to our results of operations.
Derivative Instruments
MGE accounts for derivative financial instruments, except those qualifying for the normal purchase normal sale exception, at their fair value on the balance sheet. Fair value is determined using current quoted market prices, except for the PPA, which is valued utilizing an internally-developed pricing model. This model includes observable and unobservable inputs.
MGE received approval from the PSCW to establish a regulatory asset or liability for the deferral of the effects of mark-to-market accounting on contracts related to commodity hedging in MGE's regulated operations.
Adoption of Accounting Principles and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements - MGE Energy and MGE
See Footnote 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for discussion of new accounting pronouncements.
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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
MGE Energy and MGE are potentially exposed to market risk associated with interest rates, commodity prices, and equity returns. MGE currently has no exposure to foreign currency risk. MGE manages some risk exposure through risk management policies and the use of derivative instruments. MGE's risk management policy prohibits speculative trading transactions.
Commodity Price Risk
MGE has commodity price risk exposure with respect to the price of natural gas, electricity, coal, emission credits, and oil. MGE's electric operations burn natural gas in several of its peaking power plants and, in many cases, the cost of purchased power is tied to the cost of natural gas. MGE employs established policies and procedures to reduce the market risks associated with changing commodity prices. MGE's commodity risks are somewhat mitigated by the current ratemaking process in place for recovering electric fuel cost, purchased energy costs, and the cost of natural gas.
MGE's electric fuel costs are subject to fuel rules established by the PSCW. The fuel rules require the PSCW and Wisconsin utilities to defer electric fuel-related costs that fall outside a symmetrical cost tolerance band. Any over/under recovery of the actual costs in a year outside of the symmetrical cost tolerance band is determined in the following year and is then reflected in future billings to electric retail customers. Under the electric fuel rules, MGE is required to defer the benefit of lower costs if the actual electric fuel costs fall outside the lower end of the range and is required to defer costs, less any excess revenues, if the actual electric fuel costs exceed the upper end of the range. Excess revenues are defined as revenues in the year in question that provide MGE with a greater return on common equity than authorized by the PSCW in MGE's latest rate order. The range is defined by the PSCW and has been modified throughout the years based on market conditions and other relevant factors. Currently, MGE is subject to a plus or minus 2% range. MGE assumes the risks and benefits of variances that are within the cost tolerance band. For 2020, fuel and purchased power costs included in MGE's fuel monitoring level rates are $73.9 million. See Footnote 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for additional information.
MGE recovers the cost of natural gas in its gas utility segment through the purchased gas adjustment clause (PGA). Under the PGA, MGE is able to pass through to its gas customers the cost of gas. If the commodity costs of gas exceed a monthly benchmark amount, the excess amount is subject to a prudence review and approval by the PSCW before it can be passed through to customers.
MGE also reduces price risk caused by market fluctuations via physical contracts and financial derivative contracts, including futures, swaps, options, forwards, and other contractual commitments. The maximum length of time over which cash flows related to energy commodities can be hedged under applicable PSCW approvals is four years.
MGE has financial gas and electric commodity contracts to hedge commodity price risk in the gas and electric utility segments. These contracts are primarily comprised of exchange-traded option and future contracts. MGE also holds financial transmission rights (FTRs), which are used to hedge the risk of increased transmission congestion charges. As of December 31, 2019, the cost basis of these instruments exceeded their fair value by $1.4 million. Under the PGA clause and electric fuel rules, MGE may include the costs and benefits of the aforementioned fuel price risk management tools in the costs of fuel (natural gas or power). Because these costs/benefits are recoverable, the related unrealized loss/gain has been deferred on the consolidated balance sheets as a regulatory asset/liability.
MGE has also entered into a purchased power agreement that provides MGE with firm capacity and energy that began on June 1, 2012, and ends on May 31, 2022 (the "base term"). The agreement also allows MGE an option to extend the contract after the base term. The agreement is considered a derivative contract and is recognized at its fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. However, the derivative qualifies for regulatory deferral and is recognized with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability depending on whether the fair value is in a loss or gain position. The fair value of the contract as of December 31, 2019, reflects a loss position of $25.4 million.
48
Interest Rate Risk
Both MGE Energy and MGE may have short term borrowings at varying interest rates. MGE issues commercial paper for its short-term borrowings, while MGE Energy draws from our current credit facility to meet our short-term borrowing needs. Borrowing levels vary from period to period depending upon capital investments and other factors. Future short-term interest expense and payments will reflect both future short-term interest rates and borrowing levels. MGE Energy and MGE manage interest rate risk by limiting their variable rate exposure and continually monitoring the effects of market changes on interest rates. MGE is not exposed to changes in interest rates on a substantial portion of its long-term debt until that debt matures and is refinanced at market rates.
Equity Price Risk - Pension-Related Assets
MGE currently funds its liabilities related to employee benefits through trust funds. These funds, which include investments in debt and equity securities, are managed by various investment managers. Changes in market value of these investments can have an impact on the future expenses related to these liabilities. Holding other assumptions constant, for every 1% reduction in the expected rate of return on plan assets, annual pension and other postretirement cost would increase by approximately $3.6 million, before taxes. MGE's risk of expense and annuity payments, as a result of changes in the market value of the trust funds, is mitigated in part through future rate actions by the PSCW. The value of employee benefit plans trusts' assets have increased in value by approximately 24.23% and decreased in value by approximately 7.01% during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Credit Risk - Counterparty
Credit risk is the loss that may result from counterparty nonperformance. MGE is exposed to credit risk primarily through its merchant energy business. MGE uses credit policies to manage its credit risk, which include utilizing an established credit approval process, monitoring counterparty limits, employing credit mitigation measures such as collateral or prepayment arrangements, and using netting agreements.
Due to the possibility of extreme volatility in the prices of energy commodities and derivatives, the market value of contractual positions with individual counterparties could exceed established credit limits or collateral provided by those counterparties. If such a counterparty were then to fail to perform its obligations under its contract (for example, fail to deliver the electricity MGE originally contracted for), MGE could sustain a loss that could have a material impact on its financial results.
Additionally, if a counterparty were to default and MGE were to liquidate all contracts with that entity, MGE's credit loss would include the loss in value of mark-to-market contracts; the amount owed for settled transactions; and additional payments, if any, to settle unrealized losses. As of December 31, 2019, no counterparties have defaulted.
MGE is obligated to provide service to all electric and gas customers within its respective franchised territories. MGE's franchised electric territory includes a 264 square-mile area in Dane County, Wisconsin, and MGE's franchised gas territory includes a service area covering 1,684 square miles in Wisconsin. Based on results for the year ended December 31, 2019, no one customer constituted more than 10% of total operating revenues for MGE Energy and MGE. Credit risk for electric and gas is managed by MGE's credit and collection policies, which are consistent with state regulatory requirements.
Cash, cash equivalents, and customer accounts receivable are the financial instruments that potentially subject MGE Energy and MGE to concentrations of credit risk. MGE Energy and MGE place cash and cash equivalents with high credit-quality financial institutions. MGE has limited concentrations of credit risk from customer accounts receivable because of the large number of customers and relatively strong economy in its service territory.
49
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
MGE Energy
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our assessment under the framework in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013), our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2019.
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.
The effectiveness of MGE Energy's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.
February 26, 2020
MGE
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our assessment under the framework in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013), our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2019.
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.
February 26, 2020
50
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of MGE Energy, Inc.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MGE Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income, of common equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, including the related notes and financial statement schedules listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, 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 opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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
51
only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) 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 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.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Accounting for Rate Regulation
As described in Notes 1 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company applies the authoritative guidance for accounting for certain types of regulation, which requires the Company to record regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities. Regulatory assets represent costs which are deferred due to the probable future recovery from customers through regulated rates while regulatory liabilities represent the excess recovery of costs or accrued credits which were deferred because management believes it is probable such amounts will be returned to customers through future regulated rates. As disclosed by management, management continually assesses whether the regulatory assets and liabilities meet the criteria for probability of future recovery or deferral. This assessment considers factors such as changes in the regulatory environment, recent rate orders to other regulated entities under the same jurisdiction, and the status of any pending or potential deregulation legislation. Regulatory assets and liabilities are amortized in the consolidated statements of income consistent with the recovery or refund included in customer rates. As of December 31, 2019, there was $145.7 million of deferred costs in regulatory assets and $174.2 million of accrued credits within regulatory liabilities.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the Company’s accounting for the effects of rate regulation is a critical audit matter are there was significant judgment by management in estimating the probability of future recovery or deferral of costs or regulatory assets and liabilities, respectively. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence related to the recoverability of regulatory assets and the refund of regulatory liabilities.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s assessment of the probability of recoverability and refunds of regulatory assets and liabilities, respectively. These procedures also included, among others, evaluating (i) management’s assessment of correspondence with regulators, (ii) the reasonableness of management’s judgments regarding the probability of recovery of regulatory assets and refund of regulatory liabilities, and (iii) the application of the impacts of changes to new or existing commission orders.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 26, 2020
We have served as the Company's auditor since 1993.
52
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of Madison Gas and Electric Company
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Madison Gas and Electric Company and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income, of equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, including the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting 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.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 26, 2020
We have served as the Company's auditor since 1993.
53
MGE Energy, Inc. |
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Consolidated Statements of Income |
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Electric revenues | $ | $ | $ |
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MGE Energy, Inc. | |||||||
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MGE Energy, Inc. | ||||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | ||||||
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MGE Energy, Inc. | ||||
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MGE Energy, Inc. |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
|
| ( |
| |
| Ending balance - December 31, 2018 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Common stock dividends declared |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
|
| ( |
| |
| Ending balance - December 31, 2019 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above consolidated financial statements. | ||||||||||||
57
Madison Gas and Electric Company |
| ||||||
Consolidated Statements of Income |
| ||||||
(In thousands) |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Years Ended December 31, |
| ||||
|
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
|
Operating Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Electric revenues | $ | $ | $ |
| |||
Gas revenues |
|
|
|
| |||
Total Operating Revenues |
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel for electric generation |
|
|
|
| |||
Purchased power |
|
|
|
| |||
Cost of gas sold |
|
|
|
| |||
Other operations and maintenance |
|
|
|
| |||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
|
| |||
Other general taxes |
|
|
|
| |||
Total Operating Expenses |
|
|
|
| |||
Operating Income |
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income, net |
|
|
|
| |||
Interest expense, net |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
|
| |||
Income tax provision |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
Net Income | $ | $ | $ |
| |||
Less Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, net of tax |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
Net Income Attributable to MGE | $ | $ | $ |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above consolidated financial statements. | |||||||
Madison Gas and Electric Company | |||||||
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income | |||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For the Years Ended December 31, |
| ||||
|
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
|
Net Income | $ | $ | $ |
| |||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
| |||
Comprehensive Income | $ | $ | $ |
| |||
Less: Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest, net of tax |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
Comprehensive Income Attributable to MGE | $ | $ | $ |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above consolidated financial statements. | |||||||
58
Madison Gas and Electric Company | ||||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | ||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||
|
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||
|
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
Operating Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income | $ | $ | $ | |||
Items not affecting cash: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
| |||
Deferred income taxes |
|
| ( |
| ( | |
Provision for doubtful receivables |
|
|
| |||
Employee benefit plan (credit) cost |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
Loss (gain) on sale of property |
|
|
| ( | ||
Other items |
|
| ( |
| ||
Changes in working capital items: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other receivables |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Inventories |
| ( |
|
| ( | |
Unbilled revenues |
|
|
| ( | ||
Prepaid taxes |
|
|
| |||
Other current assets |
|
|
| ( | ||
Accounts payable |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Accrued interest and taxes |
| ( |
|
| ||
Other current liabilities |
| ( |
|
| ||
Cash contributions to pension and other postretirement plans |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Other noncurrent items, net |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
Cash Provided by Operating Activities |
|
|
| |||
Investing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Proceeds from sale of property |
|
|
| |||
Other |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Cash Used for Investing Activities |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Financing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash dividends paid to parent by MGE |
|
|
| ( | ||
Distributions to parent from noncontrolling interest |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Capital contribution from parent |
|
|
| |||
Repayment of long-term debt |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Issuance of long-term debt |
|
|
| |||
(Repayments of) proceeds from short-term debt |
| ( |
|
| ||
Other |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities |
|
|
| ( | ||
Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period |
|
|
| |||
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period | $ | $ | $ | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid | $ | $ | $ | |||
Income taxes paid | $ | $ | $ | |||
Income taxes received | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |
Significant noncash investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued capital expenditures | $ | $ | $ | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above consolidated financial statements. | ||||||
59
Madison Gas and Electric Company | ||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||||
(In thousands) | ||||
|
| As of December 31, | ||
ASSETS |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
Current Assets: |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||
|
| |||
Affiliate receivables |
|
| ||
Other accounts receivable, less reserves of $ |
|
| ||
Unbilled revenues |
|
| ||
Materials and supplies, at average cost |
|
| ||
Fuel for electric generation, at average cost |
|
| ||
Stored natural gas, at average cost |
|
| ||
Prepaid taxes |
|
| ||
Regulatory assets - current |
|
| ||
Assets held for sale |
|
| ||
Other current assets |
|
| ||
Total Current Assets |
|
| ||
Affiliate receivable long-term |
|
| ||
Regulatory assets |
|
| ||
Pension and other postretirement benefit asset |
|
| ||
Other deferred assets and other |
|
| ||
Property, Plant, and Equipment: |
|
|
|
|
Property, plant, and equipment, net |
|
| ||
Construction work in progress |
|
| ||
Total Property, Plant, and Equipment |
|
| ||
Investments |
|
| ||
Total Assets | $ | $ | ||
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION |
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt due within one year | $ | $ | ||
Short-term debt |
|
| ||
Accounts payable |
|
| ||
Accrued interest and taxes |
|
| ||
Accrued payroll related items |
|
| ||
Regulatory liabilities - current |
|
| ||
Derivative liabilities |
|
| ||
Other current liabilities |
|
| ||
Total Current Liabilities |
|
| ||
Other Credits: |
|
|
|
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
| ||
Investment tax credit - deferred |
|
| ||
Regulatory liabilities |
|
| ||
Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits |
|
| ||
Derivative liabilities |
|
| ||
Finance lease liabilities |
|
| ||
Other deferred liabilities and other |
|
| ||
Total Other Credits |
|
| ||
Capitalization: |
|
|
|
|
Common shareholder's equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Additional paid-in capital |
|
| ||
Retained earnings |
|
| ||
Total Common Shareholder's Equity |
|
| ||
Noncontrolling interest |
|
| ||
Total Equity |
|
| ||
Long-term debt |
|
| ||
Total Capitalization |
|
| ||
|
|
|
| |
Total Liabilities and Capitalization | $ | $ | ||
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above consolidated financial statements. | ||||
60
Madison Gas and Electric Company |
| ||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Equity |
| |||||||||||||
| (In thousands) |
| |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Accumulated |
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| Additional |
|
|
| Other |
| Non- |
|
|
|
|
| Common Stock |
| Paid-in |
| Retained | Comprehensive | Controlling |
|
|
| ||||
|
| Shares |
| Value |
| Capital |
| Earnings | Income/(Loss) | Interest |
| Total |
| ||
| 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Beginning balance - December 31, 2016 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| |||||||
| Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
| Other comprehensive loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
|
| ( |
|
| Cash dividends paid to parent by MGE |
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| Distributions to parent from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| noncontrolling interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Ending balance - December 31, 2017 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Cumulative effect of new accounting principle |
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Beginning balance - adjusted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
| Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
| Distributions to parent from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| noncontrolling interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Ending balance - December 31, 2018 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
| Capital contributions from parent |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Distributions to parent from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| noncontrolling interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Ending balance - December 31, 2019 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above consolidated financial statements. | ||||||||||||||
61
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017
This report is a combined report of MGE Energy and MGE. The notes to the consolidated financial statements that follow include consolidated MGE Energy footnotes and certain footnotes related to MGE as signified below.
1.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
a.Basis of Presentation - MGE Energy and MGE.
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), which give recognition to the rate making accounting policies for regulated operations prescribed by the regulatory authorities having jurisdiction, principally the PSCW and FERC. MGE's accounting records conform to the FERC uniform system of accounts.
b.
Principles of Consolidation - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE, a wholly owned subsidiary of MGE Energy, is a regulated electric and gas utility headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. MGE Energy and MGE consolidate all majority owned subsidiaries in which they have a controlling influence.
Additional wholly owned subsidiaries of MGE Energy include CWDC, MAGAEL, MGE Power, MGE State Energy Services, MGE Services, MGE Transco, and MGEE Transco. CWDC owns 100% of North Mendota, a subsidiary created to serve as a development entity for property. MGE Power owns
MGE Energy and MGE consolidate variable interest entities (VIEs) for which it is the primary beneficiary. Variable interest entities are legal entities that possess any of the following characteristics: equity investors who have an insufficient amount of equity at risk to finance their activities, equity owners who do not have the power to direct the significant activities of the entity (or have voting rights that are disproportionate to their ownership interest), or equity holders who do not receive expected losses or returns significant to the VIE. If MGE Energy or MGE is not the primary beneficiary and an ownership interest is held, the VIE is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. When assessing the determination of the primary beneficiary, all relevant facts and circumstances are considered, including: the power, through voting or similar rights, to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and the obligation to absorb the expected losses and/or the right to receive the expected returns of the VIE. Ongoing reassessments of all VIEs are performed to determine if the primary beneficiary status has changed. MGE has consolidated MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus. Both entities are VIEs. MGE is considered the primary beneficiary of these entities as a result of contractual agreements. See Footnote 3 for more discussion of these entities.
The consolidated financial statements reflect the application of certain accounting policies described in this note. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
c.
Use of Estimates - MGE Energy and MGE.
In order to prepare consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management must make estimates and assumptions. These estimates could affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and disclosures at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from management's estimates.
62
d.Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash – MGE Energy and MGE.
| (In thousands) |
| MGE Energy |
| MGE |
| ||||
| As of December 31, |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Receivable - margin account |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
Cash Equivalents
MGE Energy and MGE consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash
MGE has certain cash accounts that are restricted to uses other than current operations and designated for a specific purpose. MGE's restricted cash accounts include cash held by trustees for certain employee benefits and cash deposits held by third parties. These are included in "Other current assets" on the consolidated balance sheets.
Receivable – Margin Account
Cash amounts held by counterparties as margin collateral for certain financial transactions are recorded as Receivable – margin account in "Other current assets" on the consolidated balance sheets. The costs being hedged are fuel for electric generation, purchased power, and cost of gas sold.
e.
Trade Receivables, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, and Concentration Risk - MGE Energy and MGE.
Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. However, a
f.
Inventories - MGE Energy and MGE.
Inventories consist of natural gas in storage, fuel for electric generation, materials and supplies, and renewable energy credits (RECs). MGE values natural gas in storage, fuel for electric generation, and materials and supplies using average cost.
g.
Chattel Paper Agreements - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE makes available to qualifying customers a financing program for the purchase and installation of energy-related equipment that will provide more efficient use of utility service at the customer's property. The energy-related equipment installed at the customer sites is used to secure the customer loans. MGE is a party to a chattel paper purchase agreement with a financial institution under which MGE can sell, transfer, and assign to the financial institution an undivided interest with recourse, in up to $
63
underlying customer loan. The loan balances outstanding as of December 31, 2019, approximates the fair value of the energy-related equipment acting as collateral. MGE accounts for these agreements as secured borrowings.
| (In thousands) |
| 2020 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| Thereafter |
|
| Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Loans | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
|
h.
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities - MGE Energy and MGE.
i.
Debt Issuance Costs - MGE Energy and MGE.
Premiums, discounts, and expenses incurred with the issuance of outstanding long-term debt are amortized over the life of the debt issue. Any call premiums or unamortized expenses associated with refinancing higher-cost debt obligations used to finance utility-regulated assets and operations are amortized consistent with regulatory treatment of those items. These costs are included as a direct reduction to the related debt liability on the consolidated balance sheets.
j.
Property, Plant, and Equipment - MGE Energy and MGE.
|
| 2019 |
|
| 2018 |
|
| 2017 |
|
|
|
| Electric(a) | % |
| % |
| % |
|
| |||
| Gas | % |
| % |
| % |
|
| |||
| Nonregulated | % |
| % |
| % |
|
|
k.
Asset Retirement Obligations - MGE Energy and MGE.
64
l.
Repairs and Maintenance Expense - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE utilizes the direct expensing method for planned major maintenance projects. Under this method, MGE expenses all costs associated with major planned maintenance activities as incurred.
m.
Purchased Gas Adjustment Clause - MGE Energy and MGE.
n.
Revenue Recognition - MGE Energy and MGE.
o.
Utility Cost Recovery - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE's tariff rates include a provision for fuel cost recovery. The PSCW allows Wisconsin utilities to defer electric fuel-related costs, less excess revenues, that fall outside a symmetrical cost tolerance band. Any over/under recovery of the actual costs in a given year is determined in the following year and is then reflected in future billings to electric retail customers. Over-collection of fuel-related costs that are outside the approved range will be recognized as a reduction of revenue. Prior to adoption of the new revenue recognition guidance, effective January 1, 2018, over-collected fuel-related costs were reflected in "Purchased power" expense. Under-collection of these costs will continue to be recognized in "Purchased power" expense in the consolidated statements of income of MGE Energy and MGE. The cumulative effects of these deferred amounts will be recorded in "Regulatory assets" or "Regulatory liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets of MGE Energy and MGE until they are reflected in future billings to customers. See Footnote 9.b. for further information.
p.
Regional Transmission Organizations - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE reports on a net basis transactions on the MISO markets in which it buys and sells power within the same hour to meet electric energy delivery requirements. This treatment resulted in a $
q.
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction - MGE Energy and MGE.
Allowance for funds used during construction is included in utility plant accounts and represents the cost of borrowed funds used during plant construction and a return on shareholder's capital used for construction purposes. In the consolidated income statements, the cost of borrowed funds (AFUDC-debt) is presented as an offset to "Interest expense" and the return on shareholder's capital
65
(AFUDC-equity funds) is shown as an item within "Other income." For 2019, as approved by the PSCW, MGE capitalized AFUDC-debt and equity on
r.
Investments - MGE Energy and MGE.
s.
Capitalized Software Costs - MGE Energy and MGE.
Property, plant, and equipment includes the net book value of capitalized costs of internal use software totaling $
t.
Capitalized Software Assets – Hosting Arrangements – MGE Energy and MGE.
The net book value of capitalized costs of internal use software incurred in a hosting arrangement was $
During 2019 and 2018, MGE recorded $
u.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - MGE Energy and MGE.
66
v.
Income Taxes and Excise Taxes - MGE Energy and MGE.
Income taxes
Under the liability method, income taxes are deferred for all temporary differences between pretax financial and taxable income and between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities using the tax rates scheduled by law to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not. A valuation allowance is recorded for those benefits that do not meet this criterion.
Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes applies to all tax positions and requires a recognition threshold and measurement standard for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in an income tax return. The threshold is defined for recognizing tax return positions in the financial statements as "more likely than not" that the position is sustainable, based on its merits. Subsequent recognition, derecognition, and measurement is based on management's best judgment given the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date.
Regulatory and accounting principles have resulted in a regulatory liability related to income taxes. Excess deferred income taxes result from past taxes provided at customer rates higher than current rates. The income tax regulatory liability and deferred investment tax credit reflect the revenue requirement associated with the return of these tax benefits to customers.
Investment tax credits from regulated operations are amortized over related property service lives.
Excise taxes
MGE Energy, through its utility operations, pays a state license fee tax in lieu of property taxes on property used in utility operations. License fee tax is calculated as a percentage of adjusted operating revenues of the prior year. The electric tax rate is
Operating income taxes, including tax credits and license fee tax, are included in rates for utility related items.
w.
Share-Based Compensation - MGE Energy and MGE.
Under two separate incentive plans, eligible participants, including employees and non-employee directors, may receive performance units that entitle the holder to receive a cash payment equal to the value of a designated number of shares of MGE Energy's common stock, plus dividend equivalent payments thereon, at the end of a performance period set in the award. Under the plans, these awards are subject to a prescribed vesting schedule and must be settled in cash. Accordingly, no new shares of common stock are issued in connection with the plans.
On the grant date, the cost of the employee or director services received in exchange for a performance unit award is measured based on the current market value of MGE Energy common stock. The fair value of the awards is re-measured quarterly through the settlement date. Changes in fair value as well as the original grant are recognized as compensation cost.
See Footnote 12 for additional information regarding the plans.
x.
Derivative and Hedging Instruments - MGE Energy and MGE.
As part of regular operations, MGE enters into contracts, including options, swaps, futures, forwards, and other contractual commitments, to manage its exposure to commodity prices. MGE recognizes all
67
derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value, with changes in the fair value of derivative instruments to be recorded in current earnings or deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether a derivative is designated as, and is effective as, a hedge and on the type of hedge transaction. Derivative activities are in accordance with the company's risk management policy.
If the derivative qualifies for regulatory deferral, the derivatives are marked to fair value and are offset with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability depending on whether the derivative is in a loss or gain position. Cash flows from such derivative instruments are classified on a basis consistent with the nature of the underlying hedged item.
2.
New Accounting Standards - MGE Energy and MGE.
Recently Adopted
Leases.
In February 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance within the codification's Leases topic that provides guidance on the classification, recognition, measurement, and disclosure of leases. The new leasing standard establishes that a lease conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Under the new guidance, lessees are required to recognize all leases with terms greater than one year, including operating leases, on the balance sheet by recording a right-of-use asset and lease liability. Prior to the authoritative guidance, only capital leases were recognized on the balance sheet by lessees. The new accounting guidance, as applied by lessors, did not change materially. In January 2018, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which provided an optional practical expedient to grandfather the accounting for existing and expired land easements not accounted for as a lease under the new authoritative guidance. MGE Energy and MGE adopted this practical expedient.
The lease authoritative guidance became effective January 1, 2019. MGE Energy and MGE adopted the standard upon the effective date. In compliance with authorized transition guidance, MGE Energy and MGE began applying the new standard on January 1, 2019, but will continue to present periods prior to that date according to the previous authoritative standard. There was no material impact on the consolidated net income or cash flows. See Footnote 5 for further lease information.
3.
Variable Interest Entities - MGE Energy and MGE.
a.Consolidated Variable Interest Entities.
MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus are not subsidiaries of MGE, but they have been consolidated in the financial statements of MGE. MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus were created for the purpose of owning new generating assets and leasing those assets to MGE. MGE Power Elm Road's sole principal asset is an undivided ownership interest in two coal-fired generating plants (the Elm Road Units) located in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, which it leases to MGE pursuant to long-term leases. MGE Power West Campus's sole principal asset is the WCCF, which it leases to MGE pursuant to a long-term lease. Based on the nature and terms of the contractual agreements, MGE is expected to absorb a majority of the expected losses or residual value associated with the ownership of the generation assets by MGE Power Elm Road and Power West Campus and therefore MGE holds a variable interest despite the absence of an equity interest.
In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, MGE Energy and MGE consolidate VIEs of which they are the primary beneficiary. MGE has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact both the Elm Road Units' and the WCCF's economic performance and is also the party most closely associated with MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus. As a result, MGE is the primary beneficiary.
68
As of December 31, MGE has included the following significant accounts on its consolidated balance sheets related to its interest in these VIEs:
|
|
| MGE Power Elm Road |
|
| MGE Power West Campus |
| ||||
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Property, plant, and equipment, net | $ | $ |
| $ | $ |
| ||||
| Construction work in progress |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Affiliate receivables |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Accrued interest and accrued (prepaid) taxes |
|
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ||
| Deferred income taxes |
|
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|
|
|
| ||||
| Long-term debt(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Noncontrolling interest |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
MGE is permitted by PSCW order to recover lease payments made to MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus in customer rates.
b.Other Variable Interest Entities.
MGE has a variable interest in entities through purchase power agreements relating to purchased energy from the facilities covered by the agreements. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, MGE had
4.
Property, Plant, and Equipment - MGE Energy and MGE.
|
|
| MGE Energy |
|
| MGE |
| ||||
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Utility: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Electric(a)(b) | $ | $ |
| $ | $ |
| ||||
| Gas |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Total utility plant |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization(b) |
|
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|
|
| ||||
| In-service utility plant, net |
|
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|
| ||||
| Nonregulated: |
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|
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|
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| Nonregulated |
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|
| ||||
| Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization |
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|
| ||||
| In-service nonregulated plant, net |
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|
| ||||
| Construction work in progress: |
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| Utility construction work in progress(a)(b)(c) |
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|
| ||||
| Nonregulated construction work in progress |
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|
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|
| ||||
| Total property, plant, and equipment | $ | $ |
| $ | $ |
| ||||
(a)
69
(b)
(c)
MGE's utility plant is subject to the lien of its Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there was $
5.
Leases - MGE Energy and MGE.
As part of its regular operations, MGE enters into various contracts related to IT equipment, substations, cell towers, land, wind easements, and other property in use for operations. A contract is or contains a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Determination as to whether an arrangement is or contains a lease is completed at inception. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets; lease expense for these leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Leases with initial terms in excess of 12 months are recorded as operating or financing leases on the consolidated balance sheets.
Operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. For leases that do not provide an implicit rate, a collateralized incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date, including lease term, is used in determining the present value of future payments. The operating lease asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. MGE has regulatory treatment and recognizes regulatory assets or liabilities for timing differences between when net lease costs are recorded and when costs are recognized. As of December 31, 2019, MGE has no significant leases not yet commenced that would create significant future rights and obligations.
| (In thousands) |
|
|
| Income Statement Location |
|
| Finance lease expense: |
|
|
|
|
|
| Amortization of leased assets | $ |
| Depreciation and amortization |
| |
| Interest on lease liabilities |
|
| Interest expense, net |
| |
| Operating lease expense |
|
| Other operations and maintenance |
| |
| Total lease expense | $ |
|
|
|
| (In thousands) |
|
|
| Balance Sheet Location |
|
| Lease assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
| Finance lease assets | $ |
| Property, plant, and equipment, net |
| |
| Operating lease assets |
|
| Other deferred assets and other |
| |
| Total lease assets | $ |
|
|
| |
| Lease liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
| Finance lease liabilities - current | $ |
| Other current liabilities |
| |
| Finance lease liabilities - long-term |
|
| Finance lease liabilities |
| |
| Operating lease liabilities - current |
|
| Other current liabilities |
| |
| Operating lease liabilities - long-term |
|
| Other deferred liabilities and other |
| |
| Total lease liabilities | $ |
|
|
|
70
The following table shows other lease information for the year ended December 31, 2019:
| (In thousands) |
|
|
|
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: |
|
|
|
| Finance leases - Financing cash flows | $ |
| |
| Finance leases - Operating cash flows |
|
| |
| Operating leases - Operating cash flows |
|
| |
| Lease assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities: |
|
|
|
| Finance leases |
|
| |
| Operating leases |
|
|
| Weighted-average remaining lease terms (in years): |
|
|
|
|
| Finance leases |
|
|
| |
| Operating leases |
|
|
| |
| Weighted-average discount rates: |
|
|
|
|
| Finance leases |
| % |
| |
| Operating leases |
| % |
|
| (In thousands) |
| Finance |
| Operating |
|
| 2020 | $ | $ |
| ||
| 2021 |
|
|
| ||
| 2022 |
|
|
| ||
| 2023 |
|
|
| ||
| 2024 |
|
|
| ||
| Thereafter |
|
|
| ||
| Subtotal |
|
|
| ||
| Less: Present value discount |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Lease Liability | $ | $ |
|
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2020 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2023 |
| Thereafter |
|
| Minimum lease payments | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
|
6.Joint Plant Ownership - MGE Energy and MGE.
a.Columbia.
MGE and two other utilities jointly own Columbia, a coal-fired generating facility located in Portage, Wisconsin, which, as of December 31, 2019, accounts for
Each owner provides its own financing and reflects its respective portion of facilities and operating costs in its financial statements.
71
MGE's interest in Columbia's gross utility plant in service, and the related accumulated depreciation reserves as of December 31 were as follows:
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Utility plant | $ | $ |
| ||
| Accumulated depreciation |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Property, plant, and equipment, net |
|
|
| ||
| Construction work in progress |
|
|
| ||
| Total property, plant, and equipment | $ | $ |
|
In 2016, MGE and WPL negotiated an amendment to the existing Columbia joint operating agreement that has been approved by the PSCW. Under the terms of the amendments, MGE has reduced its obligation to pay certain capital expenditures (other than SCR-related expenditures) at Columbia in exchange for a proportional reduction in MGE's ownership in Columbia. On January 1 of each year from 2017 through 2019 and then on June 1, 2020, the ownership percentage is adjusted through a partial sale based on the amount of capital expenditures foregone. In June 2017, the FERC approved the ownership transfer in Columbia, effective January 1, 2017.
During 2018, MGE accrued $
b.Elm Road.
MGE Power Elm Road owns an
The remainder of the ownership interest in the Elm Road Units is held by two other entities, one of which is also responsible for the Units' operation. Each owner provides its own financing and reflects its respective portion of the facility and costs in its financial statements. MGE's share of fuel, operating, and maintenance expenses for the Elm Road Units was $
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Nonregulated plant | $ | $ |
| ||
| Accumulated depreciation |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Property, plant, and equipment, net |
|
|
| ||
| Construction work in progress |
|
|
| ||
| Total property, plant, and equipment | $ | $ |
|
c.Forward Wind.
In April 2018, MGE, along with two other utilities, purchased the Forward Wind Energy Center (Forward Wind), which consists of
72
Each owner provides its own financing and reflects its respective portion of facilities and operating costs in its financial statements. MGE's share of operating and maintenance expenses for Forward Wind was $
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Utility plant | $ | $ |
| ||
| Accumulated depreciation |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Property, plant, and equipment, net |
|
|
| ||
| Construction work in progress |
|
|
| ||
| Total property, plant, and equipment | $ | $ |
|
d.WCCF.
MGE Power West Campus and the UW jointly own the West Campus Cogeneration Facility (WCCF) located on the UW campus in Madison, Wisconsin. MGE Power West Campus owns
Each owner provides its own financing and reflects its respective portion of the facility and operating costs in its financial statements.
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Nonregulated plant | $ | $ |
| ||
| Accumulated depreciation |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Property, plant, and equipment, net |
|
|
| ||
| Construction work in progress |
|
|
| ||
| Total property, plant, and equipment | $ | $ |
|
e.Two Creeks.
In May 2019, MGE acquired a
As of December 31, 2019, $
73
f.Badger Hollow I.
In July 2019, MGE acquired a
As of December 31, 2019, $
7.
Investments - MGE Energy and MGE.
a.Equity Securities, Equity Method Investments, and Other Investments.
|
|
| MGE Energy |
|
| MGE |
| ||||
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Equity securities | $ | $ |
| $ | $ |
| ||||
| Equity method investments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ATC and ATC Holdco |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Other |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Total equity method investments |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Other investments |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Total | $ | $ |
| $ | $ |
| ||||
MGE Energy's and MGE's equity securities represent publicly traded securities and private equity investments in common stock of companies in various industries.
|
|
| MGE Energy |
| MGE |
| ||||||||
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
|
| Cash proceeds | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||||
| Gain (loss) on sale |
|
|
|
| ( |
|
|
| |||||
b.ATC and ATC Holdco.
ATC owns and operates electric transmission facilities primarily in Wisconsin. MGE received an interest in ATC when it, like other Wisconsin electric utilities, contributed its electric transmission facilities to ATC as required by Wisconsin law. That interest is presently held by MGE Transco, which, since December 1, 2016, is owned by MGE Energy. ATC Holdco was formed by several members of ATC, including MGE Energy, to pursue electric transmission development and investments outside of Wisconsin. The ownership interest in ATC Holdco is held by MGEE Transco, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MGE Energy.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, MGE Transco held a
MGE Transco and MGEE Transco have accounted for their investment in ATC and ATC Holdco, respectively, under the equity method of accounting.
74
For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, MGE Transco recorded the following:
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
|
| Equity earnings from investment in ATC | $ | $ | $ |
| |||
| Dividends received from ATC(a) |
|
|
|
| |||
| Capital contributions to ATC |
|
|
|
|
ATC Holdco was formed in December 2016. In the near term, it is expected that ATC Holdco will be pursuing transmission development opportunities that typically have long development and investment lead times before becoming operational. In 2019, 2018, and 2017, MGEE Transco recorded capital contributions of $
| (In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Income statement data for the year ended December 31, |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
|
| Operating revenues | $ | $ | $ |
| |||
| Operating expenses |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Other income |
|
|
|
| |||
| Interest expense, net |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Earnings before members' income taxes | $ | $ | $ |
|
| Balance sheet data as of December 31, |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Current assets | $ | $ |
| ||
| Noncurrent assets |
|
|
| ||
| Total assets | $ | $ |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Current liabilities | $ | $ |
| ||
| Long-term debt |
|
|
| ||
| Other noncurrent liabilities |
|
|
| ||
| Members' equity |
|
|
| ||
| Total members' equity and liabilities | $ | $ |
|
8.
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities - MGE Energy and MGE.
| (In thousands) |
|
| 2019 |
|
| 2018 |
|
| Regulatory Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Asset retirement obligation |
| $ |
| $ |
| ||
| Debt related costs |
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Deferred pension and other postretirement costs |
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Derivatives |
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Leases |
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Tax recovery related to AFUDC equity |
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Unfunded pension and other postretirement liability |
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Other |
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Total Regulatory Assets |
| $ |
| $ |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75
| Regulatory Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Deferred fuel savings |
| $ |
| $ |
| ||
| Elm Road |
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Income taxes |
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Non-ARO removal costs |
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Pension and other postretirement service costs |
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Purchased gas adjustment |
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Renewable energy credits |
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Transmission |
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Other |
|
|
|
|
| ||
| Total Regulatory Liabilities |
| $ |
| $ |
|
MGE expects to recover its regulatory assets and return its regulatory liabilities through rates charged to customers based on PSCW decisions made during the ratemaking process or based on PSCW long-standing policies and guidelines. The adjustments to rates for these regulatory assets and liabilities will occur over the periods either specified by the PSCW or over the corresponding period related to the asset or liability. Management believes it is probable that MGE will continue to recover from customers the regulatory assets described above based on prior and current ratemaking treatment for such costs. All regulatory assets for which a cash outflow had been made are earning a return.
Asset Retirement Obligation
See Footnote 17 for a discussion of asset retirement obligations.
Debt Related Costs
This balance includes debt issuance costs of extinguished debt and other debt related expenses, including make-whole premiums paid on redemptions of long-term debt. The PSCW has allowed rate recovery on unamortized issuance costs for extinguished debt facilities. When the facility replacing the old facility is deemed by the PSCW to be more favorable for the ratepayers, the PSCW will allow rate recovery of any unamortized issuance costs related to the old facility. These amounts are recovered over the term of the new facility.
Deferred Pension and Other Postretirement Costs
As a result of lower investment returns in the fourth quarter of 2018, pension and postretirement benefit costs increased in 2019. In August 2019, the PSCW approved MGE's request to defer the difference between estimated pension and other postretirement costs included in the 2019 and 2020 rate settlement and actual expense incurred. MGE expects that the deferred cost for employee benefit plans will be factored into future rate actions starting in 2021.
Derivatives
MGE has physical and financial contracts that are accounted for as derivatives. The amounts recorded for the net mark-to-market value of the commodity based contracts is offset with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability because these transactions are part of the PGA or fuel rules clause authorized by the PSCW. A significant portion of the recorded amount is related to a purchased power agreement that provides MGE with firm capacity and energy during a base term that began on June 1, 2012, and ends on May 31, 2022. See Footnote 18 for further discussion.
Leases
As part of its regular operations, MGE enters into various contracts related to IT equipment, substations, cell towers, land, wind easements, and other property in use for operations. Leases with initial terms in excess of 12 months are recorded as operating or financing leases on the consolidated balance sheets. MGE has regulatory treatment and recognizes regulatory assets or liabilities for timing differences between when net lease costs are recorded and when costs are recognized. See Footnote 5 for further information.
Tax Recovery Related to AFUDC Equity
AFUDC equity represents the after-tax equity cost associated with utility plant construction and results in a temporary difference between the book and tax basis of such plant. It is probable under PSCW regulation that MGE will recover in future rates the future increase in taxes payable represented by the deferred income tax liability. The amounts will be recovered in rates over the depreciable life of the asset for which
76
AFUDC was applied. Tax recovery related to AFUDC equity represents the revenue requirement related to recovery of these future taxes payable, calculated at current statutory tax rates.
Unfunded Pension and Other Postretirement Liability
MGE is required to recognize the unfunded or funded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement pension plans as a net liability or asset on the balance sheet with an offset to a regulatory asset or liability. The unfunded status represents future expenses that are expected to be recovered in rates. See Footnote 11 for further discussion.
Deferred Fuel Savings
The fuel rules require the PSCW and Wisconsin utilities to defer electric fuel-related costs that fall outside a symmetrical cost tolerance band. Any over- or under-recovery of the actual costs is determined on an annual basis and is adjusted in future billings to electric retail customers. See Footnote 9.b. for further discussion.
Elm Road
Costs associated with Elm Road are estimated in MGE's rates and include costs for lease payments, management fees, community impact mitigation, and operating costs. Costs are collected in rates over a one to two-year period. The current accounting treatment for these costs allows MGE to reflect any differential between costs reflected in rates and actual costs incurred in its next rate filing.
Income Taxes
Excess deferred income taxes result from a decrease in tax rates subsequent to ratemaking settlements. The settlements were reached using tax rates that are higher than the currently applicable rates, and MGE is required to return these tax benefits to customers. The regulatory liability and deferred investment tax credit reflects the revenue requirement associated with the return of these tax benefits to customers.
Changes in income taxes are generally passed through in customer rates for the regulated utility. The one-time 2017 impact on timing differences related to income taxes passed through to customer rates of the Tax Act was recorded as a regulatory liability. The amount and timing of the cash impacts will depend on the period over which certain income tax benefits are provided to customers, which will be subject to review by the PSCW. A portion of the regulatory liability will be returned to customers based on a mandated timeframe dictated by applicable tax laws. See Footnote 9.c. for further information.
Non-ARO Removal Costs
In connection with accounting for asset retirement obligations, companies are required to reclassify cumulative collections for non-ARO removal costs as a regulatory liability, with an offsetting entry to accumulated depreciation. Under the current rate structure, these removal costs are being recovered as a component of depreciation expense.
Pension and Other Postretirement Service Costs
The FASB issued authoritative guidance within the codification's Compensation-Retirement Benefits topic that only allows the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization within the consolidated balance sheets. Under the current rate structure, non-service cost components of net periodic benefit cost are being recovered as a component of depreciation expense. MGE has regulatory treatment and recognizes regulatory assets or liabilities for timing differences between when net periodic benefit costs are recovered and when costs are recognized. See Footnote 11 for further discussion.
Purchased Gas Adjustment
MGE's natural gas rates are subject to a fuel adjustment clause designed to recover or refund the difference between the actual cost of purchased gas and the amount included in rates. Differences between the amounts billed to customers and the actual costs recoverable are deferred and recovered or refunded in future periods by means of prospective monthly adjustments to rates.
Renewable Energy Credits
MGE receives renewable energy credits from certain purchase power agreements. The value of the credits are recorded as inventory and expensed when the credit is redeemed or expired. A regulatory liability has
77
been established for the value of the renewable energy credits included in inventory. In Wisconsin, renewable energy credits expire four years after the year of acquisition.
Transmission Costs
The current accounting treatment for transmission costs allows MGE to reflect any differential between transmission costs reflected in rates and actual costs incurred in its next rate filing.
9.
Rate Matters - MGE Energy and MGE.
a.Rate Proceedings.
In December 2018, the PSCW approved a settlement agreement between MGE and intervening parties in the then pending rate case. The settlement decreased electric rates by
In December 2016, the PSCW authorized MGE, effective January 1, 2017, to decrease 2017 rates for retail electric customers by
MGE did not file a base rate case for 2018.
b.Fuel Rules.
Fuel rules require the PSCW and Wisconsin utilities to defer electric fuel-related costs that fall outside a symmetrical cost tolerance band around the amount approved for a utility in its annual fuel proceedings. Any over- or under-recovery of the actual costs is determined in the following year and is then reflected in future billings to electric retail customers. The fuel rules bandwidth is currently set at plus or minus
The PSCW issued final decisions in the 2018, 2017, and 2016 fuel rules proceedings for MGE to refund additional fuel savings incurred to its retail electric customers over a one-month period. MGE returned $
In December 2017, the PSCW approved a surcharge for 2018 electric fuel-related costs. The surcharge increased electric retail revenue in 2018 by $
78
As of December 31, 2019, MGE has deferred $
c.2018 Tax Reform.
Customer rates approved for 2018 reflected an income tax rate of 35 percent. In January 2018, the PSCW issued an order directing Wisconsin investor-owned utilities to defer the over-collection of income tax expense as a result of the decrease in tax rate to 21 percent.
The PSCW issued an order in May 2018 to return to customers the estimated 2018 over-collection of income tax expense. The decision included a one-time bill credit on customer bills to reflect the estimate of the over-collection for January through June 2018, along with a volumetric bill credit which began in July 2018 and continued through the remainder of 2018 for the estimated remaining annual amount. MGE returned $
In August 2019, the PSCW issued a decision on the 2018 tax reform proceedings for MGE to refund the remaining 2018 overcollection of income tax expense to its retail customers as a one-time bill credit. MGE returned $
10.
Income Taxes.
a.MGE Energy and MGE Income Taxes.
MGE Energy files a consolidated federal income tax return that includes the operations of all subsidiary companies. The subsidiaries calculate their respective federal income tax provisions as if they were separate taxable entities.
|
| MGE Energy |
| MGE | ||||||||
(In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
Current payable: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||
State |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Net-deferred: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal |
|
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
| ( | |||
State |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Amortized investment tax credits |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Total income tax provision | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||
79
The consolidated income tax provision differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes, as follows:
|
| MGE Energy |
| MGE |
| ||||||||||||||
|
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
| ||||||
| Statutory federal income tax rate | % |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| ||||||
| State income taxes, net of federal benefit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
| Amortized investment tax credits | ( |
|
| ( |
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
|
|
| ||
| Credit for electricity from wind energy(a) | ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
|
| Domestic manufacturing deduction |
|
|
|
| ( |
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ||||
| AFUDC equity, net | ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
|
| Federal income tax rate reduction |
|
|
|
| ( |
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ||||
| Amortization of utility excess deferred tax(b) | ( |
|
| ( |
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
|
|
| ||
| Other, net, individually insignificant | ( |
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ||
| Effective income tax rate | % |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| ||||||
(a)
(b)
|
|
| MGE Energy |
| MGE |
| ||||
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Deferred tax assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Investment in ATC | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Accrued expenses |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Pension and other postretirement benefits |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Deferred tax regulatory account |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Derivatives |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Leases |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Other |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Gross deferred income tax assets |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Less valuation allowance |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Net deferred income tax assets | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Property-related | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Investment in ATC |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Bond transactions |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Pension and other postretirement benefits |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Derivatives |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Tax deductible prepayments |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Leases |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Other |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Gross deferred income tax liabilities |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Deferred income taxes | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
80
b.Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - MGE Energy and MGE.
| (In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Unrecognized Tax Benefits: |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
|
| Unrecognized tax benefits, January 1, | $ | $ | $ |
| |||
| Additions based on tax positions related to the current year |
|
|
|
| |||
| Additions based on tax positions related to the prior years |
|
|
|
| |||
| Reductions based on tax positions related to the prior years |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Unrecognized tax benefits, December 31, | $ | $ | $ |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Interest on Unrecognized Tax Benefits: |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
|
| Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits, January 1, | $ | $ | $ |
| |||
| Reduction in interest expense on uncertain tax positions |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Interest expense on uncertain tax positions |
|
|
|
| |||
| Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits, December 31, | $ | $ | $ |
|
Unrecognized tax benefits are classified with "Other deferred liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets. The interest component recoverable in rates is offset by a regulatory asset.
As of December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, unrecognized tax benefits primarily related to temporary tax differences associated with the change in income tax method of accounting for electric generation and electric and gas distribution repairs. In addition, as of December 31, 2019 and 2017, unrecognized tax benefits relating to permanent differences and tax credits was less than $
| Taxpayer | Open Years |
|
| MGE Energy and consolidated subsidiaries in federal return | 2016 through 2019 |
|
| MGE Energy Wisconsin combined reporting corporation return | 2017 through 2019 |
|
11.
Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE maintains qualified and nonqualified pension plans, health care, and life insurance benefits, and defined contribution 401(k) benefit plans for its employees and retirees. MGE's costs for the 401(k) plans were $
All employees hired after December 31, 2006, have been enrolled in the defined contribution pension plan rather than the defined benefit pension plan previously in place.
81
a.Benefit Obligations and Plan Assets.
| (In thousands) |
| Pension Benefits |
| Other Postretirement Benefits |
| ||||
| Change in Benefit Obligations: |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Net benefit obligation at beginning of year | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Service cost |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Interest cost |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Plan participants' contributions |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Actuarial loss (gain)(a) |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
| ||
| Gross benefits paid |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Less: federal subsidy on benefits paid(b) |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Benefit obligation at end of year | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Change in Plan Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Actual return on plan assets |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
| ||
| Employer contributions |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Plan participants' contributions |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Gross benefits paid |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Fair value of plan assets at end of year |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Funded Status as of December 31 | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( |
|
(a)
(b)
The accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plans as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, was $
|
|
| Pension Benefits |
| Other Postretirement Benefits |
| ||||
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Long-term asset | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Current liability |
| ( |
| ( |
|
|
| ||
| Long-term liability |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Net liability | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( |
|
|
|
| Pension Benefits |
| Other Postretirement Benefits |
| ||||
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Net actuarial loss | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Prior service benefit |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Transition obligation |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
82
| (In thousands) |
| Pension Benefits |
| ||
| Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Projected benefit obligation, end of year | $ | $ |
| ||
| Fair value of plan assets, end of year |
|
|
| ||
| (In thousands) |
| Pension Benefits |
| ||
| Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year | $ | $ |
| ||
| Fair value of plan assets, end of year |
|
|
| ||
| (In thousands) |
| Pension Benefits |
| Other Postretirement Benefits |
| ||||||||
| Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost: |
| 2019(a) |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
| 2019(a) |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
|
| Service cost | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||||
| Interest cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
| Expected return on assets |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Amortization of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Transition obligation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
| Prior service (credit) cost |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Actuarial loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
| Net periodic benefit cost (credit) | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( |
| ||
(a)
The components of net periodic benefit cost, other than the service cost component, are recorded in "Other income, net" on the consolidated statements of income. The service cost component is recorded in "Other operations and maintenance" on the consolidated statements of income. Prior to January 1, 2018, a portion of all net periodic benefit cost components were capitalized within the consolidated balance sheets. The FASB issued authoritative guidance within the codification's Compensation-Retirement Benefits topic that, beginning January 1, 2018, only allows the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization within the consolidated balance sheets. MGE has regulatory treatment and recognizes regulatory assets or liabilities for timing differences between when net periodic benefit costs are recovered and when costs are recognized.
c.Plan Assumptions.
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations were as follows for the years ended December 31:
|
|
| Pension Benefits |
| Other Postretirement Benefits |
| ||||||||
|
|
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| ||||
| Discount rate |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| ||||
| Rate of compensation increase |
| % |
| % |
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
| ||
| Assumed health care cost trend rates: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year |
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
| % |
| % |
| ||
| Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| decline (the ultimate trend rate) |
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
| % |
| % |
| ||
| Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate |
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
83
|
|
| Pension Benefits |
| Other Postretirement Benefits |
| ||||||||||||||
|
|
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
| ||||||
| Discount rate |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| ||||||
| Expected rate of return on plan assets |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| ||||||
| Rate of compensation increase |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
| N/A |
|
| |||
| (In thousands) |
| 1% Increase |
| 1% Decrease |
|
| Effect on other postretirement benefit obligation | $ | $ | ( |
| |
| Effect on total service and interest cost components |
|
| ( |
|
MGE employs a building-block approach in determining the expected long-term rate of return for asset classes. Historical markets are studied and long-term historical relationships among asset classes are analyzed, consistent with the widely accepted capital market principle that assets with higher volatility generate a greater return over the long run. Current market factors, such as interest rates and dividend yields, are evaluated before long-term capital market assumptions are determined.
The expected long-term nominal rate of return for plan assets is primarily a function of expected long-term real rates of return for component asset classes and the plan's target asset allocation in conjunction with an inflation assumption. Peer data and historical returns are reviewed to check for appropriateness.
d.Investment Strategy.
MGE employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equities, fixed income, and real estate investments are used to maximize the expected long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan-funded status, and corporate financial condition. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity, fixed income, and real estate investments. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through periodic investment portfolio reviews and liability measurements.
|
| Target Allocation |
| Percentage of Plan Assets at Year End |
| |||||
|
|
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| ||||
| Equity securities(a) | % |
| % |
| % |
| |||
| Fixed income securities | % |
| % |
| % |
| |||
| Real estate | % |
| % |
| % |
| |||
| Total | % |
| % |
| % |
| |||
The fair value of plan assets for the postretirement benefit plans is $
84
payment of retiree life benefits or health benefit trusts for payment of retiree health premiums. The asset allocation for the insurance continuance fund is determined by the life insurer. The target asset allocation for the health benefit trusts are established based on a similar investment strategy as assets held in the master pension trust, with consideration for liquidity needs in the health benefit trusts.
e.Concentrations of Credit Risk.
MGE evaluated its pension and other postretirement benefit plans' asset portfolios for the existence of significant concentrations of credit risk as of December 31, 2019. Types of concentrations that were evaluated include, but are not limited to, investment concentrations in a single entity, type of industry, and foreign country. As of December 31, 2019, there were
f. Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets.
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan investments are recorded at fair value. See Footnote 19 for more information regarding the fair value hierarchy.
The following descriptions are the categories of underlying plan assets held within the pension and other postretirement benefit plans as of December 31, 2019:
Cash and Cash Equivalents – This category includes highly liquid investments with maturities of less than three months which are traded in active markets.
Equity Securities – These securities consist of U.S. and international stock funds. The U.S. stock funds are primarily invested in domestic equities. Securities in these funds are typically priced using the closing price from the applicable exchange, NYSE, Nasdaq, etc. The international funds are composed of international equities. Securities are priced using the closing price from the appropriate local stock exchange.
Fixed Income Securities – These securities consist of U.S. bond funds and short-term funds. U.S. bond funds are priced by a pricing agent using inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads. The short-term funds are valued initially at cost and adjusted for amortization of any discount or premium.
Real Estate – Real estate funds are funds with a direct investment in pools of real estate properties. These funds are valued by investment managers on a periodic basis using pricing models that use independent appraisals. The fair value of real estate investments is determined using net asset value.
Insurance Continuance Fund (ICF) – The ICF is a supplemental retirement plan that includes assets that have been segregated and restricted to pay retiree term life insurance premiums.
Fixed Rate Fund – The Fixed Rate fund is supported by an underlying portfolio of fixed income securities, including public bonds, commercial mortgages, and private placement bonds. Public market data and GAAP reported market values are used when available to determine fair value.
All of the fair values of MGE's plan assets are measured using net asset value, except for cash and cash equivalents which are considered level 1 investments.
85
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | $ |
| ||
| Equity Securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
| U.S. Large Cap |
|
|
| ||
| U.S. Mid Cap |
|
|
| ||
| U.S. Small Cap |
|
|
| ||
| International Blend |
|
|
| ||
| Fixed Income Securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
| Short-Term Fund |
|
|
| ||
| High Yield Bond |
|
|
| ||
| Long Duration Bond |
|
|
| ||
| Real Estate |
|
|
| ||
| Insurance Continuance Fund |
|
|
| ||
| Fixed Rate Fund |
|
|
| ||
| Total | $ | $ |
|
g.Expected Cash Flows.
MGE does not expect to need to make any required contributions to the qualified plans for 2020. The contributions for years after 2020 are not yet currently estimated. MGE has adopted the asset smoothing as permitted in accordance with the Pension Protection Act of 2006, including modifications made by WRERA.
Due to uncertainties in the future economic performance of plan assets, discount rates, and other key assumptions, estimated contributions are subject to change. MGE may also elect to make additional discretionary contributions.
In 2019, MGE made $5.7 million in employer contributions to its pension and postretirement plans.
h.Benefit Payments.
|
|
| Pension |
| Other Postretirement Benefits |
| ||||
| (In thousands) |
| Pension Benefits |
| Gross Postretirement Benefits |
| Expected Medicare Part D Subsidy |
| Net Postretirement Benefits |
|
| 2020 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ |
| |||
| 2021 |
|
|
| ( |
|
| |||
| 2022 |
|
|
| ( |
|
| |||
| 2023 |
|
|
| ( |
|
| |||
| 2024 |
|
|
| ( |
|
| |||
| 2025 - 2029 |
|
|
| ( |
|
| |||
12.
Share-Based Compensation - MGE Energy and MGE.
Under MGE Energy's Director Incentive Plan and its Performance Unit Plan, non-employee directors and eligible employees, respectively, may receive performance units that entitle the holder to receive a cash payment equal to the value of a designated number of shares of MGE Energy's common stock, plus dividend equivalent payments thereon, at the end of the performance period set in the award. In accordance with the plans' provisions, these awards are subject to prescribed vesting schedules and must be settled in cash. Accordingly, no shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the plans.
On the grant date, the cost of the director or employee services received in exchange for a performance unit award is measured based on the current market value of MGE Energy common stock. The fair value of the awards is remeasured quarterly, including as of December 31, 2019, as required by applicable accounting
86
standards. Changes in fair value as well as the original grant are recognized as compensation cost. Since this amount is remeasured throughout the vesting period, the compensation cost is subject to variability.
| Grant Date |
| MGE Energy Units Granted |
|
| January 17, 2020 |
|
| |
| January 18, 2019 |
|
| |
| March 1, 2018 |
|
| |
| January 19, 2018 |
|
|
| Grant Date |
| MGE Energy Units Granted |
|
| February 15, 2019 |
|
| |
| February 16, 2018 |
|
| |
| March 1, 2017 |
|
| |
| February 19, 2016 |
|
|
13.
Notes Payable to Banks, Commercial Paper, and Lines of Credit.
a.MGE Energy.
As of December 31, 2019, MGE Energy had an unsecured, committed revolving line of credit of $
The credit agreement requires MGE Energy to maintain a ratio of its consolidated indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization not to exceed a maximum of
b.MGE.
For short-term borrowings, MGE generally issues commercial paper (issued at the prevailing discount rate at the time of issuance), which is supported by unused committed bank lines of credit. As of December 31, 2019, MGE had two unsecured, committed revolving lines of credit for a total of $
87
under these facilities.
The credit agreements require MGE to maintain a ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated total capitalization not to exceed a maximum of
c.Short-Term Borrowings - MGE Energy and MGE.
| (In thousands) |
| MGE Energy(a) |
|
|
| MGE |
|
| ||||||
| As of December 31, |
| 2019 |
|
| 2018 |
|
|
| 2019 |
|
| 2018 |
|
|
| Available lines of credit | $ |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| $ |
|
| ||||
| Short-term debt outstanding | $ |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| $ |
|
| ||||
| Weighted-average interest rate |
| % |
| % |
|
| % |
| % |
| ||||
| Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Maximum short-term borrowings | $ |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| $ |
|
| ||||
| Average short-term borrowings | $ |
| $ |
|
| $ |
| $ |
|
| ||||
| Weighted-average interest rate |
| % |
| % |
|
| % |
| % |
| ||||
88
14.
Long-Term Debt - MGE Energy and MGE.
a.Long-Term Debt.
|
|
| December 31, |
| ||
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| First Mortgage Bonds:(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
| $ | $ |
| |||
| Tax Exempt Debt: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Industrial Development Revenue Bonds |
|
|
| ||
| Medium-Term Notes:(b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
| Total Medium-Term Notes |
|
|
| ||
| Other Long-Term Debt:(d) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
| Total Other Long-Term Debt |
|
|
| ||
| Long-term debt due within one year |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Total Long-Term Debt | $ | $ |
| ||
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
89
(f)
(g)
b.Long-Term Debt Maturities.
| (In thousands) |
| 2020 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| Thereafter |
|
| Long-term debt maturities | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
|
15.
Common Equity.
a.Common Stock - MGE Energy and MGE.
During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, MGE Energy paid $
b.Dilutive Shares Calculation - MGE Energy.
MGE Energy has not issued any dilutive securities.
90
16.Commitments and Contingencies.
a.Environmental - MGE Energy and MGE.
Water Quality
Water quality regulations promulgated by the EPA and WDNR in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, or more commonly known as the Clean Water Act (CWA), impose restrictions on discharges of various pollutants into surface waters. The CWA also regulates surface water quality issues that affect aquatic life, such as water temperatures, chemical concentrations, intake structures, and wetlands filling. The CWA also includes discharge standards, which require the use of effluent-treatment processes equivalent to categorical "best practicable" or "best available" technologies. The CWA regulates discharges from "point sources," such as power plants, through establishing discharge limits in water discharge permits. MGE's power plants operate under Wisconsin Pollution Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permits issued by the WDNR to ensure compliance with these discharge limits. Permits are subject to periodic renewal.
EPA's Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category
In November 2015, the EPA published its final rule setting Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG) for the steam electric power generating industry. The ELG rule establishes federal limits on the amount of metals and other pollutants that can be discharged in wastewater from new and existing steam electric generation plants. The rule will be applied to Wisconsin-based power plants as they renew their WPDES permits, no later than 2023. The operators of the Columbia and Elm Road Units have indicated that equipment upgrades may be necessary to comply with the current discharge standards.
In November 2019, the EPA published proposed modifications to the ELG rule that, if finalized, would, among other things, revise overall technology-based effluent standards and discharge limits for flue gas desulfurization wastewater and bottom ash transport water. The proposed rule would also add subcategories with specific standards for high-flow and low-use boilers, and revise standards for boilers that will retire by 2028.
MGE is currently evaluating the proposed rule modifications for applicability to the Columbia and Elm Road Units. Until the modifications are finalized, MGE will not know with any certainty if and how any final rule may impact operations. Management believes that any compliance costs will be recovered in future rates based on previous treatment of environmental compliance projects.
EPA Cooling Water Intake Rules (Section 316(b))
Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act requires that the cooling water intake structures at electric power plants meet best available technology standards so that mortality from entrainment (drawing aquatic life into a plant's cooling system) and impingement (trapping aquatic life on screens) are reduced. The EPA finalized its Section 316(b) rule for existing facilities in 2014. Section 316(b) requirements are implemented in Wisconsin through modifications to plants' WPDES permits, which govern plant wastewater discharges.
The WCCF, Blount, and Columbia plants are considered existing plants under this rule. The WCCF facility already employs a system that meets the Section 316(b) rule. The Blount plant's WPDES permit assumes that Blount meets best technology available (BTA) for the duration of the permit, which expires in 2023. However, MGE needs to perform an entrainment study by the end of 2021 to determine future BTA, which will be included with the next permit renewal. Section 316(b) applies to river intakes at the Columbia plant. Columbia’s operator received a permit in 2019 that directed them to conduct studies on their intake structures to help determine BTA. Future BTA requirements at Blount and Columbia will be based on the results of these intake studies and will be specified in the next permits expected to be issued in 2023 or later. MGE expects that the Section 316(b) rule will not have a material effect on its existing plants. Management believes that any compliance costs will be recovered in future rates based on previous treatment of environmental compliance projects.
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Air Quality
Federal and state air quality regulations impose restrictions on various emissions, including emissions of particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other pollutants, and require permits for operation of emission sources. These permits have been obtained by MGE and must be renewed periodically. Current EPA initiatives under the Clean Air Act, including the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), and the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule have the potential to result in additional operating and capital expenditure costs for MGE.
EPA's Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Guidelines under the Clean Air Act 111(d) Rule
The EPA's Clean Power Plan (CPP) rule became effective in December 2015, setting federal guidelines for states to use in developing plans to control GHG emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired electric generating units (EGUs) and systems. The CPP included GHG emissions reduction strategies that extended “beyond the fenceline” of existing EGUs. Implementation of the rule was expected to have a direct impact on coal and natural gas fired generating units, including possible changes in dispatch and additional operating costs.
In July 2019, the EPA published a final rule repealing the CPP and creating the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing coal-fired EGUs. The ACE rule directs states to submit plans to the EPA for approval that implement standards of performance (called Best System of Emissions Reductions, or BSER) for individual coal-fired EGUs over
The ACE rule will apply to Columbia and the Elm Road Units. EGUs compliance with the ACE rule may not be required until 2024 or later. MGE is currently evaluating how this rule may impact operations and monitoring state activity on BSER development. Until the State of Wisconsin develops a plan that is accepted by the EPA, MGE will not be able to determine the final impact of the rule. Additionally, the ACE rule and repeal of the CPP are subject to a legal challenge pending in the United States District Court of the District of Columbia. MGE will continue to evaluate the rule development within the state and monitor ongoing and potential legal proceedings associated with the rule.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and Related Rules
The EPA's NAAQS regulations have been developed to set ambient levels of six pollutants to protect sensitive human populations (primary NAAQS) and the environment (secondary NAAQS) from the negative effects of exposure to these pollutants at higher levels. The Clean Air Act requires that the EPA periodically review, and adjust as necessary, the NAAQS for these six air pollutants. The EPA's NAAQS review can result in a lowering of the allowed ambient levels of a pollutant, a change in how the pollutant is monitored, and/or a change in which sources of that pollutant are regulated. States implement any necessary monitoring and measurement changes and recommend areas for attainment (meets the ambient requirements) or nonattainment (does not meet these standards). The EPA makes the final attainment and nonattainment determinations. States must come up with a state implementation plan (SIP) to get nonattainment areas into attainment and maintain air quality in attainment areas. A company with facilities located in a nonattainment area will be most affected. Their facilities may be subject to additional data submissions and measurement during permitting renewals, their facilities may need to meet new emission limitations set by the SIP (which could result in significant capital expenditures), and the company may have additional expenses and/or difficulties expanding existing facilities or building new facilities. The process from determining acceptable primary and/or secondary NAAQS to executing SIPs can take years. Since the NAAQS regulations have the potential to affect both existing and new facilities in areas, MGE continuously monitors changes to
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these rules to evaluate whether changes could impact its operations. In addition, the EPA has adopted interstate transport rules, such as the CSAPR, to address contributions to NAAQS nonattainment from upwind sources in neighboring states. In the following paragraphs we discuss specific NAAQS and transport rule developments that may affect MGE.
Ozone NAAQS
In May 2018, the EPA issued a final rule designating the northeast portion of Milwaukee County as being in nonattainment with Ozone NAAQS. The Elm Road Units are located in Milwaukee County, outside the designated nonattainment area. In August 2018, several environmental groups, the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois filed federal lawsuits challenging several of the EPA's attainment designation decisions, including the partial Milwaukee County designation as being too narrow and not sufficiently protective. If the entire county were to be considered in nonattainment, the State of Wisconsin would need to develop an implementation plan that addressed emissions that contribute to Ozone (NOx and Volatile Organic Compound emissions) for the County, which could affect operations and emissions control obligations of the Elm Road units. MGE is monitoring the outcome of this lawsuit and how it may affect the Elm Road Units in Milwaukee County. At this time, MGE expects that the 2015 Ozone NAAQS will not have a material effect on its existing plants based on final designations.
EPA's Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
The EPA's CSAPR and its progeny are a suite of interstate air pollution transport rules designed to reduce ozone and fine particulate (PM2.5) air levels in areas that the EPA has determined as being significantly impacted by pollution from upwind states. This is accomplished in the CSAPR through a reduction in SO2 and NOx from qualifying fossil-fuel fired power plants in upwind "contributing" states. NOx and SO2 contribute to fine particulate pollution and NOx contributes to ozone formation in downwind areas. Reductions are achieved through a cap and trade system. Individual plants can meet their caps through modifications and/or buying allowances on the market.
In September 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals upheld the legal argument that the EPA cannot provide a partial remedy to the Clean Air Act's "Good Neighbor Provision," which addresses interstate transport of pollutants from upwind states to downwind states. Under the current rule, the EPA was not holding upwind states to the same attainment deadlines as the downwind states that they impacted. The court indicated that this leniency on the upwind states effectively causes downwind states to miss attainment deadlines or over comply to meet deadlines. The court remanded the rule to the EPA without vacating it. No deadline has been set for the EPA to revise the rule. Wisconsin is considered an upwind state under CSAPR and is potentially impacted by rules that the EPA will develop to address this remand.
MGE has met its CSAPR obligations through a combination of reduced emissions through pollution control (e.g. SCR installation at Columbia), as well as owned, received, and purchased allowances. Uncertainty remains around CSAPR due to legal challenges; however, MGE expects that it will meet ongoing CSAPR obligations for the foreseeable future. MGE will continue to monitor developments in EPA revisions after the remand and any ongoing litigation over this rule.
Clean Air Visibility Rule (CAVR)
Columbia is subject to the best available retrofit technology (BART) regulations, a subsection of the EPA's CAVR, which may require pollution control retrofits. Columbia's existing pollution control upgrades, and the EPA's stance that compliance with the CSAPR equals compliance with BART, should mean that Columbia will not need to do additional work to meet BART requirements. At this time, however, the BART regulatory obligations, compliance strategies, and costs remain uncertain in Wisconsin due to the continued legal uncertainty regarding CSAPR and CAVR. MGE will continue to monitor developments to this rule.
Solid Waste
EPA's Coal Combustion Residuals Rule
The EPA's 2015 Coal Combustion Residuals Rule (CCR) regulates coal ash from burning coal for the purpose of generating electricity as a solid waste and defines what ash use activities would be considered generally exempt beneficial reuse of coal ash. The CCR rule also regulates existing,
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modified, and new landfills, ash ponds, and other surface impoundments used for coal combustion residuals by regulating their design, location, monitoring, and operation.
Review of the Elm Road Units has indicated that the costs to comply with this rule are not expected to be significant. Columbia's operator is continuing to evaluate options to meet the rule requirements.
In July 2018, the EPA published a final rule that included amendments to the CCR. The amendments include the allowance of alternative performance standards for landfills and surface impoundments, revised risk-based groundwater protection standards, and an extension of the deadline by which certain facilities must cease the placement of waste in CCR units. In August 2018, the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit vacated parts of the 2015 CCR for not being sufficiently protective of the environment. In December 2019, the EPA introduced a proposed rule to revise some of the closure standards that are in the 2015 CCR Rule. MGE is currently evaluating the newly proposed rule revision for applicability to our units.
In 2015, MGE recorded an asset retirement obligation for its share of the legal liability associated with the effect of the CCR. Actual costs of compliance may be different than the amount recorded due to potential changes in compliance strategies that will be used, as well as other potential cost estimate changes. MGE will continue to monitor final rule modifications to assess potential impacts on our operations.
Columbia
Columbia Clean Air Act Litigation
Columbia is a coal-fired generating station operated by WPL and in which WPL, WPSC, and MGE have ownership interests. In December 2009, the EPA sent a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the co-owners, including MGE. The NOV alleged that WPL and the Columbia co-owners failed to comply with appropriate pre-construction review and permitting requirements and, as a result, violated the Prevention of Significant Deterioration program requirements, Title V Operating Permit requirements of the CAA, and the Wisconsin SIP. In June 2013, the court approved and entered a consent decree entered by the EPA, Sierra Club, and the co-owners of Columbia. One of the requirements of the consent decree requires installation of an SCR system at Columbia Unit 2 by December 31, 2018. Installation of the SCR was approved by the PSCW and the SCR was placed in service in 2018. The consent decree remains open for compliance monitoring, but significant additional operating and capital expenditures are not expected.
b.Legal Matters - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE is involved in various legal matters that are being defended and handled in the normal course of business. MGE maintains accruals for such costs that are probable of being incurred and subject to reasonable estimation. The accrued amount for these matters is not material to the financial statements. MGE does not expect the resolution of these matters to have a material adverse effect on its consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.
c.Purchase Contracts - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE Energy and MGE have entered into various commodity supply, transportation, and storage contracts to meet their obligations to deliver electricity and natural gas to customers. Management expects to recover these costs in future customer rates.
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As of December 31, 2019, the future minimum commitments related to these purchase contracts were as follows:
| (In thousands) |
| 2020 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| Thereafter |
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| Coal(a) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| Natural gas |
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| Transportation and storage(b) |
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| Supply(c) |
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| Purchase power(d) |
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| Solar farms(e) |
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| Other |
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| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
d.Other Commitments.
MGE Energy holds investments in nonpublic venture capital funds. From time to time, these entities require additional capital infusions from their investors. MGE Energy has committed to contribute $
In addition, MGE Energy has a -year agreement with a venture debt fund expiring in December 2022. MGE Energy has committed to invest up to a total of $
MGE has several other commitments related to various projects. Payments for these commitments are expected to be as follows:
| (In thousands) |
| 2020 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| Thereafter |
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| Other commitments | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
|
17.
Asset Retirement Obligations - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE recorded an obligation for the fair value of its legal liability for asset retirement obligations (AROs) associated with removal of the West Campus Cogeneration Facility and the Elm Road Units, electric substations, combustion turbine generating units, wind generating facilities, and photovoltaic generating facilities, all of which are located on property not owned by MGE Energy and MGE and would need to be removed upon the ultimate end of the associated leases. The significant conditional AROs identified by MGE included the costs of abandoning in place gas services and mains, the abatement and disposal of equipment and buildings contaminated with asbestos and PCBs, and the proper disposal and removal of tanks, batteries, and underground cable. Changes in management's assumptions regarding settlement dates, settlement methods, or assigned probabilities could have a material effect on the liabilities and the associated regulatory asset recorded as of December 31, 2019.
MGE also may have AROs relating to the removal of various assets, such as certain electric and gas distribution facilities. These facilities are generally located on property owned by third parties, on which MGE is permitted to operate by lease, permit, easement, license, or service agreement. The asset
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retirement obligations associated with these facilities cannot be reasonably determined due to the indeterminate life of the related agreements.
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
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| Balance as of January 1, | $ | $ |
| ||
| Liabilities incurred(a) |
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| Accretion expense |
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| Liabilities settled |
| ( |
| ( |
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| Revisions in estimated cash flows(b) |
| ( |
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| |
| Balance as of December 31, | $ | $ |
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(a)
(b)
18.
Derivative and Hedging Instruments - MGE Energy and MGE.
a.Purpose.
b.Notional Amounts.
|
| December 31, 2019 |
| December 31, 2018 |
| ||
| Commodity derivative contracts | MWh |
| MWh |
| ||
| Commodity derivative contracts | Dth |
| Dth |
| ||
| FTRs | MW |
| MW |
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| PPA | MW |
| MW |
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c.Financial Statement Presentation.
MGE purchases and sells exchange-traded and over-the-counter options, swaps, and future contracts. These arrangements are primarily entered into to help stabilize the price risk associated with gas or power purchases. These transactions are employed by both MGE's gas and electric segments. Additionally, as a result of the firm transmission agreements that MGE holds on electricity transmission paths in the MISO market, MGE holds financial transmission rights (FTRs). An FTR is a financial instrument that entitles the holder to a stream of revenues or charges based on the differences in hourly day-ahead energy prices between two points on the transmission grid. The fair values of these
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instruments are offset with a corresponding regulatory asset/liability depending on whether they are in a net loss/gain position. Depending on the nature of the instrument, the gain or loss associated with these transactions will be reflected as cost of gas sold, fuel for electric generation, or purchased power expense in the delivery month applicable to the instrument. As of December 31, 2019, the cost basis of exchange traded derivatives and FTRs exceeded their fair value by $
MGE is a party to a purchased power agreement that provides MGE with firm capacity and energy during a base term from June 1, 2012, through May 31, 2022. The agreement also allows MGE an option to extend the contract after the base term. The agreement is accounted for as a derivative contract and is recognized at its fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. However, the derivative qualifies for regulatory deferral and is recognized with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability depending on whether the fair value is in a loss or gain position. The fair value of the contract as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, reflects a loss position of $
| (In thousands) |
| Derivative Assets |
| Derivative Liabilities |
| Balance Sheet Location |
| December 31, 2019 |
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| Commodity derivative contracts(a) | $ | $ | Derivative liability (current)(b) | |||
| Commodity derivative contracts(a) |
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| FTRs |
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| Other current assets | ||
| PPA |
| N/A |
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| Derivative liability (current) | |
| PPA |
| N/A |
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| Derivative liability (long-term) | |
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| December 31, 2018 |
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| Commodity derivative contracts(a) | $ | $ |
| Other current assets | ||
| Commodity derivative contracts(a) |
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| Other deferred charges | ||
| FTRs |
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| Other current assets | ||
| PPA |
| N/A |
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| Derivative liability (current) | |
| PPA |
| N/A |
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| Derivative liability (long-term) |
(a)
(b)
| Offsetting of Derivative Assets |
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| (In thousands) |
| Gross Amounts |
| Gross Amounts Offset in Balance Sheets |
| Collateral Posted Against Derivative Positions |
| Net Amount Presented in Balance Sheets |
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| December 31, 2019 |
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| Commodity derivative contracts | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ |
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| FTRs |
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| December 31, 2018 |
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| Commodity derivative contracts | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ |
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| Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities |
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| (In thousands) |
| Gross Amounts |
| Gross Amounts Offset in Balance Sheets |
| Collateral Posted Against Derivative Positions |
| Net Amount Presented in Balance Sheets |
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| December 31, 2019 |
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| Commodity derivative contracts | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ |
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| December 31, 2018 |
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| Commodity derivative contracts | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ |
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| 2018 | ||||
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| Other Current Assets |
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| Current and Long-Term Regulatory Asset |
| Other Current Assets |
(In thousands) |
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Balance as of January 1, | $ | $ |
| $ | $ | ||||
Unrealized gain |
| ( |
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Realized (loss) gain reclassified to a deferred account |
| ( |
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Realized gain (loss) reclassified to income statement |
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Balance as of December 31, | $ | $ |
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| Realized Losses (Gains) | ||||||
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| 2019 |
| 2018 | ||||
(In thousands) |
| Fuel for Electric Generation/ Purchased Power |
| Cost of Gas Sold |
| Fuel for Electric Generation/ Purchased Power |
| Cost of Gas Sold |
Year Ended December 31: |
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Commodity derivative contracts | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||
FTRs |
| ( |
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| ( |
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PPA |
| ( |
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| |||
MGE's commodity derivative contracts, FTRs, and PPA are subject to regulatory deferral. These derivatives are marked to fair value and are offset with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability. Realized gains and losses are deferred on the consolidated balance sheets and are recognized in earnings in the delivery month applicable to the instrument. As a result of the above described treatment, there are no unrealized gains or losses that flow through earnings.
The PPA has a provision that may require MGE to post collateral if MGE's debt rating falls below investment grade (i.e., below BBB-). The amount of collateral that it may be required to post varies from $
Nonperformance of counterparties to the non-exchange traded derivatives could expose MGE to credit loss. However, MGE enters into transactions only with companies that meet or exceed strict credit guidelines, and it monitors these counterparties on an ongoing basis to mitigate nonperformance risk in its portfolio. As of December 31, 2019,
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19.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments - MGE Energy and MGE.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or would be paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The accounting standard clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability including assumptions about risk. The standard also establishes a three level fair value hierarchy based upon the observability of the assumptions used and requires the use of observable market data when available. The levels are:
Level 1 - Pricing inputs are quoted prices within active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Pricing inputs are quoted prices within active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations that are correlated with or otherwise verifiable by observable market data.
Level 3 - Pricing inputs are unobservable and reflect management's best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
a.Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Recorded at the Carrying Amount.
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| December 31, 2019 |
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| December 31, 2018 |
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| (In thousands) |
| Carrying Amount |
| Fair Value |
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| Carrying Amount |
| Fair Value |
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| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ |
| $ | $ |
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| Short-term debt - commercial paper |
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b.Recurring Fair Value Measurements.
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| Fair Value as of December 31, 2019 |
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| Total |
| Level 1 |
| Level 2 |
| Level 3 |
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| MGE Energy |
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| Derivatives, net | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| Exchange-traded investments |
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| Total Assets | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| Liabilities: |
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| Derivatives, net(b) | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| Deferred compensation |
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| Total Liabilities | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| Derivatives, net | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| Total Assets | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| Derivatives, net(b) | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| Deferred compensation |
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| Total Liabilities | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| Total |
| Level 1 |
| Level 2 |
| Level 3 |
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| MGE Energy |
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| Derivatives, net | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| Total Assets | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| Liabilities: |
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| Derivatives, net | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| Total Liabilities | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| Derivatives, net | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| Total Assets | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| Liabilities: |
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| Derivatives, net | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| Total Liabilities | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
No transfers were made in or out of Level 1 or Level 2 for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Investments include exchange-traded investment securities valued using quoted prices on active exchanges and are therefore classified as Level 1.
The deferred compensation plan allows participants to defer certain cash compensation into a notional investment account. These amounts are included within other deferred liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The notional investments earn interest based upon the semiannual rate of U.S.
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Treasury Bills having a -week maturity increased by
Derivatives include exchange-traded derivative contracts, over-the-counter transactions, a purchased power agreement, and FTRs. Most exchange-traded derivative contracts are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are therefore classified as Level 1. A small number of exchange-traded derivative contracts are valued using quoted market pricing in markets with insufficient volumes and are therefore considered unobservable and classified as Level 3. Transactions done with an over-the-counter party are on inactive markets and are therefore classified as Level 3. These transactions are valued based on quoted prices from markets with similar exchange-traded transactions. FTRs are priced based upon monthly auction results for identical or similar instruments in a closed market with limited data available and are therefore classified as Level 3.
The purchased power agreement (see Footnote 18) was valued using an internally-developed pricing model and therefore is classified as Level 3. The model projects future market energy prices and compares those prices to the projected power costs to be incurred under the contract. Inputs to the model require significant management judgment and estimation. Future energy prices are based on a forward power pricing curve using exchange-traded contracts in the electric futures market. A basis adjustment is applied to the market energy price to reflect the price differential between the market price delivery point and the counterparty delivery point. The historical relationship between the delivery points is reviewed and a discount (below 100%) or premium (above 100%) is derived. This comparison is done for both peak times when demand is high and off peak times when demand is low. If the basis adjustment is lowered, the fair value measurement will decrease, and if the basis adjustment is increased, the fair value measurement will increase.
The projected power costs anticipated to be incurred under the purchased power agreement are determined using many factors, including historical generating costs, future prices, and expected fuel mix of the counterparty. An increase in the projected fuel costs would result in a decrease in the fair value measurement of the purchased power agreement. A significant input that MGE estimates is the counterparty's fuel mix in determining the projected power cost. MGE also considers the assumptions that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability. This consideration includes assumptions about market risk such as liquidity, volatility, and contract duration. The fair value model uses a discount rate that incorporates discounting, credit, and model risks.
|
|
| Model Input | ||||
| Significant Unobservable Inputs |
| 2019 |
| 2018 | ||
| Basis adjustment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| On peak |
| % |
| % | ||
| Off peak |
| % |
| % | ||
| Counterparty fuel mix: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Internal generation |
| % |
| % | ||
| Purchased power |
| % |
| % | ||
101
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
|
| Balance as of January 1, | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( |
|
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Included in regulatory liabilities |
|
|
|
| |||
| Included in other comprehensive income |
|
|
|
| |||
| Included in earnings |
| ( |
|
| ( |
| |
| Included in current assets |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Purchases |
|
|
|
| |||
| Sales |
|
|
|
| |||
| Issuances |
|
|
|
| |||
| Settlements |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 |
|
|
|
| |||
| Balance as of December 31, | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( |
|
| Total gains (losses) included in earnings attributed to the |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| liabilities held as of December 31,(c) | $ | $ | $ |
|
| (In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Year Ended December 31, |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
|
| Purchased power expense | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( |
| |
| Cost of gas sold expense |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Total | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( |
|
20.
Revenue - MGE Energy and MGE.
| (In thousands) |
| Year Ended December 31, |
| ||||
| Electric revenues |
| 2,019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
|
| Residential | $ | $ | $ |
| |||
| Commercial(a) |
|
|
|
| |||
| Industrial |
|
|
|
| |||
| Other-retail/municipal |
|
|
|
| |||
| Total retail |
|
|
|
| |||
| Sales to the market |
|
|
|
| |||
| Other revenues |
|
|
|
| |||
| Total electric revenues |
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Gas revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Residential |
|
|
|
| |||
| Commercial/Industrial(a) |
|
|
|
| |||
| Total retail |
|
|
|
| |||
| Gas transportation |
|
|
|
| |||
| Other revenues |
|
|
|
| |||
| Total gas revenues |
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Nonregulated energy revenues |
|
|
|
| |||
| Total Operating Revenue(a) | $ | $ | $ |
| |||
102
Performance Obligations
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account. A contract's transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. The majority of MGE Energy's and MGE's contracts have a single performance obligation.
Retail Revenue (Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Other Retail/Municipal)
Retail revenue of electric and gas utility service represent MGE's core business activities. Tariffs are approved by the PSCW through a rate order and provide MGE's customers with the standard terms and conditions, including pricing terms. The performance obligation to deliver electricity or gas is satisfied over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the commodities provided by MGE. MGE recognizes revenues as the commodity is delivered to customers. Meters are read on a systematic basis throughout the month based on established meter-reading schedules and the customer is subsequently billed for their services. At the end of the month, MGE accrues an estimate for the unbilled amount of commodities delivered to customers. The unbilled revenue estimate is based on daily system demand volumes, weather factors, estimated line losses, estimated customer usage by class, and applicable customer rates.
Utility Cost Recovery Mechanisms
MGE's tariff rates include a provision for fuel cost recovery. The PSCW allows Wisconsin utilities to defer electric fuel-related costs, less excess revenues, that fall outside a symmetrical cost tolerance band. Any over/under recovery of the actual costs in a given year is determined in the following year and is then reflected in future billings to electric retail customers. Over-collection of fuel-related costs that are outside the approved range will be recognized as a reduction of revenue. Prior to adoption of the new revenue recognition guidance, effective January 1, 2018, over-collected fuel-related costs were reflected in "Purchased power" expense. Under-collection of these costs will continue to be recognized in "Purchased power" expense in the consolidated statements of income. The cumulative effects of these deferred amounts will be recorded in "Regulatory assets" or "Regulatory liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets until they are reflected in future billings to customers. See Footnote 9.b. for further information.
MGE received a PSCW order in January 2018 to defer the over-collection of income tax expense collected in customer rates as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act) reduction in the income tax rate to 21 percent. See Footnote 9.c. for further information.
MGE has other cost recovery mechanisms. Any over-collection of the difference between actual costs incurred and the amount of costs collected from customers is recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period incurred.
Sales to the Market
Sales to the market include energy charges, capacity or demand charges, and ancillary charges represented by wholesale sales of electricity made to third parties who are not ultimate users of the electricity. Most of these sales are spot market transactions on the markets operated by MISO. Each transaction is considered a performance obligation and revenue is recognized in the period in which energy charges, capacity or demand charges, and ancillary services are sold into MISO. MGE reports, on a net basis, transactions on the MISO markets in which it buys and sells power within the same hour to meet electric energy delivery requirements.
Transportation of Gas
MGE has contracts under which MGE provides gas transportation services to customers who have elected to purchase gas from a third party and have the gas delivered via pipelines within MGE's service territory. Revenue is recognized as service is rendered or gas is delivered to customers. Tariffs are approved by the PSCW through a rate order and provide gas transportation customers with the standard terms and conditions, including pricing terms.
21.
Noncontrolling Interest - MGE.
103
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| MGE Power Elm Road(a) | $ | $ |
| ||
| MGE Power West Campus(a) |
|
|
| ||
| Total Noncontrolling Interest | $ | $ |
|
| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
|
| MGE Power Elm Road(a) | $ | $ | $ |
| |||
| MGE Power West Campus(a) |
|
|
|
| |||
| Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax | $ | $ | $ |
|
22.
Segment Information - MGE Energy and MGE.
The electric utility business purchases, generates and distributes electricity, and contracts for transmission service. The gas utility business purchases and distributes natural gas and contracts for the transportation of natural gas. Both the electric and gas segments operate through MGE Energy's principal subsidiary, MGE.
The nonregulated energy operations are conducted through MGE Energy's subsidiaries: MGE Power, MGE Power Elm Road, and MGE Power West Campus. These subsidiaries own electric generating capacity that they lease to MGE to assist MGE. MGE Power Elm Road has an ownership interest in two coal-fired generating units in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, which are leased to MGE, and MGE Power West Campus owns a controlling interest in the electric generation plant of a natural gas-fired cogeneration facility on the UW campus. MGE Power West Campus's portion is also leased to MGE.
The transmission investment segment invests in ATC, a company that provides electric transmission services primarily in Wisconsin, and ATC Holdco, a company formed to pursue electric transmission development and investments outside of Wisconsin. These investments are held in MGE Transco and MGEE Transco, respectively. See Footnote 7 for further discussion.
The "All Others" segment includes: corporate, CWDC, MAGAEL, MGE State Energy Services, MGE Services, NGV Fueling Services (dissolved in 2018), and North Mendota. These entities' operations consist of investing in companies and property which relate to the regulated operations, financing the regulated operations, or, in the case of NGV Fueling Services, owning and operating natural gas compression equipment.
General corporate expenses include the cost of executive management, corporate accounting and finance, information technology, risk management, human resources and legal functions, and employee benefits that are allocated to electric and gas segments based on formulas prescribed by the PSCW. Identifiable assets are those used in MGE's operations in each segment.
Sales between our electric and gas segments are based on PSCW approved tariffed rates. Additionally, intersegment operations related to the leasing arrangement between our electric segment and MGE Power Elm Road/MGE Power West Campus are based on terms previously approved by the PSCW. Consistent with internal reporting, management has presented the direct financing capital leases between MGE and MGE Power Elm Road/MGE Power West Campus based on actual lease payments included in rates. Lease payments made by MGE to MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus are shown as operating expenses. The lease payments received by MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus from MGE
104
are shown as lease income in interdepartmental revenues. The depreciation expense associated with the Elm Road Units and WCCF is reflected in the nonregulated energy segment.
(In thousands) MGE Energy |
| Electric |
| Gas |
| Non-Regulated Energy |
| Transmission Investment |
| All Others |
| Consolidation/ Elimination Entries |
| Consolidated Total |
Year Ended December 31, 2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | - | $ | ||||||
Interdepartmental revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
| - | |||||
Total operating revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
| (56,896) |
| ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
|
|
| ( | |||
Other operating expenses |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( | ||
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ||||||
Other income (deductions), net |
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ||||||
Interest (expense) income, net |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
|
|
| ( | |||
Income (loss) before taxes |
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ||||||
Income tax (provision) benefit |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
|
| ( | ||
Net income (loss) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | - | $ | ||||||
Interdepartmental revenues |
| ( |
|
|
|
|
| ( |
| - | ||||
Total operating revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
| (55,313) |
| ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
|
|
| ( | |||
Other operating expenses |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| ( | |
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
|
| |||||
Other income (deductions), net |
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ||||||
Interest (expense) income, net |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
|
|
| ( | |||
Income (loss) before taxes |
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ||||||
Income tax (provision) benefit |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
|
| ( | ||
Net income (loss) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | - | $ | ||||||
Interdepartmental revenues |
| ( |
|
|
|
|
| ( |
| - | ||||
Total operating revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
| (58,932) |
| ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
|
|
| ( | |||
Other operating expenses |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| ( | |
Operating income (loss) |
|
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
|
| |||||
Other income (deductions), net |
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ||||||
Interest (expense) income, net |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
|
|
| ( | |||
Income (loss) before taxes |
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ||||||
Income tax (provision) benefit(a) |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
|
| ( | |||
Net income (loss) | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ |
105
| (In thousands) MGE |
| Electric |
| Gas |
| Non-Regulated Energy |
| Consolidation/ Elimination Entries |
| Consolidated Total |
|
| Year Ended December 31, 2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Operating revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | - | $ |
| ||||
| Interdepartmental revenues |
|
|
|
| ( |
| - |
| |||
| Total operating revenues |
|
|
|
| (56,896) |
|
| ||||
| Depreciation and amortization |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| ( |
| |
| Other operating expenses |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| ( |
| |
| Operating income |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
| Other income, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
| Interest expense, net |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| ( |
| |
| Income before taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
| Income tax provision |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| ( |
| |
| Net income |
|
|
|
| - |
|
| ||||
| Less: Net income attributable to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| noncontrolling interest, net of tax |
|
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| |||
| Net income attributable to MGE | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Year Ended December 31, 2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Operating revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | - | $ |
| ||||
| Interdepartmental revenues |
| ( |
|
|
| ( |
| - |
| ||
| Total operating revenues |
|
|
|
| (55,313) |
|
| ||||
| Depreciation and amortization |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| ( |
| |
| Other operating expenses |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| ( |
| |
| Operating income |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
| Other income, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
| Interest expense, net |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| ( |
| |
| Income before taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
| Income tax provision |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| ( |
| |
| Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
| Less: net income attributable to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| noncontrolling interest, net of tax |
|
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| |||
| Net income attributable to MGE | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Year Ended December 31, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Operating revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | - | $ |
| ||||
| Interdepartmental revenues |
| ( |
|
|
| ( |
| - |
| ||
| Total operating revenues |
|
|
|
| (58,920) |
|
| ||||
| Depreciation and amortization |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| ( |
| |
| Other operating expenses |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| ( |
| |
| Operating income |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
| Other income, net |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
| Interest expense, net |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| ( |
| |
| Income before taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
| Income tax (provision) benefit(a) |
| ( |
| ( |
|
|
| ( |
| ||
| Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
| Less: Net income attributable to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| noncontrolling interest, net of tax |
|
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| |||
| Net income attributable to MGE | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ |
|
(a)
106
The following table shows segment information for MGE Energy's and MGE's assets and capital expenditures:
|
| Utility |
|
| Consolidated | ||||||||||
(In thousands) MGE Energy |
| Electric |
| Gas |
|
| Non-regulated Energy |
| Transmission Investment(b) |
| All Others |
| Consolidation/ Elimination Entries |
| Total |
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2019 | $ | $ |
| $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||
December 31, 2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
| ||||||
December 31, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
| ||||||
Capital Expenditures: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended Dec. 31, 2019 | $ | $ |
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||
Year ended Dec. 31, 2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Year ended Dec. 31, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 108,131 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Utility |
|
| Consolidated |
| ||||||
(In thousands) MGE |
| Electric |
| Gas |
|
| Non-regulated Energy |
| Consolidation/ Elimination Entries |
| Total |
|
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2019 | $ | $ |
| $ | $ | ( | $ |
| ||||
December 31, 2018 |
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ||||
December 31, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ||||
Capital Expenditures: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended Dec. 31, 2019 | $ | $ |
| $ | $ | $ |
| |||||
Year ended Dec. 31, 2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Year ended Dec. 31, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
23.
| (In thousands, except per share amounts) |
| Quarters Ended |
| ||||||
| 2019 |
| March 31 |
| June 30 |
| September 30 |
| December 31 |
|
| Operating revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Electric revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Gas revenues |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Total Operating Revenues |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Operating income |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Interest and other income, net |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Income tax provision |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Earnings on common stock | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Earnings per common share | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Dividends per share | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Operating revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Electric revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Gas revenues |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Total Operating Revenues |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Operating income |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Interest and other income, net |
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
| Income tax provision |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Earnings on common stock | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Earnings per common share | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Dividends per share | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
Notes:
•The quarterly results of operations within a year may not be comparable because of seasonal and other factors.
•The sum of earnings per share of common stock for any four quarters may vary slightly from the earnings per share of common stock for the equivalent twelve-month period due to rounding.
•MGE Energy's operations are based primarily on its utility subsidiary MGE.
107
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
MGE Energy and MGE
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
MGE Energy and MGE
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
During the fourth quarter of 2019, each registrant's management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated its disclosure controls and procedures related to the recording, processing, summarization, and reporting of information in its periodic reports that it files with the SEC. These disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to ensure that material information relating to that registrant, including its subsidiaries, is accumulated and made known to that registrant's management, including its principal executive officer and its principal financial officer, by other employees of that registrant and its subsidiaries as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and that this information is recorded, processed, summarized, evaluated, and reported, as applicable, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Due to the inherent limitations of control systems, not all misstatements may be detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty and breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. Also, the registrants do not control or manage certain of their unconsolidated entities, and thus, their access and ability to apply their procedures to those entities is more limited than is the case for their consolidated subsidiaries.
As of December 31, 2019, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of each registrant concluded that such registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) were effective to accomplish their objectives. Each registrant intends to strive continually to improve its disclosure controls and procedures to enhance the quality of its financial reporting.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the quarter ended December 31, 2019, there were no changes in MGE Energy or MGE's internal controls over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to affect materially, MGE Energy or MGE's internal control over financial reporting.
MGE Energy and MGE
Management of MGE Energy and MGE are required to assess and report on the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019. As a result of that assessment, management determined that there were no material weaknesses as of December 31, 2019 and, therefore, concluded that MGE Energy and MGE's internal control over financial reporting was effective. Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Report.
Item 9B. Other Information.
MGE Energy
None.
108
PART III.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance.
MGE Energy
The information required by Item 10 relating to directors and nominees for election as directors at MGE Energy's annual meeting of shareholders is incorporated herein by reference to the information under the heading "ELECTION OF DIRECTORS" in MGE Energy's definitive proxy statement (2020 Proxy Statement) to be filed with the SEC before April 28, 2020. Information relating to compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is incorporated herein by reference to the information under the heading "BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP – Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports" in the 2020 Proxy Statement.
The information required by Item 10 relating to executive officers is set forth above in Item 1. Business - Executive Officers of the Registrants.
Code of Ethics
MGE Energy has adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to its directors and all of its employees, including its chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and principal accounting officer. The Code of Ethics is available on MGE Energy's website at www.mgeenergy.com. Information contained on MGE Energy's website shall not be deemed incorporated into, or to be a part of, this report.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
See Item 12.
On February 21, 2020, MGE Energy, Inc.'s Board of Directors adopted the MGE Energy, Inc. 2020 Performance Unit Plan. Eligible participants will be employees (including officers) selected by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors based upon their performance during the year immediately preceding the award. Plan participants may receive awards of (i) "performance units," which entitle the holder to receive a cash payment equal to the value of a designated number of shares of the Company's common stock, plus dividend equivalent payments thereon, based upon the achievement of specified performance goals during a performance period set by the Compensation Committee and (ii) "restricted units," which entitle the holder to receive a cash payment equal to the value of a designated number of shares of the Company's common stock, plus dividend equivalent payments thereon, at the end of a time period set by the Compensation Committee. Awards are subject to vesting provisions providing for 100% vesting at the end of the performance period, in the case of performance units, and at the end of the time period, in the case of restricted units, in each case as set by the Compensation Committee in the particular award. A participant's award may not exceed 70% of his or her base salary. No shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the Plan.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
MGE Energy
The required information is included in the 2020 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC before April 28, 2020, for Item 11 under the section "EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION," not including "Compensation Committee Report," and "Cumulative Five-Year Total Return Comparison Graph," and for Item 12 under the section "BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP," which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
MGE Energy
The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference herein from the "BOARD OF DIRECTORS INFORMATION" section in the 2020 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC before April 28, 2020.
109
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
MGE Energy
The information required by Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to the information under the heading "RATIFICATION OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM" in the 2020 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC before April 28, 2020.
MGE
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees Disclosure
|
|
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
|
| Audit fees(a) | $ | 1,256,951 | $ | 871,231 |
|
| Audit-related fees(b) |
| 162,777 |
| 371,838 |
|
| Tax fees(c) |
| 110,909 |
| 62,654 |
|
| All other fees(d) |
| 284,101 |
| 332,538 |
|
(a)Professional services rendered for the audits of the financial statements, review of the interim financial statements, opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for MGE Energy, and services that generally only the independent auditor can reasonably provide, such as comfort letters, statutory audits, consents, and assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC. Audit Fees for 2019 include professional services rendered in connection with implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system and the adoption of the new accounting standards.
(b)Audit-Related Fees for 2019 and 2018 include professional services rendered in connection with utility commission-mandated obligations. Fees for 2018 also include professional services rendered in connection with Enterprise Forward project implementation review that included review of security and internal controls. Enterprise Forward is a strategic information technology management project aimed at transforming MGE into a digital integrated utility and includes replacement of enterprise resource planning and customer information system applications.
(c)Tax Fees for 2019 and 2018 include review of federal and state income tax returns. Fees for 2019 also include review of an IRS Private Letter Ruling. Fees for 2018 also include Tax Reform services and tax planning.
(d)Other Fees for 2019 and 2018 include advisory services with respect to the Enterprise Forward project.
MGE is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGE Energy and does not have a separate audit committee. Instead, that function is fulfilled for MGE by the MGE Energy Audit Committee. The Audit Committee approves each engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm to render any audit or nonaudit services before the firm is engaged to render those services. The Chair of the Audit Committee or other designated Audit Committee member may represent the entire Audit Committee for purposes of this approval. Any services approved by the Chair or other designated Audit Committee members are reported to the full Audit Committee at the next scheduled Audit Committee meeting. No de minimis exceptions to this approval process are allowed under the Audit Committee Charter; and thus, none of the services described in the preceding table were approved pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X.
110
PART IV.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) 1. Financial Statements.
|
|
MGE Energy |
|
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 | 54 |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 | 54 |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 | 55 |
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 | 56 |
Consolidated Statements of Common Equity as of December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 | 57 |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 62 |
|
|
MGE |
|
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 | 58 |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 | 58 |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 | 59 |
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 | 60 |
Consolidated Statements of Common Equity as of December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 | 61 |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 62 |
2. Financial Statement Schedules.
Schedule I – Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. | 115 |
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for MGE Energy, Inc. and Madison Gas and Electric Company for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. | 118 |
All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or not required, or because the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
3. All Exhibits Including Those Incorporated by Reference.
Exhibits. Several of the following exhibits are incorporated herein by reference under Rule 12b-32 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Several other instruments, which would otherwise be required to be listed below, have not been so listed because those instruments do not authorize securities in an amount that exceeds 10% of the total assets of the applicable registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The relevant registrant agrees to furnish a copy of any instrument that was so omitted on that basis to the Commission upon request.
111
| Incorporated by Reference | ||||
Ex. No. | Exhibit Description | Form | File No. | Exhibit | Date Filed |
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of MGE Energy, Inc. | S-3 Registration Statement | 333-197423 | 4.1 | 7/15/2014 | |
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3.2** |
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8-K | 0-1125 | 3.1 | 10/25/2012 | ||
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Amended Bylaws of Madison Gas and Electric Company as in effect at October 25, 2012 | 10-K | 0-1125 | 3.3 | 3/26/2003 | |
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10-Q | 0-49965 | 4.1 | 8/7/2018 | ||
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10-Q | 0-49965 | 4.2 | 5/8/2018 | ||
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10-K | 0-1125 | 4B | 3/29/2000 | ||
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4.4** | - | - | - | - | |
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8-K | 0-49965 | 10.1 | 2/13/2019 | ||
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8-K | 0-1125 | 10.2 | 2/13/2019 | ||
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8-K | 0-1125 | 10.3 | 2/13/2019 | ||
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10-Q | 0-49965 | 10.4 | 5/8/2018 | ||
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10-Q | 0-49965 | 10.5 | 8/7/2018 | ||
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Second Amended and Restated Agreement for Construction and Operation of Columbia Generating Plant. | 10-K | 0-49965 | 10.6 | 2/22/2019 | |
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10-Q | 0-1125 | 10.19 | 11/8/2005 | ||
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10-Q | 0-1125 | 10.20 | 11/8/2005 | ||
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10-Q | 0-1125 | 10.21 | 11/8/2005 | ||
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10-Q | 0-1125 | 10.22 | 11/8/2005 | ||
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10-Q | 0-1125 | 10.23 | 11/8/2005 | ||
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10-Q | 0-1125 | 10.24 | 11/8/2005 | ||
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10-Q | 0-1125 | 10.7 | 11/8/2005 | ||
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10-Q | 0-1125 | 10.8 | 11/8/2005 | ||
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10-Q | 0-1125 | 10.9 | 11/8/2005 | ||
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10-Q | 0-1125 | 10.10 | 11/8/2005 | ||
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112
10-Q | 0-1125 | 10.11 | 11/8/2005 | ||
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10-Q | 0-1125 | 10.12 | 11/8/2005 | ||
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10-K | 0-1125 | 10.16 | 3/8/2006 | ||
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10-Q | 0-1125 | 10.13 | 11/8/2005 | ||
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10-Q | 0-1125 | 10.14 | 11/8/2005 | ||
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10-Q | 0-1125 | 10.15 | 11/8/2005 | ||
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10-Q | 0-1125 | 10.16 | 11/8/2005 | ||
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10-Q | 0-1125 | 10.6 | 11/7/2006 | ||
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10-Q | 0-1125 | 10.7 | 11/7/2006 | ||
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10-K | 0-49965 | 10.37 | 2/26/2009 | ||
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10-Q | 0-49965 | 10.1 | 5/5/2016 | ||
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Form of Severance Agreement for Officers hired on or after January 1, 2012. | 10-Q | 0-49965 | 10.2 | 5/5/2016 | |
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10-K | 0-49965 | 10.38 | 2/26/2009 | ||
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Form of Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Agreement. | 10-K | 0-49965 | 10.39 | 2/26/2009 | |
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Form of Income Continuation Agreement as revised January 1, 2016. | 10-Q | 0-49965 | 10.3 | 5/5/2016 | |
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10-K | 0-49965 | 10.32 | 2/22/2018 | ||
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10-K | 0-49965 | 10.32 | 2/24/2017 | ||
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Form of Participation Agreement for the Defined Contribution Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan | 10-K | 0-49965 | 10.33 | 2/24/2017 | |
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10-Q | 0-49965 | 10.1 | 5/5/2017 | ||
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10-K | 0-49965 | 10.42 | 2/26/2009 | ||
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8-K | 0-49965 | 10.1 | 4/21/2011 | ||
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10-Q | 0-49965 | 10.2 | 5/5/2017 | ||
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10-K | 0-49965 | 10.38 | 2/27/2014 | ||
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- | - | - | - | ||
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21** | - | - | - | - | |
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23.1** | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - MGE Energy, Inc. | - | - | - | - |
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23.2** | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Madison Gas and Electric Company | - | - | - | - |
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31.1** | - | - | - | - | |
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31.2** | - | - | - | - |
113
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31.3** | - | - | - | - | |
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31.4** | - | - | - | - | |
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32.1*** | - | - | - | - | |
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32.2*** | - | - | - | - | |
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32.3*** | - | - | - | - | |
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32.4*** | - | - | - | - | |
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101.INS** | XBRL Instance | - | - | - | - |
101.SCH** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema | - | - | - | - |
101.CAL** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation | - | - | - | - |
101.DEF** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition | - | - | - | - |
101.LAB** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels | - | - | - | - |
101.PRE** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation | - | - | - | - |
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* | Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
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** | Filed herewith. |
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*** | Furnished herewith. |
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Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.
MGE Energy and MGE
None.
114
Schedule I | |||||||
Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements | |||||||
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MGE Energy, Inc. | |||||||
Statements of Comprehensive Income | |||||||
(Parent Company Only) | |||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||
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| For the Years Ended December 31, |
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| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
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Operating Expenses: |
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Other operations and maintenance | $ | $ | $ |
| |||
Total Operating Expenses |
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Operating Loss |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
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Equity in earnings of investments |
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Other (loss) income, net |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
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Interest income, net |
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Income before income taxes |
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Income tax provision |
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Net Income |
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Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax: |
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Comprehensive Income | $ | $ | $ |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above consolidated financial statements. | |||||||
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MGE Energy, Inc. | |||||||
Statements of Cash Flows | |||||||
(Parent Company Only) | |||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||
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| For the Years Ended December 31, |
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| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
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Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities | $ | $ | $ |
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Investing Activities: |
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Contributions to affiliates |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
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Contributions to other investments |
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| ( |
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Other |
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Cash Used for Investing Activities |
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Financing Activities: |
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Cash dividends paid on common stock |
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Other |
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Cash Used for Financing Activities |
| ( |
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Change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash |
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Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period |
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Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period | $ | $ | $ |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above consolidated financial statements. | |||||||
115
Schedule I | ||||
Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements (continued) | ||||
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MGE Energy, Inc. | ||||
Balance Sheets | ||||
(Parent Company Only) | ||||
(In thousands) | ||||
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| As of December 31, | ||
ASSETS |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
Current Assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||
Other current assets |
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Total Current Assets |
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Other deferred assets and other |
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Investments: |
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Investments in affiliates |
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Other investments |
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Total Investments |
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Total Assets | $ | $ | ||
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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY |
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Current Liabilities: |
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Accounts payable to affiliates | $ | $ | ||
Other current liabilities |
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Total Current Liabilities |
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Other Credits: |
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Deferred income taxes |
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Accounts payable to affiliates |
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Other deferred liabilities |
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Total Other Credits |
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Shareholders' Equity: |
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Common shareholders' equity |
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Retained earnings |
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Total Shareholders' Equity |
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Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | $ | $ | ||
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above consolidated financial statements. | ||||
116
Schedule I
Condensed Parent Company Financial Statements (continued)
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
(Parent Company Only)
1.Basis of Presentation.
MGE Energy is a holding company and conducts substantially all of its business operations through its subsidiaries. For Parent Company only presentation, investment in subsidiaries are accounted for using the equity method. These condensed Parent Company financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with Rule 12-04, Schedule I of Regulation S-X. These statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
2.Credit Agreements.
As of December 31, 2019, MGE Energy had access to an unsecured, committed credit facility with aggregate bank commitments of $
3.Commitments and Contingencies.
See Footnote 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for information regarding commitments and contingencies.
4.Dividends from Affiliates.
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| Dividends from Affiliates |
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| (In thousands) |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
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| MGE | $ | $ | $ |
| |||
| MGE Power Elm Road |
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| MGE Power West Campus |
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| MGE Transco |
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| MGEE Transco |
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| NGV Fueling Services |
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| Total | $ | $ | $ |
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Dividend Restrictions
Dividend payments by MGE to MGE Energy are subject to restrictions arising under a PSCW rate order and, to a lesser degree, MGE's first mortgage bonds. The PSCW order restricts any dividends that MGE may pay MGE Energy if its common equity ratio, calculated in the manner used in the rate proceeding, is less than
MGE has covenanted with the holders of its first mortgage bonds not to declare or pay any dividend or make any other distribution on or purchase any shares of its common stock unless, after giving effect thereto, the aggregate amount of all such dividends and distributions and all amounts applied to such purchases, after December 31, 1945, shall not exceed the earned surplus (retained earnings) accumulated subsequent to December 31, 1945. As of December 31, 2019, approximately $
See Footnotes 13 and 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for more information on dividend restrictions appearing in credit agreements and long-term debt, respectively.
117
Schedule II | |||||||||
MGE Energy, Inc. and Madison Gas and Electric Company | |||||||||
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts | |||||||||
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| Additions |
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| Balance at Beginning of Period |
| Charged to Costs and Expenses | Charged to Other Accounts |
| Net Accounts Written Off(a) |
| Balance at End of Period |
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Fiscal Year 2017: |
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Accumulated provision for uncollectibles | $ |
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Fiscal Year 2018: |
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Accumulated provision for uncollectibles | $ |
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Fiscal Year 2019: |
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Accumulated provision for uncollectibles | $ |
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| ( | $ | ||||
118
Signatures - MGE Energy, Inc.
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
| MGE Energy, Inc. |
(Registrant) | |
|
|
Date: February 26, 2020 | /s/ Jeffrey M. Keebler |
| Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 26, 2020.
/s/ Jeffrey M. Keebler | Jeffrey M. Keebler Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
/s/ Jeffrey C. Newman | Jeffrey C. Newman Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
/s/ Marcia M. Anderson | Marcia M. Anderson, Director |
/s/ James G. Berbee | James G. Berbee, Director |
/s/ Mark D. Bugher | Mark D. Bugher, Director |
/s/ Londa J. Dewey | Londa J. Dewey, Director |
/s/ F. Curtis Hastings | F. Curtis Hastings, Director |
/s/ James L. Possin | James L. Possin, Director |
/s/ Thomas R. Stolper | Thomas R. Stolper, Director |
/s/ Gary J. Wolter | Gary J. Wolter, Director |
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Signatures - Madison Gas and Electric Company
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
| Madison Gas and Electric Company |
(Registrant) | |
|
|
Date: February 26, 2020 | /s/ Jeffrey M. Keebler |
| Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 26, 2020.
/s/ Jeffrey M. Keebler | Jeffrey M. Keebler Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
/s/ Jeffrey C. Newman | Jeffrey C. Newman Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
|
|
/s/ Marcia M. Anderson | Marcia M. Anderson, Director |
/s/ James G. Berbee | James G. Berbee, Director |
/s/ Mark D. Bugher | Mark D. Bugher, Director |
/s/ Londa J. Dewey | Londa J. Dewey, Director |
/s/ F. Curtis Hastings | F. Curtis Hastings, Director |
/s/ James L. Possin | James L. Possin, Director |
/s/ Thomas R. Stolper | Thomas R. Stolper, Director |
/s/ Gary J. Wolter | Gary J. Wolter, Director |
120