As discussed in the 2020 Annual Report, the Registrants are involved in rate and regulatory proceedings at the FERC and their state commissions. The Rate Matters note within the 2020 Annual Report should be read in conjunction with this report to gain a complete understanding of material rate matters still pending that could impact net income, cash flows and possibly financial condition. The following discusses ratemaking developments in 2021 and updates the 2020 Annual Report.

Compliance with extensive environmental regulations requires significant capital investment in environmental monitoring, installation of pollution control equipment, emission fees, disposal costs and permits. Management continuously evaluates cost estimates of complying with these regulations which has resulted in, and in the future may result in, a decision to retire coal-fired generating facilities earlier than their currently estimated useful lives.

Management is seeking or will seek regulatory recovery, as necessary, for any net book value remaining when the plants are retired. To the extent the net book value of these generation assets are not deemed recoverable, it could materially reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

In September 2020, the Oklaunion Power Station was retired. As of March 31, 2021, PSO has a regulatory asset for accelerated depreciation pending approval recorded on its balance sheet of $34 million. PSO will seek recovery of the Oklaunion Power Station in its next base rate case. In October 2020, the Oklaunion Power Station site was sold to a nonaffiliated third-party.

In April 2016, Welsh Plant, Unit 2 was retired. As part of the 2016 Texas Base Rate Case, SWEPCo received approval from the PUCT to recover the Texas jurisdictional share of Welsh Plant, Unit 2. See “2016 Texas Base Rate Case” section of Note 4 for additional information. As part of the 2019 Arkansas Base Rate Case, SWEPCo received approval from the APSC to recover the Arkansas jurisdictional share of Welsh Plant, Unit 2. In December 2020, SWEPCo filed a request with the LPSC to recover the Louisiana jurisdictional share of Welsh Plant, Unit 2. As of March 31, 2021, SWEPCo has a regulatory asset for plant retirement costs pending approval recorded on its balance sheet of $35 million related to the Louisiana jurisdictional share of Welsh Plant, Unit 2. See “2020 Louisiana Base Rate Case” section below for additional information.

In 2014, PSO received final approval from the Federal EPA to close Northeastern Plant, Unit 3, in 2026. The plant was originally scheduled to close in 2040. As a result of the early retirement date, PSO revised the useful life of Northeastern Plant, Unit 3, to the projected retirement date of 2026 and the incremental depreciation is being deferred as a regulatory asset. In 2016, as part of the 2015 Oklahoma Base Rate Case, the OCC issued an order approving the continued depreciation of Northeastern Plant, Unit 3 through 2040. The order did not approve accelerating the recovery of the incremental depreciation based on the revised retirement date of 2026.

In January 2020, as part of the 2019 Arkansas Base Rate Case, management announced that the Dolet Hills Power Station was probable of abandonment and was to be retired by December 2026. As a result of the announcement, SWEPCo began recording a regulatory asset for accelerated depreciation. In March 2020, management announced plans to retire the plant in 2021.


Plant	Net Investment		Accelerated Depreciation Regulatory Asset		Cost of Removal Regulatory Liability			Projected Retirement Date	Current Authorized Recovery Period	Annual Depreciation (a)
	(dollars in millions)
Northeastern Plant, Unit 3	$	190.5	$	114.8	$	19.8	(b)	2026	(c)	$	14.9
Dolet Hills Power Station	51.3		92.6		1.1			2021	(d)	7.7
Pirkey Power Plant	178.3		30.8		18.4			2023	(e)	13.7
Welsh Plant, Units 1 and 3	528.8		14.2		11.4		(f)	2028	(g)	33.3

During the second quarter of 2019, the Dolet Hills Power Station initiated a seasonal operating schedule. In January 2020, in accordance with the terms of SWEPCo’s settlement of its base rate review filed with the APSC, management announced that SWEPCo will seek regulatory approval to retire the Dolet Hills Power Station by the end of 2026. DHLC provides 100% of the fuel supply to Dolet Hills Power Station. After careful consideration of current economic conditions, and particularly for the benefit of their customers, management of SWEPCo and CLECO determined DHLC would not proceed developing additional Oxbow Lignite Company (Oxbow) mining areas for future lignite extraction and ceased extraction of lignite at the mine in May 2020. Based on these actions, management revised the estimated useful life of DHLC’s and Oxbow’s assets to coincide with the date at which extraction was discontinued in the second quarter of 2020 and the date at which delivery of lignite is expected to cease in September 2021. Management also revised the useful life of the Dolet Hills Power Station to 2021 based on the remaining estimated fuel supply available for continued seasonal operation. In March 2020, primarily due to the revision in the useful life of DHLC, SWEPCo recorded a revision to increase estimated ARO liabilities by $21 million. In April 2020, SWEPCo and CLECO jointly filed a notification letter to the LPSC providing notice of the cessation of lignite mining.

Fuel costs incurred by the Dolet Hills Power Station are recoverable by SWEPCo through active fuel clauses. Under the fuel agreements, SWEPCo’s fuel inventory and unbilled fuel costs from mining related activities were $126 million as of March 31, 2021. Also, as of March 31, 2021, SWEPCo had a net over-recovered fuel balance of

$20 million, excluding impacts of the February 2021 severe winter weather event, which includes fuel consumed at the Dolet Hills Power Station. Additional operational and land-related costs are expected to be incurred by DHLC and Oxbow and billed to SWEPCo prior to the closure of the Dolet Hills Power Station and recovered through fuel clauses.

In October 2020, SWEPCo filed a request with the LPSC seeking approval to close the mines and to recover the Louisiana jurisdictional share of the additional fuel costs. In March 2021, the LPSC issued an order allowing SWEPCo to recover up to $20 million of fuel costs in 2021 and defer approximately $30 million of additional costs with a recovery period to be determined at a later date.

In November 2020, management announced plans to retire the Pirkey Power Plant in 2023. The Pirkey Power Plant costs are recoverable by SWEPCo through base rates. SWEPCo’s share of the net investment in the Pirkey Power Plant is $209 million, including CWIP, before cost of removal. Sabine is a mining operator providing mining services to the Pirkey Power Plant. Under the provisions of the mining agreement, SWEPCo is required to pay, as part of the cost of lignite delivered, an amount equal to mining costs plus a management fee. SWEPCo expects fuel deliveries, including billings of all fixed and operating costs, from Sabine to cease during the first quarter of 2023. Under the fuel agreements, SWEPCo’s fuel inventory and unbilled fuel costs from mining related activities were $163 million as of March 31, 2021. Also, as of March 31, 2021, SWEPCo had a net over-recovered fuel balance of $20 million, excluding impacts of the February 2021 severe winter weather event, which includes fuel consumed at the Pirkey Power Plant. Additional operational costs are expected to be incurred by Sabine and billed to SWEPCo, as well as land-related costs incurred by SWEPCo, prior to the closure of the Pirkey Power Plant and recovered through fuel clauses. If any of these costs are not recoverable, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

In June 2020, SWEPCo filed a fuel reconciliation with the PUCT for its retail operations in Texas for the reconciliation period of March 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019. The fuel reconciliation included total fuel costs of $1.7 billion ($616 million of which is related to the Texas jurisdiction). In January 2021, various parties filed testimony recommending fuel cost disallowances totaling $125 million relating to the Texas jurisdiction. Also in January 2021, SWEPCo filed rebuttal testimony disputing the recommended disallowances. In February 2021, SWEPCo and various parties reached a settlement in principle which resulted in an immaterial impact to SWEPCo’s 2020 financial statements. If additional costs are not recoverable, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.


	AEP
	March 31,		December 31,
	2021		2020
Noncurrent Regulatory Assets	(in millions)

Regulatory Assets Currently Earning a Return
Unrecovered Winter Storm Fuel Costs (a)	$	1,185.0	$	—
Dolet Hills Power Station Accelerated Depreciation	92.6		71.2
Kentucky Deferred Purchase Power Expenses	42.8		41.3
Plant Retirement Costs – Unrecovered Plant, Louisiana	35.2		35.2
Oklaunion Power Station Accelerated Depreciation	34.0		34.4

Pirkey Power Plant Accelerated Depreciation	30.8		12.2
Other Regulatory Assets Pending Final Regulatory Approval	37.5		26.4
Regulatory Assets Currently Not Earning a Return
Storm-Related Costs	285.0		134.2
Plant Retirement Costs – Asset Retirement Obligation Costs	25.9		25.9
COVID-19	19.5		24.9
Environmental Expense Deferral - Virginia	12.3		9.3


Other Regulatory Assets Pending Final Regulatory Approval	33.0		27.2
Total Regulatory Assets Pending Final Regulatory Approval	$	1,833.6	$	442.2

(a)PSO and SWEPCo have active fuel clauses that allow for the recovery of prudently incurred fuel and purchased power expenses. However, the recovery of these costs from customers may be extended over longer than usual time periods to mitigate the impact on customer bills. See “Impacts of Severe Winter Weather” section below for additional information.


	AEP Texas
	March 31,		December 31,
	2021		2020
Noncurrent Regulatory Assets	(in millions)

Regulatory Assets Currently Earning a Return
Advanced Metering System	$	16.4	$	16.3
Regulatory Assets Currently Not Earning a Return
Storm-Related Costs	10.5		0.8
COVID-19	8.6		10.5
Texas Retail Electric Provider Bad Debt Expense	4.1		—
Vegetation Management Program	3.8		3.8
Other Regulatory Assets Pending Final Regulatory Approval	2.6		1.5
Total Regulatory Assets Pending Final Regulatory Approval	$	46.0	$	32.9


	APCo
	March 31,		December 31,
	2021		2020
Noncurrent Regulatory Assets	(in millions)

Regulatory Assets Currently Earning a Return
COVID-19 – Virginia	$	4.0	$	3.7

Regulatory Assets Currently Not Earning a Return
Storm-Related Costs	49.1		3.4
Plant Retirement Costs – Asset Retirement Obligation Costs	25.9		25.9
Environmental Expense Deferral - Virginia	12.3		9.3
COVID-19 – West Virginia	1.6		1.5

Total Regulatory Assets Pending Final Regulatory Approval	$	92.9	$	43.8


	I&M
	March 31,		December 31,
	2021		2020
Noncurrent Regulatory Assets	(in millions)

Regulatory Assets Currently Earning a Return
Other Regulatory Assets Pending Final Regulatory Approval	$	—	$	0.5
Regulatory Assets Currently Not Earning a Return
COVID-19	2.8		3.8

Other Regulatory Assets Pending Final Regulatory Approval	0.6		—
Total Regulatory Assets Pending Final Regulatory Approval	$	3.4	$	4.3


	OPCo
	March 31,		December 31,
	2021		2020
Noncurrent Regulatory Assets	(in millions)

Regulatory Assets Currently Not Earning a Return



Storm-Related Costs	$	6.8	$	4.0
COVID-19	1.5		4.4
Other Regulatory Assets Pending Final Regulatory Approval	0.1		—
Total Regulatory Assets Pending Final Regulatory Approval	$	8.4	$	8.4


	PSO
	March 31,		December 31,
	2021		2020
Noncurrent Regulatory Assets	(in millions)

Regulatory Assets Currently Earning a Return
Unrecovered Winter Storm Fuel Costs (a)	$	688.7	$	—
Oklaunion Power Station Accelerated Depreciation	34.0		34.4

Regulatory Assets Currently Not Earning a Return


Storm-Related Costs	24.8		15.8
Other Regulatory Assets Pending Final Regulatory Approval	0.8		0.3
Total Regulatory Assets Pending Final Regulatory Approval	$	748.3	$	50.5

(a)PSO has an active fuel clause that allows for the recovery of prudently incurred fuel and purchased power expenses. However, the recovery of these costs from customers may be extended over longer than usual time periods to mitigate the impact on customer bills. See “Impacts of Severe Winter Weather” section below for additional information.


	SWEPCo
	March 31,		December 31,
	2021		2020
Noncurrent Regulatory Assets	(in millions)

Regulatory Assets Currently Earning a Return
Unrecovered Winter Storm Fuel Costs (a)	$	496.3	$	—
Dolet Hills Power Station Accelerated Depreciation	92.6		71.2
Plant Retirement Costs – Unrecovered Plant, Louisiana	35.2		35.2
Pirkey Power Plant Accelerated Depreciation	30.8		12.2
Welsh Plant, Units 1 and 3 Accelerated Depreciation	14.2		3.6
Other Regulatory Assets Pending Final Regulatory Approval	2.8		2.2
Regulatory Assets Currently Not Earning a Return
Storm-Related Costs	139.1		99.3
Asset Retirement Obligation - Louisiana	9.4		9.1



Other Regulatory Assets Pending Final Regulatory Approval	15.4		14.5
Total Regulatory Assets Pending Final Regulatory Approval	$	835.8	$	247.3

(a)SWEPCo has an active fuel clause that allows for the recovery of prudently incurred fuel and purchased power expenses. However, the recovery of these costs from customers may be extended over longer than usual time periods to mitigate the impact on customer bills. See “Impacts of Severe Winter Weather” section below for additional information.

In February 2021, severe winter weather impacted the service territories of APCo, KPCo and SWEPCo resulting in power outages and extensive damage to transmission and distribution infrastructures. As a result, incremental restoration expenses have been deferred related to the severe winter weather. The current estimate of storm restoration costs are as follows:

The amounts in the table above represent estimates as of March 31, 2021, and are subject to true-up as additional information becomes available. In March 2021, the LPSC approved the deferral of incremental other operation and maintenance storm restoration expenses related to the Louisiana jurisdiction for SWEPCo. Similarly, in April 2021, the KPSC approved deferral of KPCo’s incremental other operation and maintenance storm restoration expenses. APCo and KPCo intend to seek recovery of these incremental storm restoration costs in their next respective base rate cases while SWEPCo is expected to seek recovery in a separate filing. If any of the restoration costs are not recoverable, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

The February 2021 severe winter weather also had a significant impact in SPP resulting in the declaration of Energy Emergency Alert Levels 2 and 3 for the first time in SPP’s history. The winter storm increased the demand for natural gas and restricted the available natural gas supply resulting in significantly increased market prices for natural gas power plants to meet reliability needs for the SPP electric system. From February 9, 2021, to February 20, 2021, PSO’s and SWEPCo’s estimates of natural gas expenses and purchases of electricity to be recovered from customers are as follows:

PSO and SWEPCo have active fuel clauses that allow for the recovery of prudently incurred fuel and purchased power expenses. Given the significance of these costs, PSO and SWEPCo expect the costs to be subject to prudency reviews. Management believes these costs are probable of future recovery, but expects the recovery period to be extended to mitigate the impact on customer bills.

In March 2021, the APSC issued an order authorizing recovery of the Arkansas jurisdictional share of the retail customer fuel costs over five years, with the appropriate carrying charge to be determined at a later date. Accordingly, in April 2021, SWEPCo began recovery of its Arkansas jurisdictional share of these fuel costs, which are subject to true-up by the APSC. Also in April 2021, SWEPCo filed testimony supporting a five-year recovery with a pretax rate of return of 6.05%. A hearing is expected in the third quarter of 2021. A separate proceeding will address the prudency of the fuel costs.

Also in March 2021, the LPSC approved a special order granting a temporary modification to the FAC that allows SWEPCo to recover the Louisiana jurisdictional share of the retail fuel costs over a longer period. In April 2021, SWEPCo began recovery of its Louisiana jurisdictional share of these fuel costs based on a five year recovery period. SWEPCo will work with the LPSC to finalize the actual recovery period and determine the appropriate carrying charge in future proceedings.

In April 2021, the OCC approved a waiver for PSO allowing the deferral of the extraordinary fuel and purchase of electricity costs, including carrying costs, over a longer time period than what the FAC traditionally allows. A time frame for recovery and the appropriate carrying charge will be decided at a later date. Also in April 2021, legislation was introduced in Oklahoma proposing to securitize the extraordinary fuel and purchase of electricity costs impacting the utilities within the state. Under the proposal, the State of Oklahoma would issue securitization bonds and provide the proceeds to utilities to recover their share of the costs. PSO will continue to evaluate and monitor the advancement of the proposed legislation.

PSO and SWEPCo evaluated financing alternatives to address the timing difference between the payment of the estimated natural gas expenses and purchases of electricity to suppliers and subsequent recovery from customers. In March 2021, PSO drew $100 million on its revolving credit facility and SWEPCo issued $500 million of Senior Unsecured Notes. In March 2021, Parent entered into a $500 million 364-day Term Loan and borrowed the full amount. The proceeds from this loan were used to help fund capital contributions to PSO and SWEPCo totaling $425 million and $100 million, respectively. In April 2021, PSO received an additional capital contribution from Parent of $125 million to further address these costs.

Although the February 2021 severe winter weather did not materially impact AEP’s results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021, if either PSO or SWEPCo is unable to recover these fuel and purchased power costs, or obtain authorization of a reasonable carrying charge on these costs, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

In response to the extreme winter weather event, the Governor of Texas issued a Declaration of a State of Disaster for all counties in Texas. To assist with a return to normalcy, the PUCT issued an order that placed a temporary moratorium on customer disconnections due to non-payment for transmission and distribution utilities. This moratorium will be in effect until otherwise ordered by the PUCT. If related costs are not recoverable, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

During 2020, AEP’s electric operating companies informed both retail customers and state regulators that disconnections for non-payment were temporarily suspended. Shortly thereafter, AEP’s state regulators also imposed temporary moratoria on customary disconnection practices. As of March 31, 2021, AEP’s electric operating companies have resumed customary disconnection practices in all regulated jurisdictions with the exception of Arkansas and Virginia. In March 2021, the APSC issued an order allowing electric utilities in Arkansas to begin disconnections for non-payment beginning on May 3, 2021. AEP continues to work with regulators and stakeholders in Virginia and management currently anticipates resuming customary disconnection practices in the third quarter of 2021. Continuing adverse economic conditions may result in the inability of customers to pay for electric service, which could affect revenue recognition and the collectability of accounts receivable. If any costs related to COVID-19 are not recoverable, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

Through March 31, 2021, AEP Texas’ cumulative revenues from interim base rate increases that are subject to review is estimated to be $118 million. A base rate review could result in a refund to customers if AEP Texas incurs a disallowance of the transmission or distribution investment on which an interim increase was based. Management is unable to determine a range of potential losses, if any, that are reasonably possible of occurring. A revenue decrease, including a refund of interim transmission and distribution rates, could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition. AEP Texas is required to file for a comprehensive rate review no later than April 3, 2024.

In November 2020, the Virginia SCC issued an order on APCo’s 2017-2019 Triennial Review filing concluding that APCo earned above its authorized ROE but within its ROE band for the 2017-2019 period, resulting in no refund to customers and no change to APCo base rates on a prospective basis. The Virginia SCC approved a prospective 9.2% ROE for APCo's 2020-2022 triennial review period with the continuation of a 140 basis point band (8.5% bottom, 9.2% midpoint, 9.9% top).

In December 2020, an intervenor filed a petition at the Virginia SCC requesting reconsideration of: (a) the failure of the Virginia SCC to apply a threshold earnings test to the approved regulatory asset for APCo’s closed coal-fired generation assets, (b) the Virginia SCC’s use of a 2011 benchmark study to measure the replacement value of capacity for purposes of APCo’s 2017 – 2019 earnings test and (c) the reasonableness and prudency of APCo’s investments in AMI meters.

In December 2020, APCo filed a petition at the Virginia SCC requesting reconsideration of: (a) certain issues related to APCo’s going-forward rates and (b) the Virginia SCC’s decision to deny APCo tariff changes that align rates with underlying costs. For APCo’s going-forward rates, APCo requested that the Virginia SCC clarify its final order and clarify whether APCo’s current rates will allow it to earn a fair return. If the Virginia SCC’s order did conclude on APCo’s ability to earn a fair return through existing base rates, APCo further requested that the Virginia SCC clarify whether it has the authority to also permit an increase in base rates.

In March 2021, an intervenor filed its assignments of error with the Virginia Supreme Court related to the appeal of the November 2020 order in which it stated the Virginia SCC erred: (a) in determining that Virginia law did not apply to its determination to permit amortization for recovery of costs associated with retired coal-fired generation assets, (b) in establishing a new regulatory asset for a cost incurred outside of the triennial review period due to its failure to apply a threshold earnings test before approving deferred cost recovery and (c) in misapplying the requirement that APCo bear the burden of demonstrating that power purchases made by APCo from its affiliate, OVEC, were priced at the lower of OVEC’s cost or the market price for nonaffiliated power.

In March 2021, APCo filed its assignments of error with the Virginia Supreme Court related to its appeal of the November 2020 order in which it stated the Virginia SCC erred: (a) in finding that costs associated with asset impairments related to early retirement determinations made by APCo for certain generation facilities should not be attributed to the test periods under review and deemed fully recovered in the period recorded, (b) in finding that it was permitted to evaluate the reasonableness of APCo’s decision to record, per books for financial reporting purposes, asset impairments related to early retirement determinations for certain generation facilities, (c) as a result of the errors described in (a) and (b), in denying APCo an increase in rates, (d) in failing to review and make any findings regarding whether APCo’s rates would allow it to earn a fair rate of return going forward, (e) in denying APCo an increase in base rates by failing to ensure that APCo has an opportunity to recover its costs and earn a fair rate of return, thereby resulting in a taking of private property for public use without just compensation and (f) in

In March 2021, the Virginia SCC issued an order confirming certain of its decisions from the November 2020 order and rejecting the various requests for reconsideration from APCo and an intervenor. In confirming its decision to reject an intervenor’s recommendation that APCo’s AMI costs incurred during the triennial period be disallowed, the Virginia SCC clarified that APCo established the need to replace its existing AMR meters, and that based on the uncertainty surrounding the continued manufacturing and support of AMR technology, APCo reasonably chose to replace them with AMI meters. In March 2021, APCo filed a notice of appeal of the reconsideration order with the Virginia Supreme Court. APCo expects to submit its brief before the Virginia Supreme Court in the second or third quarter of 2021.

In April 2021, and in conjunction with APCo’s November 2020 and March 2021 appeals with the Virginia Supreme Court, APCo filed a petition for interim rates with the Virginia Supreme Court (subject to refund with interest and supported by a bond issuance) requesting a $40 million increase in annual APCo Virginia base rates. APCo submitted this filing based on Virginia law that allows the Virginia Supreme Court to authorize interim rates until the final disposition on APCo’s appeals. APCo also requested an expedited schedule from the Virginia Supreme Court on APCo’s appeals.

APCo ultimately seeks an increase in base rates through its appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court. Among other issues, this appeal includes APCo’s request for proper treatment of the closed coal-fired plant assets in APCo’s 2017-2019 triennial period, reducing APCo’s earnings below the bottom of its authorized ROE band. If APCo’s appeals regarding treatment of the closed coal plants are granted by the Virginia Supreme Court, it could initially reduce future net income and impact financial condition.

In December 2020, APCo submitted an E-RAC filing with the Virginia SCC requesting the regulatory approvals necessary to implement CCR/ELG compliance plans at APCo’s Amos and Mountaineer plants. In this filing, APCo requested an initial E-RAC revenue requirement of $31 million to recover CCR/ELG construction costs and ongoing environmental operation and maintenance expenses. APCo’s current estimate of total company CCR/ELG costs for the Amos and Mountaineer plants, including AFUDC, is approximately $240 million.

In April 2021, intervenors submitted testimony. Testimony included recommendations that APCo construct only the CCR-related investments at the Amos and Mountaineer plants and, as a consequence, APCo close the Amos and Mountaineer plants at the end of 2028. As of March 31, 2021, APCo’s total company combined CCR and ELG investment balances in CWIP for these plants were $8 million and $14 million, respectively.

AEP has a 50% equity ownership interest in ETT. Predominantly all of ETT’s revenues are based on interim rate changes that can be filed twice annually and are subject to review and possible true-up in the next base rate proceeding. Through March 31, 2021, AEP’s share of ETT’s cumulative revenues that are subject to review is estimated to be $1.2 billion. A base rate review could produce a refund if ETT incurs a disallowance of the transmission investment on which an interim increase was based. A revenue decrease, including a refund of interim transmission rates, could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition. Management is unable to determine a range of potential losses, if any, that are reasonably possible of occurring. ETT is required to file for a comprehensive rate review no later than February 1, 2023, during which, the $1.2 billion of cumulative revenues above will be subject to review.

I&M is required by Indiana law to submit an earnings test evaluation for the most recent one-year and five-year periods as part of I&M’s semi-annual Indiana FAC filings. These earnings test evaluations require I&M to include a credit in the FAC factor computation for periods in which I&M earned above its authorized return for both the one-year and five-year periods. The credit is determined as 50% of the lower of the one-year or five-year earnings above the authorized level. In July 2021, I&M will submit its FAC filing and earnings test evaluation for the period ended May 2021. As of March 31, 2021, I&M’s financial statements adequately reflect the estimated impact of I&M’s upcoming Indiana earnings test filings. Various uncertainties could impact I&M’s actual earnings and the need for a FAC credit to customers. These uncertainties could also reduce I&M’s overall future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

In June 2020, OPCo filed a request with the PUCO for a $42 million annual increase in base rates based upon a proposed 10.15% ROE net of existing riders. Additionally, OPCo filed a request with the PUCO for a 60-day temporary delay of the normal rate case proceeding due to the COVID-19 pandemic with rates expected to be effective approximately mid-2021.

In November 2020, the PUCO staff filed testimony supporting an annual revenue decrease ranging from $102 million to $123 million based upon an ROE of 8.76% to 9.78%. The difference between OPCo’s request and the staff testimony are primarily due to reductions in: (a) demand-side management programs of $40 million, (b) ROE ranging from $9 million to $30 million, (c) employee-related expenses of $23 million, (d) rate base of $19 million, (e) property taxes of $17 million, (f) other various expenses of $15 million, (g) depreciation expense of $11 million and (h) vegetation management programs of $10 million which is subject to over/under-recovery through a rider. The staff’s proposed disallowance of plant in service could also result in a write-off of up to $27 million. In addition, the staff recommended that capitalized incentives be excluded from base rates prospectively and also recommended annual revenue caps for the DIR of $57 million in 2021, $78 million in 2022, $96 million in 2023 and $46 million for the first five months of 2024. In December 2020, OPCo and intervenors filed objections.

In March 2021, OPCo, the PUCO staff and various intervenors filed a joint stipulation and settlement agreement with the PUCO. The agreement includes a $68 million annual decrease in base rates based on an ROE of 9.7%. The difference between OPCo’s requested annual base rate increase and the agreed upon decrease is primarily due to a reduction in the requested ROE, the removal of proposed future energy efficiency costs and a decrease in vegetation management expenses moved to recovery in riders. Additionally, the agreement includes: (a) an increased fixed monthly residential customer charge, (b) the discontinuation of rate decoupling and (c) the continuation of the DIR with annual revenue caps of $57 million in 2021, $91 million in 2022, $116 million in 2023 and $51 million for the first five months of 2024. Annual revenue caps for the DIR can be increased if OPCo achieves certain reliability standards. If the joint stipulation and settlement agreement is approved by the PUCO, new base rates will go into effect 14 days after such approval. A hearing is scheduled with the PUCO in May 2021. If the joint stipulation and settlement agreement is denied by the PUCO, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

OPCo conducts business under an ESP as approved by the PUCO which subjects the DIR to annual audits. In August 2020, a third-party consulting company filed an audit report with the PUCO indicating that OPCo exceeded its 2019 authorized revenue limit by $17 million. Management disagrees with the audit results and believes that OPCo was below its authorized revenue limit in 2019. The PUCO has not yet issued a procedural schedule to address the audit results. If the results of the audit are upheld by the PUCO and any refunds to customers or revenue reductions are ordered, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

In 2012, SWEPCo filed a request with the PUCT to increase annual base rates primarily due to the completion of the Turk Plant. In 2013, the PUCT issued an order affirming the prudence of the Turk Plant but determined that the Turk Plant’s Texas jurisdictional capital cost cap established in a previous Certificate of Convenience and Necessity case also limited SWEPCo’s recovery of AFUDC in addition to limits on its recovery of cash construction costs.

Upon rehearing in 2014, the PUCT reversed its initial ruling and determined that AFUDC was excluded from the Turk Plant’s Texas jurisdictional capital cost cap. As a result, SWEPCo reversed $114 million of a previously recorded regulatory disallowance in 2013. The resulting annual base rate increase was approximately $52 million. In 2017, the Texas District Court upheld the PUCT’s 2014 order and intervenors filed appeals with the Texas Third Court of Appeals.

In July 2018, the Texas Third Court of Appeals reversed the PUCT’s judgment affirming the prudence of the Turk Plant and remanded the issue back to the PUCT. In January 2019, SWEPCo and the PUCT filed petitions for review with the Texas Supreme Court. In March 2021, the Texas Supreme Court issued an opinion reversing the July 2018 judgment of the Texas Third Court of Appeals. The Texas Supreme Court’s opinion agrees with the PUCT’s judgment affirming the prudence of the Turk Plant; however, the Texas Supreme Court remanded the AFUDC dispute back to the Texas Third Court of Appeals. Motions for rehearing were due April 12, 2021 and no party filed a timely motion.

As of March 31, 2021, the net book value of Turk Plant was $1.4 billion, before cost of removal, including materials and supplies inventory and CWIP. If certain parts of the PUCT order are overturned and if SWEPCo cannot ultimately fully recover its approximate 33% Texas jurisdictional share of the Turk Plant investment, including AFUDC, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

In 2016, SWEPCo filed a request with the PUCT for a net increase in Texas annual revenues of $69 million based upon a 10% ROE. In January 2018, the PUCT issued a final order approving a net increase in Texas annual revenues of $50 million based upon a ROE of 9.6%, effective May 2017. The final order also included: (a) approval to recover the Texas jurisdictional share of environmental investments placed in-service, as of June 30, 2016, at various plants, including Welsh Plant, Units 1 and 3, (b) approval of recovery of, but no return on, the Texas jurisdictional share of the net book value of Welsh Plant, Unit 2, (c) approval of $2 million in additional vegetation management expenses and (d) the rejection of SWEPCo’s proposed transmission cost recovery mechanism.

As a result of the final order in 2017, SWEPCo: (a) recorded an impairment charge of $19 million, which included $7 million associated with the lack of return on Welsh Plant, Unit 2 and $12 million related to other disallowed plant investments, (b) recognized $32 million of additional revenues, for the period of May 2017 through December 2017, that was surcharged to customers in 2018 and (c) recognized an additional $7 million of expenses consisting primarily of depreciation expense and vegetation management expense, offset by the deferral of rate case expense. SWEPCo implemented new rates in February 2018 billings. The $32 million of additional 2017 revenues was collected during 2018. In March 2018, the PUCT clarified and corrected portions of the final order, without changing the overall decision or amounts of the rate change. The order has been appealed by various intervenors. The appeal will move forward following the conclusion of the 2012 Texas Base Rate Case. If certain parts of the PUCT order are overturned, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

In August 2020, Hurricane Laura hit the coasts of Louisiana and Texas, causing power outages to more than 130,000 customers across SWEPCo’s service territories. Prior to Hurricane Laura, SWEPCo did not have a catastrophe reserve or automatic deferral authority within any of its jurisdictions. In October 2020, the LPSC issued an order allowing Louisiana utilities, including SWEPCo, to establish a regulatory asset to track and defer expenses associated with Hurricane Laura. In October 2020, as part of the 2020 Texas Base Rate Case, SWEPCo requested deferral authority of incremental other operation and maintenance expenses. As of March 31, 2021, management estimates that SWEPCo has incurred incremental other operation and maintenance expenses of $82 million ($79 million of which has been deferred as a regulatory asset related to the Louisiana jurisdiction) and incremental capital expenditures of $31 million, all of which is related to the Louisiana jurisdiction. Management expects to request recovery of these storm costs, in addition to the Hurricane Delta and February 2021 winter storm costs, in a future filing. If any costs related to Hurricane Laura are not recoverable, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

In October 2020, Hurricane Delta hit the coast of Louisiana, causing power outages to more than 23,000 customers in SWEPCo’s Louisiana jurisdiction. In November 2020, the LPSC issued an order allowing Louisiana utilities, including SWEPCo, to establish a regulatory asset to track and defer expenses associated with Hurricane Delta. As of March 31, 2021, management estimates that SWEPCo has incurred incremental other operation and maintenance expenses of $17 million, which has been deferred as a regulatory asset. Also, management estimates that SWEPCo has incurred incremental capital expenditures of $3 million. Management expects to request recovery of these storm costs, in addition to the Hurricane Laura and February 2021 winter storm costs, in a future filing. If any costs related to Hurricane Delta are not recoverable, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

In October 2020, SWEPCo filed a request with the PUCT for a $105 million annual increase in Texas base rates based upon a proposed 10.35% ROE. The request would move transmission and distribution interim revenues recovered through riders into base rates. Eliminating these riders would result in a net annual requested base rate increase of $90 million primarily due to increased investments. The proposed net annual increase: (a) includes $5 million related to vegetation management to maintain and improve the reliability of SWEPCo’s Texas jurisdictional distribution system, (b) requests a $10 million annual depreciation increase and (c) seeks $2 million annually to establish a storm catastrophe reserve. In addition, SWEPCo requested recovery of the Texas jurisdictional share of the Dolet Hills Power Station of $45 million which is expected to be retired by the end of 2021. In March 2021, intervenor testimony was filed supporting an annual revenue increase ranging from $20 million to $70 million based upon an ROE of 9% to 9.15%. In April 2021, staff testimony was filed supporting a $45 million annual increase in base rates based upon an ROE of 9.22%. If any of these costs are not recoverable, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.

In December 2020, SWEPCo filed a request with the LPSC for a $134 million annual increase in Louisiana base rates based upon a proposed 10.35% ROE. The request would extend the formula rate plan for five years and includes modifications to the formula rate plan to allow for forward-looking transmission costs, reflects the impact of net operating losses associated with the acceleration of certain tax benefits and incorporates future federal corporate income tax changes. The proposed net annual increase requests: (a) a $32 million annual depreciation increase to recover Louisiana’s share of the Dolet Hills Power Station, Pirkey Power Plant and Welsh Plant, all of which are expected to be retired early and (b) includes $10 million annually to recover deferred other operation and maintenance expenses related to Hurricanes Laura and Delta. In April 2021, the LPSC approved SWEPCo’s request to remove the hurricane storm costs from the base rate case filing. Management expects to request recovery of the storm costs associated with Hurricanes Delta, Laura and the February 2021 winter storm in a separate filing. If any of these costs are not recoverable, it could reduce future net income and cash flows and impact financial condition.