Mge Energy Inc 10-Q for FY2021 Q1
Mge Energy Inc (MGEE)
About this 10-Q
Mge Energy Inc filed this 10-Q on May 6, 2021, covering the quarter ended March 31, 2021 (FY2021 Q1).
Headline figures
Quarter ended March 31, 2021, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $167.92M
- up 12.0% from $149.87M a year earlier
- Net income
- $34.93M
- up 34.2% from net income of $26.04M a year earlier
- Diluted EPS
- $0.97
- up 29.3% from $0.75 a year earlier
United States SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the quarterly period ended: Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the transition period from _______________ to _______________ | ||||
Commission File No. |
| Name of Registrant, State of Incorporation, Address of Principal Executive Offices, and Telephone No. |
| IRS Employer Identification No. |
| (a ( |
| ||
| (a ( |
| ||
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 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 definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Accelerated Filer | Smaller Reporting Company | Emerging Growth Company | ||
MGE Energy, Inc. | ☒ | ☐ | ☐ | ||
Madison Gas and Electric Company | ☐ | ☐ | ☒ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrants have elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting 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 registrants are shell companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
MGE Energy, Inc. Yes ☐ No Madison Gas and Electric Company Yes ☐ No
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
| Trading symbol(s) |
| Name of each exchange on which registered |
|
| The |
Number of Shares Outstanding of Each Class of Common Stock as of April 30, 2021 | ||
MGE Energy, Inc. | Common stock, $1.00 par value, | |
Madison Gas and Electric Company | Common stock, $1.00 par value, | |
1
Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION.3
Where to Find More Information3
Definitions, Abbreviations, and Acronyms Used in the Text and Notes of this Report4
Item 1. Financial Statements.6
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)7
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)8
Consolidated Statements of Common Equity (unaudited)9
Madison Gas and Electric Company10
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)10
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)11
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)12
Consolidated Statements of Equity (unaudited)13
MGE Energy, Inc., and Madison Gas and Electric Company14
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)14
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.30
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.44
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.46
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.47
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.48
Signatures - MGE Energy, Inc.49
Signatures - Madison Gas and Electric Company50
2
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
Filing Format
This combined Form 10-Q 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 the registrants' 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K: Item 1A. Risk Factors, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, as updated by Part I, Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this report, and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 16, as updated by Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements – Note 8 in this report, 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 assume 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.
3
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:
2017 Tax ActTax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017
2021 PlanMGE Energy's 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan
ACEAffordable Clean Energy
AFUDCAllowance for Funds Used During Construction
ATCAmerican Transmission Company LLC
ATC HoldcoATC Holdco, LLC
Badger Hollow IBadger Hollow I Solar Farm
Badger Hollow IIBadger Hollow II Solar Farm
BlountBlount Station
CACertificate of Authority
CAVRClean Air Visibility Rule
CCRCoal Combustion Residual
codificationFinancial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification
ColumbiaColumbia Energy Center
COVID-19Coronavirus Disease 2019
CSAPRCross-State Air Pollution Rule
DthDekatherms, a quantity measure for natural gas
electric marginElectric revenues less fuel for electric generation and purchase power costs, a non-GAAP measure
Elm Road UnitsElm Road Generating Station
EPAUnited States Environmental Protection Agency
FERCFederal Energy Regulatory Commission
FTRFinancial Transmission Rights
GAAPGenerally Accepted Accounting Principles
gas marginGas revenues less cost of gas sold, a non-GAAP measure
GHGGreenhouse Gas
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
IRSInternal Revenue Service
kWhKilowatt-hour, a measure of electric energy produced
MISOMidcontinent Independent System Operator (a regional transmission organization)
MWMegawatt, a measure of electric energy generating capacity
MWhMegawatt-hour, a measure of electric energy produced
NAAQSNational Ambient Air Quality Standards
4
NOxNitrogen Oxide
PGAPurchased Gas Adjustment clause, a regulatory mechanism used to reconcile natural gas costs recovered in rates to actual costs
PPAPurchased Power Agreement
PSCWPublic Service Commission of Wisconsin
RiversideRiverside Energy Center
ROEReturn on Equity
SCRSelective Catalytic Reduction
SECSecurities and Exchange Commission
SO2Sulfur Dioxide
Stock PlanDirect Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan of MGE Energy
WCCFWest Campus Cogeneration Facility
working capitalCurrent assets less current liabilities
WPLWisconsin Power and Light Company, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corporation
XBRLeXtensible Business Reporting Language
5
Item 1. Financial Statements.
MGE Energy, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
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| Three Months Ended March 31, |
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| 2021 |
| 2020 |
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| Operating Revenues: |
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| Electric revenues | $ | $ |
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| Gas revenues |
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| Total Operating Revenues |
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| 149,873 |
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| Operating Expenses: |
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| Fuel for electric generation |
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| Purchased power |
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| Cost of gas sold |
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| Other operations and maintenance |
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| Depreciation and amortization |
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| Other general taxes |
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| Total Operating Expenses |
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| Operating Income |
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| Other income, net |
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| Interest expense, 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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| Earnings Per Share of Common Stock |
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| Basic | $ | $ |
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| Diluted | $ | $ |
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| Dividends per share of common stock | $ | $ |
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| Weighted Average Shares Outstanding |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements. | ||||||
6
MGE Energy, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
(In thousands)
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| Three Months Ended |
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| March 31, |
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| 2021 |
| 2020 |
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| Operating Activities: |
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| Net income | $ | $ |
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| Items not affecting cash: |
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| Depreciation and amortization |
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| Deferred income taxes |
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| Provision for doubtful receivables |
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| Employee benefit plan cost (credit) |
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| Equity earnings in investments |
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| Other items |
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| Changes in working capital items: |
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| (Increase) decrease in current assets |
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| Decrease in current liabilities |
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| Dividends from investments |
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| Cash contributions to pension and other postretirement plans |
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| Other noncurrent items, net |
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| Cash Provided by Operating Activities |
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| Investing Activities: |
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| Capital expenditures |
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| Capital contributions to investments |
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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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| Repayments of long-term debt |
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| Net proceeds from short-term debt |
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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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| Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: |
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| Significant noncash investing activities: |
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| Accrued capital expenditures | $ | $ |
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| The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements. |
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7
MGE Energy, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
(In thousands)
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| March 31, | December 31, | |
ASSETS |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
Current Assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||
Accounts receivable, less reserves of $6,382 and $5,787, respectively |
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Unbilled revenues |
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Materials and supplies, at average cost |
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Fuel for electric generation, at average cost |
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Stored natural gas, at average cost |
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Prepaid taxes |
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Regulatory assets - current |
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Other current assets |
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Total Current Assets |
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Other long-term receivables |
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Regulatory assets |
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Pension benefit asset |
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Other deferred assets and other |
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Property, Plant, and Equipment: |
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Property, plant, and equipment, net |
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Construction work in progress |
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Total Property, Plant, and Equipment |
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Investments |
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Total Assets | $ | $ | ||
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LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION |
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Current Liabilities: |
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Long-term debt due within one year | $ | $ | ||
Short-term debt |
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Accounts payable |
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Accrued interest and taxes |
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Accrued payroll related items |
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Regulatory liabilities - current |
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Derivative liabilities |
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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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Investment tax credit - deferred |
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Regulatory liabilities |
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Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits |
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Derivative liabilities |
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Finance lease liabilities |
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Other deferred liabilities and other |
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Total Other Credits |
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Capitalization: |
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Common shareholders' equity |
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Long-term debt |
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Total Capitalization |
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Total Liabilities and Capitalization | $ | $ | ||
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements. | ||||
8
MGE Energy, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Common Equity (unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
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| Accumulated |
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| Additional |
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| Other |
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| Common Stock |
| Paid-in |
| Retained |
| Comprehensive |
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| Shares |
| Value |
| Capital |
| Earnings |
| Income/(Loss) |
| Total |
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| Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 |
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| Beginning Balance | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| Net income |
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| Common stock dividends declared |
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| Ending Balance - March 31, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 |
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| Beginning Balance | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| Net income |
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| Common stock dividends declared |
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| Equity-based compensation plans and other |
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| Ending Balance - March 31, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
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| The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements. |
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9
Madison Gas and Electric Company
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
(In thousands)
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| Three Months Ended |
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| March 31, |
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| 2021 |
| 2020 |
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| Operating Revenues: |
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| Electric revenues | $ | $ |
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| Gas revenues |
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| Total Operating Revenues |
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| Operating Expenses: |
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| Fuel for electric generation |
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| Purchased power |
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| Cost of gas sold |
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| Other operations and maintenance |
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| Depreciation and amortization |
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| Other general taxes |
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| Total Operating Expenses |
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| Operating Income |
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| Other (expense) income, net |
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| Interest expense, net |
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| Income before income taxes |
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| Income tax benefit (provision) |
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| Net Income | $ | $ |
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| Less Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, net of tax |
| ( |
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| Net Income Attributable to MGE | $ | $ |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements. | ||||||
10
Madison Gas and Electric Company
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
(In thousands)
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| Three Months Ended |
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| March 31, |
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| 2021 |
| 2020 |
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| Operating Activities: |
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| Net income | $ | $ |
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| Items not affecting cash: |
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| Depreciation and amortization |
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| Deferred income taxes |
| ( |
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| Provision for doubtful receivables |
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| Employee benefit plan cost (credit) |
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| ( |
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| Other items |
| ( |
| ( |
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| Changes in working capital items: |
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| (Increase) decrease in current assets |
| ( |
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| (Decrease) increase in current liabilities |
| ( |
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| Cash contributions to pension and other postretirement plans |
| ( |
| ( |
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| Other noncurrent items, net |
| ( |
| ( |
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| Cash Provided by Operating Activities |
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| Investing Activities: |
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| Capital expenditures |
| ( |
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| Other |
| ( |
| ( |
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| Cash Used for Investing Activities |
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| Financing Activities: |
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| Distributions to parent from noncontrolling interest |
| ( |
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| Repayments of long-term debt |
| ( |
| ( |
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| Net proceeds from short-term debt |
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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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| Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: |
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| Significant noncash investing activities: |
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| Accrued capital expenditures | $ | $ |
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| The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements. |
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11
Madison Gas and Electric Company
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
(In thousands)
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| March 31, | December 31, | |
ASSETS |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
Current Assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||
Accounts receivable, less reserves of $6,382 and $5,787, respectively |
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Affiliate receivables |
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Unbilled revenues |
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Materials and supplies, at average cost |
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Fuel for electric generation, at average cost |
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Stored natural gas, at average cost |
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Prepaid taxes |
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Regulatory assets - current |
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Other current assets |
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Total Current Assets |
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Affiliate receivable long-term |
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Regulatory assets |
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Pension benefit asset |
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Other deferred assets and other |
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Property, Plant, and Equipment: |
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Property, plant, and equipment, net |
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Construction work in progress |
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Total Property, Plant, and Equipment |
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Investments |
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Total Assets | $ | $ | ||
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LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION |
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Current Liabilities: |
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Long-term debt due within one year | $ | $ | ||
Short-term debt |
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Accounts payable |
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| ||
Accrued interest and taxes |
|
| ||
Accrued payroll related items |
|
| ||
Regulatory liabilities - current |
|
| ||
Derivative liabilities |
|
| ||
Other current liabilities |
|
| ||
Total Current Liabilities |
|
| ||
Other Credits: |
|
|
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|
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 |
|
| ||
Noncontrolling interest |
|
| ||
Total Equity |
|
| ||
Long-term debt |
|
| ||
Total Capitalization |
|
| ||
|
|
|
| |
Total Liabilities and Capitalization | $ | $ | ||
|
|
|
| |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements. | ||||
12
Madison Gas and Electric Company
Consolidated Statements of Equity (unaudited)
(In thousands)
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| Accumulated |
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| ||
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| Additional |
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| Other |
| Non- |
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|
| Common Stock |
| Paid-in |
| Retained | Comprehensive | Controlling |
|
| ||||
| Shares |
| Value |
| Capital |
| Earnings | Income/(Loss) | Interest |
| Total | ||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 |
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Beginning balance | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||
Net income |
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| |||
Distributions to parent from |
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noncontrolling interest |
|
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|
|
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
Ending Balance - March 31, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||
|
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Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 |
|
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|
Beginning balance | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||
Net income |
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|
|
| |||
Distributions to parent from |
|
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|
|
|
noncontrolling interest |
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
Ending Balance - March 31, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the above unaudited consolidated financial statements. | |||||||||||||
13
MGE Energy, Inc., and Madison Gas and Electric Company
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
March 31, 2021
1.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – MGE Energy and MGE.
a.Basis of Presentation.
This report is a combined report of MGE Energy and MGE. References in this report to "MGE Energy" are to MGE Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries. References in this report to "MGE" are to Madison Gas and Electric Company.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2021, and during the three months ended, are unaudited but include all adjustments that MGE Energy and MGE management consider necessary for a fair statement of their respective financial statements. All adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature except as otherwise disclosed. The year-end consolidated balance sheet information was derived from the audited balance sheet appearing in the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes on pages 62 through 115 of the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
b.Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash.
|
|
| MGE Energy |
| MGE |
| ||||
|
|
| March 31, |
| December 31, |
| March 31, |
| December 31, |
|
| (In thousands) |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
|
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Receivable - margin account |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
Cash Equivalents
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.
14
2.
New Accounting Standards - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE Energy and MGE reviewed FASB authoritative guidance recently issued, none of which are expected to have a material impact on the consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.
3.
Investment in ATC and ATC Holdco - MGE Energy and MGE.
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, a subsidiary of 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 subsidiary of MGE Energy.
|
|
| Three Months Ended |
| ||
|
|
| March 31, |
| ||
| (In thousands) |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
|
| Equity earnings from investment in ATC | $ | $ |
| ||
| Dividends from ATC |
|
|
| ||
| Capital contributions to ATC |
|
|
| ||
|
|
| Three Months Ended |
| ||
|
|
| March 31, |
| ||
| (In thousands) |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
|
| Operating revenues | $ | $ |
| ||
| Operating expenses |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Other income, net |
|
|
| ||
| Interest expense, net |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Earnings before members' income taxes | $ | $ |
| ||
4.
Taxes - MGE Energy and MGE.
Effective Tax Rate.
15
|
| MGE Energy |
| MGE |
| ||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| ||||
| Statutory federal income tax rate | % |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| ||||
| State income taxes, net of federal benefit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Amortized investment tax credits | ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
|
| Credit for electricity from wind energy | ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
|
| AFUDC equity, net | ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
|
| Amortization of utility excess deferred tax - tax reform(a) | ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
|
| Other, net, individually insignificant |
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ( |
|
| ||
| Effective income tax rate | % |
| % |
| ( | % |
| % |
| |||
5.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - 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.
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. 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.
|
|
| Three Months Ended |
| ||
|
|
| March 31, |
| ||
| (In thousands) |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
|
| Pension Benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
| Components of net periodic benefit cost: |
|
|
|
|
|
| Service cost | $ | $ |
| ||
| Interest cost |
|
|
| ||
| Expected return on assets |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Amortization of: |
|
|
|
|
|
| Prior service credit |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Actuarial loss |
|
|
| ||
| Net periodic benefit (credit) cost | $ | ( | $ | ( |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Postretirement Benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
| Components of net periodic benefit cost: |
|
|
|
|
|
| Service cost | $ | $ |
| ||
| Interest cost |
|
|
| ||
| Expected return on assets |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Amortization of: |
|
|
|
|
|
| Transition obligation |
|
|
| ||
| Prior service credit |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Actuarial loss |
|
|
| ||
| Net periodic benefit (credit) cost | $ | ( | $ | ( |
|
16
6.
Equity and Financing Arrangements.
a.Common Stock - MGE Energy.
b.Dilutive Shares Calculation - MGE Energy.
As of March 31, 2021,
7.
Share-Based Compensation - MGE Energy and MGE.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, MGE recorded $
In January 2021, cash payments of $
In February 2021, MGE issued
8.
Commitments and Contingencies.
a.Environmental - MGE Energy and MGE.
In February 2021, MGE and the other co-owners of Columbia announced plans to retire that facility. The co-owners intend to retire Unit 1 by the end of 2023 and Unit 2 by the end of 2024. Final timing and retirement dates for Units 1 and 2 are subject to PSCW and regional regulatory reviews, including identification and approval of energy and capacity resources to replace Columbia. Effects of environmental compliance requirements discussed below will depend upon the final retirement dates approved and compliance requirement dates.
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 operations are conducted, the costs of operations, as well as capital and operating expenditures. Several of these environmental rules are subject to legal challenges, reconsideration and/or other uncertainties. Regulatory initiatives, proposed rules, and court challenges to adopted rules could have a material effect on capital expenditures and operating costs. Management believes compliance costs will be recovered in future rates based on previous treatment of environmental compliance projects.
These initiatives, proposed rules, and court challenges include:
•The EPA's promulgated water Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG) and standards for steam
17
electric power plants which focus on the reduction of metals and other pollutants in wastewater from new and existing power plants. The standards were finalized in August 2020.
In February 2021, MGE and the other owners of Columbia filed a Certificate of Authority (CA) application with the PSCW. The CA application commits to close Columbia's wet pond system to comply with the Coal Combustions Residuals (CCR) Rule as described in further detail in the CCR section below. By committing to close the wet pond system, Columbia will be in compliance with ELG requirements.
The Elm Road Units must satisfy the rule's requirements no later than December 31, 2023, as determined by the permitting authority. The operator of the Elm Road Units has been evaluating the rule impacts and has conducted an analysis of compliance obligations, pollution prevention technologies, and their associated costs. In February 2021, MGE and its co-owner filed a CA application with the PSCW. If approved, MGE's share of the estimated costs to comply with the rule is estimated to be approximately $
•The EPA's cooling water intake rules require cooling water intake structures at electric power plants to meet best technology available (BTA) standards to reduce the mortality from entrainment (drawing aquatic life into a plant's cooling system) and impingement (trapping aquatic life on screens).
Blount's Wisconsin Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit assumes that the plant meets BTA for the duration of the permit, which expires in 2023. However, MGE must conduct studies of its Blount plant by the end of 2021 to help regulators determine BTA.
Columbia's river intakes are subject to this rule. BTA improvements may not be required given that Columbia could be fully retired before the issuance of the next permit, which is expected to be issued in 2023 or later. MGE will continue to work with Columbia's operator to evaluate all regulatory requirements applicable to the planned retirements. MGE does not expect this rule to have a material effect on its existing plants.
•Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction guidelines and approval criteria established under the Clean Air Act for states to use in developing plans to control GHG emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric generating units (EGUs), including existing and proposed regulations governing existing, new or modified fossil-fuel generating units.
In January 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit) vacated and remanded to the EPA the Affordable Clean Energy Rule (ACE Rule) and the repeal of the predecessor Clean Power Plan Rule (CPP Rule), both of which regulated greenhouse gas emissions from existing electric generation units pursuant to Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. As a result of these legal proceedings, neither the CPP nor ACE rules are currently in effect. MGE will continue to evaluate the rule development and monitor ongoing and potential legal proceedings.
•The EPA's rule to regulate ambient levels of ozone through the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
In May 2018, the EPA issued a final rule that designated 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. In July 2020, the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia remanded the partial Milwaukee County attainment designation back to the EPA for further explanation. MGE is monitoring
18
the outcome of the EPA's remand analysis and how it may affect the Elm Road Units in Milwaukee County. At this time, MGE does not expect that the 2015 Ozone NAAQS will have a material effect on its existing plants based on final designations.
•Rules regulating nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, including the Cross State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) and Clean Air Visibility Rule (CAVR).
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. In September 2019, the D.C. Circuit remanded the rule to the EPA holding that the rule improperly provided only a partial remedy for addressing interstate transport of pollutants from upwind to downwind states. In March 2021, the EPA addressed the remand by finalizing its revised CSAPR Update Rule. The revised rule does not require further emission reductions from Wisconsin stationary sources beyond those under the original CSAPR. MGE has met its current 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. MGE expects to meet ongoing CSAPR obligations for the foreseeable future. MGE will continue to monitor legal developments and any future updates to this rule.
•The EPA's Coal Combustion Residuals Rule (CCR), which 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 landfills, ash ponds, and other surface impoundments used for coal combustion residuals by regulating their design, location, monitoring, and operation. In August 2020, the EPA revised the CCR rule to require owners or operators of coal-fired power plants to stop transporting CCR and non-CCR wastewater to unlined surface impoundments. In addition, regulated entities must initiate impoundment closure as soon as feasible and in no event later than April 2021, unless the EPA grants an extension. Columbia requested an extension to comply by October 2022. The EPA will address the remaining issues on remand in a subsequent action.
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 has completed a review of its system and has developed a compliance plan. In February 2021, a CA application was filed with the PSCW for approval to install technology required to cease bottom ash transport water discharges rather than extend the longevity of the ash ponds. If approved, MGE's share of the estimated costs of the project would be approximately $
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 accrues for 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.
In January 2021, certain environmental groups filed a petition against the PSCW regarding MGE's 2021 rate settlement. MGE has intervened in the petition in cooperation with the PSCW. See Footnote 9.a. for more information regarding this matter.
9.
Rate Matters - MGE Energy and MGE.
a.Rate Proceedings.
In May 2021, MGE filed an application with the PSCW requesting a
19
In December 2020, the PSCW approved a settlement agreement for MGE's 2021 rate case. The settlement agreement provides for a
On January 27, 2021, Sierra Club and Vote Solar filed a petition with the Dane County Circuit Court seeking review of the PSCW decision approving the rate settlement in MGE's 2021 rate case. The PSCW is named as the responding party; MGE is not named as a party. The petition challenges the process the PSCW used to approve the portion of the settlement relating to electric rates and the electric customer fixed charge that does not vary with usage. The requested relief is unclear. The revenue requirement approved by the PSCW in the settlement has not been challenged. The PSCW is expected to vigorously defend its approval of the rate case settlement. MGE has intervened in the proceedings to further defend the PSCW’s decision.
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
b.Fuel Rules.
Fuel rules require 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 set at plus or minus
20
The PSCW issued a final decision in the 2019 fuel rules proceedings regarding $
As of December 31, 2020, MGE had deferred $
As of March 31, 2021, MGE had deferred $
10.
Derivative and Hedging Instruments - MGE Energy and MGE.
a.Purpose.
b.Notional Amounts.
|
| March 31, 2021 |
| December 31, 2020 |
| ||
| Commodity derivative contracts | MWh |
| MWh |
| ||
| Commodity derivative contracts | Dth |
| Dth |
| ||
| FTRs | MW |
| MW |
| ||
| PPA | MW |
| MW |
| ||
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 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 March 31, 2021, and December 31,
21
2020, the fair value of exchange traded derivatives and FTRs exceeded their cost basis 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 March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, reflected a loss position of $
|
|
| Derivative |
| Derivative |
|
|
|
| (In thousands) |
| Assets |
| Liabilities |
| Balance Sheet Location |
|
| March 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Commodity derivative contracts(a) | $ | $ |
| Other current assets |
| ||
| Commodity derivative contracts(a) |
|
|
| Other deferred charges |
| ||
| FTRs |
|
|
| Other current assets |
| ||
| PPA |
| N/A |
|
| Derivative liability (current) |
| |
| PPA |
| N/A |
|
| Derivative liability (long-term) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| December 31, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Commodity derivative contracts(a) | $ | $ |
| Other current assets |
| ||
| Commodity derivative contracts(a) |
|
|
| Other deferred charges |
| ||
| FTRs |
|
|
| Other current liabilities |
| ||
| PPA |
| N/A |
|
| Derivative liability (current) |
| |
| PPA |
| N/A |
|
| Derivative liability (long-term) |
|
| Offsetting of Derivative Assets |
| ||||||||
| (In thousands) |
| Gross Amounts |
| Gross Amounts Offset in Balance Sheets |
| Collateral Posted Against Derivative Positions |
| Net Amount Presented in Balance Sheets |
|
| March 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Commodity derivative contracts | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ |
| |||
| FTRs |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| December 31, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Commodity derivative contracts | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ |
| |||
22
| Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities |
| ||||||||
| (In thousands) |
| Gross Amounts |
| Gross Amounts Offset in Balance Sheets |
| Collateral Posted Against Derivative Positions |
| Net Amount Presented in Balance Sheets |
|
| March 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Commodity derivative contracts | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ |
| |||
| PPA |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| December 31, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Commodity derivative contracts | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ |
| |||
| FTRs |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| PPA |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 | ||||
(In thousands) |
| Current and Long-Term Regulatory Asset |
| Other Current Assets |
|
| Current and Long-Term Regulatory Asset |
| Other Current Assets |
Three Months Ended March 31: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at January 1, | $ | $ |
| $ | $ | ||||
Unrealized gain |
| ( |
|
|
| ( |
| ||
Realized (loss) gain reclassified to a deferred account |
| ( |
|
|
| ( |
| ||
Realized gain (loss) reclassified to income statement |
|
| ( |
|
|
| ( | ||
Balance at March 31, | $ | $ |
| $ | $ | ||||
|
| Realized losses (gains) | |||||||
|
| 2021 |
|
| 2020 | ||||
(In thousands) |
| Fuel for Electric Generation/ Purchased Power |
| Cost of Gas Sold |
|
| Fuel for Electric Generation/ Purchased Power |
| Cost of Gas Sold |
Three Months Ended March 31: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commodity derivative contracts | $ | ( | $ |
| $ | $ | |||
FTRs |
| ( |
|
|
| ( |
| ||
PPA |
| ( |
|
|
| ( |
| ||
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 treatment described above, 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 March 31, 2021,
11.
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
23
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.
|
|
| March 31, 2021 |
| December 31, 2020 |
| ||||
| (In thousands) |
| Carrying Amount |
| Fair Value |
| Carrying Amount |
| Fair Value |
|
| MGE Energy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Short-term debt - commercial paper |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Long-term debt(a) |
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| ||||
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| MGE |
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| Assets: |
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| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Liabilities: |
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| Short-term debt - commercial paper |
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| ||||
| Long-term debt(a) |
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| ||||
24
b.Recurring Fair Value Measurements.
|
|
| Fair Value as of March 31, 2021 |
| ||||||
| (In thousands) |
| Total |
| Level 1 |
| Level 2 |
| Level 3 |
|
| MGE Energy |
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| Assets: |
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|
|
| Derivatives, net(b) | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Exchange-traded investments |
|
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|
| ||||
| Total Assets | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Liabilities: |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
| Derivatives, net(b) | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Deferred compensation |
|
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|
| ||||
| Total Liabilities | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
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| MGE |
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| Assets: |
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|
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|
| Derivatives, net(b) | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Exchange-traded investments |
|
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|
| ||||
| Total Assets | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Derivatives, net(b) | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Deferred compensation |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Total Liabilities | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
|
|
| Fair Value as of December 31, 2020 |
| ||||||
| (In thousands) |
| Total |
| Level 1 |
| Level 2 |
| Level 3 |
|
| MGE Energy |
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|
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| Assets: |
|
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|
|
|
|
| Derivatives, net(b) | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Exchange-traded investments |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Total Assets | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Derivatives, net(b) | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Deferred compensation |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Total Liabilities | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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| MGE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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| Assets: |
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
| Derivatives, net(b) | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Exchange-traded investments |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Total Assets | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Derivatives, net(b) | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
| Deferred compensation |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Total Liabilities | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| ||||
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. Treasury Bills having a -week maturity increased by
25
data, however, since the deferred compensation obligations themselves are not exchanged in an active market, they are classified as Level 2.
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 10) was valued using an internal 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 |
| March 31, 2021 |
| December 31, 2020 |
|
| ||
| Basis adjustment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| On peak |
| % |
| % |
|
| ||
| Off peak |
| % |
| % |
|
| ||
| Counterparty fuel mix: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Internal generation - range |
| % |
| % |
|
| ||
| Internal generation - weighted average |
| % |
| % |
|
| ||
| Purchased power - range |
| % |
| % |
|
| ||
| Purchased power - weighted average |
| % |
| % |
|
| ||
26
|
|
| Three Months Ended |
| ||
|
|
| March 31, |
| ||
| (In thousands) |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
|
| Beginning balance | $ | ( | $ | ( |
|
| Realized and unrealized gains (losses): |
|
|
|
|
|
| Included in regulatory assets |
|
|
| ||
| Included in other comprehensive income |
|
|
| ||
| Included in earnings |
|
| ( |
| |
| Included in current assets |
|
|
| ||
| Purchases |
|
|
| ||
| Sales |
|
|
| ||
| Issuances |
|
|
| ||
| Settlements |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Balance as of March 31, | $ | ( | $ | ( |
|
| Total gains (losses) included in earnings attributed to the change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets and liabilities held at March 31,(c) | $ | $ |
| ||
|
|
| Three Months Ended |
| ||
|
|
| March 31, |
| ||
| (In thousands) |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
|
| Purchased power expense | $ | $ | ( |
| |
| Cost of gas sold expense |
| ( |
| ( |
|
| Total | $ | $ | ( |
| |
12.
Joint Plant Ownership - MGE Energy and MGE
|
|
| Ownership |
| Share of |
| Share of |
| Costs incurred as of |
| Date of Commercial |
| ||||
| Project |
| Interest |
| Generation |
| Estimated Costs |
| March 31, 2021(a) |
| Operation |
| ||||
| Badger Hollow I(b) |
| % |
| MW |
| $ | million |
| $ | million |
| Q3 2021(c) |
| ||
| Badger Hollow II(b) |
| % |
| MW |
| $ | million |
| $ | million |
| December 2022(c) |
| ||
(a)
(b)
(c)Estimated date of commercial operation.
27
13.
Revenue - MGE Energy and MGE.
|
|
| Three Months Ended |
| ||
| (In thousands) |
| March 31, |
| ||
| Electric revenues |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
|
| Residential | $ | $ |
| ||
| Commercial |
|
|
| ||
| Industrial |
|
|
| ||
| Other-retail/municipal |
|
|
| ||
| Total retail |
|
|
| ||
| Sales to the market |
|
|
| ||
| Other revenues |
|
|
| ||
| Total electric revenues | $ | $ |
| ||
|
|
|
|
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|
|
| Gas revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
| Residential |
|
|
| ||
| Commercial/Industrial |
|
|
| ||
| Total retail |
|
|
| ||
| Gas transportation |
|
|
| ||
| Other revenues |
|
|
| ||
| Total gas revenues | $ | $ |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Non-regulated energy revenues |
|
|
| ||
| Total Operating Revenue | $ | $ |
| ||
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 contracts have a single performance obligation.
Retail Revenue (Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Other Retail/Municipal)
Providing electric and gas utility service to retail customers represents MGE's core business activity. 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 customers are subsequently billed for services received. At the end of the month, MGE accrues an estimate for unbilled 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- or 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. Under-collection of these costs will 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 also has other cost recovery mechanisms. For example, 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.
28
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 it provides gas transportation services to customers who have elected to purchase gas from a third party MGE delivers this gas via pipelines within its 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 standard terms and conditions, including pricing terms.
14.
Segment Information - MGE Energy and MGE.
MGE Energy operates in the following business segments: electric utility, gas utility, nonregulated energy, transmission investment, and all other. See the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional discussion of each of these segments.
(In thousands) MGE Energy |
| Electric |
| Gas |
| Nonregulated Energy |
| Transmission Investment |
| All Others |
| Consolidation/ Elimination |
| Consolidated Total |
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 |
|
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| ||
Operating revenues from external customers | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | - | $ | ||||||
Interdepartmental revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
| - | |||||
Total operating revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
| ||||||
Equity in earnings of investments |
|
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| |||||||
Net income (loss) |
|
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| ( |
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| ||||||
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|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 |
|
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| ||
Operating revenues from external customers | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | - | $ | ||||||
Interdepartmental revenues |
|
|
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|
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| ( |
| - | |||||
Total operating revenues |
|
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|
|
|
| ( |
| ||||||
Equity in earnings of investments |
|
|
|
|
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|
| |||||||
Net income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ||||||
(In thousands) MGE |
| Electric |
| Gas |
| Nonregulated Energy |
| Consolidation/ Elimination |
| Consolidated Total |
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Operating revenues from external customers | $ | $ | $ | $ | - | $ |
| ||||
Interdepartmental revenues |
|
|
|
| ( |
| - |
| |||
Total operating revenues |
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ||||
Net income attributable to MGE |
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ||||
|
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|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Operating revenues from external customers | $ | $ | $ | $ | - | $ |
| ||||
Interdepartmental revenues |
|
|
|
| ( |
| - |
| |||
Total operating revenues |
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ||||
Net income attributable to MGE |
|
|
|
| ( |
|
| ||||
29
Item 2. 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, purchases, and distributes electricity to approximately 157,000 customers in Dane County, Wisconsin, including the city of Madison, and purchases and distributes natural gas to approximately 166,000 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.
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, as evidenced by its most recent announcement of the retirement 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,
Credit market conditions, including interest rates and our debt credit rating,
Environmental laws and regulations, including adopted and pending environmental rule changes,
Governmental efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic, including restrictions on activity, increased employee health and welfare costs, and precautions for dealing with members of the public, and
Other factors listed in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
30
For the three months ended March 31, 2021, MGE Energy's earnings were $34.9 million or $0.97 per share compared to $26.0 million or $0.75 per share for the same period in the prior year. MGE's earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2021, were $28.3 million compared to $19.1 million for the same period in the prior year.
MGE Energy's net income was derived from our business segments as follows:
|
|
| Three Months Ended |
| ||
| (In millions) |
| March 31, |
| ||
| Business Segment: |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
|
| Electric Utility | $ | 18.0 | $ | 11.5 |
|
| Gas Utility |
| 10.5 |
| 8.0 |
|
| Nonregulated Energy |
| 5.2 |
| 5.1 |
|
| Transmission Investments |
| 1.8 |
| 1.6 |
|
| All Other |
| (0.6) |
| (0.2) |
|
| Net Income | $ | 34.9 | $ | 26.0 |
|
Our net income during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the same period in the prior year primarily reflects the effects of the following factors:
Electric Utility
An increase in electric investments included in rate base contributed to increased earnings for 2021. Timing of 2021 depreciation and other operations and maintenance costs also contributed to higher earnings in the first quarter of 2021. Depreciation and operations and maintenance costs are expected to increase during the remainder of 2021 after significant capital projects are completed. Badger Hollow I and a new customer information system are expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2021. Ongoing remote work arrangements and colder temperatures contributed to higher electric residential sales, which increased by approximately 9% for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the same period in the prior year. However, electric commercial retail sales dropped approximately 4% in the first quarter 2021 compared to the same period in the prior year.
Gas Utility
An increase in gas investments included in rate base contributed to increased earnings for 2021. Higher gas retail sales resulting from colder weather in the first quarter of 2021 contributing to higher earnings in that period. Heating degree days (a measure for determining the impact of weather during the heating season) increased by approximately 11% in the first quarter 2021 compared to the same period in the prior year.
The following developments affected the first three months of 2021:
2021 Rate Settlement Agreement: In December 2020, the PSCW approved a settlement agreement for MGE's 2021 rate case. The settlement agreement provides for a zero percent increase for electric rates and an approximately 4% increase for gas rates in 2021. The electric rate settlement includes an increase in rate base but the associated rate increase is primarily offset by lower fuel and purchase power costs and a one-time $18.2 million return to customers of the portion of excess deferred taxes related to the 2017 Tax Act not restricted by IRS normalization rules. As part of the settlement, the fuel rules bandwidth was set at plus or minus 1% for 2021. When compared to the 2020 rate case, the settlement includes lower forecasted electric sales for 2021 to reflect changes to customer usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. The gas rate increase covers infrastructure costs and technology improvements. The settlement agreement also includes escrow accounting treatment for pension and other postretirement benefit costs, bad debt expense, and customer credit card fees. Escrow accounting treatment allows MGE to defer any difference between estimated costs in rates and actual costs incurred until its next rate case filing. Any difference would be recorded as a regulatory asset or regulatory liability.
Utility Solar: Large solar generation projects are under construction, as shown in the following table. Incurred costs are reflected in "Construction work in progress" on the consolidated balance sheets. MGE has received specific approval to recover 100% AFUDC on Badger Hollow I and II. After tax, MGE recognized $2.9 million and $0.2 million of AFUDC equity on Badger Hollow I and II, respectively, during construction.
31
| Project |
| Ownership Interest |
| Share of Generation |
| Share of Estimated Costs |
| Costs Incurred as of March 31, 2021(a) |
| Estimated Date of Commercial Operation |
|
| Badger Hollow I |
| 33% |
| 50 MW |
| $65 million |
| $56.4 million |
| Q3 2021 |
|
| Badger Hollow II |
| 33% |
| 50 MW |
| $65 million |
| $5.3 million |
| December 2022 |
|
| O'Brien |
| 100% |
| 20 MW |
| $32 million |
| $11.9 million |
| Mid-2021 |
|
(a)Excluding AFUDC.
Deferred Fuel Costs – Subject to Refund: As of March 31, 2021, MGE had deferred $0.5 million of 2021 fuel savings. These costs will be subject to the PSCW's annual review of 2021 fuel costs, expected to be completed during 2022.
Tax Reform: Pursuant to the 2017 Tax Act, deferred income tax balances as of December 31, 2017, were remeasured to reflect the decrease in the corporate tax rate. The approved rate settlement agreement for 2021 includes approximately $5.3 million of the benefit in base rates that is being returned to customers using a normalization method of accounting. IRS normalization rules limit the rate at which MGE can return the benefits to customers. The settlement agreement also includes $18.2 million of the benefit not subject to normalization restrictions in electric base rates. The collection of the remaining portion not subject to normalization restrictions related to gas will be addressed by the PSCW in a future rate case.
In the near term, several items may affect us, including:
2022/2023 Rate Case Filing: In May 2021, MGE filed an application with the PSCW for the 2022/2023 rate case. MGE is requesting a 5.9% increase to electric rates and a 3.0% increase to gas rates for 2022. MGE is proposing to address potential 2023 rate changes through an electric limited rate case re-opener and a 1.65% increase in gas rates. See "Other Matters" below for additional information on the 2022/2023 rate case application.
2020 Annual Fuel Proceeding: As of December 31, 2020, MGE had deferred $3.2 million of 2020 fuel-related savings. These costs will be subject to the PSCW's annual review of 2020 fuel costs, which is expected to be completed in 2021. In March 2021, as part of the 2020 fuel costs application with the PSCW, MGE seeks to return the 2020 fuel-related savings to customers in 2022 as part of the 2022 rate case.
ATC Return on Equity: As discussed in "Other Matters" below, ATC’s authorized ROE, which is used in calculating its rates and revenues, is the subject of a challenge before FERC. A decrease in ATC's ROE could result in lower equity earnings and distributions from ATC in the future. We derived approximately 5.0% and 6.5% of our net income during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, from our investment in 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. 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 any legislation or rules, and the scope and time of the recovery of costs in rates, which may occur after those costs have been incurred.
EPA's Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Rule: In January 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit) vacated and remanded to the EPA the ACE Rule and the repeal of the predecessor Clean Power Plan Rule, both of which regulated greenhouse gas emissions from existing electric generation units pursuant to Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. As a result of these legal proceedings, neither the CPP nor ACE rules are currently in effect. MGE is still evaluating this D.C. Circuit decision for what impacts it may have to MGE operations. MGE will continue to evaluate the rule development and monitor ongoing and potential legal proceedings.
Columbia: In February 2021, MGE, along with the co-owners, announced plans to retire the two-unit coal-fired Columbia generating plant near Portage, Wisconsin. MGE currently owns 19% of the facility. The co-owners intend to retire Unit 1 by the end of 2023 and Unit 2 by the end of 2024. Final timing and retirement dates for Units 1 and
32
2 are subject to PSCW and regional regulatory reviews, including identification and approval of energy and capacity resources to replace Columbia. MGE continues to evaluate additional investments to replace the generation from Columbia while maintaining electric service reliability. These investments include cost-effective, clean energy projects to help achieve MGE's carbon reduction goals.
Future Generation – Renewable Energy: MGE is seeking approval from the PSCW to acquire a joint interest in the following renewable generation projects as shown in the following table. There is no certainty that these projects will be approved by the PSCW.
| Project |
| Source |
| Ownership Interest |
| Share of Generation |
| Share of Estimated Costs |
| Estimated Date of Commercial Operation |
|
| Darien |
| Solar/Battery |
| 10% |
| 25MW/7.5MW |
| $45 million |
| December 31, 2023 |
|
| Paris |
| Solar/Battery |
| 10% |
| 20MW/11MW |
| $43 million |
| May 31, 2023 |
|
| Red Barn |
| Wind |
| 10% |
| 9.16 MW |
| $17 million |
| December 31, 2022 |
|
| Koshkonong |
| Solar/Battery |
| 10% |
| 30MW/16.5MW |
| $65 million |
| 2024(a) |
|
(a)Construction of the project is expected to be completed in phases ranging from May 2024 through December 2024.
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 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 was placed in service in May 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. If MGE acquires 50 MW of capacity, the estimated cost would be approximately $50 million.
Financing Plans: MGE expects to issue up to $100 million of new long-term debt during 2021 to finance authorized utility capital expenditures, including the construction of the Badger Hollow I and II and O'Brien solar farm projects, and other general corporate purposes.
COVID-19 Update
MGE Energy continues to provide safe and reliable service to our customers despite the challenges presented by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We have operated continuously throughout the pandemic and suffered no material disruptions in service or employment.
We discuss various COVID-19-related events and their effects below:
Governmental and Regulatory Actions. State and local governments issued orders and regulations to restrict or manage business and individual activity. These orders and regulations continue to evolve in response to changing health metrics and safety health guidance. Additionally, the PSCW ordered changes to the tariff provisions on March 24, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. All restrictions were lifted by November 1, 2020.
Liquidity: We remain focused on maintaining strong credit quality. Subject to the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, we believe we have adequate liquidity on hand to support future operations and capital expenditures over the next twelve months. As of March 31, 2021, MGE Energy and MGE had $40.2 million and $6.7 million, respectively, in cash and cash equivalents and had available borrowing capacity under revolving credit facilities as noted below.
| Borrower |
| Aggregate Bank Commitments |
| Outstanding Commercial Paper |
| Letters of Credit Issued Inside Credit Facilities |
| Outstanding Borrowings |
| Available Capacity |
| Expiration Date |
|
| (Dollars in millions) |
| ||||||||||||
| MGE Energy | $ | 50.0 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 50.0 |
| February 7, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| MGE | $ | 100.0 | $ | 54.0 | $ | 0.7 | $ | - | $ | 45.3 |
| February 7, 2024 |
|
The credit agreements require the borrower to maintain a ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated total
33
capitalization not to exceed a maximum of 65%. In the case of MGE, 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. The ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated total capitalization for each of MGE Energy and MGE, as calculated under the credit agreements' covenant, was 36.6% and 39.2%, respectively, as of March 31, 2021, and 37.1% and 40.0%, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. See "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Credit Facilities" in the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information about our credit facilities.
Customer Impacts: Governmental regulations limiting community activity began impacting customer sales in late March 2020. While the total expected impact of COVID-19 on future sales is currently unknown, MGE has experienced higher electric residential sales and lower electric commercial and industrial sales since the outset of the pandemic. As these regulations become less restrictive, we expect sales to be less impacted.
Capital Expenditures & Operations: MGE does not currently expect any material changes to its construction expenditures plans disclosed in "Liquidity and Capital Resources" in the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K resulting from COVID-19. To date, MGE Energy has experienced no material disruptions in utility operations. Our administrative personnel have been working largely remotely, and our field operations have not been materially affected.
We cannot reasonably estimate with any degree of certainty the actual impact of COVID-19 and associated governmental regulations may have on future results of operations, financial position, and liquidity. See Item 1A. "Risk Factors" "Pandemic virus or diseases, including COVID-19, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and liquidity" in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of risk.
The following discussion is based on the business segments as discussed in Footnote 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report.
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.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
The following table provides a calculation of electric and gas margins (both non-GAAP measures), along with a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measure, operating income:
34
|
|
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| ||||
| (In millions) |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| $ Change |
|
| Electric revenues | $ | 100.6 | $ | 93.0 | $ | 7.6 |
|
| Fuel for electric generation |
| (13.2) |
| (9.7) |
| (3.5) |
|
| Purchased power |
| (9.4) |
| (10.5) |
| 1.1 |
|
| Total Electric Margins |
| 78.0 |
| 72.8 |
| 5.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Gas revenues |
| 67.3 |
| 56.8 |
| 10.5 |
|
| Cost of gas sold |
| (37.4) |
| (30.8) |
| (6.6) |
|
| Total Gas Margins |
| 29.9 |
| 26.0 |
| 3.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Other operating revenues |
| 0.1 |
| 0.1 |
| - |
|
| Other operations and maintenance |
| (45.7) |
| (44.4) |
| (1.3) |
|
| Depreciation and amortization |
| (18.4) |
| (18.2) |
| (0.2) |
|
| Other general taxes |
| (4.8) |
| (4.9) |
| 0.1 |
|
| Operating Income | $ | 39.1 | $ | 31.4 | $ | 7.7 |
|
Operating income during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the same period in the prior year primarily reflects the effects of the following factors:
Electric revenues and fuel costs
o Electric revenues increased $7.6 million primarily due to 2020 electric revenues that reflected a reduction in revenues to account for an over-collection of costs in customer rates. See revenue subject to refund discussed in the "Electric Margin" section below.
o A $3.5 million increase in fuel for electric generation reflecting higher internal generation and market costs.
o A $1.1 million decrease in purchased power costs driven by lower market purchases as a result of higher internal generation.
Gas revenues and cost of gas sold
o A $10.5 million increase in gas revenue driven by higher customer demand resulting from colder weather in the first quarter of 2021 and higher cost of gas, which is recovered on a pass-through basis in revenues.
o A $6.6 million increase in cost of gas sold driven by higher cost per therm of gas. Average cost per therm increased approximately 13%. An increase in volume of approximately 8% also contributed to the increase in cost.
A $1.3 million increase in other operations and maintenance. See consolidated operations and maintenance expenses section below for a description of the factors contributing to the decrease.
A $0.2 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense.
35
Electric sales and revenues
The following table compares MGE's electric revenues and electric kWh sales by customer class for each of the periods indicated:
|
| Revenues |
| Sales (kWh) | ||||||||
(In thousands) |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| % Change |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| % Change | |
Residential | $ | 36,694 | $ | 33,428 |
| 9.8 % |
| 219,770 |
| 202,581 |
| 8.5 % |
Commercial |
| 47,883 |
| 47,634 |
| 0.5 % |
| 414,337 |
| 430,118 |
| (3.7)% |
Industrial |
| 3,001 |
| 2,800 |
| 7.2 % |
| 39,005 |
| 40,418 |
| (3.5)% |
Other-retail/municipal |
| 8,170 |
| 8,204 |
| (0.4)% |
| 76,356 |
| 81,045 |
| (5.8)% |
Total retail |
| 95,748 |
| 92,066 |
| 4.0 % |
| 749,468 |
| 754,162 |
| (0.6)% |
Sales to the market |
| 4,639 |
| 482 |
| n.m.% |
| 95,872 |
| 23,946 |
| n.m.% |
Other revenues |
| 222 |
| 442 |
| (49.8)% |
| - |
| - |
| - % |
Total | $ | 100,609 | $ | 92,990 |
| 8.2 % |
| 845,340 |
| 778,108 |
| 8.6 % |
n.m. not meaningful
Electric margin, a non-GAAP measure, increased $5.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020, due to the following:
| (In millions) |
|
|
|
| Revenue subject to refund, net | $ | 3.3 |
|
| Increase in residential volume |
| 1.8 |
|
| Decreased fuel costs |
| 1.7 |
|
| Rate changes |
| 0.7 |
|
| Customer fixed and demand charges |
| (1.3) |
|
| Decrease in commercial, industrial and other volume |
| (0.8) |
|
| Other |
| (0.2) |
|
| Total | $ | 5.2 |
|
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. In the year the over-collection is refunded, rates are reduced and offset as revenue subject to refund. There is no margin impact in the year the costs are refunded.
Residential volume. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, there was an 8.5% increase in residential sales driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated governmental regulations and restrictions on activity. As businesses shifted their workforce to a remote work environment, residential sales increased.
Fuel costs. Fuel costs decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2021, primarily as a result of lower costs to generate and purchase electricity in the market and lower customer demand.
Rate changes. MGE's PSCW approved 2020 Fuel Cost Plan resulted in a fuel credit that decreased rates 0.84% in 2020. Rates charged to retail customers during the three months ended March 31, 2021, were $0.7 million higher than those charged during the same period in the prior year as a result of the fuel credit from 2020 ending.
Customer fixed and demand charges. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, fixed and demand charges decreased $1.3 million primarily attributable to the decrease in demand charges for commercial customers. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated governmental regulations and restrictions on activity impacted commercial business operations leading to reduced sales.
Commercial, industrial, and other retail volume. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, there was a 3.7% reduction in commercial sales compared to the same period in the prior year driven by impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and associated governmental regulations and restrictions on activity.
36
Gas deliveries and revenues
The following table compares MGE's gas revenues and gas therms delivered by customer class for each of the periods indicated:
|
| Revenues |
| Therms Delivered | ||||||||
(In thousands, except HDD and average rate per therm of retail customer) |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| % Change |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| % Change | |
Residential | $ | 39,758 | $ | 33,487 |
| 18.7 % |
| 50,305 |
| 46,802 |
| 7.5 % |
Commercial/Industrial |
| 25,507 |
| 21,471 |
| 18.8 % |
| 42,254 |
| 39,700 |
| 6.4 % |
Total retail |
| 65,265 |
| 54,958 |
| 18.8 % |
| 92,559 |
| 86,502 |
| 7.0 % |
Gas transportation |
| 2,002 |
| 1,794 |
| 11.6 % |
| 23,308 |
| 22,519 |
| 3.5 % |
Other revenues |
| 3 |
| 93 |
| (96.8)% |
| - |
| - |
| - % |
Total | $ | 67,270 | $ | 56,845 |
| 18.3 % |
| 115,867 |
| 109,021 |
| 6.3 % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heating degree days (normal 3,531) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 3,593 |
| 3,225 |
| 11.4 % |
Average rate per therm of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
retail customer | $ | 0.705 | $ | 0.635 |
| 11.0 % |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gas margin, a non-GAAP measure, increased $3.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the same period in 2020, due to the following:
| (In millions) |
|
|
|
| Rate changes | $ | 2.9 |
|
| Increase in volume |
| 0.9 |
|
| Other |
| 0.3 |
|
| Revenue subject to refund, net |
| (0.2) |
|
| Total | $ | 3.9 |
|
Rate changes. In December 2020, the PSCW authorized MGE to increase 2021 rates for retail gas customers by approximately 4.0%.
Volume. For 2021, retail gas deliveries increased 7% compared to the same period in the prior year primarily related to favorable weather conditions in the current year.
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.
Consolidated operations and maintenance expenses
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, operations and maintenance expenses increased $1.3 million, compared to the same period in the prior year. The following contributed to the net change:
| (In millions) |
|
|
|
| Increased transmission costs | $ | 1.1 |
|
| Increased electric production expenses |
| 0.6 |
|
| Increased electric distribution expenses |
| 0.3 |
|
| Decreased administrative and general costs |
| (0.6) |
|
| Decreased other costs |
| (0.1) |
|
| Total | $ | 1.3 |
|
Increased transmission costs are related to higher transmission rates in 2021 compared to rates in 2020. Transmission rates in 2020 reflected adjustments from a lower return on equity, ordered in FERC proceedings, for prior year rates.
37
Consolidated depreciation expense
Electric depreciation expense increased $0.2 million and gas depreciation expense was flat during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the same period in the prior year.
Electric and gas other income
Electric and gas other income decreased $2.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively, during the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily related to the collection of the deferred pension and other postretirement other than service costs from 2019.
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. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, net income at the nonregulated energy operations segment was $5.2 million and $5.1 million, respectively.
Transmission Investment Operations - MGE Energy
The transmission investment segment holds our interest in ATC and ATC Holdco, and its income reflects our equity in the earnings of those investments. ATC Holdco was formed in December 2016 to pursue transmission development opportunities which typically have long development and investment lead times before becoming operational. ATC Holdco's future transmission development activities have been suspended for the near term. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, other income at the transmission investment segment was $2.4 million and $2.3 million, respectively. In May 2020, the FERC issued an opinion further refining the methodology for setting the ROE that electric utilities are authorized to earn. See Footnote 3 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 2021, the effective electric tax rate decreased as a result of the return of electric excess deferred taxes related to the 2017 Tax Act not governed by IRS normalization rules in 2021. These costs were recorded as a regulatory liability in the year of remeasurement. See Footnote 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for the effective tax rate reconciliation.
Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax - MGE
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. They are not owned by MGE. 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:
|
|
| Three Months Ended |
| ||
|
|
| March 31, |
| ||
| (In millions) |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
|
| MGE Power Elm Road | $ | 3.7 | $ | 3.7 |
|
| MGE Power West Campus |
| 1.8 |
| 1.8 |
|
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments - MGE Energy and MGE
There were no material changes, other than from the normal course of business, to MGE Energy's and MGE's contractual obligations (representing cash obligations that are considered to be firm commitments) and commercial commitments (representing commitments triggered by future events) during the three months ended March 31, 2021. Further discussion of the contractual obligations and commercial commitments is included in
38
Footnote 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and "Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments for MGE Energy and MGE" under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Subject to the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, MGE Energy and MGE expect to have adequate liquidity to support future 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. MGE Energy expects to generate funds from both long-term debt financing, short-term debt financing, and if needed, could issue new shares through our Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan. See "Credit Facilities" under Part II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources in the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K and "Liquidity" under "COVID-19 Update" above for information regarding MGE Energy's and MGE's credit facilities.
Cash Flows
The following summarizes cash flows for MGE Energy and MGE during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
|
|
| MGE Energy |
| MGE |
| |||||
| (In thousands) |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
|
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
|
| Cash provided by (used for): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Operating activities | $ | 43,883 | $ | 53,819 |
| $ | 41,981 | $ | 53,118 |
|
| Investing activities |
| (35,835) |
| (48,799) |
|
| (35,208) |
| (47,164) |
|
| Financing activities |
| (13,585) |
| (11,040) |
|
| (5,205) |
| (5,819) |
|
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 during the three months ended March 31, 2021, was $43.9 million, a decrease of $9.9 million when compared to the same period in the prior year.
MGE Energy's net income increased $8.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, when compared to the same period in the prior year.
Working capital accounts (excluding prepaid and accrued taxes) resulted in $11.4 million in cash used for operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2021. Actual purchase gas costs were $13.0 million higher than the amount collected in rates primarily due to the extreme cold weather experienced in the U.S. in February 2021. These costs were deferred as a regulatory asset and will be recovered in a future period. In addition, working capital accounts were impacted by increased accounts receivable and decreased other current liabilities, partially offset by decreased gas inventories and decreased unbilled revenues.
Working capital accounts (excluding prepaid and accrued taxes) resulted in $4.9 million in cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily due to decreased gas inventories, decreased unbilled revenues, and increased accounts payable, partially offset by decreased other current liabilities.
Hosted software asset expenditures during the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $1.3 million. This amount represents an increase of $0.9 million of cash used when compared to the prior year.
MGE
39
Cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2021, was $42.0 million, a decrease of $11.1 million when compared to the same period in the prior year.
Net income increased $9.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, when compared to the same period in the prior year.
Working capital accounts (excluding prepaid and accrued taxes) resulted in $11.3 million in cash used for operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2021. Actual purchase gas costs were $13.0 million higher than the amount collected in rates primarily due to the extreme cold weather experienced in the U.S. in February 2021. These costs were deferred as a regulatory asset and will be recovered in a future period. In addition, working capital accounts were impacted by increased accounts receivable and decreased other current liabilities, partially offset by decreased gas inventories and decreased unbilled revenues.
Working capital accounts (excluding prepaid and accrued taxes) resulted in $7.1 million in cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily due to decreased gas inventories, decreased unbilled revenues, and increased accounts payable, partially offset by increased other current liabilities.
Hosted software asset expenditures during the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $1.3 million. This amount represents an increase of $0.9 million of cash used when compared to the prior year.
Cash Used for Investing Activities
MGE Energy
MGE Energy's cash used for investing activities decreased $13.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, when compared to the same period in the prior year.
Capital expenditures during the three months ended March 31, 2021, were $34.7 million. This amount represents a decrease of $12.0 million from the expenditures made in the same period in the prior year. This decrease primarily reflects the reduction of expenditures on the construction of Badger Hollow I due to timing of expenditures.
Capital contributions to ATC and other investments decreased $1.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, when compared to the same period in the prior year.
MGE
MGE's cash used for investing activities decreased $12.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021, when compared to the same period in the prior year.
Capital expenditures during the three months ended March 31, 2021, were $34.7 million. This amount represents a decrease of $12.0 million from the expenditures made in the same period in the prior year. This decrease primarily reflects the reduction of expenditures on the construction of Badger Hollow I due to timing of expenditures.
Cash Used for Financing Activities
MGE Energy
Cash used for MGE Energy's financing activities was $13.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $11.0 million of cash used for MGE Energy's financing activities for the same period in the prior year.
For the three months ended March 31, 2021, dividends paid were $13.4 million compared to $12.2 million in the prior year. This increase was a result of a higher dividend per share ($0.370 vs. $0.353) and greater number of outstanding shares as a result of the May 2020 issuance of common shares.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, net short-term debt borrowings were $1.5 million compared to
40
$3.0 million of net short-term debt borrowings for the three months ended March 31, 2020.
MGE
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, cash used for MGE's financing activities was $5.2 million compared to $5.8 million of cash used for MGE's financing activities for the same period in the prior year.
Distributions to parent from noncontrolling interest, which represent distributions from MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus to MGE Energy, were $5.0 million and $7.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, net short-term debt borrowings were $1.5 million compared to $3.0 million of net short-term debt borrowings for the three months ended March 31, 2020.
Capitalization Ratios
MGE Energy's capitalization ratios were as follows:
|
| MGE Energy |
| ||
|
| March 31,2021 |
| December 31, 2020 |
|
| Common shareholders' equity | 63.4% |
| 62.9% |
|
| Long-term debt(a) | 33.2% |
| 33.7% |
|
| Short-term debt | 3.4% |
| 3.4% |
|
(a) Includes the current portion of long-term debt.
MGE Energy's and MGE's Capital Requirements
MGE Energy's and MGE's liquidity are primarily affected by their capital expenditure requirements. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, capital expenditures for MGE Energy and MGE totaled $34.7 million, which included $34.2 million of utility capital expenditures.
MGE does not currently expect any material changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and associated governmental regulations to its construction plans as presented in the 2021-2023 capital expenditure forecast included under Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources in the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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 borrowings are subject to default or prepayment as a result of a downgrading of credit ratings, although a downgrading of MGE's credit ratings could increase fees and interest charges under both MGE Energy's and MGE's credit agreements.
Environmental Matters
There were no material updates or developments in environmental matters that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2021. Further discussion of environmental matters is included in the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Footnote 8.a. of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report.
41
Other Matters
Rate Matters
In May 2021, MGE filed an application with the PSCW requesting a 5.9% increase to electric rates and a 3.0% increase to gas rates for 2022. The proposed electric and gas rate increases are primarily driven by an increase in rate base including our investments in Badger Hollow I and a new customer information system. Also driving the requested electric increase is the completion in 2020 of the one-time return of the electric excess deferred tax credit related to the 2017 Tax Act not restricted by IRS normalization rules. In its application, MGE is proposing to address potential 2023 rate changes through an electric limited rate case re-opener and a 1.65% increase in gas rates. PSCW approval of the application is pending. A final order is expected before the end of the year.
Details related to MGE's 2022/2023 proposed rate case:
(Dollars in thousands) |
| Proposed Average Rate Base(a) |
| Proposed Return on Common Equity(b) |
| Proposed Common Equity Component of Regulatory Capital Structure |
Electric (2022 Test Period) |
| 1,048,440 |
| 9.8% |
| 55.63% |
Gas (2022 Test Period) |
| 300,797 |
| 9.8% |
| 55.63% |
(a)Average rate base amounts reflect MGE's allocated share of rate base and do not include construction work in progress (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, as actual returns will be affected by the volume of electricity or gas sold.
Proposed electric (2023 Test Period) average rate base will be subject to a limited reopener expected to be filed in 2022 and proposed gas (2023 Test Period) average rate base is $317.6 million. MGE has proposed to maintain 2022 levels for return on common stock equity and capital structure for electric and gas rates in 2023.
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, for the period November 2013 through February 2015, reducing ATC's base ROE to 10.32%. In November 2019, FERC issued an order to further reduce ATC's base ROE to 9.88%. In May 2020, the FERC issued an order further refining the methodology for setting the ROE that electric utilities are authorized to earn. This increased the ROE from 9.88% to 10.02%. This base ROE is effective for the 2013 FERC complaint period and for all periods following September 2016.
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 the 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 downward change to ATC's ROE could result in lower equity earnings and distributions from ATC in the future.
As of December 31, 2018, our share of the estimated refund recorded was $2.5 million, including interest. Following the November 2019 FERC 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. As a result of the May 2020 FERC order, our share of ATC's earnings reflects a $0.6 million reduction of our reserve. Additionally, our share of ATC's earnings reflects the derecognition of a possible refund
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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 $2.3 million. As of December 31, 2020, 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 5.0% and 6.5% of our net income during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, from our investment in ATC.
Adoption of Accounting Principles and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See Footnote 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for discussion of new accounting pronouncements.
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Item 3. 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 substantially mitigated by the current ratemaking process in place for recovering electric fuel cost, purchased energy costs, and the cost of natural gas.
The recovery of MGE's electric fuel costs is subject to fuel rules established by the PSCW. Fuel rules require 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 in the following year and is then reflected in future billings to electric retail customers. Under the electric fuel rules, MGE would 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. Beginning in 2021, MGE is subject to a plus or minus 1% range. Prior to 2021, the range was set at 2%. MGE assumes the risks and benefits of variances that are within the cost tolerance band. For 2021, $64.1 million in fuel and purchased power costs will be recovered in rates and are subject to this rule and included in MGE's fuel monitoring level rates. 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 March 31, 2021, the fair value of exchange traded derivatives and FTRs exceeded their cost basis by $0.5 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 or benefits are recoverable, the related unrealized loss or gain has been deferred on the consolidated balance sheets as a regulatory asset or liability, respectively.
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 March 31, 2021, reflected a loss position of $11.6 million.
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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 its 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 third-party investment managers. Changes in the market value of these investments can have an impact on the future expenses related to these liabilities. The value of employee benefit plan assets has increased by approximately 3% during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
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 credit risk, which include an established credit approval process, counterparty limits, 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 could include: the loss in value of mark-to-market contracts, the amount owed for settled transactions, and additional payments to settle unrealized losses. As of March 31, 2021, no counterparties had defaulted.
MGE is obligated to provide service to all electric and gas customers within its 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, 2020, 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 their 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.
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
During the first quarter of 2021, 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 these officers, 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. The evaluations take into account changes in the internal and external operating environments that may impact those controls and procedures. 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, MGE Energy does not control or manage certain of its unconsolidated entities and thus, its access and ability to apply its procedures to those entities is more limited than is the case for its consolidated subsidiaries.
As of March 31, 2021, each registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that its disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Each registrant intends to strive continually to improve its disclosure controls and procedures to enhance the quality of its financial reporting.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2021, there were no changes in either registrant's internal controls over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to affect materially, that registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION.
Item 1. 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. See Footnote 8.a. and 8.b. of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report for more information.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
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) |
January 1-31, 2021 |
| 8,504 | $ | 66.93 |
| - |
| - |
February 1-28, 2021 |
| 9,790 |
| 65.37 |
| - |
| - |
March 1-31, 2021 |
| 43,813 |
| 71.53 |
| - |
| - |
Total |
| 62,107 | $ | 69.93 |
| - |
| - |
(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 2021, 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 open market purchases, are sold pursuant to a registration statement that was filed with the SEC and is currently effective.
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Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable to MGE Energy and MGE.
Item 5. Other Information.
Not applicable to MGE Energy and MGE.
Item 6. Exhibits.
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Ex. No. |
| Exhibit Description |
* | Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed by Jeffrey M. Keebler for MGE Energy, Inc. | |
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* | Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed by Jared J. Bushek for MGE Energy, Inc. | |
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31.3 | * | Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed by Jeffrey M. Keebler for Madison Gas and Electric Company |
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31.4 | * | Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed by Jared J. Bushek for Madison Gas and Electric Company |
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** | Certifications Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 United States Code (Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) filed by Jeffrey M. Keebler for MGE Energy, Inc. | |
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** | Certifications Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 United States Code (Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) filed by Jared J. Bushek for MGE Energy, Inc. | |
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32.3 | ** | Certifications Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 United States Code (Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) filed by Jeffrey M. Keebler for Madison Gas and Electric Company |
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32.4 | ** | Certifications Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 United States Code (Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) filed by Jared J. Bushek for Madison Gas and Electric Company |
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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 |
104.1 |
| Included in the cover page, formatted in Inline XBRL |
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* |
| Filed herewith. |
** |
| Furnished herewith. |
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Signatures - MGE Energy, Inc.
Pursuant to the requirements 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. |
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Date: May 6, 2021 | /s/ Jeffrey M. Keebler |
| Jeffrey M. Keebler Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Duly Authorized Officer) |
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Date: May 6, 2021 | /s/ Jared J. Bushek |
| Jared J. Bushek Vice President - Finance, Chief Information Officer and Treasurer (Chief Financial Officer) |
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Date: May 6, 2021 | /s/ Tamara J. Johnson |
| Tamara J. Johnson Vice President - Accounting and Controller (Chief Accounting Officer) |
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Signatures – Madison Gas and Electric Company
Pursuant to the requirements 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 |
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Date: May 6, 2021 | /s/ Jeffrey M. Keebler |
| Jeffrey M. Keebler Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Duly Authorized Officer) |
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Date: May 6, 2021 | /s/ Jared J. Bushek |
| Jared J. Bushek Vice President - Finance, Chief Information Officer and Treasurer (Chief Financial Officer) |
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Date: May 6, 2021 | /s/ Tamara J. Johnson |
| Tamara J. Johnson Vice President - Accounting and Controller (Chief Accounting Officer) |
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